Chapter 5 #3
“Thank you. Just as you and the future Mrs Bingley will need no invitation to visit Pemberley whenever you wish. And bring Miss Elizabeth with you,” Darcy concluded, exchanging a glance and a smile with Elizabeth.
His words brought her comfort and support.
Slowly, doubts vanished from her heart and her mind.
He did not hesitate to confess his faults and his convictions in front of everyone—quite extraordinary for such a private man.
She could wish for nothing more.
“We should return to Longbourn before the rain starts,” Jane whispered.
They all rose from their chairs, walking towards the door. Louisa followed them, but Caroline went in the opposite direction.
Elizabeth felt relieved to be away from the rude sisters. The visit had lasted less than an hour but had been as tiresome as a battle. She put on her bonnet and gloves, smiling as she remembered Darcy’s earlier advice.
The excitement of returning in the same carriage warmed Elizabeth again, and the anticipation of his closeness made her heart race.
“Darcy, while Bingley accompanies Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth home, I shall need your help. I received a letter from my father, and it is somehow related to you. It needs to be answered soon.”
Elizabeth noticed Darcy’s immediate distraction. He obviously intended to join them and now appeared confused, looking from the party that was ready to leave to the one that remained.
“Darcy, I shall not stay long,” Bingley said. “This evening we shall dine at home—sadly. The fight with Caroline has completely ruined my appetite.”
“We have time to look through the papers before Bingley returns,” the colonel insisted.
“Very well…” Darcy reluctantly agreed. “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, please convey my best wishes to your family. It will be my pleasure to see them tomorrow. Good day.”
Elizabeth curtseyed, her heart suddenly weighted by his absence.
“Good day, Mr Darcy. We shall await you tomorrow.” She said farewell to the others then walked to the door behind Bingley and Jane. Outside, a cold wind and freezing drops of rain met them, and the fresh air chilled her distress. She stepped carefully and was startled by a sudden touch of her arm.
“Allow me to show you to the carriage,” Darcy’s voice warmed her.
“Thank you,” she whispered, silenced by the wind.
Jane and Bingley were already inside; Elizabeth entered, her hand resting in Darcy’s. Her glove made his touch less burning, but her skin still remembered it.
“Have a nice afternoon, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth…”
“You too, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth replied, as the carriage slowly moved away.
She knew her afternoon would be dark and sad—she already felt it—and she secretly hoped that he would also miss her a little.
Caroline’s rudeness Elizabeth soon forgot. She was pleased to see Bingley gently holding Jane’s hand and speaking to her while she blushed charmingly at his words. She had no doubts about the felicity of the couple, despite any barriers or opposition.
Just as Darcy said: women that a man would marry despite anything. She knew—she felt, hoped, and prayed—that he was talking about her—for her. Her heart told her to put aside any concern, to trust and wait for the second proposal, as it must arrive soon.
While the carriage moved steadily and the rain clattered on its roof, Elizabeth wondered for the first time what the three ladies coming from Town looked like and, more importantly, whether they were truly arriving for Darcy as Bingley suggested.
∞∞∞
Mr Bingley remained at Longbourn only long enough to greet the family. Mrs Bennet inquired about their visit, but Elizabeth and Jane offered few details. Instead, they retired to their bedchamber to change for dinner, an excellent opportunity to share their distress after the upsetting afternoon.
“Dear Lizzy, I cannot apologise enough for Caroline’s rudeness. I still find it difficult to believe everything she said. I never imagined she loathed my marrying Charles so much. And how vile she was to you…”
“Jane, it pains me to say this, but only your kind heart could refuse to see the true character of Mr Bingley’s sisters from the beginning. Even their politeness is insincere. They care for nothing but their own plans, which were ruined when Mr Bingley fell in love with you.”
“I can see that now. I wished so much to gain their affection for Charles’s sake, but that seems impossible, considering their ill intentions.
But, Lizzy, how astonishing that Mr Darcy admitted his error and expressed his support for us.
That was also hard to believe. And the praise he bestowed upon us…
who would have imagined it? I think that made Caroline even angrier… ”
“Yes, most likely, and yes, the support of the colonel and Mr Darcy was commendable.” Elizabeth knew her cheeks had coloured as she told her sister only half the truth.
She pondered going further with her confession when Mrs Gardiner entered, asking for permission to join them. Jane invited her with eager affection.
“Dear aunt, you must never ask for permission. Any time spent with you is a joy for us. I am sorry we have had so little time to spend with you since you arrived.”
“You know I feel the same, my dears. I could not help but notice that you both looked troubled when you arrived. Is anything wrong?”
“We were rather angrier than troubled, Aunt,” Elizabeth answered. “We had a very unpleasant visit. Mr Bingley has all the kindness and amiability in that family. What was left for his sisters is despicable.”
“That sounds very bad indeed. Tell me what happened.”
Elizabeth—more than Jane—felt confident enough to unleash her frustration and speak unguardedly. She related everything to her aunt while Mrs Gardiner listened carefully. In the end, the lady addressed Jane.
“My dear, I am very sorry for the distress you suffered—and will continue to suffer in the future, I fear. If I remember correctly, Miss Bingley’s manners were cold and disdainful even last spring when she called on us.
As soon as you are married, both you and Mr Bingley must impose your will!
You will be mistress of the house and must not tolerate a single day of rudeness. ”
“I hope it will not be necessary, Aunt. I pray that, once we are married, they will come to see how dearly I love Charles and that I wish nothing but to share a happy life.”
“That would be lovely if they truly cared about you or their brother’s felicity,” Elizabeth intervened. “Aunt is right, Jane. You must act as the mistress as soon as you are married.
“Lizzy, I understand why you are so upset. Caroline was impolite and coarse with you—and in front of Mr Darcy and the colonel.”
“I struggled not to respond to her as she deserved to protect your and Mr Bingley’s feelings.”
“I know, Lizzy, and I thank you for your consideration.”
“May I ask, what did Mr Darcy and the colonel say?” asked Mrs Gardiner.
This time, Elizabeth was more restrained while Jane hurried to relate the harsh conversation and the gentlemen’s generous support.
“I must say, Aunt, that Mr Darcy is a daily surprise to me. He is so changed, so amiable, so friendly,” Jane concluded. “I am happy that he is a loyal friend to Charles.”
“I perfectly understand you, Jane. Mr Darcy is a continuous surprise to us too. We have come to know and admire his character. Your uncle is honoured by his friendship and declares he is one of the most highly educated and intelligent men he has ever known. He said he has rarely met anyone with such a superior understanding of estates and business. And his generosity and kindness are exceptional.” Mrs Gardiner agreed.
“I doubt he has changed in essentials, Aunt. I believe he has only improved his manners, which allows us to see his true self. And perhaps we have become wiser in judging him,” Elizabeth answered, her voice hesitant.
“I completely agree,” said Jane. “The surprise is precisely that change in his manners. A man in his position, with such a private disposition, rarely behaves so openly and friendly to mere acquaintances. He must have a purpose, or he must wish to prove himself to someone. What would you say, Lizzy?”
“I believe he enjoys your company too, Aunt. I think he is genuine in his friendship. I know he abhors disguise of any sort.”
“I never doubted that, dearest. Surely you know what I am asking you…but I shall not force your confidence, and I shall not intrude in your privacy if you would rather remain silent on the matter.”
“You are not forcing my confidence, dear aunt. I remember you suggested something in your letter too, but truly, there is nothing more to say. I shall admit that Mr Darcy and I have become good friends. I have come to recognise his worthiness and to admire his excellent qualities that I had missed in the past. And you can imagine how grateful I am to him. I can never repay him, nor would he accept my gratitude. But there is nothing more to say. There are things from the past that…you know part of it; Jane knows other parts. My heart is burdened with memories that are neither pleasant nor light…”
As she spoke, her voice choked, and her eyes became heavy with tears. Her composure betrayed her, and emotions burst into the open. Jane watched her with profound concern while Mrs Gardiner apologised for troubling her so.
“Please do not feel badly nor worry,” Elizabeth told them tearfully. “It was a difficult time, and I am relieved to share it. There is nobody in the world I trust more than you two…I am just…I do not wish to burden you with my foolish thoughts.”
“My dear,” both whispered and embraced her warmly for a long comforting moment until she finally regained enough strength to speak.
“Oh dear, where should I start?” Elizabeth laughed through her tears. “How much time do you have?”
“All the time in the world, my dear. At least until your mother calls us for dinner.” Mrs Gardiner smiled and caressed her hair.