Chapter 2.9 #3
“Was Miss Elizabeth in good health? Was she alone in town? I know she was very fond of Jane…Miss Bennet…and they were rarely separated.”
“Yes…from what I learned, Miss Elizabeth was in Town to offer support to her uncle and aunt. She took care of her young cousins; that is how I met her…in the park. It was a happy coincidence.”
Bingley seemed to struggle to understand Georgiana’s answer.
“I see…I am sorry I did not return earlier. Miss Elizabeth is a most pleasant young lady. And very handsome…I always admired her. I would have enjoyed seeing her again.”
“I liked Miss Elizabeth very much indeed,” Georgiana admitted. “I am glad you approve of her.”
“I most certainly do. Who would not? Did I mention she is very smart? Jane —I mean Miss Bennet —used to say Miss Elizabeth was smarter than many gentlemen. She surely is smarter than I am; I give her that. And she is also very affectionate and caring. Do you know she walked more than three miles from Longbourn to Netherfield to take care of her sister who had fallen ill?”
Bingley’s mumbled recollections troubled Darcy as much as they amused Georgiana and the countess. It was not difficult for the ladies to guess that, behind the many praises for Miss Elizabeth, the recipient of Bingley’s interest was still Miss Jane Bennet —whose name was only mentioned in haste.
“We can easily recognise the Miss Elizabeth we know in your description,” the countess said. “Darcy was rather reluctant to give us any details about her.”
“Aunt —” Darcy attempted to intervene.
“I am not surprised to hear that,” Bingley answered. “Darcy has never approved of the Bennet family, and I cannot blame him for that. Their manners are not always what propriety or decorum require. But the two eldest Miss Bennets are beyond reproach.”
“I never said otherwise,” Darcy admitted. “Bingley, since is quite late, would you like to join us for dinner?”
“Thank you, but I cannot. Miss Darcy, Lady Hardwick, it was such a pleasure to see you today, and I hope to meet you again before your departure.”
Farewells were taken, but a moment before Bingley left, the countess called to him.
“Mr. Bingley, I was just thinking…since our journey to the North will take us close to Hertfordshire, it would be a lovely opportunity for us to visit the estate that you so praised and perhaps to stay a day or two there. Such a pity that you gave up on it and will not be there to receive us,” Lady Hardwick said.
Her words left Bingley dumbfounded in the middle of the large hall while Darcy threw a glare filled with reproach towards his aunt. Her ladyship elegantly turned her back, took her niece’s arm, and walked towards the dining room.
The two gentlemen stared at each other in silence for a moment before Bingley stepped hesitantly towards his carriage.
During dinner, Darcy was mostly silent. He disapproved of his aunt’s inquisitive approach to his friend and her tactless conversation on a subject that obviously made Bingley anxious.
But the countess looked quite pleased with herself, and Georgiana was no different. His sister was clearly pleased that the conversation with Bingley confirmed her positive opinion of Elizabeth. Darcy alone was determined to avoid any reference to the Bennets —and especially to her.
“Miss Jane Bennet must be a remarkable beauty,” Georgiana said suddenly.
“Yes, she is,” Darcy agreed.
“Is she as spirited as Miss Elizabeth?” the countess asked.
“Not at all.”
“Do you disapprove more of her or of Miss Elizabeth?” the countess continued.
Darcy struggled to remain calm.
“I believe we already discussed this. I beg you not to open the subject again.”
“Forgive me for being exceedingly curious. However, while I understand your consideration that a friendship with someone below her situation in life would be inappropriate for Georgiana, I cannot comprehend for the life of me why you believe that a gentleman’s daughter, exceptionally beautiful and impeccably mannered, is unfit for a young man whose fortune was made in trade.
Just as I find it hard to accept that Miss Bennet’s family is objectionable for their behaviour since Bingley’s sisters are so far from perfection themselves.
Not to mention some of your own relatives. ”
Georgiana chuckled and quickly swallowed some fresh water. Darcy frowned as the countess continued.
“Bingley is a good man but not very self-confident. He looks up to you with so much admiration that he would never doubt anything you say, nor would he dare question the truth of your opinions or make decisions against your advice. When one has such a loyal friend, it is wise to refrain from making judgements that might affect such a friend’s life to the point where he could lose his chance for happiness. ”
Darcy met his aunt’s gaze and held it for a moment, hesitating to give an answer. Her eyebrows rose in challenge.
“Would you not agree, Nephew?”
“Your ladyship is more often right than not,” he replied, forcing a smile.
The evening ended with another lovely performance from Georgiana.
Elizabeth Bennet’s name was not mentioned again, but Darcy felt it was still in everybody’s thoughts.