Chapter 3 #2
Then he continued with great animation, emboldened by the wine he had enjoyed earlier, while Jane struggled to recover from the delightful embarrassment of such an open compliment.
“I must say, I am happy that Darcy came early. I am overwhelmed just thinking of the guests that will arrive in a couple of days; although, I suspect I shall have him to blame for the arrival of my cousins Celia and Julia. They have always entertained a secret hope of gaining Darcy’s interest. I suspect that is the reason they were never friendly with Caroline.
I believe they are in a sort of competition for Darcy’s attention. ”
Darcy stared at his friend in disbelief, paled, and then blushed. He took several swallows from his glass then looked at Elizabeth, who could not conceal her smile.
“Bingley, what on earth are you talking about?” he finally uttered.
“Come now, I was joking. You should not be embarrassed, as we are with family. But you know I am right.” Bingley laughed, though the others appeared reluctant to share his amusement.
“It is not the kind of joke to be made in the presence of ladies. Not to mention it is ridiculously untrue. I doubt anybody would come to Hertfordshire for any reason connected to me,” Darcy responded in a low, distressed voice.
“Oh, I beg to differ,” said Mrs Bennet suddenly. Her interruption startled Darcy, who turned to her in apparent panic. Elizabeth could not decide whether she should laugh at his distressed expression or come to his rescue.
“It is expected that young ladies should try to be in the company of worthy gentlemen. How else can they find a proper husband? Nobody would deny that you are one of them, sir. You have an excellent situation in life, and it is commonly agreed that you are exceedingly handsome. Oh, do not throw me that kind of look, Lizzy. I am old enough to speak without being suspected of any preference.”
She stopped to breathe while Darcy looked at her in bewilderment.
“I mean no offence, Mr Darcy, but you should dance more and soften your manners if you wish to find a wife. People might admire your appearance and your education, but more is required than pleasant features and a large income; a man must also possess an amiable nature. Otherwise, everybody will admire you, but nobody will consider you agreeable. Just take Mr Bingley; you might be more handsome than him, but when you both arrived in Meryton, everybody liked him and disliked you.”
“Mama!” Elizabeth cried while Darcy’s eyes opened in disbelief.
“But then again,” Mrs Bennet continued in earnest, “I might be wrong, as I am not acquainted with gentlemen of ten thousand a year. Since several ladies are willing to come to Hertfordshire for your company, you might not need amiability to secure a wife after all.”
“I…I am not certain what to say on this subject, Mrs Bennet,” Darcy responded, slightly troubled by the conversation. He turned his full attention to his plate and cut his beef with exceeding care until Bingley intervened again.
“I have joked about the ladies’ reason, but my guests will arrive at least one day before the ball. I hope we can accommodate them comfortably.”
“Bingley, I truly cannot understand your worry,” Darcy said calmly, attempting to put his friend at ease. “Netherfield has an excellent staff and sufficient space. I am sure all the guests will be accommodated suitably. If necessary, the colonel and I can very well stay at the Meryton Inn.”
“Stay at the inn? Out of the question. Your presence is necessary; I need your advice on several subjects,” Bingley answered hastily.
Of course you do. Elizabeth smiled to herself, briefly wondering how Mr Bingley would conduct his life once he married and his friend was not around. She met Darcy’s intrigued look, and she knew he had guessed her thoughts. Their eyes met, and their smiles matched.
“I am certain you will do just fine without my advice, Bingley,” Darcy responded, more to Elizabeth than to the gentleman.
“Yes, but you must stay at Netherfield regardless. The preparations for the ball, the wedding…all are distressing. I shall be very happy when I am a married man. I confess I am eager to see all these agitations ended,” Bingley confessed.
“So am I, I assure you,” Mr Bennet admitted while Jane looked at her betrothed with equal sympathy and adoration.
For the rest of the evening, Elizabeth did not have a chance to speak to Darcy privately, but she felt content.
He smiled often, mostly at her. His smile was different than in the past, and it touched not only his lips but his eyes.
Past stares turned into warm gazes, and his voice had lost its former severity.
Every small gesture showed he was pleased to be there despite the embarrassing moments he had to bear.
And she was happy to have him in her home.
When the guests finally left, her happiness remained, as she knew she would see him again the next day.
∞∞∞
Daylight found Elizabeth awake and restless though the entire house was still cloaked in silence.
She looked at Jane, who was sleeping peacefully, and a strange feeling gripped her.
Their lives would soon change forever. Her dear sister, with whom she had shared this bedchamber, the fears, and the joys since she could remember, would leave.
Joy and sadness contended in Elizabeth’s heart. She knew Jane had found her perfect match. She knew Mr Bingley would struggle to remedy his past weaknesses by making their marriage a blissful one.
But she also knew she would lose the person most dear to her, the most trusted confident, the kindest and most generous sister one could hope for. Jane would remain close by, but Elizabeth knew she had to step aside to allow Mr Bingley to take his rightful place as the person closest to Jane.
Elizabeth watched her sister for another moment and quietly left the room and then the house.
It was too early for anything except a long walk in the chilly mist. Only yesterday morning, her solitary walks were driven by torment, fears, and lost hopes.
Now, as she hastened her pace, she went as far as possible to calm her mind and steady her heart.
Soon she would have to return and enjoy breakfast, and perhaps they would receive a call before noon.
Strangely, she gave not the slightest consideration to the ball or the others who were expected to arrive at Netherfield. She had always enjoyed being in company and attending balls and parties, but now, there was only one companion she wanted.
The path to Oakham Mount climbed through the trees now empty of leaves, and the wind touched her hair and cheeks like a frozen caress.
Below in the valley, a trail of smoke from Longbourn and another from Netherfield swirled toward the grey sky.
Three miles separated the two houses—and the people inside them.
The one who held her interest must still be asleep.
She scolded herself for her foolishness. Of course, he was still asleep. Or perhaps resting in the comfort of his chamber. Or writing to his sister? She imagined him in his nightshirt, the collar opened to reveal his neck and his torso below…
Oh, this is complete nonsense. Shame on me; I must be losing my mind, she silently censured her outrageous thoughts.
She removed her bonnet, wishing for a cold breeze to blow the disturbing images from her head. For a while, Elizabeth continued her walk; she forbade her mind to think of anything or her heart to feel what it should not.
A weak sun rose tentatively, melting the hoarfrost from the ground. Elizabeth closed her eyes and breathed deeply, wishing the freezing air would chill her heart.
When she first heard the voice calling her, she did not open her eyes; she surely imagined it. Then her name sounded again, closer, and she finally turned. Her heart pounded as her knees suddenly threaten to betray her.
He was looking at her, his eyes warmed by a smile that twisted the corners of his lips.
“Miss Bennet…good morning…I apologise for startling you…”
“Mr Darcy…good morning, sir.”
“You are well, I hope?”
“Yes…yes, I am…and you, sir?”
“I am very well, thank you. I am taking time to enjoy the beauties of Hertfordshire that I unwisely neglected when I was last here.”
His gaze became too intense to bear, and she felt her cheeks burning.
“The views are beautiful, indeed. I enjoy them as often as I can. That is why I like long walks. This path is my favourite…”
“I am glad we happened upon the same path. I believe it has become my favourite as well…” His smile seemed to warm even more, along with her heart.
“May I keep you company? If you prefer solitude, I shall readily depart,” he offered.
“Oh no, no,” she answered with a haste that embarrassed her. She felt she was behaving like a silly girl without manners. Her composure was gone, and words seemed difficult to find.
“I mean…I should return home now. It will soon be time for breakfast. I do not want to keep you if you have other business,” she finally replied.
“Not at all. I should be happy to accompany you back to Longbourn.”
They started to walk slowly, his horse obediently following at a distance.
Elizabeth’s enjoyment was tempered by her distress. Her heart beat unsteadily, and she could feel the warmth of his closeness. They were alone, far from everything and everyone else. He said nothing, and she did not trust herself to speak.
Then suddenly, she stopped to face him, and the words escaped her mouth before her mind could censure them.
“Mr Darcy, I can go no longer without telling you what should have been said long ago. You must allow me to thank you for your extraordinary kindness and generosity toward my poor sister Lydia. What you did for her has saved our family from years of torment, and I assure you that—”
She saw his face turn pale, then crimson. He averted his eyes and shifted from one leg to the other.