Chapter 24 #3
“Yes, just as I remembered it,” Mr Wilson added. “Of all the places I have seen, there is no other for which nature has done so much. And the human touch only enhances its beauty; it never ruins it.”
“What do you say, Lizzy?” her aunt asked. “Is it everything I said?”
She smiled, quickly wiping away her tears. “It leaves me tearful and speechless.” She laughed at her own folly. “It is everything you said and so much more.”
“Come, let us go,” Bingley said. “We shall have plenty of time to visit the estate. We are tired and hungry, and we are surely expected.”
“Should we all go to Pemberley, or perhaps take some rooms at the inn in Lambton and let Mr Darcy know we have arrived?” Mr Gardiner asked. “I am speaking of us; it is clear that the two of you and Lizzy were invited by Mr Darcy himself.
“Darcy invited us all,” Bingley insisted. “I would suggest going together as he specifically directed me. He even mentioned fishing with Mr Gardiner.”
The others hesitated briefly, but Wilson ended the debate.
“You should go, but I cannot possibly appear at Pemberley until Darcy and I have a sober conversation and settle the matter between us. I cannot just show up at his door uninvited.”
“I am sure Darcy made no such distinction,” Bingley insisted.
“You are too kind, Bingley. The argument between Darcy and me does not allow me to presume I am welcome too, and I would like to be certain before imposing myself on him.”
“But, brother, perhaps it is time you invited Mr Darcy to have a conversation. I am only aware of what you told me, but I must say that the responsibility for ending this disagreement belongs to the same person who started it.”
“I am not certain what exactly happened, but I am still astonished that Darcy would hold a grudge against his father’s best friend,” Bingley insisted.
“Perhaps, once you meet again, this entire situation will come to a reasonable conclusion,” Elizabeth said with unconcealed distress.
She knew she was speaking selfishly. She hoped that, once the quarrel between Darcy and Wilson was settled, he would recognize his own injustice regarding her involvement.
She dared not consider whether such a damaged relationship could ever be repaired.
But what hurt her most was the notion that he considered her capable of such cruel deception and subversive behaviour.
“I shall send Darcy a note from the inn. Enjoy your time; we shall meet again tomorrow. I hope you will manage with one carriage for the rest of the ride. I shall take the smaller one with my luggage,” Wilson said with a tension that did not escape the others’ notice.
“Brother, should we not come with you?” Mrs Gardiner insisted.
“Not at all—I shall be fine. There are many places I want to visit this afternoon. In fact, I would rather be alone for a while.”
He departed, and the rest of the party reluctantly resumed the journey. The carriage moved slowly to allow them time to admire the surroundings.
As they stopped in front of the main entrance, Elizabeth’s heart almost stopped too.
The door opened widely, and a girl, elegant and beautiful, greeted them with a little smile.
Behind her, Elizabeth recognized Anne de Bourgh, waving at her.
Elizabeth returned the wave, surprised and pleased.
Miss de Bourgh looked different—better than ever before.
The pallor was gone, her cheeks were slightly tanned and crimson, and she had gained a little weight, enough to show her health had improved.
Her expression was open, joyful, and confident.
From inside, a man’s steps could be heard hurrying out, and Elizabeth’s heart now raced.
Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared in the doorway, opening his arms in a warm greeting.
“Welcome, welcome! You have arrived three days early! What a lovely surprise. I could not believe it when I saw Miss Bingley and the Hursts. They are already in their rooms. So good to see you all! Please allow me to introduce you to the mistress of the house: Miss Georgiana Darcy. You remember Anne, I hope? Mrs Bingley, please receive my heartfelt congratulations. Bingley, my friend, what did you do to deserve such a stunning wife? You are the luckiest man alive!”
“I cannot deny I am,” Bingley responded with a huge grin while the colonel politely kissed Jane’s hand.
“Mrs Annesley, Mrs Reynolds, how lovely to see you,” Bingley continued, addressing the two ladies who were waiting a little behind. “This is my wife, Mrs Bingley, and her family.”
The joyful excitement of Bingley and the colonel was contagious.
Greetings and introductions were performed in a warm and friendly manner.
If there was any doubt of their welcome, it was gone within minutes.
While exchanging pleasantries, handshakes, and curtseys, Elizabeth held her breath.
She looked around, waiting, hoping, and wondering.
“But where is Darcy?” Bingley eventually asked.
“My brother left yesterday. He had some urgent business in London; that was all he said. He will return as soon as possible,” Miss Darcy explained in a friendly voice. “But we have everything prepared for you; we are so happy to have you here. Please, do come in.”