Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 9
Even only by the way Bingley rode his horse, Darcy understood that his friend had definitively changed. He, who used to be carried by his horse (or so he looked, even though he had never had any serious accident), now sat straight, dominating his horse, in charge of his destiny. Darcy didn't know the way to the Gardiner's but beforehand, that wouldn't have prevented him from taking the lead in their ride. Every Londoner knew its way to Cheapside, even though from Mayfair, that was not a way to go. That day, he didn't. He followed Bingley. And soon enough, without a single stop or even a remote hesitation, they were in front of a cosy house, in a clean street and Bingley stopped.
On getting down from his horse, his figure was even straighter than before. Darcy saw him take a deep breath, his face showing the tenseness he felt. He also noticed with some friendly amusement Bingley's patting his chest pocket to check the presence of the letter and the promises he deeply hoped it held. To alleviate his friend's uneasiness, he told him that it had been a very agreeable ride and that the winter seemed to begin to depart.
"Lovely ride, right... right," was all the answer he got, while Bingley was knocking at the door.
A maid opened the door and, after a short while, Mr. Gardiner appeared and introduced them into his office.
The gentlemen bowed to each other.
"Mr. Bingley. I didn't expect to see you so soon."
"Mr. Gardiner... May I introduce my friend Mr. Darcy? Darcy, this is Mr. Gardiner. As I have already told you, Mr. Gardiner is both my plant reseller and the Miss Bennets' uncle."
Darcy was still not very comfortable with the mentioning of the Bennet name as his short "Mr. Gardiner," proved it. Mr. Gardiner, though not a man to be prejudiced by the others, still had in mind the description that had been made of the man back in Longbourn. The curt salutation he had received tending to be in accordance with the said description, he decided to let the man speak and returned, as curtly, the salutation.
"Mr. Gardiner, Darcy called this morning before my leaving to call on you. As we both looked forward for some exercise, we decided to come together."
Neither was deceived but all nodded. Bingley went on. "Moreover, Darcy's estate is located in the wild North and I thought it might be interesting to let the two of you speak about it."
Darcy was mildly annoyed at his friend but, for the sake of their friendship (endangered by himself over the past months), he decided to play the game. "Not so far in the North, Bingley." Then turning to Mr. Gardiner: "In fact, Pemberley is in Derbyshire. It's true that the main activity on the estate is sheep breeding but I try to cultivate the more fertile soils."
Although plainly aware of the situation of Mr. Darcy and his properties, Mr. Gardiner entered the play too. "In Derbyshire? My wife is from there. She grew up in a village called Lambton. That's were we got married too."
That was news to Mr. Darcy. He genuinely answered, "Really? Lambton? It's not more than 5 miles from Pemberley. I often walked there as a boy. My sister goes shopping there."
"Then, you shall have to come back to talk about your countryside with Mrs. Gardiner. She would be very happy for we hardly ever go there and she is very fond of the happy years she spent in Derbyshire. But as I remember it, there were very few cultivated fields the last time we visited the shire."
Followed after an interesting conversation between the gentlemen about the improvements made by Mr. Darcy and the ones suggested by Mr. Gardiner. The eldest was pleased to see that a supposedly so proud gentleman was interested by his ideas. The youngest was surprised by the knowledge of the other. The pleasure for both was not faked and at first, Mr. Bingley was deeply satisfied to see that Darcy was able then to appreciate someone he would probably not have bothered to talk to a few days before. But he was not a man to triumph and he had a more important subject at heart. He soon after started to fidget on his chair and his impatience got more and more obvious. Darcy and Gardiner noticed it. The former decided to move on a more interesting topic in his friend's eyes.
"What a coincidence that you are both Bingley's plants reseller and the Miss Bennets' uncle!"
"I must say it was quite a surprise to find out," was all Mr. Gardiner dared to answer, as he didn't know how far went Mr. Darcy's knowledge of the previous day encounter.
Bingley lapped into the subject. With a straight look into Mr. Gardiner's eyes, he took the letter in his pocket and handed it to him. "Here is the letter you authorised me to address your niece. May I ask how she is?"
Mr. Gardiner's face took a more worried expression. "I must say I don't know exactly. I haven't seen her since yesterday at the warehouse and she was very upset when she came back. My wife has seen her several time, though, and she's seemed to improved."
Mr. Bingley's demeanour had changed at the end of this answer. In a very worried tone, he asked, "What! Not even for dinner? What about breakfast this morning?"
With a soothing smile, Mr Gardiner answered: "She has kept to her room so far but I'm sure she will reappear soon. We even have a surprise for her. Mrs. Gardiner expects a new guest tomorrow at the latest. We have asked her sister to come."
On hearing this, Mr. Darcy's head jerked up. Come on Darce, Miss Bennet has four sisters. It might not be her... Of course it is her, she is her closest relative and I know the care she takes of her. He tried nevertheless to strengthen himself for the confirmation of his guess.
Mr. Gardiner noticed his behaviour and paid attention to his reaction on answering Mr. Bingley's question about who was the one to come. "Miss Elisabeth is the one we invited. She is very close to Jane and she was bound to travel through London anyway in a few weeks to go to Kent. She just anticipates a little the first step of her travel."
By chance, Bingley was also looking in Darcy's direction during Mr. Gardiner's answer. Therefore, the two of them witnessed the shock, then the anguish, then the struggle to finally regain a sterner countenance than normal displayed by his face even if neither of them commented on it. Darcy, unaware of the attention he had been paid, thought to himself I've not done so bad... I shall have to avoid the neighbourhood if she is to reside here. Not that it should be difficult, it's not an area where I have a lot to do!
Still trying to make sense of what he had seen, Bingley nevertheless came back to his favourite subject. "I'm very happy to hear that. I used to often marvel at the closeness of the relationship between them. I'm sure this will help her very much." After a while and some hesitation, he added: "I wondered if my sisters could call on Jane in the next few days? ... I'd like them to come and see her... if she agrees, that is."
Deciding to think about Mr. Darcy's reaction to his news later, Mr. Gardiner answered: "I cannot answer for her but you are most welcome to try your luck!" Seeing that Mr. Bingley obviously waited for more details, he added: "I don't think I'll see her this morning, so I shall give her your letter this evening. I plan on telling her that you remained to talk with me yesterday and that you called this morning without revealing what was said. Is that fine with you?"
Bingley's anxiety seemed to come back. His face was more serious when he only nodded his agreement. Taking a deep breath, and after a quick glance at his friend who seemed to be still out of spirit, he informed their host that it was time for them to leave. Sincere salutations were exchanged and the younger gentlemen exited the house and left Cheapside.
By then, Darcy had regained his composure and was able to agree immediately to Bingley's proposal to stop by White's. The latter wanted to get his friend's opinion of Mr. Gardiner and try to change it, would it not be what he thought it should be. If, by the way, he could try and understand his behaviour in the last part of their interview with Jane's uncle, so much the better!
As soon as they were settled in their favourite armchairs, a tea by their side (as it was still too early to go for something stronger), Bingley commented on their call in Cheapside: "So Darce, what do you think of the man? Isn't he as interesting as I had told you?"
"Indeed he is. I found him very clever. He has a very good knowledge of the soils in England and what can be done in all of them. He gave me some ideas my own steward hadn't thought about!"
"Yes, and he knows about people too, his whole staff is very well-informed!"
"I must say that, at least in your case, he has been very sensible."
"What do you mean?"
"Well... obviously he regards very favourably your attention to Jane!" Seeing his friend frowning, he quickly added: "Don't misunderstand me! A week ago, I might have said that it is due to your worth as a husband for such a family but I know now better. He obviously knew of our interaction with the Hertfordshire people but he hasn't tried to take benefit of it."
Smirking Bingley commented: "Oh, that's for sure! He has even spoken to you even though he knows you're partly responsible for my not coming back to Netherfield in December."
"Really? I must say that I wouldn't have known... He's the Miss Bennets' uncle by their mother, isn't he?"
"Yes, I believe he is Mrs. Bennet's elder brother. Ja... Miss Bennet explained once to me that he had got married late, unlike her mother."
Darcy couldn't stop himself: "That's not the only point where he is unlike Mrs. Bennet!"
"I understand your meaning Darcy, but I cannot agree with your behaviour... True some of the Bennets do not always act sensibly..."
"And that is a euphemism," interrupted Darcy.
"but some others always do." Bingley's tone was impatient by then. "And you already acknowledged that to me, this very morning! Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet have the same sense as their uncle, you cannot blame them for their mother or their sisters' behaviour... Do you blame me for Caroline's constant flattering towards you? Could I blame you if you had..., let's say ... an aunt, snobbish and disagreeable?"
Well done, Bingley... Do you know Aunt Catherine?"Of course not."
"True, the men who shall marry the eldest Bennets sisters will have to manage their in-laws but is that really a high price to pay to share the life of some very worthy ladies?"
"I get your point Bingley. You're right of course..." Had Darcy stopped there, Bingley would have probably forgotten about his second goal in speaking with his friend. But the former added, in a falsely detached way "... not that I shall comment on the worth of Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
A pause in Bingley's conversation made Darcy aware that he ought to justify himself on his last comment. "I mean... who am I to make a judgement on someone I hardly know?"
Bingley was still not able to figure intelligibly his friend's attitude and deciding to gather some more pieces before confronting him, changed the topic of their conversation. A short while after, they parted.
Chapter 10
Meanwhile, Jane was awaking from a very bad night. After her light dinner, she had tried to sleep but the echo of the argument kept repeating in her mind. The relief felt after completing the letter to her sister had only been temporary and the pain had come back stronger and stronger. She had tried to read her book but the words had been dancing in front of her eyes and she had given up after fifteen minutes facing the same page. Only watching the declining activity in the street had proved to be soothing and she had finally fallen asleep in her chair. The cold had awaken her later in the night and after once again trying unsuccessfully to read, she had slept a restless night, turning and tossing in her bed, dreaming dreams that began well but ended badly. The clock was already showing nine in the morning when she managed to sit on her bed. She quickly dressed and got down to see her aunt. The latter was worrying about her in the sitting-room. She stood up and took both her niece's hands in hers when she entered.
"Jane, I'm so glad you finally came down."
"Dear Aunt, I hope you were not worried! Would you please forgive me for the burden I have been since yesterday?"
"Oh, Jane... How can you speak so? You've been no burden and I have nothing to forgive you!" With a caring smile, she ordered her to get something to eat and watched her to check she had enough.
They all settled in their morning activities and peaceful chat. Although Jane seemed to have regained her serenity, she couldn't repress some sighs and Mrs. Gardiner had to participate much more in the conversation than she was used to. The morning post brought a letter for her.
"Oh! It is from my friend Eleanor. Do you remember Mrs. Umberight? She invites us all to a ball in a week hence! What shall I answer?"
Her eldest daughter Sophia replied seriously: "You shall reply that we will be very happy to be her guests."
Both Mrs. Gardiner and Jane laughed. "If you'd like to go, Aunt, I will gladly join you."
"It is settled then. But Sophy, I'm afraid ten years old ladies would get bored in an assembly such as this!"
Her daughter understood her meaning. Although she was not satisfied with it, she was satisfied with having made her cousin laugh. Therefore, she didn't pout too much.
To everyone's surprise, Mr. Gardiner came back quite early from the warehouse. He explained it by his wish to see Jane and, that the weather being so fine, he had thought that a tour in the Park would be very agreeable. "But Jane, may I have a word with you?"
As Mrs. Gardiner was taking the children upstairs to wrap them in warm clothes, Jane and her uncle went in his office.
"Uncle! I hope you have not also been worried about me? I'm so sorry of my behaviour! I apologise for the scene in front of you and everybody."
"Jane, don't be upset about it. True everybody was speaking about it this morning but it was only to ask me how you were!" After a short while he added: "Would you please sit down?"
Jane did as bided and watched, surprised, Mr. Gardiner pacing.
"Uncle, what is the matter? Did you get some news from Longbourn? Is anyone ill? Please, tell me..."
"No, no, nothing of the sort..." He took a deep breath and taking a letter on his desk, he sat down next to her. "Jane, I have a letter for you."
She took the letter and, on seeing the seal, her face turned white.
"Yes, it is from Mr. Bingley."
Eventually, she found out her voice. "But... Mr. Bingley cannot write to me... We are not engaged..." Her voice cracked on this last part.
"It is because he cannot write to you that I give you the letter... You see, after you left yesterday, he didn't follow you immediately. First we had an interesting discussion and at the end, he asked my consent for writing you a letter to beg for your forgiveness."
"But... Why?... Why did you consent? You know the feelings I have for him, you know what happened since Michaelmas... Why?"
"Because I listened to what he had to say and I think that you should also. You must not jeopardise your future happiness on some heated words and misunderstandings. I don't command you to read this letter. I just recommend it. I haven't read it and can only hope he related the same facts and reiterates the expression of the same feelings as yesterday. But I trust him. That's why I'm giving it to you."
She looked unsure and finally resolved on keeping it. "Do you mind if I don't join you?"
"No of course my dear. I think we'll be back in an hour."
Mr. Gardiner set off with his family and Jane climbed the stairs to her room.
Once inside, she poked the fire, settled on her chair by the window and, taking a big breath, she opened the letter. The writing was very neat and equal. So that's how he writes! Funny, he had told me he was a very reckless writer...
'Miss Bennet,
'I beg your benevolence and goodness to take pity on me and not stop the reading of this letter, even though you know by now who wrote it. I know and agree that you are fully entitled to think yourself ill-treated by my family and myself. Therefore, let me put this plainly: I, Charles Robert Bingley, humbly apologise for the undeserved reproaches I made to you, for the pain my sisters and myself have inflicted upon you and for the loss of your faith in the world we may have caused.' Jane was unmoved by this beginning. So he really apologises. At least, he eventually understood he had to! It must have been a very interesting conversation he had with my uncle...
'The only defence I can present is explaining the events that brought those reproaches, this pain, the clouding of your radiant smile. Allow me to tell you, dear Miss Bennet,...' dear Miss Bennet! Who does he think I am to be addressed so? Or who does he think he is? '...I deeply hope the sun will come back, and if I may help, I'd be the happiest of men.' You would, wouldn't you?
'You are already aware of my situation in life and the reasons that made me come to Hertfordshire. I have often told you that I found delightful this part of the country as well as the neighbours. There is a point I should have been clearer about: you were more than the most delightful neighbour. I had made up my mind on revealing officially my admiration for you after my return from Town.' Jane stopped her reading and, closing her eyes, she folded the letter. So far, she had managed to keep up her anger. Indeed it had been reinforced by the previous part. But those two last sentences were too much. He was going to propose... She could hear him pronounce those words. After a while, she resumed her reading.
'Events didn't happen as I had planned and I'll come to this afterwards but I'd like, first, to express my belief at that time of your opinion about myself.
'As soon as I made your acquaintance, I have noticed the goodness resting in your beauty. I was soon convinced that you were the most honest and trustful creature in the world and several people in Meryton and Longbourn also pointed to me that very quality of yours. Although I have rarely practiced them, I'm used to the games of the Season. Therefore I was aware that I was singling you. Please, don't misunderstand me! I was not playing with you! Even before I had decided to ask you to be my wife, my intentions had always been honourable. Taking for granted that you were not used to those games, I understood your returning my attentions, at first, as an agreement on our high compatibility of character, then, as your sharing my growing pleasure of being with you, and, after a few weeks, as an unspoken understanding about a possible future for the two of us.
'I understood yesterday that I was right then. Before yesterday, I thought that I had been wrong. The motives of this disastrous mistake are as follow.' Yes, please, I cannot wait!
'On the very evening of the day of my return to Town, I was surprised to find at the Hursts' my sisters and brother. It had been planned that they should come back in London for Christmas but not before. I was told to wait until Mr. Darcy's call on the morrow on my asking the reason of their return. Pleased to see them there (I'm not a man relishing in loneliness), I showed them an item I had acquired for you. Their reaction took me by surprised. They told me that I had not thought that through, that you were delightful enough to spend some time with but not enough to overcome everything.' To put it more plainly: my poverty, my relations and the behaviour of some members of my family. How delicately he writes that!
'Of course I disagreed! Then they hinted that you had just played Mrs. Bennet's role for you: her most beautiful daughter saving the family from poverty by marrying a worthy gentleman.' Oh I cannot believe it, even coming from Miss Bingley! 'I wonder how someone can have a so horrible idea. I know your family situation but surely a mother cannot ask her daughter to sacrifice herself for her family's sake!' I'm sure he's right... although what she tried with Lizzie and Mr. Collins...
'On hearing my hearty opposition to the idea, they stopped arguing and I had thought the matter dealt with.
'But the following day, Mr. Darcy called on me.' Mr. Darcy? 'I'm not sure you know the extent of his benevolence and goodness towards myself, and it is not the purpose of this letter to describe them. Suffice it to say that for more than a decade, and in spite of our social inequality, he has been my closest friend and has helped me in my private and business affairs. I'm afraid I was always unsure of my own judgement and often asked him for advice. He had never failed me before.
'Mr. Darcy had called on me to change my mind about my proposing to you. He presented to me the same arguments as my sisters and I answered him the same replies. For the first time, I was contradicting him! But he also presented a new reason: he gave me the assurance of your indifference.' My indifference? I was as obvious as propriety would allow! 'And the point was I had often marvelled at my good luck of your attentions to me. Who am I to be worthy of them? Who am I to be worthy of you?' Oh...Is he pretending? How can he speak so? But how could Mr. Darcy speak so? He almost never talked to me! I didn't agree with Lizzie on Mr. Darcy's behalf but I must say that she might have been right! Or he has deceived him on purpose... Surely he knew the faith Mr. Bingley had in him! Was he convinced by Miss Bingley?
'The confidence I had felt, while in your company, completely faded because of the point of view presented by Mr. Darcy and my sister and the confidence I had in them. I couldn't imagine neither that the two of them could be wrong nor that one of them could be deceiving me. If I may, I ask you not to judge Mr. Darcy too harshly. He was not the one to deceive me. After watching you, he truthfully thought that your affections were not engaged towards me.
'And, as often in cases as this, I've fallen from Heaven to Hell. I remember describing you as an "Angel" to my party the evening after the first assembly in Meryton. The only way I found to survive this ordeal, beside a very bad habit I since quitted, thanks to Mr. Darcy, was to blacken your memory. And you became the Daemon I accused you of being in your Uncle's warehouse. You being such an unworthy lady, and I still cannot understand how I have been idiot enough to believe that, I had neither wish nor reason to come back to Netherfield... so I didn't. I had neither wish nor reason to live neither but I did, and I am glad of it now, as I am able to write this letter. I cannot tell you how much I regret what I said then. Such words should never be said, even when stating the Truth, so in this matter...'
Light was dawning in Jane's mind. So that's how it happened! His sisters and friend thought me unworthy and convinced him his attentions weren't truthfully returned. Well, Lizzie often warned me about our lack of everything but good looks to appeal to gentlemen! I didn't think then their relatives and connections had also to agree! Then, she thought about Mr. Bingley's behaviour. How could he yield to their arguments? At least the only one that convinced him was my so-called lack of affections for him... This only comforted her for a short while as his lack of confidence came back to her and she got angry about it.
'As for pretending I didn't know you were in town, I beg you once again to believe me when I say I wasn't pretending. My sisters never told me you were in town. As they were lucky enough I was not at the Hursts' when you called, they could also conceal from me they had seen you. Yesterday, my surprise was really not faked and it also explains (not excuses) my most uncivil and unkind behaviour. Truth to be told, my mind couldn't reconcile your angelic beauty I was once again graced to withhold and the devilish scheme I had been convinced you had acted in.
'You may wonder how come that our uncle delivers this letter for my sake. Let's just say that he and I had an open-hearted conversation after you left and that I was lucky to win his consent in my sending you these apologies. My sisters and I plan to call on you in the next few days. We would understand if you wouldn't be at home, but would you be there, we would be delighted to ask once again for your forgiveness.
'I will only add, God bless you,
'Your humble, apologizing and loving, Charles Bingley'
She had read the last parts as a whole for the pieces of information were not new to her. She finally believed him about his ignoring her presence and London. In fact, she tended to believe him for everything that was in the letter. She was still angry with him. She had been suffering so much for so many weeks that she couldn't forgive him right away, but she thought she eventually would. What she had to decide, though, was whether she would be at home when they called. There were so many things in the letter, her mind was so shaken by the last two days, she had to re-read it and think more about it. How I long to have Lizzie's advice once again! What would she do? What would she think? Shall I write to her?
Chapter 11
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were quite surprised to see that Jane was in the drawing room when they came back. After having related to his wife the morning call and the delivery of the letter, the gentleman had guessed that their niece would probably be affected by its content. So they both had prepared some explanations for their children about their cousin's sudden 'illness'. Therefore, Jane's quiet presence on the ground floor of the house was a pleasing but somewhat strange surprise for all of them.
"Oh, you're back! Was it as pleasing as it seemed it would be?" Jane had resolved on behaving as if she hadn't received Charles's missive. She was truly ashamed to have caused some worry for her relatives and additional work for the staff. Fortunately, she didn't know that the staff had also been worried and, as a consequence, all the more willing to satisfy her needs, otherwise her shame would have been deeper indeed! Thus, as soon as she had been able to, she had gone back to her needlework, trying not to think of the letter and to present a serene face to the world.
The point is that she succeeded, at least, in reinforcing her aunt and uncle's admiration for her. She was truly an admirable young woman and really deserved to be happy.
Time went by in that peaceful environment until the end of the afternoon. When a knock resounded in the house, Jane's face turned white. No, it cannot be him! He wrote 'in the next few days', not this very afternoon! I'm not prepared for this... I have to get away... I can't... Where is my strength? Her breath was jerky, her hands limp on her lap, her head cast downwards.
On hearing the same sound, man and wife looked and smiled at each other. Then they looked at their niece and got afraid. "Jane, what's the matter? Don't you feel well? Do you want to lie down?" Instantly, Mrs. Gardiner was kneeled beside her niece and Mr. Gardiner hurried out of the room to check the identity of the caller.
As Jane didn't seem to be able to answer, her Aunt called for some help and decided to take her back to her room. She was really unable to account for this sudden fit of nerves but she knew what effect it would have on Lizzie, if indeed she were the new comer, at seeing her sister like this. "Jane, dear, look at me."
Jane was struggling to escape her anguish. She caught her aunt's word and, frightfully, raised her head.
"Jane, try to breath normally, inhale more air... That's it... Yes that's better... Can I get you something to drink?"
Jane's body was starting to go back to work normally and she nodded. But as soon as her mind started to think back where it had stopped, the anguish came back.
Her aunt asked the maid to fetch a glass of brandy and kept on checking on Jane. "Jane, please... Remember to breath deeply..." Once the latter had sipped some of the drink, she repeated her question: "Do you want to lie down? I think you should go to your room for a while."
"Yes..." That was it, she had a way of escape, she would not have to see Mr. Bingley. "But please, I don't want to be seen. Can you find a way...?"
Her aunt was flabbergasted. What was it with this unknown caller? Of course, Jane could not know it could be her dear sister, and, considering what had happened to her recently, she was likely to react strongly at every new event. But she had been so calm after her more than probable reading of Mr. Bingley's letter, even if it was him, now at their door, which, because of the late hour, it most certainly was not, she shouldn't be so distressed.
Nevertheless, this seemed to be the only way to sooth Jane and she still thought Lizzie would be too upset, should she see her sister at the moment. She managed to lead Jane to her room, unseen and not seeing anyone.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gardiner had identified and received the caller. "Lizzie! I'm so happy you could come. Did you have a good trip? I take it everyone is well at Longbourn." He paid attention in using a soothing tone as his niece was visibly in good health and very disturbed.
"Dear Uncle! Did you really imagine I would not come? When not only you but Jane also ask me to come? How is she? Where is she? I must go to her at once! "
As this last sentence, missing both answers to the questions he had asked her and any pause for breathing, confirmed his previous analysis about her mindset, her uncle unknowingly rejoined his wife in delaying somewhat the meeting between the sisters. "Lizzie, please, calm yourself. First, you have to put yourself at ease and I have to explain you what happened..." he couldn't finish as Lizzie burst:
"But Uncle, she needs me, she already told me most of what happened in her letter and she will tell me the remaining, I have to get to her."
"Lizzie," his tone was very commanding, the one he was more used to scold his children with than to talk to his eldest nieces, "think this through. Do you really think you are able to help her when you're obviously too upset? She needs quiet to forget the storm she's been through yesterday and she wants your advice because she thinks you are smarter. You have to come with me, rest for some time, listen to what happened and then you'll see her." He added in a kinder tone: "Please, Lizzie."
Her eyes were now cast down, she was ashamed of her behaviour, her uncle was right. She docilely followed him in his office and, following his silent injunction, she took a chair.
"Lizzie, we were just having some tea, would you like a cup?"
She took a deep breath, tried to lighten her expression and answered. "That would be delightful, Uncle, thank you very much... I did have a very good trip, the weather was very pleasing. Everybody at Longbourn is very well. Papa was quite upset after reading your letter and he encouraged me to come..." On seeing her uncle smile good-naturedly, she added: "Really, he was! He went as far as asking Hill to fetch me!"
"Did he, really? I'm very impressed!"
Lizzie smiled and went on. "Yes he was as I am still. I'm sorry for my outburst but you must understand how I feel. My purpose in suggesting she comes here was to avoid her any more pain. I feel for her, for what she's been through but I feel also for myself."
Her uncle was surprised: "Lizzie! Whatever may be the reason of your suffering?"
"Suffering may be too strong a word but I'm disappointed my scheme wasn't successful."
"My dear Lizzie, am I not witnessing an exemplary case of self-pity?"
Lizzie thought for a while before replying to one of the two men in the world she most respected. Her tone was still thoughtful when she answered: "I think you're right, once again! I may not be as wise as I like to think... Am I really the good person to help Jane?"
"Of course you are! And I'm glad you still have some wisdom to learn. You're young therefore impulsive, let life teach you how to step back..."
A knock was heard at the office door and a maid entered with a tea tray. This broke the thoughtful mood that was invading the room.
"Uncle, let me pour the tea... and... I'd gladly listen to your version of what happened to Jane."
Her uncle related the previous day events with almost the same words he had already used for his wife. But where Mrs. Gardiner had been silenced in her amazement, Lizzie was bouncing on her chair, rereading in her mind Jane's letter she almost knew by heart and obviously refraining from interrupting her uncle's speech. Her expression jumped from still amazement because Mr. Bingley was one of her uncle's customers, satisfaction to have been right about his feelings and intentions towards her sister, anger on hearing the accusation he had thrown to Jane, worry for her, alone, grieving on her way back to Gracechurch Street. From this point, her uncle was giving her new pieces of information.
"How could he believe she was pretending anything? Nothing in her attitude was faked. On the contrary, Charlotte Lucas told me Jane was not obvious enough in the display of her affections. Anyway, she does not how to fake anything! And why did he suddenly become aware of her so-called pretence?"
"I don't have the answer, my dear, although I had afterwards a very enlightening discussion with the gentleman."
Lizzie started at these words: "You did? But why? How? I'm sure you scolded him for his ungentleman-like attitude! I would have!"
Imagining his niece in this position, Mr. Gardiner smiled. He nevertheless answered seriously. "I did inform him that what I was seriously displeased with had just happened but I couldn't go much farther as he almost immediately broke down in front of me."
Lizzie's eyes widened in amazement. "'Broke down' as in 'started weeping'?"
"Indeed Lizzie, indeed." And he went on with Mr. Bingley's side of the story. The results of this narrative were Lizzie's reinforced belief in Mr. Bingley and her sister's chance of happiness, in Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley's unworthiness and in Mr. Darcy's pride. "I wholeheartedly agree with your views about their total compatibility. And fortunately, Mr. Bingley is more than willing to try to win her back despite Jane's words to him. You must understand my shock on witnessing her speech, I would have never believed her capable of such a thing. True she eventually yielded and fled but, at first, she stood up and she was angry and..."
"That's so very strange. She told me in her letter that she was over him but Jane is not resentful..." ...unlike one gentleman I'd like to be able to express my point of view to but I'd rather not if I wish to act as a lady... "...and she didn't know what anger is! I have to speak to her, there must be things she forgot to write me." After a thoughtful pause she asked: "So Mr. Bingley wants to get her back, does he? And has he informed you of his plan to achieve that?"
"Yes, he asked me and was granted permission to write a letter to your sister to present his point of view. He delivered it this morning and..."
"So they have met once again? And how did it go?"
"Lizzie, please..." Her uncle's smile showed her that he was then more amused than angry. "No they didn't met. He delivered it very early, Jane was not up yet and he didn't even ask if he could see her. He came with his friend, Mr. Darcy. We discussed a little about farming... when I say 'we', I mean Mr. Darcy and myself... Mr. Bingley was too preoccupied to participate much in the conversation."
Lizzie was very surprised at the news. First, Mr. Darcy had come to Cheapside, then he had come to accompany his friend who was delivering a letter to try to win back the heart of a woman who was not worthy enough a few weeks ago, and he was probably aware of the fact, and last but not least, he had been an active participant in a conversation with her uncle, of all men! "That Mr. Darcy is not a tall aloof gentleman, with an estate named Pemberley, is he?"
"Yes he is, he's the one who was at Netherfield last autumn and who convinced Mr. Bingley that Jane was not in love with him. I take it they had a discussion about yesterday morning events and Mr. Darcy has understood he had been wrong. He probably came here also to show his friend he had nothing to reproach Jane but her supposed no-affection for him."
"Yes, probably, and he will also probably call on me very soon to ask for my hand! Really Uncle, I may not be as wise as I wish it but there are things I'm sure about. And one of them is that that gentleman has a very high opinion of himself and a very low one of the rest of the world in general and the Bennets particularly. I don't know why he came and I don't care but let me assure you that, in his eyes, Jane's family makes her an ineligible match for his friend."
"Lizzie, it pains me to say so, as it probably pains you to hear it, but we both know that, for a tradesman's son who wish to belong to the high sphere, there is some truth in such a statement. And even though she cannot help her family, I think she is one of the few who are above the rest of us."
He let Lizzie sip her tea and think about his last reply, then he told her than when he had last see her, Jane was in the drawing room but seemed to have taken ill. He called for the maid who informed them that, indeed, Jane was now in her room with the mistress. Following his suggestion, the maid took Lizzie's cloak and luggage to her room and he took her to see her sister.
On hearing Jane's soft agreement to his knocking at her door, Mr. Gardiner announced merrily: "Jane, I've got a very soothing and happy news for you: Lizzie's here to spend the weeks before her trip to Hertfordshire with us!"
Jane's shout was immediately followed by a tender embrace between the sisters. Jane was still lying on her bed and her aunt had withdrawn to let the two of them enjoy their reunion. Soon Jane recovered enough to remind her sister that she had not yet seen Mrs. Gardiner. Lizzie happily obliged and all of them had a quiet chat about the good trip, Hertfordshire and the improving weather. Two simultaneous conversations with eyes only were also taking place. The one between the sisters was mainly questions from Lizzie about her sister's overall health, the one between man and wife tending to make them disappear from the room. Soon enough, the sisters were alone and Lizzie could vocalise her thoughts.
"Jane, Jane, Jane, you made me worry so much. And here I am and learn that you've taken ill a few moments after my arrival!"
"Oh Lizzie! I didn't want to make you worry. It's not worth it, I'm not worth it. I shouldn't have sent this letter but I didn't know what to do. And I didn't expect you, how comes you are here? You were true, everyone is fine at Longbourn?"
Lizzie had settled on the bed, her sister's hand in hers. "Let me answer all of this: yes you're worth it, yes you were right in sending this letter, of course I had to come when my aunt and uncle had also written to me asking me to join you, and yes, everyone is perfectly fine at home... well, except of course Mama's nerves, Mary's sermons, and Kitty and Lydia's quarrels." The last part brought a real tender smile on Jane's face. "But how are you?"
"I feel utterly foolish. I have just panicked because I thought he was the caller. He wrote me he would come... you didn't!"
Lizzie faked surprise. "What is it? Teasing? Who are you? What have you done with my beloved sister?"
"I hadn't realised my aunt and uncle's compassion. They must have sent both letters by express... They asked you to come! I can scarce believe it... I don't deserve it."
"Jane... Here you are again! Please, stop being so humble. Nobody deserves it more than you do. You're a steady girl made of stern stuff but too much is too much and I believe you have had your share this last two days..." As her sister didn't seem to be willing to elaborate on this last subject, she went on: "So he wrote to you, did he?"
Jane only nodded. She sat slowly on her bed, stood up, went to the little reading table, opened the drawer and carefully exhumed the letter. She handed it to her sister and softly asked: "Read it, please Lizzie."
"I'd rather not, Jane. 'Tis not the kind of letter written to be shared. And I'd rather listen to your reading of it."
This answer seemed to wake her sister from her daze. "Lizzie! I need your analysis of it, I need your cleverness to be sure I don't misunderstand him." Realising she had been demanding, she came back to her soft tone. "I beg you, read this letter and tell me what to make of it."
Lizzie was torn between the wish to alleviate her sister's sufferings and the fear of being indiscreet. And there was also that curiosity about his way of writing (as careless as he had boasted it?), his explanations, his vows of affection... Eventually she decided to learn some more details on the previous day encounter before reading the letter. "If it is really what you want, I will grant your wish. But first, Jane, you must tell me more about what happened yesterday or the weeks before. Uncle Gardiner has already told me the witness' point of view on your encounter and your letters some details about your dealings with the Bingleys since you've come to London but I'm sure there is more. Our uncle told me that you were angry, that you stood up to Mr. Bingley. I'm very glad you did but how did you do that? What happened?"
Jane blushed and, once again, fled her sister's eyes. "There are things I have not told you. First, about a fortnight after my call in Grosvenor Street, I saw Miss Bingley at the theatre. I used "saw" and not "met" because she overlooked me. I was in our box, she was with some friends I didn't know and I'm sure she saw me as her expression changed. It was not to smile or nod at me, it was to express her horror. And then she ignored me..." Jane was shaking, the telling (her first of it), clearly still painful. Her sister led her to the bed and took back her hand in hers. Jane went on: "Even though I was honest about my first encounter with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, I improved somehow Miss Bingley's behaviour on her call. She presented no excuse for the lateness of her call nor for her slight at the theatre, she was barley civil to me but uncivil to our aunt and she fled before the usual thirty minutes." She paused once again to regain some of her usual serenity. "And that's how, I, Jane Bennet, became some kind of monster, who, without even listening to what he was saying, yelled at Mr. Bingley, quarrelled with him, threw unjust accusations at him, and, all that, in front of other people!" Her tone clearly showing her misery, Lizzie could only smile indulgently at her sister.
"My dear Jane, if, indeed, it is a shocking behaviour, I'm sure no one blames you. The people you're talking about are people who know you and all your angelic qualities, even Mr. Bingley... I'm sure he didn't write you he wanted some apology, did he?"
"No, he didn't. And that makes me even more miserable. In fact, he says... But please, read for yourself what he says." And she handed her the letter once again. Lizzie let go of her sister's hand, took the letter and went to the table to use the light of the candle.
She had decided to read it silently, if only to try to follow the advice her uncle had given her. Only her breathing was disclosing her feelings. There was no surprise in the first half, her uncle had already told her that much. She only exhaled a mute 'hoo' on the engagement part. The second half was more difficult, although she also had already got an account of the same events. Her anger on Miss Bingley's then Mr. Darcy's intervention rose once again but she also felt all the trials Mr. Bingley had gone through. And even if he had eventually lost, she was keenly aware that despite his distaste for arguments, he had resisted his sisters and argued with his friend. Just because he had not been guilty of deception regarding her sister and because he had decided to try to win her back, her good opinion of the gentleman had been restored; but her fondness grew by the defence he presented for his friend. That gentleman clearly doesn't deserve such a friend. He has only brought unhappiness to two admirable human beings and one of them still emphasises his good qualities. Even Jane used to tell me he was certainly not as unworthy as I made him... How can the two of them be deceived so? How can Mr. Bingley be so understanding? He's really worthy of Jane! The end only reinforced the latter opinion and she resolved on stressing only this point to her sister, who had obviously already felt some of the rightful resentment she was entitled to feel.
Lizzie neatly folded the letter, stood up and walked back to the bed to give Jane her letter back. "Well, Jane, what do you want me to tell you? The letter seems pretty clear to me. The question is: do you decide to believe him or do you not?"
Jane took her time to answer. As she had planned, she had re-read it twice before returning to the drawing room in the afternoon. And the more she did, the more she believed it... the more she believed him. "Yes I do."
"Then, what do you want me to tell you? Mr. Bingley still loves you, he wants to win you back and he will call on you with his sisters to start the process." 'Cause he has apologised but neither his sisters nor his friend...
"But what shall I do?"
"You tell me! You were 'ill-treated' as Mr. Bingley puts it. You were in love. Has the gentleman proven himself worthy of your love? Do you think you can forgive him? Have you forgiven him?" Lizzie's tone was sensible, neither praising nor despising. To soften the message, she once again settled close to her sister and took her hand.
The reply was low and disheartened: "I don't know..."
The sight of her suffering sister was very hard for Elizabeth. She had tried and managed to hide all her fury towards Mr. Bingley's relatives but she ached on witnessing such a sorrow. She felt herself back two months before. She embraced her sister almost as she would have held a crying child. "Jane... Don't worry... Everything is so new, you didn't have time to think on it.... Give yourself time." She was wondering how she could best help her. A change of mood would clearly be a good idea. She resolved on talking more about the place she had left that very morning. She slowly disengaged from her sister, and, with a light tone, she started.
"Don't you wish to have some news from Hertfordshire? So many thrilling things are happening..."
Jane heard the sarcasm and understood that her sister was reorienting their conversation. She quietly replied: "Really? Yes I'd love to have some news. Start with our dear family."
Lizzie shared that all their family was well as Mr. Bennet was still hiding in his office, Mrs. Bennet still marvellously happy by all the prospects the militia still held for her daughters, Mary still practising her sermons (or her playing on the pianoforte, anyway, it met the same success) and Kitty and Lydia still chasing every red coat, which would happened to be in their sight.
"Talking about red coats, Mr. Whickam is now almost engaged with Miss King! Even though I know a gentleman in his position cannot marry where he wishes, I feel his attitude towards her seriously lacking."
"Lacking? What a serious judgement! What makes you say so?"
"I don't know... How he suddenly changed his behaviour after learning she was an heiress... How he still favours my company when she is not present... The remarks he makes to me regarding their future... He asked me if I would mind him marrying her before he proposed to her!"
"I think he was afraid to make you suffer, thinking you were..."
"In love with him? Why asking me if I'd mind? Why not just informing me beforehand if, indeed, he had such a suspicion?"
"Maybe you misunderstood him..."
"Maybe, maybe... Anyway I told him I was not his mother and he could do as he wanted. After that, I also tried to avoid him!"
"Oh Lizzie!"
Lizzie recovered her light tone to add: "And... I've got some news form our cousin, Mr. Collins!"
"And Charlotte?"
"In fact, I have news of our cousin from Charlotte. She seems happy enough and she made me quite impatient to see her in Kent. I now look forward my trip over there!"
"I'm glad she's content. She followed her principle and she deserves to be happy, if only for that!"
Two thoughtful sisters looked silently at each other for a while. Jane seemed to want to talk but wasn't. Lizzie's gaze changed to an interrogative one.
"Well..."Jane began, hesitantly, "it's about this business... my... encounter... Does everyone know it?"
Her sister comforted her. Just their father and herself were aware of this new development. "To explain my sudden departure, we invented you a sudden illness from which you will recover nicely but not early enough for me to go back to Hertfordshire."
"Thank you, Lizzie. I would have dreaded a too informed Mama..." Lizzie only yawned her agreement. "Oh, you're tired! I've been so happy with your presence, I've forgotten you traveled all day. Go to your room, have a good night..."
"Shall you?"
"Have a good night? It's possible... I didn't have the best of nights yesterday and this day only brought happy news!" She kissed her sister good night and watched her retreat to her room.
On lying on her bed, Lizzie thought that half of the answers Jane had to find were already there. Just good news today? So Mr. Bingley's letter was eventually welcome... I'm so glad! Really tired, she fell asleep on this happy idea.
In the other room, Jane's sleep was not so quick to come. Has the gentleman proven himself worthy of your love? Well... I can say that he has improved but ... Do you think you can forgive him? Yes, definitely yes. Have you forgiven him? Not yet... I shall wait and see. How I both look forward and dread his call! Before blowing her candle, she opened once again the letter, read most of it with closed eyes, folded it and put it under her pillow. She then encountered Morpheus easily enough.
Chapter 12
The next morning sky was much greyer than the previous ones. Nevertheless, the mood in the house was merry during the breakfast. A good night sleep had done wonders for Lizzie and a not so bad night sleep had helped Jane to recover a real serenity. Sleeping on the letter had reinforced her intention to let the events to come (and especially the Bingleys' call) evaluate her faith in Charles Bingley. Mr. and Mrs Gardiner were very happy to witness that change of mood and congratulated themselves on their invitation to Lizzie. After breakfast, their uncle's leave, and their aunt gone in the kitchen for her daily conference with Cook, the sisters settled in the drawing-room to catch up more precisely on the events in their lives since Jane's departure to London. Lizzie's dealing with Mr. Whickam proved to be one of the most discussed topics.
"So you really think he has some mercenary views on Miss King?" Jane could not believe that of a so charming gentleman.
"Yes I do. He really changed his behaviour since you went away. I don't know if you remember he favoured her with one dance at the party Aunt Philips gave before Christmas..."
"No, I don't have a lot of memories of what happened at Christmas." Jane seemed lost and surprised at her loss. Lizzie remembered too clearly the reason for her inattention and, to avoid such remembrances, went on:
"Well, it only increased with each party. Soon after he started to call on her uncle when she was at home."
"But that is not mercenary. He can be really in love with her, no matter her dowry."
"Had he not been going on with his attentions towards myself, I would have probably believed so. He has proved himself a worthy gentleman, everyone in Meryton likes him and his fellow officers respect him. Had he not been reduced to his current state of poverty by Mr. Darcy, this flaw in his character would probably not have had to reveal itself. But it has. I didn't speak with anyone about that but..." Lizzie was adamant to prove her point to Jane but her voice faded away on the last part of her reply.
This brought fear in Jane's voice. "But what Lizzie?"
Lizzie was concentrating far too much on her stitching to alleviate Jane's fears. The latter insisted: "Lizzie!"
Without raising her eyes, she answered, hesitating on each word. "He... once we were just strolling in the garden and he... we were alone... my suspicions had already been raised but somehow he managed to get us alone together and he... tried to kiss me." The last words were mere whispers but Jane didn't ask her sister to repeat them. She had understood the words and the shame both the tentative kiss and its souvenir had caused Lizzie.
"Oh Lizzie!" As she was sitting across the small table from her, she took her hand to sooth her as Lizzie had done to her the night before. "What did you do? He didn't succeed, did he? I cannot believe it... I mean, of course I believe you but how could someone who always acts gentlemanly come to that extent?"
By then, her sister had regained her composure. "And when he pretends to be in love with someone else at the same time! Don't worry Jane, I'm over it. He didn't succeed as I didn't allow him and he immediately apologised for his gesture, alleging of his desperate passion for me. That's the moment where he asked me if I'd mind him proposing to Miss King."
Jane's temper, which had very recently been born, proved once again its existence as she forcefully exclaimed: "Desperate passion is no excuse! A gentleman cannot try and get a kiss from a lady he is not, at the very least, engaged to! I shall tell Mr. Whickam my point of view on his behaviour the next time I see him!"
The remaining of Lizzie's distress vanished on witnessing that outburst. She blinked to check her eyes were still properly working and she was not dreaming. Jane, her sister Jane, condemning someone and threatening to scold him! That could not be... "Jane, please, of course you will do no such thing. As I told you yesterday evening, I made myself clear on my opinion on him and since, have avoided him."
She was still shocked on her sister's reaction and her face showed her surprise. Jane only understood her look on feeling her cheeks flush receding. Once again she felt ashamed for such forceful feelings and she downcast her eyes. "I'm sorry Lizzie."
"Whatever for, dearest? For intending to defend my honour? For expressing normal feelings on such a shameful action? Although I'm surprised to hear you say that a gentleman and a lady may kiss outside of the bounds of marriage..."
When Jane tentatively looked at her sister, she saw the playful smile that was Lizzie's most efficient weapon against her seriousness. She decided to explain herself nonetheless. "No Lizzie, for not being the good Jane who left you two months ago. I'm not good Lizzie! I'm even worse than you think 'cause I've hidden my dark side for more than twenty years. If you knew how anger has driven my life of late!"
The previous day, Lizzie had understood that Jane was blaming herself on that matter. She now understood that this was a real source of unhappiness for her. This one, at least, Lizzie could deal with. She knew her power over her sister's mind, having experienced it lately on convincing her that Miss Bingley's departure letter from Hertfordshire was more the latter's point of view than the truth. She couldn't help but think that she had eventually proved to be right! She discarded her embroidery and took her sister's hands in hers, to get all her attention.
"Even worse than I think, Jane? Ooh, that's really bad indeed!" The small upward stirring of her sister's lips made her think she was succeeding. "I'm so glad you have a dark side, as you call it! You would be a simpleton if you were not angry against Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy or even Mr. Bingley after what they have put you through! Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy's behaviours have been unforgivable. Mr. Bingley was right in apologising in his letter. Of course he is to blame for trusting them more than you or himself." Although Lizzie's tone had been teasing on beginning, it was getting higher and higher. Jane interrupted her, as much to calm her as to reinforce her point of view.
"I don't know if he is to blame and I'm sure Mr. Darcy has earned some of my forgiveness by his goodness to Mr. Bingley. But even though their behaviour has been faulty, mine didn't and don't have to be. I now understand that the world is crueller than I used to think but that doesn't mean I have to act irrationally. I am a gently bred Lady, and I have to prove myself worthy of my education."
Coming from Miss Bingley, Lizzie would have laughed at such words but from Jane, she knew they were devoid of any vanity. Pride, yes, pride in her status was probably what made her say that, but as a gentleman of her acquaintance had once tell her 'pride -- where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.'
She saw the truth in her sister's statement but insisted in Jane seeing the truth in hers as well. "I do agree with you but you have to see that, had you exercised your right to feel anger before, you would be able to better dominate your temper. You're not driven by anger, you're still the best person I know and I'm sure that, as soon as your future is settled, your mind will be relieved and your temper will settle as well."
Jane had blushed on hearing Lizzie talk about her future settling, both knew what was meant by those words. But she was relieved to have confided in her about that failing and her spirits rose some more. Soon after Mrs. Gardiner joined them and the sight of the peacefully working sisters warmed her heart.
As the clock strung what would be considered the most appropriate hour, a knock was heard at the front door. Even though none had shared one's thought with the others, the three ladies had been waiting for that sound as Mrs. Gardiner had been informed by her husband that she should expect a call from the Bingleys in the short future. Nevertheless, their reactions to it were quite different. Mrs. Gardiner was happy that the young gentleman was not wasting his time, as too much had already been wasted. Lizzie, although happy for the same reasons was also watching her sister anxiously. She didn't want her sister to panic as she had the previous evening. She was also fearful of the Bingley sisters' behaviours. Jane really didn't need to be bothered by their venom and she was determined to protect her with her own. Fear was not the only thing Jane could feel. Of course it was there predominantly as the last encounters with each of the Bingleys had all been disastrous. But she also felt pride in herself: No cold sweat, no limp body, no raging heart. Of course it was beating faster than normally but that was nothing to be compared to the previous evening. She looked at her sister and relieved her by the small smile she was able to present her. She received in return a broad encouraging and reassuring smile and they all raised their head to the entering maid.
"Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley and Mr. Bingley, ma'am."
The ladies rose as the visitors were entering the sitting-room. Mrs. Gardiner welcomed the only person she had been introduced to and Miss Bingley curtsied in return. After a slight hesitation and an insistent look from her brother, the latter then introduced her siblings. Everybody could then salute each other and, after ordering the refreshments, Mrs. Gardiner invited everyone to sit.
Lizzie was highly amused by Miss Bingley's expression. Obviously she wasn't happy at all to be there but she also seemed very disagreeably surprised. She had probably been unaware that she would have to bear the presence of two Bennet sisters. Her choosing the most remote seat was a visible proof that she considered her duty done. Why! She had come and she had introduced her brother to the lady of the house. She was not also required to speak to those people, was she? The ironic expression on Lizzie's face being the last straw, Caroline stared away and ignored everyone.
Happily, she was the only one to be unpleasant and Jane could witness a very pleasing scene. Her own sister had resolved on ignoring Mr. Bingley's sister to concentrate her attention on him. The gentleman, although somewhat reserved in his attitude towards herself was very willing to prove himself even more pleasant than usually and was achieving that goal by his friendly smiles towards Lizzie. Jane was too overwhelmed to speak to him but her face reflected a content peace that showed she was neither distraught nor displeased by his call.
At least, Charles hoped he understood it correctly. He was seriously displeased by Caroline's behaviour but was not surprised by it. On the other hand, he was very glad to see that Louisa's changed conduct seemed to be a long term one. She had been pleasant enough to counter-balance Caroline's glare during the trip to Cheapside and was at the moment engaged in a civil conversation with Mrs. Gardiner.
Soon after, the four articulate of the party joined in an animated discussion about the current most interesting attractions in Town, Lizzie asking which play she ought to see, the three others comparing their views on the several ones they had attended to. The formal half an hour was then completed and the callers rose to take their leave. Mrs. Gardiner saw them to the door.
"Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Bingley, it has been a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bingley, I hope to see you again soon."
"Indeed it has been a pleasure, and to see your nieces also. I'd like to invite you and your nieces for tea in Grosvenor Street. Would tomorrow be convenient?"
"Mrs. Hurst, thank you very much but I'm afraid it will not be possible. We have a previous engagement."
Mr. Bingley was very distraught by this answer. I hadn't understood it well. Mrs. Gardiner tries and makes me understand Jane doesn't want me as a suitor... What shall I do? His sisters saw him get anxious, one smirking, the other one surprised. After all, that was a very short notice for an invitation and it would be probably possible one or two days after. Louisa decided to prove her point immediately and, smiling, said: "It was sure a very short notice. I didn't think this properly... When would you be available?"
"I think Friday would be perfect."
Charles, who had been dreading Mrs. Gardiner 's reply, voiced his relief. "Then Friday it shall be! I'm sure Louisa will look forward your call."
Mrs. Gardiner's smile showed her pleased witnessing of such an unaffected gentleman. "'Till Friday then!" And the callers disappeared in their coach.
Back in the sitting-room, Lizzie was trying to get her sister's point of view on the call. "What a pleasing visit!"
"Indeed." Was Jane's non-committed reply.
"Indeed? Is that all I'm going to get as an answer? Don't you want to comment on Miss Bingley's nice choice of a dress? Or on Mrs. Hurst's nice carriage? Or on Mr. Bingley's easiness and friendliness?" She added, smiling to her aunt who had just come back: " Aunt, would you please tell us how Mrs. Hurst's horses suit with her livery?"
"Very well indeed. I must say that everything about this lady was quite charming. I know she is not one of your favourite, Lizzie, but I cannot see what flaw you see in her!"
Seriously, her niece answered: "I am very surprised by her behaviour today. I've seen nothing of the Louisa Hurst I met in Hertfordshire, have you Jane?"
"Well she was nice enough in Netherfield but, here, she was charming. I must say she must really have been out of spirits when I called in Grosvenor Street..."
"Or something has made her understand she wasn't acting properly towards us and you especially, Jane. I may have a name to quote, should I be asked! Nevertheless, the understanding didn't reach Caroline Bingley. She was barely civil during the whole call..." Lizzie had turned towards her aunt to comment on the lady, as she didn't want to provoke her sister's anger.
"She was pretty much the same as the last time she came to call here. Unfortunately, last time she was alone and her coldness was much more obvious."
"Maybe she was just feeling awkward, she knows she didn't behave properly, whether it is the last times I saw her or when she concealed my presence to her brother. She must feel shame and, at the same time, her pride prevents her from apologising. Her situation is really not enviable!"
"I think it is as long as you are concerned... Having treated you so abominably and still getting your compassion!" Lizzie couldn't prevent her outburst. But as Jane's reaction remained very mild, she didn't regret it afterwards.
"Remember what I told you a while ago, I'll try to improve by taking my own advice!"
Mrs. Gardiner didn't understand all of the conversation but she knew one subject still had to be dealt with. She didn't want Jane to ponder alone on Mr. Bingley's attitude during the call, in case she'd go to wrong conclusions. "I did like very much Mrs. Hurst's brother. He was exactly as you had described him to me."
Jane had blushed and seemed determined to remain mute. Lizzie tried the teasing approach to break her sister's shell. "Not exactly, Aunt. Otherwise you wouldn't have spoken to him..."
Her public was waiting for the sarcasm, she concluded: "He would have been to much engaged in a passionate conversation with Jane!"
Jane's blush became even deeper but she steadily held her sister's look while Mrs. Gardiner chuckled: "He'd probably have preferred that to chatting with the old aunt but unfortunately the said lady was not inclined to converse."
Even meant in a jest, Jane couldn't let her aunt depreciate herself. "Dear Aunt! I'm sure I'd like to be someday an 'old aunt' as young, good and beautiful as you are... As for the lady not inclined to converse, I didn't feel at ease. The last time I saw him, I said so unjust things, I behave so terribly and I couldn't apologise, not in front of you... I'll do it some other time and then I'll feel better around him."
"Speaking of some other time, I've agreed to go and have tea at the Hursts' day after tomorrow. You may see him there... in fact I understood he plans to be there."
Lizzie smiled broadly at the news. "Does he, really?"
Jane's complexion got back to a bright shade of pink but took the conversation on safer subjects, at least for her tranquillity.
Meanwhile, in the carriage on its way to Mayfair, Louisa Hurst decided to acknowledge the justice of her brother's lack of prejudice. "Charles, I'm very happy you obliged us to call on Jane Bennet. Even though she didn't participate in the conversation..."
"That's for sure! She didn't open her mouth! Not seeing anyone but trade people for over a month truly got her quiet..." smirked Caroline.
The scolding she received from her brother came, immediate and fierce. "Caroline, I don't think you're well situated to say such a thing. You didn't speak either if I remember well... Even for the introduction, I had to prompt you! I remind you that if she didn't see anyone but trade people, it's partly your fault. Had you returned her call earlier and invited her to some of the events you dragged me into, she would have seen more Londoners. Not that in seeing us she would not have seen 'trade people'.
"At least she was agreeable if mute. I don't think Mrs. Gardiner can say the same of you!"
Caroline could not help but downcast her eyes. Louisa tried and changed the subject by discussing the other ladies they had seen. "What a charming lady! She knew so much about the best plays in Town. And her house, if not in the best part of London is very comfortable."
"I understand why Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth like to come and see her and her husband. Miss Elizabeth is very lately arrived. I understood from her uncle yesterday morning that she was to arrive in the evening." He abruptly stopped, as if caught in a memory.
"Charles?"
"I'm sorry Louisa, I was remembering Darcy's strange reaction when Mr. Gardiner told us that."
This definitely caught his youngest sister's attention. "Mr. Darcy? What does he have to do with it?"
Charles found there another opportunity to teach her a lesson. "I'll have you know that Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has understood that he didn't act as a true friend should have and that he's sorry for that. To prove his point, he even came with me to see Mr. Gardiner so that I could deliver my letter of apologies for Miss Bennet."
As this had rendered Caroline mute once again, Louisa took the opportunity to express her regrets. "I've seen my errors too and I apologise once again, Charles."
"I know you do Louisa, don't make yourself uneasy. I've witnessed your efforts today and I must say it has warmed my heart."
"Thank you, Charles. You're too good. If Miss Bennet has not become too sour because of our behaviour towards her, if she's still as good as she used to be, you deserve each other!"
"I hope you're right. I'm sure she's still far better than I will ever be but I don't think I can live without her. Have you seen how beautiful, how angelic, how perfect she is?"
Even Caroline's disgusted snort could not cloud his enthusiasm. Louisa only took and squeezed his hand. The carriage soon reached Grosvenor Street and the party broke on entering the town-house.
Chapter 13
After a very wet and grey Thursday, the Friday came, dryer but still very cloudy. Yet, nothing could have prevented the eldest ladies of Gracechurch Street to leave the house and venture in the wealthier part of London. Their reasons were, as usual, quite different.
Mrs. Gardiner was only willing to put her niece and her suitor in close company again. The gentleman had appeared exactly as her husband had described him: easy-going, reliable and desperately in love with Jane. Playing Cupid in such a case was probably not condemnable.
Although it was one of her reasons too, Lizzie was also very interested in seeing the interior of a Mayfair house. She also wanted to be in company of the Bingley sisters again. Caroline, with her cold and snobbish attitude, had been a real source of amusement in Cheapside; she dearly hoped this call would be as inspiring for her next letter to Charlotte. As for Louisa, she was willing to change her point of view on her, should she behave similarly to the Gardiners'. She had felt that, contrary to what she had witnessed before, Mrs. Hurst had not played the part of the nice and civil sister, she had been nice and civil. Maybe she had understood that Jane was the only one who could make her brother truly happy, no matter her family, her wealth or her connections. Even if his friend seemed to have resolved upon the union, she was quite sure that he would not help the match beyond the strict necessity; therefore she thought it useful to have one of his sisters as an ally.
Jane's sole interest in the call was her planned apology to Mr. Bingley. She had prepared a small speech, full of regret and hope. Of course, she saw the moment where she would deliver it with dread but she had to do it, if only for her own peace of mind. The thought that she might not be able to finish it because Mr. Bingley wouldn't let her had crossed her mind and Lizzie would probably be once again highly surprised should she know that the foreseen reason for such an interruption was not an unwilling ear but a self-declared unworthiness of the gentleman. But she knew better, the gentleman was worthy, his manners during his call in Cheapside had been perfect and hers had not been very expressive. She knew her mother thought she had been too restraint in Hertfordshire and that was one of the reasons why Mr. Bingley had not proposed; although she would never behave accordingly to Mrs. Bennet's standards, she had resolved on trying to be more easy-to-read, at least for Charles. In this mindset, the lady had a quick glance at her fellow travellers and, seeing that her companions were looking at her with some contentment, she said: "Lizzie, Aunt Gardiner, I have a favour to ask... During the call, I'd like to find myself isolated with Mr. Bingley."
Two pairs of very astonished eyes were then looking at her. She blushed and added: "Oh no... I meant... I'd like to apologise to him. He did it, in his letter, I didn't. I have to. He must know I didn't mean what I said then and I cannot tell him that in anyone's hearing. So if you could, somehow, find a way to let us..."
In spite of her willingness to play Cupid, Mrs. Gardiner could not agree in a scheme that would not respect her niece's honour. Thus, she replied: "We'll try and find a way to let Mr. Bingley and you out of anyone's hearing but don't expect us to leave the two of you out of my sight."
"Of course not, my Aunt. I wouldn't dream of it. Your idea suits me perfectly."
Lizzie had witnessed this exchange with surprise and gladness, surprise at her sister's new ability to make such a request, gladness at the good sense of her aunt's answer. Feeling the coach slowing down, she said: "Ready, Jane? I think we're there." Once all the ladies had exited it, and seeing that Jane might not be as ready as she could, she commented on the handsomeness of the building they were about to enter. Mrs. Gardiner took the lead and knocked at the front gate.
They introduced themselves to the butler and, after a short while, they were accompanied to a sitting room where Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were already sited with two other ladies. Everyone rose, curtsied and Mrs. Hurst welcomed them. "Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, what a pleasure it is to see you again! I'd like to introduce you to Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley. Georgiana, this is Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth live in Hertfordshire, close to my brother's estate, Netherfield." Then, turning to the newcomers, she added: "Miss Darcy is Mr. Darcy's young sister, Mrs. Annesley is Miss Darcy's companion. I don't think you've met, have you?"
Jane was several shades paler since she had been introduced to the youngest lady. She had not forgotten Miss Binlgley's hints about Charles and Miss Darcy and to find herself in her presence, wholly unprepared, was a shock. Both her aunt and her sister saw it and they made up for their relative's silence.
"I'm delighted to meet you. I have not the fortune to know your brother but my husband told me they had a very interesting conversation a few days ago. I believe they met through Mr. Bingley."
Georgiana replied in a small voice. "I'm very happy to meet you also." Then she stopped abruptly.
Mrs. Annesley, who had been watching her guard over carefully went on. "I believe I heard Mr. Darcy talk about Mr. Gardiner, didn't he, Miss Darcy?"
"Yes, he did, he seemed very pleased." Her cheeks were flushed, as if uttering such a sentence had been very difficult.
Jane and Lizzie had been examining the young lady. Soon enough, Jane had remembered where Charles's affections were laying, she had recovered and was able to pity her. She seemed so shy that meeting three new persons in a row had to be very painful for her. Lizzie's thoughts were less benevolent. She remembered Mr. Wickham's description of her and could perceive that it had been very accurate. One word or two to answer some very civil comments of her aunt's, obvious struggle to even pronounce those words... Is my Aunt not good enough for her? She was indeed as proud and disagreeable as her brother!
Caroline had, somehow, a similar point of view. Poor girl! To be obliged to speak to that woman! Why does Mrs. Annesley act like that? I shall have to speak to Mr. Darcy about her! Well, I'll have to save her myself!
And, to everyone's dismay, and, especially her sister's, who, as the hostess, was theoretically the one to lead the way, she went close to Miss Darcy and almost dragged her to a small sofa.
The five other ladies settled also and the tea was ordered. The sitting-room furnishing didn't really allowed some people to isolate themselves, therefore everyone could witness Miss Bingley's and Miss Darcy's conversation.
"Has your caring brother decided on the date for your coming out?"
Georgiana was surprised by the question, the subject having already been dealt with a few days before. Still in a very soft voice, she answered: "No, not yet, but it won't be this year, or even the next one. Maybe in two years time. I am not sixteen yet!"
"Of course... but, in the country, girls are allowed to attend and dance in assemblies at sixteen." Turning to Jane and Lizzie, she asked, her voice full of scorn: "Your youngest sister must not be older than sixteen, is she?"
Jane could only agree.
"And yet, we've seen her dance at least thrice, haven't we, Louisa?"
Reluctantly, as she knew where her sister's speech was leading, she replied. "Yes we have."
"But of course, those are country manners. In London, we do not obey the same laws."
Once again, Caroline had managed to amaze everyone with her rudeness. Mrs. Annesley was trying to indicate to Miss Darcy that only her would be able to stop Miss Bingley. Georgiana was aghast but she tried and managed to voice her disagreement.
"Caroline, the laws are different, depending on the place, not on the people. I do dance occasionally in some family parties. And everyone does the same. Otherwise how do you think ladies could be so proficient at dancing for their coming out?"
Indulgent smiles were flourishing on everyone's face but two. Caroline and Lizzie were shocked at Miss Darcy's answer. The former had understood the disguised censure and it had rendered her speechless for a while. The latter could not believe her ears. Proud Mr. Darcy's little sister had defended Lydia against Miss Bingley's venom! That was unbelievable. She would wage he had written his sister about the impropriety of the Bennet family. Therefore why should she defend them? This is in total contradiction with what Mr. Wickham told me. I cannot imagine why she said that.
Mrs. Gardiner turned the conversation to a more general topic, and one of interest to, at least one of her nieces. "Mrs. Hurst, you do have a very fine house, and so well situated."
"I thank you. It is not exactly ours but Mr. Hurst's uncle's. My husband shall inherit it someday... the latest, the best!"
Lizzie looked carefully at her hostess's demeanour and she concluded that the expressed feeling was genuine. She will soon have conquered me! This was confirmed by the next arrow she threw to her sister.
"He prefers to stay in the country, even during the season. He says the air is much better."
Jane was silently listening, her thoughts more disagreeably engaged. Where is Charles? I must see him. I've got everything ready! He must come.
Her train of thoughts was so obvious that even Louisa could read it. As the previous topic was exhausted, she said: "I'm afraid we won't have Charles for tea. He went to his club with Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy. I understood that there was a very serious matter to be handled. A friend of theirs engaged in I don't know what untasty business and they had to try and discover him."
Three ladies were utterly disappointed with this news. Jane uttered an almost mute "Oh no!", which was covered by her sister.
"Oh really! Well, if a friend is in jeopardy, one has to try and do his best to help him. We'd have like to see him, though... and Mr. Hurst also of course... and Mr. Darcy." That was not very civil, Lizzie... Of course you don't believe this tale... Of course, once again, Mr. Darcy interfered against your sister... but to go as far as speaking like Mary!
Mrs. Hurst went on: "But he was so looking forward this afternoon, I'm sure it was really a case of emergency. Mr. Hurst seemed quite upset after reading that letter this morning and he insisted, after Mr. Darcy's arrival, that they all join him."
Oops, my mistake
After a pause, Louisa added: "May I suggest to him to accompany my sister and myself in our next call on you?" The small smile on her face made her very beautiful in everybody's eyes and very dear in Lizzie's. Obviously, her late presumptions on the lady were right and she gladly forgave her for her past behaviour.
Caroline seemed not please at all with the last news. What? We've been there two days ago! The more we go, the more likely someone I know will see me.... I'll be sick...that's it! I'll be too ill to go... I'm sure Mr. Darcy was quite happy to flee this afternoon! He won't be able to see me but he could avoid those people. As a ironic jest, she said:
"I'm not sure I believe Albert's excuse. Choosing between an afternoon with ladies and one by themselves is always easy for men! I'm sure Mr. Darcy would have rather stayed, if only to be with his dear sister..." at that point, she tried and exchanged a smirking smile and a look with the said lady, "... but I really don't see why dear Mr. Hurst or Charles would give up their pleasure."
Mrs. Hurst had to change the conversation by introducing a new topic. "There's a new pattern from India that seems to be the top of the fashion. I heard that even Mr. Brumel tries to adapt it for men..."
Her sister interrupted her. "Do you know Mr. Brumel, Mrs. Gardiner? Oh, you must surely not move in the same circles."
"No, you're right, we don't move in the same circle. But I'm not sure I'd like to know him. Being able to throw away so much money just for clothes... I don't find it very sensible!"
"Of course, when one cannot afford it..." Caroline didn't finish her sentence, to understate that this was the case for the Gardiners or the Bennets.
Georgiana, whose amazement at Miss Bingley's behaviour rendered bold, interfered exactly at the same moment as Lizzie, who was getting more upset by the minute. In chorus, they said: "But can he afford it?"
The two ladies stared at one another then smiled to each other. The others but the offending one looked at them and showed their amusement. Caroline had been scolded once to many and decided to ignore the callers for the remaining of the afternoon. The mood got lighter and the chat became easy.
Mrs. Gardiner talked about Derbyshire with Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley, Louisa talked about Hertfordshire with Lizzie and Jane, then everyone joined in a talk about music. All the ladies but Jane could play and they retreated to the music room. Caroline pretended a sudden headache and, after saying her goodbyes, she went to her room, to everyone's relief. The Cheapside party being the guests of honour, Lizzie started the exhibition. Georgiana played after her, then the elder ladies took their turn, allowing the youngest to discuss. Jane tried to get better acquainted with Louisa and they resumed their Hertfordshire friendship. Lizzie decided to give a chance to Georgiana. After all, she has had an exemplary behaviour earlier in the afternoon. Maybe she is no longer the one Mr. Wickham used to know.
"You are truly proficient, Miss Darcy! I've rarely heard anyone play so beautifully."
Georgiana was blushing. Usually, only her brother and Miss Bingley would praise her like that and she was truly unsure about the truthfulness of both, if not for the same reasons. "You're too kind! But you did play very well also. Not that I'm surprised, my brother had written me he had had the pleasure of listening to some of your performances and that he had liked them very much."
This truly amazed Lizzie. "Really? I'm very surprised! I didn't even think he had noticed." To be very honest, I thought he had despised my playing. The way he used to stare at me when I was playing...
It was Georgiana's turn to be surprised. "Oh he did! He's very fond of music. He even sings with me sometimes. He has the most beautiful baritone voice."
"Really! I would have never guessed it. Not that we had a lot of intercourses back in Hertfordshire... But somehow, he didn't seem like someone very... sensitive."
"He is, but it's true he doesn't show it. He probably thinks it's not manly. But people know his worth for so many other good qualities that it probably doesn't matter."
Lizzie didn't want to criticise too openly Georgiana's idol so she chose not to comment on the last sentence. But, really, she worships him! How can someone find 'so many good qualities' in him? He is without a fault according to Miss Bingley and he only confessed his resentment but I know a lot of other ones! And so does everyone near Longbourn...it's almost endearing how she's blind!
Georgiana was looking at her and wondering about the small smile that had appeared on her face. Her silence made her uneasy. Miss Bingley would have taken the occasion to state at least three of the said qualities. Miss Darcy had, of course, perceived that this young lady had nothing in common with Caroline but not a word was a truly astonishing reaction.
"Did I say something funny? You do think my brother has numerous qualities, do you?"
Lizzie was cornered... "Well, of course he is rich, and I must say all the ladies at the assembly in Meryton found him quite handsome the first time we saw him..."
"But those are not real qualities! He just inherited his wealth and his good looks. What about his generosity towards the poor people, his fairness towards his servants, his goodness with me?" Georgiana was adamant.
"I'm nor poor enough, nor a servant, nor yourself... so let's say I didn't find them out. As I said earlier, we didn't speak with each other a lot. In fact, he didn't speak with anyone but his own party. So I guess that's not surprising we could not perceive all those good qualities!" The smile at the corner of her lips had come back.
Frowning, Miss Darcy replied: "It's true he is usually very reserved among strangers but I had understood that you and he had shared several interesting conversations and even a dance at Mr. Bingley's ball. That was not enough to make you like him?"
Once again, a blushing Lizzie was amazed at Georgiana's revelations about her past with her brother. 'Interesting conversations'? That's how he described them to his sister? And the praise about my playing? I cannot imagine what it means...
"It's true I may be the only one who got a chance to know him a little better, but it was hardly enough to make a judgement on someone. I must say, though, that I found him very clever and that he seems to be very fond of books - this is a quality to me." There, that was not too bad.
As Georgiana was smiling again and Mrs. Annesley had finished her performance, Lizzie chose another subject.
"We're going to see 'Romeo and Juliet' tomorrow." Turning to Mrs. Hurst, she added: "You told us so much about it, I had to go and see it. Fortunately, my uncle was able to get some tickets!"
"I hope you won't be disappointed."
"I'm sure we will not."
"Do you have any other entertainment in view?"
Jane answered. "Yes. My aunt and uncle have been invited to a ball on Tuesday and Lizzie and I shall gladly accompany them."
Laughing, Lizzie added: "I've never been able to resist a dance. I hope London gentlemen can!!!"
Smiling, Mrs. Hurst answered: "Some can, others prefer the card room! Tuesday you said... who will host the ball?"
"An old friend of mine, Mrs. Umberight. Why?"
"Mrs. Umberight? What a coincidence! We were invited too and agreed to go. We shall see each other, then!"
That was good news to Jane. With a very hopeful smile she exclaimed: "Really? I'm very happy to hear this."
"Indeed we are, Mrs. Hurst. I think we shall leave you now. We thank you for your reception and look forward seeing you soon. Jane, Lizzie, shall we?"
After the proper goodbyes, the Cheapside ladies went home.
On the ride back to Gracechuch Street, Mrs. Gardiner commented on the handsomeness of the house and on the gentlemen's absence. A sighing Jane replied: "It was a pity, wasn't it? I shall have to wait to make my apologies to Mr. Bingley."
Lizzie teased her: "But you know now at least two occasions in the next four days where you shall see him. Surely, you'll find a moment! Maybe during one of your numerous dances with him at the ball..."
"Lizzie..." After a pause, she added: "You did speak a lot with Miss Darcy. What a charming young lady! Not at all like Mr. Wickham had described her, is she not, Lizzie?"
"You're right Jane." To her aunt, she explained that she had been said proud and disagreeable. "She was shy at the beginning, though, but she reacted in such a was to Miss Bingley's snobbism!"
"She did! Miss Bingley's comments were unacceptable... Fortunately she left us, she was such a burden!"
"Yes! But to come back to Miss Darcy, I had a very interesting time."
"What did you speak about?"
"We spoke about her brother! She worships him! She listed me his qualities, which are numerous, according to her!!!"
"Lizzie! I'm sure he's not as bad as you think him... I wonder if we'll see him at the ball." With her new teasing smile, she added: "He may favour you once again with a dance?"
Pretending a shiver, Lizzie answered: "Don't bring me bad luck!"
Mrs. Gardiner playfully scolded her nieces and the remaining of the trip was made in this good mood.
Only fifteen minutes after Mrs. Gardiner, Jane and Lizzie's departure, the gentlemen came back. A rushing and smiling Mr. Bingley irrupted in the sitting room, quietly followed by Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy.
"Good day to you, ladies!" Then he paused abruptly and disappointed, he added: "Oh, they have already left?"
"Good day to you too, Charles! Yes, Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces left some minutes ago. We had a very pleasant afternoon."
Sitting on a chair, her brother mumbled: "I'm sure you did!"
She patted his hand and said, soothingly: "Would you like some tea to comfort you?"
With puppy eyes, he agreed. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy settled themselves in the room.
"So, Mr. Hurst, have you been successful in your search?"
"Indeed we have Mrs. Hurst. The three of us were quite necessary but we could resolve the matter most satisfactorily."
Charles went on with his favourite subject. "And, how were your guests, Louisa?"
"They were very well. Miss Bennet seemed recovered, she talked more than when we last saw her. All were disappointed not to see the gentlemen."
"All?"
Smiling, she nodded, then she went on: "So I suggested that we may call on them in the next days and they agreed. They said they would all look forward seeing us."
"All?"
"Yes, all."
"Us?"
"Yes, I thought you might want to come."
"I might, I might."
Mr. Darcy, who was much more happy than his friend about the too early departure, had engaged his sister in a discussion about her afternoon.
"Oh, I enjoyed myself very much. At first, it was odd, Miss Bingley kept saying very rude things..."
"About you?" roared Mr. Darcy.
"No! Of course not! About the other guests, Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces. And without reasons: the three of them are very agreeable. Mrs. Gardiner is very ladylike and her nieces very nice."
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!"
Mrs. Annesley interrupted: "She has done so much more! She doesn't tell you neither she stopped Miss Bingley's nasty comments twice in front of everyone nor she played the pianoforte for everyone!"
Proudly, Mr. Darcy asked his sister: "Did you?"
Blushing, Georgiana agreed. "But they are all so nice, I felt at ease. I even spoke with Miss Elizabeth, alone, for a good five minutes..."
More seriously, he asked her their topics of discussion.
"Oh, mostly music! I also found out that you have been very reserved while in Hertfordshire. She doesn't know you at all!"
Mr. Darcy was left with this half explanation as the tea had arrived and Mrs. Hurst was pouring it. She was also addressing everyone with her news: "Do you know we shall see Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner as well as Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth at the Umberight ball?"
Mr. Bingley, who had already been cheered up, exclaimed loudly his joy. Mr. Darcy, more calmly, managed to surprise everybody: "And you shall see me also!"
"Really?" His friend and his sister asked simultaneously.
"Yes, really! What is so surprising?"
Nothing except that, when you opened the card, three days ago, you mumbled that you would not be a fool for matchmaking mothers once again.
Nothing, except that when I told you I would probably go with my sisters, you told me you would probably have a most important evening with yours!
"Nothing!" They both replied loudly.
Chapter 14
What a trial 'tis to be a big sister, sometimes! Unfortunately for Louisa Hurst, who was thus thinking, the only big sister she had in mind at the moment was the main raison why it was difficult, and she could not, therefore, complain to an understanding ear! Well, 'tis almost time to leave, my trial will soon be over... I wonder, though, how I did resist that long!!! I didn't think Charles could be that trying... In fact, he had never been... Even these potatoes of his weren't obsessing him that much! Well, at least, Jane's worthy, not that I can qualify the potatoes as unworthy, if I think of it... Oh Lord, I have to stop grinning like that at my own jokes, even Albert looks at me strangely!
"Yes my Dear?"
"Nothing, Louisa. It's just that you had a funny smile." Half paying attention to his brother's pacing, he frowned and whispered: "How long has he been walking like that?"
"Almost two days... I hope he did get some sleep at night, but I'm not sure. But don't worry, it will soon be over: We'll be leaving as soon as I have checked Caroline really cannot come with us." As an afterthought, she added: "Do you think I've been too harsh on him? Two days were the proper time to wait before calling back on Miss Bennet, weren't they?"
Her husband pretended to get a better look at Charles, and turning his head, he looked skywards. She does ask strange questions... Then, he became thoughtful. In fact, she has changed a lot this past days... She seems genuinely happy her brother is to get married to his angel, she seems tired of her sister, she whines less, she's even less impatient with me... she's getting better by the day! Why not satisfying her whims, for once? Turning back to her, he answered:
"Well, I used to always wait two days between each calls before you agreed to marry me. I was too afraid of your father's wrath because of my idleness to come more often... But I don't know if it's 'proper' or not. Anyway, I've a very high opinion on your social skills, among others of course, "Whooh, that was close... but she's blushing... no, surely, she can't think that I've... No! "erh, ... and... I'm sure that if you deem it proper, it must be!", he finished with a grin, but still somewhat nonplussed.
Still flushed, Louisa took her leave to see her sister, under her husband's appraising eyes and her brother's unbelieving hopeful ones.
When she came down the stairs, Charles was already waiting for her, neater than he had ever been and he held her his arm.
"So she's still too ill to come with us?"
"Yes, she doesn't want to see a doctor but she says her headache is too strong and she needs to stay in her room."
Charles seemed really upset with this news. "Well, whether she wants it or not, if she's still in her room when we come back, I'd like you to send for one!"
"I will, Charles, don't worry." Not that I think he will find anything but anger that her scheme hasn't worked!
While they were on their way to Gracechurch Street, Charles became surprisingly silent and serious. Soothingly, Louisa put her hand on his arm and tried to comfort him. "Why such a serious face? Miss Bennet won't recognise you!"
"Please, Louisa, do not laugh at me! 'Tis serious! What if she doesn't want me as her suitor? What if she didn't trust my letter? I have failed her so many times... She cannot have a good opinion of me!"
"Charles, don't let your fear annihilate your mind and your heart. You've seen how she behaved when we called on her... Had she not believed your letter, she wouldn't have stayed." Well, even Caroline found a way to flee, on Friday! "And trust me... during her call in Grosvenor Street, she really appeared disappointed when I told her you wouldn't come. Have faith in you and in fate!"
A hopeful and adoring look had reappeared on her brother's face. "Do you really believe so?"
"I do! And keep this adoring look for her! She will be far more sensible to it than I." Her grin was contagious and, when the carriage stopped, Charles Bingley had recovered his usual good-natured self.
Jane's calm demeanour during those two days had astonished and caused the admiration of everyone in the Gardiner's household. Its reason was fairly simple: she knew he loved her and she knew he would come. Patience was definitively one of her numerous virtues, so she was calm.
Nevertheless, when the probable hour of the so-hoped-for call drew nearer, she felt some butterflies filling her stomach. As confident as she was about her future happiness, she still owed an apology and she still dreaded the time to make it. She was with her sister, aunt and elder cousin in the drawing-room and all of them were aware of the event to come. She searched her sister's eyes for comfort and, as usual, found the playful reassurance she needed. The sound of a walking-stick knocking on the front door was welcomed with a blush on her side and smiles on the others.
Once the callers were introduced in the room, the welcome pronounced and Sophia had performed her best curtsey, everyone had to settle down. Mrs. Gardiner still had in mind her niece's request about 'isolating' herself and Mr. Bingley out of everyone's hearing so she showed the sofa to Mrs. Hurst for her sitting but she forbore to invite him to sit by herself. He seemed to hesitate; but Jane, who had retreated to the sits in the corner, happened to look round, and happened to smile: it was decided. He placed himself by her. Lizzy sat herself with her aunt, her cousin and Mrs. Hurst and asked some news about Miss Bingley's health. It was answered as truthfully as it could and from there, they moved on to more amusing topics.
The couple was as alone as they could hope to. Both of them were quite happy with this arrangement. Charles was willing and, eventually, able to discuss with his angel. He had been waiting four days to do so and patience was not one of his virtues: he had counted every minute of them. He had been almost put out when, two days ago, after Darcy had brought his sister for tea, Hurst had adamantly requested a trip to their club. And he had not been able to come back on time to see her, talk to her and admire her.
Before being able to speak, he just watched her adoringly for a while. Jane smiled back at him, as unable to speak as he. Finally, realising something had to be said, indeed, he had so much to say, he just spoke his mind: "Miss Bennet, I'm so happy to see you. I was so disappointed when I missed you on Friday! But I had to go... How are you? You look beautiful if I may say... I'm so glad to be able to talk to you at last! Those four days without seeing you have been... I knew I would be seeing you today but I just couldn't wait..."
The situation suited exactly Jane's purpose. Although she could have listened for hours to Charles's babbling, she feared their loneliness might not last and resolved on speaking as soon as he would allow her to. Soon the moment came. Hesitation in her voice, she started: "Mr. Bingley, there is one thing I'd wish to say to you."
Charles was frightened at this introduction. He dreaded a rebuke of the feelings he had expressed in his letter and, this being their first moment 'alone', he saw it come. "Miss Bennet, if it is related to my letter..."
Jane was too focused on her mission to notice his uneasiness and she interrupted him: "Well, actually, it is in some way..."
"If I have offended you, I..."
"No, not at all!" Jane seemed to understand at last his meaning. "It's quite the opposite. In fact, in your letter, you apologised for your behaviour when we met in my uncle's warehouse. I just wish to say that I apologise too. I'd never behave like that and I wish I'll never again. It was unladylike and unforgivable of me."
As Charles obviously wished to answer, she halted him with a move of her hand. "Please, let me go on. As for the other reasons you apologised for, I understand the causes of the misunderstanding. I cannot say that I don't regret what happened and I'm afraid it has taken away some of the goodness you claimed I had but it had also made me understand some truth about the world. At two and twenty, it was probably time!"
She couldn't end her speech, as Charles couldn't restraint himself any more. "I'm not sure it was time or not but I'm sure that, so vast was your goodness, the remaining is still much vaster than anyone's. I also deeply regret what happened and if you'll let me, I plan on making you forget it and redeem myself in your eyes."
Jane's blush was pretty obvious and Charles's face was also brighter than usual. After a short pause, she answered.
"Could we agree that we forget what happened in the warehouse?"
Taking a big breath, he replied, in a rush: "Only if you agree to let me court you." At last, he had said it! He felt quite proud of himself but anxiously waited the answer.
Her face was then crimson. Rendered speechless, she nodded her agreement.
A huge weight took off his chest and, smiling broadly, he added: "May I push my luck as far as asking you to dance the first set with me at Mrs. Umberight's ball?"
She finally managed to voice a few words. "I'd be very happy to."
"Would it be too much to request the honour of the supper dance too?"
To lighten the mood, Jane replied, almost coquettishly: "I know nobody in ton, if I agree, I'll be sure to dance two dances at least!"
"Miss Bennet! You'll be the most beautiful lady in attendance! I'm sure if I don't get them now that I have no competitors, I won't stand a chance to dance with you at all."
With grinning eyes, she answered: "Mr. Bingley, you're flattering me!"
"Not at all, Miss Bennet, I'm only stating the absolute truth. Wherever you go, you are the handsomest and the sweetest." Charles was obviously highly convinced of his point. He was also delighted by Jane's teasing, the Meryton Jane had never done that and, although he wouldn't have thought it possible a minute before, he now found her even more perfect.
With a smile, she begged for a pause in his flattering comments and she tried and changed the subject. "I was very gladly surprised to learn that you would be at the Umberight ball."
"So were we all. But I was even more surprised to learn that Darcy would be there also!"
"Why, wasn't he invited?"
"Oh, he was! Not a mama would forget to invite him..." He stopped abruptly and blushed, taking into account whom he had been saying that to.
Understanding his unease, Jane decided to go on with her teasing. "Is that the reason why you also were invited? I'm truly glad to have accepted you as a partner for two dances! Every young lady will envy me."
Charles's eyes were round in surprise. O Lord, she's even flirting with me! She's never done that before! How she sparkles!
Witnessing his reaction, Jane felt ill at ease and with shame said: "I'm sorry. I didn't want to offend you..."
"Offend me? How can you say so? No, no, I was just surprised. You were teasing me, right?" She nodded. "You'd never done it before. I find it... delightful."
She blushed once again. To go back on safer grounds, he went on with their former discussion. "So Darcy was invited but he usually never comes to that kind of entertainment. As you may have noticed in Hertfordshire, he scarcely dances, and only with people he's acquainted to. He seemed to change his mind on learning that you would be there."
"Me? I've almost never spoken with him."
"True, but he's really ashamed of what he's done concerning... us. As you may know, he came with me here when I brought your letter to your uncle."
Remember the letter, she paused before answering. "Yes I know. And you think he did that to show you how much he regrets his interference?"
"I'm sure that's why he did it and why he'll be at the ball. There! You'll now someone else! Here are four places already filled on your card! And anyway, I'll always be available to fill any hole on it."
With her angelic smile, she thanked him and the very happy couple went on with a meaningless conversation including, among other topics, Caroline's health.
On the other part of the room, the ladies were as much busy conversing as busy throwing careful looks towards its corner. They soon understood that the situation was clarified and exchanged happy glances. After tea was drunk, Mrs. Hurst knew it was time to leave. With a look, she asked for her companion's help and declared that they had to get back to Grosvenor Street. Then she repeated it and stood up, in order to manage to get her brother's attention.
"Really? So soon?"
With an indulgent smile, she replied: "I don't know if it's so soon, Charles, but we must go."
Now that everyone in the room but him, had stood up, he had no choice but do the same. For a farewell, he boldly took hold of Jane's hand and softly put his lips on it. Everyone witnessed the gesture and Jane's immediate flush but the please smiles on their face showed him that his slightly inappropriate gesture had not been unwelcome. Jane was embarrassed by it but the main reason was not that she had openly admitted he was to be her suitor. In fact she was prodigiously happy and proud of the fact. No, her unease came from the feelings that kiss had caused in her body, starting on the back of her hand and spreading to her whole. She had never felt such heat and, maybe because of the unknown pleasure it had given, it was accompanied with shame. Fortunately, nobody even suspected it and her sense of decorum was accused for the colour of her cheeks.
When the callers had gone, Sophia commented on Mrs. Hurst's hair-dress - so fashionable, her dress - so fashionable - and her knowledge of the ton - so... fashionable! Her cousin teased her about the extent of her vocabulary and suggested that she go to search in her father's library a book, which might help her to be more imaginative in the future. This was done good-naturedly and, as Sophia looked up to Lizzy's spirit, very readily done.
The three remaining ladies could therefore comment on the call more freely and, without much pressure, as she was bursting with the news, Jane disclosed the agreement they had reached.
Lizzy was broadly smiling. "So he is your official suitor, then? I'm so happy for you, Jane! You deserve it."
"Well, I don't know if official is the right word... I mean... He hasn't asked Papa's consent!"
"If that's what's troubling you, remember that your father relies on your uncle and that Edward gave implicitly his consent by, first, authorising him to write, then giving you the letter."
While Lizzy nodded vigorously on the good sense of the answer, Jane was thoughtful. After a short while, she agreed and went on with all the qualities of the gentleman.
Lizzy interrupted her. "Oh, Jane, take care..."
""My dear Lizzy, how, pray, can I be in danger now?"
"I think you are in very great danger of becoming as worshiping of your Mr. Bingley as Miss Darcy is of her brother."
Everyone laughed.
"My Mr. Bingley?... Indeed, my Mr. Bingley..." grinned Jane.
After faking shock, her sister and aunt renewed their laugh.
"Speaking of Mr. Darcy, Lizzy, did you know that he'll also be at the ball? Mr. Bingley says he was very surprised to learn that and it claims it is because he wants, once again, to make up for his unfortunate intervention in..." Gathering her thoughts, she went on, more lightly. "I wonder if he'll single you out once again and ask you to dance with him."
Lizzy coloured at the memory. She could still feel anger about their last association. 'Tis strange to think that the last words we exchanged were at that ball and not at all ball-room like! "Well, I haven't seen this gentleman since the Netherfield ball. I even wonder if he remembers me. In fact, I'm pretty sure he would have completely forgotten me if it hadn't been for you. I don't think you can expect such an event to occur."
"'Tis a pity. You made a handsome couple!"
Lizzy took fright at the sudden thought. "Jane! Don't even think of matchmaking! You know my feelings about the man... Please. I am quite sufficiently happy at seeing you happy. I do not need a suitor myself."
Jane and Madeline laughed at the very thought. "Jane, matchmaking? Come on, Lizzy, you know your sister. She has changed but not to that extent."
Seriously, Jane added: "But Lizzy, just for my sake, do you not think you could re-evaluate him? There are good points in his favour; you've always overlooked them. It's as if you'd mind having a good opinion of him."
"Well, he has almost ruined the happiness of a most beloved sister!" Her tone was higher.
"Yes, but, eventually, his interference was for naught and he apologised to his friend for it," Jane replied soothingly. "I have forgiven him, Lizzy, why can't you do the same?"
Lizzy's colours were heightened. She didn't answer and, instead, went on with Mr. Darcy's faults. "And what about Mr. Wickham's misfortunes? He has reduced him to his present state of poverty. He has withheld the advantages, which were designed for him. He has deprived the best years of his life, of that independence which was no less his due than his desert. He has done all this! Doesn't that count?"
Mrs. Gardiner tried to interfere. "From what I have heard from your uncle, I cannot believe he has done such things. Remember that you only had Mr. Wickham's side of the story. Maybe there is more to that that you know."
"And Lizzy, remember what he told you about Miss Darcy. She's not at all how he described her. I'm not sure I'm so inclined to believe him as trustworthy as I used to. Blame it on my new acquired scepticism if you wish, but from what I have heard, I tend to doubt his gentlemanliness."
No niece answered their aunt unspoken question but Lizzy knew to what recent events Jane was referring. "I'll think about it, Jane."
"Thank you Lizzy. Remember that we're going to see much more often Mr. Bingley and that Mr. Darcy is his friend. We'll surely meet him also more often. It'll be more bearable for you if you like him more than now."
After a pause, Lizzy confirmed: "I'll think about it."
The remaining of the afternoon went peacefully and happily, in Jane's glow.
Charle's one would have been quite sufficient to light up the carriage, should have it been night.
"So, I take it everything went well?"
"Oh, Louisa! She's such an angel! She agreed, you know! I can't wait for the ball..."
Louisa was a bit surprised at the news. "So, you are engaged?"
"No, no... She consented to my courting. I plan on waiting a little before proposing. I wouldn't want to appear rushing. Waiting is a good idea, is it not?"
Cautiously, as she knew her brother, she answered: "Yes, waiting a little seems a good idea. After all, you've renewed the acquaintance less than a week ago."
Very seriously, Charles agreed. "I knew it! I was clever in postponing my proposal until the ball.'
Louisa gasped at the reply. "But the ball is in two days!"
"You think it's too long? Then I shall call on her tomorrow!"
"No, no... I meant, it's only in two days... I thought you would wait a fortnight at least."
It was Charles's turn to gasp. "Two weeks? You cannot be serious! I've already waited far too long! I should be married with her already... No, I will not wait more than two more days."
She knew arguing would be useless and, after all, he was not so wrong in his assertions. She smiled gently at him and listened to his feelings about his angel for the remaining of the trip.
Chapter 14
What a trial 'tis to be a big sister, sometimes! Unfortunately for Louisa Hurst, who was thus thinking, the only big sister she had in mind at the moment was the main raison why it was difficult, and she could not, therefore, complain to an understanding ear! Well, 'tis almost time to leave, my trial will soon be over... I wonder, though, how I did resist that long!!! I didn't think Charles could be that trying... In fact, he had never been... Even these potatoes of his weren't obsessing him that much! Well, at least, Jane's worthy, not that I can qualify the potatoes as unworthy, if I think of it... Oh Lord, I have to stop grinning like that at my own jokes, even Albert looks at me strangely!
"Yes my Dear?"
"Nothing, Louisa. It's just that you had a funny smile." Half paying attention to his brother's pacing, he frowned and whispered: "How long has he been walking like that?"
"Almost two days... I hope he did get some sleep at night, but I'm not sure. But don't worry, it will soon be over: We'll be leaving as soon as I have checked Caroline really cannot come with us." As an afterthought, she added: "Do you think I've been too harsh on him? Two days were the proper time to wait before calling back on Miss Bennet, weren't they?"
Her husband pretended to get a better look at Charles, and turning his head, he looked skywards. She does ask strange questions... Then, he became thoughtful. In fact, she has changed a lot this past days... She seems genuinely happy her brother is to get married to his angel, she seems tired of her sister, she whines less, she's even less impatient with me... she's getting better by the day! Why not satisfying her whims, for once? Turning back to her, he answered:
"Well, I used to always wait two days between each calls before you agreed to marry me. I was too afraid of your father's wrath because of my idleness to come more often... But I don't know if it's 'proper' or not. Anyway, I've a very high opinion on your social skills, among others of course, "Whooh, that was close... but she's blushing... no, surely, she can't think that I've... No! "erh, ... and... I'm sure that if you deem it proper, it must be!", he finished with a grin, but still somewhat nonplussed.
Still flushed, Louisa took her leave to see her sister, under her husband's appraising eyes and her brother's unbelieving hopeful ones.
When she came down the stairs, Charles was already waiting for her, neater than he had ever been and he held her his arm.
"So she's still too ill to come with us?"
"Yes, she doesn't want to see a doctor but she says her headache is too strong and she needs to stay in her room."
Charles seemed really upset with this news. "Well, whether she wants it or not, if she's still in her room when we come back, I'd like you to send for one!"
"I will, Charles, don't worry." Not that I think he will find anything but anger that her scheme hasn't worked!
While they were on their way to Gracechurch Street, Charles became surprisingly silent and serious. Soothingly, Louisa put her hand on his arm and tried to comfort him. "Why such a serious face? Miss Bennet won't recognise you!"
"Please, Louisa, do not laugh at me! 'Tis serious! What if she doesn't want me as her suitor? What if she didn't trust my letter? I have failed her so many times... She cannot have a good opinion of me!"
"Charles, don't let your fear annihilate your mind and your heart. You've seen how she behaved when we called on her... Had she not believed your letter, she wouldn't have stayed." Well, even Caroline found a way to flee, on Friday! "And trust me... during her call in Grosvenor Street, she really appeared disappointed when I told her you wouldn't come. Have faith in you and in fate!"
A hopeful and adoring look had reappeared on her brother's face. "Do you really believe so?"
"I do! And keep this adoring look for her! She will be far more sensible to it than I." Her grin was contagious and, when the carriage stopped, Charles Bingley had recovered his usual good-natured self.
Jane's calm demeanour during those two days had astonished and caused the admiration of everyone in the Gardiner's household. Its reason was fairly simple: she knew he loved her and she knew he would come. Patience was definitively one of her numerous virtues, so she was calm.
Nevertheless, when the probable hour of the so-hoped-for call drew nearer, she felt some butterflies filling her stomach. As confident as she was about her future happiness, she still owed an apology and she still dreaded the time to make it. She was with her sister, aunt and elder cousin in the drawing-room and all of them were aware of the event to come. She searched her sister's eyes for comfort and, as usual, found the playful reassurance she needed. The sound of a walking-stick knocking on the front door was welcomed with a blush on her side and smiles on the others.
Once the callers were introduced in the room, the welcome pronounced and Sophia had performed her best curtsey, everyone had to settle down. Mrs. Gardiner still had in mind her niece's request about 'isolating' herself and Mr. Bingley out of everyone's hearing so she showed the sofa to Mrs. Hurst for her sitting but she forbore to invite him to sit by herself. He seemed to hesitate; but Jane, who had retreated to the sits in the corner, happened to look round, and happened to smile: it was decided. He placed himself by her. Lizzy sat herself with her aunt, her cousin and Mrs. Hurst and asked some news about Miss Bingley's health. It was answered as truthfully as it could and from there, they moved on to more amusing topics.
The couple was as alone as they could hope to. Both of them were quite happy with this arrangement. Charles was willing and, eventually, able to discuss with his angel. He had been waiting four days to do so and patience was not one of his virtues: he had counted every minute of them. He had been almost put out when, two days ago, after Darcy had brought his sister for tea, Hurst had adamantly requested a trip to their club. And he had not been able to come back on time to see her, talk to her and admire her.
Before being able to speak, he just watched her adoringly for a while. Jane smiled back at him, as unable to speak as he. Finally, realising something had to be said, indeed, he had so much to say, he just spoke his mind: "Miss Bennet, I'm so happy to see you. I was so disappointed when I missed you on Friday! But I had to go... How are you? You look beautiful if I may say... I'm so glad to be able to talk to you at last! Those four days without seeing you have been... I knew I would be seeing you today but I just couldn't wait..."
The situation suited exactly Jane's purpose. Although she could have listened for hours to Charles's babbling, she feared their loneliness might not last and resolved on speaking as soon as he would allow her to. Soon the moment came. Hesitation in her voice, she started: "Mr. Bingley, there is one thing I'd wish to say to you."
Charles was frightened at this introduction. He dreaded a rebuke of the feelings he had expressed in his letter and, this being their first moment 'alone', he saw it come. "Miss Bennet, if it is related to my letter..."
Jane was too focused on her mission to notice his uneasiness and she interrupted him: "Well, actually, it is in some way..."
"If I have offended you, I..."
"No, not at all!" Jane seemed to understand at last his meaning. "It's quite the opposite. In fact, in your letter, you apologised for your behaviour when we met in my uncle's warehouse. I just wish to say that I apologise too. I'd never behave like that and I wish I'll never again. It was unladylike and unforgivable of me."
As Charles obviously wished to answer, she halted him with a move of her hand. "Please, let me go on. As for the other reasons you apologised for, I understand the causes of the misunderstanding. I cannot say that I don't regret what happened and I'm afraid it has taken away some of the goodness you claimed I had but it had also made me understand some truth about the world. At two and twenty, it was probably time!"
She couldn't end her speech, as Charles couldn't restraint himself any more. "I'm not sure it was time or not but I'm sure that, so vast was your goodness, the remaining is still much vaster than anyone's. I also deeply regret what happened and if you'll let me, I plan on making you forget it and redeem myself in your eyes."
Jane's blush was pretty obvious and Charles's face was also brighter than usual. After a short pause, she answered.
"Could we agree that we forget what happened in the warehouse?"
Taking a big breath, he replied, in a rush: "Only if you agree to let me court you." At last, he had said it! He felt quite proud of himself but anxiously waited the answer.
Her face was then crimson. Rendered speechless, she nodded her agreement.
A huge weight took off his chest and, smiling broadly, he added: "May I push my luck as far as asking you to dance the first set with me at Mrs. Umberight's ball?"
She finally managed to voice a few words. "I'd be very happy to."
"Would it be too much to request the honour of the supper dance too?"
To lighten the mood, Jane replied, almost coquettishly: "I know nobody in ton, if I agree, I'll be sure to dance two dances at least!"
"Miss Bennet! You'll be the most beautiful lady in attendance! I'm sure if I don't get them now that I have no competitors, I won't stand a chance to dance with you at all."
With grinning eyes, she answered: "Mr. Bingley, you're flattering me!"
"Not at all, Miss Bennet, I'm only stating the absolute truth. Wherever you go, you are the handsomest and the sweetest." Charles was obviously highly convinced of his point. He was also delighted by Jane's teasing, the Meryton Jane had never done that and, although he wouldn't have thought it possible a minute before, he now found her even more perfect.
With a smile, she begged for a pause in his flattering comments and she tried and changed the subject. "I was very gladly surprised to learn that you would be at the Umberight ball."
"So were we all. But I was even more surprised to learn that Darcy would be there also!"
"Why, wasn't he invited?"
"Oh, he was! Not a mama would forget to invite him..." He stopped abruptly and blushed, taking into account whom he had been saying that to.
Understanding his unease, Jane decided to go on with her teasing. "Is that the reason why you also were invited? I'm truly glad to have accepted you as a partner for two dances! Every young lady will envy me."
Charles's eyes were round in surprise. O Lord, she's even flirting with me! She's never done that before! How she sparkles!
Witnessing his reaction, Jane felt ill at ease and with shame said: "I'm sorry. I didn't want to offend you..."
"Offend me? How can you say so? No, no, I was just surprised. You were teasing me, right?" She nodded. "You'd never done it before. I find it... delightful."
She blushed once again. To go back on safer grounds, he went on with their former discussion. "So Darcy was invited but he usually never comes to that kind of entertainment. As you may have noticed in Hertfordshire, he scarcely dances, and only with people he's acquainted to. He seemed to change his mind on learning that you would be there."
"Me? I've almost never spoken with him."
"True, but he's really ashamed of what he's done concerning... us. As you may know, he came with me here when I brought your letter to your uncle."
Remember the letter, she paused before answering. "Yes I know. And you think he did that to show you how much he regrets his interference?"
"I'm sure that's why he did it and why he'll be at the ball. There! You'll now someone else! Here are four places already filled on your card! And anyway, I'll always be available to fill any hole on it."
With her angelic smile, she thanked him and the very happy couple went on with a meaningless conversation including, among other topics, Caroline's health.
On the other part of the room, the ladies were as much busy conversing as busy throwing careful looks towards its corner. They soon understood that the situation was clarified and exchanged happy glances. After tea was drunk, Mrs. Hurst knew it was time to leave. With a look, she asked for her companion's help and declared that they had to get back to Grosvenor Street. Then she repeated it and stood up, in order to manage to get her brother's attention.
"Really? So soon?"
With an indulgent smile, she replied: "I don't know if it's so soon, Charles, but we must go."
Now that everyone in the room but him, had stood up, he had no choice but do the same. For a farewell, he boldly took hold of Jane's hand and softly put his lips on it. Everyone witnessed the gesture and Jane's immediate flush but the please smiles on their face showed him that his slightly inappropriate gesture had not been unwelcome. Jane was embarrassed by it but the main reason was not that she had openly admitted he was to be her suitor. In fact she was prodigiously happy and proud of the fact. No, her unease came from the feelings that kiss had caused in her body, starting on the back of her hand and spreading to her whole. She had never felt such heat and, maybe because of the unknown pleasure it had given, it was accompanied with shame. Fortunately, nobody even suspected it and her sense of decorum was accused for the colour of her cheeks.
When the callers had gone, Sophia commented on Mrs. Hurst's hair-dress - so fashionable, her dress - so fashionable - and her knowledge of the ton - so... fashionable! Her cousin teased her about the extent of her vocabulary and suggested that she go to search in her father's library a book, which might help her to be more imaginative in the future. This was done good-naturedly and, as Sophia looked up to Lizzy's spirit, very readily done.
The three remaining ladies could therefore comment on the call more freely and, without much pressure, as she was bursting with the news, Jane disclosed the agreement they had reached.
Lizzy was broadly smiling. "So he is your official suitor, then? I'm so happy for you, Jane! You deserve it."
"Well, I don't know if official is the right word... I mean... He hasn't asked Papa's consent!"
"If that's what's troubling you, remember that your father relies on your uncle and that Edward gave implicitly his consent by, first, authorising him to write, then giving you the letter."
While Lizzy nodded vigorously on the good sense of the answer, Jane was thoughtful. After a short while, she agreed and went on with all the qualities of the gentleman.
Lizzy interrupted her. "Oh, Jane, take care..."
""My dear Lizzy, how, pray, can I be in danger now?"
"I think you are in very great danger of becoming as worshiping of your Mr. Bingley as Miss Darcy is of her brother."
Everyone laughed.
"My Mr. Bingley?... Indeed, my Mr. Bingley..." grinned Jane.
After faking shock, her sister and aunt renewed their laugh.
"Speaking of Mr. Darcy, Lizzy, did you know that he'll also be at the ball? Mr. Bingley says he was very surprised to learn that and it claims it is because he wants, once again, to make up for his unfortunate intervention in..." Gathering her thoughts, she went on, more lightly. "I wonder if he'll single you out once again and ask you to dance with him."
Lizzy coloured at the memory. She could still feel anger about their last association. 'Tis strange to think that the last words we exchanged were at that ball and not at all ball-room like! "Well, I haven't seen this gentleman since the Netherfield ball. I even wonder if he remembers me. In fact, I'm pretty sure he would have completely forgotten me if it hadn't been for you. I don't think you can expect such an event to occur."
"'Tis a pity. You made a handsome couple!"
Lizzy took fright at the sudden thought. "Jane! Don't even think of matchmaking! You know my feelings about the man... Please. I am quite sufficiently happy at seeing you happy. I do not need a suitor myself."
Jane and Madeline laughed at the very thought. "Jane, matchmaking? Come on, Lizzy, you know your sister. She has changed but not to that extent."
Seriously, Jane added: "But Lizzy, just for my sake, do you not think you could re-evaluate him? There are good points in his favour; you've always overlooked them. It's as if you'd mind having a good opinion of him."
"Well, he has almost ruined the happiness of a most beloved sister!" Her tone was higher.
"Yes, but, eventually, his interference was for naught and he apologised to his friend for it," Jane replied soothingly. "I have forgiven him, Lizzy, why can't you do the same?"
Lizzy's colours were heightened. She didn't answer and, instead, went on with Mr. Darcy's faults. "And what about Mr. Wickham's misfortunes? He has reduced him to his present state of poverty. He has withheld the advantages, which were designed for him. He has deprived the best years of his life, of that independence which was no less his due than his desert. He has done all this! Doesn't that count?"
Mrs. Gardiner tried to interfere. "From what I have heard from your uncle, I cannot believe he has done such things. Remember that you only had Mr. Wickham's side of the story. Maybe there is more to that that you know."
"And Lizzy, remember what he told you about Miss Darcy. She's not at all how he described her. I'm not sure I'm so inclined to believe him as trustworthy as I used to. Blame it on my new acquired scepticism if you wish, but from what I have heard, I tend to doubt his gentlemanliness."
No niece answered their aunt unspoken question but Lizzy knew to what recent events Jane was referring. "I'll think about it, Jane."
"Thank you Lizzy. Remember that we're going to see much more often Mr. Bingley and that Mr. Darcy is his friend. We'll surely meet him also more often. It'll be more bearable for you if you like him more than now."
After a pause, Lizzy confirmed: "I'll think about it."
The remaining of the afternoon went peacefully and happily, in Jane's glow.
Charle's one would have been quite sufficient to light up the carriage, should have it been night.
"So, I take it everything went well?"
"Oh, Louisa! She's such an angel! She agreed, you know! I can't wait for the ball..."
Louisa was a bit surprised at the news. "So, you are engaged?"
"No, no... She consented to my courting. I plan on waiting a little before proposing. I wouldn't want to appear rushing. Waiting is a good idea, is it not?"
Cautiously, as she knew her brother, she answered: "Yes, waiting a little seems a good idea. After all, you've renewed the acquaintance less than a week ago."
Very seriously, Charles agreed. "I knew it! I was clever in postponing my proposal until the ball.'
Louisa gasped at the reply. "But the ball is in two days!"
"You think it's too long? Then I shall call on her tomorrow!"
"No, no... I meant, it's only in two days... I thought you would wait a fortnight at least."
It was Charles's turn to gasp. "Two weeks? You cannot be serious! I've already waited far too long! I should be married with her already... No, I will not wait more than two more days."
She knew arguing would be useless and, after all, he was not so wrong in his assertions. She smiled gently at him and listened to his feelings about his angel for the remaining of the trip.