Chapter 7 #2
Her mother and younger sisters remained in London, while her father was slowly recovering.
Elizabeth spent a little time with him every day, assuring him he had no reason for concern and that her husband was patient and kind to her, which she believed to be true.
On one of those days, Elizabeth was stunned to witness the unexpected arrival of Mr. Bingley.
The gentleman’s appearance shocked the entire family. The introductions were made as he was a complete stranger to the Gardiners. The encounter was awkward and the manners wanting on both sides. Jane’s tumult of feelings took her to the edge of fainting and she spoke no more than a few words.
“Mr. Bingley, we began to fear we would never see you again. You left so unexpectedly and we never heard a word from you,” Mrs. Bennet said.
His face coloured with embarrassment.
“Mrs. Bennet, I apologise...I...In truth, I did not know you were even in town! I read the announcement about Miss Elizabeth’s marriage. I mean—Lady Barrington! I am honoured to convey to you my congratulations and best wishes in person, Lady Barrington.”
“Thank you, sir,” Elizabeth replied, distressed for no apparent reason.
“I actually sent Mr. Bennet a letter of congratulations to Longbourn!” Bingley continued.
“You did?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.
“Yes. And the messenger returned with the answer that you were all in London and that Mr. Bennet’s health was not good. I searched for Mr. Gardiner’s direction, I asked along Gracechurch Street and I finally found it. Is Mr. Bennet better? I hope he is.”
Mr. Bingley spoke animatedly, glancing at Jane from time to time, although she kept her eyes on her lap. His narration revealed his effort—and consequently his surprising interest—in discovering them.
“We are delighted to see you here, Mr. Bingley,” Mrs. Gardiner offered graciously. “My brother Bennet is feeling better every day.”
“I am glad to be here too, Mrs. Gardiner. How wonderful that Mr. Bennet is improving!”
“Indeed. With God’s will, he will recover, the doctor said.”
“If I may help you in any way, please let me know,” he continued, with a brief look at Jane.
“That is very generous of you,” Mrs. Bennet replied. “Did you hear, Jane? Is it not generous?”
Jane, pale and troubled, remained silent.
Elizabeth, however, interjected.
“It is such a pity you took so much trouble. It would have been easier if you had simply asked your sisters. They visited Jane here two months ago and could have easily provided you with the address.”
She knew she should have refrained from making the comment, but Jane’s long months of suffering deserved some compensation.
As she suspected, Mr. Bingley stared at her in apparent disbelief.
“My sisters? Two months ago? Miss Bennet has been in town for two months?” he mumbled.
“For four months,” Elizabeth said. “She called at your house in January, I believe. Am I correct, Jane? And then, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley returned the call, I was told.”
Bingley’s face turned red and astonishment twisted his handsome features. He glanced from one to another, then his eyes lingered upon Jane before he turned back to Elizabeth.
“Mr. Bingley, would you care for a drink,” Mr. Gardiner asked and the gentleman only nodded.
“I did not know that Miss Bennet was in town,” he eventually replied, addressing Elizabeth. “I left London in March and only returned a week ago. I did not know...”
“Well, it is a pleasure to have you here now,” Mrs. Gardiner said.
“Have you been out of town with Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Bennet asked, willing to engage in the conversation once she understood that the gentleman's interest might not be entirely lost.
“No...Darcy has been visiting his aunt in Kent. And from there, he went to Pemberley. He will return to London next week, his sister informed me,” he answered hesitantly, trying to find his words.
The mention of Miss Darcy’s name affected Jane and all the other Bennets, but he seemed oblivious to their reaction. He was obviously preoccupied by the latest revelation and he struggled to regain his composure.
“Will you stay in London long?” he asked Mrs. Bennet.
“Until Mr. Bennet’s health improves enough to travel back home. And you, sir?”
“Yes. I will stay in London for the time being...I have no other plans.”
“Mr. Bingley, everybody in Meryton is wondering if you will open Netherfield again or abandon it entirely,” Lydia interjected.
“I am not sure, Miss Lydia. I am still undecided.”
“That is such a pity! You had such a lovely ball and then you left all of a sudden! Everybody was surprised!” Lydia continued.
“Yes, well...It was not...”
“Mr. Bingley, would you join us for some refreshments? Or are you in a hurry?” Mrs. Gardiner tried to help him out of his embarrassment.
“I am in no hurry...” Bingley replied, still distressed but slightly relieved.
“I am afraid I am,” Elizabeth said. “It was lovely seeing you again, Mr. Bingley, and I hope it will not be another half a year until we meet again.”
“No, not at all. I mean—not if it depends on me,” he said, blushing with shame and bowing to her.
Elizabeth left Gracechurch Street, leaving Mr. Bingley with her family.
A last glance at Jane proved to her that her sister’s heart was just as filled with affection for him as before.
As for the gentleman, his altered manners, the effort he had put into finding them, then his astonishment at his sisters’ deceit, showed that his happiness was still attached to Jane.
She was now curious about Mr. Darcy. He went to Pemberley and was expected to return to town. How would things progress between the two friends? Would he still oppose Bingley's preference? Would Bingley allow his friend to influence him?
Elizabeth reflected on what Darcy would say about her own marriage.
She had rejected him less than a month prior.
And then had married into a family with a better situation and likely more wealth than his.
If they were ever to meet again, he would be the one below her.
He might even imagine that she had a previous understanding with Lord Barrington since she had married on such short notice.
She felt she owed Darcy an apology for her misjudgement of Wickham.
But she doubted she would have the chance to broach such an intimate subject with him, now that she was married.
Even if Jane eventually married Mr. Bingley—an event that now did not seem so unlikely—she might see Darcy again, but not be able to spend any private moments with him.