Page 52 of Bitterness of Spirit

Bingley blinked repeatedly. “In Park Lane? But how? For how long has she been in London? Miss Bennet, I mean.”

“For three months, I believe. I am sorry that I did not inform you earlier. It was my fault; I assumed that her presence would do you no good and… It was my fault, and I take the blame for it.”

Bingley’s puzzlement increased. “But…why are you telling me now? It sounds like you want me to meet Miss Bennet although you told me so many times that—”

“Bingley, I deeply apologize. I made an arrogant assumption that I knew the truth and knew what was best for you. I was utterly and completely wrong. I cannot be certain of Miss Bennet’s true feelings for you, but it is only reasonable that you judge them for yourself and decide without any interference.”

“But…but…” Bingley emptied his glass then filled it again and took another stroll around the large library.

“So… she is in Town? And she is residing only a street from here?”

“Yes.”

“How do you know that? Oh, did Miss Elizabeth tell you? You know their direction? Could we call on them? Should we?”

“Bingley, let us calm down a little. I do know their direction. But I am not sure whether we should call. I cannot be certain of our reception after everything that occurred.”

“What do you mean? Oh, yes…”

“However, I have reason to believe you will be welcome,” Darcy encouraged him.

“You think so?”

“I am almost positive. However, I would suggest sending a note to the master of the house and asking him whether we can call and at what time.”

“That would be perfect. Yes, a note is the right thing to do. Would you write it? You have flawless handwriting; mine is terrible.”

***

The weather was so enchanting, that Mrs. Gardiner—with the children, her two nieces, and their friend—decided to spend the afternoon in the park.

After her brief discussion with Mr. Wilson, Elizabeth’s spirits suddenly rose. The fates seemed to have granted Mr. Darcy and her new opportunities to renew their acquaintance under better circumstances. She did not know what would follow, but she felt relieved and grateful for the chance to speak to him reasonably and clarify things that remained unsettled between them.

Light-hearted, spoiled by the sun’s tender brightness, and charmed by the colourful flowers and quiet water, she allowed herself to be caught up in her cousins’ playing and laughing. Maria joined them, and soon their joyous group drew the attention of the other visitors.

An hour passed, and the children’s playfulness did not cease. They knew nothing of fatigue, and their game continued under their mother’s careful watch.

As the time passed, a pleasant chill and a gentle breeze cooled their crimson cheeks, indicating it was time to return home.

The children reluctantly obeyed their mother’s demand to leave, but their talking and laughing continued until they neared the park gate. The ladies watched them run along the path until their attention was caught by another image.

Jane was the first to frown. All Miss Bennet’s composure from the previous day vanished, and it was her turn to seek support from her sister.

Elizabeth’s distress was equally strong, yet of a different nature than a day before. She was surprised, embarrassed, and troubled—but strong enough to curtsey politely to the two gentlemen who bowed to them, all sharing the surprise and awkwardness of the unexpected encounter.

“Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley…”

“Miss Elizabeth, I am so happy to see you. What an extraordinary surprise,” Bingley cried with a large smile that could not conceal his distress. He turned red as he glanced from one lady to the other. “And Miss Bennet! And Miss Lucas! Darcy and I just sent you a note earlier.”

“Not to Miss Lucas, but to Mr. Wilson,” Darcy explained.

Elizabeth laughed; then her face and neck coloured. “Yes, we imagined as much. I hope it was not anything urgent; Mr. Wilson and my uncle are away on business.”

“No, nothing urgent. We just asked Mr. Wilson’s permission to call on him,” Darcy continued, his eyes locking with Elizabeth’s for a heartbeat.

”I am sure he will be happy to see you,” Elizabeth replied daringly. “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, please allow me to introduce my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner.”

The introduction was performed, but the awkwardness did not disappear. Each gentleman struggled to avoid staring at a certain lady while the Bennet sisters each suffered more for the distress of the other than for herself.