Chapter 11 #5
“Mr Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, I would by no means disturb you. Please tell me if my presence is an inconvenience; I can very well travel by post.”
“Oh, nonsense, we can use another man— if only for helping us if we get stuck on the way. Strange coincidence indeed—have you been in town all this time?” inquired Mr Bennet.
Elizabeth’s head was spinning, and she was tempted to ask her father to reject Mr Wickham’s presence.
What was he doing there? She was certain it was no coincidence; only Mr Bingley’s kind heart could believe such a poor excuse.
How did Wickham discover they were about to return home?
And what was his purpose in joining them?
She was about to enter the carriage when her father’s voice stopped her.
“Mr Darcy! So good to see you, sir! Another minute and you would have missed us!”
Elizabeth stared at Darcy, and she could not conceal her joy at seeing him—nor did she wish to. She smiled at him, and he greeted her with a polite bow and warm smile. A moment later, his countenance paled and his eyes turned dark and cold.
“Darcy…what a surprise to see you,” said Wickham, but Darcy ignored him and turned to Mr Bennet.
“I am glad I arrived in time, Mr Bennet. I wish you good bye and a safe trip home.”
“Thank you. I hope we shall see you soon in Hertfordshire.”
"I am not certain, but I shall inform you and Bingley.”
“Darcy, you know you are always welcome—no need to inform anyone. You may come when you please!” said Mr Bingley.
“Arrange to come when you are least expected, Mr Darcy.” Mr Bennet laughed. “I know I am doing so, and it is much more amusing.”
“I shall try to follow your advice,” Mr Darcy attempted to joke with little success.
Elizabeth was still not moving. She looked at Darcy, searching for a way to dissipate the sadness from his face. What might he think to see Wickham there? And she would not have the chance to speak to him and explain…
“Miss Elizabeth, have a safe trip home,” he whispered and turned to leave.
“Mr Darcy!” She did not allow her mind to consider properly what she intended to do. “Sir, if you have a moment, there is a matter of some urgency that I would discuss with you. I forgot to tell Georgiana earlier, and—”
He moved a step back, surprised and puzzled. She looked around; Wickham and her father were only a few steps away, but she needed to speak to him.
“Miss Elizabeth, it is quite late and cold, and it has started to snow again. You should not stay outside …” Wickham intervened.
“It is cold indeed,” said Mr Bennet as he entered the carriage. “Lizzy, you should go inside and speak to Mr Darcy if you wish. But only briefly, as we must leave!”
“A moment will be enough,” she said, and with a quick glance at Darcy, she returned to the house. Darcy followed her. In the main hall, they stared at each other: he, wondering what urgent matter must be said, and she, struggling to begin.
“Mr Darcy, I just wish to assure you that I carefully read your letter,” she tentatively began, and his puzzlement only increased. The letter?
“I would like to thank you—again—for your trust and to assure you that there is no need for the colonel to testify on your behalf. I do not doubt a single word of that letter, and everything you had the kindness to tell me was taken to heart. I have been wrong in my first impression of certain people, but that is all corrected now.”
He finally understood. He looked at her in silence, and then he tried to force a smile.
“What is Wickham doing here? Forgive me, I know I have no right to inquire, but believe me, my reason is only your safety—and your family’s, of course.”
“He just arrived… He pretended he planned to return to Meryton and met Mr Bingley by chance. Of course, Mr Bingley had no other choice than to invite him to join us.”
“It was no coincidence; nothing is a coincidence with Wickham.”
“I am well aware of that and”—she put her hand on his arm— “I thank you for your concern, sir. It is much appreciated but I dare say unnecessary. My father and Mr Bingley will be there. What could happen?”
“You are correct, of course… Would you… Georgiana would be happy to receive a letter from you as soon as you arrive home.”
“And I shall be happy to write it. I must leave now. Would you assist me to the carriage?”
“Certainly.” Her hand was still on his arm, and he gently covered it with his own. They carefully stepped down the main stairs and approached the carriage.
Inside, Jane and her father were on one seat with Mr Bingley and Wickham opposite them. The latter opened the carriage door.
“Miss Elizabeth, take my hand,” he said, making room for her to sit near him.
“I thank you, but I already have Mr Darcy’s hand,” she said as she sat by her sister.
When she was in, Mr Darcy’s hand was still holding hers. She glanced at him and saw his face lit by an attempt to smile. “Thank you, Mr Darcy.”
“You are most welcome. Have a safe trip, and please convey my greetings to your family.” He then closed the carriage door and remained in front of Mrs Gardiner’s house, following the carriage with a worried gaze until it disappeared from sight.
Inside the carriage, Elizabeth closed her eyes, and for the first hour, she spoke very little, pretending to sleep.
She could hear Mr Bingley and Jane talking, and her father intervening from time to time.
More than once, she recognised Mr Wickham’s animated, amused voice, mentioning Mr Darcy’s name—once, twice, three times… then again.
Elizabeth could not be certain how much time had passed before Mr Bennet decided to interrupt Wickham’s discourse.
“Mr Wickham, I greatly appreciate your talent at entertaining us with little, amusing stories of your misfortunes. However, if you say another word against Mr Darcy, I shall ask Mr Bingley to drop you at the next inn. Travelling by post is not so bad, after all…”