Page 53 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley—I have long wished to meet you. I have heard so much of you,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

“It is our pleasure, ma’am, I assure you,” Darcy replied politely.

“I just arrived in Town last night,” Bingley interjected. “I did not know Miss Bennet was in London. I mean—all of you. I have spent most of the time at a friend’s estate. I just arrived yesterday…and Darcy informed me…” Bingley stammered.

“I hope you had a pleasant trip,” Mrs. Gardiner offered.

“Yes, pleasant enough, thank you,” Bingley said, his distress increasing as Jane only looked at him with silent beauty. “I just called on Darcy today, and he told me that you were in Town. I did not know that.”

“We understand,” Mrs. Gardiner said with amusement. “It is good you found out eventually.”

“We planned to call on you—on Mr. Wilson, I mean. But Darcy said we should send a note first, and we did. We did not want to disturb you,” Bingley continued, stealing another look at Jane.

“My brother and my husband will be delighted to receive you,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “But may I dare ask, are you acquainted with my brother? How did you know his direction? And how did you discover that we are staying with him? It does not truly matter, but I am curious since we usually live in Gracechurch Street.”

“I did know about Gracechurch Street. Darcy informed me that you are staying with your bother. He knew the direction,” Bingley answered immediately.

All eyes turned to Darcy, and he paled. Only then did he realise he could not explain how he came to be in possession of such knowledge. He could not tell the truth, yet he could not lie.

“Mr. Wilson and I met yesterday—mostly by chance. We spoke for a while, and he mentioned his connection to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. It was a rather fortunate coincidence.”

“I see. Fortunate indeed. Well, we were on our way back home; will you join us?” Mrs. Gardiner inquired. Both gentlemen were dumbfounded by the offer, each looking for a certain lady’s approval.

“We would be honoured,” Bingley said hastily, encouraged by Jane’s shy yet enchanting expression.

Darcy hesitated. “Perhaps it would be more proper to wait for Mr. Wilson’s response.”

“You are more than welcome to enter for a drink,” Mrs. Gardiner insisted.

Darcy tried to meet Elizabeth’s eyes. They were not sparkling or smiling as usual, but she supported her aunt’s invitation with a little smile. It was enough.

“We thank you, ma’am, a drink would be perfect,” he finally agreed.

“My husband and brother should be home soon,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

“I look forward to meeting them,” Bingley declared.

“I hope your sisters are in good health, Mr. Bingley?” Elizabeth asked with pretended interest.

“Yes, very well. I have not seen them much. I was away for almost three months, while they remained in Town. They are not very fond of the country.”

“We noticed that some time ago,” Elizabeth whispered.

The walk back home was almost as uncomfortable as the meeting. Each moved carefully, to avoid touching the other; glances were stolen, questions and answers addressed but barely comprehended.

In front of the manor, Bingley’s surprise was so obvious that Elizabeth could hardly restrain her smile. She briefly wondered whether Lady Catherine de Bourgh or Bingley’s sisters could be invited for a tea or even dinner. She cared little about the richness of the impressive house, but she sensed a strange and selfish satisfaction at the possibility of surprising those who had so readily offended her family in the past.

Darcy was one of them, but somehow, she put that recollection aside. He looked around a moment—until his eyes met hers—then turned his attention towards Mrs. Gardiner.

Once inside, the children were taken by their governess and the gentlemen invited into the drawing room.

Elizabeth unexpectedly wondered whether her appearance was proper after playing with her cousins in the park. She felt Darcy’s gaze on her several times and tried to imagine what he thought of her, while she preferred to talk to Bingley.

During a conversation about country estates, Pemberley was mentioned, and Mrs. Gardiner related her connection to Derbyshire. Mr. Darcy was quickly engaged in a discussion that became light, pleasant, and animated until Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Wilson joined them.

The master was obviously surprised, but he quickly welcomed them and introductions were made again.

Darcy felt the need to explain himself. “Mr. Wilson, we apologize for this impromptu visit. We sent you a note earlier, asking for permission to call. We did not want to intrude.”