Chapter 9
The joy of being safe from such a dangerous adventure increased Lydia and Kitty’s appetites and kept them animated for the rest of the evening.
They repeated the story, in great detail, several times over dinner and after it. Mrs Bennet interjected briefly, while Elizabeth and Jane spoke little. There was so much for them to consider that words failed them.
Jane was impressed by Mr Bingley’s care and generosity, while Elizabeth was astounded by Mr Darcy’s behaviour, in every respect. Every gesture was so unexpected, so different from what she imagined it would be, that her estimation of him changed entirely.
After spending more time in his company and observing her father’s good opinion of the man, her old grudge was already forgotten and she had long begun to see him in a more favourable light.
She had sketched him as a difficult man, proud and at times resentful, but well educated, loyal to his friend, and most likely very skilful in taking care of his family and his estate business.
Bingley had talked of it countless times.
Every time he had called he had behaved politely towards her family – although his disapproving looks towards her mother and younger sisters were impossible to miss.
To her, after the initial offence at the assembly, his manners were almost friendly, in a respectful and considerate way.
But that afternoon, in the cottage, she met a man of extraordinary generosity, deep thoughtfulness and power that still overwhelmed and flustered her.
He seemed to be in control of everything, he missed nothing, he knew what to do and did not hesitate to jeopardise his own safety for their well-being.
And his small gesture when he helped her put the kettle on the fire still made her quiver.
His strong rejection of her walking with them to find help, she took as his concern for her safety.
She did not know if that was so, or if he considered her a good friend and held her in special regard, or he only treated her as the sister of the lady Bingley admired.
“So how on earth did Mr Darcy jump onto the running horses?” Mr Bennet asked, startling Elizabeth.
“Upon my word I do not know. But if not for him, we would be lying injured on the ground and you would have found us when it was too late, I am sure,” Mrs Bennet responded.
“Well, he is a brave man, I grant him that. And quite astonishing–rich men are not usually accustomed to putting themselves in danger,” Mr Bennet continued.
“I am sure he did so because he knows Mr Bingley intends to propose to Jane,” Mrs Bennet declared.
Jane blushed and dropped her teaspoon. “Mama, do not say that! We cannot know what Mr Bingley’s intentions are. Besides, Mr Darcy stopped the carriage without even knowing who was in it! Mr Bingley told me as much!”
“Did he?” Mr Bennet enquired, even more puzzled.
“You see? Mr Bingley always tells you more than he tells us! Besides, he offered to take care of the carriage! He said he will speak to Sir William himself! Why would he assume such an expense, if not for you? This is the best proof he intends to propose,” Mrs Bennet concluded readily.
Jane blushed, but could not contradict such a strong argument.
Indeed, no one would take upon himself the trouble of repairing a barouche for which he was not responsible, if that person did not possess a peculiar interest in the matter.
“Proof or no proof, this is a generosity I can only applaud. Otherwise, I would be forced to offer Sir William my own carriage in return,” Mr Bennet confessed.
“We should never have listened to Mr Wickham! We should have sent for our carriage, and John would have taken us home safely,” Mrs Bennet said.
“Mama, Mr Wickham was only being kind and now you are blaming him!” Lydia objected and Kitty supported her most energetically.
Mrs Bennet dismissed them with a wave of her hand, rolling her eyes.
“I shall not start this debate again. I am going to sleep now. I am very tired and I am afraid I have already caught a cold. Just days before the ball! Jane, take some more herbal tea! It would be a disaster if you fell ill, when Mr Bingley is giving this ball specifically for you! You may say whatever you want, I shall not change my opinion!”
Once Mrs Bennet had left, exhaustion quickly overcame the other girls too.
Mary joined Lydia and Kitty to listen to more details about their adventure, declaring it was a good subject for a story.
Elizabeth and Jane remained with their father a little longer, had some more tea as their mother had instructed them, and finally retired to their chamber.
They spoke less than usual as they prepared for bed, and soon fell asleep.
The rain started again and the sound, so relaxing at other times, now took Elizabeth’s mind back to the cottage.
She felt that she had been caught up in a storm of feelings, confusion and assumptions–and Darcy was there all the time, staring at her, touching her fingers with his and walking by her side to keep her safe and warm.
∞∞∞
The rain persisted for three more days. At Netherfield, the preparations for the ball involved all the staff. Louisa and Caroline did not miss any opportunity to express their disapproval, but Bingley put much effort and interest into hosting a flawless event.
Darcy kept himself away from the chaos, spending most of the time in his chamber or in the library.
He felt in low spirits, had little appetite for food or conversation, and his head was cloudier than ever.
He found some comfort writing to Georgiana and relating to her–in a light, amusing way–about their little escapade.
Wickham’s name was never mentioned. His sister responded immediately by express and her letter pleased him as always.
He missed Georgiana dearly and looked forward to seeing her, but a sharp pain gripped his chest as he realised that meeting his sister would mean leaving Hertfordshire.
His thoughts turned to Longbourn all the time, wondering what Elizabeth was doing. Some notes were exchanged between the two houses, and they found that the Miss Bennets were all well, but Mrs Bennet was struggling with a nasty cold–no surprise after the distress she had had to bear.
The more he thought of Elizabeth, the more confused he became.
He felt pulled apart between his heart and his mind, between his desire and his reasoning.
He was undecided how to proceed further; he feared he might hurt her if he showed more of his admiration but did not pursue her further.
He could not allow himself to raise any expectations for her or her family until he was confident he could fulfil them.
His torment was much easier to bear than the notion that she was suffering from his thoughtless behaviour.
Therefore, the rain was his ally, as it offered him the best excuse to stay inside, away from her for the time being.
“Darcy, what are you doing here in the dark?” Bingley asked, barging into the library, carrying some papers.
“I am reading Georgiana’s letter.”
“In the dark?” Bingley repeated.
“I have a slight headache, and more light is rather disturbing. And what are you doing, Bingley?”
“I just received a letter from my solicitor, Mr Hayward. It is very strange. Look,” Bingley said, handing Darcy the paper in an anxious state.
Darcy took it, intrigued by his friend’s apparent nervousness and read it carefully. His eyes were hurting, and he had to narrow them to read.
“Your mother received an inheritance from an aunt?” Darcy asked minutes later. “Did you know of that aunt?”
“No! I never heard of her! It seems she has lived in France since before my parents married. And she has no other heirs. She must have been rather old.”
“Fifty thousand pounds is a significant amount,” Darcy observed. “Is there something that troubles you with regard to it?”
“No…Yes…Not about the amount. Mr Hayward wants me to go to London as soon as possible, together with Louisa and Caroline. The inheritance will be split between my mother’s children, so Mr Hayward writes.”
“As is usually the case,” Darcy confirmed.
“Indeed. But I am distraught that I had an aunt and never met her! I wonder why my parents did not even mention her! I have not said anything to Caroline and Louisa yet. I have only just received the letter. I was certain I did not have other living relatives and now… now, indeed I do not have any left,” Bingley concluded with grief.
“I am truly sorry for your pain,” Darcy comforted him warmly. “Please let me know if I can help you in any way.”
“No, no. Thank you. I shall inform Louisa and Caroline. We should return to London after the ball. I am not sure how long this business will take, but I hope it will not be too long. I would like to return to Netherfield by Christmas.”
“It should not last long if the documents are clear. Besides, you only have to declare whether you accept or reject the inheritance. The rest is Mr Hayward’s job. I will recommend he talks to my solicitor, Mr Moore, if necessary.”
“Very well. I shall send my answer right away. I had no intention of leaving Hertfordshire; this comes most unexpectedly,” Bingley declared.
“You should not be upset for receiving fifty thousand pounds, even if that means it takes you away from Miss Bennet,” Darcy laughed. “I am positive that she will understand and will wait for you to return.”
“Yes, yes, I know she will wait. It is just–I did not expect this,” Bingley insisted. “Will you come to London with us?”
“Of course. I intended to return to London after the ball anyway. I must spend a little time with Georgiana,” Darcy said, embarrassed for telling his friend only half the truth.