Chapter 49
Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner arrived at Gracechurch Street two days later, escorted by Mr. Darcy and his cousins.
Mrs. Ashcombe had decided to stay with Mrs. Hardwicke through the period of her mourning.
Jane had greeted her sister with an uncommon animation for she could not hide her own happiness at her engagement to Mr. Bingley.
The discussion that followed was a welcome relief to Elizabeth from all the talks of scandals, compromise, and misguided proposals from unknown gentlemen.
“So you mean to tell me that Mr. Bingley contrived so bold a scheme to get rid of Wickham all by himself,” Elizabeth commented in wonder.
“Pray, do not judge him harshly, Lizzy. I know Mrs. Forster was used very ill in this scheme but that was not by design,” Jane fretted.
“Judge him harshly? I am impressed by his wit and cunning, and applaud his quick thinking. He may finally deserve you, dear sister,” Elizabeth answered with a teasing smile.
“So, you do not think that he is to blame for Mrs. Forster’s ill-judged escapades.”
“Jane, he did not drag Mrs. Forster to Mr. Wickham. He did not even wish for her to show the man any partiality. All he had hoped was that she would be loyal to her husband and rebuff his advances; how was he to know that she would betray the Colonel?”
“I had been so worried that you would not approve,” Jane hugged her sister.
“I will always approve of anything and anyone who brings you so much happiness. Now what is this about Mama and Lydia removing from Brighton?”
“The whole debacle had rather cooled the friendship between Mrs. Forster and Lydia and also exhausted the Colonel’s goodwill. In the face of all the gossip regarding you and Mr. Darcy, our uncle had written to Mama to travel to town.”
“Would it not be damaging for Mama to gossip in town? She may say something which puts my reputation at risk without even meaning to,” Elizabeth fretted.
“You are right to worry Lizzy. Initially your uncle had thought to stay away from society for he was convinced of Mr. Darcy’s guilt, but now that you are truly engaged to the gentleman it will be difficult to keep your mother quiet,” Mrs. Gardiner chimed in.
“Mama should arrive by tomorrow. Perhaps I shall speak to her about my engagement and ask her to journey back to Longbourn for my wedding preparations. She would agree if Mr. Bingley and I also accompanied her,” Jane suggested.
“I would prefer to have you with me Jane if at all possible. We shall both be married soon and will no longer have each other’s company daily. I wish to spend as much time with you as possible before that,” Elizabeth said in a rare display of emotion.
“Oh, Lizzy! I did not even think of that. I will miss you dearly. I hope Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley would agree to be in each other’s company frequently, but you are correct, it will not be the same.”
“Let me speak to your uncle, girls, your mother may already be aware of the gossip and would not agree to go to Longbourn,” Mrs. Gardiner commented.
“So, Mr. Bingley has papa’s blessing?”
“Yes. He travelled to seek papa’s blessing and also to assure him of Mr. Darcy’s upright character. He should be back by tomorrow,” Jane replied.
“What did his sisters have to say to your match? I do not expect them to be pleased.”
“No, but they have resigned themselves to our match much before he actually proposed. But Lizzy, enough about me and Mr. Bingley, I want to know all that has happened between you and Mr. Darcy. Your letter did say that there was no compromise, I only wish to know if you are truly happy, Lizzy.”
“Oh, Jane! I judged him so poorly. He is the best man of my acquaintance and there was no compromise.”
Elizabeth then continued to acquaint Jane with all that had happened from the rejected proposal at Hunsford to the surprise meeting at Willowmere, and how he had slowly but surely made his way into her heart with his thoughtful actions.
“He is truly the most estimable person, with his dedication to care for all those who rely on him. You should have seen him with Margaret, Jane. It was like beholding a different man; he was so gentle and sweet with the poor child,” Elizabeth finished with tears in her eyes.
“You have really come to love him,” Jane spoke in wonder.
Elizabeth closed her eyes with the force of feeling threatening to overwhelm her, and just nodded.
“I was worried by how furious our uncle was but he too seems to have calmed down.”
“You are correct, I would not have liked uncle Gardiner to be at odds with Mr. Darcy, but Aunt Sarah certainly helped matters. Once she realised her mistake in judging Mr. Darcy, she made sure that he was not again misunderstood. Uncle Gardiner had always appreciated her sense and intellect in spite of what Mama may feel and was soon brought to reason.”
The sisters continued their discussion until late in the evening when a servant came in with a request that Elizabeth attend Mr. Gardiner in his study.
Mr. Gardiner sat at his desk working on his ledgers when Elizabeth entered. He gestured for her to sit as he finished the entry he was making and put the book aside before giving his full attention to his niece.
“Mrs. Hardwicke spoke to me before we departed. I had already resigned myself to your choice and agreed to treat Mr. Darcy with respect, but she wished for me to be acquainted with all that had happened in Hampshire. I understand all that Mr. Darcy has done for her comfort and for the estate. He has even offered for her to remain in the main house and had insisted that Mrs. Ashcombe attempt to persuade her of the same when he left for town.”
Elizabeth stared at her uncle in wonder. Darcy had discussed the possibility with her once but she had never realised how serious he had been in his intent.
“I see you are surprised. It speaks well of your betrothed that he did not immediately inform you of his actions.”
“Mr. Darcy has always considered Aunt Sarah his family and I am sure the decision has nothing to do with our engagement.”
“I would have scoffed at such a notion, had I not known that most of what he has done for your aunt was undertaken before he had any hope of your acceptance.” On seeing Elizabeth’s pained expression, he continued, “I will not revisit your earlier disagreements and misunderstandings with the gentleman; but I will say this Lizzy, that I am proud of you for having inspired such devotion in so admirable a man.”
Elizabeth blushed at her uncle’s words and thanked him.
“Your aunt mentioned your concerns about your mother’s arrival.
I will make sure nothing untoward occurs.
I have sent a note to Mr. Darcy’s uncles, the Earl and the Judge, and will meet them tomorrow to discuss the matter.
I plan to be candid in my conversation and I am sure they will know the best way forward. ”
“Will you also meet Mr. Darcy, Uncle?” Elizabeth asked.
“I am not sure, but I understand from your aunt that he has accepted an invitation to dinner tomorrow night. He may even call during the day to introduce his sister to you.”
Elizabeth smiled in response, hoping she might soon be in the gentleman’s company and then left her uncle’s study.