by Lory Lilian
He could detect the half mockery in her tone, and he also sensed that her ladyship was actually scolding him. Yet he did not feel offended; in fact, he felt better than he had in a long time. For the first time, somebody—and not just anybody, but Lady Cassandra whom he did not dare to even address directly until that day—was talking to him about Miss Bennet.
“Your ladyship is correct. I should not attempt to presume anything about Miss Bennet; I am the worst judge of ladies’ feelings.”
“Well, not the worst but one of the worst,” she laughed. “So, did you consider returning to Netherfield?”
“Yes I did. But if Miss Bennet has finally put aside any feelings for me, my return would only upset and pain her. I cannot be so inconsiderate.”
“Very well, sir. Being considerate of Miss Bennet’s feelings in making your decision is proof of your character. I agree that your return might have unpleasant consequences if Miss Bennet’s feelings have suffered a drastic change in the last months; however, if the lady still holds some regard for you, she might still entertain hope, and there is still time for you to assure her happiness—and yours—would you not agree? Of course, there is always the risk of being wrong and the lady refusing your courtship. You might even be more hurt than you already are.”
Bingley’s countenance instantly lightened in utter happiness. “Yes, yes, of course I agree. Oh, please believe me, your ladyship, I am not in the slightest worried about being hurt. Miss Bennet deserves any risk or effort on my part. Then I should return to Netherfield, do you think?”
“Mr. Bingley, is Netherfield prepared to receive you immediately?”
“No, it is not, but I do not really care; I can accommodate myself quite easily. If only Miss Bennet would not be displeased to see me again.”
“Well—there is one way to discover that for certain. Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her relatives are expected to arrive in the neighbourhood in a week’s time. You might suggest to Miss Elizabeth that you intend to return to Netherfield and see what she thinks of the matter. Miss Elizabeth is an opinionated young lady and quite fond of her sister. I am sure she would have no restraint in letting you know whether that decision might harm her sister.”
“Oh, such a wonderful idea! Miss Elizabeth and I were already friends. I could talk to her. She will let me know her opinion; I am sure of it.” He started pacing again, and then he suddenly frowned. “But, I cannot remain at Pemberley another week. Darcy would not allow it. I offended him badly, and I said I would leave the house this very morning.”
Lady Cassandra moved closer and patted his arm familiarly. “Oh, I am sure Darcy would welcome your staying, Mr. Bingley, as I am sure Darcy values your friendship more than you think. Perhaps another talk with him would do for you both—a real, honest talk with no anger or guilt from either of you. You may still be upset with him for a time, and you may not forgive him for his deception, but I dare say that, as you deserve another chance to win Miss Bennet’s heart, your friendship with Darcy deserves another chance as well. Go and clarify; settle things between you as two proper gentlemen should. Will you do that for me, Mr. Bingley?”
“Lady Cassandra, I cannot express my gratitude for all the help your ladyship has offered me today. I will be grateful to you my entire life—
“There is no need for that, Mr. Bingley. I have done nothing really. However, we should return now as the others most likely have finished their breakfast—not to mention that we have been alone for an extended time, and if anyone saw us, I would be compromised, and you would be forced to marry me. Your chance to win Miss Bennet would disappear forever!”
She mounted and galloped across the field, laughing heartily at the image of an anguished Bingley, terrified at the revelation that he might be bound to her life.
***
“Stevens, the green one, please!” demanded Darcy as his servant hurried to bring him the coat.
Darcy looked in the mirror to check his appearance and then walked down the main stairs of Pemberley, nervous but light hearted and full of happy anticipation. Finally, she was there!
The past week had been as deeply gratifying for Darcy as it had been annoying. After their disastrous talk, Bingley had returned an hour and a half later and asked for another meeting. More than two hours passed in serious, animated conversation. Bingley apologised for his offensive words, and Darcy warmly accepted them and offered his own apologies. It was then settled that Bingley would not leave Pemberley for the moment, but he asked many questions and demanded clarification. It was not difficult for Darcy to notice that his friend seemed more self-confident and determined than ever before, especially when he informed Darcy that he intended to re-open Netherfield as soon as possible.
Since that day, the situation improved between Darcy and Bingley; besides the qualities Darcy had always admired in his friend’s character, more positive aspects of the younger gentleman slowly revealed themselves. He was uncertain whether Bingley had changed or he—Darcy—had finally become perceptive enough to appreciate his friend.
However, together with Bingley’s change, other events transpired, not all of them pleasant for Darcy. On one hand, Lady Cassandra became unexpectedly friendly with Bingley, a fact that Darcy considered astonishing since his friend had exchanged few words with the lady during the first part of their visit. On the other hand—and more disturbing to Darcy’s peace of mind—Bingley’s sisters grew more tiresome, and their persistent insinuations about the Bennet family became more impertinent. If Bingley previously had borne his sisters’ mean remarks about the Bennets and their demanding attitude toward him in silence, lately most of their conversations ended in conflict, which annoyed Darcy, distressed Georgiana, and irked Lady Cassandra.
Caroline Bingley’s attentions to Darcy were equally tiresome, and Lady Cassandra found a strange satisfaction and amusement in irritating Caroline and increasing her jealousy. This intolerable situation must end soon or I shall be forced to take measures, thought Darcy.
But now that he finally would see Elizabeth again and enjoy the Gardiners’ company, he hoped conditions might improve.
“Are you ready yet, brother?” Miss Darcy touched his arm to bring him back from his reverie.
“Yes, I was waiting for you. The carriage is prepared.”
“I am so happy I will see Elizabeth again! I have missed her so much.”
No more than I. He smiled to himself and nodded in approval to his sister.
***
Elizabeth could not believe she was finally there; she had thought of, dreamed about, and dreaded this day since they left London.
Their tour had lasted three weeks, and she enjoyed every day of it. However, her thoughts mostly had been directed to a place in Derbyshire. Restless days and sleepless nights were filled with wonderings and fears about a certain gentleman. The most important question remained without an answer: was this love? What was the overwhelming, frightening feeling that brought her torment and joy—the feeling that trapped her heart and mind, and gave her no peace? How could she be certain? And if it were love, what would be its fate?
As the carriage progressed into Lambton and Mrs. Gardiner shared fond memories with her husband, Elizabeth could not help inspecting the surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse of something related to the Darcys. Secretly, she had wished that her uncle would accept the invitation to stay at Pemberley. The mere possibility of spending the night in Mr. Darcy’s house made her heart race and her cheeks redden.
They were enjoying a cup of tea in their rooms at the inn when a servant announced Mr. and Miss Darcy. Elizabeth was so surprised that she could not gather herself to rise when the guests entered. How did he know we were here? Did he specifically inquire about our arrival? The possibility instantly filled her heart with joy.
She managed to recover only when Miss Darcy, with a radiant smile, greeted them warmly and then approached her and took her hands. “Elizabeth, I am so happy to see you!”
Elizabeth embraced the yo
ung lady; her gaze, however, travelled over his sister’s shoulder to meet Mr. Darcy’s dark, penetrating stare.
He moved closer and bowed politely to her. “Miss Bennet, welcome to Derbyshire!” His voice was warm and soft, as warm as the small smile barely noticeable on his lips.
“Thank you, sir,” she answered, as her knees suddenly seemed unsteady.
Again, Miss Darcy sat close to Elizabeth while her brother took a place near Mr. Gardiner. For more than half an hour, they shared impressions of their tour. As was usual in Mr. Darcy’s presence, Elizabeth felt uneasy and contributed little to the conversation. However, the gentleman himself asked her direct opinion a few times, and she had to answer him and meet his gaze; she was furious with herself for feeling embarrassed and behaving childishly.
“Do you have any news of your family, Miss Bennet? They are all in good health, I hope.”
“Yes, they are all in excellent health, sir, thank you.”
“I am glad to hear it. Mrs. Gardiner, have you met your friends yet?”
“No, sir. We announced our arrival and expect some calls later today, but you are the only guests we have had the pleasure to receive thus far.”
“I see. Mr. Gardiner, did you decide how long you will remain in Derbyshire?”
“Yes we did, Mr. Darcy. Most likely a fortnight.”
“I hope we shall meet again often during that time,” continued Mr. Darcy. “Mr. Gardiner, everything is prepared for our fishing party, and Mr. Bingley also wishes to join us.”
“I confess I have been looking forward to it since we left London, sir, and I am prepared to take the best advantage of your kind offer.”
“Elizabeth, I would like so much for you to stay at Pemberley; we even have rooms prepared for you in case you decide to accept my brother’s invitation.”
“Miss Darcy, I am sorry we had to refuse your kind offer,” Mrs. Gardiner interjected. “Please believe me, it would be a great honour, but circumstances do not allow us to reside at Pemberley and also spend time with my relatives and friends as I would wish.”
“Oh, Mrs. Gardiner, I beg you do not presume that I was questioning your decision. I was only…Oh, please forgive me.” The young girl became pale and could not speak any further.
“Georgiana, please do not distress yourself; in truth, it is we who are delighted and truly honoured by your attentions and your invitation,” said Elizabeth with warmth and affection.
“Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, may I speak openly?” asked Mr. Darcy unexpectedly, his voice somewhat agitated.
He allowed his eyes to rest upon Elizabeth before speaking further. “Both my sister and I are very pleased to see you again, and I have to confess we would have been delighted to have you stay at Pemberley while you remain in Derbyshire. However, I do understand your reason for not accepting, and if in your place, I would make the same decision.”
“Thank you, sir.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled comfortingly.
“Even more,” the gentleman continued, “I am sure you must be anxious to meet your family and old friends and spend as much time as possible with them; that is why I want to extend a permanent and informal invitation to you. Whenever you do not have any other fixed engagements, we would be delighted to have you at Pemberley.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” answered Mr. Gardiner. “We are not only honoured but deeply touched by your kindness, sir. Of course, we gratefully accept.”
“Besides,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “I am sure Mr. Gardiner will infinitely prefer fishing early in the morning to anything else. As for Elizabeth, as she is not acquainted with any of my friends, surely she will not spend as much time in their company as I will.”
“So you see, you will have to take care of me and entertain me,” said Elizabeth in a low voice to Miss Darcy, who finally forced a smile.
“Speaking of entertaining,” continued Mrs. Gardiner, “How are your other guests at Pemberley? Is Lady Cassandra in attendance?”
The question, skilfully addressed to both Mr. and Miss Darcy, turned them more voluble. After the assurance that everybody in the party was in perfect health, Miss Darcy hurried to inform the ladies that Lady Cassandra was desirous to meet them again, while Mr. Darcy told Elizabeth that Mr. Bingley was also happy to be renewing their acquaintance.
“Thank you, sir, I am also anxious to meet Lady Cassandra and Mr. Bingley again…oh, and of course Miss Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst,” answered Elizabeth. He smiled, and she returned it. In truth, she was not that anxious to meet Mr. Bingley’s sisters again, but apparently that was the price she had to pay to enjoy her time in Derbyshire.
“Do you have any plans for dinner today?” inquired Mr. Darcy.
“We have hardly had time to make any plans as we have just arrived,” Mrs. Gardiner spoke cheerily.
“Of course…” The gentleman looked embarrassed by his own question, and Elizabeth smiled.
“Then, if you are not too tired after your journey, may we have the pleasure of your company later for dinner?”
“We would be delighted, sir,” answered Mr. Gardiner with no hesitation, making Elizabeth’s heart race wildly. She was not comfortable—that was impossible—but she was flattered, pleased, and hopeful from all the attention, which, she finally dared to admit, was directed mostly at her.
Their guests only remained a brief time, and the moment they took their leave, Elizabeth began preparing to dress for dinner with an eagerness that made her aunt tease her mercilessly.
***
As the carriage ambled along, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner talked animatedly about the beauty of the grounds, but Elizabeth bore every moment that brought her closer to Pemberley with great perturbation. She saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view; but her spirits were in a high flutter, and she found her hands trembling slightly in her lap.
The carriage entered the large park and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent. They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground and backed by a ridge of high, woody hills.
Elizabeth forgot to breathe, and her heart nearly stopped, as she could not take her eyes from the sight before her. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. Pemberley looked strong, handsome, and impressive in its natural grandeur. Much the same as its master, she thought.
The master of Pemberley was awaiting them in front of the main entrance, together with Mr. Bingley. Darcy greeted them warmly and helped the ladies remove from the carriage. He offered Elizabeth his arm, even before Mr. Bingley had time to bow to her with unconcealed joy.
Mr. Darcy performed the introductions, and to the Gardiners, Mr. Bingley was as amiable and friendly as Elizabeth expected. However, she had the impression, though she could not say exactly why, that Mr. Bingley had changed since she met him last.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had long wished to meet Mr. Bingley, and the gentleman was exactly as they expected him to be. Also, their suspicions of Mr. Darcy and their niece were suspicions no longer; the gentleman was overflowing with admiration, and Elizabeth’s reaction in his company spoke clearly of her own feelings.
Only when she actually had to greet Lady Cassandra and Georgiana did Elizabeth notice she was still holding—quite tightly—onto Mr. Darcy’s arm. She blushed with embarrassment and withdrew her hand as she answered her ladyship’s polite questions.
With the other guests, however, things went differently. Mr. Hurst barely acknowledged their presence with a slight nod of his head; Mrs. Hurst managed to behave politely though her coldness could not go unnoticed. Miss Bingley’s entire attitude—from her dry tone to her stiff countenance—left no doubt of her dislike toward the arrival of the newcomers, and her l
ack of civility, though not loudly expressed, was evident nonetheless.
A neutral conversation began about Pemberley, the neighbourhood, Lambton, Derbyshire in general, and the work of many generations who made Pemberley such a grand estate.
“Mrs. Gardiner, as I understand it, you lived near here. Have you visited Pemberley previously?” asked Miss Bingley unexpectedly.
“No, Miss Bingley, I have not. I had the honour of meeting Lady Anne many years ago, but have seen Pemberley only from afar.”
“Yes, I imagined as much. From what I heard, Lady Anne was very selective in choosing her guests,” answered Miss Bingley triumphantly with a meaningful glance at her sister.
The offense in her voice was so obvious that Elizabeth felt her cheeks turning red with anger.
“Yes, you are correct, Miss Bingley,” Lady Cassandra interjected. “Lady Anne had exquisite taste in selecting her guests; unfortunately, it seems that Darcy has not maintained the same habit. As for Mrs. Gardiner, I am certain Lady Anne would have been quite delighted to see her today. Indeed, she is one of the most pleasant ladies I know, and her home is a pleasure to visit.”
“Thank you, Lady Cassandra. You are too kind,” answered Mrs. Gardiner.
“Oh, but Miss Bingley has had the opportunity of forming an opinion of her own! I understand she visited my aunt several months ago. Am I mistaken?” Elizabeth knew she should not intensify the moment, but she could not help herself.
Miss Bingley blinked a few times and then looked with worry at her sister, apparently unable to formulate an immediate answer.
“Oh really? So would you not agree with me, Miss Bingley?” Lady Cassandra’s voice was all politeness.
“To be honest, that visit was quite short, and I paid little attention to my surroundings. I barely remember anything.” Miss Bingley seemed to have recovered, and her impertinence had not diminished in the slightest.
