Chapter 19
The minutes passed unbearably slowly until she finally heard a knock on the door. She opened it and met Darcy’s gaze but held it only for a moment. She was afraid that, had he looked into her eyes any longer, he would be able to guess her improper and self-reproachful musings.
In the dining room, the tables prepared for their party were evident through their careful placement, separated from the rest by a curtain as if it were a theatre box. Elizabeth smiled as she considered the generosity of Mr. Darcy, which surely made him the innkeeper’s favourite customer.
A few other travellers, who watched them with curiosity, occupied tables in the opposite corner and greeted them silently from afar.
No other guests were at the table. Darcy invited his companions to choose their places while he went to inquire about the colonel.
The countess sat at the head of the table, ensuring herself enough space to move comfortably.
Georgiana took a chair near her, and Elizabeth the one on her friend’s left.
By the time Darcy returned, a din of voices announced the arrival of the others. and Georgiana turned to her brother.
“William, will you not sit by Lizzy? It would be nice if we were all on this side of the table.”
He hesitated a moment and looked at Elizabeth. She attempted a faint smile.
“Please do, sir,” she said, and he nodded in agreement then took the last free chair next to Elizabeth.
The countess spoke up.
“My late husband —God rest his soul —was a good man but never understood the concept of being on time. It is a family trait, no doubt of that. I shall wait a few more minutes and then will ask for the first course.”
She did not have to accomplish her threat, as her relatives arrived.
The countess demanded her nieces take the seats on her right, and they obeyed.
Lord Livingston sat next to his wife, followed by the colonel, who was facing Darcy.
Lord Mowbray placed himself at the foot of the table, opposite the countess and between the two cousins.
The first dish was immediately served with great diligence.
“Georgiana, how have you been lately?” Lady Emmeline asked. “We barely saw you at all during the last year.”
“I am very well, thank you,” she said with a timid smile.
“Miss Bennet, how long do you plan to stay at Pemberley?” Lord Mowbray inquired. Elizabeth was surprised by the direct question, and she turned to him.
“We have no fixed plans, sir. As long as Georgiana wants me, I imagine.” She smiled.
“Oh, if it were up to me, I would say at least a year,” Georgiana replied.
“So how does it happen that you left town precisely when the Season started? I know you are the heart of the parties,” Lady Hardwick addressed her relatives.
“My family organised a large gathering,” Lord Livingston explained. “We will stay until the end of this month then return to Town.”
“So we do have plenty of time to enjoy the Season,” Lady Emmeline added. “And you, Mr. Darcy? When will we have the pleasure of seeing you again?”
“We will remain at Pemberley at least until next April.”
“I surely would not make the journey back in wintertime,” Lady Hardwick declared.
“Will you stay at your estate too, Aunt?” Lady Livingston continued.
“I will most certainly. At least a fortnight. I hope to convince Georgiana and Miss Bennet to join me.”
“I hope Miss Bennet will not be bored in the North for such a long time.” Lord Mowbray turned his attention to her.
“I am sure I will not.” Her answer was brief but decided.
“You may count on my company every time I happen to be in the North,” the colonel assured her, and she rewarded him with a friendly smile.
“Your presence will always be welcome, sir.”
A short pause in the conversation followed as the main dish was given due attention.
For both Elizabeth and Darcy, their closeness at the table soon became a source of distress. Every move made them touch one way or another. Their arms, their shoulders, even their legs brushed against each other several times briefly —as searing as a flame.
Elizabeth felt disturbed all the while and kept her attention on everyone at the table except him; Darcy struggled to engage in conversation with their companions on the other side of the table.
However, the more indifference they showed to each other, the more intense, the more tormenting each touch was felt.
And, if their determination to ignore each other appeared to be mutual, neither made any attempt to increase the distance between them as though they unconsciously enjoyed prolonging their turmoil.
“Miss Bennet, have you ever travelled a long distance from your home before?” Lady Emmeline started the conversation again.
Regardless of her lack of composure, Elizabeth succeeded in gathering herself.
“‘Distance’ is a relative term, would you not agree? But no, I have not been in the North before. I usually travel to see my aunt and uncle in London—rarely farther.”
“And are you often in London?” Lord Mowbray continued.
“‘Often’ is also a relative term.” She smiled, slightly nervous as she felt Darcy’s gaze on her face. “I would say at least four —five times a year.”
“And do you attend any parties or balls? I imagine some of your stays in town are related to the Season,” the earl insisted.
Lady Emmeline interfered with a critical air.
“The Season cannot be as important for Miss Bennet as it is for us. Not just anybody who might happen to be in London is allowed to attend the balls and parties where you are invited.”
“I am sure Miss Bennet employs her time in London much better,” Darcy replied sharply, stealing a look at Elizabeth from the corner of his eye. “It is my understanding that she prefers to attend theatre plays or operas rather than useless parties.”
“I never schedule my visits based on the Season,” Elizabeth answered politely. “I go when I miss my relatives. For instance, this summer I spent two months in Town.”
“Truly? Had I known, I would have called on you for sure,” the colonel stated.
“I would have liked that very much, but perhaps next time,” Elizabeth replied.
“May I ask how your sister met Mr. Bingley?” Lady Livingston interjected. “We were all surprised when we heard he married in such haste.”
“They had known each other for more than a year from Mr. Bingley’s first arriving in Hertfordshire.
He leased an estate a few miles from ours, and their mutual affection grew and deepened slowly.
A lucky coincidence for both of them, I would say.
But their marriage was not at all a hasty one,” Elizabeth answered, struggling to keep her composure.
“Indeed. But then again, I imagine it is difficult for a young woman who lives in the country to find a worthy husband in any way than by luck,” Lady Emmeline declared.
“Knowing Bingley as well as I do, I must say he was the lucky one to find a woman perfectly suited for him,” Darcy intervened in earnest. “Mrs. Bingley is not just an exceptional beauty, but she possesses impeccable manners, genuine kindness, and a generous character —all rare qualities that are not often found in one person. Such a marriage, based on the deepest love and mutual understanding, is what any man desires. Of course, the vast majority of us are not fortunate enough to succeed in our quest, and we are forced to settle for less.”
“I already envy Bingley, just hearing Darcy’s statement,” Lord Mowbray responded seriously.
“And so you should,” Darcy added then sipped some wine from his glass, sensing Elizabeth’s glance and the slight movements on his right.
He was thankful that he had the chance to clarify things to someone who, most certainly, would pass the words to other acquaintances in London. Mrs. Bingley did not deserve to be subjected to intrusive questions and gossip.
Lady Emmeline renewed her inquiries a few minutes later. “Are there other estates for rent in the neighbourhood? Perhaps you would have the same luck as your sister.”
Elizabeth’s patience slowly left her as she started to feel that she was in a conversation with Caroline Bingley.
“I dare not hope to have my sister’s luck. Jane is an extraordinary person in every possible way, and she deserves complete happiness.”
“But even a less extraordinary woman must be in search of a husband,” Lady Emmeline continued.
“I assure you I am not. But may I ask: What is the reason for your interest regarding my future marital prospects?” Elizabeth’s voice became sharper.
“I believe this subject is improper,” Darcy intervened. “And Miss Bennet surely does not have to answer your inquiries.”
“Of course…I was just curious…it does not happen every day that a complete stranger is invited to live at Pemberley with you. As far as I know, that has never happened before, not even with those of us who have known you and Georgiana for a lifetime.”
“Forgive me; dinner was excellent, but I am rather tired. If you will excuse me, I would rather retire to my room.” Elizabeth quickly ended a conversation that had become unpleasant. “Georgiana, will you join me?” she addressed the girl who appeared pale and troubled.
“Yes…yes of course…I am very tired too…”
“I will accompany you. Aunt Amelia, will you stay longer?” Darcy asked.
“Yes, dear —only for a little while. This young man here will help me to my room.” She indicated Lord Mowbray.
The three of them walked towards their chambers, moving in a deep, embarrassed silence.
When they reached Georgiana’s room, Darcy spoke. “Miss Bennet, I am sorry you had to bear the lack of politeness of our acquaintance. Lady Emmeline’s manners were more than unprincipled.”
“Sir, you have nothing for which to apologise. It was kind of you to leave your friends, but it is truly not necessary. I will stay a while with Georgiana and then go to sleep. All is well.”
“Very well…as you wish. Then I shall go to my room too. It has been a rather tiring evening.”