6. Longbourn—Thursday, 7 December 1809
Elizabeth felt a frisson of delight when Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy were announced the next afternoon during proper calling hours. Every time she saw him, she felt more attracted to Mr Darcy—and this was the first time that he had deliberately sought her out with a social call.
She assumed, watching Jane’s usual serene expression grow dreamier as Mr Bingley entered the room, that her sister was feeling attraction to him. She was not doing a perfect job of concealing her true feelings, Elizabeth noted with a certain amount of glee.
Unlike the day before, when Mr Bingley had only spoken with Jane, he addressed the entire family. “My younger sister will be arriving later today. She will be acting as my hostess, and she wishes me to invite the entire family for a special dinner Saturday, two days hence.”
Mrs Bennet said, “We would be very happy to attend your dinner and meet your sister.”
“It will be a dinner in honour of Darcy,” Mr Bingley said. “He has been an informative and treasured guest, but he will be leaving for London on Monday next.”
Monday next?
Mary spoke up. “Is that not the date that you plan to go to London, Lizzy?”
“It is,” she answered. Turning towards Mr Darcy, she continued, “How strange that our separate plans should befall together.”
She thought she saw several emotions in his eyes, although the man’s usual calm expression did not change much. Surprise was evident, but was there anxiety or even anger? Could it be that the concurrence of their plans made him worry that she was one of those scheming females?
Feeling a flash of anger at the thought, Elizabeth quickly laughed at herself. Perhaps she should not fly into a temper at mere conjecture. Besides, she thought she spotted pleasure in his gaze alongside the other, more confusing emotions.
“What are your plans for Town, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked.
“My beloved Aunt Gardiner needs my help. The Gardiners—including my young cousins—always come to Longbourn for Christmas, but this year they cannot travel.”
She was not going to say “My aunt is nearing her time of confinement,” because such information was not supposed to be bandied about to new acquaintances. Especially if those acquaintances were men.
Mr Darcy nodded. “I hope you are able to have a happy Christmas holiday away from your parents and sisters. It is admirable for you to go where you are needed.”
“My Uncle and Aunt Gardiner are among my dearest relations, so it is truly no sacrifice," Elizabeth explained.
“Excellent. I…uh, I plan to attend some events that may be of interest to your uncle and you. Would it be proper for me to send invitations to your uncle for such events?”
“I imagine it is very proper. Will these events be lectures and demonstrations? Bird breeding, perhaps, or horticulture?”
“Well, the first event is a lecture and demonstration on physical science. The bird-breeding event I plan to attend is very specifically meant only for members. However, I know of two science-oriented events that are open to the public.”
“That would be lovely. We may not be able to go, but I would adore having the possibility!”
Elizabeth wrote down her uncle’s name and direction, plus a short note. Folding the paper in half, she gave the information to Mr Darcy just as he asked how she was travelling to Town.
“My father’s carriage will take me and my servant to Meryton, and I will ride a stagecoach to Blossoms Inn. My uncle will pick me up there with his carriage.”
“I would be happy to take you and your servant from Longbourn to your uncle’s house.”
Elizabeth smiled at the generous offer but tapped the folded paper she had given him.
When he tilted his head, apparently puzzled, she nodded her head slightly towards the paper.
She had written her uncle’s full name and direction, as he had requested, but she had also added : My uncle is in trade, and his home is near Cheapside.
I understand if you would rather not follow through with your idea of inviting us to events.
Watching him read the note, Elizabeth was happy to see a brief smile rather than a grimace or shudder.
He looked back at her and said, “You might tell your father of my offer and let me know when you come to dinner on Saturday. I can send out an express rider that will reach your uncle in plenty of time, if you and your father decide to take advantage of the fact that I am riding to London on Monday and could provide you transport with little trouble to myself.”
“I am impressed by and grateful for your offer, Mr Darcy. I will indeed ask my father.”
Elizabeth tried to rein in her feelings. That Mr Darcy was unlikely to marry someone so far from his own circles still stood, and he surely was too gentlemanlike to wish to offer a dishonourable alliance. Therefore they were friends. Which was wonderful—and she definitely could not wish for more.
It turned out that her traitorous mind could indeed wish for more. But she told it just as stubbornly that it should not wish for more than simple friendship.