Chapter 9
To Elizabeth, the next two days were as beautiful as a dream. Her heart was more and more clear in regard to her feelings for Mr. Darcy, and his intentions towards her were more and more obvious. He did not say much, but his attention could not be misjudged.
He spent most of his time with Mr. Gardiner, and Elizabeth with her aunt. Except for dinner and breakfast, she and Mr. Darcy met again twice in the library. It was somehow a habit for her to read there in the afternoon, and he happened upon her there — seemingly by chance. She remembered the day at Netherfield when she and Mr. Darcy had been a full half an hour together in the library and not exchanged a single word. How was it possible that she had missed noticing his preference for her?
Mr. Darcy mentioned on various occasions that his sister would have liked to meet Elizabeth and the Gardiners, and he even asked Mr. Gardiner if they could prolong their stay in Derbyshire for another week. But as much as everybody would enjoy such a prospect, it was impossible. However, since they had already been at Pemberley for four days, and Mrs. Gardiner’s leg was not yet completely healed, Mr. Darcy proposed, and the Gardiners agreed, that as there was no point in moving to the inn for another three or four days, they should remain at Pemberley until the end of their holiday.
Elizabeth received the news with joy and nervousness. Although her wisdom demanded her to be prudent and dismiss any unreasonable expectations, her heart allowed her to dream of a renewed proposal before she left. Whilst the first proposalhad been shocking, enraging, dreadful, and offensive, a new one was the only thing she wished for in the world, from the only man who was perfectly suited to her. And she to him.
In less than a week at Pemberley, she had been offered the chance to see him in a new light, to admire his qualities reflected in all sorts of small actions, small gestures, barely noticeable but full of meaning. She had been given the chance to see his generosity and care for others — and his love and consideration for her.
From the little she had learnt, she knew she was not prepared — and perhaps not worthy either — to be the mistress of Pemberley. But she was certain she would do everything in her power to improve herself and to work hard to fulfil such a responsibility. And she would do everything in her power to be sure that Mr. Darcy would be happy with her.
If he were to propose again, she would accept for nothing but the best of reasons, and his ardent love would not remain unrequited.
“Lizzy dear,” Mrs. Gardiner said, “even if this leg pains me until the end of our stay, I absolutely want to take a tour of Pemberley in the phaeton. Your uncle told me Mr. Darcy offered it to you, but you refused it.”
“I did not refuse it, Aunt, I merely declined the offer for the present. I could not enjoy such a ride without you.”
“How lovely of you! We shall enjoy it together, then. So, my dear, what do you think of Mr. Darcy now? I hope you do not have any misunderstandings remaining between you.”
“No, Aunt, not at all.”
“Your uncle is absolutely enchanted with him!”
“I imagined as much. Mr. Darcy seems to enjoy Uncle’s company too.”
“Would you say it is possible that they will meet again in the future? Will there be further occasions, Lizzy?”
“I hope so, Aunt. I imagine you wish to know more, but there is truly nothing more to know for now. I enjoy Mr. Darcy’s generosity, and we are rather friendly towards each other — just as you and Uncle could see. That is all.”
“Very well, my dear. I shall not insist.”
They continued to talk for a while, had some tea, then Mrs. Gardiner was ready to sleep. She laughed, claiming she was tired of so much rest.
They were startled when Mr. Gardiner burst into the room, clearly distressed, red-faced, breathless, his neckcloth loose. He held two letters, which he handed to Elizabeth.
“Here. Two letters from Jane. They just arrived today. I am afraid they do not contain good tidings, as I also received one from my brother Bennet. I have the most disturbing news to share.”
“For heaven’s sake, my dear, what happened? The children?” Mrs. Gardiner cried.
“The children are perfectly well. Our children, at least. Lizzy dear, Lydia has eloped. She left Brighton with that scoundrel Wickham. They apparently departed for Gretna Green with the intention of marrying. My brother Bennet is with Colonel Forster in London, and he writes that they traced them to town but no farther. Bennet asked for my immediate assistance.”
Mr. Gardiner spoke in haste, hardly making any sense. Mrs. Gardiner stared at him, her eyes wide with horror.
Elizabeth’s mind tried to understand but somehow refused. Surely it could not be possible. Lydia had eloped? Countless questions spun in her mind as she tried to imagine scenarios, each worse than the other.
“Apparently, Lydia left the colonel’s wife a letter. She said she had been in love with Wickham for a long time, and she was happy to leave with him.” Mr. Gardiner rolled his eyes in apparent vexation.
Elizabeth heard her uncle and aunt talking, but she could not gather herself to speak.
“We must leave immediately,” Mr. Gardiner continued. “Let us pray that things are not as bad as they seem now.”
“Things will certainly be worse than they seem now,” Elizabeth finally said. “Mr. Wickham will never marry Lydia. We should be fortunate if we find her and save her from a tragic fate. For this, we may pray, but we must remember that our family is at fault!”
“Lizzy, I understand you are upset—” Mr. Gardiner interjected.
“You and Papa said she was too poor to tempt anyone,” Elizabeth uttered in a voice so cold that it scared herself. “Mama always let Lydia do what she pleased. Papa always makes sport of everything, and you do not take the trouble to censure them, even when you know they are wrong.”
