Chapter 18 #4
After the happy anticipation of Darcy’s visit to Hertfordshire, his brief call and the disturbing news of Miss de Bourgh’s arrival brought her countless worries and fears.
The sharp-clawed grip did not abandon her chest the entire day while she waited in vain for any scrap of news.
It was settled they would depart for Longbourn the following day after breakfast, and she felt something would intervene to prevent Darcy from accompanying them.
Mr Bingley was in Gracechurch Street almost the entire afternoon, and he received a dinner invitation; his joyful and enthusiastic acceptance sounded almost annoying to Elizabeth, though she knew she should be ashamed of such feelings.
She finally returned to her room to prepare for dinner when a servant entered to announce that her presence was required in the library.
Startled, trying to read something on the servant’s stern face, and too embarrassed to ask the reason, Elizabeth hurried downstairs.
She opened the library door tentatively, and her heart nearly stopped when she saw Darcy by the window, staring outside.
She took a few steps, and he heard her; he turned slowly, and she glanced at his preoccupied countenance, attempting to guess the news he was bringing. Then he smiled.
“I am so happy to see you,” he whispered, holding her hands. Their eyes held, and his low voice sent cold shivers through her. They were inches apart, and she found no words to say how happy she was to see him. He leaned forward until his lips touched and lingered a few moments over hers.
“Mrs Gardiner was very kind and allowed me to speak to you a few minutes. And she congratulated me.” His smile increased, and his eyes still held hers.
“Yes, she… I…” Speaking—as well as breathing—was still difficult. “I spoke to my aunt; I hope you do not mind. I have never kept any secrets from her. Besides, I think she guessed the truth long ago.”
“I do not mind. I would not wish you to keep any secret from Mrs Gardiner. Besides, it seems we are poor at keeping secrets; my entire family guessed, too, without my telling them a thing. Including Anne,” he laughed, and Elizabeth stared at him.
“Miss de Bourgh? But how could she—?”
“What can I say? It is another proof that we are the least perceptive people in the world when it comes to each other. Everyone guessed our feelings long before we did.”
“That should be cause for worry, do you not think?” she replied, her heart lighter.
“Not quite… But I would suggest we always speak our minds openly to avoid any further misunderstanding.” His lips gently pressed against hers again.
The kiss began lightly, but her hands wrapped around his waist, and she leaned against him, seeking shelter in his embrace. His arms closed around her.
“Mrs Gardiner allowed me a few minutes to speak,” he said breathlessly.
She glanced up at him, her cheeks crimson and her eyes sparkling.
He placed another quick kiss on her forehead.
“I feel horrible to betray Mrs Gardiner’s trust, but I also feel horrible to be so close to you without kissing you.
We must settle a date—you must settle a date.
Do you think you will be able to decide by tomorrow?
I would like to be able to present it to Mr Bennet when I speak to him.
Do you think we should fear any opposition from him? ”
Darcy spoke with such unusual haste and nervousness that Elizabeth was not certain whether he were joking or not. His final words puzzled her even more.
“You will speak to Papa tomorrow? So you will come to Hertfordshire with us?”
“Why would I not come? Have the plans changed?”
“No, no…but I was afraid that… What happened to Miss de Bourgh? Is she well?”
His face changed, and he moved her to sit on the couch, holding her hands tightly.
“Anne is as well as can be expected. She is staying at Selina’s house, and she seems to be pleased with the present arrangement.
But Aunt Catherine arrived in Town, and she is very upset.
She wished to take Anne back to Rosings…
and…” He stopped and looked at Elizabeth then kissed her hand.
She caressed his face, her hand resting on his cheek.
“Forgive me; I am afraid I have exposed you to a most unpleasant situation. My aunt’s main purpose seemed to be to force me to marry Anne as soon as possible.
” Elizabeth looked at him, stern and pale, and he placed another kiss on her hand.
“I decidedly refused, and she became very angry. It seems she received a letter informing her about my…interest in you. She is furious with you as she holds you responsible for my rejection. We had a violent disagreement. She has declared she will not rest until she has her way. She is even less reasonable than we knew her to be. I am truly sorry…”
“Please do not apologize; it is not your fault in the slightest. Do you know who might have sent her the letter? And how does Miss de Bourgh bear all this?”
“Lady Sinclair sent the letter. And it is my fault. I am disappointed in myself for not settling this situation long ago. Both you and Anne are now exposed to Lady Catherine’s anger because of my cavalier attitude.
Oh, you asked about Anne—she is well now.
She will stay with Selina for the next few weeks…
and Georgiana will keep her company. I invited Anne to join us at Pemberley for the summer. I hope you do not mind.”
“I think it is a wonderful idea—Miss Anne’s company will be a valuable addition to our party. So Georgiana will not join us? I shall miss her dearly, but I think her presence will be very beneficial for Miss de Bourgh.”
“Georgiana will miss you as well, but you will meet again soon. Besides, I confess it is convenient for me; I was a trifle worried at the prospect of her going to Hertfordshire while Wickham is in the area.”
“I understand your worry. So—you will come to Hertfordshire with us?” she asked again, her voice hopeful.
He laughed, and his hands cupped her face as he gently kissed her eyes.
“You do not seem to have much trust in my word, Miss Bennet.” His lips pressed against hers with tender passion.
“I do trust your words…and we should settle a date. I already have a suggestion,” she managed to whisper with a last breath, until she abandoned herself to his kiss. He suddenly started to laugh, his lips still pressed against hers.
“Am I correct in presuming that Lady Catherine’s menace has hastened your decision? Her presence in town seems to be of infinite use, which ought to make her happy for she loves to be of use.”
“No, not really… I had decided a couple of days ago, but I did not dare to speak earlier. I thought six months, perhaps?” Her cheeks instantly turned crimson, and she blushed even more when he stared at her in surprise. “Do you believe it would be too soon?”
“Surely you are mocking me, Miss Bennet! Six months? You might as well have said six years! You are teasing me, are you not?”
He seemed equally surprised and upset, and his eyes seemed to plead for a positive resolution to the stressful situation. She started to laugh.
“You do not believe it would be too soon, it seems. Then by all means, please do choose a date yourself. I promise I will accept any date that my father would agree with.”
He looked at her with perfect seriousness.
“It would only take a few days for a special license. I do not believe I need more than a week to make all the arrangements,” he declared, and her eyes opened wide in disbelief.
It was his turn to laugh.
“If I were to think only of my wishes, a week from today would be a perfect time; but I do not wish to raise any speculation about a hasty marriage, so I believe three months would be a perfectly reasonable and properly long engagement. It would give us time to inform your family and to make all the announcements as required.”
“It sounds a perfect arrangement, Mr Darcy.” She smiled with delight.
“It will be perfect—almost two months of engagement at Pemberley. It will give you time to became accustomed to the estate and to make any changes you like.”
“I am certain I will love being engaged to you at Pemberley, Mr Darcy,” she said teasingly, her smiling eyes moist with emotion.
His gaze became darker, and his voice lowered as he leaned to whisper to her.
“I am certain you will, Miss Bennet.”
A determined knock at the door interrupted their interlude. They separated hastily, and Elizabeth was certain her cheeks were burning when she greeted Mrs Gardiner.
Their hostess glanced briefly at the couple; he was still holding Elizabeth’s hand. It was obvious something special had happened between them, and Mrs Gardiner smiled to herself but said nothing.
She invited Mr Darcy to join them for dinner, but he declined as he had some business to finish that evening.
It was settled that Mr Darcy with Mr Bingley would return the next day around noon to fetch Elizabeth and Jane.
A few minutes later, Mr Darcy left, followed through the window by Elizabeth’s gaze; the happiness shining from her face was more dazzling than ever.
∞∞∞
As busy as he was with preparations for his trip to Hertfordshire, Darcy thought little about the previous day’s events.
Anne was well settled at Selina’s house, and there was no reason to worry about her, so Darcy turned his mind to more pleasant subjects—like the time he would spend with Elizabeth.
Therefore, when the door opened and Lord Matlock and the colonel entered, red-faced and furious, Darcy needed some moments to understand his uncle’s anger.
“That woman is completely out of her mind. Where on earth can she be? I thought she came to see you! She left the house early this morning; heaven knows where she went. Upon my word, if she does something stupid, I shall never speak to her again!”
“Lady Catherine left without a word,” the colonel explained.
Darcy looked up in surprise. “Perhaps she returned to Rosings?”