Chapter 2 #3
“I am so fortunate to have a loving younger sister to praise me and raise my courage all the time, Lizzy.” Jane caressed her hair.
“Now let us return to our guest. And I must ask Aunt Gardiner how it happened that they travelled with Mr Darcy. Are they truly keeping such a close friendship with him? I must say, dearest, that I agree with Papa. This is unexpected.”
“I have even more questions to ask Aunt Gardiner about Mr Darcy, dear Jane. Many things appear unexpected about him,” she whispered before they entered the drawing room to meet the object of their interest.
Elizabeth tried to calm herself before seeing Darcy again.
The surprise, the joy, the uncertainties, the renewed hope—all distressed her and made her behave strangely; she was well aware of that.
He had once been in love with her, despite—or precisely because of—her impertinent conversation and open manners.
What would he think now if she presented herself as restrained, hesitant, and silly?
Darcy was in an armchair by the fireplace in conversation with her father and Mr Bingley, a glass in his hand. On a table, there was a tray of food. Mrs Bennet, Kitty, and Mary were no longer there. None of the three enjoyed Darcy’s company, so they likely had taken the first opportunity to leave.
He looked dryer, and his face was slightly flushed, most likely from his drink and the heat. His wet hair was curly and untidy, just as she had first seen him at Pemberley. She felt her cheeks burning as she wondered whether his shirt was wet too under his coat and vest.
His eyes caught and held hers. She attempted a smile, and he responded with a slight move of his head. Then she poured herself a cup of tea and sat on the couch with Jane.
“I was telling Darcy how unexpected his appearance has been,” Mr Bingley explained, mostly to Jane. “He was never a man of surprises. I do not remember a single instance when he arrived without proper notice. But I am glad he did so now.”
Darcy sipped from his glass then stole a brief glance at Elizabeth before answering lightly.
“There are things that I have since decided to change in my behaviour. I only hope my unexpected arrival did not disturb Mr and Mrs Bennet. I intended to go to Netherfield directly and only call at Longbourn when my appearance was more proper.”
“You did not disturb us, sir, I assure you,” Mr Bennet addressed their guest. “We are indeed surprised to see you but not at all displeased. And it is good that you stopped at Longbourn as Mr Bingley is here all the time.” His voice was half mocking, but Mr Bingley responded with open laughter.
“That is true; I am here all the time. I know everybody is tired of me at Longbourn, but hopefully, they will only have to bear with me a little longer.”
“Well, that will give you an excellent excuse not to call on us once you are married. I have a slight suspicion that you will not find Longbourn as appealing once Jane lives at Netherfield.”
Mr Bingley coloured slightly and laughed nervously. A smile twisted Mr Darcy’s lips, and his eyes met Elizabeth’s again.
“Mr Darcy, is Miss Darcy in good health?” She asked the first thing that came into her mind.
His gaze rested on her face. “Yes, she is. She is in London with Mrs Annesley. She asked me to convey to you her greetings and her best regards to the entire family.”
“I am glad to hear it. I hope to have the chance of seeing her soon as I enjoyed her company exceedingly.”
“As did she, I assure you,” he replied gently. His face wore the same tender expression that captured Elizabeth’s heart at Pemberley, and the warmth in his gaze gave her shivers.
“Did Miss Darcy not want to attend the ball?” Jane asked.
“She would have liked to meet you, Miss Bennet, and to renew her acquaintance with Miss Elizabeth. But my sister is not yet out, and she is not fond of large gatherings.”
“I can well understand her,” Mr Bennet answered in earnest. “I have been ‘out’ for more than thirty years, and I am still not fond of large gatherings. It is such a pity that nobody believes me or takes my preferences into consideration, for I am dragged against my will to all kinds of balls and parties.”
“Georgiana is the most accomplished and the kindest young lady I have ever met,” Bingley said with honesty. “She is as dear to me as a younger sister.”
“I hope to meet Miss Darcy very soon,” Jane replied with genuine candour.
“You will, my dear,” Bingley assured her. “If Georgiana cannot come to Hertfordshire, we shall surely go to London whenever you please, as soon as we are married.”
The prospect of being married and travelling with her husband brought sparkles to Jane’s eyes and a blush to her cheeks. Her betrothed took her hand and kissed it tenderly, and the colour increased on Jane’s handsome face.
Elizabeth could not help glancing at Darcy. His countenance was bright, and his old haughtiness appeared completely gone. Everything in his posture showed his complete approval of the upcoming wedding.
“I also hope we shall have the pleasure of a visit from Mr and Mrs Bingley at Pemberley next year,” Darcy added in a friendly voice.
“We would like that very much, sir,” Jane replied with obvious surprise and nervousness. “We are truly grateful for your generosity, sir. Lizzy told me so many wonderful things about your estate that it is hard to believe I shall have the chance to see it for myself.”
“I am glad Miss Elizabeth approved of Pemberley,” Darcy said, still speaking to Jane. Although he did not even look at her, Elizabeth’s heart started to race again. “Unfortunately, Miss Elizabeth did not have time to visit much of the park, but I trust she will return with you next year.”
Only when he finished did Darcy glance at Elizabeth. His little smile was more meaningful than his words, and his eyes spoke to her even when he was silent.
“I should like that very much,” she struggled to reply.
Her voice was unsteady and her words unclear.
Elizabeth’s heart felt that the invitation was meant for her more than for Jane, although her mind argued to be cautious and avoid thinking it was more than it was.
Her lips became dry, and she hurried to pour herself a cup of tea.
She felt Darcy’s gaze burning her nape, but she did not turn.
Her fingers trembled, so she held the cup tightly then slowly returned to her chair.
She finally dared to look at him. His gaze was still fixed upon her, and the little smile was still in his eyes.
“Mr Darcy, I understand you are aware of the reason for Lizzy’s sudden departure…from Pemberley, I mean…”
This remark by Mr Bennet startled both Elizabeth and Darcy. They looked at each other; then he averted his eyes and swallowed some brandy. Elizabeth’s fingers clenched her cup.
“I am, sir. Miss Elizabeth and Mr Gardiner offered me some details. I feel I need to apologise for my carelessness. Mr Wickham is not an honourable man, and had I exposed him the moment I saw him in Meryton, this unpleasant situation might not have arisen.”
“Mr Darcy, I confess I was not very fond of your company last year. I prefer people with open manners and ridiculous behaviour to amuse myself during long, unpleasant parties. However, one could hardly blame you for anything Wickham has done. If so, I am to blame for raising a daughter too credulous for her own good and too young to be left alone far from her family. With this guilt I shall have to live.”
“As shall I, Mr Bennet,” Darcy replied seriously, and a heavy silence fell over the room.
Elizabeth’s torment increased, as she feared what else her father might say.
She was the only one to discover the extent of Darcy’s involvement in Lydia’s marriage and the money he had wasted in paying Wickham’s debts and buying his new commission.
However, Mrs Gardiner had begged for discretion since Mr Darcy wished to keep the matter secret, and Elizabeth was frightened that her father might have guessed enough to insist upon further discussion.
To her relief, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a carriage and the joyful sounds of the Gardiner children. Following several minutes of bustle and din, the Gardiners’ carriage took Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley to Netherfield.
Elizabeth slowly moved toward the window, gazing after the carriage, and she noticed Darcy looking back at her.
They were expected to return for dinner, but she already felt his absence.
She stared outside at the rain and the wind and the leaves fallen to the ground.
Only a few hours before, she wondered whether she would ever see him again, and now he was here.
The autumn she so disliked earlier suddenly became her favourite time of year.