Chapter 2
“Good gracious!” cried Maria, as the carriage moved off, “it seems but a day or two since we first came! And yet how many things have happened!”
“A great many indeed,” Elizabeth replied, with a sigh.
“We have dined nine times at Rosings, besides drinking tea there twice! How much I shall have to tell!”
“And how much I shall have to conceal,” Elizabeth whispered to herself.
Mr. Darcy’s proposal was still difficult to believe and, if not for the letter that she kept in her reticule and had read countless times, she would still consider it a figment of her imagination.
Since that day, Elizabeth had barely found peace and rest. She did not regret rejecting him.
Her feelings for him, his manners, his past actions as well as his way of addressing her and his offensive judgement of her family, his coldness in admitting how he had separated Bingley from Jane—all those things induced her to refuse any connection with him.
She was astounded and doubtful that he had loved her all those months, that he had declared his ardent love and admiration and that he was willing to marry her, despite all her family’s flaws that he had so diligently counted.
But she did regret profoundly her accusations, her offensive words, and most of all, her passionate defence of Mr. Wickham.
Wickham the scoundrel—she had repeated many times since that day.
The man who had deceived her with a smile and some charming manners, well studied and used on other silly women—just like her.
Her prejudice against Darcy had made her blind to Wickham’s improper behaviour, hidden behind his false amiability.
A man who narrated private stories of his past to a new acquaintance was not to be so readily trusted.
But she had confided in him from the first moment, flattered by his attention and offended by Darcy’s pride.
And she had to pay the price for her foolishness.
“I wonder if we will see Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam ever again,” Maria continued.
Elizabeth felt her face colouring as she answered. “I very much doubt it. But you might if you happen to be in Kent at the same time with them again. The colonel told me that they usually visit Lady Catherine before Easter, every year.”
“The colonel is such a pleasant gentleman! So friendly! Not at all frightening like Mr. Darcy. One could hardly say they are relatives.”
“Indeed, they are very different,” Elizabeth agreed.
“Mr. Darcy is very severe and critical all the time, but the colonel seemed very partial to you,” Maria added and Elizabeth smiled again. ‘How wrong things can appear from afar,’ she mused, considering that she had not been any wiser than Maria in judging Mr. Darcy.
“Papa said he will come to fetch me the day after tomorrow. I wonder why he and Mr. Bennet are coming to town?” Maria asked.
“I am puzzled, too. My father is quite opposed to London. I cannot imagine what sort of business would bring him there all of a sudden.”
“Will you remain in London long?”
“We have established with our aunt to stay three or four more days before returning to Longbourn, but that was before I found out about my father’s arrival. Our schedule will depend on his business.”
“I hope to stay a day or two in London, too. And would like a walk in Hyde Park, with all the rich people, with their carriages and horses, and to see Covent Garden and to visit some shops…”
“Hopefully we will have time to do all those things,” Elizabeth smiled at her. “I am sure Sir William will need at least a day of rest before returning to Meryton.”
Within four hours of their departure from Hunsford, they reached Mr. Gardiner's house, where they were to remain for a few days.
Elizabeth had missed her sister dearly, but she also looked forward to seeing her aunt, uncle and cousins again, with whom she shared a strong affection.
She eagerly wanted to talk to Jane about Darcy’s proposal and about the truth behind Wickham’s lies.
However, she was determined to wait until they arrived at Longbourn.
She also had to choose carefully how and if she mentioned anything about Darcy’s involvement in Bingley’s departure from Netherfield.
To Elizabeth’s utter astonishment, when they entered the house they found Mrs. Gardiner and Jane entertaining guests: Lord Barrington, a gentleman in his late twenties, and his mother, Lady Augusta.
Elizabeth immediately noticed the new acquaintances’ elegant, expensive and fashionable clothes.
They were not the sort of people one would expect to meet in Gracechurch Street.
She looked at them with curiosity, as she had never heard Mrs. Gardiner mention that name, nor had Jane written to her about any lady or earl.
Secondly, she observed the young earl’s exceedingly handsome figure that left Maria speechless.
Introductions were performed and a brief conversation began. It was obvious that the earl and his mother were new acquaintances for Jane and Mrs. Gardiner too. The subjects discussed were tentative, glances exchanged timidly.
To Elizabeth, only a minute was needed to see the earl’s admiration for her eldest sister.
Jane looked well, only a shadow of sadness was blurring her eyes and her spirit seemed still a little low. But her beauty was as stunning as ever and her smile as sweet.
Half an hour later, the guests left and only then were happy embraces shared.
Mrs. Gardiner offered them refreshments, asking about the journey and their time spent in Kent. Then Mr. Gardiner and the children joined them and it was not until after dinner when Elizabeth and Jane, alone in their chamber, could finally speak at length.
“So? Tell me—who is Lord Barrington? He is obviously charmed by you,” Elizabeth teased Jane.
“Oh, Lizzy, do not speak so! I do not even know what to say! We met Lord Barrington and his mother completely by chance a week ago, while I was walking with our aunt and cousins in Hyde Park, waiting for our uncle to finish his business. The children ran, playing, Lady Augusta’s carriage was running at high speed and almost hit them, so they stopped.
The earl and his mother were accompanied by two of his male cousins.
We spoke, they were all very amiable, they spoke with the children and Lady Augusta offered them some biscuits.
I never expected to see them again. Today, we were stunned to receive their call—the earl said they were in the neighbourhood and remembered that we lived close by.
I do not even recollect telling them our address... That is all.”
“Really? Well, my dear Jane, I do not see any other reason for such attention than the earl’s admiration for you!
” Elizabeth replied. Suddenly, she remembered Charlotte suggesting long ago that Mr. Darcy might hold a special interest in her, but she had always mocked Charlotte for such an improbable assumption.
It had now been proven that Charlotte had been correct all along.
“Lizzy, please do not tease me. I am in no disposition for such a conversation.”
The sadness in Jane’s voice betrayed her still-wounded soul and Elizabeth’s heart ached. Knowing too well the reason for Mr. Bingley’s departure and after her terrible fight and harsh, offensive rejection of Mr. Darcy, the chances of Jane ever meeting Mr. Bingley again were very small.
“Forgive me, dearest. I had no intention of teasing you,” Elizabeth answered, embracing her sister.
After that, she did not open the subject again.
She could never have imagined that the encounter in Hyde Park had not been as fortuitous as they were led to believe, nor how it would change their lives forever.
∞∞∞
The next day, after breakfast, Mrs. Gardiner was astounded to receive an invitation for dinner from Lady Augusta, in three days' time. Her ladyship informed Mrs. Gardiner that they were having a small, unpretentious party among friends.
“Dinner? What could possibly be the meaning of this?” Mrs. Gardiner addressed her nieces. “Why would a lady of her consequence invite us to a party among friends?”
Elizabeth glanced at Jane, who seemed uncomfortable.
“I cannot imagine,” the eldest Miss Bennet answered. “I confess I am rather distressed. Since we met them in the park, they have seemed determined to form a friendship with us for reasons difficult to understand.”
“I agree—it is strange,” Elizabeth admitted. “Will you accept the invitation, Aunt?”
“Would you like me to, girls?”
“Not really,” both responded at the same time.
“Besides, Papa and Sir William will arrive tomorrow. We cannot leave them at home while we have dinner with new acquaintances,” Elizabeth added.
“True. And this will be my exact reply,” she said, writing immediately.
Lady Augusta,
We have received your ladyship’s invitation with surprise and gratitude.
We are deeply honoured by your attention and thankful for your kindness.
Unfortunately, we are sad to be forced to decline.
We are expecting my brother Bennet and a family friend from Hertfordshire—Sir William, Maria’s father—tomorrow night and they will stay with us for several more days before Elizabeth and Jane return home with their father.
We are delighted to convey our gratefulness and we hope to have the chance to meet your ladyship, as well as Lord Barrington, again one day.
Best regards,
M. Gardiner.
“What do you think, girls? Is it appropriate?”
“Perfect, Aunt,” Elizabeth smiled. “Thank God that Mama cannot read it, or else none of us would hear the end of it!”
“My sister, Bennet, will never forgive me if she ever finds out about my refusal,” Mrs. Gardiner replied.
“But it is a risk I must take. I admit that I am a little bothered by Lady Augusta’s insistence.
I cannot escape the feeling that she has a hidden plan for us, although I am well aware we are not worthy of her preoccupation.
Now, let me send a servant with the letter and then fetch Maria. It is time for some shopping.”
For the next three hours, the ladies wandered around the shops, in search of some bonnets, reticules and gloves, as well as some gifts to be taken back to Hertfordshire.
They returned home, exhausted but pleased, then prepared for dinner.
The evening seemed to pass peacefully until another letter was delivered to Mrs. Gardiner by express.
The sender—Lady Augusta—and the content left the entire family astonished and puzzled.
“Dear Mrs. Gardiner,
It would be our pleasure to enjoy your company—as well as that of your entire family. As my son always says, the more, the merrier.
If a dinner party with us is not repugnant to you or your lovely nieces, we are eagerly waiting for you all, on the established date. If this is convenient, we will send a carriage for you.
Best regards to you all.”
Maria clapped her hands with excitement, while the other three ladies and the master of the house glanced at each other, with frowns and many questions.
“My dear, is there something I should know? I was under the impression that your acquaintance with Lady Augusta was very new. An invitation to our extended family to dine is most astonishing.”
“Oh, but what an honour! We also dined at Rosings nine times!” Maria cried. “What an accomplishment! I shall be the most envied girl in Meryton!”
“My dear Maria, how lovely to see your eagerness,” Mrs. Gardiner smiled.
“Oh, Papa will be thrilled too! He has always been fond of titled people! I am so sorry Lydia and Kitty are not here!”
“I am not inclined to waste an evening with people I barely know. But I cannot imagine how we could refuse such generous proof of amiability,” Mr. Gardiner declared.
“I admit I am rather distressed—I have some affairs to complete with my brother Bennet and I am worried about the success of our investment. A formal dinner where I have to guard my every gesture is not my sort of amusement.”
“I hope there is not too much trouble,” Elizabeth interjected. “Your business with Papa… It must be serious though since Papa has decided to come to town.”
“It is serious, but no more trouble than my usual business.”
“So, should I send our acceptance to Lady Augusta then?” the mistress of the house enquired.
“My dear wife, I believe you must. Besides, stepping into Lord Barrington and his mother’s circle might be helpful to us.
And I am content to know that my brother Bennet will be even more annoyed with this invitation and I will appear to be the joyful one,” Mr. Gardiner concluded, much to the ladies’ amusement.