Mr Darcy’s Legacy

Chapter 2

I t was an unremarkable evening at the Hursts’ London residence. A few close friends were in attendance, along with Miss Bingley, Louisa Hurst’s sister. Caroline Bingley had accompanied Louisa and her husband when they chose to leave Netherfield a few days before, unwilling to remain in a house that had, in her view, been overrun by the Bennet sisters.

The unthinkable had just happened: not only did their brother propose to Jane Bennet, but shortly thereafter, Mr Darcy did the same to that country nobody, Eliza Bennet. If they still had a sort of appreciation for Jane, Caroline and Louiza had nothing except contempt for Elizabeth. It was a mystery how it was possible for a gentleman like Mr Darcy—connected to the ton with impeccable manners and a distinguished attitude—to fall for a woman like Eliza Bennet.

As Jane seemingly was going to be their sister-in-law, they decided to forget the subject for a while, allowing time and distance to contribute to a decent relationship only because they dearly loved their brother. In time, Jane would inevitably become the lady their brother needed, and his sisters would be the first to salute the change and accept her.

In these new circumstances, all their rancour and hostility turned on Elizabeth. They discussed this situation for days between themselves or with friends and decided that, no matter how much they appreciated Mr Darcy, they would tolerate but never accept Elizabeth Bennet. They were sure London society would react appropriately to her lack of accomplishments, common behaviour, and questionable beauty.

The subject of Mr Darcy’s engagement was the main topic of conversation during the evening. While no one around the table tried to change the subject or to defend Darcy and his future wife, Mr Hurst intervened in the conversation with unknown vigour, making all around the table fall silent, “I commend Darcy for choosing a wife to his liking!” Mr Hurst rarely formed a decided opinion, and such a statement from him shocked all those in attendance. Privately, however, the guests had their own thoughts and reservations about the match.

“My dear Mr Hurst, what on earth can you possibly mean?” His wife suppressed her anger with a complaisant smile.

Mr Hurst filled his wine glass again. “I mean that very few men have the liberty to choose their wife without considering other grounds. And even fewer dare to do so and to stand up for their choice against their families and society.”

“What is to be commended in an inappropriate choice? Does a man not have to be careful and wise in selecting his wife?” Miss Bingley asked with displeasure.

Mr Hurst remained faithful to this opinion. “I do not see Miss Elizabeth as being inappropriate. She is quite smart—too smart for my taste. She reads too much, which could be boring or dangerous for a wife. And she is rather outspoken and stubborn. Not the qualities I looked for in a wife; however, I can easily understand why they would appeal to Mr Darcy. And she is very handsome. The only thing that surprises me is the change in their relationship. I never suspected anything cordial between them. Quite the contrary, I thought they rather disliked each other.”

“Well,” Miss Bingley declared, “Eliza Bennet needed little time to understand that Mr Darcy was a great catch. I am just surprised he allowed himself to be deceived and easily trapped.”

One of their guests, Lady Cooper, finally interjected reluctantly. “That surprised me too, Caroline. I know you have been close friends and were rather attached to him for years. I would think the feeling was mutual.”

Miss Bingley blushed, then paled. “Well, it was not quite so…but we have been friends, indeed…”

“But was he not engaged to his cousin Anne de Bourgh?” Mr Lambert, another guest, asked.

“I believe it was more his aunt’s desire than a reality,” Mr Hurst replied bluntly, showing that he knew more about the world outside than his kin and friends imagined. “Mr Darcy would not propose to another young lady if he was already engaged.”

“That is true,” Charles Bingley said from the doorway. “Good evening, everyone.”

His unexpected appearance startled the party, and cries of astonishment were heard. He sat at the table, greeted with joy by his sisters and equal curiosity and excitement by the others.

“Brother, when did you return?” Miss Bingley asked. “We did not expect you in town.”

“An hour ago. I do not want to intrude. I only came to greet you briefly.”

“I hope you will stay with us,” said Lady Cooper. “We were talking about Mr Darcy’s betrothal—and yours,” she said sheepishly.

Bingley took a seat. “I see…”

“Yes. Hurst is very supportive of Darcy’s decision,” Mr Lambert added with some mockery. “And an apparent admirer of Miss Elizabeth—soon to be Mrs Darcy.”

Bingley looked at his brother-in-law with unconcealed surprise. “I am pleased to hear that. My brother Hurst is a wise man.”

“Well, a wise man might be wrong at times too,” Mrs Hurst declared, apparently vexed.

“But not this time.” Bingley smiled, selecting some victuals to fill his plate.

“And how is Mr Darcy?” asked Mrs Lambert.

“Extremely happy, indeed. We came together to town. Our betrotheds and their father, Mr Bennet, also joined us.”

Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst glared at their brother across the table, their silent disdain directed towards the family they despised, creating an unmistakable tension in the room.

“Oh, did they?” Mr Lambert seemed genuinely interested in the Bennet sisters. “Hopefully, we shall have a chance to meet them.”

“I have every reason to believe so,” Bingley responded. “Both the Miss Bennets are very fond of theatre and opera, and I expect them to attend several such events while they are in town.”

“How lovely,” Miss Cooper declared.

“Yes, how lovely, indeed…” Miss Bingley jeered in a whisper.

“I am sure the town is curious and eager to see Darcy’s future wife. Since we never saw him court any young woman, such a decision is astonishing and highly commented by our circle,” Mr Lambert confessed, and the other guests nodded in agreement.

“Commented?” Mr Bingley replied with anger. “That is an understatement!”

“My brother-in-law is right. I can tell you that the last time London has seen such a disturbance was when the elder son of the Duke of Yorkshire married a dancer from Paris,” Mr Hurst said with a naughty smile.

“My dear sir, she was not a dancer. There are ladies around this table, and I cannot tell you what she really was!” Mr Lambert laughed heartily.

They all smiled, especially the ladies who knew much more of that story than the gentlemen imagined.

Bingley dropped the fork on his plate loudly and spoke to his companions with a sharp coolness that astonished them. “I find such a comparison neither diverting nor proper. Darcy is not marrying a dancer but a gentleman’s daughter: wiser, more educated, kinder, and wittier than many ladies her age. It must be the reason he remained indifferent to all the ladies who chased him around town for years and decided instead to bind himself to Miss Elizabeth. He is a smart, honourable man. We should give him credit for this, and London society should find other means of amusement.”

The harsh scolding immediately ruined everyone’s disposition, and Bingley’s sisters watched with despair as the evening came to an end sooner than anticipated.

After the last course was served, Bingley excused himself and retired to his house. His usual jollity and amiability were nowhere in sight, and nobody attempted to convince him to stay longer.

As soon as he left, the conversation began again, more reluctant and less animated than before. The subject of Miss Elizabeth Bennet was not broached again until the guests bid farewell.

Unlike other evenings, Mr Hurst spent no more time with his wife and sister-in-law. Therefore, the sisters remained alone, commenting on the dreadful situation of having the Bennets so close to them and blaming Miss Elizabeth for the distress she caused in their lives.

A few streets away, Charles Bingley needed several more glasses of brandy until he finally fell asleep. He was still angry about his sisters’ spite and astonished by his brother Hurst’s courage in opposing them.

∞∞∞

At the other end of London, the atmosphere was entirely different. The Bennet and Gardiner families were gathered in joyful celebration of Elizabeth’s and Jane’s engagements. Between the exuberance of their cousins, eager to spend as much time with them as possible, and the endless conversations that concluded the evening, Elizabeth and Jane hardly had the time to discuss that first travel in the company of their future husbands before falling asleep.

They woke up the following morning eager to discover the city where they would spend much of their time after marriage.

Mrs Gardiner decided to take her nieces on a shopping trip. They expected to attend balls, parties, and theatre while in town and to raise the curiosity and expectations of those who surely wondered about them—especially Elizabeth. Mrs Gardiner knew Elizabeth would be scrutinised carefully and criticised.

“You must be aware that Mr Darcy’s choice had aroused great envy, and the general report could be envious, even resentful towards you,” Mrs Gardiner told her that morning to convince her to join her on Oxford Street. “Your appearance at least had to be flawless,” Mrs Gardiner continued to reinforce her words, looking at Jane, who was indeed flawless in everything she did or wore.

“I wonder whether Caroline and Louisa will join us at dinner tonight,” Jane said, indifferent to any conversation other than about her future husband or his family. “I hope we shall get along well in the end. After all, we shall be family.”

“I believe so. They could not bear to stay away from Pemberley or from the Darcys,” Elizabeth replied acidly.

“Lizzy, you are too harsh on them.” Jane smiled with her natural kindness. “You should understand that the main reason for Caroline’s rudeness to you is that she has lost Mr Darcy forever.”

“No, my sweet Jane. She was rude long before this happened simply because she is arrogant, conceited, and unkind.”

“Lizzy, please be nice to her for me,” Jane pleaded, and Elizabeth quickly kissed her cheeks.

“I promise I shall. I expect many others will be equally rude to me in the coming days—perhaps worse. so I should be grateful to Caroline and Louisa for preparing me for greater patience.”

“I cannot believe I shall have dinner at Mr Darcy’s townhouse and that my niece will be the mistress of Pemberley,” Mrs Gardiner interjected, eager to change the topic. “We were already accustomed to Mr Darcy’s kindness and friendship, but this new situation is just astonishing—unbelievable. I would be a little terrified if I were in your place, Lizzy—all the responsibilities of your new position and the expectations of the others, I mean.”

“My dear aunt, thank you for comforting me.” Elizabeth laughed. “Now I am frightened indeed.”

“No, you are not, my dear. You are the bravest woman I know. And Mr Darcy will be there to protect you. I have rarely seen a man so in love. His face beams when he speaks of you, even when you are not around. You are perfect for each other, as everyone will soon see,” Mrs Gardiner concluded. “Now let us go. We have much shopping to accomplish today, and we must hurry if we want to arrive for dinner on time.”

Suddenly silent and preoccupied, Elizabeth did not notice the bright smile that lit her aunt’s face. Her aunt was correct in everything she said. Fitzwilliam’s endearment and support were with her in every breath and heartbeat, and she needed nothing else, blessed to have gained his love and to find her place in his arms. And yet, she could not quiet the fear that had nestled in her heart ever since she began to suspect that his family was against her. Unlike Jane, she faced far more formidable adversaries than Mr Bingley’s sisters. And it was impossible for Fitzwilliam to remain unaffected by his family’s opposition. No matter how hard he tried to push it aside, she suspected his soul was in turmoil, striving to find a solution.