Chapter 1.15 #2
Elizabeth remained in grieved expectation a while longer, considering her aunt’s just but nevertheless painful words. She wondered why Aunt Gardiner was trying to amplify her grief by presenting so clearly the differences between them and the extent to which that gap had grown.
“However, Lizzy, I cannot help remembering that, several days ago, you were devastated by Mr Darcy’s departure from Hertfordshire and his unjustified abandonment, only to discover that you had little understanding of his true character.
This time he did not leave without a word or from an unknown cause, so perhaps you should do as he asked: have faith in him, at least until he proves unworthy of that trust and affection. ”
“Aunt, I know he is worthy of my trust and my affection; he is truly the best man I have ever known. My suffering is so deep because I know the value of my loss.”
“Elizabeth, I do not know the nature of Mr Darcy’s feelings or intentions towards you.
I can only suspect them from my observations.
And I can state that I never saw a more promising inclination or a more eloquent display.
Considering Mr Darcy’s normally restrained nature, that fact is most astonishing.
Let us wait a little longer and see whether his feelings and attachment towards you impel him to find a solution without a loss for any of you. ”
Elizabeth remained in silence, willing hope to return and ease her soul of its great burden of despair.
How could love give her both bliss and anguish?
Before she could answer, the maid entered and handed her a letter, which she opened with no little anxiety while Mrs Gardiner left the room to give her privacy.
Dear Elizabeth,
Yesterday you had to hurry away, and we failed to establish an hour for your call today. So I sent the carriage for you with Molly to accompany you, and it will wait until you are ready.
I must confess I am anxious to see you again. I spent delightful time in your company yesterday, and I look forward to doing the same today. I can only hope the feeling is mutual.
Unfortunately, my brother sent word he was detained for an indefinite period of time and not expected to return home soon, but I hope we shall have a pleasant day together. I asked Mrs H. to prepare a special meal for today, and I am confident you will enjoy it.
Oh, I forget to mention—if Miss Bennet is willing to accompany you, please extend the invitation to her as well. It would be a pleasure to see her again.
—Georgiana Darcy
Elizabeth, who in the torment of events completely forgot about the visit due to Georgiana, felt her head spin.
Could she keep her promise to call? Would Mr Darcy approve her close association with his sister under these new circumstances?
Apparently, Georgiana knew nothing of what occurred, and justifiably so.
Mr Darcy never would bother her fragile constitution with such a story.
On the other hand, was it possible to refuse her when she promised so solemnly the day before to call? Then again, how could she dare return to his house alone after her display of improper and shocking behaviour? She would die of shame to meet his eyes again.
She went downstairs, found her aunt and sister with the children, and asked their opinion. They were both quite surprised to hear about the invitation, but once she told them all the details, they immediately agreed only one response was possible.
“My dear, of course you must go. I know you are not in the mood for a visit and anxious to wait for news, but remaining at home will not help either.”
“Yes, Lizzy dearest, and if you refuse, poor Miss Darcy will be so disappointed. I shall stay home with aunt and the children, and if you are needed, we shall send for you immediately.”
“But what if Mr Darcy should be displeased? He could not desire to prolong our connexion after what has happened, and he would be right to feel so.”
It was difficult for Jane to understand Lizzy’s reasoning.
She knew—vaguely—of Mr Darcy’s past relationship with Mr Wickham, but not for a second could she imagine that Mr Darcy would hold Elizabeth responsible for something that was not her doing or her fault.
Her sister’s questions and behaviour puzzled her exceedingly.
“My dear,” Mrs Gardiner again broke in, “I think you give Mr Darcy less credit than he deserves. However, even if you are correct about his future intentions, he could not possibly blame you for keeping your promise towards his sister, especially when you said he seemed so pleased and encouraging yesterday. If for nothing else, at least for the tranquillity of Miss Darcy, he would be content with your visit. I am sure of that.”
Reluctantly, Elizabeth prepared herself for the call, her heart still fearful of having to bear the rejection and disdain of the man whose approval she wanted most in the world.
She asked Jane once more to accompany her, but she declined, secretly hoping that, in doing so, she was allowing her sister to find a way to improve her intimacy with Miss Darcy for the benefit of both.
∞∞∞
On the way to the Darcys’ house, Elizabeth exchanged only a few words and polite smiles with Molly. She retained the dread of being an unwanted presence in his home, and every moment increased her grief.
When the carriage reached its destination, it was early, shortly after breakfast. The butler greeted Elizabeth with a familiar but respectful politeness, and Mrs Hamilton showed her to Georgiana’s apartment.
The housekeeper carefully scrutinised with the greatest interest this young lady who had been invited to visit for the second time in two days, though she tried to hide her curiosity.
There was every sign that her master found this lady worthy of his admiration, and for the first time in her fifteen years of service in the house, she noticed his openly expressed interest for a lady.
The gesture of allowing her to spend time alone with Miss Darcy was final proof that this lady was held in the highest esteem.
The fear below stairs that Miss Bingley was rumoured to be the future mistress had vanished the previous night when the amiable Miss Elizabeth entered the house.
However, Mrs Hamilton was not persuaded by a gentle smile; Miss Elizabeth was a changed person from the night before. Her confidence, serenity, and loveliness had disappeared, and dark circles shadowed her eyes. Could this be related to the master’s sudden, extended absence?
Georgiana’s face brightened with pleasure on seeing her friend enter. Elizabeth smiled and approached the bed, taking the girl’s hand and expressing her delight in seeing her again, but Georgiana saw and felt the changes in her and watched her companion with no little worry.
“How are you Georgiana? You look very well indeed.”
“Yes, I feel well, thank you. And you?”
“I am well.” She met the girl’s eyes and blushed with shame, seeking an excuse for her appearance. “I had a sleepless night and feel a little dizzy, I suppose. But it is a pleasure to be here with you.”
Miss Darcy smiled back and did not insist on the matter, evidently not a pleasant one for her visitor.
She offered Elizabeth coffee, tea, and cakes, masterfully arranged on a small elegant table near the bed, and they talked calmly.
Georgiana tried, shyly and tentatively, to refer to the previous night and to her brother, but to her astonishment, Elizabeth’s reaction seemed to be more of embarrassment and grief than pleasure.
The younger girl was left not only surprised and confused but also worried that something dreadful had happened. Finally, she found a safe topic.
“Elizabeth, I have a surprise. As I shall probably stay at least a fortnight in bed, I asked Mrs Hamilton to have my little piano moved into my room here. So when you visit again, you will be able to play for me.”
“Georgiana, I would be happy to do that, but unfortunately, I am afraid there has been an unexpected change of plans. I think we shall return home very soon, possibly even today or tomorrow.”
“Oh, dear! Did something bad happen? Is someone ill?”
“No—just an unfortunate situation that requires our presence.”
“I am so sorry! But can I hope… Will you agree to write me while you are gone?” She sounded shy and hopeful at the same time. “I would like to continue our acquaintance if that is agreeable with you.”
“I…I think it would be best that you ask your brother’s opinion on this matter. If he approves, I should be happy to correspond with you.”
“Surely, you cannot think my brother would be opposed!” She stopped when Elizabeth averted her eyes. “Is my brother aware of your problems?”
Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
“Is…is that the reason for his being gone today?”
“Yes, but please do not ask me anything. Mr Darcy will tell you whether he considers it appropriate. I am truly sorry for causing these troubles to you both. I am afraid I am not a good companion for you today, and instead of comforting you, I only upset and grieve you.”
Georgiana’s voice became more serious and grave in a moment. “Elizabeth, I am not a child, you know. I do not need to be entertained, and I hope I would understand if you are distressed and in need of comfort.”
Georgiana breathed deeply, overwhelmed by her daring speech.
“I do not know what happened between you and my brother since last night when obviously… But I am sure nothing can change his opinion of you—or mine. I know I am considerably younger, and you could not possibly trust me, but at least you must know there is no need to conceal your distress. I know much about anguish myself, Elizabeth.”
Both of them seemed desirous to speak more on the painful subject, but neither of them dared to do it. Mrs Annesley’s entrance and amiable greeting to Miss Elizabeth provided a good opportunity for the change to a lighter topic of conversation.