Chapter 2.18 #7
They journeyed together in Darcy’s carriage, and Elizabeth blushed as she remembered her shameless scheme: Jane was the first to enter the carriage.
Elizabeth followed her sister and immediately sat opposite.
Consequently, when the gentlemen entered, each had little choice but to sit by his betrothed.
The moment he took his seat, Darcy’s glance, smiling and mischievous, acknowledged his approval of the seating arrangements and made her blush.
She had slept little the previous night, imagining the ride home.
How many things had happened in such a short time and how much her life had changed in only one month!
She had left Longbourn with so many uncertainties, fears and hopes, and now she returned with a heart filled with overwhelming happiness.
She looked briefly at her dear sister, whose felicity glowed on her beautiful face, then turned briefly to the man near her—the source of her own felicity.
He was smiling—a smile that was more obvious in his eyes than on his face.
Opposite them, Mr Bingley spoke much and laughed frequently, his joy impossible to conceal.
Mr Darcy—her future husband—spoke little and laughed even less, but his face, even more handsome when joy was brightening it, gave little doubt of his feelings.
From time to time, he leaned towards Elizabeth, pointing to something out the window that she could admire.
In these moments, which were neither few nor rare, his body touched hers, and his lips, whispering into her ear, daringly touched her.
His hand, resting on her shoulder, and his fingers, brushing over her nape, seemed to burn her skin.
Such small gestures were unnoticed by Jane and Mr Bingley—both being preoccupied with each other—but for Elizabeth, it was sweet torture, a storm of fire and ice sending countless shivers throughout her body.
Three times, at Mr Darcy’s suggestion, the carriage stopped at some lovely place, allowing them time to enjoy refreshment and take short walks near the carriage.
Nothing seemed more natural to Elizabeth than to enjoy the beauties with her intended, to walk at his side and to take offered fruits from his hand as they sat together on a blanket.
The smallest touch, the most innocent smile or joke, made her blush, and he did not miss her disquiet.
He tried to reduce her uneasiness with light jokes and teasing, and she gladly entered his game.
During the last part of their journey, Elizabeth became more comfortable—even managing to bear his thigh tightly pressed to hers—and their conversation unfolded in a light, pleasing manner.
It was late in the afternoon when the carriage stopped in front of Longbourn. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley helped the ladies out, and they were approaching the main entrance together when the door opened and Mr Bennet appeared.
A moment later, he was unceremoniously shoved aside as Mrs Bennet ran out the door, decidedly moving in their direction, and did not stop until two steps away from Mr Darcy, expressing loudly and incoherently her happiness at seeing him at Longbourn again.
She then turned briefly to Mr Bingley, greeting him too with a rushed welcome, and then returned her attention to Mr Darcy, complimenting him on his carriage—the most exquisite she had ever seen.
Darcy looked at her, completely lost, his arm still held by Elizabeth, and glanced briefly at Mr Bennet. The gentleman’s guilt and embarrassed expression dissipated any remaining doubts: his engagement to Elizabeth was no longer a secret.
After a short hesitation, Darcy lowered his eyes to Elizabeth, who was looking at him with a pale expression, troubled and ashamed. He smiled and replied warmly:
“Mrs Bennet, I thank you for your warm welcome. Mr Bingley and I are happy to be at Longbourn again. We have always regretted that we did not have a chance to accept the dinner invitation you so generously extended us last autumn. We hope to have numerous opportunities to benefit from your generosity on this visit.”
∞∞∞
Lord Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and the viscount were at their club in London, debating the last days’ events. All were worried as they had not discovered Lady Catherine’s whereabouts and feared she might do something that would expose them all to ridicule.
They were at least content that Anne was safe and healthy in Selina’s house, protected from the foolishness of her mother. Shortly, two gentlemen approached their table and greeted them.
“Lord Sinclair—so glad to see you,” said Lord Matlock. “I was hoping to meet with you, as I need to speak about a rather private and important matter.”
“I am glad to see you, too, Matlock. Well, well, I wonder what important matter that might be.” Lord Sinclair laughed in obvious good humour. “Can we sit at your table? By the way, do you know John Stoddart from The Times?
“Of course; Mr Stoddart, very pleased to see you again. Please take a seat, gentlemen.”
“Lord Matlock—it is an honour, sir. And such a surprise—I just spoke to your sister Lady Catherine earlier today. She came to visit me at my office,” said Mr Stoddart.
“Quite a surprise indeed.” Lord Matlock glanced at his sons. “Mr Stoddart, I hope you will accept a dinner invitation on short notice. I feel we have many things to discuss, many things indeed.”