Chapter 10
During the week following the assembly, Darcy and Bingley visited Longbourn every other day.
On such occasions they usually spent a little time with the ladies in the drawing-room then, with one exception when it rained, Bingley suggested a walk in the garden.
Those always desirous for a stroll were Jane, Elizabeth, Darcy and once, Mary.
Kitty and Lydia were still too uncomfortable in Darcy’s presence, so they avoided him as much as possible.
Mrs. Bennet was careful to remove any disturbance that might affect Mr. Bingley’s obvious admiration for Jane and by this, she also meant anything and anyone who might annoy Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy.
Fortunately for Mrs. Bennet’s nerves, the arrogant, aloof and pretentious gentleman of ten thousand a year seemed to enjoy Mr. Bennet’s company, a preference that was reciprocated.
Furthermore, after his rude behaviour at the assembly, Mr. Darcy seemed to get along well enough with Elizabeth too.
Considering that her second daughter was her father’s favourite, that was only logical to Mrs. Bennet, and one less worry for her.
Despite his apparent politeness towards their family, Mr. Darcy was still not the sort of man Mrs. Bennet would want in her drawing-room, as she knew he would always be displeased for some reason and ready to criticise something.
Bingley’s sisters expressed their liking of Jane Bennet’s pretty face and sweet demureness, as well as their utter disapproval of the rest of the Bennet family.
As often happens in a small village, reports about the Bennets’ small estate, which was entailed to a cousin, and the misses’ lack of dowry was discussed among the servants of Netherfield and quickly reached the Bingley sisters’ ears.
Even worse were Mrs. Bennet’s sister, Mrs. Phillips, from Meryton, and her brother, who was either in trade or an insignificant lawyer in London and lived near Cheapside.
“I am not surprised to see Charles so unguarded in visiting a certain family more often than propriety would allow. He is easily taken in by small talk and readily falls for a pretty face. But Mr. Darcy’s acceptance of such behaviour astonishes me,” Caroline declared during breakfast.
“I am not unguarded, Caroline. I truly enjoy visiting Longbourn and I really admire Miss Jane Bennet. I see no reason to conceal that.”
“No reason, Charles? Country people will easily confuse your desire for entertainment with an engagement! Mr. Darcy, will you not advise Charles against such imprudence?”
“I have always advised Charles when he has asked for my opinion, which is not the case now,” Darcy replied sternly.
“Well, this might be the most needed moment! If he continues this way, he might find himself engaged before he even realises it!” Caroline continued, angrily.
“And?”
“And? And? Charles, have you lost your mind?” Louisa interjected with equal disgust.
“And what? Miss Bennet is everything a woman should be. And she is a gentleman’s daughter, let us not forget that!”
“Yes, her father might be a gentleman, but their family’s situation and connections are far from desirable!” Louisa declared.
Darcy struggled not to roll his eyes as he looked at Mr. Hurst, who was filling another glass of brandy, although he had a long day ahead.
“My dear sisters, forgive me, but despite your pretentiousness, let us not forget that our family’s situation and connections are not desirable either for someone like Darcy! And yet, he is kind enough to invite us to Pemberley, to visit us here and to accept our company in London.”
“Charles, how can you make such a comparison?” Caroline Bingley cried, glancing at Darcy and waiting for a sign of disagreement that did not appear.
“How can I not?” Bingley answered, while Darcy mused that Bingley’s common sense and decency were a perfect match for his kind heart.
“You seem to forget that our excellent father was in trade too and it was only a fortunate coincidence that I became friends with Darcy and was included in some circles where we would never have been accepted, despite our relative wealth.”
“You are simply impossible! Do what you want, but do not expect me to approve of your foolish decisions or to accept lower class people in my house.”
Darcy’s eyebrow arched at such a statement, and he was pleased to hear Bingley’s reply.
“Caroline, I do not expect you to act against your will. And when you have your own house, you may decide who to accept and who to reject. Now please excuse me, I must leave you. Darcy and I are going for a long ride.”
***
After only a week in Hertfordshire, free from misunderstandings and unwanted employment restrictions, the friendship between Elizabeth and Darcy grew stronger and more quickly than it had in the previous four months of their acquaintance.
They grew more comfortable with each other day by day, recounting memories from Pemberley that now did not sound awkward, speaking of Georgiana or discussing estate affairs regarding Longbourn.
Neither of them was at ease though, not by far.
Darcy, with his heart and mind now both in agreement and ready to pursue the most important goal of his life, was still careful not to act too hastily or to threaten his amiable relationship with Elizabeth and her father.
He went to Longbourn with a light heart and butterflies in his stomach, like a schoolboy, craving her nearness, her smiles, her teasing.
He knew what he wanted, but was not at all certain of her desires, or how much—if any—of Elizabeth’s partiality for him went beyond friendship.
So he remained prudent, patient and restrained, in complete opposition to Bingley’s open manners.
Elizabeth, for her part, felt the difference in Darcy’s behaviour towards her, but she carefully put it down to his acquaintance with her father and her friendship with Georgiana.
She struggled to keep her mind clear and to only think of him as the best and most well-educated man of her acquaintance and the beloved brother of her dear friend.
Dreams of Jane married to Bingley and her married to a certain person that would make her Georgiana’s sister troubled her nights—and days—only too often.
But her wit and reason helped her to remain well-grounded and have a little hope of avoiding a great disappointment.
“Well, my dear Mr. Darcy, your advice is most valuable but I wonder if I should apply it,” Mr. Bennet said one day.
“May I ask why, sir?” the gentleman asked with some puzzlement, glancing at Elizabeth who had joined them.
“As you know, this estate is entailed to my cousin—a Mr. Collins. I have not seen him in many years, but he recently wrote to me, stating that he wished to visit us next month. From his letters I have great hopes that he is a highly entertaining fellow, who will indulge my enjoyment in making sport of others. I see no reason to work hard during my lifetime to provide him an efficient estate upon my death.”
Darcy could not repress his smile. “I can easily understand your logic, sir. As you wish; I will gladly assist, whichever direction you choose to take.”
“By the by, did I hear you mention an aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh?”
“Indeed.”
“Does she happen to live at Rosings Park?”
“Yes,” Darcy answered, his bemusement increasing.
“Well, this is a truly unfortunate coincidence, sir. My cousin, Mr. Collins, seems to be the beneficiary of your aunt’s generosity.
He was given the living at Hunsford a few months ago, I understand, together with Lady Catherine’s protection.
” The mock formality in Mr. Bennet’s voice broadened the smile on Darcy’s face.
“A strange coincidence, indeed,” Darcy admitted.
“Mr. Collins is very willing to speak of his noble patroness and very eager to provide me with more details than I would care to know. You should be happy to know that he mentions your aunt every other sentence.”
“Thank you for telling me, sir, but I see little reason for happiness in this news,” Darcy said with the same mockery.
Elizabeth watched them with utter delight. The bond between the two men was strong and they seemed to be on the same page most of the time, despite the differences in their characters. Their respective situations in life seemed insignificant to their relationship.
“I must return to London in two days,” Darcy suddenly said and Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat. He glanced at her briefly and their eyes met for an instant, then he turned towards Mr. Bennet.
“I am very sorry to hear that. I confess I have rarely enjoyed anyone’s company as much as yours, Mr. Darcy. And that is despite the fact that you have offended all the girls in the neighbourhood, including my Lizzy.”
The jest that amused Mr. Bennet made Darcy slightly pale, while Elizabeth felt overwhelmed by a sudden sadness.
“The feeling is mutual, I assure you, Mr. Bennet, but I must leave. When I agreed to visit Bingley’s new estate, I interrupted some urgent business and have now delayed it for a fortnight.
I have already stayed longer than I first estimated and as much as I have enjoyed my time here, affairs call me back. ”
“Well, I hope your affairs will not take too long, and we will see you again soon, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet said with genuine regret.
“I am not certain of my future schedule yet, but I plan to return to Netherfield if possible. Mr. Bennet, may I…”
“Yes? Of course, you may, Mr. Darcy, if I may be of any help to you.”
“Not to me, sir… I know my sister Georgiana has asked Miss Elizabeth to visit her in London during the winter. The invitation is extended to Miss Elizabeth’s sisters too.
If this is agreeable to you, please rest assured that we will make all the arrangements for the ladies to travel safely and they will be provided with the best care. ”