Four
Elizabeth felt caught up in Mr Darcy’s story and could not escape the distress associated with it. She was equally preoccupied by trying to understand how it could have happened that Mr Darcy had come to visit them with Mr Bingley, then by himself, befriended her father, and opened his heart to her all in a couple of days; he had barely spoken to anyone in her family or in the entirety of Meryton for an entire week, so what could have caused this complete change?
She felt as intrigued by him as she had been appalled several days before; he was certainly not an easy man to know and to be around. There was such a complete contrast between him and Mr Bingley that it was a mystery how the two men had become friends.
With so many questions that demanded answers, Elizabeth was determined to speak more with Mr Darcy the next time she saw him. Of course, she could not ask any direct questions, except perhaps about Milo, the lost cat. And perhaps from there, she would find out more about the gentleman.
But why did she truly care? After all, Mr Darcy had indicated he would only remain in Hertfordshire for a few more weeks, and afterwards their paths would probably never cross again. Except if a certain event that Jane was already dreaming of became reality.
The day passed in similar reflections, with Mr Ash often seeking her attention.
Before dinner, a note arrived from Miss Bingley inviting Jane and Elizabeth to have tea with her and her sister the next day. Mrs Bennet’s joy matched Jane’s silent but obviously pleasure; Elizabeth’s feelings were a combination of anticipation and anxiety, which she found to be irritating and unreasonable. For Jane, the invitation was meaningful, as Mr Bingley must have had an influence on his sister’s decision. But to her, it meant little; she had clearly been invited only as Jane’s companion, nothing more.
“Papa, can we take the carriage?” Jane asked.
“Perhaps you would be better to ride,” Mrs Bennet suggested. “I might need the carriage to go into Meryton.”
“I could, but what about Lizzy?” Jane enquired.
“It is about time Lizzy rode again. She was once rather proficient. For someone who proclaims she loves animals, being afraid of horses after only one fall is ridiculous,” their father declared. “Or else she could walk,” he added.
Elizabeth was more amused than hurt by her father’s mockery.
“Well, Papa, for someone who proclaims he is an educated man, it is a little bit ridiculous to refuse to go out in society and attend parties. And yet, we respect your choice.”
“That was a harsh retaliation, Lizzy,” Mr Bennet responded with a glare. “Harsh but just. I shall tell John you need the carriage tomorrow.”
“Or Jane could go alone,” Mrs Bennet suggested. “I am sure Mr Bingley and his sisters wish to see her and would do well enough without Lizzy.”
“I am not going without Lizzy, Mama!” Jane stated.
“We have already decided you will have the carriage, so let us close the subject,” Mr Bennet requested.
Dinner was being served when a servant entered with another note from Mr Bingley.
Mr Bennet,
I shall be in Meryton tomorrow, and I request permission to accompany Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to Netherfield in my carriage. Afterwards, my carriage will convey them home again if this is acceptable to you.
C. Bingley
“Well, well, what a thoughtful young man he is,” Mr Bennet said, seeming only half serious. “Let me write back immediately and accept. Your mother may have the carriage tomorrow after all.”
“How thoughtful and considerate of him!” Mrs Bennet repeated. “He would do anything to please Jane. Anyone could see that. What a lovely thing! Oh, I greatly anticipate hearing about the visit, Jane. Mr Bingley will certainly be home — how wonderful!”
Jane said nothing, only blushed. As had rarely happened before, this time Elizabeth agreed with her mother: Mr Bingley’s attention went beyond a gentleman’s friendly behaviour.
***
The next day, around noon, Elizabeth and Jane were ready for their visit and equally eager. The difference was that thereason for Jane’s anticipation was publicly acknowledged, while Elizabeth was mostly overlooked by the family. She was going simply as Jane’s chaperon, and everybody assumed she had no reason to be nervous.
When Mr Bingley’s carriage arrived and the gentleman stepped down, Elizabeth held her breath. Behind him, she noticed Mr Darcy, who chose to remain inside while his friend handed the ladies in.
“Mr Bingley, thank you for offering your carriage,” Jane said.
“You are most welcome. In fact, it was Darcy’s idea. He said Mr Bennet may need his horses. Of course, I am delighted to escort you, but I have to admit that Darcy is more considerate than I in all these little things.”
Elizabeth glanced at Mr Darcy and caught his eye briefly. So, it was his idea, after all.
