Chapter 24 #2
“That is nonsense. Darcy will not marry Miss de Bourgh,” Bingley said bluntly.
To Mr Collins’s appalled gaze, he continued while diligently cutting his steak.
“I know for a fact that such a union is not agreeable to either of them. But just to be certain, I shall ask them one more time when we meet at Pemberley.”
“I am sorry to contradict you, but surely Lady Catherine must know better than you,” Mr Collins insisted.
“It is such a pity that some men do not know when to insist and when to accept defeat,” Mrs Bennet interjected again.
“You should not trust Lady Catherine so much, Mr Collins. I heard she rejected the notion that Mr Wilson had a house in Park Lane, and she was proved wrong. I believe this case might be similar.”
“We look forward to our journey to Derbyshire,” Jane quickly interrupted to avoid a fight over the subject of Lady Catherine’s infallibility.
Still, Mr Collins insisted on his point of view. “Lady Catherine said she would stay with her brother the earl this summer to be closer to her daughter. The Matlock estate in only twenty miles from Pemberley.”
“Then why not stay at Pemberley if she wishes to be closer to her daughter? Might it be that Mr Darcy—or even her daughter—does not wish her in such proximity?” Mrs Bennet continued.
“I am sure that is not the case!” Mr Collins fought back. “As I said, Lady Catherine is waiting for news of their betrothal.”
“Upon my word, that makes no sense,” Lydia declared.
“It pains me to admit it, but I completely agree with my youngest daughter,” Mr Bennet said. “I am almost tempted to go along on the trip to Derbyshire, only to see for myself who is marrying whom and who stays at each estate.”
“My son-in-law has Lady Catherine’s trust and confidence. I am sure he knows exactly how things are,” Lady Lucas added sharply. “Miss Elizabeth even had a chance to observe their close relationship when she stayed in Hunsford. They dined or had tea at Rosings several times.
“And my son-in-law has Mr Darcy’s trust and confidence. I am sure he has better knowledge of things with his long-time friend,” Mrs Bennet replied, rolling her eyes. “Besides, Mr Darcy invited my entire family to stay at Pemberley, not just to visit or dine.”
“Did he?” Mr Collins asked doubtfully.
Mrs Bennet felt offended, so she brought forward more proof.
“Indeed! He specifically wrote to Mr Bingley: ‘You and Mrs Bingley, Miss Bennet, and the entire party will be most welcome at Pemberley. I do not wish to interfere with anyone’s fixed engagements and would certainly not want to intrude on the others’ plans, but there are rooms prepared for everyone at Pemberley at any time.
’ Did I quote him accurately, Mr Bingley? ”
“Perfectly accurate, madam,” Bingley confirmed.
Mrs Bennet threw a meaningful glance at her guests and ordered the second course, content to win another debate with those who would eventually become the undeserving owners of Longbourn.
∞∞∞
The night before their journey, Elizabeth barely slept. She was accustomed to a lack of rest; sleep had mostly eluded her since Darcy’s proposal.
From Hertfordshire to London, there were only Elizabeth, Jane, and Bingley. The journey was short and delightful with much joy and pleasant anticipation. Bingley was already on brotherly terms with Elizabeth, and Jane was happy to see their open, affectionate relationship.
“To be honest, I would rather not take Louisa and Caroline to Derbyshire. But Darcy invited all of us several months ago, and now they insist on going.”
“Caroline seems to have a special fondness for Pemberley,” Elisabeth said half in jest.
Bingley was slightly uneasy. “Caroline is not reasonable. She has hoped to gain Darcy’s attention for several years now—just like Lady Catherine and her planned marriage for him.”
“Mr Darcy is not a man to be convinced against his will,” Jane replied.
“No indeed, my dear. But Caroline prefers to expose herself to ridicule, I am afraid. Darcy has been very tolerant of her for a long time.”
“That is because she is your sister and he values your friendship, my dear,” Jane said adoringly.
“I know Caroline and Louisa have not been kind to you and your family, and I cannot apologize enough.” He kissed her hand tenderly, and she smiled.
“All is in the past now. I cannot wait to finally be home. Will Caroline be there?”
“No indeed. She is staying with Louisa. We need some time alone,” Bingley declared, and Jane blushed most becomingly as she agreed with her husband.
They arrived in Town in the early afternoon. Most of the families who could afford it had already retired to the country for the summer, so their part of Town was rather empty. The heat kept people inside, and the streets were mostly deserted.
Elizabeth remained at her aunt’s home in Gracechurch Street while the Bingleys headed towards Grosvenor Street after a brief respite. They were eager to be alone, and nobody attempted to delay them.
The Gardiners’ house had been restored after the fire, and it looked handsome and neat.
It could not be compared with Wilson’s house in Park Lane, but to Elizabeth, it meant comfort, warmth, and peace.
In the next two days, her disposition improved, and her spirits rose due to her aunt and her cousins’ company.
Mr Gardiner also brought excellent news. He and Mr Wilson had finished their business, and they were ready to leave Town sooner than expected. Therefore, it was mutually agreed to begin their journey as quickly as everything could be arranged.
“But we should take a small detour. I have to see a friend in Oxfordshire. We shall stay at an inn one night and continue our journey early the next day,” Mr Wilson said. “I hope this will not be a problem for anyone.”
“Not at all, I am sure,” Elizabeth replied. “Since we are travelling for pleasure, the more places we see, the better.”
Jane and Bingley were of the same opinion, but Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst expressed their disapproval for such an unexpected and disturbing change of plans. However, since everyone travelled together in three carriages, their opposition had no impact on the new arrangements.
Therefore, five days earlier than planned, the group left London, riding towards the place where Elizabeth’s heart, mind, and hopes already resided.
∞∞∞
The stop in Oxfordshire meant a detour of only forty miles from the regular route north. Mr Wilson visited his friend while the others rested at a comfortable crossroads inn.
The following morning, they resumed their journey. Travel was long and occasionally difficult, with many stops and three additional days spent on the road. It was hot, and the horses, as well as the travellers, needed rest.
To Elizabeth, the journey seemed endless. It seemed as though their destination kept moving further away and they would never reach it. The more her eagerness increased, the more frequent their stops became.
Eventually, on a mild summer afternoon, the three carriages arrived at the edge of Pemberley Park. Two of them stopped while the one with the Hursts and Miss Bingley continued on.
Elizabeth left the carriage hastily, leaping into the tall grass. A gentle breeze touched her face with a soft caress. She walked ahead then froze and gasped in awe.
The splendour of the green park shining under the sun’s brilliance took Elizabeth’s breath away.
In the valley, Pemberley Manor—a handsome building majestically towering over the estate—was framed between the blue sky and its reflection in the lake, like a perfect picture meant to indulge the visitors’ eyes.
On one side of the house, gardens with colourful, blooming flowers added to the flawless beauty of a magical place.
“Dear Lord, this is wonderful,” Jane whispered.
“Just as I remembered it,” Mrs Gardiner uttered.