“Jane suffers the most, at present, but what if they had succeeded in separating us forever? What if you had decided Miss Bingley was a suitable wife, even if you did not fall in love with her?” Elizabeth asked.
Darcy involuntarily shuddered at the suggestion.
“I cannot even begin to picture what Miss Darcy’s life—”
“Pray, do not.”
Remembering how Bingley had planned to use his gentle, timid sister enraged Darcy so much his hands curled into fists with longing to beat his former friend. He had yet to reconcile himself to twice being fooled by men he had believed trustworthy, although when they were boys, Wickham had been a genuine friend; the same was not true of Bingley.I am thankful I have family I know will never seek to use me or Georgiana, the Bennets amongst them. Rather, they will offer both of us love and companionship. I am truly blessed.
“To marry when one party is lying about such a fundamental thing as their feelings for the other…I do not see how that could lead to anything but misery for both people involved. Men have more freedom than women do when they are bound to an unhappy marriage, and I admit, my anxiety is mostly for any lady who might be tricked by Mr Bingley. It is only a little greater than my worry for a man who married Miss Bingley not knowing what she is.” Elizabeth shook her head and frowned.
Darcy kissed her gloved hand. “I agree with your reasoning. It might be easiest simply to tell what we know to one or two particularly talkative people. The way gossip spreads amongst theton, everyone will hear about it within a week, and I shall be absolved of the need to be on my guard, looking to discover what mischief they are up to.”
Elizabeth laughed, startling him. “You could tell Lord Bramwell he is free to share his thoughts about them. I have the strong impression he would like nothing better than to publish the truth about the Bingleys.”
Darcy grinned. “Hewouldenjoy it. My cousin is very loyal to his family, and extremely fond of Georgiana. Yes, I think you have a very good idea there, my darling Elizabeth. I shall have a word with Bramwell.”
He chuckled and kissed her hand, his mood much improved. “Enough about these serious matters. Are you ready for our departure?”
“I am. Every minute we have been in town has been pleasurable, but I long to be at Longbourn again. There is a great deal I want to do before the wedding, chiefly spending time with my sisters and parents.”
Then, in just a few weeks, Elizabeth would be his wife, and he would take her home. Their happy life together would officially have begun.
CHAPTERFIFTY-EIGHT
Elizabeth was greeted with enthusiasm upon arriving at Longbourn. Darcy received his share of the welcome, but her mother and sisters wanted to hear about everything she had done while in town, the people she had met, et cetera, and the gentlemen soon left them to it, retreating to Mr Bennet’s book-room.
“What did you bring back with you? I want to seeeverything. Our new gowns for the wedding were ordered, you know, but they have not been finished yet,” Lydia said.
“Where did you go shopping? How many dresses did you select? You will need very fine clothes when you are Mrs Darcy. Are you certain you ordered enough evening gowns?” Mrs Bennet’s anxiety was becoming acute, and Elizabeth rushed to soothe her.
“Recall that Mr Darcy’s cousin is also betrothed and has been purchasing her wedding clothes. She is accustomed to his social circle and went shopping with me more than once. Even though I had my aunt’s excellent guidance, Miss Reed gave me added confidence that my wardrobe is adequate for the start of my married life. I promise I shall tell you all about it later. I want to hear about you. Who have you seen during my absence? How have you occupied yourselves?”
She was able to learn a little during that initial conversation, although her mother persisted in raising the subject of the wedding. Elizabeth proposed they set aside time the following morning when the two of them could talk about nothing else. With only a few weeks to go, she knew there would be many tasks to attend to, and she had no intention of shirking her part of it.
Mary and Lydia, with occasional interjections from Mrs Bennet, told her about excursions to Meryton, a few evening parties, and the latest gossip. Jane said very little. Although she smiled when Elizabeth looked her way, she could tell her elder sister’s spirits continued to be depressed. When they went to prepare for dinner, for which Darcy would join them, Elizabeth seized the opportunity to talk to her in private.
“Has anything occurred to distress you, or is it…?” She wanted to avoid saying Mr Bingley’s name if she could. One day, she hoped to erase the memory of him entirely.
Jane sighed. “I do not know what to say exactly. At times, I find it difficult to reconcile myself to thinking poorly of Mr Bingley, although I know that is silly. What does it suggest about me, if I could believe such a man and give him my heart?”
“No one saw him or his sister for what they are. Mr Darcy has known them for years, stayed in their house for weeks, and never imagined they were so false. You must not blame yourself.” Elizabeth hugged her.
Jane’s brow furrowed, and she nibbled her lower lip. “I tell myself that every day, but it has had little effect. I…”
“Go on. Please, do not keep your feelings from me, Jane.”
“I have been wondering if you might have seen him when you were in town. By-by chance, I mean, not as an arranged meeting. Did you?”
Elizabeth had not planned to tell her sister about the encounter with Mr Bingley, but since Jane had asked, she did not feel she had a choice.
“Yes, by chance, he and I saw each other at a warehouse. He approached me, and we exchanged a few words. Do you want to know about our conversation?”
When Jane nodded, Elizabeth described what had happened, and said, “I am glad to know we are safe from seeing him or his sister for the next months, since we go to Derbyshire directly.”
Jane nodded again but remained silent.
“Is there something else troubling you? Do you regret agreeing to go with us?”
