“More than enough places for everybody, Sir Russell, it is a fine mansion with plenty of rooms and delicious meals.”
“Yes, I know the place,” Darcy said. “It is not far from Northampton, and you make only a five miles detour.”
Elizabeth tried to pay attention to the ladies’ chat about outfits and what a lady needs for such a long journey. In fact, she was listening to the men talk. Darcy welcomed her at Pemberley and she blushed with pleasure. It was true—the cameo in her hand was like an engagement gift…and promise.
Looking around the cosy yet elegant room, she imagined his mother choosing the décor and wondered if she would be a suitable mistress of such wealth and beauty. Before coming to his home, she hardly envisaged how rich he was. For her, 10000 pounds a year was just a figure, but his house was something real. She wondered where his apartment was and blushed at her own thoughts. She wanted so much to see his bed and his dressing room, to be alone with him and finally let him take possession of her body. She shivered—as from cold—remembering how much she enjoyed his lips and caresses just as he was looking at her from the terrace.
He did not see her tremble, but how absent she was and he wondered where her thoughts were travelling. He hoped she remembered their embrace from the library, his daring kisses on her neck and shoulders and that she dreamt about the kiss that he refused her. He wanted her to yearn for his hands on her body and his kisses and the weeks that would pass till their meeting to make her finally decide she could not live without him. His plan was not to let her leave Pemberley anymore once she was there. He intended to invite her parents and her sisters and have the wedding at the beginning of autumn. However, he had some fears. Elizabeth was not like the other ladies he knew. She was proud and…stubborn and the covenant might not be a childish game for her. He was sometimes afraid that it could eventually threaten their marriage if she decided she could not break it. He blamed himself for letting her play that game, but at Rosings he was so uncertain she loved him that he could accept any silliness.
For him, the whole matter with Bingley and Jane, was just another simple story while for Elizabeth, it was treason towards her most loved sister. He hoped that the perspective of their everyday life at Pemberley, as well as the lust he awoke in her, would be enough to make her forget her covenant and marry him. No matter how Jane’s story might end.
∞∞∞
Darcy left London a few days later but not before paying a visit to the Gardiners to decide the last matters regarding the trip to Pemberley. He was received like a dear friend and Mr Gardiner asked him to stay for dinner.
“Thank you, sir, I will stay, but I have to be home early this evening.”
The evening passed by pleasantly for the whole family and their friend, as he told them many things about the road and then about Pemberley. Elizabeth felt all the details were for her. He often looked at her and smiled, but the atmosphere was so friendly that his glances were considered only normal.
It was impossible to spend even a second together. Only before leaving, he kissed her hand, hoping that it was only Mrs Gardiner paying attention.
Chapter 11
The Gardiners’ house was in chaos. The maids were running between the rooms and from time to time, Elizabeth or Jane appeared in Mrs Gardiner’s room to ask for an opinion or just to see how the packing was going.
They decided to stop for a few days at Longbourn and continue their journey early in the morning, even before the sunrise.
The plan was to meet the Russells on their way or at the inn close to Northampton. The excitement was general, but each had a different motive. For Mrs and Mr Gardiner, it was a splendid chance to meet people from the Ton. Their current wealth made them favourable to accede to other kinds of connections. The people from Ton were restrictive in communication and rarely accepted persons coming from outside their circle. Mr Darcy’s friendship was precious for them not only as a dear friend, but they agreed it was an opportunity to prevail over their own circle.
“Do you think we are inconsiderate or disrespectful towards our old friends?” Mrs Gardiner asked her husband with her well-known common sense. “I do not want to change only because we are now rich.”
Mr Gardiner dearly kissed her hand. “My dear, I do not know a person more unselfish and truthful than you! It is only normal to make new connections, we will continue to see our old friends and we will have the pleasure to meet others.”
Mrs Gardiner did not have any secrets from Mr Gardiner but considered it was safer not to tell him anything about Elizabeth. Their passage to Longbourn would turn into a happy gathering with a lot of brandy and Mr Gardiner was delighted to share everything with his old friend and brother-in-law.
“I prefer your father to find out about this story from you, dear Lizzy,” Mrs Gardiner said though she was uncertain if her niece would, in fact, want to speak to her father.
∞∞∞
Their arrival at Longbourn created even more agitation than in London. Mrs Bennet started to cry at the sight of her elder daughters—blaming her nerves for her outburst. Kitty dragged Elizabeth into the parlour, eager to hear the latest stories from Rosings or London. At the same time, Lydia welcomed her aunt and did not let her alone a single moment as she wished to go to London on their return from Derbyshire. She considered it unjust that only Jane and Elizabeth travelled and had fun and she was always left home.
Busy talking to her sisters and mother, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that her father had waited for her arrival even more eagerly than the rest. He looked at her in such a manner that finally she understood that Mr Bennet wanted to talk to her. An hour before dinner, he invited her to his favourite room in the Bennets’ house—his office and library at the same time. Elizabeth looked with much pleasure around the room. She had missed her father and that place so full of memories. The books scattered everywhere; his papers on a desk where she often sat to write a letter; his paintings on the wall and last but not least, the world maps that contained all her imaginary travellers. Elizabeth sank with confidence into her favourite armchair, looking at her father as he poured a glass of brandy.
That was a signal of alarm, Mr Bennet drank only with his brother-in-law or when he had intricate problems to solve. Elizabeth felt the worry grow, what could have happened to make her father invite her into his room? She knew most of her family’s problems but as long as Mr Bennet was near them, the present was bright.
“What is it, Papa, dear?” she asked, her voice reflecting her concern.
Mr Bennet made a gesture as if to calm her and he said, “Do not worry, it is not bad news…it is—how should I say?—a piece of interesting news.”
Now the light unfolded in her mind: it was about Darcy. That was the only subject that could disturb her father but not to the point of anxiety. But how did he find out? They had barely arrived and they were all together in the same room. No one could tell him, and besides, it was only her aunt to know.
“I received a strange visit some days ago!” her father said, and Elizabeth wondered if she wanted to be happy or angry. That man, whom she loved more than anyone else in the world, plotted behind her and on his way to Pemberley, stopped to see her father. He had even sent her a letter from Netherfield, which was full of his love but contained not a word about his meeting with Mr Bennet. She decided to think later about punishment, but in the end, she was relieved that her father knew. He was the only one in the family with a clear and logical mind and Elizabeth had always prised his advice.
“He came here?” she asked.
Mr Bennet sipped a little brandy and smiled, “Not exactly here, he had some papers to take for Mr Bingley from Netherfield, and he slept there a night. We met for a drink in the afternoon. A very mature and pleasant gentleman, I should say!”
Elizabeth looked at her father, still very surprised.
“Do not look so surprised,” Mr Bennet said. “I love you all, but I tend to make my own opinion about people and disregard the ta
lk that circulates around this house. I liked Mr Darcy and we had an interesting conversation. He asked for your hand, and I did not have anything against such a demand, but I made it very clear that it is only you who could decide.”
Elizabeth nodded, it was so right! In spite of their problems, her father would have never forced one of them to marry against her will.
“But the most interesting part was a story he told me. He first acknowledged the role he had in convincing Mr Begley not to continue his relationship with Jane…”
“I know...but,” Elizabeth wanted to tell her point of view, but her father interrupted her, “Please let me finish. He was honest and I could understand his arguments. What I did not understand was why you proposed that covenant.”
In truth, neither did Elizabeth know anymore why she had proposed it. Or she knew, but she profoundly regretted doing so. Darcy’s solution would have been the best, to tell Jane the truth and let her decide what she wanted to do next. Even assuming Jane would be displeased with her and Darcy, for a certain time. Jane was a splendid young woman who was going to find a husband, no matter what the actual circumstances. Among all the sisters, she was the one that all men admired and indeed Mr Bingley might be only a story in her lifetime.
“I do not know, papa. I was so furious that he had contributed to Jane’s suffering that I even refused his first proposal.”
Mr Bennet looked at her over his glasses as he used to do when he was not only surprised but also sad.
“Although you have sentiments for him?”
Elizabeth nodded.
“You are the most devoted sister that exists on earth, but one has to think also of happiness. What Mr Darcy did was unpleasant or unkind, but it is far from being a crime. The poor man was ready to make his excuses to Jane and Bingley and finally solve the problem. And he would have done so if…”
“If it were not for my covenant.”
“Yes, I have always told you, you are an exceptional young woman, but you are too proud and you act in haste. You seldom think of the consequences of your acts. That has to stop, my dear, now that you are going to be a wife and the mistress of his house.”
Elizabeth smiled at Mr Bennet the way she did when she was a little girl wanting her father to forgive her after one of her usual mischiefs.
“I know you, Lizzy so well. Much better than Mr Darcy does. He thinks it is a game, but I suspect that this covenant is a promise you made to yourself, one you cannot break.”
Her father could see deep into her mind and soul. It was not a game but a serious vow, she wanted Jane to be happy before she could be happy in her turn. It was a kind of punishment she inflicted on Darcy and herself…for his error.
“What shall I do papa?” she asked like a little girl sure of her father’s intelligence and earnestness.
“You should go to Pemberley and marry if you love him and in time there will be a way to repay Jane.”
Elizabeth stood up, and her father kissed her on the forehead, a gesture she adored, but that evening, for once, she did not agree with her father. If she married, before seeing Jane happy, her marriage would not be happy.
Chapter 12
Elizabeth liked to travel. It was one of her greatest pleasures. She always ignored the inconveniences of the trip—eager to admire the country or the towns they passed by and observe people when they stopped at inns. She enjoyed being seated near a window and being able to see every change in the landscape or weather.
To the general satisfaction of all, the Russells slept at Netherfield Park and at dawn, the two carriages departed together. Three hours later—at the first stop they made—the ladies decided to travel together and Mr Gardiner changed places with Lady Russell and Miss Beulah. From that moment on the trip became extremely pleasant for each party. The laughter from the men’s carriage could be heard a mile away while in the ladies’ carriage conversation naturally evolved towards two groups. From the first moment when they met at Darcy’s home, a spontaneous friendship flourished between Mrs Gardiner and Lady Russell. The opportunity to spend so much time together reinforced their connection. The young ladies formed a separate group with different chats and interests. Miss Beulah knew everything about London society and she enjoyed appearing so well informed in front of her new friends. She told them about parties and betrothals, about small scandals that impacted society. Her bright and joyful presence made Jane participate and from a certain point on she became the only one interested in Beulah’s stories.
They did not observe when Elizabeth retired in her corner, she seemed to sleep, but she was attentive to what the older ladies talked about. It was unexpected to be more interested in those stories than London’s social life. Still, in the rhythmic movement of the carriage, she realised that she had found her man while the other two young ladies were still interested in how to meet theirs.
At least one good thing happened after Beulah’s stories. Jane accepted that in London, people had relationships and not all ended in marriage. Many girls enjoyed that time before the wedding in a different way than they were accustomed to doing.
“They enjoy the years before marriage differently,” Jane whispered to Elizabeth during a brief moment when Beulah napped. “But I was so sure that Bingley was my only one. And now Miss Beulah says she was almost engaged last year, but at the last moment, she decided she did not like that man enough. She wanted to wait a little more for the right one to come. What if I was wrong and another man will come?”
Elizabeth did not answer, encouraging Jane in that idea was another way for her to escape her covenant. For once she could not be honest and impartial and she chose to be silent. She just nodded before Jane’s dilemma. If Jane was to find a new way of thinking, Elizabeth would accept but not intervene. She wanted to be clear in front of her conscience. All she could do was to support Jane’s friendship with Beulah that could be beneficial for her sister’s peace of mind. As Jane was looking at her in search of an answer, she decided to speak. “Each of us has a unique experience. I think that depending on what happens at the end of this trip you need to make a clear decision considering only your happiness.”
“Yes!” Jane cried, making the two ladies in front look at them with benevolent and happy smiles. “It is exactly what I think, and Miss Beulah opened my eyes. If nothing happens at Pemberley…well, I will try not to suffer anymore.”
“It is a good decision, my dear,” Elizabeth said, but then Miss Beulah opened her eyes and Jane’s interest flew to her.
Elizabeth was grateful for the Russells’ presence. Jane was wholly sized by her new friend’s accounts, and when they stopped, the Russells’ gentlemen were near them, making them laugh with their endless cheerfulness.
“It is important to walk during the stops,” Thomas said, and he looked at Jane in a manner that left no doubts, it was important for Jane to walk with him.”
Jane smiled and agreed to accompany Thomas. Most of the time, others joined them, but at least one time Jane was alone with Thomas.
“What did you speak of?” Elizabeth asked. She was so pleased her sister no longer refused to have fun.
“I do not know for sure, Mr Thomas speaks all the time, but it is so good to have someone so lively around.”
Elizabeth tried to hide her happiness; it was such a good sign, only two weeks ago nobody could convince her to go for a walk or meet new people.
“What do you think about Mr Thomas?” Elizabeth asked.
Jane looked at her with some reproach, but it was more like a joke and not the dramatic face she had in the past when someone tried to tell her London was full of available bachelors.
“I find him quick-witted and teasing but on a very polite and respectful manner. He is a good company.”
“And that is all?” Elizabeth replied. She did not expect Jane to be in love again, but she wanted to reinforce the idea that a man like Thomas could take Bingley’s place soon.
“Well…” Jane hesitated to answer and even blushed�
�a good sign of excitement. “I like that he is so considerate when I am around, but for now that is all. I enjoy his company. And please do not tell me that this is enough to dream further.”
“Dream further?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes, I know you are advising me to forget Charles and find another man to love and marry. But to be sure you are with the right man, you have to be able to dream further, to imagine a life with him. The only man I could dream further about was…is Bingley.”
“Then do not dream, just live what the present gives you and enjoy the Russell siblings who all seem eager to please you. I do not remember in our past, a time with such nice people and honest and agreeable men. Just enjoy—and I am sure the rest will come.”
If Jane’s glove or parasol fell, Thomas or Andrew precipitated to pick them up and when the ladies’ carriage stopped, Thomas was the first to help the ladies get down.
“I cannot say I forget Mr Bingley; however, it is so nice to have all this attention,” Jane said once they looked at Thomas bringing Jane a glass of fresh water.
In that delightful atmosphere, the trip to Pemberley became for Elizabeth a time for preparation and reflection. No one from that convivial gathering was paying attention to her. Excepting Mrs Gardiner, who glanced at her from time to time and smiled or took Elizabeth’s hand for a moment whispering words of confidence.
Unfortunately, the last night of travel, Elizabeth found Jane in tears in the resting room. They stopped just for two hours, making Elizabeth almost cry for that delay, hardly trying not to let her sentiments show. Excited and restless, she went outside for a moment to be alone. Still, then she came back hoping she could convince the others to depart earlier. They had less than four hours to their destination and it seemed to her so wasteful to stop when Pemberley was waiting for them…to rest. It was like a huge wave which was continually coming and going, leaving her sometimes happy and impatient and other times fearful and apprehensive. And then she found Jane crying and her own sentiments tempered in front of her sister’s apparent turmoil. She took Jane in her arms and looked desperately at Mrs Gardiner, who entered the room.
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