Elizabeth’s perusal of the front yard was arrested by the sight of Mr. Darcy on his horse, ready for what she imagined was his morning ride. She smiled discretely, allowing herself to observe him in the full knowledge that she would not be noticed.
She was fascinated by his manner of handling the reins and was surprised when Jane approached her.
“Is that Mr. Bingley?” Jane asked, not catching the full figure of the gentleman.
“No, it is not he,” Elizabeth said and left the window for fear that Jane would ask more questions. “I was just looking out to see whether Papa had arrived.”
“But Papa said he would come after noon. I believe it is too early to expect him.”
“True. Papa has never been an early morning person. I think I am only eager to return home.”
Jane made no reply, and Elizabeth returned to the bed and rested against the pillows again.
“Are you all right, Lizzy?”
“Yes, I am. I am just impatient and hungry; I hope they call us for breakfast soon.”
***
On entering the drawing room, Elizabeth and Jane found everyone ready for breakfast, and they were immediately invited to join them. Mr. Bingley showed his contentment on seeing Jane again, expressing his hope that she had spent a pleasant night. Elizabeth noticed Mr. Darcy looking at her in silence, and she quickly turned her eyes towards Miss Bingley, who spoke to her.
“I imagine you are quite anxious to return home, Miss Eliza.”
“Yes, I am. But I confess I had a pleasant time at Netherfield nevertheless.”
“It is a pity we shall not enjoy your presence longer,” Mr. Bingley added with a direct gaze at Jane, bringing a sudden blush to the lady.
Elizabeth thanked him for his kindness. She was sure that his feelings were genuine and his words spoken with sincerity. After a quick exchange of glances with Mr. Darcy—not unnoticed by Elizabeth—Mr. Bingley spoke again.
“Perhaps, the two of you could visit again one day, so we can visit the parts of the garden that remained unseen yesterday. I am sure my sisters would invite you for tea again soon.”
“That would be lovely, thank you,” both Elizabeth and Jane answered almost at the same time.
“I cannot deny that Netherfield is a lovely estate, but we have seen many others much more worthy of being admired. Just as Herefordshire is lovely, but it is nothing comparing to Derbyshire, for example,” Miss Bingley continued.
Mr. Bingley gave a warm smile and gently contradicted his sister. “Of course, one cannot compare Netherfield to Pemberley, Caroline—if that is what you suggest—but that does not diminish this estate’s charm.”
“I agree with Bingley,” Mr. Darcy intervened. “And I have to say Netherfield is one of the most pleasant properties I have seen.”
“For me, there are few places more beautiful than these gardens,” Jane said, smiling shyly.
“That is because you have not been in the world much, my dear Jane. If you ever saw Pemberley—which I know to be impossible—you would understand our meaning,” Mrs. Hurst answered with a superior voice that made Jane pale and Elizabeth crimson with fury.
Unconsciously, Elizabeth turned towards Darcy; his countenance was nothing like that of Bingley’s sisters. He seemed less proud or arrogant than she had ever seen him. She was uncertain how to read the look in his eyes until he spoke with perfect earnest.
“I am sure Miss Bennet might happen to be in Derbyshire one day, and it would be my pleasure to invite her to visit Pemberley.”
A silence fell upon the party—different reasons making them equally quiet. Elizabeth’s heart melted with gratitude for the clear support he offered to her sister, and she hoped her gaze was eloquent enough to express it.
“That would be wonderful indeed,” Mr. Bingley exclaimed. “By the way, Darcy, did you finish your letter to Georgiana? I hope to hear from her soon.”
“I did, and I already sent it; yes, I hope to have her answer soon.”
Mr. Darcy’s voice was full of warmth and much lighter than in the past as he mentioned his sister. By all accounts, he seemed more tranquil speaking about her.
“I must say again that I miss Georgiana dearly,” Miss Bingley intervened. “Such a countenance, such exquisite manners! She will certainly be one of the most admired young ladies in Town.”
Elizabeth noticed that Mr. Darcy hesitated a bit, as though striving to control some discomfort. “My sister is very young and is not out yet,” he replied coldly. “The subject of admirers is hasty and unsuited.”
Miss Bingley, however, continued, “We shall invite her to Netherfield as soon as possible. I am sure we could not have better company.”
Mr. Darcy acknowledged the remark with a slight bow and said no more. However, Mr. Hurst surprisingly decided to enter the discussion as well.
“Perhaps Miss Darcy is not keen on marrying at such a young age, but speaking from experience, I have never met a young lady who does not wish to marry the first gentleman who proposes. And the older they are, the more desperate they become. Would you not say so, Miss Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth looked up, surprised to be involved in such discussion. Mr. Darcy was looking at her with curiosity and a certain familiarity, as if he was sure Elizabeth would not allow the remark to pass without a clever answer.
“Like you, Mr. Hurst, I speak from my own experience, which is certainly more limited than yours. I do not doubt that some women are as you have described them, but your claim makes me think that you must have had limited experience, and with a certain type of woman, to think all of them either powerless or dangerous,” Elizabeth replied. “I am sure there are women who would prefer to remain alone than to be trapped in the loneliness of an unhappy marriage. I know I would.”
“Well, Miss Eliza, you surely give your opinion very decidedly for someone so young and with such little experience,” Mrs. Hurst answered after a few awkward moments.
“Yes, I have been told that before, but I seem unable to improve myself in this respect,” Elizabeth concluded, stealing a glance to Darcy, whose face was lit by a broad smile.
With the conversation thereby at an end, Elizabeth excused herself and left the room with Jane following her shortly.
“Her mother must be rather amused to hear that Eliza does not require a husband,” Miss Bingley spoke as the door closed behind the Bennet sisters. “Mrs. Bennet will have only four daughters to get married.”
Mr. Bingley intervened. “Caroline, please! It is strange that you find pleasure in offending both Miss Bennets, whether they are present or not. It is not very appealing. I am glad that Miss Elizabeth seemed more amused than injured by your remarks, but you must stop this kind of behaviour before it affects Miss Jane Bennet.”
”Yes, Charles, of course. From now on, I shall live my life in an attempt not to hurt the sensibility of Miss Bennet.” Caroline Bingley rolled her eyes in exasperation.
Mr. Bingley looked at Mr. Darcy in a plea for help then poured himself a glass of brandy, for which it was entirely too early.
***
Mr. Bennet arrived before noon, and Elizabeth felt blessed when she saw her father from the window. She eagerly ran to greet him. However, as she reached the door, she found Mr. Bingley welcoming her father and inviting him to the library. She could only embrace her father and return to her chamber.
She had been largely indisposed by the discussion at breakfast, and she was in no mood to entertain further discussions of that nature. Jane, who feared a permanent disagreement with the Bingleys, felt the same and hoped Elizabeth’s discord would not impede further reconciliation.
Elizabeth calmed her sister’s worries. “Fear not, Jane. I know Mr. Bingley does not deserve to have his house upset by anything disagreeable, so I shall restrain my tongue. But upon my word, his sisters are so mean-spirited that I cannot listen in silence to their rude remarks.”
“Dear Lizzy, please do not judge them harshly. I believe they are only worried about
their brother’s well-being, which is quite natural.”
“I cannot agree with you, but I shall try to mind my manners. That is all I can promise.”
Jane kissed her sister’s cheeks, and they went in search of their father. A servant informed them the gentlemen were still in the library, so they knocked at the door and waited to be invited in. Mr. Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bingley were seated and speaking animatedly. The younger gentlemen rose and bowed before the ladies, and their host invited them to the couch.
“Lizzy, have you seen this extraordinary library? I could lose myself in it and never leave,” Mr. Bennet declared while Mr. Bingley’s gaze lingered on Jane.
“It is beautiful indeed, Papa! We are ready to leave when you are,” Elizabeth announced, slightly embarrassed by her father’s loudly expressed appreciation.
Mr. Bennet smiled then amusedly said, “Yes, yes, Lizzy, just a minute! We have plenty of time.”
“I was just telling Mr. Bennet that, unfortunately, Darcy is the only one who uses the library daily—for reading, I mean. I confess I am not much of a reader,” Mr. Bingley admitted with an embarrassed expression that vanished with Jane’s encouraging smile. “So—Mr. Bennet, if you wish, you are welcome to borrow books anytime. Of course, the number of volumes and the quality are not the best. It cannot compare with Darcy’s libraries—the one in London and, even less so, the one at Pemberley.”
Mr. Darcy replied graciously, glancing from Elizabeth to her father. “My libraries are the work of generations, so I deserve little credit for them. However, I do try to improve them when I have the chance, mainly for my own enjoyment.”
“I can well understand that, for there is no better company than books,” Mr. Bennet answered. “Well, I am afraid we should leave now. Mr. Bingley, I want to thank you for your hospitality and care towards my daughters.”
Mr. Bingley’s uneasiness was visible, and Elizabeth could only guess that it was difficult for him to part from Jane.
“It was my pleasure, sir,” said their host. “We had a wonderful time in their company. And please know that they are welcome at Netherfield any time. As are you, sir.”
“I am glad to hear that!” Mr. Bennet was about to exit when he turned unexpectedly to the gentlemen. “Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, might I tempt you with a walk to know the area better? We are not the centre of the world, but there are still some pleasant places to visit here.”
“That would be excellent, Mr. Bennet,” Mr. Bingley retorted quickly as though fearful the invitation might be removed. “We have wished to know the surroundings better, but we have been unsuccessful so far.”
“Then it will be my pleasure to oblige you,” Mr. Bennet said with glee. “I leave you to choose a day at your convenience.”
Mr. Bingley, realising he had spoken without Mr. Darcy’s agreement, looked at his friend. Mr. Darcy’s face opened in a friendly smile.
“I believe we can arrange it soon.”
Elizabeth felt slightly troubled, knowing that her papa would be alone in the company of Mr. Darcy. He was not an uneducated gentleman—quite the contrary—but his manners were at times less formal than they ought to be. How will they get along? she found herself wondering and directed her gaze once more towards the gentleman, ashamed by the thoughts she harboured.
With nothing more to say, Mr. Darcy became silent once again, and Mr. Bennet concluded the encounter, stating that their carriage awaited them.
Jane took her farewell from Mr. Bingley, who eagerly promised to accept Mr. Bennet’s invitation and join their exploration, while Elizabeth curtseyed to Mr. Darcy.
“Miss Elizabeth,” the gentleman spoke and extended his hand just as he had done at Rosings, and Elizabeth felt she was in danger of blushing. She entered the carriage—her mouth dry, and her knees weak.
Mr. Bingley watched as the carriage moved away. Behind him stood Mr. Darcy, who was approached by Miss Bingley before the carriage left the front drive.
“I am glad Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are able to return home; would you not agree, Mr. Darcy?”
“I imagine it must be pleasant for them to be with their family,” Darcy answered sternly.
“I confess I feel rather disappointed by their departure. I enjoyed their company very much,” Mr. Bingley said.
“Charles, you cannot be serious,” Miss Bingley spoke when they entered the drawing room. “Miss Bennet is charming, I grant her that. But with a family of such low connections, she can hardly hope to find a good husband. Who could bear to have Mrs. Bennet as a mother-in-law? And even the father is at times too loud for decent conversation.”
“Were you listening at the door, Caroline, for I do not remember your being present in the library.”
Without any sign of remorse, Miss Bingley replied, “Charles, be careful in your attentions towards her.”
“You are too severe on her, Caroline,” Mr. Bingley replied.
“I am speaking my mind, dear brother. Mr. Darcy, am I in the wrong about the family?”
Mr. Darcy pondered for a moment then replied, “There is no doubt that the family situation is not a prosperous one, and that might limit their chances in marriage. On the other hand, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth have other qualities to recommend them. After all, none of us can choose our family.”
“Well, I confess I find Eliza to be rather impertinent. She always tries to have her way and imposes her opinion on others only for the sake of debate,” Caroline continued.
“Allow me, then, to presume you are not being objective, Miss Bingley,” Mr. Darcy responded. “And yes, Miss Elizabeth is particular, indeed a bit more passionate than other young ladies, but I have not known her to be dishonest in what she says.”
“This passion of hers is what I am most afraid of.” Miss Bingley was confident that she was correct in her approximation of Miss Bennet’s flaw.
Although she expected an answer from Mr. Darcy, Caroline found none. Therefore, she continued, addressing her brother.
“We are not naïve in our belief that their mother will do anything to have her daughters married. Charles, please think about it.”
The last sentence was spoken for both Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy’s attention. The latter remained silent; instead, he excused himself and went to the desk to tend to business.
***
“Mr. Bennet, I believe it is safe to assume that we shall celebrate a wedding in a couple of weeks!” Mrs. Bennet had just heard Jane’s recount of what had passed during their visit to Netherfield. “I am not mistaken this time. I have rarely seen a gentleman so admire a young lady from the beginning of their acquaintance. Oh, how happy this makes me!”
Mr. Bennet seemed indifferent to his lady’s effusions of happiness; however, he also had gained positive anticipation of Jane’s relationship with Mr. Bingley after being in the gentleman’s company and seeing his attention and sincerity towards his daughter.
“I could not have planned it better myself!” Mrs. Bennet went on, feeling her pride and vanity finally gratified. “Now, I shall have an advantage over Lady Lucas as my daughter shall be married to Mr. Bingley of five thousand a year and not to some trifling clergyman.”
Mr. Bennet, although not sharing his wife’s enthusiasm, communicated a novelty of his own. “Mrs. Bennet, until the wedding actually takes place, you must entertain our guests. I have invited Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to survey the various prospects in the county.”
“You have done very well, indeed! If it is necessary, we shall ask for permission for a hunting party and buy birds to fly over the property so you can shoot as many as you please! But Mr. Bennet, to be honest, I should much prefer that Mr. Darcy not come. I do not like him at all.”
“Whether you like him or not is irrelevant. I have invited him. Besides, I became rather partial to him, as he proved to share my passion for books. For me, that is sufficient proof in his favour. ”
Mrs. Bennet turned to her daughters, demanding their opinion of the man; thus, Mr. Benn
et could leave the drawing room before Mrs. Bennet noticed his absence.
Jane praised Mr. Darcy’s excellent behaviour at all times and his friendship with Mr. Bingley, neither of which satisfied Mrs. Bennet, so she sought the help of Elizabeth, who had remained silent. However, she would have no peace from her mother until she answered.
“I do not know Mr. Darcy well enough to speak of his character or to give a truthful description of him. However, during our stay at Netherfield, he was amiable, even friendly, and showed genuine concern for our well-being. So, I have to join Papa and Jane in their favourable opinions.”
“Really? How astonishing! But you said you did not like him, Lizzy, did you not? You made it perfectly clear that you did not wish to see him.”
“Indeed—because our previous encounters showed me a different side of his character. That is precisely the reason I avoided giving a decided opinion. I did not wish to wrong the gentleman, especially since he is Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mama.”
“You may be right. We do not want to upset Mr. Bingley. Well, as long as Mr. Darcy does not offend any of us, I shall try to bear his presence for Mr. Bingley’s sake. But nothing will make me like him.”
“Mama, I think we can safely say that Mr. Darcy likes us as much as we like him. Now please allow me to retire; I would like to rest a little before dinner.”
“I will come with you, Lizzy,” Jane said, and they both attempted to leave the room. However, the door was pulled open, and Lydia, followed by Mary and Kitty, barged in. The youngest Bennet daughter threw herself on the couch in a state of obvious distress.
“What is it, Lydia? What is the matter?” her mother asked.
But it was Kitty who answered. “The militia has come to town! A whole regiment!”
“What?” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed incredulously. “The regiment is here? I knew they would come! I just knew it! My sister Philips told me they would not come at all. Oh, what a lovely situation for Meryton!”
Lydia looked at Kitty in alarm, ignoring her mother’s words. “Kitty, we decided that I was to tell Mama about the militia!”
Meant to Be: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 16