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Elizabeth's statement made Darcy feel as if he had been punched in his stomach. Leave? For what? Many dark thoughts involved Darcy's mind, in a strange succession of questions that converted to a central point: would Elizabeth ask for the annulment of their matrimony based upon the information provided by Miss Hargraves' letter and the false marriage license? He inwardly reviled her for raising his exasperation with half a dozen words - he looked at her and could only see how she seemed to be in perfect control of the situation, while he was succumbing to uncertainty.
His first intention then was to forbid her journey and demand to know why she was leaving, only to see her abandon that apparent indifferent air and perchance reveal a little of what her intentions were. Was she planning to abandon him indeed? Or were her words meant only to annoy him? Only years of discipline and self-control were able to restrain his temper now - perhaps his hands were the part of his body that were suffering more at this moment, as he was holding the arms of his chair so tight that he could feel the entailed wood almost cutting into his skin.
His momentary shock did not last long though, and regaining a better control over himself, Darcy slowly loosed his grip in the armchair. Upon converging his total attention to his wife's face, he momentarily forgot about himself and was able to study Elizabeth's demeanour - she was quiet, still waiting for an answer from him. She kept her chin high, in a very defensive and defying manner. Darcy's gaze quickly traveled through his wife's figure, registering the stiffness of her shoulders and how her delicate fingers were attempting to remain in repose in her lap. Ah, my silence is disturbing her a little.
A while later, his eyes returned to her face only to be rewarded by a glimpse of what reassured him a little - her continuous sparkling eyes, caught in an unguarded moment, revealed a deep sadness that her apparent mastery attempted unsuccessfully to conceal. A less observant person would not notice her sorrow. Nevertheless, Darcy could not be so easily disguised anymore due to the knowledge of her deportment he had acquired by observing her for long moments on their "happy days" in London, and he was very proud of it.
He thus felt somewhat relieved to see that she was suffering as much as he was, yet he could not help feeling rather selfish for entertaining such notions. His reverie was interrupted by the realisation that an unbearable silence reigned in the air and he was to blame for it, as he had not reacted to her last words. Darcy eventually put himself together and spoke,
"Could I ask you why you wish to leave, Mrs. Darcy?" He knew the question was rather absurd, still he wished to listen to how she would explain herself.
Elizabeth raised her chin even higher. She had expected that he would ask such a question and was already prepared to give him a satisfactory reply, still for some seconds she considered whether she should justify herself or not. After all, unlike her husband, she had nothing to explain. Moreover, her spouse's long silence had enervated her a little. Finally, her good sense won the battle against her feelings and she acceded that she could not leave Pemberley without an agreement with Darcy. It would seem she was escaping and that was unquestionably not only far from her current intention, but also from her true nature. All matters considered, she then stated,
"Due to the circumstances, I believe that it would be advisable, for both of us, to stay apart for some time. We have much to ponder about our future actions and I think that a proper reflection will only be achieved if we are not in each other's company. Neither of us displayed the best of our temper last night and the probability of such a scene be repeated is something that does not please me."
Darcy released his breath. At least she had not taken a final decision yet. Still he could not agree with her, since he could not bear the idea of her leaving without an understanding between them has been reached. "I see reason in your words, but I can not agree with them. My 'future actions' were announced last night, ma'am." His voice was low, but firm. "And I shall pursue and prove how much my name was abused." And I shall prove you wrong! I am not the insensitive chimera you believe me so. "As you see, nothing has changed since last night."
"Nor have my ideas concerning you, sir!" Elizabeth stood up and paced in front of her husband's desk. "Can you not realise it? Your last reaction has only come to corroborate my intentions of leaving for a while." She halted and looked at Darcy, once again her eyes displayed that there was sorrow behind all her vehement antagonism towards him and Darcy's heart skipped a beat. "I repeat, sir - if I stay, we may not be able to behave civilly, nor we shall settle things out before it is too late."
Darcy gazed at her anew. He could feel that despite all her animosity, raised by his sincere opinion of her family and his intruding upon Miss Bennet's affair with Bingley, Elizabeth was not absolutely sure of his "previous union" and what to do about it. Moreover, she was right regarding a temporary separation. Both of them were too distressed to strive for a conciliation now. They therefore could end up opening up more the wound, instead of healing it. On the other hand, if she departed, not only could they have time to compose themselves, but he would also be able to pursue an investigation into that letter's author.
However, he would also be risking Elizabeth growing even more apart from him - she could grab the opportunity and ask for the annulment of their marriage. Darcy knew he would not have much time to deliberate on the matter, even so he decided to postpone his decision by attempting to "frighten" his wife a little, "You know that it is too early to have a good weather." He stated in apparent nonchalance. "It has not snowed for almost a fortnight, but storms can form very quickly this time of the year. Moreover, the rain has kept the roads in muddy conditions - a journey would not be easy now, if not impossible."
Elizabeth saw her husband's point, yet she would not be defeated so easily. "I shall take the risk, sir. I do believe it will not snow for another week. Besides, if you risked your health and took a ride this morning, I think the roads may not be so muddy after all." She had a mischievous look.
Darcy coloured a little. Touché again, ma'am! I see I am forced to take the risk too. If I do not, I may lose you. He sighed and then, reclining over the desk and crossing his hands, he said, "Fitzwilliam will be returning to London in two days, if the weather does not change. You could go with him. Georgiana will be traveling with you too."
Elizabeth said nothing, but gave her consent to his plan by nodding her head. She could only think of the irony of the things - Darcy had criticized her family so much and now he was sending his own sister to stay with the Bennets. She felt inclined to make a remark upon it, yet she immediately realised that it would do her no good.
As she did not reacted verbally, Darcy continued, "Although you know that we can not be apart for longer than a fortnight lest our marriage should be under society's speculation. I believe you do not wish to raise anew the imagination of people from Meryton, for instance."
"I do not." Personally, Elizabeth did not care very much about "the others' opinion", still she could not be so selfish as to think that such a speculation might not only affect her family's reputation, but also the child she was bearing. Thinking of the baby, she was reminded that there was still something else to deal with her husband, "I would like to ask you something, sir." She stated coldly.
"Whatever is upon my reach, ma'am." How it was distressing for Darcy to listen to and to have to assume a distant attitude.
"I believe we should not announce the child yet, even amongst our families." Elizabeth was rather uncomfortable. "It is too early, you know. I might lose the baby and -" Upon seeing Darcy's standing up with an anguished face, Elizabeth stopped speaking. She knew what he was contemplating - he likely thought that she did not want to have the baby and may put an end to it. Much as she was still too smitten to care about her husband's feelings, she had decided that it was at least unfair, not to say abominable, to use the infant as a weapon to affect him, as she had done last night. Waving her hands nervously around her, she thus mumbled, "I mean, I do wish to have the baby, but I would like to be sure of... To be sure of everything before partaking the tidings with our families."
Darcy's expression somewhat relaxed and he sat down again, still he kept an icy tone, "As you wish, Mrs. Darcy. Nevertheless, I must remind you that the servants are already wondering about the nature of your 'illness', as well as Georgiana, who is very worried about your health. Besides, I do not think you will be able to hide it from your mother for a long time."
"No, I do not think I shall. Even though, I believe we should wait a little. I shall talk to Georgiana and reassure her of my good health. The journey to my father's house will be a good evidence of it."
"It may be." A knock on the door interrupted Darcy and he asked the person to come in. A footman made his entrance and announced that the dinner was to be served. Just afterwards the door had been closed anew, Darcy returned his attention to his spouse and continued, "Before we leave for the dining room, I would also like to ask you something."
"Pray, continue."
"I wonder if you could lend me the missive you received, before your departure for Longbourn. I shall be in need of it to begin my investigation."
"It will be at your disposition on the day of my departure, sir." Elizabeth answered briefly.
"I thank you."
The ensuing silence that felt between them would have become enervating again, if Georgiana had not come to fetch her brother for dinner. She entered the room after having lightly knocked and been invited to come in. Upon seeing that Elizabeth was also there, looking apparently well, the young lady largely smiled and quickly approached her sister, speaking in an enthusiastic manner,
"Oh, Elizabeth! How nice is to see you well again!" She then took Elizabeth's hands into hers.
Seeing that the young lady hesitated a little to enfold her, Elizabeth took the initiative and heartily embraced Georgiana. " I am exceedingly well, Georgie. I do not know what has happened to me - I am not a fragile lady, although I have behaved like the worst one lately." She was somewhat strangely talkative, but it was a manner to keep her worries aside. Furthermore, she was very fond of Georgiana, and her quarrel with the lady's brother would not prevent her from continuing enjoying the sister's company. Having thought so, she proceeded, "It must be this confinement inside the house. I am looking forward to warmer days, so that I can walk and finally visit the woods. Would you come with me, dear?"
Georgiana looked at her brother first. He discreetly nodded his approval, and then the young lady replied, "Oh, I would be delighted to go with you."
"Well, we can plan our first visit to the woods during the dinner, while the gentlemen discuss their first hunt of the next Season." Elizabeth answered and motioned to the door.
Darcy stood up and offered his right arm to his sister, then his left one to his wife, who accepted it a little reluctantly. In this manner, Darcy led the two dearest ladies to the dining room: one fluctuating in happiness on his right side; the other sulking in coldness on his left, conducting him to a glacial abysm.
The dinner was eventful, with the couple making an effort to at least hide their animosity, with Col. Fitzwilliam's help. Georgiana grew delighted upon knowing of the imminent journey to Elizabeth's former home, and without noticing, provided Elizabeth with something to censure Darcy. "I am very happy to meet your family again, Elizabeth. Certainly I shall have more time to further the acquaintance with them. I found your sister Lydia and your mother so lively!"
Elizabeth could not help looking at Darcy before answering, "Oh, yes, they are very 'lively' indeed. Even though, some people may not approve of so much dynamism as a positive trait for ladies."
Darcy was already prepared to retort, but the colonel was faster than him and deviated the subject by making a joke about officers traveling with beautiful young ladies. The matter was already forgotten when the gentlemen left to relish the Port at Darcy's library.
Pemberley22nd of January, 181211.00pm
A couple of days had passed since their return from the two days trip, and Darcy had talked nothing yet to the colonel about his disagreement with Elizabeth. He had alleged that he was not able to verbalise it and Col. Fitzwilliam had understood his cousin's motives. However, being now the eve of his journey to London, the colonel was a little worried, as he would like to help Darcy, even if it were only to listen to him and offer his sympathy. Determined to obtain any account from his cousin, the colonel left his chamber and went to Darcy's library, where he guessed that the man should be at this time of the evening.
In the room which he had expected to, Col. Fitzwilliam met Darcy looking fixedly at the brandy decanter, which was reposing on the desk. He seemed to be enchanted by the shades of amber that the liquid acquired when exposed to the light. The colonel took a seat in front of his cousin and asked, "Are you seeking a false friend in this container, Darcy?"
"No indeed, Richard! I wish I could drink myself to oblivion, but I can not. I have always thought that there is nothing more inane than becoming drunk to temporarily forget your problems. What can one obtain from it? Nothing more than a stupor that will certainly be replaced by a horrible hangover in the next morning and the disgusting realisation that the problems have not vanished with the last drops of alcohol in the decanter."
Darcy did not look up at his cousin, still the colonel could notice that he was as sober as a priest. " I see your disposition has not improved. Should I thus deduce that Mrs. Darcy is still coming with me to the South?"
"How perceptive you are, cousin." Darcy retorted ironically.
"I could not help it, Darcy. The manner you and your wife have behaved for the last two days would not allow me to think otherwise. I believe I had to hasten in order to extinguish the fire that was menacing to burn Pemberley down at least thrice. And I have to concede, cousin - Elizabeth is your perfect counterpart! If I were you, I would never teach her how to fence, or she could come to master you."
Darcy raised his head and wished he could fulminate his cousin with his gaze, "It is not amusing, Richard. I beg you to not attempt to lessen my discomfort by telling some pseudo-witticism. It will not work now."
The colonel lifted his hands in surrender, "I shall stop, Darcy. I know when I am beaten." He then positioned his hands in his lap and absentmindedly caressed the fabric of his trousers before proceeding, "Although I strongly believe that you are conducting yourselves no better than toddlers. I would bet my inheritance on the opinion that Elizabeth and you are so attached to your own anger that you are unable to see each other's points."
"Perhaps." It was Darcy's laconic reply.
Upon noticing that Darcy seemed not to be inclined to provide further information on the matter, the colonel concluded that he would have to extract it himself. He thus insinuated after having reclined in the armchair, "I presume that the lady you detached Bingley from is Elizabeth's sister."
"Yes, she is." Darcy stared at him somewhat sarcastically, "And do you know the lady's identity?"
A shadow fell over the colonel's eyes, "Miss Jane Bennet." He sighed and moved his head in acknowledgment. "Bingley was the gentleman whom she was anxiously waiting at the wedding."
"I know. In vain you attempted to console her on that occasion."
"Pardon me? How did you know about this?" Col. Fitzwilliam inclined his torso in interest.
"I was forced to seek refuge from Mrs. Bennet's incessant questions about Pemberley, and I ended up cornered in the room where Miss Bennet and you were speaking . I felt then that I had better not to reveal my presence lest I would embarrass both of you. Therefore, I eavesdropped your kind of "proposal of courtship" and the lady's refusal. That is the reason why I came to know about how wrong I was in my assessment of her feelings towards Bingley."
How sadly everything has turned out - Darcy separated Bingley from Miss Bennet, thinking that she did not hold his friend in regard; I instantly fell for her, but she refused me due to her dedication to Bingley; and now Elizabeth growing acquainted with the situation made her incensed with Darcy. What an immeasurable confusion! The colonel raised from his seat and paced in front of the desk. "It was a great mistake, Darcy."
"I know, but Miss Bennet seemed so detached at Bingley's company - how could I have ever supposed that this was her manner, that deep inside she cared for him?
"Yes, you could have not divined her most inner feelings. Therefore, you should not have interfered without real evidence."
"Oh, please! I beg you - no condemnations to my actions any longer. Elizabeth's criticism is hard enough to endure. And as a matter of fact, I had sufficient evidence to justify my interference."
"The lady's apparent disregard..."
"And the Bennets' inferior condition as well as their lack of propriety." Darcy completed for his cousin.
"The same reasons you conquered in order to marry another Bennet." Col. Fitzwilliam retorted.
"Not without a great conflict. Elizabeth is aware of it."
"For God's sake, Darcy! You told her about your qualms concerning her!" The colonel was exasperated.
"And why should I conceal the conflict I had before deciding to marry her? Is it not a satisfactory proof of my regard to her? Moreover, in which manner could I justify my having scruples to my friend's possible alliance to her family, and not in my own case?" Darcy then added somberly, "It seems neither you, nor she can understand this."
"Of course she would not!" Col. Fitzwilliam commenced pacing anew, but a thought struck him and he stopped. Damnation! I am making things worse for him rather than helping. The realisation of it made the colonel walked towards Darcy and put his hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Forgive me, my friend. I have not come here to censure your actions. The past can not be altered, we shall thus concentrate on what measures you should adopt so that this dreadful situation may be reversed."
Darcy hesitated a little, but finally acceded to the colonel's offer of help. "I think I should begin by giving you a full report." And so he did right afterwards his cousin had sit down again. Col. Fitzwilliam listened to everything in silence until Darcy spoke about Miss Hargraves' missive.
"Miss Hargraves? Are you sure she was not one of some broken hearts you left behind, Darcy?" The colonel inquired half amused.
"Absolutely. Even though I can not deny having 'breaking some hearts' as you said, I have never had such an affair with an innocent lass. Nor have I 'produced any heir', not by any manner of means." As far as he knew, the only heir he had sired was being expected by Elizabeth.
"But I do have a vague memory of Lord Corbel - was he not at Cambridge at the same time as you?
"Yes, still I held no acquaintance with him. He was only inclined to cards, brandy and women. His Lordship bet high and lost much money, and not content in dissipate his father's fortune, he also tended to rely upon his mates' money to pay his debts. I have never exchanged with him more than a dozen words, so it is improbable I have visited his estate, let alone seducing the daughter of his clergyman."
Col. Fitzwilliam positioned his hand over his chin in a contemplative manner. Suddenly, his light faced and he then spoke, "I remember now - I heard something about Lord Corbel three or four years ago. It seems he committed suicide after having led his family to bankruptcy."
Darcy knocked the desk, "Damn it! I was planning to start my investigation in Leicestershire, where his family had their estate - it has likely been sold to solve the family's debts."
The colonel raised his left eyebrow, "Perhaps you still should begin your inquiries there. Even if Mr. Hargraves is not the clergyman in that parish anymore, at least the local people may inform you about his whereabouts, or even speak about any rumours related to his daughter."
"It sounds sensible. Thank you for your advice, Richard." Darcy stood up, signing it was time to retire.
"Only one more thing: I presume you have not told her about your letter to Bingley."
"No, I prefer to wait and see what Bingley will do first. I do not wish to increase the misunderstanding by raising Elizabeth's hopes, that may not become true."
"I see. And when are you planning to start the investigation?"
"As soon as Elizabeth is off to Longbourn. I am going to Leicestershire first, and later to London, before following to Longbourn in order to meet my wife there. Till then, I hope to have gathered all the necessary evidence of my innocence, as well as she has had time to assess better everything that transpired between us."
Having been replied the colonel's question, the two gentlemen left the library and climbed the stairs towards their respective chambers. On the landing, Col. Fitzwilliam halted and spoke, "Do not distress yourself so much, Darcy. Perchance, if Elizabeth had not known of everything almost at the same time, she would not have reacted so strongly against you. I am sure you will be able to solve this matter out positively."
"I do hope so."
"And you did the best thing by allowing Elizabeth to be away for a fortnight to ponder over the situation. However, do not forget to show her how much you will miss her company."
Darcy's face twisted in melancholy, "Should I?"
The colonel friendly patted on his cousin's shoulder, "Yes, you should. Good night, Darcy."
"Good night, Richard."
In contrast to the other meals of the last two days, breakfast this morning was quiet and lasted no more than the indispensable time, since Col. Fitzwilliam would leave Pemberley with Georgiana and Elizabeth in an hour. As soon as the morning meal was over, Darcy followed Elizabeth to the Mistress' room so that the lady could hand over the letter sent by Miss Hargraves.
They entered the room in absolute silence and remained so whilst Elizabeth opened one of the drawers in her desk and took the papers. She then stretched her arm over the desk and delivered them up to Darcy, who was standing in front of her. "Here it is." She said, avoiding her husband's gaze.
Darcy quickly took them, but not so fast as he could not grab the opportunity to touch her, even if for a fraction of seconds - it was a soft caress, still mighty enough to leave him staring at the papers now in his hands and seeing nothing. How ridiculous of me! I should be furious with her for not trusting in me, still only a light contact of her make me as aflame as a schoolboy glimpsing his first pair of a woman's ankles. He finally composed himself, "Thank you. I shall be at Longbourn in a fortnight. Still, before you depart with my cousin, I have something I would like to talk to you about."
"Pray continue." Elizabeth sat down and pointed to the chair in front of her desk.
"It is related to Mr. Wickham's death." Darcy took the seat Elizabeth had offered.
"A new event?" Elizabeth was wondering why Darcy had decided to bring this subject forward anew.
"Not exactly. I believe that the last time you heard about it was during my convalescence." Darcy stated and reposed in his chair, preparing himself to tell a long tale.
"It was. You did not know for sure what had been of Mr. Wickham's corpse real destiny. I think I remember the colonel saying that he would have someone investigate the matter." Elizabeth's reminiscences of that time were not very clear, since she was then more concerned with Darcy's health than with Mr. Wickham's fate.
"And so he did. On his inquiries, the person in charge came upon Col. Forster, who was also looking for Wickham."
"The colonel of Mr. Wickham's regiment? Due to Mr. Wickham's long absence?"
"Indeed. Col. Forster had also some 'strange' information provided by Lt. Denny. I believe you are not aware of it, but the lieutenant was to be Wickham's second in the duel. However, two days before the settled day for our meeting, Wickham had told to his second that I had postponed the duel for another fortnight and the lieutenant should thus return to Hertfordshire. He would do the same after he had solved some business in Town."
"Because Mr. Wickham needed to 'meet' you alone, as he was not planning to fight you in a duel." Elizabeth deduced.
"Exactly. After almost a week without hearing of the scoundrel, the colonel started to question Wickham's fellows in the regiment. The lieutenant was also a little apprehensive, due to an event that Wickham had confided to him - Wickham had talked about a deranged man from Warwick, called Oldie John, who had been following him for a couple of months. Forced to speak, Lt. Denny reported everything he knew about. He did not speak of the duel though." Darcy gazed at her and could not help smiling a little upon seeing the interest in Elizabeth's face.
"What happened to the person sent by your cousin?" Elizabeth was anxious to know the outcome of this intriguing story.
"He arrived in the town of Warwick almost at the same time that Oldie John was arrested. Col. Forster had sent a missive to a militia regiment which was camped near Stratford-upon-Avon, and after some diligence in Warwick, two officers found and took Oldie John to the local jail. The old man did not offer resistance and confessed his crime."
"Oh! Did he? But why did he not hide himself after having committed the murder, instead of coming back to his hometown?" Elizabeth inquired.
"Perchance he believed that nobody would know who had murdered Wickham. He thought me dead at that time, and I guess that nobody else saw him. Surely the man whom he sold Wickham's corpse to would not say anything."
"And could they find Mr. Wickham after all?" Even having come to dislike the man, and after he had almost killed Darcy, Elizabeth could not help feeling dizzy upon thinking of his tragic end.
"No, they could not. It seems that he was sent to a medical school in Edinburgh, yet they could not locate the corpse, nor who was the responsible for such negotiations at the campus."
"I see." Elizabeth had nothing else to comment.
"My cousin's servant wrote to him to inform about the circumstances a week ago. As Oldie John would be transferred to a prison in Town before his judgment and probable execution, Richard and I decided to go and see the man. Instead of going to the North, as we had told you, we went to the South." Darcy explained.
Why does he insist on not telling me the truth? Elizabeth thought. "Indeed?"
"I did not wish to alarm you with this. Actually, I was planning to tell you everything at the night of my return, but -- " He stopped and quickly moved the subject, "In spite of the man being a murderer, he saved my life and I have a debt to him, hence a meeting was arranged with him before his removal to Town. Oldie John seemed to have completely lost his senses and laughed all the time I was there. I then decided to visit his wife and see what I could do for his family."
"As it is hard to something good for this man now. His fate is already traced." Elizabeth lamented.
"It is. His family is actually dissolved - the daughter who had the affair with Wickham lives in Oxford and from the other male children Oldie John's wife has not heard anything for more than three years. There was only a young boy of ten who still lived with them. The woman was resolved to move to Birmingham and she said the only good I could to her was to take the boy away with me."
"Is he the 'new' boy the servants are talking of?" Elizabeth had heard the comments about the child - he seemed to be a very shy and fragile boy.
"Yes, Little John. He is living with Thomas' family and will work in the stables. It was the least I could to someone who saved my life." Darcy concluded.
Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other and the same realisation struck them - they had been speaking for more than a quarter of hour without having exchanged a sharp word. As a matter of fact, were not for the lack of endearment expressions and tender gazes, they could swear they were back again at the old happy times. However, far from being his intention, Darcy broke the spell by stating,
"I think you should know all about this event before leaving. I did not wish you to think me guilty of Wickham's death and disappearance as well."
Elizabeth blushed furiously and stood up, "I have never accused you of murdering that gentleman, since you have never given me a single reason for it!"
Darcy raised too, "I do know, but I have never given you reasons to believe in other things you are so inclined to accept as truth." He could not help stating this, since her distrust upset him the most.
"I think it is suffice, Mr. Darcy. I must beg you to forgive me, but I shall leave you now, lest your cousin will depart for London without me." Darcy bowed to her and she passed next to him as a hurricane towards the door.
Darcy and Elizabeth did not exchange a word until her taking leave an hour later. Standing next to the waiting coach, Darcy bid his adieu to Georgiana and helped her embark. Then, moving his attention to Elizabeth, he gently held her shoulders and kissed her forehead, feeling the light scent emanating from her hair. Controlling his desire of embracing her, he took a step back and said, "I hope you will have a safe journey."
" I thank you. Goodbye." She span around on her heels, wishing to conceal how she was trembling. She blamed the chilly wind and their last confrontation with her husband for being in such a state, still he could have the wrong idea and think that she was stirred by his kiss.
"Goodbye." Darcy helped his wife into the carriage. As soon as she was well installed there, he turned to Col. Fitzwilliam, "Be careful, old fellow. You are traveling with the most two important ladies of my life." Darcy heard Georgiana giggle but saw, out of the corner of his eyes , that Elizabeth did not move an inch.
"Do not worry, cousin. Everything will turn out right." The gentlemen shook hands and the colonel also entered into the coach. A footman closed the door before Darcy approached the carriage and said to Elizabeth,
"Pemberley will miss you enormously, Mrs. Darcy." Before Elizabeth could reply, he ordered the coachman to ride off. Darcy remained at the same place, looking at the carriage until it disappeared around a bend.
PemberleyOn the same day
Darcy had spent a hectic day - as he would be out of the estate for more than a fortnight, he had made an effort to resolve all the urgent matters at Pemberley. Moreover, he wished to have his thoughts otherwise entertained than wondering about Elizabeth. However, after his steward had left and business had been put aside, the silence and stiffness of the house began to disturb him. Having dinner alone was insufferable for Darcy, even if all his favourite meals had been prepared by Cook, in a vain attempt to hearten him.
After the meal, Darcy wandered through the empty rooms of the estate, unable to remain in any of them for more than ten minutes - he could not find a single book which could hold his interest in his library; the music room seemed too empty with the pianoforte standing alone in the middle of the room; the room whose doors opened to the lake was too cold. To sum up, nothing seemed to please him. His two favourite dogs, Apollo and Rocko, at a loss where to go next and tired of following the Master around as well as begging for his attention without success, finally resolved to lie down in the parlour and doze.
At last, Darcy returned to the music room and occupied one of the settees, fixing his gaze at the pianoforte. It was not the first time he had been alone in the big house, this had actually been a constant situation after his father's death and Georgiana's going to a ladies' school. Still the solitude had never impressed him as much as tonight, when only the memory of good moments were his company, although they were spoiled by the incertitude of the future.
"And this letter... Who could have written it? And why?" Darcy had carefully considered some possibilities and taken notes in a piece of paper before luncheon. He had changed clothes for dinner, still he had kept the paper with him so that he could have access to it whenever he wished. And so he did now, taking the already crumpled paper out of his pocket.
Reading through his observations, he stopped to reflect on the name of the only "known" person referred to in the missive, Lord Corbel. Darcy then reposed his head in the back of the settee and endeavoured to recover something else from his time at Cambridge, where he had "met" his lordship. He was already being conquered by exhaustion and allowing himself to slumber when he suddenly remembered an incident occurred at a pub in Cambridge some years ago.
In his mind's eye, Darcy could "see" Lord Corbel, a handsome dark man, as tall as he was, humiliating one of the girls who waited the tables. Darcy could not remember the reasons for it, yet he recollected very well indeed the fellows who shared the table and the insults with his lordship: Lord Aspbelt, Patrick O'Donnell and George Wickham!
Darcy immediately slapped his forehead and sat down erectly. "How could I have been so stupid as not to remember that Wickham was part of Lord Corbel's circle of friends? And he had probably been to his friend's estate at least once! Ah, I would not doubt that Wickham seduced the young lady and abandoned her later - it is so typical of him. How many times had he pursued the pretty maids at Pemberley? And the tenants' daughter?"
He raised and paced in front of the settee in pure agitation. "Or perchance I am too biased against Wickham and seeing things where they were not - Wickham's friendship to his lordship did not mean that he was the one who had been to Willowside Manor and seduced Miss Hargraves, if such a story has ever happened. Besides, if the event is true, why am I being accused of it now? For what purpose should one wait so much time to lay this ignominy at my door?"
In his attempt to sort out his thoughts and come to a rational conclusion, certain aspects of the nightmare that had haunted him for some time appeared clearly in his mind - Wickham frightening him with the same ominous sentence, Elizabeth will never be completely yours! "But this was only a bad dream. I can not base my suppositions upon fantasy."
Thereupon, the images from his last meeting with Wickham were forming in his head - the scoundrel insulting Georgiana's and Elizabeth's names; the pistol aimed at his head; the shot which hit Wickham and his face in the mud. Darcy passed his hand over his hair many times while recollecting Wickham's face before his death. His enemy had used the same words of Darcy's nightmare. In contrast to the dream, his face on the road to Kent had even held a more malign and revengeful expression. And it had been real.
"Lord! Could this missive be his last round against me, the last attempt to turn my life miserable? Wickham had guessed while still in Meryton that I was in love with Elizabeth and he knew that she would be a perfect way to affect me. Still everything sounds so absurd, not even a cheap novelist would come up with such an idea!"
Nonetheless, the more Darcy thought, the more he grew convinced that the missive and Lord Corbel's acquaintance with Wickham were not a mere coincidence. "My first instinct and Richard may not be wrong after all - I shall start my investigation in Lord Corbel's estate. The sooner the better!"
It was what he did in the following morning - he departed for Leicestershire in his search for the truth. Hardly did he know that this would be only the first stop of a long journey.
Longbourn30th of January, 1812
Seven days had passed since Elizabeth left Pemberley and she was inconceivably missing home. It was strange indeed how her concept of "home" had considerably been altered - until last December, home had been Longbourn and Elizabeth had longed for her parents' house very much on the first days of her marriage to Darcy. However, now being at the "old home" again, she could not conceive the feeling of estrangement concerning her parents' house which had been overcoming her, mainly in the long and somewhat fastidious afternoons spent with her family.
As a matter of fact, in a brief period of time "home" had become Pemberley - oh, how she craved to see the pond from her chamber, to look at the woods and try to anticipate how they would be like during the Spring. And deep inside she knew she was also missing the estate owner and his charming and witty conversation, even if she endeavoured to convince herself of the opposite. The sketch that Georgiana was currently drawing of the imposing house only made her feel more nostalgic.
Certainly the first days spent with her family at Longbourn were of relatively joy - everyone was eager to know about Elizabeth's marriage life and she, in an attempt to keep the dark thoughts from her mind, had acceded to it. Elizabeth truly had lived good moments in London and at Pemberley, and she therefore had much to tell.
Besides, in her turn, she could not deny a certain interest in coming to know the news from Meryton, especially the ones from her friend Charlotte née Lucas, now Mrs. Collins, who was now residing at Rosings Park, the estate of Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Charlotte had written a letter to her addressed to Longbourn, because Lady Catherine, extremely displeased with her nephew's quick marriage and choice of spouse, had severed any relationship to the "ingrate" Darcys - the "prohibition" included Mr. Collins and his wife, as the upstart's cousin and friend, hence Charlotte could not openly send Elizabeth a letter.
In her missive, Charlotte reported her (tedious, in Elizabeth's conception) days with her husband , her duties and visits to Lady Catherine, and expressed her wish to know about Elizabeth's new life. Elizabeth then replied detailing what was possible, but omitting the duel as well as her quarrel with Darcy. Much as the two ladies had been close friends in the past, their respective marriages seemed to have affected their friendship. Elizabeth could not feel comfortable with someone who had accepted to wed a man she could not respect.
Elizabeth also omitted the last events that had passed at Pemberley from her father. She had to tell him about the duel that did not happen, as well as Darcy's long convalescence, still she preferred not to say anything when Mr. Bennet asked her about her opinion of her husband after the marriage. Why should she? She did not wish to involve her father in something that she was not still sure of. Perchance in future if necessity arose, she would need his advice. At the present time, she sounded as neutral as she could and gave her opinion of Darcy based on the good things of him she had seen. Her father had grown a little suspicious of her tone and expression, knowing her well as he did, still he did not press her.
Having the excitement of the first days been extinguished, Elizabeth started to grew distressed by her family's "common" behaviour: her mother and her indiscreet questions (in front of whomever was with them - Lady Lucas, Mrs. Grant or Georgiana) about the Darcy's silverware, Elizabeth's pocket money, and insinuations about Darcy's absence; Lydia and Kitty's incessant babble about the officers of Col. Forster's regiment that was still camped in Meryton, and their savage manners; Mary's reproach of any action done by anyone, having Fordyce's sermons as support; and last, but not the least, her father's sarcastic remarks upon his family. Ah, there was not a single day in which the Bennets' conduct did not do justice to Darcy's disapproval of them and it was inconceivable how this tormented her.
Fortunately, Georgiana seemed not to be troubled by the Bennets' lack of manners. Initially she had grown a little anxious by the "vivacity" of Elizabeth's family. However, after few days, she had already become accustomed to them and was feeling happy to be the guest of such a "warm" family. She had even established a relationship with Kitty and Lydia, but it was with Mary that she spent most of her time away from Elizabeth.
In the beginning, Mary had not liked the idea of another lady, and a proficient one, sharing the pianoforte with her. She dreaded the comparison and a possible dispute for the next balls. Georgiana knew how to approach Mary and gain her confidence though, and they started to spend part of the afternoon talking about music and practising. Elizabeth saw this relationship with good eyes, because she understood that Georgiana could help Mary improve her abilities in the instrument as well as both of them being shy, perhaps they could support each other.
If Georgiana was a very sweet lady and did not annoy her at all, she was involuntarily a source of sadness for Elizabeth , for reminding the latter of a certain gentleman and all the difficulty and uncertainty involved in their relationship. Elizabeth bore a happy and serene face during the day, but it was at night that her phantoms return to plague her. Could Darcy be forgiven by his interference upon Jane and Bingley's affair? Should she believe him in case he proved Miss Hargraves' letter wrong? And could she tolerate him if he had seduced and abandoned the lady in question? She still did not know what to do.
Fortuitously, the initial dizziness caused by her state had seemed to improve after her arrival to Longbourn and she felt nothing at the moment, but hunger. Her mother had even chastised her for eating so much, as there was the "danger of making herself too corpulent to be admired by her husband, leading him to a mistress' arms".
Standing now in her father's studio, running her fingers through the leather bindings of the books, Elizabeth was anxiously waiting for Jane and the Gardiners' arrival - she had not heard from her sister for two weeks and she was already growing alarmed. A laconic express had come two days ago only informing of their journey to Longbourn. Elizabeth was missing her sister and had so much to tell her. Besides, she hoped that her sister's mind had improved and she had been able to overcome her feelings for Mr. Bingley.
The sound of the wheels in the path outside made Elizabeth run out of the studio and through the parlour to meet the Gardiners' carriage at the house entrance. Mr. Gardiner was the first to alight, helping then his wife, Jane and his children do the same. There was a profusion of welcomes and finally the two beloved sisters could embrace each other.
"Oh Jane! I missed you so much!" Elizabeth exclaimed first
"And I missed you, Lizzy. There are so many things to tell you." Jane seemed so excited and happy.
"You look so well, Jane. The journey to London was very beneficial to you." Elizabeth was telling the truth - Jane looked very radiant and joyful, so different from the melancholy lady she was at Elizabeth's wedding.
"Indeed!" Jane winked at her sister.
So distracted was Elizabeth that she only noticed that another carriage had approached the house entrance when it had already stopped behind the Gardiners' coach. The grinning person who got off from it astonished her. She immediately looked at Jane and inquired, "Mr. Bingley here?"
"Yes, Lizzy. He has come to talk to father." Jane blinked at her sister anew, picked up her sister's hand and then held it strongly, "Mr. Bingley has come to ask father's permission to marry me, Lizzy."
A baffled Elizabeth stared at Jane with a torrent of questions dominating her mind. She swallowed hard and then grasped Jane's hand even tighter, "I beg your pardon if I do not look happy - I mean, I am very happy for you. Still, the last time you wrote to me, you said that you had already lost any hope that Mr. Bingley -" Elizabeth could not finish her sentence though, as upon seeing Mr. Bingley's arrival, Mrs. Bennet positioned herself exactly in front of them, preventing any conversation between the two sisters.
A short time later, a grinning Mr. Bingley approached quickly the entrance and bowed to an astonished Mrs. Bennet. "I hope you are in good health, ma'am." Bingley said, his eyes sparkling in joy. Before the matron could recover herself and start her usual drivel, he proceeded, "I beg you to excuse my coming in an inconvenient time, but I am back to Hertfordshire, with plans to stay at Netherfield for a long period of time. I thus wish to ask for Mr. Bennet's permission - I mean, advice on some matters." His eyes traveled from the lady to Jane, who was right behind Mrs. Bennet, and reposed on her beloved face for a moment, before returning to the mater anew.
Bingley's devoted gaze was noticed by Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth, who was not only temporarily speechless, but also unaware of the pleasantries exchanged nearby by the Gardiners, her sisters and Georgiana - she could not take her eyes off Jane and Bingley. Her mother, on the other hand, already recuperated from the initial surprise, finally found her tongue,
"Not at all, sir. We are welcoming my brother Gardiner and his wife, who have just arrived from London, and it is a pleasure to receive you too, Mr. Bingley." She then pointed at her brother and sister. "Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner. My Jane spent some time with them in Town after Christmas." The couple smiled at Bingley in acknowledgment.
"I hope you are in good health, ma'am. Sir." Bingley bowed to Mrs. Gardiner, who curtsied, and then shook Mr. Gardiner's hand." Afterwards, he turned his attention to Mrs. Bennet, "I have already had the pleasure of meeting them in London, Mrs. Bennet. I came upon Miss Bennet in __________ Park a fortnight ago and your daughter was so kind as to introduce me to her aunt and uncle."
"Indeed!" So they met again in Town. Oh, my dearest Jane!" Mrs. Bennet was growing happier while the seconds ticked by, as it seemed that her dreams of seeing Jane married to an affluent and well-established gentleman were to become true. After all, why had Mr. Bingley returned to Hertfordshire if not to propose marriage to her dear Jane?
While Mrs. Bennet so wondered Mr. Gardiner stepped ahead, after having patted gently at his wife's hands, and spoke, "Yes, sister. Since their chance meeting, Mr. Bingley has delighted us with his visits."
Mrs. Bennet grinned even more upon hearing her brother's comments. She then moved aside so that Bingley could greet Jane and her other daughters. And so did the gentleman, being welcomed by the other Bennets as well as Georgiana. He left the question about Darcy, though, to the last lady he bowed to - Elizabeth,
"How nice is to see you again, Miss Eli... Mrs. Darcy." Bingley said cheerfully. "May I congratulate you belatedly on your marriage to my friend Darcy?"
"I thank you, sir." Elizabeth smiled a little, as she was still rather upset at the gentleman for his too "easy disposition" - had Mr. Bingley been a little more assertive, he might not have allowed Darcy to interfere upon his plans to marry Jane, sparing her sister from all the distress she had felt since the gentleman's departure last Autumn.
However, as Jane herself looked as exultant as Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth decided that she would not be the one to reprimand the gentleman, at least not at the moment. She was sure that Jane would tell her about everything that had transpired between the couple since their "chance" meeting in London and perchance she would be able to understand the matter better. Her feelings softened, Elizabeth then proceeded, "It is a pleasure to meet you again, sir. I see that 'Hertfordshire' seems to have definitely attracted you, since you are back and inclined to stay here."
Bingley grinned meaningfully, "I had never had been so happy before coming here, ma'am. The best thing I have ever done was let Netherfield Park last Autumn." He looked around before asking, "But where is Darcy? Is he inside playing chess with Mr. Bennet? Your father must be careful - Darcy is known to be proficient at this game, and I do not know if your father could stand to be defeated. At least, your good father did not look very happy when my brother Hurst beat him at poker at Sir William's house once."
"No indeed! Father is the type of gentleman who loves to be always the winner." Upon having to explain the reasons of Darcy's absence, Elizabeth became a little reddish, "As a matter of fact, my husband is actually at Pemberley now. Due to some business he could not postpone, Darcy was prevented from accompanying Georgiana and me to Hertfordshire. He will be here in a week, though."
"Wonderful! I am sure we have so much information to account for, so many joyful occasions that deserved to be related." Bingley looked at Jane anew and she lowered her eyes in modesty, yet not before rewarding him with one of her delectable smiles. The gentleman's eyes gleamed for a few moments - how he wished he could take her in his arms now and direct towards Netherfield, without having any concern for propriety, family or friends.
Yet he knew he should wait, as neither Jane nor himself had inclination to audacity. The more we wait, the more our contentment should be, my dearest Jane! Momentarily, he had the memory of the kisses stolen after she had accepted to espouse him and this should be suffice until the day they could finally be joined together. Hopefully, their waiting would not be of long duration. His daydream was interrupted by Mrs. Bennet though, who invited everyone to pass in and warm themselves in the drawing room.
The group cheerfully acceded to Mrs. Bennet's enticement and made their entrance at the Bennets' home through the parlour towards the drawing room, as Mrs. Bennet ordered Mrs. Hill to fetch the master to come to the room urgently. Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Elizabeth, Bingley and the Gardiners took a seat near the hearth, while Georgiana and Mary preferred to position themselves next to the pianoforte. Kitty and Lydia stood in front of the main window, the one that provided the best view of the gates, since they were waiting for some officers to call upon them - which did not happen, frustrating both young ladies' plans for the afternoon.
Slowly, the main group was divided into Mrs. Bennet and the Gardiners talking about the recent events in Longbourn (from Mrs. Philips' new paintings to the strange illness that had made one of Mrs. Long's nieces be isolated), and Jane, Elizabeth and Bingley re-starting the conversation from the point they had been interrupted when they were still outdoors.
Due to the fact that the elder party seemed to be so much entertained as to pay attention to the other group, Bingley felt at rest to continue inquiring about his friend, "Your sister related to me Darcy's 'accident' before Christmas. I truly hope he is fully recovered from it." It was impossible not to see the sincere apprehension in the gentleman's face.
Elizabeth understood Bingley's meaning. Jane must have told him everything about the duel and my marriage to Darcy. How strange people in love can be - in the twinkling of an eye, everything is forgiven and forgotten between them, and Jane has confided to him even "my" secrets. I wish I could be as complaisant as Jane and Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth wondered, still unsure of what to think about the couple in front of her. Nevertheless, she could not remain silent and she thus spoke, "My husband is very well now, sir. I thank you."
Jane looked at Elizabeth somewhat apologetically and stated, "I thought Mr. Bingley should know the truth, Lizzy. After all, he is Mr. Darcy's friend and -"
"Do not distress yourself, Jane. If Mr. Bingley proved himself to be worthy of your confidence, I believe it was the best thing you could have done." Elizabeth gazed meaningfully at the gentleman, who blushed a little.
"I believe it must have been a very trying time for you." Bingley gravely continued, changing the focus of attention from himself. "I wish I could have been there to offer my support to the family. I was in the North, at my Aunt's house, yet had I been informed, I would have gone to London as fast as I could."
"I thank you again for your kindness, Mr. Bingley. Perchance those days before Christmas were the worst moments I have lived as yet." Suddenly, all the pain and the fear Elizabeth had felt during the days of Darcy's illness were evoked in her mind and she trembled. However, the memories which affected her the most were the ones from the period after Darcy had defeated death, when they had become so attached to each other. Such a happy time had been the continuation of a gradual process of becoming acquainted to each other, commenced in the brief period before and right after their wedding and interrupted because of Darcy's accident.
Why did things have to turn out so badly? She had thought that Darcy and she would be able to live well together, even after the disastrous beginning. What does not start well, it will not finish well - Mary would say. Elizabeth sighed, making Jane stare at her rather worried. Upon perceiving her sister's gaze, Elizabeth forced herself to smile, "Everything is well at this moment, though. And we spent a wonderful time at Pemberley after my husband's recovery, Mr. Bingley. I hope we shall be able to welcome you there very soon."
"It would be my pleasure!"
Elizabeth was going to ask him about his sisters - naturally, out of politeness, but her mother called her to join the group and talk about her house in Town and Pemberley to the Gardiners. Perceiving her mother's inappropriate wish of leaving Bingley and Jane alone, Elizabeth thought of resisting to it. However, she could not do it without being rude to her favourite aunt and uncle, thus she resigned herself to join her mother's group.
Hardly had Elizabeth begun her accounts on her new life to the Gardiners, Mr. Bennet entered the room and startled upon seeing Mr. Bingley speaking to Jane. What was the gentleman doing there? He must have just arrived himself, since no word had been heard about Netherfield being occupied again - Mr. Bennet was sure that had it been so, his wife would be already on his heels, urging him to renew the acquaintance. He inquisitively looked at Elizabeth, but she nodded her head, denying any knowledge of the matter.
Then, after having greeted the Gardiners, Mr. Bennet determinedly ignored his wife pathetic looks and faces in a vain effort to prevent him from joining their eldest daughter and Mr. Bingley's company and approached the young couple.
"Mr. Bingley! How nice to see you again!" Mr. Bennet exclaimed, somewhat truly, as he could not deny that he liked the gentleman.
"How have you been, Mr. Bennet?" Bingley shook the old gentleman's hand.
"Not as good as you look, sir" Mr. Bennet was telling the truth - Mr. Bingley had always been in good spirits in their previous meetings, still one could almost touch the bliss that involved his eyes and manners.
"I suppose the country airs make wonderful things to my disposition." Bingley smiled.
"And I presume you only discovered this after being back to the foggy Town." Mr. Bennet said in amusement.
"Unfortunately, I was forced to bear the fog and the grey days before I could come back to clear and colourful days in the countryside."
"Indeed? It is still winter here too, sir. There may not be fog, but I am sure you will not find 'some colours' before late April. Life in Hertfordshire can be as grey and tedious as in London, sir." Mr. Bennet was having fun at the gentleman's expenses. Nevertheless, Mr. Bingley's answer disconcerted him a little.
"When you have Spring herself living with you, life will always be colourful and lively, whatever is the weather outside, sir. Would you not agree with me, Miss Bennet?" Bingley gazed at Jane and she, flushing anew, answered,
"Spring inside a house can only make it an agreeable place to live if she is complemented by the Sun. And later, by the flowers - the evidence of their perfect union." It was Bingley's turn to flush.
I can already listen to the bells ringing! I can not be wrong - Mr. Bingley must have come back to ask Jane's hand." Mr. Bennet wondered. "Well, if you have come behind Spring here, I guess you will stay for indefinite time."
"I am. I am planning to stay in Hertfordshire for at least the next two seasons. Therefore I think I could come and inquire you about some details."
"Oh, I am glad to be of use. Yet I believe your questions will have to wait a little to be responded." He motioned to Mrs. Hill, who had just entered the room with the tea and some sandwiches. "Mrs. Bennet would never forget me if I left for the library now, taking her guest of honour with me." The three of them laughed while Mrs. Bennet started to serve the tea.
After the tea had been served, Mr. Bennet retired to his library taking Mr. Bingley with him. For the latter's happiness, Mr. Gardiner declined his brother's invitation to join the gentlemen in the other room, preferring to follow his wife upstairs and rest from the long journey. Mrs. Bennet remained in the drawing room instead, taking a seat next to Jane and Elizabeth. Hence, the two sisters had to postpone anew their conversation about the events in London that had brought Mr. Bingley to Longbourn.
Mary and Georgiana were still at the pianoforte, and the former had already refused twice to play Lydia's request of something more cheerful, determined she was to study the duet she had been practicing with Georgiana for the last two days. Finally, exhausted of talking to the wind, Lydia snorted and pulled Kitty outside the room. After having double checked that her mother was distracted babbling with her older sisters, Mary stop playing and spoke in an undertone to Georgiana, "Would you be able to keep a secret, Georgiana?"
"A secret?" The lady's eyes stared wide open at Mary, excited as she was for being capable of inspiring confidence in her new friend.
"Well, I guess it will not be a secret in a quarter of an hour, still I would wish you not to divulge, whichever is the outcome, what I am going to tell you now."
"I assure you that not a word about this will ever leave my mouth." Georgiana promised.
"Good. Mr. Bingley has come back to Hertfordshire because he is going to propose marriage to my sister Jane." Mary said this if she were talking about a matter of State.
"Indeed?" Georgiana's reaction was a combination of surprise and thrill. "How fortunate for your sister. And for Mr. Bingley as well - although I am not well acquainted with your sister, the little I have seen of her makes me believe that the gentleman could not have chosen another lady more lovely than she is."
"Shhh." Mary said under her breath. " I am not sure that this is the real reason for the gentleman coming to visit us just after his journey, yet as they were always together during Mr. Bingley's stay last Autumn -"
"And his long stares at her today may confirm your thesis - even me, who I am so feeble-minded at things of the heart could not help noticing how Mr. Bingley looked at your sister." Georgiana completed her new friend's sentence.
"It is a great virtue when a woman is blind to the 'things of the heart' - she will not thus be threatened by the perils of the clamours of the body." Mary seriously stated.
Georgiana blushed furiously, as Mary reminded her of the "perils" she had faced last summer. However, it had been a very perilous circumstance exactly because she was rather naïve at everything - had she had more contacts with the opposite sex rather than her brother and cousin only, she would have noticed that Mr. Wickham's looks at her could mean anything, but love, the very one she could see in her brother's eyes when looking at Elizabeth and in Mr. Bingley's today.
Tears came to her eyes and she struggled for not crying - she had promised to herself that she would not do it anymore. Moreover, she did not want to scare Elizabeth, who was observing her now. Therefore, she started to play with the keys of the instrument in front of her till she felt more at control of her feelings. Then, she turned to Mary and stated, her cheeks still burning, "Actually, I believe that the less you know about the 'perils' of life in general, the more you are exposed to them."
Mary was amazed - nobody had ever opposed to her moral sentences. They could ignore them, snort at them, even laugh at them, but they had never commented about it. As Georgiana had stood up to better arrange the music sheets, Mary looked up at her and, barely restraining her shock and a feeling of irritation, she said, "I beg your pardon, I do not comprehend your point of view."
Georgiana gazed down at her and, upon seeing Mary's response, she immediately exclaimed, "Oh, I beg your forgiveness!" Then, she sat down and took her friend's hands, "I did not mean to offend you. I only have a different opinion about this matter."
Mary felt uncomfortable. "I... I do not think you did." She drew her hands back and raised her chin, her lips trembling a little, "Still, this is what the general moral guidance states and -"
"And do you really believe in every line they state?" The Darcys' obstinacy was starting to show in Georgiana's manner.
"I do. I mean, I am not absolutely sure, but they are very good pieces of advice and everyone should follow them."
"I agree, they are very good indeed. Yet I sometimes believe that some people prefer extracting their own pieces of advice from life itself to being told what to do."
Mary became red and began to stand up, still she was prevented from doing it by Georgiana gently holding her right arm. Mary did not look at her though, and exclaimed somewhat furiously, somewhat hurt, "I do not need your criticism. I do not need anybody's criticism."
Georgiana, nevertheless, kept holding her friend's arm and spoke as gently as she could. "I am not criticizing you, Mary. It is much farther from it. We have been in each other's company for only a week, but I feel that we have known each other since ever - you have done more for me, you have supported me in a manner that no one has ever done, without thinking of doing it because I am a Darcy, or because in this way you could reach my brother's heart - how many ladies of my acquaintance had done this before my brother married your sister!"
"You have been a good friend too." Mary stated.
"I admire you, Mary. You are very kind and you are not interested whether the other people notice it - only the real friends can see it, like the young Miss Lucas. Besides, your diligence to study music and the Bible and your intelligence are to be praised. However, nobody sees any of this because you hide yourself behind these moralities, Mary."
"Oh!" It was the only thing Mary could say.
"They think that you are criticizing them instead of attempting to help, and as you are rather well aware, most people do no like to be criticised."
Mary remained silent for a while, considering what Georgiana had spoken about. She knew she was not a beauty like Jane, nor witty like Lizzy. On the other hand, she despised Lydia's too much lively disposition and Kitty's tendency to follow the youngest. And she already knew she must be known by an adjective - not the "middle sister", or "the ugliest sister". She wished to be recognised by her abilities and she thought that presenting herself at the pianoforte in every single event in the neighbourhood and throwing her "knowledge of the world" through her moral sentences would be helpful. It seemed it had not. "Georgiana, I... Hmm, you may be right. I shall think more on the matter."
Georgiana smiled at her and was going to say something, but Mrs. Bennet's cries of "They are engaged" interrupted the two ladies' serious talking. Actually, Mary and Georgiana had been so entertained that they had not realised when Mrs. Hill had come to the drawing room and told to Jane that she was expected in the master's library first, and then Mrs. Bennet ten minutes later. At that time, Elizabeth had preferred not to disturb the two ladies at the pianoforte, and she had picked up her embroidery, remaining quiet in a comfortable seat next to the main window.
In this way, Mrs. Bennet's cries communicated what the whole household had been waiting for since Mr. Bingley had entered Longbourn anew - Miss Jane Bennet was finally to be the future mistress of Netherfield.
LongbournLater in the evening
After the sincere wishes of happiness for Jane and Bingley's imminent wedding had subsided, Mr. Bingley accepted the Bennets' invitation for dinner. He had quickly gone to Netherfield so that he could refresh and come back with a gift to Jane - a beautiful engagement ring, a single pearl garnished by small diamonds.
The dinner was spent in conjectures for the future - Jane would travel to London to buy her trousseaux and a bride's gown. Mr. Bingley promised to give a ball in his fiancée's honour, to be held in three weeks, exciting Kitty and Lydia. To sum up, everybody seemed to be happy. Everyone but one person, and Madeleine Gardiner was starting to become worried about her - many people could not perceive, even Jane, but she knew that Elizabeth was not content, despite all her efforts to smile and sound cheerful. Mrs. Gardiner made a mental note to talk to one of her favourite nieces as soon as the events allowed.
However, it was not at that night that Mrs. Gardiner would accomplish this. As a matter of fact, hardly had Mr. Bingley retired himself to Netherfield, all the ones gathered at Longbourn did the same - everyone was too much fatigued to babble. Still, Jane would not sleep without having shared her joy with her favourite sister and so she did, as soon as she noticed that there was not a single sound in the household, as she used to do when they were a child. Jane knocked on her sister's door and was invited to come in.
"Oh Jane!" Elizabeth stood up from her bed and went towards her sister.
"I am so happy, Lizzy!" The two sisters remained embraced for a while, both of them fighting their tears.
"You do deserve all the happiness, Jane." Elizabeth finally said.
"I still can not believe it, I still think I am dreaming, Lizzy! Three weeks ago I was one of the most unfortunate in the world."
"Indeed. And I was really worried, because I had not heard of you since then. The express sent by our uncle three days ago did not contain a single word of my dearest sister's condition."
Jane took a seat in front of the vanity and played with Elizabeth's hairbrush that bore her sister's initials on it. She smiled somewhat playfully. "I meant to surprise you."
"You did a wonderful job, Jane. I was expecting for a downhearted lady and I met a very merry one - you can not imagine how marvelous your surprise was!" Elizabeth then sat down on her bed. "However, you still have much to explain, young lady."
"I do, Lizzy!" Jane explained so how Mr. Bingley had "accidentally" found her in London and after two visits, he confessed he still loved her, he had always done and asked her to marry him.
"But Jane, did he come out of nothing? Did he not know about your visit to Miss Bingley, for example?"
"Yes, Lizzy. No, Lizzy. Allow me to tell you everything Charles told me."
"Oh, Charles?" Elizabeth said mischievously.
Jane blushed a little. "Yes, now I can call you by his Christian name , can I not?"
"Of course you can. But pray continue."
The future Mrs. Bingley did not spare a single detail - Bingley had told her that his sisters had deliberately omitted about her presence in Town. "As a matter of fact, he only looked for me after having received a missive from Mr. Darcy, and Charles is very grateful to him for this - he wishes your husband to be his best man."
Elizabeth almost choked, "I believe I misunderstood you, Jane. Did you say that my husband indirectly played a part to reunite Mr. Bingley and you?"
"Yes, I did. According to Charles, were not for the letter written by your husband and poor Charles would still be pining for me, convinced that I did not love him."
"A missive?" Elizabeth did not remember Darcy mentioning about a letter sent to Mr. Bingley.
"Exactly. The missive was sent before Christmas, but it only reached dear Charles' hands in the middle of January. On it, it seems that Mr. Darcy exhorted Charles to search for me because your husband was convinced that I was in love with his friend. Could have Mr. Darcy realised something during the few visits he paid to us before your marriage, Lizzy? Or were you who told him about my feelings towards to his friend?"
"Oh Lord!" Elizabeth murmured. Then, perceiving that she still have something to reply, she proceeded, "I did not tell my husband anything, Jane." At least not before Christmas! Yet why did he not mention about this letter when we had the argument over the matter more than a week ago? "My husband is a good observer, Jane. He may have seen you dispirited and guessed that it could be because of Mr. Bingley's absence, but I do not know."
"Anyway, for what he did for us, he deserves to be Charles' best man, Lizzy." Jane stated innocently.
"Yes, he does." Elizabeth absentmindedly agreed, as she had much to consider now.