Page 41 of Bitterness of Spirit

The tumult of Elizabeth’s mind was allayed by this conversation. She had shared the secrets that had weighed on her for several days and nights, and she was certain of a willing listener in Jane whenever she might wish to discuss them again.

But there was still something troubling her, of which prudence forbade the disclosure. She dared not relate the other half of Mr. Darcy’s letter nor explain to her sister how sincerely she had been valued by his friend. She saw no reason to pain her sister more.

If Mr. Bingley should ever happen to appear in their lives again, she would know how to deal with him. She might well give him a piece of her mind too, just as she planned to do with Wickham. What use can a man have to be honest, honourable, and amiable if he is weak and undecided and cannot fight for his love even against his friends and family?

After all, Mr. Darcy was ready to do so!

***

The benefits of staying in a house just across from Hyde Park was of no use to Elizabeth on the first days of her arrival in Town since it rained steadily the entire time.

However, the delight of being together with her sister and relatives was no less. She spent equal time talking to Jane and her aunt while Maria proved to be joyful company for the Gardiner children.

In the impressive house, the library soon became Elizabeth’s favourite room. The books were inherited from the late owner, and Elizabeth spotted some interesting pieces that excited her curiosity.

Mr. Wilson admitted he was not a great reader. He did spend a great deal of time there with Mr. Gardiner, mostly talking, and they always invited Elizabeth to join them.

Mr. Wilson’s plans for the last part of the Season differed from books and readings. He purchased tickets to all opera and theatre plays although he confessed he was more interested in meeting people than sitting on a chair and watching hours of actors’ performances in a large room lacking in fresh air and space.

He also decided—with much excitement—to host a private ball in a fortnight with the most illustrious of London society in attendance.

“I wish it to be something the ton will remember,” he said. “The Duke of York will be the most important guest, and I trust his presence will foster the acceptance of many peers.”

“But, Mr. Wilson, may I ask: Why do you want to do that?” Elizabeth inquired daringly. “To me, inviting people you do not know and likely will not even like is a waste of time and money.”

“Perhaps, my dear Miss Elizabeth. And yet, it is an event I have planned for a long while, and it must to be done. I count on you ladies to be there and to charm everybody with your beauty and spirit,” Drake Wilson said.

“Well, that I cannot promise,” Elizabeth laughed. “The part with the beauty and the charm, I mean; otherwise, I look forward to a ball or a party, especially one with such exquisite guests present.”

Drake Wilson smiled. “My sister made an appointment with a modiste. Please indulge me and order everything Madeleine has on her list. It is a personal favour that I ask of you.”

“Sir, I am torn between thanking you for your generosity and being embarrassed by the extent to which you spoil us,” Jane said shyly.

“Nonsense,” the gentleman replied. “I want everything to be perfect, and I pride myself on having such an admirable sister and nieces. I wish people to see that.”

“You are too kind. And we shall help you in any way you want so everything will be perfect,” Mrs. Gardiner uttered.

“And Miss Elizabeth—I understand you plan to take a trip to the lakes with Madeleine and Edward in July,” Mr. Wilson continued. “I shall join you as far as Derbyshire. I wish to spend some time in Lambton; I have dearly missed the place I spent my youth.”

“That would be lovely,” Elizabeth replied, her voice trembling slightly as the recollected Lambton was only a few miles from Pemberley. Her mind made the connection, and her distress increased.

“Perhaps you will have a chance to finally see Pemberley too.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled at her, causing Elizabeth’s heart to beat faster. She glanced at Jane, who was sharing her torment and tried to encourage her with a tentative smile.

“One cannot be in the neighbourhood and miss seeing Pemberley. It is a place that one cannot easily forget,” Mr. Wilson declared. “I plan to see it too, and certainly I plan to speak to the young master. Sadly, I have not heard favourable things about him, but since he is the son of George Darcy, he deserves the consideration of my introducing myself.”

A few minutes passed; then finally Elizabeth said,” It is difficult to have a correct opinion about someone you have only met several times. Things you hear about someone can be reliable or not.”

“True. That is why I am reluctant to trust anything that I cannot testify to myself. Well, anyway—until then, we shall surely have many opportunities to settle this matter too. I look forward to Mr. Bennet’s arrival. I wonder how he prefers to amuse himself when in London.”

“Reading in the library,” Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner replied together then laughed loudly.

To Elizabeth, it was a relief that the subject was changed. She could conceal her torment and struggled not to think of Pemberley and its master again. At least for the time being.

***

The third day began as poorly as the previous ones, rainy and windy. In the afternoon, though, while the gentlemen were at their club and Mrs. Gardiner supervised the children for an afternoon nap, the rain suddenly stopped. The clouds dissipated, and the sun appeared. Within half an hour, the weather turned mild, warm, and bright—perfect for a walk.

“I am going out,” Elizabeth told Jane and Maria. “I cannot spend a single moment longer inside. Will you join me? Hyde Park must be wonderful. I heard the Regent’s Park was designed last year, and I have dreamed of seeing it since then. It must be lovely already, but I am sure it will be spectacular in the summer.”