Chapter 22
The drive home lasted long enough, as the coachman took a long tour of both estates. Protected under the thick blankets, cuddling with their favourite people, and a bit worn out by the exercise, the children felt no discomfort caused by weather and became progressively quiet and sleepy.
Shifting ever so slightly, Bingley and Jane were sitting so close to each other that their thighs touched as the sleigh moved. Whispering to each other, flushed and overjoyed, they were the perfect image of a couple blissfully in love.
On the facing bench, Elizabeth and Darcy, quietly taking pleasure in the ride, were separated by the slight distance of the two small boys’ bodies, slight enough to make them fully aware of their nearness but far enough to remind them there were still lots of uncertainties that kept them apart.
While they had not the opportunity to talk during the outing, they had been aware of the actions of each other, enjoying the occasional glance and shared smile.
Holding a half-asleep Ellen close to her, Georgiana watched them all with a demure countenance and a little serene smile that did not allow her thoughts to be easily read.
When the clouds were slowly covering the sky and the sun faded, thus denying any trace of warmth in the air, the sleigh reached Longbourn’s drive and stopped in front of the house.
The party climbed down hastily, the children hurrying to their parents, eager to relate their adventures and share their impressions and stories, while the adults followed them at a more sedate place.
The Darcys and Bingley had planned only to leave the Bennet ladies at home and then proceed to Netherfield.
However, a change of plans occurred when Mr Bennet, uncharacteristically flustered and apologetic, asked Darcy for a private encounter. He briefly mentioned that an important matter had been brought to his attention and that Darcy’s advice was necessary.
Mr Bennet’s request and his apparent concern surprised Darcy as well as Elizabeth.
“Mr Bennet, I will of course be glad to be of any assistance you require. But is the matter truly urgent? I would rather go to Netherfield for a change of clothes and to refresh myself, as we are all cold and wet. But I promise to do so with haste and return as soon as possible to offer you my complete attention.”
“Yes, yes, we shall change and return forthwith,” Bingley immediately added, happy to find a pretext to return.
“That would be most agreeable, thank you,” Mr Bennet addressed the gentlemen, speaking particularly to Darcy.
The separation, after such a pleasant and exciting day, was somehow subdued and awkward, so as soon as the two gentlemen and Georgiana left, Elizabeth approached her father, holding his arm.
“Papa, what is the matter? You seem unwell. Did something happen? And where is everyone? Mama? And Aunt Madeleine?”
“Your aunt and your mother are with Lydia.”
“Lydia? And Kitty? Did they already return from Mrs Forster’s house? I thought they were to stay until tomorrow. Or is it only Lydia?”
“They are both returned and yes, they were to stay one more night, but it seems that, by another unfortunate coincidence, Lydia overheard an argument between Mrs Forster and her brother about…about Wickham. Lydia’s narrations are mostly incoherent, but from what I could understand from her blabbering…
I am sorry to be blunt, Lizzy, but I rather suspect there was a very close relationship between the lady and Wickham, and that her brother was no stranger to his death. ”
Elizabeth listened to her father in complete astonishment.
She did not know what she expected but certainly no such answer, and she struggled to believe it.
Lydia was not to be trusted, as she had the tendency to always exaggerate and never pay enough attention to comprehend the meaning of discussions around her, especially if they did not involve her.
“Papa, but this is hardly possible,” she replied, trying to keep her voice down. “Are you certain? Is Lydia certain of what she heard? Although how can she not be? She could not have imagined such a thing!”
“No, I confess am not certain at all, but Lydia claims she is absolutely confident of what she heard. But it is even worse. She reacted as loudly and brashly as usual and started an argument with Mrs Forster right there, in the colonel’s house.
Apparently, Mrs Forster would not have any of that and threw them both out.
They walked to the home of your aunt Phillips’s, who saw fit to send them home.
Half an hour ago, I received a note from Colonel Forster.
He has something of great importance to speak to me about urgently. ”
“Dear Lord! What a horrible situation! Could it be possible? I can hardly believe it, Papa. But what does Colonel Forster wish for from you? Was he informed of the squabble? Did he take offence at Lydia’s behaviour in his home and towards his wife? Will he come here?”
“I am not sure, I have not replied yet. That is why I need Mr Darcy’s opinion. Nobody knows this dreadful story better than him.”
“A dreadful story indeed, and it seems it will not end soon,” Elizabeth whispered.
“So it seems. And, one way or another, it keeps returning to ruin the little peace and tranquillity our family has. Now, go and change before you catch a cold, Lizzy. I shall be in the library with your uncle, waiting for Mr Darcy.”
***
Faithful to their word, Darcy and Bingley returned to Longbourn before dinner. Generously, and, in truth, feeling rather tired after the agitated day, Georgiana assured them they could stay for dinner if they were invited, as she would be content with a restful evening in Mrs Annesley’s company.
Bingley was simply happy with the opportunity to be in the presence of his betrothed again, even though they had only just separated. Darcy was torn between the pleasure of a delightful time spent with Elizabeth and the reason her father felt he had to summon him.
Although they had not been alone, the sleigh ride had offered Darcy many moments when he felt intimately connected to Elizabeth, through meaningful glances, little smiles, brief touches — even if by accident.
That moment when they fell together in the snow had been innocent and gloriously arousing at the same time.
Simply being near her excited his senses more than any other woman’s closeness ever had in all his years.
But most of his contentment had come from witnessing Elizabeth’s genuine pleasure in his company and the new and timid bond that had started to form between her and Georgiana.
His sister appeared to enjoy herself with the Bennets and Gardiners more than he had ever seen in strangers’ company.
The Bennets’ imperfect manners and often breaches of decorum seemed to intimidate Georgiana less than the formal and severe, but often insincere, manners of high society people.
As for the Gardiners, they could be taken as people of fashion, even members of the gentry, by their tastes, intelligence, and good manners.
His decision to accompany Bingley back to Netherfield had already proved to be an excellent and rewarding one.
He did not dare imagine more — it was too soon, and too hasty to even consider a second proposal.
He was determined to do it — his feelings and desires had only grown stronger since the previous attempt.
But he would not take this step until he was certain that Elizabeth would welcome it and accept it with all her heart and mind.
He felt grateful that she had dismissed his marriage proposal based on necessity.
She had been wise and correct in her estimation; the gossip — at least in Meryton — had diminished enough to be forgotten.
It could still harm Elizabeth’s reputation with a possible suitor — if that suitor did not know her well enough or cared about such tales.
Which, fortunately, was not the case, as the man most willing to marry her was perfectly aware of her worthiness and completely ready to dismiss any rumours.
They arrived at Longbourn, and Bingley was immediately monopolised by Mrs Bennet. All her daughters were there except for Lydia, together with Mrs Gardiner and the children.
Darcy was informed that Mr Bennet waited for him in the library. Locking eyes with Elizabeth briefly, Darcy assumed she was aware of her father’s concern. He knew he was right when she stood up and told the servant, “John, thank you, I shall show Mr Darcy to Papa.”
Curious, Darcy walked with Elizabeth along the wide hall.
“Miss Bennet, is there anything wrong?” he asked, and she stopped, looking at him. She appeared uneasy, even apprehensive, and unconsciously his hand touched her arm in a gentle gesture of comfort.
“Yes. My father will explain it to you. Thank you so much for your assistance, Mr Darcy. I hope we are not too tiresome for you. My family’s problems seem to never end.”
“Miss Bennet, as far as I know, your family’s recent problems have mostly been caused by me.
So, I should wonder whether I am not too tiresome for you,” he replied in a playful manner, the corner of his lips lifting, making twin dimples appear.
They were in the hall, inches apart, their eyes locked, both obviously hesitant, the other’s proximity heady.
“You are not, Mr Darcy. You should not wonder further. Please know that I am happy with your presence near my family,” she said boldly, her cheeks crimson but not averting her eyes.
“I am happy too, Miss Bennet. More so every day. I know you prefer walking, but I hope you enjoyed the sleigh ride today.”
“Exceedingly,” she admitted, his closeness and intense gaze warming her inside.
“May I ask…I was wondering…considering this cold weather, do you still keep your habit of walking alone in the morning?”