Chapter 5 #2
“I must apologise for the day when we walked together in Kent. I told you about Darcy congratulating himself for saving Bingley from an imprudent connection. It took me a while to realise how my words affected you. I accidentally hurt you with my thoughtless ranting because my story referred to your sister—did it not?”
Elizabeth was equally dumbfounded and puzzled.
Why would he speak of something that happened nine months ago?
That conversation was the beginning of her horrible fight with Mr Darcy, and she struggled to keep it in a hidden part of her memories.
But why would it trouble the colonel? Why would he recall the discussion after such a long time?
“Please do not worry about any past conversation, sir. All is fine now. My sister will marry Mr Bingley in a fortnight, and they are as happy as can be.”
“I see that now. Darcy confessed his involvement to me and told me he blamed himself for almost ruining his friend’s happiness. But I dared not tell him about our conversation. I know he greatly values your opinion, and I did not want to pain him even further.”
Elizabeth smiled warmly and looked at Darcy—who returned a puzzled glance—then back at the colonel.
“Mr Darcy and I have discussed this matter thoroughly. There is nothing unclear between us regarding the subject. I thank you for your genuine care, but in my opinion, we should forget everything from the past that does not give us pleasure.”
He smiled and took her hand to his lips politely.
“As you wish. Miss Elizabeth, I cannot waste this chance to tell you that, from the beginning of our acquaintance, I have admired you. If my situation in life were different and I could afford to make a choice with my heart, I would surely wish to know you better and to offer you more than my loyal friendship.”
Elizabeth gently withdrew her hand. “Dear Colonel Fitzwilliam, your friendship honours me, and I value it exceedingly. I hope to benefit from it for many years to come, and I assure you of my loyalty in return. I am proud and grateful that you choose me with your heart—as your friend. No matter your situation in life, there is nothing more I could wish from you.”
He looked surprised, but she knew he understood her meaning.
With amusement, she considered that no Fitzwilliam man could imagine a woman being unaffected by his attention.
She hoped the colonel would take her at her word—a simple, genuine confession of her true feelings.
She had never expected anything more from him, and she was confident that his feelings for her—if any—were no different, even if he fantasised himself otherwise.
Their conversation over, Elizabeth was about to return to the settee for another cup of tea when Miss Bingley approached them.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, what secrets do you have with Eliza, if I may ask?”
“You may ask, Miss Bingley, but I might not be willing to answer. That is the essence of a secret, is it not?”
The colonel’s tone was amused as he stepped towards the curious lady.
“You should not worry, Miss Bingley. I share no secrets with Miss Elizabeth, only a private conversation with no importance to anyone else.”
“I surely did not worry, but you must understand my puzzlement. I did not know you and Miss Elizabeth had anything private to share. I was not even aware that you were acquainted. And now, you look so close that I wonder whether we should prepare for another wedding in the Bennet family. An earl’s son would be quite a valuable addition. ”
She laughed loudly at her own joke, joined by Louisa, while shock turned the other silent.
The sharp tone and impertinent implication drove Elizabeth to the edge of her patience. She noticed Darcy’s growing anger, but she preferred not to allow him to intervene. She did not need help in handling Caroline’s insolence.
With a grin, she responded, “Miss Bingley, I confess I am acquainted with many gentlemen of whom you are not aware, and I have private matters to discuss with some of them. Would you like me to keep you informed about each particular case?”
Darcy’s lips twisted in a satisfied smile while Jane paled and Louisa and Caroline turned red.
“That will not be necessary, Eliza; I assure you,” the latter replied.
“I am relieved to hear it, Miss Bingley.” Elizabeth smiled to temper her sharp tone before refilling her teacup.
“But you must admit that, with everything that has occurred in your family in the last months, one can expect anything and be prepared for any development. Even Mr Darcy has appeared to change his opinion quite markedly regarding you and your family,” Caroline continued.
“Miss Bingley, are these unladylike comments meant to offend me or Miss Elizabeth?” the colonel inquired sharply.
“It is not about offending but about speaking the truth,” Caroline declared.
“You must know that the youngest Miss Bennet eloped with the son of old Mr Darcy’s steward and they married after some time had passed.
And then, my brother suddenly decides to return to Hertfordshire and marry.
It would be quite a development to hear of an earl’s son ignoring prudence and wisdom to do the same.
The family must possess a peculiar charm, noticed only by certain gentlemen. ”
Elizabeth’s cheeks coloured even more, and Jane became pale, her hands trembling so fiercely that she almost dropped her cup of tea. Bingley hurried to take it from her and put it on the table.
“Caroline, what on earth is wrong with you? How can you say such malicious things? You are always rude to Miss Elizabeth. We are family now, and I shall not allow you to continue in this way. You will apologise or leave us!”
“Charles, you cannot scold your sister publicly,” Louisa intervened. “Nor can you dismiss her!”
“Is that so? But she can scold anyone whenever she pleases? Do not attempt to silence me in my own house! I can do whatever I please!”
“I shall leave if the truth is so difficult to accept,” Caroline growled without actually moving.
“But nobody in our situation in life would be content to become the brother or sister of Mr Wickham! There are other things that we must accept, as we have no choice, but you cannot expect us to be pleased or to conceal our true feelings!”
Anger distorted Caroline’s handsome features while Jane looked so ill that Elizabeth feared she would faint. She quickly moved to her sister, ready to take her home and put an end to the dreadful encounter.
“I must say that spiteful remarks and mischievous insinuations are very unbecoming to a lady,” the colonel added severely.
“I cannot imagine that any man would want such behaviour in a future wife. Personally, I avoid women who are mean-spirited. As for Miss Elizabeth, I believe the man who marries her will be very fortunate, and I am rather sad not to be that man.”
“Indeed,” Darcy intervened. “There are women whom a man would rather not marry, despite the inducement of their favourable situation in life, and women whom a man will be tempted to marry against any barrier or opposition—such as Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. I make no secret that I have changed my opinion on this. I shall not deny that I first misjudged many things and many people. But I never failed to recognise the worthiness of both ladies. You, Miss Bingley, will surely remember that, even last October, I admitted to you my admiration for Miss Elizabeth. Surely, you have not forgotten since you teased me about it many times.”
His voice became stronger with every word and with the effort to conceal his fury.
“I cannot congratulate Bingley enough for deciding to listen to his heart. But I find it strange and censurable that Miss Bennet was invited here for tea, only to be forced to bear offences from someone who should be considered a friend. I truly hope she will carefully decide whom she will admit to this house once she becomes its mistress,” Darcy concluded.
“It was not my intention to offend Jane,” Caroline maintained.
“Then your success must have been unconscious,” the colonel said.
“Well, the rain has stopped,” Louisa suddenly announced. “But it seems likely to begin again.” Her attempt to end the conversation was equally rude.
Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged glances; then she took Jane’s hand in comfort.
“We should leave before that happens,” Elizabeth answered.
She struggled to keep her composure but failed, so she continued.
“Jane, as soon as you move to Netherfield, you must reserve a room for me. I promise I shall not often bother you, but it would be nice to know I need not be forced to hurry home when it rains.”
Jane attempted a smile, but Darcy’s response caused Elizabeth to startle, her eyes wide in disbelief.
“You may use my room whenever I am not here, Miss Elizabeth. It is large and comfortable, and the view is beautiful.”
She blinked and breathed a couple of times, not knowing how to reply. She realised his words were only meant to upset Caroline Bingley, who was now shocked and pale.
But his little attempt to mock Caroline, which should have amused Elizabeth, troubled her greatly.
Her thoughts circled the idea of using Darcy’s room and resting in the bed where he usually slept.
A strange heat enveloped her, and she strove to regain some calmness before answering with the same purpose of disturbing Caroline.
“I would not wish to do that, Mr Darcy, as I hope you will often be at Netherfield. Any other room would suffice.”
“I shall try to be at Netherfield as often as Bingley invites me. Since he will be a married man, I would never intrude on his privacy,” Darcy answered.
“Oh, you know too well you need no invitation, Darcy!” Bingley replied.