Around noon, despite Lady Catherine’s opposition and complaints, Anne was moved to the Matlocks’ house. Dr Harris assisted them and examined the patient again once she was comfortably accommodated in her new apartment.
“I hope Anne will improve soon,” Georgiana said. “I am so sad for her. I cannot but think…I remember when Mama was ill…”
“We shall do everything possible for her recovery, my dear, I assure you. And let us hope her illness is of a different nature.”
“I cannot understand why Lady Catherine is so strongly opposed to something that is for Anne’s benefit.”
“Lady Catherine always wishes to have her own way, and she can rarely see when she is wrong,” Darcy replied. Then he paused for a moment before continuing, “I fear I have been the same for a long time.”
“You? Never!” the girl exclaimed. “How can you even say so?”
“I cherish your trust in me, but your sisterly love makes you partial.” Darcy smiled bitterly. “Neither my manners nor my behaviour have been without fault, especially among strangers.”
“I find that hard to believe! You are always so kind, generous, and compassionate to everyone. You always provide help when it is needed.”
“I might be compassionate and generous as I have the means to be so. I am not sure I am kind, though, and I certainly am not considerate enough.”
“I think you are truly the best man that ever was!”
“That is because you, my dear, are kind and generous and considerate,” he replied with an affectionate smile. “I am grateful for your love, and I wish I deserved it.”
“Surely you do. Everyone who knows you shares the same opinion.”
“Not quite. Miss Elizabeth expressed as much clearly and deservedly. I am ashamed to admit that I almost ruined Bingley’s chance of happiness due to my arrogant assumption that I know what is best for him — just as Lady Catherine is doing now with Anne.”
“So that was the subject of the quarrels you mentioned you had with Miss Bennet.”
“That and much more. I might tell you something in regard to Miss Bennet that you will find appalling and will prove that your brother has plenty of faults.”
“Do tell me! But I am sure I shall not find it appalling if it is related to you.”
“I first met her at a ball last autumn. I was in no disposition for dancing, but Bingley insisted on me joining him. I was tired and rather annoyed — and my manners certainly showed as much. Bingley pointed out Miss Elizabeth as a potential partner,and I told him that she was not handsome enough to tempt me. I am afraid she might have heard me…”
The girl’s eyes opened wide; her disbelief so complete that it made Darcy laugh.
“You do look appalled,” he jested. “And rightfully so.”
“Poor Miss Elizabeth — she must have been so offended!”
“If she truly heard me, she had good reason for her resentment towards me. Though, in all honesty, I had barely looked at her that evening.”
“I understand why you were in no disposition for balls last autumn…after my foolishness in Ramsgate…after I upset you so deeply…”
“You did not upset me, my dear. Wickham did, last summer and this summer. I know you are still hurt by his betrayal, but he is not worthy of a single thought of yours.”
The girl paused for a few moments, then said, “Fitzwilliam, Miss Elizabeth is very pretty, is she not?”
“She is, my dear. She is one of the most handsome women of my acquaintance.”
“I believe so too. And her manners are very pleasant and kind.”
Darcy smiled again, mostly to himself. He wished to add that Elizabeth was pleasant and kind to those who deserved it. He had also seen another side of her, less sweet but equally enchanting and appealing. However, to his sister, he said nothing more. Many of his thoughts regarding Elizabeth made him smile, but he would never share them with Georgiana.
***
Later that afternoon, Darcy was surprised to receive a letter from Longbourn. He picked it up eagerly, his heart racing.
He went to his room to read it undisturbed, opening it with trembling fingers.
