Chapter 16 #2
He put the letter down, closed his eyes for a moment, then re-read it, to be sure it had all the details that would trigger Wickham to act in a certain way. He rang, gave it to Stevens to give to the boy, then asked the valet to return so he could explain his plan.
∞∞∞
The news of Mr Bingley’s sudden departure baffled Mrs Bennet and consequently the entire house.
The explanation that he was eager to purchase a licence for the wedding was thrilling, but she still feared her daughter’s betrothed might have run away in order to avoid marrying her — a supposition that Mr Bennet declared to be ridiculous and not worthy of debate.
Rumours of Mr Wickham’s betrayal had spread all over Meryton, and Mrs Phillips came to discuss it with her sister.
To make things even worse, another report upset Mrs Bennet: before leaving Hertfordshire, Mr Collins had proposed to Charlotte Lucas, and they were now engaged to be married in January.
Such news almost overshadowed the joy of Jane’s engagement, and the idea that Charlotte would one day become the mistress of Longbourn brought Mrs Bennet more suffering, despite her happiness that her own daughter would soon become the mistress of Netherfield.
As expected, she blamed Elizabeth for being wild, inconsiderate, and selfish and for offending Mr Collins with her stubbornness, which she believed had caused him to turn his attention elsewhere.
“The moment Mr Collins set foot at Lucas Lodge, they trapped him. Sir William and Lady Lucas flattered him, Charlotte must have used her arts and allurements to charm him, and now there she is, betrothed and ready to steal Longbourn from us. And all because of Lizzy!”
Whatever anyone said, it was impossible for Mrs Bennet to be calmed, so Elizabeth chose to cease trying to reason with her.
She had dinner, then retired to her chamber.
There were so many things to think about, so many things to understand, so many things to worry about.
She was disappointed with Charlotte for marrying a man she had just met and who lacked common sense and wit.
However, her friend was a wise woman, reasonable and determined, who had certainly made a choice she believed was in her own best interests.
Mr Bennet informed her about the note from Mr Darcy and his recommendation to keep Lydia and Kitty away from Harriet Forster, which Mr Bennet had complied with immediately, despite the girls’ strong opposition.
Mrs Forster was still in the comfort of her home in Meryton amidst all her husband’s possessions, which seemed strange to Elizabeth.
Why would the colonel allow it, when she was surely aware of Wickham’s plans?
But did Colonel Forster know that? Had anyone informed him?
Had he believed them? Or perhaps she was innocent, despite Elizabeth’s suspicions.
It was all exceedingly confusing and equally worrisome.
Later in the evening, Mr Bennet told Elizabeth about Mr Darcy’s second note containing the invitation for her, which brought Elizabeth both pleasure and anxiety.
She was delighted with Miss Darcy’s company and pleased to be invited, even though Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst would be there.
Furthermore, she was eager to see Mr Darcy.
She missed him and kept him in her mind and her heart all the time — which was frightening.
That she could have fallen in love with a man in such a short while and have such strong feelings for him was unthinkable — and yet, it was true.
Her night was restless, as many others had been lately.
Jane was sound asleep, so at the first sign of daylight, Elizabeth dressed and left the house, disregarding Hill’s reproachful glances and silent opposition.
It was cold and misty, but the fresh air filled her lungs and dissipated the tiredness.
After so many days of ceaseless bustle indoors, she needed a walk — a long one to exercise her body and calm her mind.
Careful to watch her step on the slippery ground, Elizabeth took the path towards Oakham Mount. She had not been so far from the house in over a month, and, with Jane’s forthcoming marriage, she would likely not have another opportunity soon.
At that hour, even nature was still asleep, frozen, with no sound other than the wind and her own footsteps.
Therefore, the sudden noise of a carriage’s wheels and horse’s hoofs alarmed her.
She stepped off the road to let it pass, curious about who might be travelling at such a time.
When it came into view she regarded it with amazement, recognising one of the men sitting on the box, and immediately called out.
“Stevens? Is that you?”
The man looked equally shocked and immediately signalled to his companion to stop. Only then did Elizabeth recognise Mr Darcy’s carriage.
“Miss Bennet? What…? Madam, where are you going?” Stevens mumbled, agitated.
“I am going for a walk,” she replied, dumbfounded. She was close to the carriage door and tried to peek inside, but the face that greeted her from within was most unexpected.
“Mr Darcy?” she exclaimed, covering her mouth with her palm in utter disbelief.