Chapter 7
Two days had passed since the enchanting evening at Mr Bingley’s home, and Elizabeth found her thoughts ensnared in a delightful web of recollections.
The Gardiner household hummed with its customary cheer — her young cousins’ laughter echoing through the halls, Jane’s soft smiles hinting at a blooming hope with Mr Bingley — but Elizabeth’s mind wandered ceaselessly to Mr Darcy.
How peculiar it was, she mused, that the man she had once deemed the epitome of arrogance now occupied her every idle moment with a warmth that both thrilled and bewildered her.
Seated by the window in the cosy parlour, Elizabeth gazed out at bustling Gracechurch Street below, her embroidery forgotten in her lap.
Ardent, he had called his feelings, his voice a low caress that still sent shivers down her spine.
In Hertfordshire, she had seen only his pride, his disdainful glances, his interference in Jane’s happiness.
But now? The letter had revealed his vulnerabilities, the theatre his unexpected tenderness towards his sister, and that look they had shared as she performed with Miss Darcy — his gaze boring into her soul and igniting a spark she could no longer deny.
Her prejudices had crumbled like autumn leaves, revealing a man of depth, honour, and, dare she admit it, an allure that made her pulse quicken.
Was this affection? Or was it merely the novelty of seeing him anew, stripped of her misconceptions?
She blushed at the thought, her heart whispering that it was far more than curiosity — perhaps the stirrings of something profound, a love she had never anticipated.
Jane entered the room, her eyes bright. “Lizzy, Aunt says we must prepare for callers. Do you think…Mr Bingley might come today?”
Elizabeth smiled, setting aside her needlework. “If his devotion at dinner is any measure, dearest, I should not be surprised if he arrives with the punctuality of a town crier. And perhaps…others may join him.”
Jane’s cheeks took on a light crimson tone, and she nodded, her own heart evidently fluttering. Mrs Gardiner bustled in moments later, adjusting a vase of fresh blooms. “Girls, make yourselves presentable. I have a suspicion this afternoon will be busy.”
No sooner had they settled than a knock echoed at the door.
The maid announced Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy, and Elizabeth’s breath caught.
Mr Bingley entered first, his boyish grin fixed on Jane as he bowed with eager courtesy.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Mrs Gardiner, what a pleasure to call upon you!”
Mr Darcy followed, his tall frame filling the doorway with an air of composed elegance.
His dark eyes sought Elizabeth’s immediately, holding them with that intensity she now found intoxicating rather than intimidating.
He greeted them in a more composed voice, carrying a trace of friendliness that could not be missed.
“Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy, welcome,” Mrs Gardiner replied graciously. “We are delighted to see you both. Is Miss Darcy in good health? And your sisters, Mr Bingley?”
“My sister sends her regards,” Mr Darcy said. “In truth, she wished to join us, but it was not possible this time.” With that, he glanced at Elizabeth, and she understood. The mere possibility of Mr Wickham’s presence was enough for Mr Darcy to keep his sister away.
“My sisters are well,” Mr Bingley said. “Caroline has gone to stay with the Hursts for a few days since they both disapprove of my plans.”
“Your plans, sir?” Mrs Gardiner enquired, inviting them to choose a seat.
Mr Bingley sat next to Jane, Mr Darcy in an armchair, with Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner on a small sofa.
From such a short distance away, Elizabeth observed his repeated glances at her and felt the room’s air thicken with unspoken words.
What were Mr Bingley’s plans? Did Mr Darcy approve or disapprove of them? she wondered.
Refreshments were ordered, then Mrs Gardiner repeated her earlier question.
“Oh,” Mr Bingley replied, with a light tone and a slight colour in his cheeks, “I decided to reopen Netherfield. Closing it was a hasty decision that I have come to regret. I sent letters to my housekeeper and my solicitor this morning, instructing them to prepare the house for my return.”
Elizabeth was not surprised, given the gentleman’s attention to her sister since they had been reunited, but Jane seemed utterly stunned and doubtful. She looked at Mr Bingley, then at Elizabeth, a crease between her brows.
“That is wonderful news,” Elizabeth replied.
“I am sure everybody in the neighbourhood will welcome your return. You have been missed all these months. But dare I enquire whether you are certain about your plan this time, Mr Bingley? It would be quite sad if you returned to Netherfield only to leave it again after a month or so.”
She knew her statement was bold and not entirely proper but could not help herself. Jane turned pale, Mr Bingley’s cheeks took on a deep crimson colour, but it was Mr Darcy who replied.
“I dare say that this time, Bingley’s plans are settled. His previous departure from Netherfield was mostly due to some bad advice that he should have dismissed. I am ashamed to admit that I was one of those who advised him poorly.”
“I shall not place the blame on anyone but myself,” Mr Bingley declared.
“I left Netherfield, even though I wished to stay. This time, nothing will alter my plans—” He stopped short, his expression changing.
After a moment he continued more hesitantly, “Unless you believe my return would be unwelcome,” he said, looking straight at Jane.
She was so surprised that she needed a moment to find the words to respond.
“I cannot imagine anything more pleasant than your return to Netherfield, Mr Bingley,” she finally whispered with a small yet bright smile.
Elizabeth glanced at Mr Darcy; his countenance expressed utter approval, and his eyes as they met hers bore a warmth she had not noticed before.
“Well then, it is settled!” Mr Bingley answered joyfully. “I was wondering — if Mr and Mrs Gardiner approve, of course — would you allow me to escort you back to Hertfordshire?”
“What a convenient and delightful plan, sir,” Mrs Gardiner responded. “There is nothing I would like more than to know my nieces are safe under your protection.”
“Excellent! This is truly the best day I have had in a long time. Now I must learn how to manage Netherfield. Darcy has promised to teach me. He will go to Pemberley at the end of this month, but he has promised to visit me in September.”
Elizabeth felt Mr Darcy’s gaze on her again, and she met it with slight uneasiness.
Not only did he support Mr Bingley’s reopening of Netherfield but he also intended to visit.
Was his friendship with Mr Bingley strong enough to bring him back to Hertfordshire?
To her? Of course, returning to Netherfield did not necessarily mean he would accept any sort of relationship with her family, against which he had expressed so many objections.
As the visit progressed, Mr Bingley’s joy made him even more talkative than usual, and Mrs Gardiner happily encouraged him.
Mr Gardiner arrived home and was delighted to see the gentlemen and to hear the latest news.
The company seemed to please everyone, and the visit lasted longer than was generally considered appropriate for a morning call.
However, Elizabeth became increasingly conscious of how little opportunity there had been for a private conversation with Mr Darcy, until the gentleman at last broke in, saying, “Mr and Mrs Gardiner, please do not consider me rude, but I wish to ask you a favour — a few minutes of private conversation with Miss Elizabeth, if neither of you has any objections.”
As much as she had wished for it, Elizabeth was as surprised as her uncle and aunt by this blunt request.
“I have no objection, if Elizabeth agrees,” Mr Gardiner replied. “Is there a matter that should concern me?”
“Not at all, dear uncle,” Elizabeth responded.
“It is only a misunderstanding that began in Kent and for which I wish to apologise to Mr Darcy. To be honest, it is in regard to Mr Wickham, to whom I granted my trust only to discover he did not deserve it. Mr Darcy offered to provide me with a few more details.”
“I see,” Mr Gardiner replied, though Elizabeth’s explanation did not sound convincing. “You may go to the library, Lizzy. I have no reason to object to you talking to Mr Darcy.”
The gentleman thanked her uncle, and Elizabeth led the way, disconcerted, her heart pounding. For the first time since that day at the parsonage, she would be alone with Mr Darcy. Was it possible that only a month had passed?
“I hope you will forgive my boldness, Miss Elizabeth,” he said.
“I am in fact grateful for it, Mr Darcy. As I already confessed, I have long wished for an opportunity to apologise for my reckless accusations about your dealings with Mr Wickham.”
“If that is the case, I have much more to apologise for. I admit the past two days have felt interminable. I found myself reflecting on our discussions that evening at Bingley’s, and I prepared what to say…but now I am here, I am lost for words again.”
“There is not much to be said, and perhaps we should not discuss this subject any further.”
“I agree…but…first I must ask, have you more news from him?”
“He visited again while we were out dining at Mr Bingley’s house, so we were fortunate not to meet. I pray that is the last I hear from him.”
“I doubt it. Wickham’s audacity is not easily discouraged. I confess I have hired someone to watch him and to inform me about his movements.”
“Oh, have you? That sounds wise… I cannot believe how much trouble he gives you.”
“The trouble with Wickham is more easily managed if you are able to anticipate it. Dealing with the consequences of his actions is more difficult.”
“Did you mention to Miss Darcy that he is in town?” Elizabeth enquired shyly.
“Yes, I wished to avoid unpleasant surprises if she happened upon him.”
“I am very sorry… I imagine how distressed she must be…”
“Thank you. Unfortunately, I am not sure I am capable of helping her overcome this situation. She is too proficient at hiding her true feelings.”
“Very much like her brother,” Elizabeth whispered, and he gave a sad little smile. She continued, “Speaking of sisters, I must thank you for encouraging Mr Bingley in his new plans. Jane is certainly as overjoyed as he appears to be.”
“They deserve joy after they suffered so much sorrow,” Mr Darcy said in a low voice. “You surely have no reason to thank me. Quite the opposite.”
“Do you truly plan to visit Mr Bingley at Netherfield?”
“I am not sure yet, though I have promised him. I am certain my return will not be as welcome as his. I would not wish to ruin anyone’s disposition with my presence.”
She paused, pondering her words.
“People judge you and like or dislike you based on what you allow them to see, Mr Darcy. Even if you are not comfortable performing for strangers, they must be allowed to discover more about your true nature in order to fairly judge your character.”
“You are right, of course. That is why I do not blame anyone for disliking me.”
“And yet, it would require so little effort on your part to be liked. If only you would take the trouble to care about others’ opinions.”
“Your opinion is one I have always cared about. Though I was utterly mistaken in my understanding of it.”
He stared at her, and she averted her eyes before replying, “My opinion changed once you allowed me to see you in a different light. Perhaps others deserve equal courtesy.”
“If your opinion has improved even slightly, I am content, Miss Elizabeth. Shall we return to the others now? I would not want to abuse your uncle’s patience.”
“Yes, of course. Only one more thing, sir. Your return to Netherfield might not be as welcome as Mr Bingley’s, but it will certainly not be as unpleasant as you assume. So I see no reason for you to disappoint Mr Bingley.”
With that, she turned and walked ahead; she did not dare look at him, though she felt his intense stare. Had she said too much? Did he understand her meaning?
When they entered the drawing room, she noticed her uncle and aunt’s curious glances, while Mr Bingley and Jane were chatting to each other.
“I was telling Miss Bennet that I might accompany her and Miss Elizabeth to Hyde Park tomorrow, if the weather allows it,” Mr Bingley said enthusiastically.
“How lovely. I am sure my sister would enjoy a visit to the park too,” Mr Darcy said.
“Then we shall all go together! That would be wonderful!” Mr Bingley declared. “I shall come and fetch Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth in my carriage. Of course, if you approve of it!”
“I can safely say we all approve of it, Mr Bingley,” Mrs Gardiner answered, after a brief look at her husband. “You should plan your return to Hertfordshire too. My nieces are expected home within a week.”
A week, Elizabeth repeated to herself. A week in which she might see Mr Darcy again only one more time, the next day.
She did not dare think further into the future, but of one thing she was certain: that day, that visit, had sealed her heart’s transformation in regard to Mr Darcy.
The feelings that had induced her to reject his marriage proposal in a harsh, cold manner had dissipated, allowing seeds of regret to grow within her.
He had generously suggested to her that he did not consider her his enemy, that he did not despise her, that he accepted her apologies and still valued her opinion.
He had told her as much, and she was strangely happy and relieved by those revelations.
He had offered to meet her again the next day and to bring his sister too, and as much as she tried, Elizabeth could not force her mind not to assume more in that promise than she should.