Chapter 3 #3
Indeed, Mr Gilbert Drake Wilson’s arrival at Longbourn was a Christmas miracle!
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Two weeks had passed since the guests’ departure when Elizabeth received two letters that gave her equal pleasure and concern.
One was from Mrs Gardiner, who tenderly approached the delicate subject of her attachment to Mr Wickham. She confessed she had noticed their mutual inclination towards each other and wanted to warn Elizabeth against an imprudent match.
You are a sensible girl, Lizzy. Therefore, I am not afraid to speak openly.
Do not involve yourself or him in an affection that a want of fortune would make imprudent.
I have nothing to say against him; he is a most interesting young man, although I confess Gilbert shared some suspicions with me.
He is not so fond of Mr Wickham, but I think it is only a manly thing.
My dear brother has spent too much time guarded against those who might harm him and sees shadows even where they do not exist. To me, if Wickham had the fortune he ought to have, I should think you could not do better.
But as it is, you must not allow yourself to fall into a fantasy that cannot be.
Your father depends on your resolution and good conduct I am sure. You must not disappoint him.
Elizabeth finished reading with a broad smile. It was not the first time her aunt had mentioned the matter, nor the first time she gave advice.
Indeed, Elizabeth was not in love with Mr Wickham.
She felt nothing more for him than for any other handsome gentleman she had met in the past and whose company she had enjoyed during a ball or a walk.
He was, beyond all comparison, the most agreeable man she ever saw, but she knew—she felt—that love must mean something more.
Much more. She was undoubtedly worried about the notion of his becoming really attached to her, but for the time being, she had enough wit to notice he was equally pleasant to all the other young women around Meryton.
He, too, must know that an alliance with her would be thoughtless and dangerous and bring a life of misery to them both.
“Oh!—that abominable Mr Darcy!’ she mused half in jest. However, a moment later she wondered whether her feelings for Mr Wickham would—or could—become more profound were he in possession of a comfortable living.
Was there more of him to attract her than he had already shown to her—and the entire neighbourhood?
He had been at Longbourn quite often with parties of guests, but she did not feel her inclination for him changing or growing.
Still, he was a delightful companion, an excellent dancer, and a handsome presence.
She responded to her aunt’s letter in a light-hearted manner then moved to Jane’s. The tone of the writing was sombre, and Elizabeth felt her sister’s sadness as a grip to her chest. Jane had finally called on Miss Bingley with Mrs Gardiner, but the event did not bring her joy.
I did not think Caroline was in spirits, but she was delighted to see me.
I inquired after their brother, of course.
He was well but so much engaged with Mr Darcy that they scarcely saw him.
They expected Miss Darcy to dinner, but I did not see her as we had to leave.
Caroline and Mrs Hurst were going out. I am confident I shall soon see them here.
Elizabeth shook her head over this letter, feeling pained and angry. It convinced her that the arrogant sisters had no feelings for Jane and no intention of informing their brother of her presence in Town.
Until then, my uncle, aunt, and I are very busy with the arrangements for Mr Wilson’s new home.
He has rented a house near Hyde Park that affords such a beautiful view from every window.
And the house is just wonderful, Lizzy. I have never been in such a manor in Town.
It belonged to an earl, and it must have been painfully expensive.
Mr Wilson wanted to buy it, but the heirs prefer to rent for now, as there were some things to be taken care of before selling it.
It is only thirty minutes away by carriage.
He asked Aunt Madeline and me to be in charge of the decorations and all the arrangements.
It is a huge responsibility. Dearest Lizzy, it makes me dizzy to see how much money he is willing to spend.
And he keeps buying presents for me, my aunt, and our cousins.
I wonder, during our daily wanderings in Town, whether I might happen upon Mr Bingley. It is not impossible, I believe.
No, it was not impossible at all, Elizabeth thought.
Only through an accident could Mr Bingley discover her sister’s being in Town, but the accident seemed likely to occur—an accident or perhaps Mr Wilson’s help.
If only Jane would dare to ask it. It was not impossible for him to happen upon the gentleman at his club or somewhere.
He only needed to be informed of Jane’s presence in Town—and from that moment on, he would be the only one responsible for his decisions.