by Lilian, Lory
***
After a brief introduction, Mr. Bennet retired to the guest room to change after his long ride. Mrs. Gardiner, along with Elizabeth and Jane could not contain their joy at his arrival as they speculated about the reason for such an unexpected trip. He was well known for rarely leaving his home and never in the midst of such unfriendly weather.
Lady Selina had to return home, and her brother offered to accompany her as he had another engagement. Miss Darcy, Lord Matlock and Mr. Bingley continued their conversation until, half an hour later, the newly arrived guest joined them.
Mr. Bennet declared he was hungry, so plates with food were brought for everyone.
“Brother, I am so happy to see you! We did not expect you to come—not for the world!”
“Well, you know I like to make my appearance when I am least expected! Lizzy dearest, may I have a glass of brandy, please?”
“Of course, Papa. I am happy to see you; I truly missed you! But what enticed you to come so unexpectedly? Did you come to take us home? So good of you!”
“I missed you and Jane, too, my child. You have been cruel to leave me alone for so long, you know! I have barely had a rational conversation since the two of you left. And yes, you may say I have come to take you home; it pleased your mother very much. She demanded I bring you home immediately.”
“Will you leave tomorrow?” Bingley asked, worry mixed with panic.
“No, we will not, Mr. Bingley, but soon. Did you have some plans that I ruined?” Mr. Bennet asked while Mr. Bingley and Jane turned equally crimson. The earl laughed.
“No sir… I mean…I shall return to Netherfield too, and I thought… I…”
“I am not quite certain about the exact day of our return as there are things I must take care of. Tomorrow I have some urgent business with my solicitor. Unfortunately, he could not leave town, so I had to come here. Such bad timing; it is so cold, and the roads are so bad…”
“Urgent businesses can be annoying,” the earl said. “I hope you have a good solicitor. It is so difficult to find someone trustworthy and knowledgeable in business affairs.”
“I could not agree more, Lord Matlock. Since my brother Gardiner left us, my business has become a nightmare. My solicitor is Mr. Gordon; my brother used to work with him…”
“I know Mr. Gordon. He is trustworthy, but he is nothing compared to Mr. Gardiner; I can testify to that. In fact, I do not believe there are many people in town to compare to Mr. Gardiner. He is impossible to replace—as an adviser and as a friend.”
Elizabeth saw her aunt turning pale, but Mrs. Gardiner’s gentle smile assured her she was fine. As always, any remarks about Mr. Gardiner brought painful memories, but she seemed to bear them better than before.
“I am glad we share the same opinion, Lord Matlock. I have to say—I am quite honoured I have made your acquaintance.”
“The pleasure is mine, I assure you, Mr. Bennet. And the moment could not be more perfect. I am hosting a dinner party, and I would be delighted to have you as my guest.”“I thank you. Let us hope tomorrow will be a good day. I hope Mr. Gordon’s advice will be helpful… I truly need good advice…”
“Papa, did something bad happen? Are there any troubles at home?”
“Oh, do not worry, Lizzy—usual estate business, nothing for you to trouble about. You have known for years that your father is not the best landlord. I have always admitted that Longbourn could have been more successful with another master, but…well, what can we do? Maybe after I pass away and my cousin Mr. Collins inherits, things will improve.” Mr. Bennet laughed, taking another gulp of brandy.
“Papa!” Elizabeth cried, obviously reproachful and upset. “Please never say that again; it is not something to joke about!”
“Come, Lizzy, do not take be so serious! I have great hopes I will own Longbourn and manage it very ill for many years. So, how did you lovely ladies spend time in London? Miss Darcy, such a pleasant surprise to make your acquaintance! So, Lord Matlock, you are related to Mr. Darcy? Well, well, this is a small world indeed. By the way, how is Mr. Darcy? He is in good health, I hope. Is he in town?”
“Yes, my brother is in town, thank you, sir. I am very happy I made your acquaintance, Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth has told me so many things about you,” Miss Darcy said with a smile.
The earl stroked his chin. “You know, Mr. Bennet, speaking about Darcy—he is the one who could surely help you with business advice. That boy has managed Pemberley flawlessly since he was a pup. He has people who take care of the estate, but all decisions belong to him, and none of them have proved to be wrong.”
“Oh, I am sure Mr. Darcy does everything perfectly, but I doubt he would take the trouble to advise me—that is, if I ever dared bother him with my insignificant problems.” Mr. Bennet replied with such obvious irony that Elizabeth felt equally ashamed at her father’s tone and embarrassed at the possibility of his talking to Mr. Darcy.
“I know my nephew does not possess the most charming manners, and he might appear unapproachable, but I assure you: there is no one more trustworthy or reliable. I shall send him a note. Perhaps we can all meet tomorrow at my house?”
“I would not want Mr. Darcy to alter his plans for my business. Is your lordship certain that Mr. Darcy could meet us?” Mr. Bennet glanced at Elizabeth, amused by the hilarious prospect of Mr. Darcy offering advice about how to manage Longbourn.
“I am sure my brother will be happy to speak to you on any subject you wish, Mr. Bennet,” said a confident Miss Darcy.
“Well then—be it as you say. I am grateful for any help.”
Elizabeth was unable to say a word, her head spinning painfully. Mr. Darcy was to be asked to advise her father and be part of the problems at Longbourn? After everything that had happened—after the letter he wrote her when she was not even convinced that he would want to see her again? A worse situation could not be imagined!
***
Dinner at Grosvenor Square was pleasant, and Georgiana Darcy could not hide her enjoyment at having her brother’s company again. They were relishing the dishes in relative silence until he asked about her day.
“Oh, I had a wonderful time visiting Mrs. Gardiner! They asked about you, quite insistently, you know.”
“I somehow doubt that.” He laughed. “I dare say I am little missed on such visits as I am the least reliable at entertaining people.”
“I speak the truth! Mrs. Gardiner asked about you, and I told them what you said…to excuse you…”
He suddenly became serious. “May I ask exactly how you excused me?”
“I said you did not wish to intrude when nobody expected you…” Miss Darcy replied then returned her attention to her plate. After another moment of silence, he continued.
“And? What did they say?”
“Uncle said you are troubling about business too much. Mrs. Gardiner said you would be welcome anytime, and Elizabeth said…let me remember her exact words… she said, ‘We understand his reason and appreciate his restraint. If…when he considers the time acceptable, we hope to meet him again…sometime soon. We would not wish to intrude on his plans, however…’”
“Those were Miss Elizabeth’s words? Are you certain?” he inquired impatiently.
“I am certain. Elizabeth seemed quite serious when she said it.”
“Truly?” He said nothing for some time, and his sister continued to watch him closely.
“Was Miss Bennet well, I hope? And Miss Elizabeth…”
“Yes, they were. When do you believe it will be ‘soon’?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“When do you believe it will be soon enough to call on Mrs. Gardiner? It is obvious you would not intrude. They leave town soon, you know.”
“I am aware they will leave soon, but I cannot answer you this instant.”
“The day after tomorrow, Uncle will host a dinner. We will attend the dinner, I hope?”
“Yes…yes… I do not believe we have any re
ason to decline.”
“No indeed! I look forward to that dinner. Oh and I have another extraordinary piece of news: Mr. Bennet just arrived in town!”
“Mr. Bennet? That is indeed a surprise.”
“Yes…apparently he has some business.”
“Business? Nothing urgent, I hope?”
“Some estate problems, I guess…and quite urgent, I understand. Brother, may I ask… Are you and Mr. Bennet well acquainted?”
“No, not really… I mean, we did speak a few times but nothing more than brief pleasantries… We have few interests in common. Why do you ask?”
“I am afraid Mr. Bennet does not know you well enough. Uncle said you might be helpful and advise Mr. Bennet in his estate management, but Mr. Bennet declared he never would dare bother you, and he seemed incredulous that you would be willing to help him. I felt so unhappy that he said that, and I think Elizabeth felt the same way.”
To her surprise, Miss Darcy noticed a trace of redness on her brother’s face.
“You must not feel bad, dearest. I am sure Mr. Bennet has a low opinion of me and rightfully so. My behaviour towards him was not without fault. In fact, I am ashamed to admit that my behaviour in Hertfordshire was not without fault.”
He returned his attention to his plate, and Georgiana was silent for a time.“But, Brother, will you?”
“Will I what, dearest? “
“Will you help Mr. Bennet?”
He looked closely at his preoccupied sister, and for the first time in many days, he offered her a large, open smile that brightened his face.
“Mr. Bennet might not know me very well, as you said. But you do…”
“I most certainly do, Brother. Uncle invited Mr. Bennet to his house tomorrow at eleven o’clock. Perhaps you could join them for coffee…if you have no fixed plans, I mean…”
“I have no other plans. And I must say you have become very wise lately, dearest. Yes, coffee would be just fine, indeed…”
Chapter 11
Elizabeth’s anxiety became insupportable. Her father had left Gracechurch Street immediately after breakfast and had not yet returned, though it was quite late in the afternoon.
Earlier, Lady Selina and Georgiana Darcy called briefly on their way to the modiste, asking Elizabeth and Jane to keep them company and perhaps order new gowns.
To Mrs. Gardiner’s surprise, Jane accepted the invitation while Elizabeth politely refused. Elizabeth recognised her aunt’s puzzled expression, but she chose to feign ignorance. She was not disposed to have a conversation with Mrs. Gardiner.
Where could her father be? Was the present financial state of Longbourn so seriously damaged? Or perhaps he had finished his business long ago, and Lord Matlock had invited him to his club? Did her father still need Mr. Darcy’s advice? Did the earl inform Mr. Darcy that her father might need help?
She had come to know him—such a painful process of discovering his worthiness!—well enough to know that he would not refuse to offer help to her father. But in what way would this new situation influence his opinion of her family? She could not imagine how she would bear to see him again—or whether she would ever see him again. After all, even if he were to help her father, that was no reason to see her.
She was still deeply upset by his cruel words regarding her family and his lack of consideration in hurting her feelings! His improper way of professing affection and his indelicate proposal deserved no less than a rejection—but not such a rejection!
She wondered whether Georgiana had related to him any of their conversation. He was thoughtful enough to avoid putting her in a stressful position by appearing at her door unexpectedly, but she was daring enough to send word that she was not opposed to seeing him again—that is, if Georgiana thought to pass it on.
Elizabeth knew she could expect nothing but polite, cold behaviour when—and if—they should meet again. She hoped at least for the opportunity to thank him for the trouble of writing the letter, to apologise for the cruel accusations she bestowed upon him, and to assure him she would keep the secret he chose to share with her. She wanted him to know he could trust her.
She had little patience for staying in her room, so she returned downstairs and moved to the small library, searching for a favourite book.
It was not long before her solitude was broken by Mr. Bennet’s appearance. He was alone, so Elizabeth allowed him only an instant before she started questioning him.
“Have a little patience and a little pity for your old father, child. How do expect me to answer all these questions?”
“Forgive me, Papa; but I was worried about you. You left early this morning and… Did you finish your business? How are you feeling? Are you tired? Do you want a glass of wine?”
“I am very well indeed. I have great hopes that things will settle quite satisfactorily—and no, no wine for now. I had the pleasure of enjoying the earl’s brandy for some time, and I dare say it was enough for the time being…at least until after dinner.”
“A very wise decision, Papa.” She sat near her father, searching for a way to continue.
“What about you, Lizzy? Why are you home? I understood Miss Darcy and Lady Selina had plans involving dresses and lace. Surely, you could not resist such temptation.”
She laughed. “I did resist, Papa—quite shocking, I admit.”
“Well, well—so fortunate your mother is not here. Your behaviour would truly vex her! She is still upset with you, you know!”
“I imagine… I am afraid she will never forgive me.” Elizabeth smiled.
“No, indeed. Unless you marry someone much better than Mr. Collins—a task that should not be difficult to accomplish—someone with at least 5000 a year: a viscount or a handsome colonel, perhaps.”
“Oh, you met the earl’s sons.” She laughed.
“I have indeed. Had I not known better, I would say Lord Matlock has decided to marry you into his family. Your mother would worship the earl if she heard him speaking. Perhaps I should write her—”
“Papa, please do not mock me with this! You must promise you will tell Mama nothing about the earl’s jokes. I dare not imagine her agitation at such news!”
“Oh, you are too serious, Lizzy! You should allow me enough credit to know your mother’s nerves intimately, and I never mock them. But I have to say, I felt quite proud to discover the earl’s favourable opinion of you, my child.”
“Lord Matlock is too kind. You know me well enough to realise he is exaggerating.”
“He is exaggerating a little, I admit; yet it does not make me less proud of you. I am quite pleased to see that such illustrious people as Lord Matlock, Lady Selina and Miss Darcy are fond of you, Lizzy. Not to mention Mr. Darcy himself, who, I dare say, seems to have improved his opinion since that evening he refused to dance with you.”
Mr. Bennet smiled tenderly at his daughter while a mischievous smile appeared on his face.
A cold shiver struck Elizabeth; she stared at her father, her mind unable to accept the meaning of his words. “What do you mean, Papa? Have you spoken with Mr. Darcy?”
“I most certainly have! Oh, I forgot to tell you—the strangest coincidence occurred: precisely a few minutes after I arrived at the earl’s house, Mr. Darcy called! To be sure, I believed he would excuse himself and leave, but instead he declared himself pleased to see me and inquired about my arrival in town. Mr. Darcy himself, can you believe that?”
“Strange coincidence, indeed…” she whispered.
“But a fortunate one—very, very fortunate. You will not believe, Lizzy, how knowledgeable Mr. Darcy is in everything that involves estate business. I was overwhelmed; I must say I did not give much importance to Lord Matlock’s suggestion yesterday—about asking for Mr. Darcy’s support. But that young man is quite impressive, you know. He said he was confident things can improve at Longbourn in the future, and he was exceedingly amiable—unexpectedly amiable. Well, not quite like Mr. Bingley, but I have to confess, Mr Bingley can be qui
te annoying at times with his perpetually smiling expression. By the way, Lizzy, can you remind me why we disliked Mr. Darcy so much—in the past, I mean—because I have come to like him quite a lot in the last hours. I have to say I felt quite ashamed of myself for my poor opinion of him, not to mention that I had already expressed my scepticism to Lord Matlock yesterday. I hope he will not betray me to Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth stared at her father—who had obviously enjoyed Lord Matlock’s brandy a bit too much—and struggled to understand his words. There was no doubt that her father had spent no little time with Mr. Darcy, and despite his present euphoric state, Mr. Bennet’s favourable report about the meeting could not be doubted.
Was it a coincidence that Mr. Darcy visited his uncle precisely when her father was there? Or not? Did she dare imagine too much?
“I would truly appreciate it if you could help me to my room now; I need to rest a little. I am not accustomed to leaving the house during the winter and—”
“And you are not accustomed to such fine, strong brandy, either.” Elizabeth laughed, holding her father’s arm.
“That, too,” Mr. Bennet admitted. “Oh, I forgot to mention—Mr. Darcy might stop by later with some papers. He kindly offered to bring them to me himself. You know—another strange thing—he was somehow under the impression that you would be bothered by his appearance. How amusing! I know you are not too fond of the man, but why would you be bothered by his visit? Anyway, I assured him you would be more than pleased with his visit, so be so kind as to inform me when he arrives—and try to be a charming companion in the mean time. I know he once called you only tolerable, but it is excusable for someone who spends time burdened with business affairs to have poor taste in ladies’ beauty. And do not be upset that he refused to dance with you. Believe me, dearest, if I were he, I would not dance with anyone at a country ball. Upon my word, I am not he, and I never liked to dance at country balls, not even when I was young!”
***
Elizabeth closed the door to her father’s chamber and leaned against the wall. He would stop by to bring her father some papers. What papers? Could he not send a courier? Of course, he could. Will he come in person? Surely, he knows that she will be at home. Was he willing to talk to her? If not, why come? What would he tell her? What should she tell him? She must thank him for taking the trouble to write the letter, and she must apologise for everything she said to him, but he should apologise, too. Was he aware that his behaviour was wrong? He must be, or else he would not bother to explain himself in such a long letter…and he would not be so kind to her father…and he would not come to visit her… Would he truly come?