Chapter 3 #2
At Longbourn, the hour of Jane’s visit to the Bingley sisters approached with much agitation on Mrs Bennet’s part as she prepared her eldest daughter with the care appropriate for a more solemn occasion than a friendly call upon a neighbour.
Elizabeth was mostly left to herself, as her future — according to her mother — would in no way be affected by the visit.
No one knew of Elizabeth’s own discomfort as she tried to guess how Mr Darcy would behave upon seeing her again, or how she would be forced to reserve her opinions and, more importantly, her tongue.
She was determined not to allow him to intimidate her, just as she was not willing to give him the satisfaction of thinking ill of her.
As Mrs Bennet had hoped, the gathering clouds suggested that heavy rain was likely.
Mr Bennet had ordered the carriage to take his eldest daughters to Netherfield, but shortly before their departure, an unexpected visit changed their plans entirely.
Mr Bingley called again, this time accompanied by Mr Darcy, causing a real disturbance at Longbourn.
Despite her declared aversion to the man, even Mrs Bennet seemed impressed by Mr Darcy’s appearance.
She invited the two gentlemen in, then called her husband from his library.
“Forgive us for intruding,” Mr Bingley said, “but we happened to be in Meryton, and since we were nearby, I thought we could escort Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to Netherfield if that is agreeable to you. Of course, my carriage will also bring them back home later.”
“Oh, my dear Mr Bingley, this is more than agreeable! How generous of you! Jane, thank Mr Bingley — is he not the most generous of men?”
“Mama…” Jane whispered, her face flushed and her eyes on the floor.
Elizabeth, deeply embarrassed herself, glanced at Mr Darcy. He showed some discomfort and did not meet her eyes, standing silently.
Mr Bennet entered the room, greeting the two gentlemen with apparent surprise and interest. Mr Darcy bowed properly, while Mr Bingley performed the introductions.
Mr Bennet invited the gentlemen to have a drink with him in the library, but his wife interjected decidedly, much to Elizabeth’s mortification.
“Dear Mr Bennet, I am sure they are in a hurry to return to Netherfield. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst must be waiting for Jane. They cannot delay further!”
Mr Bingley looked between Jane and his host, evidently undecided, then, to Elizabeth’s complete surprise, Mr Darcy spoke up.
“We are in a hurry indeed, but I trust a drink will not delay us too long. I admit to being incapable of refusing any invitation that involves a library.”
“That is true,” Bingley said. “Even at Netherfield, Darcy spends most of his time in my library.”
“Then allow me to lead you to it,” Mr Bennet said. “I pray you will not be disappointed, Mr Darcy. My library is much smaller than the one at Netherfield and even more inferior when compared to yours, I imagine.”
“When it comes to libraries, I do not judge them by the size of the room but by how much they express a love for books,” Darcy replied, following Mr Bennet. He had no chance to notice how his hoarse and deep voice affected Elizabeth, nor her intrigued gaze staring after him.
As decided, the gentlemen remained in the library for less than half an hour, during which time Mrs Bennet was highly agitated, sending Mrs Hill, the housekeeper, on numerous occasions to confirm that the gentlemen were satisfied.
Mrs Hill returned each time to inform her mistress that they required nothing further, and when the gentlemen themselves returned to the drawing room, they all appeared to be in good spirits.
Since the hour was growing late, there was no time for further discussion.
Mr Bingley escorted Jane and Elizabeth to his carriage, with Mr Darcy walking behind them.
Before stepping into the equipage, Elizabeth turned to see all the remaining Bennet ladies watching them leave from the drawing room window, each with a different expression on their face; Mr Bennet was also observing them from his library, and he raised his glass and an eyebrow at his daughter.
When the carriage started to move, the rain also began. Elizabeth mused that Mrs Bennet would be rejoicing, hopeful that the weather would keep Jane and Elizabeth at Netherfield for a night at least.
Inside the carriage, there was a rather awkward silence, the sound of the rain loud enough to make conversation difficult.
Some shy glances and smiles were exchanged between Mr Bingley and Jane, with Elizabeth and Mr Darcy barely looking at each other.
When the carriage arrived at Netherfield, the rain still pouring heavily, Mr Bingley leapt out first, stretching his hand out for Jane and solicitously ushering her into the house.
Elizabeth prepared herself for what was to follow. Mr Darcy had also exited the carriage, and he looked briefly at her saying only, “Miss Elizabeth…”
With no other choice, and without looking at him, she took Mr Darcy’s offered hand. It was a shock for Elizabeth to feel the contrast between its heat and the cold autumn rain, and her feet slipped on the step, causing Mr Darcy to grab her by the waist to prevent her falling.
“I am well, sir,” she said, though she was not sure her words were audible despite the gentleman standing only a few inches from her. The wind was driving the rain directly into her face, and she grimaced at how terrible she must look with her hair stuck all over her cheeks.
“Take my arm, Miss Elizabeth, and we shall be out of the rain in a moment.”
Mr Darcy turned his head to the house, indicating the entrance, and Elizabeth did not hesitate to place her hand on his arm and run alongside him up the steps.