Chapter 10
Over the following two days, aside from the preparations for the dinner party that kept the entire staff of Netherfield busy, some other exceptional happenstances occurred.
The Gardiners arrived as expected and, as soon as they entered the house, Mrs Bennet related to them in great detail the ‘terror they had to face due to a horrible officer named Wickham, who everybody liked against her warnings,’ and the ‘outstanding manner in which Mr Darcy had dismissed the entire fabrication.’
Later on, their introduction to Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy was a very happy one.
Both gentlemen showed nothing but amiability and Mr Darcy had the greatest surprise when he discovered that Mrs Gardiner had grown up in Lambton—only five miles from Pemberley.
For the chief part of the evening, he spoke to her about the places so dear to both of them and he was pleased to hear her speaking highly of his estate.
“I must say, I have seen many places in my life, but none of them can compare with the beauty of Pemberley. And even as a child, I remember how loved and admired Lady Anne and Mr George Darcy were in the county.”
“I am grateful for your words, Mrs Gardiner, and for the wonderful chance of speaking about my parents with somebody who knew them. These moments are worthy of being treasured by me,” Darcy said with so much emotion everyone could feel it.
“I did not have the honour of meeting either Lady Anne or Mr Darcy, but as for Pemberley, I can testify myself. I am overwhelmed with its beauty every time I am there.”
In the afternoon, further significant news reached Longbourn, brought by Lydia and Kitty: Mr Wickham had left his regiment overnight.
As they prepared to go to Longbourn for the second dinner in a row, Darcy was surprised to receive a visit from a devastated Colonel Forster, begging for a private meeting.
“Mr Darcy, I apologise for disturbing you, I am ready to throw myself at your feet and beg you to help if you can. I have been a thoughtless fool, and I do not deserve your compassion. But I cannot think of anyone who can help me...My wife…it seems she has left with Wickham. I cannot be sure but this is what I suspect. She also took a large amount of money and several jewels and left me a note that she needs some time far away, to reflect on her happiness. What woman would write such a letter to her husband? I do not know what to do. I worry for her, I am full of shame, dishonoured… what am I to do?”
The sight of such a powerful man, until recently indifferent to the Bennets’ distress and now ruined in the blink of an eye, was disturbing.
Darcy knew too well that Mrs Forster would return only after Wickham had spent her savings and sold her jewels, wasting the money on parties and extravagant expenses.
To the colonel, he offered his compassion and all the knowledge he possessed about Wickham’s habits, old friends and places where he used to stay.
The chances of finding the fugitives were quite small, though, and both men were aware of that when they finally separated with a strong handshake.
The news of Mrs Forster's betrayal was the subject of conversation at Longbourn during dinner for only a little while, as Mr Bennet severely forbade it.
“We are still struggling to escape from a net of gossip ourselves! I shall not allow any gossip in my house ever again!” he stated.
In Meryton, however, the new report was on everyone’s lips. If the Bennet case had been all talk, this time there was clear evidence. The news was strong proof that Darcy had been right in accusing them of foolishness for believing Wickham—but that, the people of Meryton chose to forget.
∞∞∞
The following day, as he was reading another angry letter received from Lady Catherine, Darcy was startled by Bingley yelling from the door.
“Darcy, come out! Now, this very moment! You will never guess who is here! Come, come now!”
Slightly convinced that Lady Catherine had decided to come in person, Darcy followed Bingley outside, trying to hold his temper.
On the stairs, he froze, stunned, torn between upset, worry and joy, as he saw Georgiana and Mrs Annesley coming out of the carriage with the help of Colonel Fitzwilliam.
He remained still for a moment, then hurried to them.
“What happened? What are you doing here? What is wrong?” he asked Georgiana.
She embraced him tenderly.
“Nothing is wrong, brother. I received your letter two days ago and I decided to come and see Netherfield, of which Charles spoke so highly. Since Charles is alone in Hertfordshire, I thought that we might as well spend Christmas here with him.”
“But… you are not well enough to travel. And…”
“I am well and I enjoyed the journey very much. And the estate is beautiful. Yes, I know George is here, but I will not allow him to keep me away from you any longer! I will not allow you to face all that distress alone,” Georgiana said daringly, tearful with emotions.
Darcy kissed her hands, then embraced her tenderly.
“I am astonished, my dear. Astonished, proud, humbled by your strength, and grateful for your support. But I must tell you that Wickham is not here anymore and most of the distress is gone.”
“Truly?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, come in! Come in, let us talk inside! What an honour and what a joy to see you here! Georgiana, this is the happiest moment! Colonel Fitzwilliam, you in my house! And Mrs Annesley—I hope you approve of Netherfield! Come in!” Mr Bingley cried.
“You have a lovely place here. I must leave in a couple of days, but I will return for Christmas if you’ll have me.
But for now, I need a drink!” the colonel said.
“A long and strong one, And some tea for the ladies, and then tell us all about what has happened in the last few days. By the way, Lady Catherine has written to my father again, in case you were wondering.”
“Yes, yes, of course! Rooms will be prepared for you all. And food and drink! I will send a note to Longbourn, to tell them the happy news!” Bingley said, breathless with excitement.
∞∞∞
While at Netherfield happy emotions were shared, the news of Miss Darcy’s arrival stunned Jane—and brought her to the edge of despair.
As Mrs Bennet read the note, Jane suddenly turned pale and left the room, followed by Elizabeth.
Overwhelmed by pride to receive information from Mr Bingley himself, Mrs Bennet remained oblivious to her daughter’s distress.
Elizabeth found Jane in their chamber, wiping her eyes.
“Dearest, what is happening?”
“Nothing, Lizzy. Nothing.”
“Jane, answer me, please. What is wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong, I am glad Mr Bingley is happy to receive Miss Darcy. I am sure she is a wonderful young lady and most accomplished.”
“Oh, my dear, are you jealous?”
“I am not jealous, Lizzy. I just did not expect it.”
“My dear, I do not believe that Miss Darcy’s presence will affect Mr Bingley’s feelings.
His admiration for you is obvious, even Mr Darcy confirmed it.
And I am sure something unexpected must have happened, as Mr Darcy was ready to return home to be with his sister.
He surely did not expect her to come here.
Is it not unfair for you to doubt Mr Bingley?
Did he behave like a man who has a romantic attachment to another lady? ”
Jane wiped her eyes. “No…”
“Then would you not grant him enough trust to see what happened? We will dine with them tonight—does he not deserve your faith for several more hours?”
“Yes… it is just that…I was so happy to see him again, Lizzy. I know I have no right to hope or to expect, but…”
“My dear, you do have every right and every reason to hope and expect! Please try to keep your spirits up until tonight! I am sure you will like Miss Darcy, from what I hear of her. I confess I am very nervous to meet her too. And Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mama and Lydia and Kitty will be thrilled to dine with a colonel and an earl’s son.
I am even more nervous about their reactions,” Elizabeth tried to comfort her sister.
Secretly, she was concerned too. Miss Darcy’s sudden arrival must be the reason for some other unexpected circumstances which she feared to consider.
∞∞∞
Netherfield was arranged festively for receiving important guests, giving the Bennets and the Gardiners more reasons to be impressed.
And the presence of Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, together with Mrs Annesley, added more significance to the event.
Jane was still highly emotional and her hands were trembling when she was introduced to Miss Georgiana Darcy. The young lady, with remarkable beauty, pretty blue eyes and a sweet, warm smile on her lips, enchanted everyone. Despite her fears, Jane liked her immediately.
Elizabeth was astonished and charmed when the girl told her with gentle friendliness, “I am delighted to finally meet you, Miss Elizabeth. I have heard so much about you, ever since my brother wrote to me last September.”
The dinner was one to remember, as it tied the bond between Bingley and the Bennets so much as to leave no room for doubt.
While his admiration and affection for Miss Darcy was apparent, not even Mrs Bennet noticed any reason for jealousy.
Just like her brother, Miss Darcy was drawn to Mrs Gardiner and spoke of her parents and of Derbyshire for a long time.
Elizabeth joined them, much to Darcy’s delight.
He and Elizabeth did not speak directly, but their glances met often and each time, a heartfelt smile was shared.
Colonel Fitzwilliam quickly became a favourite of the Bennet ladies, engaging them in conversation. They spoke freely about the other officers, about Wickham and about their enjoyment of balls and parties, much to his entertainment.
Bingley was mostly preoccupied with Jane, stealing private moments of conversation with her, dissipating all her fears.
Darcy spent time with Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner, discussing books, fishing, hunting and estate matters.