Page 5 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Darcy, you surprise me with such words. Exceptional in what way?”

“In every way: in beauty, in character, in education, in wit, and in spirit.”

“I am all astonishment. But I imagine she shares the same flaws as her sister: the family, the manners, and so forth.”

“Indeed.”

“You said her family property is entailed to a cousin—did I understand you correctly? Her father is a gentleman then?”

“Yes. And the cousin is no less than Aunt Catherine’s clergyman—and one of the most ridiculous men that ever lived.”

“But, Darcy, why would a gentleman’s daughter not be enough for Bingley? And a beautiful one, with no apparent faults of her own. Come now—Bingley’s father made his fortune in trade. He should be happy with such an alliance.”

“Yes, but there were other more important considerations…as I just told you, and I shall not repeat them.”

“I can imagine poor Bingley’s disappointment when you presented all these arguments.”

“He was disappointed. But I congratulate myself for saving him from a most imprudent marriage, one he would have regretted in less than a year.”

“Upon my word, Darcy. For someone who has never been in love, you seem to me quite arrogant to interfere so profoundly in your friend’s life. How can you be confident that the young lady did not share his affection? Did you hear her say as much? And how can you be sure that he would have regretted his marriage in a year? What if you are wrong and ruined his happiness—and hers?”

Darcy needed a moment to compose himself. “I observed her closely—both of them. And her mother. Her heart is not easily touched. She accepted his attention with serenity. Her smile was beautiful, but she had the same expression for everyone. I am sure I was not wrong in my judgment.”

“It is good that you can make peace with such a decision. I hope the future will prove you right. And Bingley must not have been deeply in love if he allowed himself to be dissuaded so easily.”

“I cannot reproach myself; everything I did was for Bingley’s benefit, Richard.”

“Cousin, I have not the smallest doubt that you believe that. And I do not suspect you of any ill intention, but I am afraid of a genuine mistake that might affect other people’s lives in a way you did not intend nor anticipate—and will not be able to remedy.”

“I am not so arrogant as to not take such a risk under consideration, Richard. But I pray it is not the case. And by the way, another mutual acquaintance was in the neighbourhood whose presence made me happy to depart: Wickham.”

“Wickham? Why on earth was that scoundrel there? He is like some horrible disease you cannot get rid of it until you take drastic measures.”

“He had joined the militia. Can you imagine anything more ridiculous? With the same impertinence and the same deception, he made his way into the regiment. The families in the area found him a most pleasant companion. I would not be surprised if he used his charms on more than one innocent young woman.”

“So what did you do?”

“What could I do? The moment he saw me, he must have begun spreading falsehoods about me. I only met him once by chance. When Bingley hosted a ball, Wickham at least had the decency not to attend.”

“You should have said something—warned people about him.”

“And tell them what, Richard? Half of the truth is not enough to reveal his character, and the entire truth cannot be disclosed. He could as easily say something malicious about Georgiana if I were to say anything against him. I could not start a war of gossip and accusations with him in a strange neighbourhood where people do not know me well. I could not expose my sister to a danger of that kind.”

“I understand your reasoning. But how much longer shall we allow him to use his schemes and have his own way? We must find a solution.”

“I shall—if he ever crosses paths with me again or disturbs me in any way. I hope he is wise enough to stay as far away as possible. Now—would you like to join me for breakfast?”

Chapter 2

Longbourn, December 21st

It rained from dawn until midnight, by which time the rain turned to snow, which soon covered the ground. Then strong wind joined the snow, becoming a blizzard. The frozen world kept the Bennets and Gardiners inside and discouraged guests.

But for Elizabeth, winter’s cold was as appealing as summer’s warmth, and a stroll in the garden was always inviting. With intense preparations for Christmas Eve—split between her sisters, her younger cousins, and her mother’s demands—she only had the chance for a solitary walk before dinner.

As soon as she ventured outside, her smile of delight was washed away by the wind-whipped snow falling on her face. Still, she moved towards the backyard, her spirit aroused by the fresh, cold air. Her feet soon froze, her half boots offering little protection against the slippery ground. Nevertheless, she felt joyful and eager to walk even further until the storm’s fierceness defeated her playful disposition and forced her to retreat towards the house. At that time of year, darkness came early, and the curtain of snow and fiercely blowing wind allowed her to see as little as she could hear.

However, a slight noise stopped her at the door, and she saw a carriage of significant size stop at the main gate. A person of large stature and impressive posture stepped decidedly towards her. When he was close enough, she realized he was a complete stranger; his clothes were of the latest fashion and complemented his apparent self-confidence. Though she certainly had never seen him before, he wore a trace of familiarity that puzzled her.