Chapter 19
In the morning, Mr Darcy and Mr Gardiner had a private conference in the library, while the children turned the otherwise quiet house into a play-ground. Noisy chatter, joyful cries and running down the passages caused reproachful glances from Mrs Gardiner and indulgent smiles from the others.
Elizabeth passed on the invitation for her father and sister to remain their guests in the house until after the planned theatre excursion, which was accepted with gratitude, and Mr Bennet penned a note to his wife extending his stay for another three days.
“We should go shopping today, to complete the purchases on your list, Papa.”
“Yes, we should. Your mother and sisters will not forgive me if I forget something,” Mr Bennet joked.
“And then we may take a walk in the park, if the weather allows it.”
“Dear Lizzy, no walking on these cold days,” Jane replied with an exaggerated shiver. “But I would not be opposed to a carriage ride if we had some heated bricks and enough rugs.”
“Absolutely no walking,” Mr Bennet agreed. “My only wish is to complete the shopping, then return as soon as possible and take advantage of the rest of my stay by acquainting myself thoroughly with Mr Darcy’s library.”
“I wish you good luck,” Mrs Gardiner said, smiling at father and daughter’s opposing ideas for the day.
“We shall return home immediately after breakfast. Lizzy, I have long wanted to tell you — you looked lovely last evening. You are generally very pretty, but the gown was becoming and the set of jewels exquisite.”
“The set was a gift from Mr Darcy. Such a beautiful piece would make anyone look pretty,” Elizabeth said with a smile.
“I admit I had some concerns, Lizzy, but it seems marriage suits you,” Mr Bennet said. Elizabeth smiled again, then turned as her husband and uncle entered the room. Mr Darcy gazed at her, and her cheeks burned.
“I hope marriage does suit Elizabeth because we are certainly happy to have her here. The entire household and I,” Mr Darcy said, causing Elizabeth to blush even more with surprise.
“You and your household are very kind, sir,” she replied, attempting a teasing smile. To her relief, that particular conversation ended there as they were informed that breakfast was ready. As they ate, discussing their plans for the day, a pleasant interruption occurred in the form of Mr Bingley.
“Forgive me for calling so unexpectedly at such an early hour. I wished to take my farewell from Mr Bennet and Miss Bennet before they left…and until I see them again at the theatre.”
“You are always welcome, Mr Bingley,” Elizabeth answered. “But my father and sister will remain with us for at least two more days. We shall all go to the theatre from Darcy House.”
“Will they? This is wonderful news!” the gentleman replied enthusiastically, and only then did Elizabeth notice his repeated glances towards Jane.
Mr Bingley accepted the invitation to join them for breakfast with the same joviality, and, upon hearing their intention to go out, immediately offered his company.
“I am quite familiar with the best shops in the neighbourhood — and even beyond if needed! And as I have my carriage here, we could use it if you need it. Unless Darcy wishes to come too,” Mr Bingley mumbled, looking a little nervous.
Elizabeth accepted gladly, amused by her sister’s obvious delight. Jane’s beauty and demureness apparently charmed Mr Bingley, and the feeling seemed mutual.
“I cannot accompany you. I shall be out on business until noon, but I am relieved that you will have two trustworthy chaperons,” Mr Darcy said.
“While I doubt we need two chaperons for visiting the shops, Mr Bingley’s presence is a welcome addition,” Elizabeth replied.
Breakfast was soon over, and the Gardiners took their leave immediately afterwards. Only minutes later, Mr Darcy left too.
Although her husband had told her about his intention to talk to Mr Wickham, Elizabeth still wondered about his affairs.
The private encounter between Mr Darcy and her uncle that morning suggested that Mr Gardiner was no stranger to the matter.
As much as she tried to be reasonable and repeated to herself that he was not obliged to share his plans with her, she still felt frustrated and curious.
The shopping trip kept her mind busy and more pleasantly engaged in conversation with her father, her sister, and the latter’s sudden admirer. Mr Bingley mentioned again his interest in Netherfield and requested more details. Jane slowly overcame her usual restraint and answered his questions.
In their quest for shops to complete Mrs Bennet’s long list, Mr Bingley proved to be indeed helpful and knowledgeable.
He met a few acquaintances — both ladies and gentlemen — to whom he spoke briefly but amiably, but no introductions were performed.
The day was cold but bright, so they enjoyed the short walk from one shop to another.
After two hours of errands, both pleasant and successful, the carriage was full of boxes and parcels, and they could finally return home.
“I am sure Mama, Lydia, and Kitty will be so happy when they open all these presents,” Jane said. “It was so generous on your part to add your own gifts to Papa’s purchases, Lizzy.”
“It was my pleasure, my dearest Jane. We must thank Mr Bingley for his patience and company,” Elizabeth replied.
“Oh, that was truly my pleasure, I assure you. I was wondering, would you like to take a short diversion, so I can show you my house? It is not too far from here, and not far from Darcy’s either,” Mr Bingley offered. “Perhaps have a cup of tea and something stronger for Mr Bennet?”
Elizabeth exchanged a few glances with her father and sister, then gratefully accepted the invitation. Mr Bingley seemed determined to win Jane’s affection, and there was no reason to refuse him that opportunity.
The carriage drove towards Grosvenor Street, and Mr Bennet, Jane, and Mr Bingley chatted all the way.
Elizabeth felt slightly chilly, and she shivered as she remembered the time spent with her husband under the blanket a few days ago. The strange heat pooled at the bottom of her stomach, and she did not know which made her shiver more, the cold or her recollection.
Finally, they stopped in front of a handsome building and were invited in.
The house was less impressive and less elegant than Mr Darcy’s but still quite large, with fashionable and tasteful furniture, if a bit too richly decorated.
Mr Bingley escorted them to the drawing room and had just called for refreshments when his younger sister entered, her surprise and disdain apparent on her face.
“Charles! I was not aware we expected guests!”
“We did not, Caroline. It was a sudden invitation, and I am glad it was accepted. You, of course, are free not to join us if you have other engagements. I am certain our guests understand.”
“I do not, presently,” Miss Bingley admitted after a brief hesitation. “May I ask how you happened to meet Mrs Darcy, Miss Bennet, and Mr Bennet? I am surprised Mr Darcy is not with you.”
“Darcy had some business to attend to, and I offered to accompany the rest of their party to the shops,” Mr Bingley said.
“Mr Darcy always has business to attend to,” Miss Bingley said, smiling, although it was not a pleasant smile. “One might have believed that marriage would change him, but apparently it did not.”
“Mr Darcy is a busy man who devotes himself to his many responsibilities with more diligence than most people do. A reasonable woman cannot expect him to change his habits and his character just because he married,” Elizabeth answered.
“In fact, I strongly believe a wife should support her husband in accomplishing his duties in every way she can.”
“I could not agree more, Mrs Darcy!” Mr Bingley said.
“I cannot compare myself with Darcy in regard to duties or responsibilities, but I do hope that someday, when I marry, my wife will support me.” He cast a quick glance at Jane, but she blushed and averted her eyes.
However, the others noticed his gesture.
“You are still young, Charles, at an age when a gentleman needs more wisdom before he can choose a proper wife,” Miss Bingley declared sternly.
“I should hope you will not marry as unexpectedly as Mr Darcy and dear Georgiana. Who would have imagined that she intended to marry at such a young age? I do not mean to be rude, but she could certainly have found a better husband than the son of her father’s steward. ”
Elizabeth looked at her father and sister, who sat in stunned silence.
“I hope my words were not indiscreet,” Miss Bingley continued. “Most people acquainted with the Darcys know who Mr Wickham is and wonder about Georgiana’s choice.”
“It is nobody’s business to wonder about others’ marriages,” Mr Bingley said.
“Oh, come now, Charles, you know too well everybody does, even you. And perhaps if her close friends and relatives were more attentive to her, she would have had far better choices.”
“I might wonder, but I do not have the arrogance to assume I know better, Caroline. I strongly suggest we find another subject. Darcy would certainly not appreciate his affairs being discussed in his absence, nor our interference in his family.”
“Then by all means, let us speak about our guests,” Miss Bingley suggested. “Miss Bennet, pray! Are you Mrs Darcy’s eldest sister? I must say you two do not look very much alike.”
“Yes, I am the eldest of four sisters. But Lizzy and I are not related by blood, although we are as close as true sisters can be.”
“Oh!” Miss Bingley immediately exclaimed, and Elizabeth could not help but send her father an incredulous gaze.
“So…how are you not sisters?” Miss Bingley continued.
“My mother was a widow when she met Papa…Mr Bennet. He had lost his wife but had Lizzy… They married when both Lizzy and I were infants, and he gave me his name. We also have two younger sisters.”
“I see… Well, this is quite a story.”