Chapter 4 #2
So Mr Darcy had agreed to attend a dinner with her and her family…
Undoubtedly, Mr Bingley’s purpose was to show his regret for not visiting Jane before.
That must be a clear indication of his lasting admiration, even affection.
Mr Darcy must have understood that, and yet, instead of discouraging his friend, he had agreed to support him by joining the party with his sister.
He had only seen Jane once since he returned to London.
Has he changed his opinion on such an important matter simply based on my words during our fight at the parsonage?
A man with less strength of character would hold a grudge against her for her offensive rejection.
Instead, he had been nothing but gentlemanly towards her and her family; this admission made Elizabeth feel even more guilty and ashamed of her behaviour, which had been anything but ladylike.
The dinner at Mr Bingley’s home would place them in close company once more.
Would he address her, or would he disregard her?
Should she say something? What could be said after so many unjust accusations?
The dinner party, which would give so much joy, such renewed hopes, to her sister, was likely to be one of the most distressing evenings Elizabeth had ever spent. And probably Mr Darcy too.
When Mr Bingley and the colonel took their farewell, there were no regrets on either side since they were to meet again soon.
As final pleasantries were being exchanged in the vestibule, there was a knock at the door, and a servant stepped forwards to answer it. On the step, two officers were waiting, but when their gazes fell on the gentlemen inside, their smiles faded.
Elizabeth’s heart stopped, and she held her breath.
“Wickham? What the bloody hell are you doing here?” Colonel Fitzwilliam shouted. “I beg your forgiveness, ladies, for my appalling language. Some surprises are just too much.”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam?” Mr Wickham asked, taking a few steps back. His companion, Mr Denny, stepped back too. “I did not expect to see you here… I have just… I came to bring Mr and Mrs Gardiner letters from Longbourn. From Mr and Mrs Bennet,” Mr Wickham mumbled.
Jane and the Gardiners looked stunned, not so much because of the officers’ presence but due to the colonel’s violent response. The amiable, smiling guest from a few minutes ago seemed to have vanished, replaced by a resentful man with a frightening temper and countenance.
Elizabeth was the only one who understood the gravity of the situation and the dreadful consequences that might follow. She immediately realised that the colonel would tell Mr Darcy, who would assume she still maintained a friendly acquaintance with Mr Wickham. What an unfortunate twist of fate!
“Gentlemen, perhaps we should all enter and have a drink?” Mr Gardiner suggested tentatively.
“We cannot stay any longer, sir,” the colonel replied in a rather harsh tone. Then he bowed and stepped out, followed by a dumbfounded Mr Bingley.
After the two guests left, Mr Gardiner invited the officers inside, and more drinks were ordered.
“I am truly sorry to have caused such an unpleasant scene,” Mr Wickham said. “I have long known the entire Fitzwilliam family hates me, but I never imagined the colonel would allow the resentment to overpower his common sense, especially in front of ladies.”
“You must not apologise to us, Mr Wickham,” Mrs Gardiner replied. “We are grateful that you brought us letters from Longbourn.”
“Denny and I have some business in London. Since I knew Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were in town, I asked Mr and Mrs Bennet whether they would like to send any correspondence,” he said, handing the letters to their host.
“Thank you. How very considerate of you, sir,” Mrs Gardiner said.
“I should have sent a note before calling, but in truth, I never expected to meet a member of the Darcy or Fitzwilliam family in this part of London. I was not aware that you were even acquainted with the colonel.”
“I met him in Kent,” Elizabeth explained. “I am sure he was just as surprised to see you, Mr Wickham. I imagine the unexpected encounter was equally unpleasant for both of you.”
“Certainly, but at least I did not respond discourteously. A gentleman should not lose his temper so easily,” he said, obviously disquieted.
“I have never seen the colonel lose his temper before. I wonder what induced his response,” Elizabeth said, wondering how far Mr Wickham’s hypocrisy might extend.
“I assume it is his loyalty towards Darcy and the same jealousy that caused Darcy to treat me so unfairly.”
“If you know your actions towards the Darcy family were without fault, then their resentment towards you is unfair. I am tempted to confront the colonel about it the next time we meet,” Elizabeth said, and Mr Wickham’s face turned white.
“I thank you for your concern, Miss Elizabeth, but please do not discuss anything with the colonel. Nothing good would come from such a discussion. He would never admit I have been unfairly treated.”
Elizabeth only nodded; her relatives were watching her conversation with Mr Wickham with curiosity and puzzlement, and she decided not to pursue the matter further.
“Will you stay in London long, Mr Wickham?”
“Three more days, Miss Elizabeth. When will you return to Longbourn?”
“Our plans are not yet fixed, but we shall probably remain in town less than a fortnight.”
“Do you know whether Mr Bingley intends to reopen Netherfield?” Mr Wickham asked.
“He did not mention anything to indicate that was his intention,” Elizabeth responded, wondering about his sudden interest.
“It would be a pity if he did not. His departure was hasty and unforeseen, and many people in Meryton expect him to return and complete his unfinished business,” he said with a smile and a meaningful look.
“Unlike the people you just mentioned, we try not to presume or expect anything,” Elizabeth answered. “It is the best way to avoid disappointment or betrayal from someone you once considered a friend.”
She spoke with a light voice and a broad smile, but her words seemed to disconcert Mr Wickham even more — just as she intended.
Soon after that, the officers left, and Mr Gardiner returned to his office, while Mrs Gardiner asked Elizabeth for a private discussion.