Chapter 10 #2
“Because you are wise and careful with your judgements—and bright and kind and generous, my dearest Jane. I meant to be uncommonly clever in taking so decided a dislike to him without any reason.”
“Lizzy, when you first read that letter, I am sure you could not treat the matter as you do now.”
“Indeed, I could not. I was very uncomfortable and unhappy, as I knew I had been so very weak and vain and nonsensical!”
“Lizzy, please cease this self-blame. But I agree it was unfortunate that you used such very strong expressions in speaking of Wickham to Mr Darcy, for now they do appear wholly undeserved.”
“Certainly. But the misfortune of speaking with bitterness of spirit is a most natural consequence of the prejudices I had been encouraging.”
“You are not prejudiced, Lizzy.”
“With Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham, I was. And there is one point on which I want your advice. Should I make our acquaintance, in general, understand Wickham’s character?”
Jane paused a little before she said, “Surely, there can be no occasion for exposing him so dreadfully. What is your own opinion?”
“That it ought not to be attempted. Mr Darcy has not authorised me to make his communication public. On the contrary, every particular relative to his sister was meant to be kept as much as possible to myself.”
“Then the decision is already made.”
“But if I meet Mr Wickham again, he will hear something from me, I assure you—something that will not betray Mr Darcy’s confidence but will let Wickham have a piece of my mind!”
“I know I cannot change your mind, Lizzy. Just be careful. He is now, perhaps, sorry for what he has done, and anxious to re-establish his character. We must not make him desperate.”
“That I cannot believe, Jane. If so, he would not publicly spread all those abominable lies about his godfather’s son. Oh, just wait ’til Mr Wilson hears about this! He was already displeased at Longbourn with Wickham’s behaviour; I cannot imagine what he would do if he ever heard the truth.”
“Dear Lizzy, let us not involve Mr Wilson. He is a kind, generous, gentleman with us, but I fear he is not a man to trifle with or to risk his anger. But he is an extraordinary man, and our aunt is so happy to be around him. Oh, and I have some news. Papa will come to Town with our sisters. Mr Wilson invited them for the rest of the Season. There are so many performances of theatre and opera…and Mr Wilson wishes to host several parties and balls. Do you know he is well acquainted with the Duke of York? He might be invited too—can you imagine?”
“Papa will come to Town? And Lydia and Mary and Kitty? That is wonderful news indeed.”
“Yes, in three or four days’ time.”
The discussion continued for another hour, moving from Mr Darcy to Lady Catherine, the Collinses to Mr Wilson and to their family.
The tumult of Elizabeth’s mind was allayed by this conversation. She had shared the secrets that had weighed on her for several days and nights, and she was certain of a willing listener in Jane whenever she might wish to discuss them again.
But there was still something troubling her, of which prudence forbade the disclosure. She dared not relate the other half of Mr Darcy’s letter nor explain to her sister how sincerely she had been valued by his friend. She saw no reason to pain her sister more.
If Mr Bingley should ever happen to appear in their lives again, she would know how to deal with him.
She might well give him a piece of her mind too, just as she planned to do with Wickham.
What use can a man have to be honest, honourable, and amiable if he is weak and undecided and cannot fight for his love even against his friends and family?
After all, Mr Darcy was ready to do so!
∞∞∞
Any benefits to the house’s location across from Hyde Park were lost on Elizabeth since it rained steadily during her first days in Town.
However, the delight of being with her sister and relatives more than compensated. She spent equal time talking to Jane and her aunt, while Maria proved to be joyful company for the Gardiner children.
In the impressive house, the library soon became Elizabeth’s favourite room. The books had belonged to the late owner, and Elizabeth spotted some interesting pieces that excited her curiosity.
Mr Wilson admitted he was not a great reader. He did spend a great deal of time there with Mr Gardiner, mostly talking, and they always invited Elizabeth to join them.
Mr Wilson’s plans for later in the Season differed from books and readings.
He purchased tickets to all operas and theatre plays although he confessed he was more interested in meeting people than sitting in a chair and watching hours of actors’ performances in a large room lacking in fresh air and space.
He also decided—with much excitement—to host a private ball in a fortnight with the most illustrious of London society in attendance.
“I wish it to be something the ton will remember,” he said. “The Duke of York will be the most important guest, and I trust his presence will foster the acceptance of many peers.”
“But, Mr Wilson, may I ask: Why do you want to do that?” Elizabeth inquired daringly. “It seems to me that inviting people you do not know and likely will not even like is a waste of time and money.”
“Perhaps, my dear Miss Elizabeth. And yet, it is an event I have planned for a long time, and it must to be done. I count on you ladies to be there and to charm everybody with your beauty and spirit.”
“Well, that I cannot promise.” Elizabeth laughed. “The part with the beauty and the charm, I mean; otherwise, I look forward to a ball or a party, especially one with such exquisite guests present.”
He smiled. “My sister made an appointment with a modiste. Please indulge me and order everything Madeleine has on her list. It is a personal favour that I ask of you.”
“Sir, I am torn between thanking you for your generosity and being embarrassed by the extent to which you spoil us,” Jane said shyly.
“Nonsense,” the gentleman replied. “I want everything to be perfect, and I pride myself on having such an admirable sister and nieces. I wish people to see that.”
“You are too kind,” said Mrs Gardiner. “And we shall help you in any way you desire so everything will be perfect.”
“And Miss Elizabeth—I understand you plan to take a trip to the lakes with Madeleine and Edward in July,” Mr Wilson continued. “I shall join you as far as Derbyshire. I wish to spend some time in Lambton since I have dearly missed the place I spent my youth.”