“Indeed,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “From what you told me, I cannot but pity Charlotte, even though she has found herself a comfortable household. As much patience as she might have, with such a husband, life must be rather miserable.”
“There is no sadder thing than to be married to a man you cannot love and respect, and no greater joy than to spend your life with the man suited to you,” Jane whispered, her eyes full of tears. Mrs. Gardiner caressed her hand in approval, but the sweet, truthful words caused a tightness in Elizabeth’s chest.
There is no greater regret than to refuse a man who might have been well suited to you, she mused in silence, her thoughts reviving her old turmoil. Did she truly believe Mr. Darcy was suited to her? It had been less than a fortnight since her harsh refusal. Had she lost her mind? Or had she finally regained it?
“I have every reason to think ill of you,” she had recklessly told Mr. Darcy, moments after he had professed his ardent love to her. Now, she had every reason to think highly of him, but most likely to no avail.
As kind and polite as he had been to her after he handed her the letter, imagining he might consider proposing to her again was preposterous. No man would do that, not after the manner of her refusal. Even if his feelings for her were preserved despite her rejection and accusations, his vanity and pride would rightfully not allow him to speak those words again.
Jane had just regained her chance at happiness; had she, Elizabeth, lost hers?
That very day, Mr. Bingley called again, joyful, a large smile beaming on his handsome face. With every visit, Mr. Bingley appeared more at ease with the family and more assured in Jane’s gentle company.
“I just happened upon Darcy on my way here!” Mr. Bingley exclaimed. “He was with a gentleman called Mr. Rease. I toldthem I was on my way to visit you, and Darcy asked me to convey his best wishes.”
“Did he? How kind of him,” Elizabeth managed to reply, wondering whether her cheeks were as crimson as they felt.
Her heart began to race even faster when Mr. Bingley added, “Darcy expressed his intention of calling on you, too, one of these days, if that is agreeable to you.”
“Agreeable? We would be truly honoured,” Mrs. Gardiner immediately answered.
“We would be delighted to see Mr. Darcy again,” Elizabeth added.
“Dr Rease sent you warm greetings, too, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, sir. That is delightful news indeed,” she replied in all honesty.
“Mr. Bingley,” Mrs. Gardiner said a little while later, “would you do us the honour of joining us for dinner the day after tomorrow?”
“Dinner? Yes, of course! I would be very happy to. Thank you!”
“Excellent. Of course, we would be pleased to have your sisters too, if they wish to attend.”
Mr. Bingley’s countenance darkened.
“I must confess I have no intention of extending the invitation to them. We are not on the friendliest of terms at present. I am not ignorant of the fact that they visited you and chose not to inform me. I take this as an offence against you, Miss Bennet, and also myself, and it will take some time before they gain my forgiveness.”
He looked truly upset, and Elizabeth felt a sense of deep satisfaction. Mr. Bingley was acting exactly as she had hoped.
Mr. Bingley’s visit lasted longer than usual, and afterwards, Elizabeth’s thoughts returned to Mr. Darcy. He had sent her hisgreetings and expressed his intention to call. Could she hope for more? Did she deserve more consideration? Surely not.
Her eagerness increased as time passed and turned into impatience. She often found herself gazing through the window, startled by the sound of every carriage and knock on the door. Hours passed too slowly when one was waiting, and disappointment quickly crept in.
The appointed dinner arrived, awaited by Jane with great anticipation. The table was laid with care, the candles glowed warmly, and the family awaited their guest with cheerful expectation.
Mr. Bingley was announced a little earlier than the hour named, his countenance alight with good humour, yet to the astonishment of all, he was not alone. Beside him stood Mr. Darcy, tall and composed, his dark eyes sweeping the room with that familiar reserve until they met Elizabeth’s.
For a moment, the drawing-room seemed to hold its breath. Elizabeth’s pulse quickened in a most inconvenient manner; she was at once nervous and happy, a curious tumult of feelings that left her cheeks warm and her thoughts in disarray. He had come!
“Mr. Darcy!” she said, while he bowed properly.
“Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Gardiner, allow me to introduce my friend Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bingley said.
“We are honoured to meet you sir. Welcome to our home,” Mr. Gardiner replied. “We cannot say how delighted we are to have you.”
Mr. Darcy greeted each of them, his eyes lingering upon Elizabeth a moment longer than the rest.
“I hope I do not intrude,” he said. “I met Bingley, and he told me he would join you for dinner. I took the opportunity to come and introduce myself, and I shall leave you to enjoy your party.”
