Elizabeth’s astonishment left her lost for words.
“You should know, Mr. Bennet, that your daughter is very skilful in business too. She succeeded in increasing the efficiency of Pemberley’s household while decreasing the expenses.”
Mr. Bennet shrugged. “I have no clue where she inherited that trait from, but surely not from me or from her mother,” he admitted, causing Darcy to laugh. Elizabeth realised she had never heard him laugh out loud before.
It was another hour before the gentlemen finally left, leaving the ladies of Longbourn in a state of pure joy, each for a different reason, each expressing it in a different way, each with hopes that they did not dare voice yet.
The sudden bond between Darcy and her father delighted Elizabeth, as it was another proof of the worthy characters of both men. Although completely different, they quickly found interests to share and, as much as she tried to remain reasonable, and avoid any expectations, her heart told her their effort was for her.
Later that day, she received another letter from Miss Darcy, informing her with much excitement that one of her brother’sbest friends had just rented a property apparently close to Meryton, the village where Elizabeth lived too. Elizabeth laughed tearfully, holding the letter to her chest.
“Dearest Georgiana, it would have been of great help if I had received this news yesterday.”
But she knew she could not fight, nor argue with fate. And she did not even want to.
***
In his room at Netherfield, the moment he returned from Longbourn, after a night of turmoil, following four long months of distress, worry, struggles, inner battles, grief and longing, Darcy became certain of one thing—more certain that he had ever been of anything in his life. The joy, the bliss, the exhilaration, the fire in his blood, the stir of his senses that he experienced the moment he saw Elizabeth again, was stronger than any other feelings in his life.
And more importantly, he realised he did not wish to lose it again, to grieve and to long again for something—for someone—before he had tried with all his power to gain it forever. Neither his duty nor his honour would be satisfied with any other Mrs. Darcy than the woman who had already conquered his mind and his heart.
If only he could make her accept his feelings and return them in the way he wished for—not just as a simple friend—his life would be complete.
Bonus Story – Chapter 10
During the week following the assembly, Darcy and Bingley visited Longbourn every other day.
On such occasions they usually spent a little time with the ladies in the drawing-room then, with one exception when it rained, Bingley suggested a walk in the garden. Those always desirous for a stroll were Jane, Elizabeth, Darcy and once, Mary. Kitty and Lydia were still too uncomfortable in Darcy’s presence, so they avoided him as much as possible. Mrs. Bennet was careful to remove any disturbance that might affect Mr. Bingley’s obvious admiration for Jane and by this, she also meant anything and anyone who might annoy Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy.
Fortunately for Mrs. Bennet’s nerves, the arrogant, aloof and pretentious gentleman of ten thousand a year seemed to enjoy Mr. Bennet’s company, a preference that was reciprocated. Furthermore, after his rude behaviour at the assembly, Mr. Darcy seemed to get along well enough with Elizabeth too. Considering that her second daughter was her father’s favourite, that was only logical to Mrs. Bennet, and one less worry for her. Despite his apparent politeness towards their family, Mr. Darcy was still not the sort of man Mrs. Bennet would want in her drawing-room, as she knew he would always be displeased for some reason and ready to criticise something.
Bingley’s sisters expressed their liking of Jane Bennet’s pretty face and sweet demureness, as well as their utter disapproval of the rest of the Bennet family. As often happens in a small village, reports about the Bennets’ small estate, which was entailed to a cousin, and the misses’ lack of dowry was discussed among the servants of Netherfield and quickly reached the Bingleysisters’ ears. Even worse were Mrs. Bennet’s sister, Mrs. Phillips, from Meryton, and her brother, who was either in trade or an insignificant lawyer in London and lived near Cheapside.
“I am not surprised to see Charles so unguarded in visiting a certain family more often than propriety would allow. He is easily taken in by small talk and readily falls for a pretty face. But Mr. Darcy’s acceptance of such behaviour astonishes me,” Caroline declared during breakfast.
“I am not unguarded, Caroline. I truly enjoy visiting Longbourn and I really admire Miss Jane Bennet. I see no reason to conceal that.”
“No reason, Charles? Country people will easily confuse your desire for entertainment with an engagement! Mr. Darcy, will you not advise Charles against such imprudence?”
“I have always advised Charles when he has asked for my opinion, which is not the case now,” Darcy replied sternly.
“Well, this might be the most needed moment! If he continues this way, he might find himself engaged before he even realises it!” Caroline continued, angrily.
“And?”
“And? And? Charles, have you lost your mind?” Louisa interjected with equal disgust.
“And what? Miss Bennet is everything a woman should be. And she is a gentleman’s daughter, let us not forget that!”
“Yes, her father might be a gentleman, but their family’s situation and connections are far from desirable!” Louisa declared.
Darcy struggled not to roll his eyes as he looked at Mr. Hurst, who was filling another glass of brandy, although he had a long day ahead.
“My dear sisters, forgive me, but despite your pretentiousness, let us not forget that our family’s situation and connections are not desirable either for someone like Darcy!And yet, he is kind enough to invite us to Pemberley, to visit us here and to accept our company in London.”
“Charles, how can you make such a comparison?” Caroline Bingley cried, glancing at Darcy and waiting for a sign of disagreement that did not appear.
“How can I not?” Bingley answered, while Darcy mused that Bingley’s common sense and decency were a perfect match for his kind heart. “You seem to forget that our excellent father was in trade too and it was only a fortunate coincidence that I became friends with Darcy and was included in some circles where we would never have been accepted, despite our relative wealth.”
