by Lori Light
“And what about Georgiana’s reputation?”
“I trust her. She would not hurt my sister. I know that Georgiana’s reputation is safe with Elizabeth Bennet.”
So, now Miss Elizabeth knows the truth. Surely she will accept your proposal now.”
“It is not so simple, Cuz. She does not like me.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I believe the words, ‘last man in the world’ were quite convincing.”
Richard’s mouth dropped open. “I am sorry, Darcy.”
“I will survive, Richard. For now, please, just leave me be.”
Richard nodded and looked out his own window while Darcy closed his eyes. The two continued their journey in silence.
Chapter 3
On the day following their return to London, Darcy woke in the wee hours of the morning. He knew what he had to do, but he dreaded the consequences. Would his friendship with Bingley survive this day? Darcy knew he must tell Bingley he was wrong about Jane Bennet. That would not be so difficult. His friend would be ecstatic to know that Miss Bennet truly cared for him. But there was also the matter of her being in London all these months. Of course, he must admit this, too, to his friend. His integrity demands it. He had conspired with Bingley’s sisters to keep the knowledge from Bingley, as if Bingley were a child to be protected, rather than a man who should have the right to come to his own conclusions. He had been wrong, and he must admit it! Would Bingley forgive him?
As the sun started to rise, Darcy gave up trying to go back to sleep. He called for his valet, Parker, to help him get ready for the day. Parker was uncharacteristically quiet, recalling that his master had been out of sorts the day before. He worked quietly and efficiently, ever cognizant of his master’s frame of mind. Darcy appreciated his valet’s discernment. He had no desire for idle conversation this morning. After all, he paid the man well, and anticipating the master’s moods was part of the job.
“Selfish disdain for the feelings of others,” she had said. Would he never get those words out of his head? Had she been right about him? He looked at Parker and recalled their conversation of the previous week. Parker’s sister had been ill – gravely ill, and Parker had been very worried for her. Since then, he had never inquired how she fared. How could he have let Parker’s sister’s illness to slip his mind? “How is your sister, Parker? Darcy asked.
Parker looked up. “She’s better, sir,” he said with a smile. “The doctor expects a full recovery in time.” Perhaps his master would recover as well.
“I’m very glad,” Darcy replied.
Darcy knew that Bingley was not an early riser, so he had some time before he would make his way to his friend’s townhome. He ate breakfast leisurely, replied to a few items on his desk and wrote a quick note to his sister, Georgiana, to let her know that he was back in town. He would go to her that evening at the home of his Aunt and Uncle Fitzwilliam, where Georgiana and her companion had been staying while Darcy was in Kent. Finally, it was time to visit his friend.
On the way to Bingley’s townhome, Darcy rehearsed his speech. Surely his friend would take the news well. After all, Bingley had been in and out of love on many occasions in the past several years! His anxiety began to subside. But when he reached the townhouse and was shown into his friend’s study, his heart sank. Bingley, normally friendly and good-natured, was as down-crested as Darcy had ever seen him. His complexion was sallow, and he had dark circles under his blood-shot eyes. He looked as if he had not slept well for weeks! His shoulders slumped as he walked over to shake Darcy’s hand, and although he offered a friendly smile, Darcy could tell that it was not without great effort. After the two men were seated, Darcy got straight to the point.
“Bingley, I was wrong, and I have come to beg your forgiveness.”
“About what, Darcy?”
“About Miss Bennet. I truly believed that she did not return your affection, but I was mistaken. I have recently learned that she did…that she does indeed care for you. She was heartbroken when you left Hertfordshire.”
Bingley stood suddenly and stared at Darcy, his eyes narrowed and his face turning a splotchy red. “How do you know this?” he asked.
“Her sister, Miss Elizabeth, told me. I saw her in Kent.” Darcy hoped that Bingley would not ask about the circumstances that would have induced Elizabeth to speak of such a personal matter. Obviously, Bingley’s thoughts were otherwise occupied. He did not ask.
“Bingley, there is more. Miss Bennet has been in London these past few months. She called upon your sisters and eventually they returned her call. I knew, but I never told you. I am sorry, Bingley.”
Bingley stared wide-eyed at Darcy. Darcy had never seen such an angry expression on the face of his normally placid friend. “Miss Bennet – the loveliest woman I have ever known – called here and my sisters did not tell me? You did not tell me? Darcy, how could you? What must she think of me? She must think me a rake, toying with her affections and then abandoning her. I must go to her at once and beg for her forgiveness. Is she still in London?”
“I believe she is still here, residing with her aunt and uncle in Cheapside. Miss Elizabeth is to meet her here in a few days and afterward they will travel back to Longbourn together. Your coachman should know the address if Caroline claims ignorance.”
“Will you come with me, Darcy?”
Darcy looked away from Bingley and cast his eyes on his hands, which he had been wringing absent-mindedly. Elizabeth’s plans had been to join her sister in London on Saturday, still several days away. Surely there would be no chance of an encounter if he accompanied Bingley. Still, the thought of facing her relatives was daunting. What if Elizabeth had mentioned his proposal in a letter? He would be mortified. But what excuse could he give Bingley?
“Come, Darcy…you owe me this much.” He paused while looking at his watch. “It’s still early. If we hurry, we will still have time to call today.”
Bingley was right. He did owe him this. If his friendship was to survive he must make amends for what he had done. And by accompanying Bingley to the Gardiners’ home, at least he would be able to see for himself Miss Bennet’s reaction to his friend. Would her face display affection, despite the months of Bingley’s absence?
“Very well, Bingley,” he said.
Bingley ordered his carriage to be ready and called his valet, who made quick work of making him presentable. Within 30 minutes, Darcy and Bingley were on their way to the Gardiners’ home in Cheapside. Fortunately, Bingley’s coachman had a good memory, and recalled the directions from the time he brought Bingley’s sisters for a brief visit.
Cheapside was in the heart of London’s commercial district, so the drive was slow-going. Shops and warehouses lined both sides of the crowded streets. By the time the carriage reached Gracechurch Street, Darcy was questioning his decision to come.
Bingley’s nerves were getting the best of him. “What should I say?” he asked again and again. But he rarely waited for a reply before commenting on Miss Bennet’s beauty, her disposition, or the way they had danced on their last evening together at the ball at Netherfield back in November. Darcy was relieved that his friend seemed not to expect an answer, for he truly had nothing to offer.
Darcy did not have high expectations for the Gardiners. He knew that Elizabeth’s uncle was in trade and was brother to Elizabeth’s rather foolish mother. But when the carriage came to a stop, Darcy was pleasantly surprised to see an attractive home before him. When the two gentlemen offered their cards to the servant who answered the door, they were shown into a fashionable sitting room. And when Mrs. Gardiner entered the room with the eldest Miss Bennet, Darcy was impressed by her poise and impeccable manners. It was clear that Darcy had underestimated Elizabeth’s relatives. What had he said to Elizabeth? “Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections?” Yet here was Mrs. Gardiner welcoming him graciously, while his own Aunt Catherine had treated Elizabeth with superciliousness an
d derision. Why had he felt so little shame at his aunt’s ill-breeding?
The men stood there in silent awkwardness for a moment before words started pouring from Bingley’s mouth, with nary a pause for breath. “How…How do you do Miss Bennet?” he stammered. “I hope you do not mind us dropping by so unexpectedly. You see I just learned this morning that you have been in London these past weeks. Otherwise I would have called sooner. I did not know you were here. I have only just learned that my sister knew you were here -- she should have relayed the information to me. It was terribly inconsiderate of her, and I do intend to speak with her about it when next I see her. It was Darcy who told me of your presence in London. I’m so glad you’re still here, I hope you are well.”
Darcy noticed that Jane Bennet blushed furiously. Was it in embarrassment or regard for her suitor?
“Yes, Mr. Bingley. I am well,” she stammered. “I’ve been in London since December, visiting with my aunt and uncle.” Here Jane moved her hand and nodded in the direction of her aunt. Darcy noticed that her hand was shaking, and her voice was even more soft than usual. “Aunt, this is Mr. Bingley, who has been leasing Netherfield, and Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire. Gentlemen, this is my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner.”
“How do you do, gentlemen? Please have a seat.” Mrs. Gardiner indicated two comfortable-looking chairs as she and her niece took their places on the sofa nearby.
“Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Darcy answered for them both, as Bingley continued to stare at Jane. After another moment, Bingley remember his manners and returned Mrs. Gardiner’s greeting.
“Do you plan to return to Netherfield, Mr. Bingley, or will you remain here in London?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.
“My plans are not yet fixed, Mrs. Gardiner, but I hope to return to Netherfield, assuming the neighborhood would welcome my return. I know it was rude of me to leave so suddenly. I hope I may be forgiven.” He looked over at Jane when he said this.
Jane blushed even more and looked down at her hands that were folded in her lap. She looked up only slightly as she replied. Her voice was shaking. “We were all rather surprised to learn that you were closing the house. We understood that you had only planned to be away for a few days on business.”
“Those were indeed my plans, Miss Bennet, and I should have held to them. It was abominable of me to abandon my original intentions.”
Darcy was impressed that Bingley took full responsibility for his action, without blaming those who had swayed him. He had to speak up. “I’m afraid, Miss Bennet, that I am at fault. I persuaded Bingley to remain in London. It was inconsiderate of me.”
Silence followed and the three young people appeared to be deep in thought. Mrs. Gardiner’s voice broke the silence.
“Mr. Darcy, have my nieces told you that I was once practically your neighbor in Derbyshire? I grew up in the village of Lambton.”
Darcy looked at Mrs. Gardiner in surprise. “Indeed? Lambton is not but five miles from Pemberley. Do you miss living there?”
“Sometimes I do. My husband and I are considering taking a trip to the Lake District this summer, if he can manage a few weeks away from his business. We hope to visit old friends in Lambton on our way to the lakes.”
As Darcy and Mrs. Gardiner continued to discuss the attractions around Lambton, Bingley moved to a chair adjacent to the end of the sofa where Jane was sitting. Their conversation was quiet, and Darcy could not make out what they were saying, but he noted that Jane’s gentle smile had returned. By the time the gentlemen took their leave, Darcy surmised that Bingley and Miss Bennet were well on their way to a mended relationship.
In the carriage on the way back to Bingley’s townhome, Darcy’s friend was ecstatic. “I think she may forgive me, Darcy! Of course, it will take time to prove my constancy, but I think I have a chance, don’t you?”
“You have no reason to trust my judgment in such matters, Bingley. But yes, for what little my opinion is worth, I do concur with you in this matter.” Bingley smiled and slapped Darcy on the shoulder. Apparently, he had been forgiven for his role in separating the two lovers. Now, if only Miss Elizabeth could be so forgiving!
Chapter 4
Darcy spent the afternoon at the home of his Aunt and Uncle Fitzwilliam, who were parents of his cousin Richard. On his arrival, he was greeted warmly by his sister, Georgiana. “William, I’m so glad you’ve returned,” she said after giving him a prolonged hug. “But you look worn-down. Lady Catherine must have been very tiresome!”
Darcy was glad that he had such an excuse. He knew that, in reality, it was not thoughts of his aunt that had kept him awake these past two nights, but there was no reason for his sister to know. How he wished that no one would know of his encounter with Miss Bennet! Already he regretted having mentioned a part of it to his cousins. He would be mortified for anyone else to find out. Would Elizabeth tell? He knew that women liked to share confidences, and Elizabeth had some very close confidants. She was especially close to her sister, Jane, and her friend, Mrs. Collins. Yes, it was likely that her friend had already been told, and Jane would find out as soon as the post made its way from Kent to London. It was fortunate that he and Bingley had visited Jane as soon as they had done. It could not be long until his foolishness would be revealed to the sister. How far it would go beyond that point was uncertain, and Georgiana did not miss his heavy sigh.
“I’m so sorry, William. I know that our aunt can be difficult, but you are so kind to visit her so dutifully. And how is our cousin, Anne?”
Darcy was relieved to have his attention directed elsewhere. “She’s well, Georgiana. Or at least as well as she was when you last saw her. She somehow manages to keep her spirits up, despite sharing a home with a very disobliging mother. I think her faith, and her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, serve her well.”
Richard, eager to see Georgiana again, joined the Darcy siblings for dinner that evening. He shared Georgiana’s guardianship with Darcy and was pleased to see her so well recovered from the heartbreak inflicted by Wickham the previous summer. Though her countenance did not reflect the childlike joy that it once did, it also did not reflect the pervasive sadness that had characterized it through the autumn months. Georgiana was still shy – painfully so, but the sparkle was returning, and for the first time, Richard was convinced that the worst was behind them. So, when Georgiana expressed her desire to go to the theatre to see a new production of Hamlet, Richard was quick to comply.
At first, Darcy was hesitant, as he had planned to spend Saturday afternoon with his solicitor taking care of several matters of business that had arisen during his absence from London. Selfish disdain for the feelings of others. The words came unbidden. Darcy recollected the time he had spent away from Georgiana, leaving her to the care of their Fitzwilliam relatives. Darcy was torn. The business with his solicitor was urgent, yet his sister deserved his time and attention as well. He was relieved when Richard agreed to accompany Georgiana to dinner and then to the theatre and suggested that Darcy meet them there when his business was concluded. Darcy gladly accepted the proposal. Georgiana was delighted and looked forward to her outing with her dear brother and her favorite cousin.
Chapter 5
After that first encounter, Bingley called on Jane each morning. With each visit, the two became more comfortable in each other’s company. Jane was determined not to be hurt again, so she resolved to keep her heart guarded. Her gentleman friend must prove his constancy before she would give her heart fully to him, Jane told herself. But after only a few days she felt her resolve weakening. In fact, she was as enamored as ever! After all, Bingley was a delightful suitor – good-natured, attentive and very handsome!
On Saturday, Elizabeth arrived from Kent, accompanied by Mrs. Collins’ sister, Maria Lucas. Maria was a neighbor of the Bennet family in Hertfordshire and had been thrilled to be Elizabeth’s travel partner to both Kent and London. Jane was happy to see them both, but was especially delighted to see her s
ister, Elizabeth. The girls chatted animatedly, and Maria was especially keen to share her excitement in having been Lady Catherine’s guest at Rosings no fewer than nine times for dinner, and at least twice for tea! Elizabeth’s glance at this point suggested to Jane that her sister was less enthused with the events and she looked forward to a private conversation on the subject.
When Maria had exhausted the topic of Rosings, Jane informed them with a broad smile that they all had plans for the theatre that evening. In the midst of the girls’ excited response, Jane casually mentioned that they would be the guests of Mr. Bingley. While Maria was unaffected by this bit of information, clearly Elizabeth was stunned! With great effort she managed to suppress her astonishment on account of Maria’s presence, but she, also, looked forward to a private chat with her sister. And so it was that when Maria excused herself to rest before dinner that the two sisters hurried to their room for a most rewarding tête-a-tête.
“Jane, tell me all!” Elizabeth pleaded as soon as the door was closed. Jane squealed with excitement as she told Elizabeth of the gentleman’s recent visits, of her being cautious, yet hopeful for a future with the man. When Jane revealed that Bingley had first been accompanied by Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth colored. “Mr. Darcy?!” she exclaimed. She thought her heart had stopped. Had Mr. Darcy taken her words to heart? Had this reunion been his design? The idea was inconceivable! Why did he do it? Did he realize his previous mistake and correct the error as a matter of principle, or did he do it to please her? In either event, she could not help but to feel grateful, either for his integrity, in the case of the former, or (how can she imagine it?) the steadfastness of his attachment in the case of the latter. Her astonishment was increased by every review of the matter.
When finally the topic had been exhausted, Jane asked about Elizabeth’s experiences at Kent. Elizabeth had been eager to tell Jane about Darcy’s proposal and subsequent letter, but now that she had the opportunity, she found she had no desire to share the experience. The disclosure would reflect no credit on the character of either party. In contrast to the anger she had earlier felt toward the man’s pronouncements, Elizabeth found herself unexpectedly protective of the heart that had been so freely offered to her, and ashamed of the manner in which she had rejected it so cruelly. Consequently, Elizabeth focused primarily on the other inhabitants of Kent – on Mr. and Mrs. Collins and the clever way her friend had contrived to spend as little time as possible with her obsequious husband, on the Lady Catherine de Bourg, whose pompous manners came as no surprise to Jane, on her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourg, whom Elizabeth suspected of having more mettle than was generally revealed in the drawing room of Rosings, and on the pleasant Colonel Fitzwilliam, cousin to both Miss de Bourg and Mr. Darcy. If Jane’s suspicions were raised by Elizabeth’s animated description of that man’s character and liveliness, they were even further elevated by the nonchalant way she had made mention of Mr. Darcy, whose manners, she admitted, had improved on further acquaintance. “Oh, Lizzy,” thought Jane, “you are not so indifferent as you would make yourself appear!”
