Chapter 2.11 #3
When the time for breakfast arrived, Darcy went to the countess’s house, wearing a smile on his face. He imagined Bingley’s merriment and his attempt to hide from his sisters, Mrs. Bennet’s excitement, and Mr. Bennet, surely in his library, hiding from the din.
What was Elizabeth doing? She was certainly relieved that he had failed to ruin her sister’s happiness. But he had been close to doing so, and now he could admit that her accusations were correct.
His smile was soon washed away by another thought that only increased his sense of guilt.
What if Bingley had not visited them that day?
What if his aunt had not questioned Bingley and given him her honest opinion?
What if the countess had not given Bingley the idea to return to Netherfield and try to win Miss Bennet’s affection?
Would he have confessed the entire truth to his friend before it was too late?
Would he have struggled to remedy his mistake, or was it only fate that repaired his wrongs?
Had he done anything right in the last couple of years? Was there anyone around him that he had not hurt with his proud and inconsiderate manners? Since his own sister preferred to live away from him, did anyone truly enjoy his company?
He tried to regain his lost smile when he entered the countess’s house and to appear cheerful when he greeted his aunt and sister.
“Good morning, Brother. Please take a seat by me. Have you eaten?”
“Dearest, I bring news. I just received an express from Bingley this morning. He has proposed to Miss Bennet, and they are to be married after Michaelmas.”
Georgiana’s eyes brightened with joy.
“That is wonderful indeed. Mr. Bingley must be so happy. And Miss Bennet too. I am sure Miss Lizzy is also exceedingly delighted. There must be such joy in their family.”
Lady Hardwick laughed. “I have always admired a decided young man, but I did not hope for such a sudden resolution when we last spoke. Miss Bennet must be less indifferent towards him than he feared.”
“Are you pleased with the news, Brother?” Georgiana inquired. “I know you had objections to the Bennet family.”
“Yes, I am very pleased as long as Bingley is content with his choice. It is not for me to raise objections if they do not bother Bingley.”
Lady Hardwick laughed again. “If Miss Bennet is as beautiful as I was told, any objections to her family are of no consequence. When one marries for love, few things matter except the spouse. After all, nobody shares their marriage bed with the in-laws.”
Darcy cast a reproachful glance at his aunt while Georgiana blushed with embarrassment. The countess patted the girl’s hand.
“Forgive me, my darling, it is not a proper subject for a young girl, but I know my point to be correct, as I discovered myself.”
“Dear Aunt, I agree with you; it is not a proper subject for a young girl,” Darcy answered in earnest. “But there is something else we must discuss. Bingley mentioned that he would like for us to attend his wedding.”
“That would be lovely,” the countess said.
“Yes, I already sent my acceptance. But I must know your opinion because we need to change our plans again and to postpone our departure for another fortnight. We should be at Netherfield no sooner than four days before the wedding. I expect both Netherfield and Longbourn will be rather crowded with the Hursts, Caroline Bingley, and the Gardiners. What do you think?”
As he spoke, he watched Georgiana carefully. Distress shadowed her eyes, and she hesitated to answer him. She glanced at her aunt then back at her brother.
“What do you think we should do, William?”
He kissed her hand and answered as gently as possible.
“I think we cannot refuse Bingley. We can stay a couple of weeks more in Town. We can have dinner with our relatives a few times —perhaps attend the opera one evening —then leave for Hertfordshire a day before Michaelmas, stay at Netherfield until the wedding, and depart for Pemberley after the wedding breakfast.”
“It seems an excellent plan,” the countess agreed.
“How many sisters does Miss Bennet have?” Georgiana continued her inquiry.
“There must be altogether four sisters remaining at Longbourn,” Darcy replied.
“And what are they like?”
“I do not know them well enough to say. I remember Miss Mary Bennet plays the piano. Of Miss Kitty I hardly recollect anything, but I believe she is close to your age.”
“My dear girl, it should be enough that you know Miss Elizabeth, and you will have me and your brother with you. I am confident that you will enjoy your time there,” the countess added.
“I believe so,” Georgiana agreed reluctantly.
“Besides, Netherfield is large; you may have privacy whenever you wish,” Darcy concluded. “Shall we do this for Bingley?”
“Yes…of course. I wonder what Caroline and Louisa have to say about this marriage.”
“We do not know, but I am confident it will be amusing to discover,” Lady Hardwick replied. “Oh, the fun we will have at Netherfield.”
The more diverted the countess acted, the more hesitant Georgiana became. Darcy kissed his sister’s hand again to comfort and reassure her, wondering how he would bear four days in Hertfordshire only three miles from Elizabeth. Why was he exposing himself to such torture?