Chapter 13 #2
“Bingley, there is another reason I am glad you have now returned. There is someone in London I am sure you will be pleased to see again.”
Darcy’s expression was little composed, and Bingley paled immediately.
“Who?”
“Miss Bennet. And Miss Elizabeth.”
The surprising news changed Bingley’s expression, and he first gazed at Darcy incredulously.
Then the words tumbled out at once. “They are in Town? Where are they staying? With their aunt near Cheapside, I imagine. How do you know?” He rose and paced the room then stopped in front of Darcy.
“I visited Aunt Catherine. Miss Elizabeth was there, staying with Mrs Collins. She returned to Town a few days ago. Yes, they are staying with their aunt and uncle, but not in Cheapside. They are only a street away in Park Lane, living with their aunt’s brother.”
Bingley blinked repeatedly. “In Park Lane? But how? For how long has she been in London? Miss Bennet, I mean.”
“For three months, I believe. I am sorry that I did not inform you earlier. It was my fault; I assumed that her presence would do you no good and… It was my fault, and I take the blame for it.”
Bingley’s puzzlement increased. “But…why are you telling me now? It sounds like you want me to meet Miss Bennet although you told me so many times that—”
“Bingley, I deeply apologize. I made an arrogant assumption that I knew the truth and knew what was best for you. I was utterly and completely wrong. I cannot be certain of Miss Bennet’s true feelings for you, but it is only reasonable that you judge them for yourself and decide without any interference. ”
“But…but…” Bingley emptied his glass then filled it again and took another stroll around the large library.
“So… she is in Town? And she is residing only a street from here?”
“Yes.”
“How do you know that? Oh, did Miss Elizabeth tell you? You know their direction? Could we call on them? Should we?”
“Bingley, let us calm down a little. I do know their direction. But I am not sure whether we should call. I cannot be certain of our reception after everything that occurred.”
“What do you mean? Oh, yes…”
“However, I have reason to believe you will be welcome,” Darcy encouraged him.
“You think so?”
“I am almost positive. However, I would suggest sending a note to the master of the house and asking him whether we can call and at what time.”
“That would be perfect. Yes, a note is the right thing to do. Would you write it? You have flawless handwriting; mine is terrible.”
∞∞∞
The weather was so enchanting, that Mrs Gardiner—with the children, her two nieces, and their friend—decided to spend the afternoon in the park.
After her brief discussion with Mr Wilson, Elizabeth’s spirits suddenly rose.
The fates seemed to have granted new opportunities to Mr Darcy and her to renew their acquaintance under better circumstances.
She did not know what would follow, but she felt relieved and grateful for the chance to speak to him reasonably and clarify things that remained unsettled between them.
Light-hearted, spoiled by the sun’s tender brightness, and charmed by the colourful flowers and quiet water, she allowed herself to be caught up in her cousins’ playing and laughing. Maria joined them, and soon their joyous group drew the attention of the other visitors.
An hour passed, and the children’s playfulness did not cease. They knew nothing of fatigue, and their game continued under their mother’s careful watch.
As time passed, a pleasant breeze cooled their crimson cheeks, indicating it was time to return home.
The children reluctantly obeyed their mother’s demand to leave, but their talking and laughing continued until they neared the park gate. The ladies watched them run along the path until their attention was caught by another image.
Jane was the first to frown. All Miss Bennet’s composure from the previous day vanished, and it was her turn to seek support from her sister.
Elizabeth’s distress was equally strong, yet of a different nature than a day before. She was surprised, embarrassed, and troubled—but strong enough to curtsey politely to the two gentlemen who bowed to them, all sharing the surprise and awkwardness of the unexpected encounter.
“Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley…”
“Miss Elizabeth, I am so happy to see you. What an extraordinary surprise,” Bingley cried with a large smile that could not conceal his distress. He turned red as he glanced from one lady to the other. “And Miss Bennet! And Miss Lucas! Darcy and I sent you a note earlier.”
“Not to Miss Lucas, but to Mr Wilson,” Darcy explained.
Elizabeth laughed; then her face and neck coloured. “Yes, we imagined as much. I hope it was not anything urgent; Mr Wilson and my uncle are away on business.”
“No, nothing urgent. We just asked Mr Wilson’s permission to call on him,” Darcy continued, his eyes holding Elizabeth’s for a heartbeat.
“I am sure he will be happy to see you,” Elizabeth replied daringly. “Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley, please allow me to introduce my aunt, Mrs Gardiner.”
The introduction was performed, but the awkwardness did not disappear. Each gentleman struggled to avoid staring at a certain lady while the Bennet sisters each suffered more for the distress of the other than for herself.
“Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley—I have long wished to meet you. I have heard so much of you,” Mrs Gardiner said.
“It is our pleasure, ma’am, I assure you,” Darcy replied politely.
“I just arrived in Town last night,” Bingley interjected. “I did not know Miss Bennet was in London. I mean—all of you. I have spent most of the time at a friend’s estate. I just arrived yesterday…and Darcy informed me…” Bingley stammered.
“I hope you had a pleasant trip,” Mrs Gardiner offered.
“Yes, pleasant enough, thank you,” Bingley said, his distress increasing as Jane only looked at him with silent beauty. “I just called on Darcy today, and he told me that you were in Town. I did not know that.”
“We understand,” Mrs Gardiner said with amusement. “It is good you found out eventually.”
“We planned to call on you—on Mr Wilson, I mean. But Darcy said we should send a note first, and we did. We did not want to disturb you,” Bingley continued, stealing another look at Jane.
“My brother and my husband will be delighted to receive you,” Mrs Gardiner said.
“But may I dare ask, are you acquainted with my brother? How did you know his direction? And how did you discover that we are staying with him? It does not truly matter, but I am curious since we usually live in Gracechurch Street.”
“I did know about Gracechurch Street. Darcy informed me that you are staying with your bother. He knew the direction,” Bingley answered immediately.
All eyes turned to Darcy, and he paled. Only then did he realise he could not explain how he came to be in possession of such knowledge. He could not tell the truth, yet he could not lie.
“Mr Wilson and I met yesterday—mostly by chance. We spoke for a while, and he mentioned his connection to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. It was a rather fortunate coincidence.”
“I see. Fortunate indeed. Well, we were on our way back home; will you join us?” Mrs Gardiner inquired. Both gentlemen were dumbfounded by the offer, each looking for a certain lady’s approval.
“We would be honoured,” Bingley said hastily, encouraged by Jane’s shy yet enchanting expression.
Darcy hesitated. “Perhaps it would be more proper to wait for Mr Wilson’s response.”
“You are more than welcome to enter for a drink,” Mrs Gardiner insisted.
Darcy tried to meet Elizabeth’s eyes. They were not sparkling or smiling as usual, but she supported her aunt’s invitation with a little smile. It was enough.
“We thank you, ma’am; a drink would be perfect,” he finally agreed.
“My husband and brother should be home soon,” Mrs Gardiner said.
“I look forward to meeting them,” Bingley declared.
“I hope your sisters are in good health, Mr Bingley?” Elizabeth asked with pretended interest.
“Yes, very well. I have not seen them much. I was away for almost three months while they remained in Town. They are not very fond of the country.”
“We noticed that some time ago,” Elizabeth whispered.
The walk back home was almost as uncomfortable as the meeting. Each moved carefully to avoid touching the other; glances were stolen, questions and answers addressed but barely comprehended.
In front of the town house, Bingley’s surprise was so obvious that Elizabeth could hardly restrain her smile.
She briefly wondered whether Lady Catherine de Bourgh or Bingley’s sisters could be invited for tea or even dinner.
She cared little about the richness of the impressive house, but she sensed a strange and selfish satisfaction at the possibility of surprising those who had so readily offended her family in the past.
Darcy was one of them, but somehow, she put that recollection aside. He looked around a moment—until his eyes met hers—then turned his attention towards Mrs Gardiner.
Once inside, the children were taken by their governess, and the gentlemen invited into the drawing room.
Elizabeth unexpectedly wondered whether her appearance was proper after playing with her cousins in the park. She felt Darcy’s gaze on her several times and tried to imagine what he thought of her, while she preferred to talk to Bingley.
During a conversation about country estates, Pemberley was mentioned, and Mrs Gardiner related her connection to Derbyshire. Mr Darcy was quickly engaged in a discussion that became pleasant and animated until Mr Gardiner and Mr Wilson joined them.
The master was obviously surprised, but he quickly welcomed them, and introductions were made again.
Darcy felt the need to explain himself. “Mr Wilson, we apologize for this impromptu visit. We sent you a note earlier, asking for permission to call. We did not want to intrude.”
“We met in the park, and we could not waste the opportunity of knowing the gentlemen better,” Mrs Gardiner intervened. “So we insisted on their joining us.”
“Well, no visit is ever impromptu if any of the ladies in the house invited you,” Mr Wilson responded, kissing his sister’s hand. “It is a lovely coincidence that you met.”
“Yes, and we were just discussing Derbyshire and Pemberley,” Mrs Gardiner continued.
“Then I am happy to join you,” said their host.
The conversation resumed, but the eldest Miss Bennet could not gather enough courage to speak. She stayed by Elizabeth, touching her arm from time to time, seeking support. She dared to look at Bingley several times but only for a moment. She looked incredulous, fearful, and on the edge of tears.
The master of the house watched the entire scene with an interest that did not escape either Darcy or Elizabeth.
“So, you are Bingley,” Mr Wilson suddenly said. “I confess you are different than I expected, sir.”
Bingley paled, and so did Jane. “In what way, sir?”
“I could not say—just different. So, I understand you leased Netherfield?”
“Yes,” Mr Bingley answered reluctantly as Wilson’s voice became more severe.
“Do you plan to keep it or to give it up? I would be interested in taking it from you.”
Bingley’s pallor increased. “I am not certain…I have not decided yet. I have not thought about this subject thoroughly.”
“Well, perhaps you should, sir. And it is good for a worthy young man to be more decided on important matters,” Wilson uttered.
His meaning did not go unnoticed, and the distress became general. The gentleman, however, seemed not to notice that his comments troubled his companions.
“Sometimes, a lack of determination is the result of too much trust in others’ advice,” Darcy intervened to sustain his friend.
“Too much trust is as bad as the lack of determination itself,” Wilson replied. “And a man of consequence should keep both under good regulation. Depending on others’ judgement more than on one’s own might be harmful.”
Darcy took the statement to heart, feeling guilty for his friend’s torment. On the couch, the eldest Miss Bennet seemed close to fainting while Mr Wilson smiled widely.
Darcy moved closer to the group. “Occasionally, a man makes a poor decision that can affect his life. Sometimes, the impact of that decision lasts for months, other times for five and twenty years. What truly matters is the recognition of his fault and the courage to make amends before is too late.
He briefly looked at Elizabeth then at Wilson, whose smile faded.
“You are right, Mr Darcy,” his host unexpectedly admitted.
“It is commendable that Mr Bingley seems willing to improve his determination in order to avoid making wrong decisions in the future. What would you say if we discuss more of this at dinner, the day after tomorrow? Mr Bingley, you may bring your sisters too. Let us keep the family together.”
The sudden change in Wilson’s voice disconcerted Bingley completely. From an obvious scolding to a friendly invitation, he was lost as to what to believe. So he only nodded in acceptance.
Darcy was troubled by the entire conversation and felt ill that he had to attack his host in order to protect his friend. But he could not let Bingley suffer from Wilson’s rebuke, especially in front of the Bennet ladies.
The invitation for dinner took him by surprise too, and he noticed Bingley’s astonishment and his quick acceptance. Again, he glanced at Elizabeth. There was no disapproval in her eyes so he dared answer in a way he would not have imagined possible only a day earlier.
“We thank you, Mr Wilson. It will be a pleasure to see you all again in two days’ time.”
Regardless, the visit continued, and somehow, the tension diminished. Mr Wilson and Mr Gardiner invited the gentlemen to the library, and the party separated.
Only then did the eldest Miss Bennet murmur, “Oh Dear Lord, this cannot be!” and ran to her chamber.
Elizabeth followed her, but Jane waved her hand, indicating her desire to be left alone.
The sorrow of so many months was painfully increased by a happenstance for which she had long ago abandoned any hope.
The pain was too strong to be borne—or to be shared—even with her dearest sister.
Elizabeth understood and returned to the drawing room. She had little to say. Nor could many things be discussed in the presence of Maria. Eventually, they returned to their chambers to prepare for dinner.
Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley departed without having a chance to take their farewell of the ladies.