Chapter 5
When they were alone, Mrs. Gardiner asked Elizabeth to sit next to her.
“My dear, I am sure you do have something you wish to share. Since you admit your opinion of Mr. Darcy has improved, it would be helpful for me to understand what still induces you to behave strangely in regard to him.”
“Aunt, it is just that…” She carefully searched for the right words to conveysomething, without betraying too much.
“When we were in Kent, Mr. Darcy’s cousin was there too. Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was a very pleasant, amiable man, with whom I quickly became friends. I spoke rarely to Mr. Darcy, and we mostly disagreed and even argued. Then one day, we happened to meet alone, and he began a conversation… We disagreed again, and I directly accused him of separating Jane from Mr. Bingley — of being selfish, inconsiderate, and arrogant. I also accused him of being cruel to Mr. Wickham and ruining his life, disregarding his father’s dying wish. It was horrible, truly… You may imagine his response. Then, the next day, he gave me a letter with some explanations. He revealed a vicious part of Mr. Wickham’s character, with enough details to leave no doubt of the truth. I realised what a fool I had been to trust Mr. Wickham so readily, how prejudiced and thoughtless was my judgment of both men, but it was too late. Mr. Darcy left Rosings, and we have not seen each other until we met here today.”
“Oh dear! This is horrible indeed! What a terrible situation! It is no wonder that you feared meeting him. But now his kindness to us is even more astonishing, Lizzy!”
“It is… I was stunned and overwhelmed by his amicable manners.”
“And may I ask what he said about Mr. Bingley? Did he admit his intervention?”
“He did, quite readily. He said he noticed no sign of particular affection in Jane. He believed Jane was showing his friend only enough attention to satisfy his admiration and that she was prepared to accept him for his situation in life… That was his meaning, though not necessarily his words. So he advised Mr. Bingley not to pursue Jane further.”
“Oh… That was not very kind of Mr. Darcy, nor right! He might be a generous man, but he is surely not an astute and perceptive observer!”
“No. He misjudged Jane even more than I misjudged him.”
“I agree. Lizzy, it just crossed my mind… What if he regrets his intervention and is trying to compensate for it? What if he wishes to apologise? Or to attempt to find out more about Jane, to the benefit of his friend? Do we know where Mr. Bingley is now?”
Elizabeth felt her face burning; it was a reasonable explanation, and it would overcome any dangerous speculation that threatened to invade her mind. It did not explain the paintings though, but on that, she would reflect later.
“I know nothing about Mr. Bingley. I was wondering why Mr. Darcy was alone in the summer. Perhaps I shall ask…or perhaps Uncle may find out more.”
“It is even more convenient that we are staying here. Not just for my comfort but…who knows…maybe for Jane’s too.”
Revealing to her aunt at least a part of her burden eased the weight on Elizabeth’s shoulders. As she spoke, the notion of spending a few days and nights at Pemberley was not so tormenting any longer. It was already growing late when Mrs. Reynolds entered, inviting Elizabeth to follow her and choose aroom for her stay. Only then did Elizabeth feel anxious again. It was logical that she would be given a separate room from her uncle and aunt, but somehow she had not even considered it.
She joined the housekeeper, and the kind lady seemed in a disposition for conversation.
“The master suggested two rooms, so you may choose from them. Here on the right are the master suites. On this side is Miss Georgiana’s apartment — and Mrs. Annesley’s room. Mrs. Annesley is her companion — what a lovely and accomplished woman! Not as accomplished as our dear Miss Darcy, of course. She is only sixteen, but she is the most talented young woman with the sweetest disposition and the kindest heart. Do you know her, Miss Bennet? I understand you were previously acquainted with the master.”
“No, I have not had that pleasure. But I have heard many wonderful things about her. I know she is exceedingly talented on the pianoforte. Mr. Darcy speaks very fondly of her, as well as their friend Mr. Bingley and his sisters.”
“Oh…Mr. Bingley is such a kind young man! And very handsome too. We are always happy to have him here when he visits the master.”
Elizabeth smiled to herself. Mrs. Reynolds had said nothing about Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and her silence on the subject was more eloquent than a speech.
“I have heard Mr. Darcy is an excellent master and landlord, while Miss Darcy must have inherited the artistic traits in the family,” Elizabeth said, broaching a rather indiscreet subject. But Mrs. Reynolds was only too happy to oblige.
“He is, miss. The best! You may ask any tenant or servant or anyone in Lambton. And he is a little bit of an artist too! They inherited that side from the late Lady Anne Darcy, God rest her soul. He is also very good at playing the pianoforte and even at drawing! But that is a secret — I mean, he does not like to bragabout it. Of course, Miss Darcy is better at art — not just better than her brother but than anyone, I am sure.”
“I understand you have been in the family for a long time, Mrs. Reynolds.”
“Oh yes! Since the master was four years old. I watched him grow up, I might say. He was the most handsome and kind-hearted boy, and he is the same now. He is very handsome, is he not, miss?”
Elizabeth chuckled and felt her face burning over the unexpected question.
“He is. One cannot deny what is obvious to everybody. Does Miss Darcy not spend the summer at Pemberley?”
“Oh yes, she usually does, but she is at the Matlocks’ estate now. With Lord and Lady Matlock and the colonel and the viscount and his wife, who just welcomed their first daughter. Miss Darcy is spending a fortnight with them.”
“I see… I am surprised Mr. Darcy is not there too. I know he and the colonel are close friends.”
“He was there, but only for two days. Miss Darcy will be home soon too, and the master is also expecting Mr. Bingley and his family.”
