Page 38 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Then perhaps you could join them in Town for more excitement?” Elizabeth replied.

Anne glanced at her. “That is very unlikely—but not impossible. Richard insisted I stay with Aunt Fitzwilliam for a month.”

“And will you?”

“No, indeed. Mama would never approve,” Anne said. “Will you visit Mrs. Collins again, Miss Bennet?”

“I might—if Charlotte will have me.” She smiled. “Rosings is so beautiful; I would be happy to see it again.”

“I hope so. I would be pleased to see you again, Miss Bennet.”

“Likewise, Miss de Bourgh. It was an honour and a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The stroll and conversation were short, but Elizabeth felt many other things remained unspoken. She knew not how to insist, and Anne seemed unwilling to speak more, so they took their farewell in front of the house. Mrs. Jenkinson quickly returned while Mr. Collins ran after the carriage until it made the corner of the park.

Lady Catherine sent a note to wish them a good journey and invited them to come to Hunsford again next year. Mr. Collins was so insistent on having his noble patroness pleased that Elizabeth was forced to promise she would return to comply with her ladyship’s request.

In the evening, a large, elegant carriage stopped in front of the parsonage, surprising the Collinses. It obviously belonged to Mr. Wilson, Elizabeth observed. Three men exited, presenting themselves as Mr. Wilson’s staff, prepared to take the young ladies to Town. Maria was so impressed that she forgot to breathe.

For Elizabeth, the joy of soon being with the people dear to her heart overcame the sadness and distress of the last days. She knew it was not over. She knew she would think of Mr. Darcy and his proposal, as well as of her unfair judgement, countless times. But at least she would be with Jane and would find comfort and wisdom to temper her.

That night, she found a few hours of sleep, enough to wake in higher spirits, ready for their journey, and eager to trade Rosings for London.

Chapter 10

“Good gracious!” cried Maria, as the carriage left Hunsford behind. “It seems but a day or two since we first came, and yet how many things have happened!”

“A great many indeed,” said Elizabeth with a sigh.

“How much I shall have to tell!” Maria said animatedly.

Elizabeth privately added, “And how much I shall have to conceal.”

Their journey was performed with little conversation and no alarm, and within three hours of their leaving Hunsford, they reached London. Elizabeth looked outside to see the familiar surroundings but was surprised to see they were driving along the edge of Hyde Park. She said nothing, assuming the coachmen knew their duties. At length, they stopped on a street Elizabeth had never been before, in front of an impressive, white building. Before they had time to ask, the door opened, and Jane ran to greet her, followed by Mrs. Gardiner and her four children.

“Lizzy dearest, I am so happy to see you!” Jane uttered, embracing her tenderly while her cousins cried their joy as well.

“Welcome, Lizzy darling. And Miss Lucas—please enter,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

“But, Aunt, where are we?” Elizabeth asked, puzzled, as Maria looked around with astonishment.

“It is my brother’s house, my dear—the one he rented a couple of months ago.”

“I knew Mr. Wilson rented a house on Park Lane, but I did not recognize the street as we came by carriage. I wonder if I have ever walked in this part of Hyde Park. This is…much more than I imagined.”

“Indeed, Lizzy. And wait to see the rooms; they are truly wonderful. Extraordinary,” Jane said.

“This is as beautiful as Rosings,” Maria whispered, lost for words. “I have never lived in such a house. May I stay here too? Or do I have to return to Meryton?”

Mrs. Gardiner patted her hand kindly. “Of course you may stay, dear. Everything is according to plan except the location. I prepared some refreshments; you must be hungry. Then I shall show you to your chambers so you can refresh yourselves and perhaps rest a little before dinner. We have many things to discuss and plenty of time to do so.”

“But, Aunt, will we not go home today?” Elizabeth asked.

“Home? To Gracechurch Street? No, my darling. We shall stay here for the time being. There was a tragedy in our neighbourhood,” Mrs. Gardiner explained as she invited them into the drawing room.

Puzzled, Elizabeth glanced around at the large, impressive chamber, realizing it could host a small private ball. At her aunt’s words, she gasped.

“What tragedy?” she inquired.