‘And so it was,’ said Mrs Bennet.
Elizabeth looked at Mr Bingley with pleasure. This was hopeful indeed. He remembered the exact day they had all been together, and he was now looking at Jane with open admiration.
Elizabeth glanced at Mr Darcy, to see how he took it. She could not read his expression. To be sure, he had recently given his friend to understand that he no longer opposed the match, but that was before he had known about Lydia and she was certain he would once again oppose it. And yet there was no outright look of disapproval on his face, and Mr Bingley’s expression was so adoring that Elizabeth began to think that Jane might indeed be made happy.
‘I am reminded of last winter in more ways than one,’ said Mrs Bennet. ‘Then, Jane was taken ill and was obliged to accept your hospitality at Netherfield. Elizabeth walked over to be with her and you kindly invited her to stay, so that she could care for her sister and support her spirits. Now, it is Elizabeth who is unwell. I suppose you know that Lizzy had an accident and hit her head, so that she cannot exert herself and the physician is adamant – adamant – that she must not think of removing from Pemberley. Of course, she would not anyway, since she is to attend the house party. But it is hard for her, without any sister to support her. Now your offer of hospitality to Elizabeth last year, when Jane was ill, is what I call true gentility, Mr Bingley. There are others, perhaps, who are not so obliging.’
Elizabeth cringed. Her mother had as good as told Mr Darcy he was not a gentleman because he had not invited Jane to stay. It was a horrible echo of Elizabeth’s own much-regretted words, although said with far less justice, and it caused Jane as well as Elizabeth to cringe with embarrassment.
Mr Darcy rose to the occasion. Ignoring Mrs Bennet’s vulgarity, which must have disgusted him, he said, ‘Miss Bennet is welcome to join her sister.’ He turned to Jane with a softer look and said with genuine kindness, ‘Would you do me the honour of accepting my invitation to care for your sister here, at Pemberley?’
Jane said softly that she would.
‘Perhaps I might also persuade you to attend the house party.’
Again, Jane accepted.
‘Well, now, if that is not handsome of you, Mr Darcy,’ said Mrs Bennet with a smug air, before Jane had time to speak. ‘Thank the gentleman, Jane.’
Poor Jane, thought Elizabeth. Their mother’s behaviour was mortifying. But at the same time, Elizabeth found it in her heart to forgive her mother, because she was convinced that a few days spent in close proximity would see another engagement in the Bennet family, and one far more welcome than Lydia’s. If Jane and Mr Bingley came together then nothing would give her greater pleasure. It would be some compensation, at least, for her own dashed hopes. For she knew that, even if Mr Darcy might not stand in the way of his friend marrying into the Bennet family, ordering his own life was a different matter. He would never connect himself to George Wickham.
Elizabeth wanted her sister to marry; indeed, she knew it was the only way to save Lydia’s reputation, and to save the reputation of the rest of the family.
But she also knew that, when Lydia married George Wickham, she would lose Mr Darcy for ever.
Chapter Eleven
The wedding of Miss Lydia Bennet and Mr George Wickham took place that afternoon. Mrs Bennet was delighted that it was an afternoon wedding, since these could only be conducted by special license and she said over and over again that a special license set the seal on a perfect day. She and Lydia hugged each other and cried, quite as if it were the most respectable wedding in the world, not a wedding conducted in haste. Mr Bennet was cold and remote. His usual mocking demeanour, which liked to laugh at the foibles of others, had deserted him and he repulsed all Mr Wickham’s attempts at friendly conversation. The Gardiners brought sense to the proceedings and Jane added elegance, whilst Mr Darcy’s imposing presence made sure that all went according to plan.
At last it was done. The Bennets and the Gardiners returned to the private parlour at the inn for a meal. Lydia and Mrs Bennet relived every minute of the ceremony, occasionally breaking off to reproach Mr Bennet for not agreeing to buy Lydia a handsome set of clothes with which to embark on her new life.
Mr Darcy did not attend the celebratory meal, but instead he rode back to Pemberley. He had some business to attend to, after which he entered the drawing-room to find Miss Elizabeth Bennet sitting with her sister, Jane. Miss Jane Bennet had attended her family’s celebratory meal but had left as soon as she could politely do so and had taken her aunt’s carriage to Pemberley, where she was now an invited guest.
Mr Bingley was sitting with the two ladies and they were talking of the weather. There was still an hour of daylight left and the winter sun was shining. Frost was sparkling on the trees and the terrace looked inviting.
‘I say, Darcy, we were just about to go outside. The weather is very fine and the ladies would like a breath of air before tea. Will you join us?’
‘Nothing would give me greater pleasure,’ said Mr Darcy.
Ten minutes later they were all walking along the sparkling terrace, well wrapped up against the cold. Jane and Mr Bingley walked in front, and Elizabeth and Mr Darcy walked some way behind.
‘I must thank you again for everything you have done,’ said Elizabeth. ‘Without you, my sister Lydia would not be a married woman who has a life to look forward to. I know how difficult it must have been for you to stand up with Mr Wickham at the wedding.’
‘In fact it was a relief,’ he said. ‘I felt as though a distressing chapter of my life had finally closed. As a boy, I always felt responsible for George. We went to school together and as I was the one of superior station I had always felt it was up to me to look after him. It was the same at university. I did my best to keep George out of the worst scrapes and, once my father died, I felt even more burdened. He showed no signs of applying himself to anything and he was always asking for money. I broke with him gradually, and then broke with him completely when he tried to elope with Georgiana, until he suddenly turned up again at Pemberley, declaring he needed help for his son. If not for your involvement, I would have been tempted to send him away, but you were involved and so I decided to help him for one last time. And now I feel the lifting of a burden. He is settled in life. He has a wife, a son, an occupation and an income. If this does not steady him then nothing will. I feel no more responsibility for him. He is now a man and must make his own life.’
‘Do you think he will?’
‘It is impossible to say. Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I have done all I can. I would ask you not to mention any of this to my sister. She will be arriving with Colonel Fitzwilliam this evening and I would not like to distress her by any mention of George Wickham. I had thought of inviting your parents to dine at Pemberley . . .’
‘But Mama would not be able to resist crowing about it,’ said Elizabeth with shame.
‘I believe we both have relations who cause us embarrassment from time to time,. I remember my aunt, Lady Catherine, offering you the use of the pianoforte in Mrs Jenkinson’s room,’ he said with an apologetic air. ‘I froze when I heard her, for I could not believe she was being so rude to a guest. Nor could I understand how I had never noticed her propensity for rudeness before. I had always deemed it a just sense of superiority. It was not until I met you that I saw it as it truly was, simple arrogance.’
‘Lady Catherine says your sister plays very well.’
‘She does. I am partial, I know, but she delights in the pianoforte and she gives pleasure to all those around her.’
‘I am looking forward to hearing her.’
‘Your head, then, has completely recovered?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I still have a lump, and will have it for some time before it disappears entirely, but I am no longer troubled with headaches.’
‘Then I hope I may here you, too, playing with my sister. She delights in duets but has no one to play with. It would oblige me greatly if you would join with h
er.’
‘I would like nothing better, but I am not a proficient. I believe she is used to playing with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, who both excel.’
‘They have had the benefit of the best teachers,’ Mr Darcy pointed out.
‘And I suspect they have also taken more trouble in practising. I must confess I always preferred to be out of doors and so I did not spend as many hours at the instrument as I should have. But I would like to play with Miss Darcy, if she will forgive me my mistakes.’
‘You need have no fear on that score. The family pride has escaped my sister. She has a sweet temperament and I am glad the two of you will have a chance to come to know each other. It will, I hope, be the first chance of many.’
Elizabeth glanced at him and saw a look on his face which gave her hope. Could it be that her sister’s marriage had not ruined her own chance of happiness after all?
Only time would tell.
The light was failing and the two young couples brought their walk to an end. They returned to the drawing-room, where Lady Sarah was nodding by the fire. It was a cosy scene, and for all Pemberley’s grandeur, Elizabeth knew that it was first and foremost a home.
Tea was served. Mr Darcy called to his aunt, who was roused from her nap and joined the ladies on the sofa. She poured the tea and soon they were all partaking of the refreshing beverage. Lady Sarah was just about to replenish their cups when they heard sounds of an arrival. A deep, manly voice boomed through from the hall and a softer woman’s voice could also be heard, although the words could not be made out.
The door opened and Elizabeth immediately recognised Colonel Fitzwilliam. Beside him was a young lady who must be Miss Darcy.
Elizabeth had long been wondering what Miss Darcy was really like, for she had heard conflicting reports of this young lady. Mr Wickham had described her as very, very proud and not at all amiable; Mr Darcy had said she had a sweet temperament and had escaped the family pride. Both men were partial. Mr Wickham had wanted to poison Elizabeth against the family, and Mr Darcy was naturally favourably disposed towards his sister. She was now glad of a chance to judge for herself.
She was not surprised to see that Miss Darcy was taller than her, and on a larger scale, for she had worn one of Miss Darcy’s altered gowns. She found that Miss Darcy not as handsome as her brother but she had an agreeable face. She was rather surprised when Miss Darcy did not speak, but she thought this sprang from shyness rather than pride. There was no arrogance in Miss Darcy’s bearing and no hauteur in her glance, just a reserve which was occasioned by embarrassment and diffidence.
At an encouraging glance from her brother, Miss Darcy welcomed Elizabeth and Jane to Pemberley. They did not speak again until everyone was comfortably seated. Miss Darcy was evidently conscious of her duties and, at another encouraging glance from her brother, she engaged the ladies in conversation. She blushed as she did so, but Elizabeth found her perfectly charming and took pity on her embarrassment. She helped the conversation along and made sure there were no awkward pauses.
‘My brother has told me a great deal about you,’ said Miss Darcy.
Elizabeth was surprised.
‘He enjoyed his stay at Netherfield Park with Mr Bingley. I hear that Meryton is charming,’ Miss Darcy went on.
Her speech was a little stilted, but Elizabeth honoured her for her perseverance, despite her shyness.
With Elizabeth and Jane’s helpful contributions to the conversation, and occasional interjections from the gentlemen, Miss Darcy began to lose her shyness and she spoke with more confidence on subjects which were obviously closer to her heart.
‘I wonder if you would join me tomorrow in decorating the hall?’ she said. ‘It is one of my favourite occupations at this time of year. It is a custom at Pemberley that the ladies of the house cut holly and mistletoe and greenery from the grounds and bring them indoors.’
Elizabeth and Jane both said they would be delighted.
Elizabeth’s heart beat faster when Miss Darcy said “the ladies of the house”, for Mr Darcy had given a quiet smile in her direction which had set Elizabeth hoping. Could it be that he thought of her as a lady of the house? She must not hope for too much, and yet she could not help it. He had been so kind to her since the wedding, and so generous in his spirit. He had spent all his time with her and she began to think that he had really been busy the previous day, and not simply avoiding her.
As the conversation continued around her, she saw Jane blossoming beneath the attentions of Mr Bingley. Although Mr Bingley was polite to Miss Darcy, it was clear where his affections lay. They lay with Jane.
When at last the dinner gong rang, the ladies went upstairs to dress. Jane had been given a room next to Elizabeth and the two of them went into Elizabeth’s room to talk before dressing.
‘Oh, Jane, you looked so happy this afternoon when we were walking along the terrace. Mr Bingley was so attentive. I think you will be even happier before long!’
‘You must not say so,’ said Jane with a blush. ‘I am glad to have had a chance to see Mr Bingley again. I will not hide from you the fact that his absence made me miserable. But now I understand the reason for it I am easier in my mind. He always intended to return to Netherfield Park. He was not wholly swayed by his sister and Mr Darcy when they told him I did not care for him. He simply admitted to himself that he may have been mistaken and he decided to stay away for several months so that I could be sure of my own feelings, without all the pressures of Mama and the whole neighbourhood expecting me to marry. He intended to return to Netherfield Park at the start of the summer, but his sad bereavement prevented it. He was in mourning, and his mother needed his support. Now we have a chance to get to know each other again, away from the expectations of the whole town.’
‘Oh, Jane, my dearest Jane, I am so glad.’
‘You must not read too much into it,’ said Jane with a blush. ‘I admire Mr Bingley more than ever. I find his conversation very agreeable and he is my picture of a perfect gentleman. But he has not spoken to me of . . . of love, or anything of the kind. So please do not think there is more to this meeting than a chance to renew an old acquaintance.’
Elizabeth laughed.
‘Why, Lizzy, I see nothing funny in what I have just said.’
‘My dearest Jane, even someone of your humble nature cannot really think that you and Mr Bingley are simple acquaintances. If you will persist in saying so then we must change the subject, for otherwise I shall tease you.’
‘Oh, yes, let us change the subject. Tell me, Lizzy, what are your feelings for Mr Darcy?’
Elizabeth plucked at her skirt.
‘I think him the most handsome, the most agreeable, the kindest, most generous soul who ever lived,’ she said.
‘Then I will turn your words back on you and say I delighted in seeing you look so happy this afternoon, and I think you will be even happier before long.’
Here Elizabeth shook her head.
‘I wish it could be so, with all my heart. But Mr Darcy has a position to maintain, and besides, he has already proposed once and been rejected. Although he is not as proud as he once was, I cannot expect him to propose again.’
‘Then I will expect it for you,’ said Jane. ‘He does not want sense, and even a proud man would see that it is worth swallowing his pride for a few minutes if the result is a lifetime of happiness.’
‘Oh, Jane, I hardly dare hope, and yet I do hope! But come, we must hurry or we will be late for dinner. The next few days will decide all.’
Chapter Twelve
Elizabeth was glad it was a small house party. In a larger gathering it would have been difficult to know anyone better, but here in this small group of people she quickly found her knowledge of her house guests deepening.
They spent the next few days decorating the house. There had been a light snowfall which provided a pleasant crunching underfoot as they walked down the drive in search of holly and mistletoe. The day was cold, making thei
r breath cloud in front of them, but they were well wrapped up and Elizabeth enjoyed the freshness of the air, particularly as she had been obliged to spend most of the previous week indoors.
Mr Darcy delighted in showing Elizabeth the best spots for collecting the greenery, on small paths leading from the drive. But when he left her side for a moment in order to help his sister, Colonel Fitzwilliam strode over to her. He hummed and hawed and apologised awkwardly for his words to her at Rosings the previous Easter. Then, he had bragged that his cousin, Mr Darcy, had saved a friend from an unfortunate marriage. He had named no names, but Elizabeth had realised he was talking about the Mr Bingley and Jane.
‘I had no idea of the distress I was causing, but even so, I should not have spoken of it. It was impertinent of me and I apologise for the harm I caused.’
‘If things continue to go in the way they are going, I will accept your apology,’ said Elizabeth, glancing at Jane and Mr Bingley, who were laughing as they cut holly from a bush further down the path.
‘I think you need have no fear on that score. I never saw a man so much in love – almost never,’ he said, with a significant glance at Mr Darcy, who was helping his sister. Then he caught himself up and said, ‘But I am doing what I said I would never do again, I am meddling in the affairs of others. Come, Miss Elizabeth, we can cut far more holly than the others. There are some very fine bushes with abundant berries over here.’
The Colonel was soon laden down with prickly branches. Elizabeth suggested a wheelbarrow, but he only laughed, saying he was used to scratches. He showed her a scar on his hand, six inches across, which he laughingly called a graze. He went on to regale her with tales of his soldiering exploits, making them all suitable for a lady’s ears, and Elizabeth was well entertained. She truly believed that, as long as Jane were made happy, she could call Colonel Fitzwilliam a friend.
Mr Darcy returned to her side and they continued in their quest for greenery.
Darcy and Elizabeth What If? Collection 4 Page 27