Chapter 28
“I do not understand. Eliza Bennet has been here all this time?” Miss Bingley asked, her tone laced with confusion.
“Yes. She is my sister’s guest, as I mentioned.”
“But…how? How can they be friends?”
“They have been friends since their childhood. It is a long story, and one I am sure my sister or Miss Bennet would share with you. May I be of some help to you at present, Miss Bingley?”
“I wished to ask for your assistance in a delicate matter, since Charles is about to do something foolish that will ruin his life. But I can see I have come to the wrong place.”
“No, indeed. In regard to Bingley, you may apply to me at any time. What has happened? Is your brother in town too?”
“No. He should have come, but he said he would write to you instead to help him with his business. I believe he intends to propose to Miss Jane Bennet — something we have feared for weeks now. I warned him that such a connection would be a disaster for him, and I hoped you would advise him likewise. But I see now that you approve of the Bennet family more than I imagined. This is quite shocking!”
Miss Bingley’s voice was now angry, and she was mumbling, while Darcy struggled to understand her.
“Miss Bingley, it is not for me to approve or disapprove of anything that your brother has decided. It is a matter of consideration and respect to trust his wisdom. And yes, I do approve of the Bennet family. As a matter of fact, Miss Elizabeth saved my sister’s life, both in the past as well as recently. ”
The shock widened Miss Bingley’s eyes, and she stared wordlessly for a long moment.
“I cannot understand what is happening! Saved her life? Where did all these stories come from? You have always acted strangely around Eliza Bennet, and things seem to have gone from bad to worse! I am as worried for you as I am for Charles!”
“Thank you for your concern, but I assure you it is not necessary. Now please forgive me, I am expecting an important visitor soon.”
With that, he dismissed Miss Bingley, who still needed a moment to gather herself enough to leave.
The unexpected visit left Darcy amused as well as unsettled. His thoughts immediately returned to Elizabeth, wondering what would have happened if they had not been interrupted.
He could not help but smile to himself. His relationship with Elizabeth was growing stronger every day, not only through Georgiana but between the two of them too.
It brought him a sort of exhilaration that he had never known before.
In only a fortnight, her presence in his home had become so much a part of his life — of himself — that he dreaded to think of the moment when she might leave.
Miss Bingley’s visit made Darcy think of his friend.
He was probably ready for the most important step in his life and did not have his sisters’ approval.
Only a short while ago he would probably not have had Darcy’s approval either.
For a long time, Darcy had been unaware of the real meaning of joy and happiness.
Elizabeth had shown him his faults and brought out feelings that had been buried deeply inside him.
Her smile and sparkling eyes had brought liveliness to his life as much as to Georgiana’s.
And peace. A long-desired peace that he had feared he had lost and would not find again.
Mr Dodge arrived at the expected hour, and Darcy received him in the library, with the door locked. Darcy offered the man a drink and poured one for himself.
“Mr Darcy, I think I’ve managed to find out some interesting information.
You already know that Wickham is in Meryton.
Apparently, he left London with debts of over two thousand pounds.
I’ve sent a man to enquire discreetly within his regiment, where I suspect he’s run up further debt.
As for the Younge woman, she still owns the building in Edward Street, and she’s renting it out.
She inherited it from her mother. It’s always full of people, but reports say she’s not good at managing the money. ”
“I see. And the jewels?”
“I’ve located them. Fortunately, there are very few places in London where such valuable pieces might be sold. I was told one item was brought by a woman and the other by a man.”
“I suspected as much, Mr Dodge. I shall give you the money to retrieve them. I do not wish to expose my family to any rumours.”
“Of course, Mr Darcy. May I be of service to you in any other way?”
“For the time being, your investigation of this matter has been quite satisfying. Keep me informed about anything more that might arise.”
“Very well. I’ll fetch the jewels and bring them to you as soon as possible.”
After the man left, Darcy sipped from his glass, reflecting on what he must do next.
With Georgiana recovering in health and in spirits so wonderfully with Elizabeth around, his initial fury and need for revenge had calmed, allowing him to use his reason.
Christmas was quickly approaching, and he knew he had enough reasons to be grateful and let go of the resentment that was burdening him.
Although he was in no way willing to forgive those two poor excuses for human beings, he was able to ponder his actions.
Just like Mr Dodge, he also suspected that Wickham had accumulated further debts in Meryton. After all, he had been in the regiment for about three months — enough time to expose his real character.
With that thought in mind, he remembered that he had a letter to write to Mr Bennet and one to Bingley, enquiring about the latest news from Hertfordshire.
Elizabeth and Darcy encountered each other on several occasions during the day as they went about their business in the house, and each time, a slight awkwardness was palpable between them.
They both sensed the importance of their early encounter in the library, and of the moment wasted by the sudden arrival of Miss Bingley.
But neither of them had the courage — or the opportunity — to speak of it.
***
Several more days passed in Darcy’s house, with life continuing peacefully and pleasantly, with daily activities that varied from eating together to conversation, walks, and rides in the park, business appointments, and performing music, sharing witty conversations and sometimes heated arguments.
It felt like a blissful family life, a notion equally enchanting and dreadful, as it was meant to come to an end one day, sooner rather than later.
Thoughts and struggles troubled Darcy’s days and nights.
He had long understood and accepted that Elizabeth was the woman perfectly suited to him, the woman he had waited for and had lost hope of ever finding.
Any reservations he had against her or her family seemed ill-grounded now, even ridiculous, and he was ashamed of himself for ever considering them.
Of his feelings and wishes he had long been certain. But Elizabeth’s feelings and desires were of more importance to him.
As friendly as she was to him, he could not be sure if her feelings were for him as a man or for Georgiana’s brother.
If he would dare to speak to her, to confess his admiration, his love, his hopes, she might receive his declaration with joy and pleasure.
He could be even bolder and propose marriage, and she might accept him.
They could be engaged by Christmas, which would be the answer to his prayers and the fulfilment of his dreams.
But what if she felt only friendship for him and such a confession would embarrass her?
She would surely not stay longer in the same house as him, so he would hurt both her and Georgiana.
Even worse, what if she were to accept a marriage proposal from him only for Georgiana’s sake?
That thought was the most hurtful and stopped him from attempting any action.
He would simply enjoy her nearness, keeping her and Georgiana company whenever he had the chance, without imposing his presence.
As promised, Lady Matlock took the ladies shopping and almost forcefully ordered two new gowns for each, claiming they were necessary in the event of a party or even a night at the theatre. Such an event, though, was unlikely to occur soon.
Despite an obvious improvement in her appearance and spirits, Georgiana declared her reluctance to attend any gathering, including a dinner at the Matlocks, and especially the theatre or the opera, where she would be exposed to public scrutiny.
Lady Matlock tried to insist, but Darcy stepped in, carefully protecting his sister’s privacy.
She felt happy at home, with Mrs Annesley and Elizabeth and short visits from the Gardiners or the Matlocks.
For Darcy, her wish was his command, and he fully supported her.
“Brother, there is something I want to speak to you about,” she said one morning before breakfast.
“What is it, my dear?”
“It is about Lizzy…Elizabeth…I would like to buy her a gift. I know you will be generous with everyone, including Mrs Annesley. But for Lizzy, I want something special.”
Darcy smiled at the mysterious glimmer in his sister’s eyes.
“Do you have something in mind?”
“I do… The necklace that mother gave her suits her so well. Could we possibly find some earrings or a bracelet to match it? I want to give her something from me to add to Mama’s gift, to remember me when she leaves.” The girl became emotional, and Darcy frowned.
“I believe that is a wonderful idea, my dear. The necklaces — both of them — were custom-made, but I shall try to find something as close as possible.”
“Thank you.”
“Georgiana, what do you mean by Miss Elizabeth leaving? Has she mentioned something?” he asked with some distress and a sudden lump in his throat.
“No…she said she would stay as long as I need her. But I know she is missing her family very much. She received a letter from her sister Jane yesterday, and I saw tears in her eyes.”
“I see. She was indeed very close to her family, especially Miss Jane Bennet.”
“Yes. And she mentioned to me that every year the Gardiners travel to Longbourn for Christmas. I know you invited Mr and Mrs Gardiner to dine with us at Christmas, and I should be happy to see them again, but I feel like I have broken up their family to my benefit,” she whispered, her voice getting weaker.
“You are too severe on yourself! How can you say such a thing? I am sure Miss Elizabeth would be upset if she heard you. Besides, my dear, even if…when she returns home, you will forever be friends, will you not? You may meet and visit whenever you want!”
“I would like to ask her to come to Pemberley for the summer if you approve of it,” the girl said, and Darcy’s heart raced.
“You know I approve of her. Why would you doubt it? When it comes to Miss Elizabeth, you do not even need to ask for my approval. Besides, I have already invited the Bennets and the Gardiners to join us in Derbyshire next summer. I spoke to Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner when they came to dinner.”
Georgiana smiled with gratitude and wiped her eyes.
“I know I am speaking like a selfish simpleton, but I wish she could stay with me forever. I wish she never had to leave,” the girl said with a sigh.
“So do I,” Darcy replied from the bottom of his heart, the words flying from his lips before he had time to stop them.
Georgiana’s blue eyes widened in surprise, and her lips parted in astonishment, revealing that he had said too much in just one unguarded sentence.
“My dear, as I have said from the beginning, it is my goal to make you and Miss Bennet as comfortable as possible,” he said abruptly, with a sharpness in his voice that clearly did not deceive Georgiana since she was staring at him with a searching expression.
“I shall look for the jewellery right away and will inform you about my progress,” he concluded.
“Thank you. Brother, there is something else I wish to speak to you about if I may…” she continued hesitantly.
“Of course. Anything.”
“About George,” she whispered timidly, barely daring to look at him. He waited for her to speak further.
“I know you are angry with him and Mrs Younge. And you want to punish them…but I wish only to forget about them and about my own foolishness. Perhaps if not for them, I would not have met Lizzy again. I am upset, but I do not want to cause you more trouble, especially at Christmas time…”
Darcy embraced her and gently placed a kiss on her hand.
“Do not worry. I am not as angry as I was, my dear. I must punish them, though. I shall not have it any other way. I am not as generous as you are. But trust me, it will not cause me any trouble. Please do not worry about it any longer.”
“I do worry, Brother.”
“I know.” He smiled affectionately. “Now let us go. We are surely expected at breakfast.”
When they entered the dining room, they found Mrs Annesley talking to Elizabeth. At their entrance, a smile touched Elizabeth’s lips and eyes, and Darcy did not dare guess for whom it was meant.
But he did know without any doubt what gift he could offer Elizabeth to make her happy. So he smiled too, his eyes locking with hers briefly.