Chapter 2 #2
“So, there is my apartment, then Caroline and Louisa’s—she will have to share it with her husband—then Darcy’s room, and another one for the colonel, and…”
As he spoke, Bingley slowly became more at ease as he realised the tragedy was not as great as he feared.
With Elizabeth’s help, the two betrotheds—the main characters in the upcoming event—went through the guest list again, discussing the best accommodations for each.
Of some of them, Bingley knew exactly their preferences and habits; for the others, he could only guess and struggle to be prepared.
It also became obvious that the Netherfield staff needed extra help, especially in the kitchen.
New plans were made, and from that moment, Elizabeth’s involvement increased as she was forced to provide stability, ideas, and comfort to the couple.
She did everything wholeheartedly, grateful to be part of her sister’s first steps toward a new life.
Even more so, the uproar, thrill, and utter fatigue allowed Elizabeth less time for affliction and tormenting thoughts.
Still, when she retired to her chamber for the night and sleep enveloped her, there was only one image that kept her company—even in her deepest dreams—and only one husky voice that whispered in her ear.
But she could not hear his words nor answer him.
And every morning, she counted a new day closer to the moment of his return.
∞∞∞
Five days before the ball, the Gardiners were eagerly expected at Longbourn.
All the Bennet sisters valued their aunt’s company, but Jane and Elizabeth shared a strong bond with her.
Only twelve years Jane’s senior, Mrs Gardiner was a perfect balance of youth and wisdom, to which was added her kind nature and strength of character.
In the present circumstances, the eldest Miss Bennets counted the hours until they would have the joy of seeing their relatives.
The previous night it had rained, and it was still a cloudy, windy day, so everybody hoped the guests would arrive before rain returned.
In the afternoon, the two younger sisters moved from one window to another, trying to spot the carriage.
Jane and Mr Bingley talked privately on a settee while Mrs Bennet enjoyed a cup of herbal tea.
Elizabeth lost patience; the drawing room suddenly became too small and warm for her, and she felt she could not breathe. A chill gripped her stomach, and she paced the chamber, followed by the others’ puzzled glances.
“I shall take a stroll in the garden,” she said, then hastily took her bonnet and pelisse and left the house.
She failed to understand her perturbed state of mind.
The day had been pleasant until that moment, and the anticipation of receiving her aunt, uncle, and cousins delighted her.
But still, she felt so restless and nervous that not even the fresh, chill wind could soothe her.
She walked around the garden, stopping briefly at the spot where she argued with Lady Catherine and recollecting their harsh words.
There were only late flowers in the garden, and a few leaves hung weakly from the trees, battered by the wind.
The landscape was desolate. She used to love every season of the year, but autumn had become her least favourite. Or perhaps it was just this autumn.
When she felt the first drops of rain on her face, Elizabeth hurried back to the house.
Although she was in Longbourn’s garden, the slippery ground and wet, muddy grass made her progress difficult.
She finally reached the main entrance just in time to find shelter from the increasing rain.
She stopped in the doorway as she heard hoofbeats.
She was certain the Gardiners had arrived, so she waited for the carriage so she could help her young cousins into the house.
The sound grew stronger through the wind and the rain; eventually, it stopped in front of the house, and Elizabeth forgot to breathe while her heart pounded like thunder.
It was not a carriage but a single horse. The rain blurred her sight, but she did not need eyes to see. Her soul filled with joy before she recognised the rider nearing the main entrance. The man dismounted and stepped forward, holding his horse’s rein.
“Miss Bennet? I thought that was you, and I took the liberty of stopping to greet you. What are you doing outside? Are you well?”
“Yes, I am. Mr Darcy, such a surprise…we did not expect you, sir. I took a stroll in the garden but the rain began…”
Their eyes met, and her lips remained half-open, as she could find nothing else to say. His hat and cloak were wet, and the wind was blowing, yet he seemed unwilling to break their gaze. The horse whinnied, demanding attention; only then, did a little smile of apology appear on Darcy’s lips.
“I should leave. I am heading to Netherfield; I wanted to surprise Bingley. And I must put my horse under shelter.”
“But do you not wish to enter? Mr Bingley is here. He will be very happy to see you, and John may take care of your horse. Please come in, sir.” She took a step aside, inviting him in, but he still held the reins.
“I do not wish to intrude…”
“Oh, not at all…quite the contrary. I mean, we are happy to see you, sir. Come, I shall direct you to the stable—”
“No, please remain there. I shall find it myself. Do not step into the rain—”
Mr Bingley suddenly appeared. “Darcy! What on earth are you doing here? Miss Kitty said she saw you from the window, but I could not believe it! Are you alone? Are you well?”
“Yes…I just arrived. I am going to put my horse in the stable…”
“For heaven’s sake, come in the house and let me take care of your horse! You are all wet. Miss Elizabeth, will you be so kind as to take care of Darcy?”
“Yes, of course. Sir, please come in…”
Bingley almost pushed Darcy in, and he brushed against Elizabeth as they tried to enter at the same time.
Their clothes were wet—his even more so—so he hurried to remove his greatcoat and hat.
Elizabeth’s hands were trembling, and she struggled with the buttons of her pelisse; she frequently glanced at Darcy in disbelief until she finally removed her bonnet and coat.
Jane appeared, followed by her sisters and mother, all of whom stood astonished in the main hall.
“I told you it was Mr Darcy! You should not doubt my word,” Kitty said with satisfaction.
Darcy bowed to the ladies with solemn politeness.
“I beg your forgiveness for intruding, Mrs Bennet. I just arrived from London, and I saw Miss Elizabeth in the yard. She told me that Bingley was here and she kindly invited me in—”
“Dear Lord, come in, sir! You need some dry towels and a glass of brandy! Is your cousin the colonel with you?”
“No, ma’am. My cousin will arrive in three days’ time. I travelled alongside Mr and Mrs Gardiner’s coach from London. They should arrive in half an hour at the most. I saw the clouds and feared I might be caught in a storm, so I hurried my horse. I apologise for arriving without notice.”
“Oh, do not worry. You are Mr Bingley’s friend; you may come whenever you please! Come in, sir! Hill! John! Come here at once!”
They followed Mrs Bennet into the drawing room, and only minutes later Bingley joined them. Even Mr Bennet appeared, alerted by his wife’s cries. The identity of their guest left him speechless in the doorway, and he responded with only a brief nod to Darcy’s greetings and apology.
A servant brought a towel for Darcy while Elizabeth apologised and ran to her room to change. Jane immediately joined her sister.
Elizabeth put on a dry gown and checked her hair in the mirror.
She looked quite ill, so she took out the pins then arranged them again.
He had finally returned and stopped at Longbourn the first thing.
Did that mean something? He appeared uncomfortable but not displeased.
He seemed less his old self and more as she had seen him in Derbyshire.
She was so nervous that her fingers seemed to lose their skill in arranging her locks, so Jane took over the task.
“Lizzy dearest, what a surprise—would you not agree? Mr Darcy arriving unexpectedly. He does not look like himself.”
“True…but perhaps we know too little to anticipate his behaviour. I believe neither of us understood his true nature in the past—and I less than anyone.”
“Well, my dear, from now on we shall have the chance to remedy our mistakes. Let us hope Mr Darcy is willing to keep his close friendship with Mr Bingley even after we marry. I know he was opposed to our relationship before, but we have reason to believe he has changed his mind.”
“I believe he has, Jane. If not, why would he even suggest the idea of a ball? His displeasure with such events is common knowledge.”
“I agree, Lizzy. I am no fool, you know. I perfectly understand Mr Darcy’s generous intention.
I suspect he is aware of Caroline and Louisa’s open opposition to our marriage, so he suggested a way to put me—Bingley’s future wife—in an advantageous light for their friends and relatives.
And probably to show our neighbours that some of his family are content with our marriage. ”
Elizabeth agreed with every word, but she had not mentioned anything before for fear of hurting Jane.
Now she only embraced her lovingly. “You must understand that the only reason Mr Bingley did not think of it himself is that he believes you perfect in every way. He does not need to prove your perfection to anyone.”
Jane smiled timidly. “I know that too. And I am afraid I shall not rise to his expectations, Lizzy. I pray all the time that he will not be disappointed once we marry.”
“Oh, that is nonsense! I do not doubt that he will appreciate his luck even more once he has you by his side all the time. There is no one better than you—nor more beautiful or kinder, my dear Jane.”