Georgiana left and — as never before — Darcy felt relieved by her departure. He still struggled to understand the bewildering news and to estimate the sort of consequences that fortuitous meeting would have. How long would Elizabeth be in London? At least until after the New Year, certainly. Why else would she come to London during Christmastime if not to spend it with her relatives?
There should not be much danger of him meeting her, since they lived a significant distance apart; but coincidences could happen. And what if Mrs Gardiner accepted Lady Matlock’s invitation for tea? Would she take her nieces too? Would Georgiana meet them again?
And what about Miss Jane Bennet and Bingley? Bingley had been in a poor disposition lately, and he was still thinking of Hertfordshire — that was apparent. That simple encounter in the park could alter their lives dramatically.
Another thought that crossed his mind was related to Wickham. Elizabeth seemed to have been on friendly terms with the reprobate and trusted his claims. That was obvious fromtheir harsh discussion at the Netherfield ball, the first and last time he had danced with her.
That scoundrel was in Meryton, at liberty to spread all sorts of falsehoods, and surely Elizabeth had trusted him even more as time passed. He panicked imagining that Elizabeth might meet Georgiana again and — in ignorance — mention something about Wickham. Georgiana’s distress was still vivid and tormented her enough without any further news about that villain.
Darcy could not settle his mind enough to write his letters — to Mrs Reynolds at Pemberley and to his solicitors. The Matlocks’ youngest son — Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam — arrived for dinner as promised, and they had a pleasant-enough evening, though Darcy’s thoughts returned to Elizabeth often.
“My mother told me about her unexpected meeting,” the colonel suddenly said. “Was the Miss Bennet they encountered the one you told me that Bingley admired?”
Darcy choked on his drink, while Georgiana’s expression revealed her curiosity.
“Yes, but this is not a subject for dinner conversation and certainly not in the presence of Georgiana and Mrs Annesley.”
“I apologise, Darcy. I was not aware that there was an inappropriate story behind it.”
Georgiana looked puzzled now, and Darcy could not end the conversation abruptly, leaving his sister with the wrong impression.
“There is nothing inappropriate. Bingley did admire Miss Jane Bennet, but he came to realise she did not return his feelings. It happens all the time, even in the most honourable families.”
“Oh, I am sorry to hear that,” Georgiana replied. “Miss Bennet is the one with fair hair, is she not? She is very beautiful, and our aunt said she seemed to possess a sweet nature.”
“She is beautiful, and yes, she probably does possess a sweet nature. I saw nothing wanting in her manners. It was probably not meant to be. Some things happen — others do not.”
Even to himself, his voice sounded a little harsher than it should; the colonel did not enquire further, and Georgiana became more interested in her food. Then the conversation turned to the weather and Lady Matlock’s forthcoming party.
Georgiana retired after dinner, claiming both she and Mrs Annesley were tired. The colonel did not seem in any hurry to leave, and Darcy offered him a drink and a cigar.
“So, now that we are alone, I hope you will trust me enough to tell me the truth about Miss Bennet.”
Darcy choked again, spilling some brandy on himself. “What do you mean?”
“The story of Bingley and Miss Bennet. When you returned, you told me that you saved Bingley from a disadvantageous marriage to a young woman about whom there were several objections. Now you claim Bingley realised that the lady — whom my mother and your sister just met — did not return his feelings. Which is true?”
“Both,” Darcy answered after a brief hesitation. “Bingley was so enchanted with Miss Bennet that he was blinded to the truth. She is exceedingly beautiful, and he is easily charmed, as we both know. He has been in love at least five times in the last two years.”
“And?”
“And the lady seemed to receive his admiration with pleasure, but her countenance was always serene. She smiled at him in the same way she smiled at everyone else. And the mother is truly insupportable. She has no respect for decorum but does have an obsession with marrying off her daughters, who have no dowry and no connections. Mrs Bennet presented a spectacle that was difficult to bear. And I am sure Miss Jane Bennet wouldhave been somehow forced to accept Bingley, despite her lack of feelings for him.”
“Darcy, I must say you seem very much involved in this situation. May I ask why Bingley’s or Miss Bennet’s feelings are your concern?”
“Bingley is my friend, Richard. He is a good man and deserves to be happy. It was my duty to warn him against a marriage that would not be equal in any way.”
“But she is a gentleman’s daughter, and he is the son of a tradesman. She might not have a dowry or any useful connections, but he has the money she lacks. As for happiness — its meaning is different for each of us.”
“Yes, she is a gentleman’s daughter. It is not only that she lacks money and connections…there is more that I cannot clearly explain.”
“Is there?”
Darcy felt his cousin’s intense stare, scrutinising him with obvious puzzlement.
“Darcy, there is something that worries me and must be said, even if it will anger you.”
“Then say it and be done with this subject.”
