Chapter 5
Two days of persistent rain followed, and only on the third morning did the improved weather allow Darcy to enjoy an early ride.
The endless arguments with Hurst and Bingley’s sisters–mostly based on their offensive remarks about the Bennets–infuriated Darcy so much that he could barely stand their company.
He felt less and less capable of bearing those people.
The very notion that Caroline hoped to gain his attention and to even marry him was as ridiculous as it was disturbing.
Fortunately, Bingley was reasonable enough to discourage his sister’s irrational plans, otherwise, Darcy would have been forced to cut any connection with him.
He urged his horse forward, leaving Netherfield behind. Despite the sun shining in a clear sky, it was freezing and the cold air whipped his face. He knew his constant pettiness was mostly due to his constant thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet.
Again and again he recollected her words, and the notion that she despised him so entirely and her belief that he disliked her too, was deeply disturbing.
When he had been convinced that she recognised and welcomed his attention, he had struggled to conceal his feelings and avoid raising hopeless expectations.
Now, having discovered her true opinion and the lack of any expectations or inclinations on her part, he wondered how she could have completely misjudged him.
Strangely–and also disturbingly for his own sanity–he found himself considering the possibility of a forced marriage, if someone should discover their short library encounter.
How would his relatives take such a union?
What would Elizabeth do in such a circumstance?
Would she hate him even more? Or would she learn to love him?
But could love be learned? Could the heart be taught who to like or dislike–and even more so, who to love?
He had no doubts that Georgiana would approve of Elizabeth and very likely they would become good friends.
Just as it was doubtless that his family would resent and disapprove of her.
The Matlocks would probably accept her eventually–but with Lady Catherine, there would never be a reconciliation.
Of course, that would happen if he married any other woman but Anne–so there was nothing to worry about more than usual.
The more he thought of it, the more he realised he was not as frightened by the notion of a scandal as he had previously believed.
Elizabeth was a gentleman’s daughter and her charm, her beauty, her manners, her wit, her knowledge and her education were above many ladies of the ton.
Anyone with common sense and good intentions who met Elizabeth would immediately recognise her worthiness.
No principle would be violated by his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
And with regard to the indignation of the world–people who knew and appreciated him would have too much sense to join in the scorn.
The others would gossip for a while, until another more exciting scandal caught their attention.
But of course, all those were useless musings, since Elizabeth Bennet had made it clear that she considered him an enemy and no arguments would convince her to be trapped into a union against her will.
While a forced marriage between him and Elizabeth was rather unlikely, a genial one between Bingley and Jane Bennet seemed imminent.
And that would bring him and Elizabeth into a different sort of forced nearness, since they would probably be in each other’s company quite often.
How would she feel if such an event occured?
He needed to see her again, to speak to her again and watch her behaviour carefully. And, if needed, to at least show her that he was not as bad as her first impression made him seem to be.
He returned on time for breakfast, hungry and less distressed. Not even Caroline and Hurst seemed so annoying, so he enjoyed a good meal that added to the improvement of his disposition.
“Darcy, I am going to call on the Bennets. Will you join me?” Bingley asked.
“Yes; I already said I would and I shall keep my word.”
“Well, the Bennets must be very happy that you call on them daily. I can only imagine what kind of speculations your daily visits must arouse in Meryton,” Caroline said.
“I will not start a debate on this subject,” Bingley declared. Darcy chose not to reply at all.
“What about the ball that you promised to the youngest Bennet girl? I hope you will change your mind,” Louisa asked.
“How can I change my mind, since it was not my idea?” Bingley responded.
“Well, at least you had the doorknob repaired in the library. I was looking for some brandy earlier and I noticed it was fixed,” Hurst interjected. “At least Darcy will not scold me anymore. I surely did not break the damn thing intentionally.”
“I apologise if it sounded like scolding. We all know it was just an accident; I did not mean to imply otherwise. Besides, it is not my house and I am not even part of the family, so I certainly have no right to censure anyone,” Darcy uttered.
“Well, let us not argue anymore. That damn doorknob has been enough of a source of distress,” Hurst concluded.
“By the way, Bingley, there is no brandy left in the library. I remember there was half a bottle left when we last drank in there. Did you drink it by yourself? And do you have some more, somewhere?”
“Of course I have more; I will take care of it. I am sorry, I forgot with all the chaos yesterday that Darcy and I finished the rest of it two nights ago,” Bingley answered.
“Well, I have another bottle in my room, so there is no need to apologise,” Hurst answered conciliatorily.
Caroline put her fork down on the table.
“Charles, two nights ago was the night of that situation with Eliza Bennet locked in the library. Did you and Mr. Darcy finish the brandy before the incident or afterwards? I would assume it was before since Mr. Darcy claimed he was in his nightgown at that time.”
Bingley turned white, then crimson and threw Darcy a panicked look.
“We should prepare to leave. I would like to ride to Longbourn and the weather might turn worse later,” Darcy declared, then apologised and left.
All the way to his room, Darcy’s discomfort increased.
Caroline’s insinuations were disturbing and Bingley was not able to keep a secret.
He knew Caroline would never deliberately reveal a compromising situation involving him and Elizabeth, as it was not in her best interest. But she spoke often and carelessly.
A servant might hear her and spread the gossip.
And Bingley–as good-hearted as he was–was not used to dissembling.
The threat of some ridiculous yet dangerous gossip seemed more real than he had anticipated. His prudence had not been enough.
Darcy and Bingley rode to Longbourn on the bright, cold November day at noon. Bingley was as joyful as ever but Darcy barely listened to him.
“Bingley, I was thinking… it is such a lovely day…Perhaps you could suggest a short walk in the garden? You could share a few minutes of peaceful conversation with Miss Bennet. I am sure Miss Elizabeth would be happy to keep you company. And so would I.”
As Darcy expected, Bingley’s expression shone with delight.
“That is a lovely idea, indeed. An excellent idea! I will ask Mrs. Bennet’s permission. But we will stay in the back garden, in full view of the house, so I do not think she would oppose it.”
“No, I do not think so either,” Darcy smiled, slightly ashamed for using such a scheme with his friend.
However, several minutes later, his plan proved to be successful.
Mr. Bennet was in Meryton visiting Sir William and was expected to return soon.
Mrs. Bennet accepted Bingley’s invitation for a walk on Jane’s behalf, but she decided Elizabeth would be enough to chaperone them.
The youngest girls were kept inside, which they did not even oppose.
Spending time anywhere near Mr. Darcy was nothing to look forward to.
∞∞∞
As was expected, only several minutes passed until Bingley and Jane took a few steps ahead. Darcy and Elizabeth remained slightly behind, uncomfortable, even embarrassed, looking at each other out of the corner of their eyes and avoiding the other’s glance.
Elizabeth was startled by Darcy’s appearance and a strange sense of nervousness overcame her.
He looked less cold than last time she saw him at Netherfield and he even greeted her mother and sisters with a trace of warmth in his polite voice.
Then, when Mr. Bingley proposed a stroll, Elizabeth was as nervous as Jane–even more so.
She wondered how much Darcy approved of their walking and the notion of being somehow alone with her.
As they walked side by side, they were both careful to keep some distance between them, looking ahead, until Darcy finally spoke.
“Miss Bennet, you are well, I hope?”
“Very well, thank you,” she smiled, feeling her cheeks burning for no particular reason.
“I hope we did not disturb you?”
“Not at all; we are very pleased that you called. My father will be home soon, I hope you will stay long enough to meet him.”
“Of course, I would like that,” he answered. There was silence again for some time until Darcy continued.
“I confess I suggested this walk to Bingley, as I wish to speak to you about something rather delicate.”
Elizabeth’s heart raced and she raised her eyes to meet his. He appeared to be worried and her smile vanished.
“What is it, sir?”
“It could be taken lightly and joked about, but I feel some prudence is required. What I feared when we last talked might turn into a reason for concern.”
“Mr. Darcy, I confess I do not understand your meaning. You must be more clear, sir,” Elizabeth replied, struggling to sound light.