Chapter 6 - Revelation #5
“Darcy, do not deceive me. I am fully aware of your attachment to Mrs. Goulding. I was cognizant of it back at Rosings. What I wish to know is, what are your intentions now?”
Darcy found himself at a loss for words. What intentions could he possibly have, particularly concerning a married woman?
Dear God, is that what she is insinuating? Is that her opinion of me?
“Aunt, do you truly believe me to be a man who would succumb to the baser instincts and forsake my character and honour?” he inquired, his voice hushed, trying to conceal the shock within.
His tone may have perplexed his aunt, for she offered no immediate response. After a moment's silence, she spoke with a gentler tone, her authority replaced with understanding.
“No, Darcy, I could never harbour such a thought about you.
It is just that I am perplexed by your behaviour this past month.
As I said, I know of your attraction to Mrs. Goulding, when she was Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
I even endeavoured to prevent you two from spending time together by engaging you in estate matters.
I was still foolishly holding on to the hope of you marrying Anne back then.
Now I know that it wasn’t just attraction.
You loved her then and you are still in love with her.
I also understand why you have remained unwed all these years.
After all, you are a Darcy, and your love is for life, as your mother used to say.
I can understand why you felt that no one could take her place in your life.
What bewilders me is why you resist your love. She is here, within your home. It is evident to me that she cares deeply for you. Yet, you seem intent on keeping your distance from her. Why not approach her and see if the two of you may begin anew? Life is too long to endure alone, my dear.”
Darcy could scarcely believe what he was hearing. In his shock, he even missed his aunt calling him “my dear”, which was another first.
What is she suggesting? Mrs. Goulding has a husband, for heaven's sake.
“Aunt, she is a married woman. What of her husband's sentiments in this matter?” he inquired.
He witnessed his aunt's eyes widen in surprise, and in that moment, he glimpsed the Lady Catherine of Rosings again.`
“You fool. Her husband is dead. He has been so for five years. She is a widow. What opinion do you hold of me? That I would advocate for my nephew to take a mistress? You never considered asking your friend about her husband, did you?”
Bingley
Bingley, unaware that Darcy's aunt had already gone to the study, was heading there with the sole purpose of apologising to his friend.
He was even willing to engage in a fistfight if it meant restoring their old camaraderie.
He wished to go alone. However, Jane insisted on accompanying him, expressing her desire to thank Mr. Darcy for saving her life.
As always, he could never refuse her wishes, so they both proceeded towards the study.
Her presence might prevent a fistfight, at the very least.
Before they could advance far, they were surprised to see Darcy hurrying toward them. It was an uncommon sight, as Darcy was typically methodical and never in a rush.
“Darcy, we were coming to you. We wanted to talk...” Bingley began, but he was interrupted.
“Later, Bingley. Tell me about Mr. Goulding. Tell me about Mrs. Goulding’s husband,” Darcy inquired.
Bingley was taken aback. What in the world is this about?
“What can I tell you about him? He was a common old fellow, but a terrible husband to Elizabeth. What do you want to know about him?” Bingley asked, thoroughly perplexed by the direction of the conversation. He glanced at his wife, who was smiling from ear to ear.
“Where is he now? You mentioned writing a letter to Mr. Goulding. I even saw a letter addressed to that name,” Darcy pressed further.
Before Bingley could respond, Jane interjected, “Lizzy’s husband has passed, Mr. Darcy.
He has been dead for five years. Mr. Goulding is her brother, the current master of the estate.
As for your next question, Lizzy went for a walk as soon as you left.
She prefers being outdoors when she is feeling sad or anxious. ”
Bingley found himself utterly confused. What is happening here? Why is Darcy so concerned about Mr. Goulding and Elizabeth? Good God, was Caroline right? Did Darcy care for Elizabeth? Oh no!
Darcy’s expression changed from surprise at Jane’s revelation to sheer joy.
A big, beaming smile graced his countenance, the kind of smile Bingley had never seen before.
Bingley stood in shock as Darcy grabbed Jane’s hands and thanked her before hurrying to the front parlour.
To his right, Jane appeared elated beyond measure.
“Did you see his smile? Don’t tell me Darcy and Elizabeth loved each other all this time. And I was keeping them separate with my stupid fight with Darcy.”
Jane’s countenance suddenly turned sad, and she replied in a low voice.
“Yes, in part. Your broken friendship with Mr. Darcy might have delayed him from expressing his feelings for our sister. However, Lizzy also has herself to blame for impulsively accepting Mr. Goulding’s proposal.”
Bingley understood that Jane was trying to lessen his guilt.
Yet, he did feel guilty. They had suffered for seven years.
Elizabeth had even had to endure a terrible marriage.
There was nothing to be done now other than making sure that they finally got united.
If he had any say in the matter, he would make sure that Darcy and Elizabeth ended up together in the end.
Jane
Oh Lizzy, you are going to be so happy; he is a truly remarkable gentleman.
Jane's heart swelled with joy for her sister. She had keenly observed the pain and remorse etched on her sister’s countenance when Louisa disclosed about the alleged insult from Mr. Darcy. It was evident to Jane that her sister's feelings toward Mr. Darcy had undergone a change.
She also sensed her husband's guilt and wished to comfort him. She was thinking of leading him to their bedchamber when her plans were disrupted by the approaching footsteps. Turning, she saw Lady Catherine making her way towards them, seemingly emerging from the study.
So, it was she who informed Mr. Darcy that Lizzy is a widow.
“Have you seen my nephew? He ran out of the study as if in a hurry,” Lady Catherine inquired, with a certain mischievous tone.
“Yes, my Lady. We saw him. We directed him towards someone he was inquiring about,” Jane responded, stealing a glance at her husband, who now looked confused at her exchange with the intimidating Lady Catherine. He looked so adorable in this confused state.
Oh, how I want to kiss him right now.
Lady Catherine seemed to understand her feelings, for it appeared that the great lady knew quite a bit about love. Smiling at both of them, she remarked, “Mrs. Bingley, I wish to tell you that you are a fortunate woman.”
Jane immediately grasped the implications of those words. She endeavoured to do something she had refrained from before. Advancing toward the imposing yet kind lady, Jane bestowed a kiss upon her cheek.
“Yes, Lady Catherine. I am indeed exceedingly fortunate. And I entreat you to address me as Jane. You stood by me like a mother when I battled for my life. I cannot remain Mrs. Bingley to you.”
Jane discerned a fleeting moment of sadness that briefly adorned the countenance of the distinguished lady, quickly concealed. With a dignified nod, Lady Catherine walked away. Jane turned to her husband, finding him even more perplexed and even more adoring.
“Yes, my dear. I will provide you with an explanation. Let us walk to the front parlour. I have some matters to attend to. By the way, there is no need to apologise to Mr. Darcy any longer.”
With that, she turned and strolled toward the front parlour, her husband following closely.