“Bingley, this is not an appropriate subject of conversation for the ladies,” he answered, slightly embarrassed. However, the others’ curiosity was apparent, so he continued. “This woman, her daughters, and her grandson were in a dire situation caused by someone I know. Since he refused to take responsibility, I assumed it myself. It was a wrong that had to be remedied.”
“That is exceedingly generous of you, Mr Darcy,” Mr Gardiner said. “Unfortunately, people like you cannot fix everything that others ruin or break.”
“True, but I shall at least try, especially when the damage is caused by someone I know and should have stopped.” At that, he looked at Elizabeth, whose face was pale and distressed. “I hope that my intervention was in time and they will heal.”
“If someone caused such damage, they should suffer appropriate punishment,” Elizabeth uttered. “Generosity and kindness should not apply to people with no character, no honour, and no decency.”
“I am glad we are in agreement, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy answered.
“How could we not be, Mr Darcy. I said once that one should admit one’s own errors and make amends for them. That was meant for everybody, including, or especially, myself.”
“I am glad you are in agreement since you two used to disagree on almost everything,” Bingley said. Darcy smiled, and so did Elizabeth, and shortly after, the visit ended.
***
Darcy’s feelings were still conflicted after the visit, but they had changed significantly. Those few bits of conversation with Elizabeth had been enjoyable, tormenting, and revealing. As much as he doubted his judgment, her attempts to show her change of mind and her desire to spend more time in his company were beyond a doubt. What her purpose and wishes were remained a mystery. But at least she seemed not to despise him any longer.
Being in her company was not easy, but the reward was worth the effort. He would see her again at Bingley’s dinner, and perhaps he could invite the Gardiners and their nieces to visit him too. What his purpose and wishes were, he did not dare admit either — it was too soon and too painful for that.
Progress in his other endeavour proceeded well too. The men he had hired had succeeded in finding many of Wickham’s creditors, and with the information he had collected, Darcy could have the reprobate sent to debtors’ prison at any time. However, he first wrote to the scoundrel in Meryton, demanding a private meeting at Mrs Younge’s establishment to discuss the matter at length. Colonel Fitzwilliam opposed such an act of charity and demanded to attend the meeting with Darcy.
Two days before the dinner at Bingley’s house, Darcy was out at his club. When he returned, he was stunned to discover that Georgiana and Mrs Annesley had gone for a walk with Bingley, two young ladies, and an older one.
Shocked and bewildered, Darcy’s first instinct was to go and search for them, but he refrained from such an impulsive action. They might be anywhere, and chasing about town after them was silly. Therefore, he chose to wait at home, speculating and gazing through the window until he finally spotted the group: Bingley, Mrs Gardiner and her two nieces, Mrs Annesley, and his sister. He hurried out to greet them, trying to overlook Elizabeth’s crimson cheeks.
“Brother, I am so happy you have returned. Mr Bingley was so kind as to invite me to join his party for a walk. We went to Hyde Park — it is beautiful at this time of year.”
“I am pleased to see you looking so joyful, Georgiana,” he replied. “Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth — it is a pleasure to see you again. Would you like to come in for a moment?” As he spoke, he glanced at Elizabeth, but it was Mrs Gardiner who answered.
“We would be honoured, Mr Darcy, but it is impossible. We must return home — it is already late, and the children are waiting.”
“I understand, of course.”
“Brother, could we go to the theatre next week?” Georgiana asked suddenly. “There is a play we would all like to see.”
Such a request from Georgiana was rare, and it took Darcy by surprise. “Of course, what a lovely idea! I shall make the necessary arrangements,” he said, glancing at Elizabeth.
“Thank you, sir,” she whispered.
“No need to thank me for something that gives me great pleasure, Miss Elizabeth. I love theatre too, and I am pleased to have such enjoyable company.”
With that, the group separated. Darcy entered the house with Georgiana, who continued to speak cheerfully.
“Brother, it was such a lovely walk, though tiring.” She laughed. “Poor Mrs Annesley and Mrs Gardiner stopped halfway and waited for us on a bench.”
“I am glad you enjoyed it, dearest.”
“Oh, I did. I have to tell you a secret. Miss Elizabeth and I walked together most of the time, and Mr Bingley remained behind with Miss Bennet. I suspect we might hear some news soon.”
“Really?” He smiled, enchanted by her joy.
“Oh yes. I hope so. They are such a beautiful couple!”
“So you spent most of the time with Miss Elizabeth?”
“Yes, I remember you mentioned her in a few letters from Netherfield, and now I understand why. She is different from most young ladies. I mean, there is nothing false about her. I felt comfortable in her company.”
“I am glad to hear that. Truly glad.”
