“You ungrateful—”
Lady Catherine’s harangue ceased as Darcy turned his back on her and strode out of the room. With a nod to his stupefied aunt, the colonel followed.
The Jane who came floating down the stairs of 23 Gracechurch Street to meet her was not the same Jane she had left a month ago, or even the same Jane who had written to her last week. This Jane glowed. In addition, she seemed to exude confidence in a way Elizabeth had never seen before. The slight furrow on Jane’s brow indicated she had myriad questions, but her smile could not be contained.
Wanting to delay any talk of her recent adventures, Elizabeth started speaking as she exited the carriage. “I shall answer all your questions, but first you must tell me your news. What has brought on this change of spirits?”
As Jane swept her into a fierce embrace, she proclaimed, “’Tis too much! By far too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! Why is not everybody as happy?”
“Oh Jane, to see you so happy is all that I could wish for. You must tell me everything, but first, let us go inside.”
Jane laughed. “Oh yes, where are my manners?”
As Elizabeth changed into a fresh gown, she was amazed by the tale Jane told.
“Oh, Lizzy, I can hardly bear such happiness, and to think I owe it all to you and to MrDarcy.”
“Of what do you speak, Jane?”
“Why the express that MrDarcy sent to Charles on Monday, letting him know I was in Town and that I was not indifferent to him, as he had previously thought.”
“Charles, is it?” Elizabeth beamed at her sister and tried valiantly to conceal her surprise. She had intended to share those things with MrDarcy but never had a chance this time.Was it possible that he remembered?
“Of course, I would not have asked you to share the contents of Caroline’s letter, but given Charles’s response, I must say I am not sorry that you did. I shall not have to live with Caroline, as Charles is going to banish her to an aunt in the North. He has promised me faithfully that she shall never live with us.”
“Jane, that is the most unforgiving speech you have ever uttered. I am proud of you. “
Elizabeth’s mind wandered as Jane filled her in on her whirlwind week, which had culminated in a proposal just that morning.Could it be possible that we are in this predicament together? How else could he have known the contents of Miss Bingley’s letter? He might have decided on his own that his interference was officious, but he has never known the contents of the letter without my sharing it with him.Then again, recalling a memory about magical powers, she considered that anything might be possible.
“Charles is coming to dine with us this evening, and tomorrow we are all going for a ride in the park.”
“Who is this ‘we’ you speak of?”
“Why Charles, MrDarcy, Miss Darcy, and our aunt Gardiner and cousins…”
Elizabeth could not help but frown as Jane stiffened beside her. An apologetic MrBingley had arrived in his chaise rather than the promised curricle. The change in vehicle was not asshocking as the presence of Caroline Bingley and her maid. MrBingley had no time to talk to Jane, as Caroline called for her dear friend to join her. Wearing a brittle smile, Jane allowed MrBingley to assist her. MrBingley gave them a jaunty wave and entered the chaise, which then departed directly.
Elizabeth’s concern for her sister gave way to more agreeable thoughts as MrDarcy made her young cousins and MrsGardiner comfortable in his spacious barouche. With a suspiciously mischievous grin, her aunt had arranged the seating in such a way as to leave the open spot for MrDarcy next to Elizabeth. His easy rapport with the children was a side of him she had not seen before. He listened to their chatter attentively.
It was only when little Edward mentioned that he hoped there would be geese as well as ducks to feed at the pond that MrDarcy became discomfited, and a frown briefly crossed his brow. When he caught Elizabeth’s inquiring look, his ears pinked as he reported, “I have a newfound respect for geese.” Coolly, he turned to young Edward. “If we do encounter any, I hope they shall find us and our bread worthy.”
It was Elizabeth’s turn to start. She managed not to make a noise, but she could tell MrDarcy noticed. Here was yet another clue that MrDarcy might also remember their previous encounters.Could he be testing whether I remember?To Edward, she said, “It would be quite magical to see geese, would it not?”
When MrDarcy’s questioning glance met hers, she maintained her composure and did not look away. Was that relief in his eyes?
Darcy could hardly contain his excitement. Elizabeth remembered; he was sure of it. He would have to find a way to speak with her while they were at the park.
Luckily, it seemed MrsGardiner was also of a mind to let them speak privately. After some initial games with her young cousins, Darcy and Elizabeth sat on a bench where they could still see the group playing by the pond, but where their conversation would not be overheard. Now that he had the freedom to speak, he did not know where to begin.
Luckily, Elizabeth had no such difficulties. “I know we have much to discuss, but first, you must allow me to thank you for assigning one of your grooms to bring news from Hunsford. I cannot express how much it meant to know that Maria will be well.”
“I only did what any other gentleman would do.”
“I disagree, but I see that my thanks makes you uncomfortable. Would you tell me about your conversation with your uncle?”
“He was appropriately alarmed and disgusted in turns by her behaviour and the repercussions of it, and is preparing to depart for Rosings with the family solicitor.” Thinking of his aunt’s latest scheme also served to remind him of how much his happiness depended on the courageous woman beside him. Darcy found his own courage rise. “Miss Elizabeth, before we start discussing this week’s events in too much detail, I must ask, do you remember the last time we met in a London park?”
Elizabeth’s whole body seemed to quiver with excitement. Her eyes sparkled as she replied, “When I met Miss Darcy? And impertinently passed along a letter?”
