Chapter 13
Darcy and Bingley dismounted in front of Netherfield and handed their reins to a servant.
“You spent quite a lot of time with Mr Bennet, Darcy. Upon my word, I would have never imagined you two having so many mutual interests to talk about.”
“We do, in fact. And to be honest, we employed our time better than talking about the ball or listening to Mr Collins’s nonsense.”
“I assumed as much. Speaking of Mr Collins, I noticed he pays particular interest to Miss Elizabeth. I believe Mrs Bennet encourages him. He might intend to propose to her.”
“Mr Collins is without sense. He is so infatuated that he is confident in her reception of his addresses. If he does propose, he might suffer a well-deserved rejection.”
“How can you be so certain that he will be rejected, Darcy? I do agree that he and Miss Elizabeth are completely ill-suited, and I doubt she would be happy if she married him, but he is a desirable enough match. I doubt many women with such an uncertain future would reject him, and probably many parents would force their daughters into such a marriage.”
“I am quite confident Miss Elizabeth will reject him, Bingley, and that Mr Bennet would never force her into anything.”
“My goodness! How can you be so certain, Darcy? I am curious because you barely know either of them.”
“I know them well enough. Mr Bennet has already teased me about marrying his daughter, and Miss Elizabeth called it a very bad joke. I am rather certain she would reject me too if the situation arose — and I dare to be so bold as to call myself slightly more attractive than Mr Collins.”
They were already in the house, walking towards the drawing room, when Bingley stopped in utter astonishment.
“I do not understand what you mean, Darcy. Did you speak to Mr Bennet and Miss Elizabeth about marriage? Are you mocking me?”
“No, no, Bingley. It was just a joke. A poor one, as I already mentioned. I shall explain more to you tonight, after dinner. I trust you will be able to keep what I tell you to yourself. It must not be disclosed to anyone just yet.”
Bingley blinked repeatedly, a frown between his eyebrows, staring at his friend and struggling to comprehend his bewildering response.
“You have me even more confused, Darcy!”
“I imagine as much. I promise all will be clear after we talk tonight. Now please excuse me, I have some letters to send immediately. My valet will start packing my luggage. I shall return to London the day after tomorrow.”
“What? You are leaving? Why? When will you come back? What about the ball?”
“My friend, the ball is the least of my concerns. I am sure it will be even more successful without my presence. Regardless, I cannot stay longer. I am needed in London.”
“I have some business in London too, but I thought to go after the ball.”
“You should follow your plans, Bingley. If I may be of any help, let me know. However, I am confident that you are perfectly capable of achieving your goals by yourself,” Darcy declared, then hurried to his room, leaving behind a still-dumbfounded Bingley.
He did have to write important letters — one to Georgiana, informing her about his return, and one to Colonel Fitzwilliam.
But Darcy also wished to be alone and reflect on his discussion with Mr Bennet and Elizabeth.
All in all, his mission had been successful.
Mr Bennet was even more generous and more considerate than Darcy had expected, and he was willing to somehow deceive his family in order to provide Elizabeth with the opportunity to be close to Georgiana.
The final arrangements sounded quite perfect for all parties involved due to Mr Bennet’s wisdom and willingness to help.
For that, Darcy was deeply grateful and ashamed of his arrogance in misjudging the Bennet family at the beginning of their acquaintance.
As for Elizabeth, her affection for Georgiana was proved once again, revealing more qualities that made her worthy of admiration. Not a trace of doubt remained for Darcy that Elizabeth — young Lizzy — was the answer to his prayers and the means to support his sister’s recovery and improvement.
The only shadow over their understanding was Wickham.
That impertinent scoundrel had already insinuated himself near Elizabeth and her sisters and had begun poisoning Darcy’s name.
He wondered what he could have said to Elizabeth — and to others.
He certainly had not mentioned the Ramsgate incident, since Elizabeth had suggested his friendship might comfort Georgiana. What an outrageous notion!
Darcy realised that, if she ended up agreeing to live with Georgiana, Elizabeth should be informed about the failed elopement. Perhaps he should tell her immediately, but he did not feel either brave or composed enough for such a confession.
The more he thought of it, the more he reached the conclusion that it was his duty to warn Elizabeth and Mr Bennet about Wickham. Perhaps they would dismiss his advice, just as Colonel Forster had, but it was his responsibility nevertheless.
He sealed the letters and closed his eyes, contemplating the future. If everything went according to plan, Elizabeth might live in close proximity to him for a while. As soon as he gave that thought proper consideration, he became distressed, even tormented.
While that was precisely what he wished for, the picture of her being around day after day overwhelmed him.
Her company, her nearness, although delightful, was also disquieting.
He was certain Elizabeth’s presence would be a significant addition to Georgiana’s life, but how she would affect his, he was incapable of estimating yet.
Besides, he did not matter much. Georgiana’s well-being was his priority, and Elizabeth seemed the best suited to provide for it.
As for the rest, he would solve it in due time.
***
“Lizzy, close the door,” Mr Bennet asked when Elizabeth entered the library at his request. “Before your mother calls us to dinner, let me tell you briefly what I have arranged with Mr Darcy.”
“Very well, Papa. You should know that Mama is already curious, and so is Mr Collins. They questioned me rather insistently.”
“Yes, well, they will remain unsatisfied, I suspect. Do you wish to attend the Netherfield ball?”
“No, not necessarily, Papa. I would rather go to Georgiana as soon as possible.”
“Good. Then I shall write to my brother Gardiner. I shall go to London with you Monday next, and as soon as we arrive, I shall notify Mr Darcy. He will come to call at Gracechurch Street. Then you and I, and your aunt — who was previously acquainted with Lady Anne Darcy — will call and meet Miss Darcy. And from there we shall take it one step at a time.”
“Very well, Papa.”
“You may tell Jane the truth, and Mr Darcy said he would inform Mr Bingley. I shall tell your mother and everyone else that I have some business in London, and I am taking you with me. I shall also mention briefly that Mr Darcy is helping me with some of my affairs.”
“I feel uncomfortable that we have turned a childhood friendship — something that is nothing to be ashamed of — into a secret,” Elizabeth said.
“It was, in fact, my suggestion, Lizzy. Since we are not certain yet how things will turn out — whether you will succeed in renewing your friendship with Miss Darcy or not, whether you are invited to stay with her or not — it would be a tedious, vexing task to be able to explain your mother, Mr Collins, Sir William, and many others how you know Miss Darcy, why Mr Darcy asked you to visit her, and then, if things go wrong, to provide further explanations. It is easier not to mention anything for now, and if all goes well, you may say that you met Miss Darcy in London and befriended her. Simple and easy.”
“Your reasoning makes perfect sense, Papa. We shall proceed as you suggest.”
“Good. Mr Darcy has indicated that he will cover all your expenses — which was expected of course. He mentioned that, if you and Miss Darcy agree that you will stay with her, you will have the same pin money for the duration of your visit.”
“What?” Elizabeth cried, feeling her cheeks burning with anger and affront. “Does Mr Darcy intend to pay for my friendship?”
“Calm down, Lizzy, and lower your voice. Resume your seat, please. My child, you are too hasty in judging people and situations, and at times you fail to use your reason. May I ask, if you happen to go to the opera or theatre with Miss Darcy, as her friend, what will you wear in order to not feel embarrassed? You will be watched and judged by people in her circle. Will you purchase one dress and one pair of shoes and wear them everywhere? Or will you wear one of your old gowns? I would gladly pay for everything if I could afford it. But I cannot. So, should I borrow money from your uncle? How should we resolve this dilemma?”
As her father continued to question her, Elizabeth’s discomfort increased as the situation became clearer.
“Papa, I…”
“You what, Lizzy? I find Mr Darcy’s assurance that you will be treated equally to his sister fair and appropriate. My child, you must promise me to think twice before you speak and take offence only when there is some to be taken.”
“I am sorry, Papa, but I shall never agree to take Mr Darcy’s money under any circumstances.”
“I doubt he intends to pay you, Lizzy,” Mr Bennet replied, rolling his eyes with apparent annoyance. “I rather assume he will make arrangements for purchases for both you and Miss Darcy. To me, this is a detail of little significance. Let us not waste more time over it, shall we?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Now let me catch my breath for a moment before the conversation with your mother. I need to write to my brother Gardiner too, so he receives it tomorrow.”
For the second time that day, Elizabeth left the library confused, unsteady on her feet, and uncertain of her wishes.
She was relieved and happy about leaving for London soon; the plan devised by her father and Mr Darcy sounded reasonable, except for the regrettable and embarrassing realisation that Mr Darcy would pay for her expenses.
Of course, she intended to have no expenses at all; however, as her father had pointed out, that was unreasonable.
So far, that was the only part of the entire scheme she did not approve of, and it ruined her disposition.
As her mother and sisters were preparing for dinner, Elizabeth found the time for a delicate discussion with Jane.
Her sister expressed many doubts and worries about Elizabeth’s departure, regrets about Elizabeth not attending the ball, as well as concerns for Miss Darcy’s health.
“Lizzy, I hope we shall at least be together for Christmas. I shall miss you so much!”
“You may come to London too, Jane. I am sure Aunt Gardiner will be happy to have you. And, if I am invited to stay with Georgiana, Mr Darcy said any of my sisters — or all of them — could join me at any time. He is a brave man to make such a suggestion,” Elizabeth joked.
“Mr Bingley mentioned he might go to London after the ball,” Jane said shyly.
“Well, that would be a perfect time for you to come to visit Aunt Gardiner too! And perhaps by then, you will have some more news in regard to Mr Bingley.”
“Lizzy, do not tease me. Please do not assume more than there is. Mama is already doing that so often that it frightens me. Hoping for too much might cause great disappointment too.”
“Forgive me. I shall speak no more on this subject, but you must promise to write to me often.”
“And I pray you will not be disappointed when you meet Miss Darcy again, Lizzy. I know you hope for so much in regard to that encounter. I do not want you to suffer.”
“I am confident I shall not suffer because of Georgiana, Jane. Although I have not seen her since she was a child, I trust our reunion will not disappoint either of us.”
“What about Mr Darcy, Lizzy? Will you live in the same house as him?”
“I am not sure yet. He said Georgiana has her own house, and we may live separately from him, if necessary. To be honest, there are still things that worry me in regard to Mr Darcy. Nevertheless, I know he wishes the best for his sister, and he has been quite considerate to me and Papa in this arrangement.”
“Did he mention anything about Mr Wickham?” Jane asked shyly.
“He did because I enquired. Now, I only have a few more questions to address to Mr Wickham to determine which of them lied to me.”
“But Lizzy, is it wise to interfere in their past dealings?”
“No, and I shall not do that. I am not concerned about their dealings with each other but about their actions and claims to me,” Elizabeth uttered, only a moment before Lydia entered and summoned them to dinner.