Chapter 25 #2
“I am sorry to discover you still doubt my ability to have my way when I truly want it, madam.”
“Indeed, you are mistaken, sir; I have long stopped doubting your abilities, husband.”
“That is comforting to know.” He covered them both with the sheet.
“It is very cold, and the wind sounds quite wild,” he said, suddenly serious. “I hope they will all arrive safely.”
“I am a little worried, too. However, I am trustful knowing they are all coming together from London, so even if there are some difficulties, my uncle, Papa and Mr Bingley will take care of everyone in the party.”
“Mr Gardiner and Bingley are reliable gentlemen, and Mr Bennet can offer them proper advice if needed; let us try to sleep a little more as we have much to accomplish before their arrival.”
Elizabeth soon fell asleep, but Darcy remained awake, listening to the wind until the dawn arrived.
∞∞∞
“Oh, my dear Mr Bennet, what beauty!! I cannot believe my eyes! My dear Lizzy, she was so clever to catch Mr Darcy! Such a tall, handsome man—and what an estate. Do you not think she was clever?”
In one of the carriages, Mr Bennet was gathered together with his wife, Kitty and Jane, along with Mr Bingley; Mary was invited to join Miss Darcy and Lady Cassandra.
Mr Bennet felt horribly tired and dangerously annoyed after such a long journey in such a small, crowded place, and his only consolation was that Bingley looked more miserable than he did.
“Yes, she was very clever. Thank God we will arrive in a couple of minutes,” he replied briefly.
“Oh Mama, I cannot wait to see my room,” said Kitty. “Do you think they will have guests other than the family? I would love to see new faces—and maybe they will have a ball.”
“Kitty dearest, I do not think they will have a ball,” explained Jane, gently. “Lizzy did not mention anything like that. You know Mr Darcy is not fond of dancing and gatherings. He likes his privacy, and I believe they planned a peaceful Christmas with the family—not a large social event.”
Oh, I like my privacy too, only I am more stupid than Darcy, and I do not know to stand up for it, thought Bingley while staring outside the window.
“You cannot know that, Jane,” Mrs Bennet intervened. “You know Lizzy has always liked balls, so we must try to persuade her to have one. As for Mr Darcy—if Lizzy was smart and artful enough to make him marry her, I am sure she will easily convince him to approve of a ball.”
“Mama,” cried Jane. “Lizzy was not artful and she did not make Mr Darcy do anything. They married for the deepest love!” she insisted.
“Of course he married for love, why else would a man like him marry a wild, disobedient girl like Lizzy?” Mrs Bennet replied, rolling her eyes.
“That was precisely Lizzy’s ‘art’—to make him fall in love with her.
Oh, I cannot wait to see the house. I am so sorry Mrs Long and Lady Lucas cannot see it.
Kitty, pay attention girl, you have to be able to describe every detail of Pemberley when we return to Longbourn. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, Mama,” the girl answered obediently.
In the front of the house, Mr and Mrs Darcy waited for the guests to exit their carriage. They required several long minutes until everyone was satisfied with admiring the exterior of the house among hugs and kisses—and finally decided to enter.
Darcy followed them with hesitant steps, suddenly grateful that he had enough servants to take care of each guest instantly.
He did greet them all with proper politeness; however, he breathed deeply when the din diminished as everybody finally decided to settle in their rooms, accompanied by Elizabeth—who seemed both happy to see them all and perfectly at ease with her duties.
He had decided to retire to his library when he was surprised to discover Mr Bennet and Bingley standing quietly a few steps away.
“Mr Bennet, Bingley, I did not see you. I thought you joined the others in your rooms.”
“We can find the rooms later,” Mr Bennet said and Bingley nodded in agreement.
“Of course, as you wish. In the mean time, may I offer you something?”
“Your library and your brandy,” Mr Bennet answered, and Bingley, again, agreed wholeheartedly. Darcy hurried to comply with the gentlemen’s wishes while expressing his hope that the journey had not been too trying for them. Neither guest answered, nor did Darcy inquire further.
One hour and three glasses of brandy later, Mr Bennet finally declared himself tired, and a servant was summoned to show him to his room. Once he left, Bingley hurried and filled his glass once more.
“Bingley, easy with the brandy, my friend.” Bingley looked at Darcy and finally burst out, “They drove me out of my mind; I struggled not to jump from the carriage—can you believe that?”
Darcy patted his shoulder. “I am sorry to hear it, my friend. But why on earth did you and your wife not take a separate carriage? I dare say, that way the journey would have been quite enjoyable.”
“Damn, Darcy,” replied Bingley, with a furious glance.
“Of course I wanted a separate carriage. I even bought this large, comfortable carriage to be sure my wife travelled in the best accommodation, but my mother-in-law liked the carriage so much that she insisted we would all fit in it, and it would be rather stupid to take a second one. And do not dare to laugh, Darcy!”
“Forgive me, Bingley; believe me that I truly understand your trouble.”
“No, you do not understand, Darcy! You cannot understand it, as you never have to face this kind of trouble. You have been here all this time in complete silence and peace—
“But why did you not come earlier? Did I not invite you to come as soon as possible?”
“I did not wish to disturb you, Darcy; no matter how generous your invitation was, it was not acceptable. Jane agreed with me that we could not bother you, and she was busy receiving guests, returning their calls, and rearranging the house. And, what is more, I am really worried for Caroline since she began her tour, I have received no news from her except a short note when she left the country. Louisa has received nothing either.”
“That is reason for worry, indeed. Have you tried to discover her whereabouts? With whom is she on tour?”
Bingley waved his hand. “Oh, I did contact her friends’ families; they all said she was most likely on a ship and would send me a note as soon as she could.
I do not want to disturb you with Caroline’s silliness.
Let us have another drink, shall we? Then I will go and see if Jane needs my assistance. ”
“Bingley, I do not think you should drink more. I do agree with your other idea, though. I think you should go to your wife. Surely, her company will be more comforting than mine right now. We can talk more after dinner.”
“Yes, you are right; I have barely had time to speak privately with my wife in the past few days, you know? Can you imagine that?” Bingley walked to the door without waiting for Darcy’s answer.
“And we will have to go through this madness again when we leave.”
Darcy could not restrain his laugh. “My friend, let us not worry about your departure right now. I am sure we will come up with a solution by then. Let me direct you to your rooms, shall we?”
Downstairs and along the halls, Bingley progressed, silently wondering about his rooms, as he had never visited that wing of the house before. They finally stopped, and Darcy shook his hand.
“Go rest, my friend. This wing is only for you and your wife—nobody will disturb you here.”
“I have never been in this wing before,” Bingley said.
“Well, you have never been married and in need of complete privacy before,” Darcy smiled mischievously.
“Oh, and I forgot to mention: as you are all so tired, we will have a late dinner tonight. So you have at least three hours to rest and to…speak privately with your wife. If you need something, you will have to ring the bell.”
Bingley stared at him silently; just before Darcy turned to leave, he finally managed to reply.
“Darcy? I am forever in your debt, my friend!”
“Go to your wife, Bingley.” As I intend to go to mine.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth was exhausted but satisfied. Each member of the party was settled properly, and now she lingered to talk a few minutes with Jane.
Elizabeth felt a little worried as her sister looked pale and tired, but Jane blamed the trip and assured her sister that everything else was fine.
Elizabeth did not insist as she could easily imagine how difficult the journey must have been.
She inquired about how Jane felt as a married woman, and was content to see happiness lighting her sister’s blue eyes; Jane’s eyes always spoke more eloquently than her shy voice.
“Oh Lizzy, if I dare tell you…I am so happy—I could not imagine a better husband than Charles.”
Surely, he cannot compare with my husband, was the first thought that crossed Elizabeth’s mind, but she gave her sister the proper answer.
“I am very happy for you. I was always certain Mr Bingley was worthy of your good heart.”
“Lizzy, he is the good and kind one—and so patient. I know mother annoys him sometimes, but he bears everything with so much civility. Do you know he purchased this carriage for me? He said he wanted me to travel as a princess, and the carriage is indeed wonderful.”
“It is wonderful but not large enough for five people for such a long distance and on winter roads.”
“I know, but Mama insisted, and I begged Charles to agree. I know he was displeased, and I had no time to talk to him privately these two days. He was so silent all the time. I am so afraid he is upset with me.”
Jane was tearful, and Elizabeth was half-worried, half-amused.
“Dearest, I have no right to give you any advice, as you are my elder and wiser sister, but you should not allow yourself to be persuaded by Mama’s demands, risking the displeasure of your husband.”