Chapter 24 #2
A chill descended along Elizabeth’s spine as she tried to remain calm. Even though she knew it was ridiculous to take him seriously, Mr Collins’s words distressed her. As it was only a few days before their journey north, her restlessness had increased.
“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.
“Yes, just as I remembered it,” Mr Wilson added. “Of all the places I have seen, there is no other for which nature has done so much. And the human touch only enhances its beauty; it never ruins it.”
“What do you say, Lizzy?” her aunt asked. “Is it everything I said?”
She smiled, quickly wiping away her tears. “It leaves me tearful and speechless.” She laughed at her own folly. “It is everything you said and so much more.”
“Come, let us go,” Bingley said. “We shall have plenty of time to visit the estate. We are tired and hungry, and we are surely expected.”
“Should we all go to Pemberley, or perhaps take some rooms at the inn in Lambton and let Mr Darcy know we have arrived?” Mr Gardiner asked. “I am speaking of us; it is clear that the two of you and Lizzy were invited by Mr Darcy himself.
“Darcy invited us all,” Bingley insisted. “I would suggest going together as he specifically directed me. He even mentioned fishing with Mr Gardiner.”
The others hesitated briefly, but Wilson ended the debate.
“You should go, but I cannot possibly appear at Pemberley until Darcy and I have a sober conversation and settle the matter between us. I cannot just show up at his door uninvited.”
“I am sure Darcy made no such distinction,” Bingley insisted.
“You are too kind, Bingley. The argument between Darcy and me does not allow me to presume I am welcome too, and I would like to be certain before imposing myself on him.”
“But, brother, perhaps it is time you invited Mr Darcy to have a conversation. I am only aware of what you told me, but I must say that the responsibility for ending this disagreement belongs to the same person who started it.”
“I am not certain what exactly happened, but I am still astonished that Darcy would hold a grudge against his father’s best friend,” Bingley insisted.
“Perhaps, once you meet again, this entire situation will come to a reasonable conclusion,” Elizabeth said with unconcealed distress.
She knew she was speaking selfishly. She hoped that, once the quarrel between Darcy and Wilson was settled, he would recognize his own injustice regarding her involvement.
She dared not consider whether such a damaged relationship could ever be repaired.
But what hurt her most was the notion that he considered her capable of such cruel deception and subversive behaviour.
“I shall send Darcy a note from the inn. Enjoy your time; we shall meet again tomorrow. I hope you will manage with one carriage for the rest of the ride. I shall take the smaller one with my luggage,” Wilson said with a tension that did not escape the others’ notice.
“Brother, should we not come with you?” Mrs Gardiner insisted.
“Not at all—I shall be fine. There are many places I want to visit this afternoon. In fact, I would rather be alone for a while.”
He departed, and the rest of the party reluctantly resumed the journey. The carriage moved slowly to allow them time to admire the surroundings.
As they stopped in front of the main entrance, Elizabeth’s heart almost stopped too.
The door opened widely, and a girl, elegant and beautiful, greeted them with a little smile.
Behind her, Elizabeth recognized Anne de Bourgh, waving at her.
Elizabeth returned the wave, surprised and pleased.
Miss de Bourgh looked different—better than ever before.
The pallor was gone, her cheeks were slightly tanned and crimson, and she had gained a little weight, enough to show her health had improved.
Her expression was open, joyful, and confident.
From inside, a man’s steps could be heard hurrying out, and Elizabeth’s heart now raced.
Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared in the doorway, opening his arms in a warm greeting.
“Welcome, welcome! You have arrived three days early! What a lovely surprise. I could not believe it when I saw Miss Bingley and the Hursts. They are already in their rooms. So good to see you all! Please allow me to introduce you to the mistress of the house: Miss Georgiana Darcy. You remember Anne, I hope? Mrs Bingley, please receive my heartfelt congratulations. Bingley, my friend, what did you do to deserve such a stunning wife? You are the luckiest man alive!”
“I cannot deny I am,” Bingley responded with a huge grin while the colonel politely kissed Jane’s hand.
“Mrs Annesley, Mrs Reynolds, how lovely to see you,” Bingley continued, addressing the two ladies who were waiting a little behind. “This is my wife, Mrs Bingley, and her family.”
The joyful excitement of Bingley and the colonel was contagious.
Greetings and introductions were performed in a warm and friendly manner.
If there was any doubt of their welcome, it was gone within minutes.
While exchanging pleasantries, handshakes, and curtseys, Elizabeth held her breath.
She looked around, waiting, hoping, and wondering.
“But where is Darcy?” Bingley eventually asked.
“My brother left yesterday. He had some urgent business in London; that was all he said. He will return as soon as possible,” Miss Darcy explained in a friendly voice. “But we have everything prepared for you; we are so happy to have you here. Please, do come in.”