Chapter 2.17 #4
“Mrs. Hurst, you must know that you are among our best friends, and we do appreciate our close acquaintance. But we cannot be blind to things that are improper and unfair, either in your case or in mine. All three of us know that our ungenerous interference almost ruined Bingley’s happiness, for no other reason than our own selfishness.
I am struggling to remedy my mistake, not so much for Miss Bennet, whom I have barely started to know, but for the man I proudly call my friend.
I strongly believe that anyone who cares for Charles should do the same. ”
“Excuse me; I have lost my appetite. I shall retire to my room,” Caroline said and hurried upstairs, followed by her sister.
“I am so sorry that Caroline and Louisa are upset,” Georgiana whispered. “I do not understand why they harbour ill will towards Lizzy and Miss Bennet.”
“Do not worry; just ignore them, and they will get over it soon,” Mr. Hurst replied seriously.
“Upon my word, what a waste of time. Should we not go hunting again?”
“I would rather search for Bingley,” Darcy answered. “And I wish to speak further with Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner as tomorrow we will have little time for conversation.”
“I will come with you. I promised the children they could play with Mist today,” Georgiana said.
“And I will go back to my room; a few more hours of rest will better prepare me for the journey tomorrow,” the countess added.
“Then I will have some brandy and take a nap,” Mr. Hurst decided. “As I said, arguments are a terrible waste of time.”
∞∞∞
The last day of the Darcy siblings’ visit in Hertfordshire was spent mostly at Longbourn. The gentlemen stayed almost exclusively in the library to discuss books, plans for the future, and business.
Darcy offered Mr. Bennet advice on the management of Longbourn and gave Mr. Gardiner several suggestions to improve his affairs. Bingley entered and left frequently, undecided about where he preferred to be.
The ladies split their time between the drawing room and the music room with Georgiana and Mary playing enthusiastically and Kitty turning pages for them.
Elizabeth and Jane were both heavy hearted.
Every time they sat beside each other, they held hands and shared comforting smiles.
Jane’s beautiful face changed from blushes to pallor every moment, flustered by her betrothed’s presence and the sweet anticipation of their wedding and saddened by her beloved sister’s departure.
Elizabeth fought her own silly feelings: every time she looked around at her family, a lump in her throat and an icy hole in her stomach brought her close to tears. However, the image of a smiling Georgiana and a happy, radiant Jane was proof enough that she had made the correct decision.
After all, the months would pass quickly; there were already twelve since Mr. Bingley first arrived at Netherfield and six since her visit to Kent. Surely, the next few could not be any worse.
Miss Jane Bennet’s wedding to Mr. Charles Bingley took place on a sunny and joyous morning in the presence of their extended families, more than four and twenty others, a countess, and Mr. Darcy and his sister.
It was an occasion for talk and speculation, especially as the news of Elizabeth’s invitation to Pemberley was now generally known.
Suddenly, the Bennets were the envy of Meryton, and Mrs. Bennet was declared the most fortunate of mothers.
The wedding breakfast was hosted at Longbourn, and it was admittedly the richest that had been seen in the neighbourhood in quite a while. Lady Hardwick said several times —loud enough to be heard —that she had rarely tasted such appetising fare.
The newly wedded couple was barely apart as they mingled with the guests. Mr. Bingley held his wife’s arm, touched her hand, lost himself in her eyes, and shivered at her exquisite beauty so many times that the others soon stopped noticing.
Around noon, the Darcy party, along with Elizabeth, made their goodbyes with warmth, sorrow, tears, and whispered promises to write regularly.
Mr. Bennet struggled to hide his regret as he embraced his favourite daughter while Mrs. Bennet instructed her to be careful and behave properly in case she met some worthy, handsome gentlemen.
Elizabeth exchanged hugs and kisses with her sisters, her uncle and aunt, and her little cousins then turned to Jane, whose eyes were heavy with sadness when they embraced.
“Lizzy, I will miss you so much…”
“No, you will not, dearest. You will be so busy being happy with your husband that you will barely remember me. But when you finally do, please write me a long and detailed letter.”
“Not even Charles will take your place in my heart, my dearest.”
“I know that, my sweet Jane. But please do not be sad; I want to see you smile. Your happiness is more important to me than my own.”
It was slightly cloudy when the party of three carriages finally moved forward. Elizabeth looked through the window and waved towards her family, who were gazing after them and waving back. Mr. Bennet wiped his eyes discreetly and returned to the house with his wife.
Mr. Bingley placed his arm around the shoulders of Mrs. Bingley, who leant her head against him. Elizabeth smiled and withdrew her head inside the carriage. She had no doubt of Jane’s complete felicity.