Chapter 5 #2
“Well, not the worst but one of the worst,” she laughed. “So, did you consider returning to Netherfield?”
“Yes I did. But if Miss Bennet has finally put aside any feelings for me, my return would only upset and pain her. I cannot be so inconsiderate.”
“Very well, sir. Being considerate of Miss Bennet’s feelings in making your decision is proof of your character.
I agree that your return might have unpleasant consequences if Miss Bennet’s feelings have suffered a drastic change in the last months; however, if the lady still holds some regard for you, she might still entertain hope, and there is still time for you to assure her happiness—and yours—would you not agree?
Of course, there is always the risk of being wrong and the lady refusing your courtship.
You might even be more hurt than you already are. ”
Bingley’s countenance instantly lightened in utter happiness. “Yes, yes, of course I agree. Oh, please believe me, your ladyship, I am not in the slightest worried about being hurt. Miss Bennet deserves any risk or effort on my part. Then I should return to Netherfield, do you think?”
“Mr Bingley, is Netherfield prepared to receive you immediately?”
“No, it is not, but I do not really care; I can accommodate myself quite easily. If only Miss Bennet would not be displeased to see me again.”
“Well—there is one way to discover that for certain. Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her relatives are expected to arrive in the neighbourhood in a week’s time.
You might suggest to Miss Elizabeth that you intend to return to Netherfield and see what she thinks of the matter.
Miss Elizabeth is an opinionated young lady and quite fond of her sister.
I am sure she would have no restraint in letting you know whether that decision might harm her sister. ”
“Oh, such a wonderful idea! Miss Elizabeth and I were already friends. I could talk to her. She will let me know her opinion; I am sure of it.” He started pacing again, and then he suddenly frowned.
“But, I cannot remain at Pemberley another week. Darcy would not allow it. I offended him badly, and I said I would leave the house this very morning.”
Lady Cassandra moved closer and patted his arm familiarly.
“Oh, I am sure Darcy would welcome your staying, Mr Bingley, as I am sure Darcy values your friendship more than you think. Perhaps another talk with him would do for you both—a real, honest talk with no anger or guilt from either of you. You may still be upset with him for a time, and you may not forgive him for his deception, but I dare say that, as you deserve another chance to win Miss Bennet’s heart, your friendship with Darcy deserves another chance as well.
Go and clarify; settle things between you as two proper gentlemen should. Will you do that for me, Mr Bingley?”
“Lady Cassandra, I cannot express my gratitude for all the help your ladyship has offered me today. I will be grateful to you my entire life—
“There is no need for that, Mr Bingley. I have done nothing really. However, we should return now as the others most likely have finished their breakfast—not to mention that we have been alone for an extended time, and if anyone saw us, I would be compromised, and you would be forced to marry me. Your chance to win Miss Bennet would disappear forever!”
She mounted and galloped across the field, laughing heartily at the image of an anguished Bingley, terrified at the revelation that he might be bound to her life.
∞∞∞
“Stevens, the green one, please!” demanded Darcy as his servant hurried to bring him the coat.
Darcy looked in the mirror to check his appearance and then walked down the main stairs of Pemberley, nervous but light hearted and full of happy anticipation. Finally, she was there!
The past week had been as deeply gratifying for Darcy as it had been annoying.
After their disastrous talk, Bingley had returned an hour and a half later and asked for another meeting.
More than two hours passed in serious, animated conversation.
Bingley apologised for his offensive words, and Darcy warmly accepted them and offered his own apologies.
It was then settled that Bingley would not leave Pemberley for the moment, but he asked many questions and demanded clarification.
It was not difficult for Darcy to notice that his friend seemed more self-confident and determined than ever before, especially when he informed Darcy that he intended to re-open Netherfield as soon as possible.
Since that day, the situation improved between Darcy and Bingley; besides the qualities Darcy had always admired in his friend’s character, more positive aspects of the younger gentleman slowly revealed themselves.
He was uncertain whether Bingley had changed or he—Darcy—had finally become perceptive enough to appreciate his friend.
However, together with Bingley’s change, other events transpired, not all of them pleasant for Darcy.
On one hand, Lady Cassandra became unexpectedly friendly with Bingley, a fact that Darcy considered astonishing since his friend had exchanged few words with the lady during the first part of their visit.
On the other hand—and more disturbing to Darcy’s peace of mind—Bingley’s sisters grew more tiresome, and their persistent insinuations about the Bennet family became more impertinent.
If Bingley previously had borne his sisters’ mean remarks about the Bennets and their demanding attitude toward him in silence, lately most of their conversations ended in conflict, which annoyed Darcy, distressed Georgiana, and irked Lady Cassandra.
Caroline Bingley’s attentions to Darcy were equally tiresome, and Lady Cassandra found a strange satisfaction and amusement in irritating Caroline and increasing her jealousy. This intolerable situation must end soon or I shall be forced to take measures, thought Darcy.
But now that he finally would see Elizabeth again and enjoy the Gardiners’ company, he hoped conditions might improve.
“Are you ready yet, brother?” Miss Darcy touched his arm to bring him back from his reverie.
“Yes, I was waiting for you. The carriage is prepared.”
“I am so happy I will see Elizabeth again! I have missed her so much.”
No more than I. He smiled to himself and nodded in approval to his sister.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth could not believe she was finally there; she had thought of, dreamed about, and dreaded this day since they left London.
Their tour had lasted three weeks, and she enjoyed every day of it.
However, her thoughts mostly had been directed to a place in Derbyshire.
Restless days and sleepless nights were filled with wonderings and fears about a certain gentleman.
The most important question remained without an answer: was this love?
What was the overwhelming, frightening feeling that brought her torment and joy—the feeling that trapped her heart and mind, and gave her no peace?
How could she be certain? And if it were love, what would be its fate?
As the carriage progressed into Lambton and Mrs Gardiner shared fond memories with her husband, Elizabeth could not help inspecting the surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse of something related to the Darcys.
Secretly, she had wished that her uncle would accept the invitation to stay at Pemberley.
The mere possibility of spending the night in Mr Darcy’s house made her heart race and her cheeks redden.
They were enjoying a cup of tea in their rooms at the inn when a servant announced Mr and Miss Darcy.
Elizabeth was so surprised that she could not gather herself to rise when the guests entered.
How did he know we were here? Did he specifically inquire about our arrival?
The possibility instantly filled her heart with joy.
She managed to recover only when Miss Darcy, with a radiant smile, greeted them warmly and then approached her and took her hands. “Elizabeth, I am so happy to see you!”
Elizabeth embraced the young lady; her gaze, however, travelled over his sister’s shoulder to meet Mr Darcy’s dark, penetrating stare.
He moved closer and bowed politely to her. “Miss Bennet, welcome to Derbyshire!” His voice was warm and soft, as warm as the small smile barely noticeable on his lips.
“Thank you, sir,” she answered, as her knees suddenly seemed unsteady.
Again, Miss Darcy sat close to Elizabeth while her brother took a place near Mr Gardiner.
For more than half an hour, they shared impressions of their tour.
As was usual in Mr Darcy’s presence, Elizabeth felt uneasy and contributed little to the conversation.
However, the gentleman himself asked her direct opinion a few times, and she had to answer him and meet his gaze; she was furious with herself for feeling embarrassed and behaving childishly.
“Do you have any news of your family, Miss Bennet? They are all in good health, I hope.”
“Yes, they are all in excellent health, sir, thank you.”
“I am glad to hear it. Mrs Gardiner, have you met your friends yet?”
“No, sir. We announced our arrival and expect some calls later today, but you are the only guests we have had the pleasure to receive thus far.”
“I see. Mr Gardiner, did you decide how long you will remain in Derbyshire?”
“Yes we did, Mr Darcy. Most likely a fortnight.”
“I hope we shall meet again often during that time,” continued Mr Darcy. “Mr Gardiner, everything is prepared for our fishing party, and Mr Bingley also wishes to join us.”
“I confess I have been looking forward to it since we left London, sir, and I am prepared to take the best advantage of your kind offer.”
“Elizabeth, I would like so much for you to stay at Pemberley; we even have rooms prepared for you in case you decide to accept my brother’s invitation.”