Page 5 of The Sole Love

“While you…you are polite and considerate unless someone is annoying you…”

Mrs Gardiner did not finish her sentence, as Elizabeth was already nodding.

“I tend to answer in a hurry and tease or hurt others in the same manner. I am so sorry I did not control that fault of mine sooner.”

Mrs Gardiner caressed her hands with tenderness. It was impossible not to love Elizabeth exactly as she was. “I think, my dear, that your understanding is remarkable—”

“When it is too late.”

“It is perhaps too late for that gentleman, but your adult life has just begun. There will be many circumstances in which you will need this new way of facing people or events.”

They sat in silence for a while before Mrs Gardiner continued in her kind, comforting voice. “Now, let some time pass. It will be good for both of you. I am sure Mr Darcy is also reflecting on your discussion. He is too intelligent not to see that he offended you and your family and failed to propose in the way a man in love should.”

“I still cannot accept that he should think of us in such a way and that this relationship between us should end like this, in anger.”

“The relationship between you?” Mrs Gardiner asked, rather surprised.

Elizabeth blushed slightly. “Do not think that I regret in any way my decision not to become his wife, but there is a relationship between us because I have gone further with him than with any other man—”

“And Mr Collins?” Mrs Gardiner said with a hint of playfulness, wishing to lessen the intensity she could still sense in Elizabeth.

Elizabeth made a small gesture with her hand, her lips tightening with disdain. “Mr Collins! My only relationship with him is that he will take Longbourn. No, with Mr Darcy it was entirely different. His serious proposal has bound us for life. He is the first man who has loved me and wanted me for his wife. That is what constitutes our relationship.”

“But I am sure he is in love, and he will not renounce you so easily.”

At that moment, Elizabeth took a letter from her pocket and gave it to her aunt.

“I do not think that is possible. My answer was so violent, and my refusal sounded wholly unalterable…and offensive.”

Mrs Gardiner sighed and looked at the letter; her face grew increasingly pale as she read.

“He is in love with you no matter how repellent your answer was.”

“You are saying that only to make me feel better.”

“No. I only do that with Jane, and I am ready to tell her any candid lie to do so, but you—you are a strong young woman who has to learn from her mistakes and make progress in every circumstance.”

“I do not know what to say. You may be right. I feel better now.”

“Nothing is lost. I hope you will meet him again, and this time you will both be calmer and wiser.”

“Where do you think I could possibly meet him?”

“At Lord Mansfield’s, for example.”

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, evidently troubled by a thought. “But then how is it that you have not met Mr Bingley before now?”

“Because Mr Bingley does not move in Lord Mansfield’s circle. It is as simple as that. Whereas I can easily ask Lady Mansfield whether she happens to know Mr Darcy, the nephew of the Earl of Matlock.”

Chapter 3

The next morning, after breakfast, Mrs Gardiner invited her nieces into the parlour. They would be alone, as the children had left for a walk with their governess and nanny.

Mrs Gardiner observed Jane, who arrived first. Her attitude was unchanged, with the same sadness on her face, but she had ended up dressing like a spinster rather than a young woman ready to find a husband. Perhaps Mr Gardiner had been a little abrupt in expressing himself, but he was not wholly wrong. Her situation had to change. Mr Bingley had departed from Netherfield months ago, and it was time for Jane to bloom again.

“Please sit, my dears,” Mrs Gardiner said gently, though both girls barely smiled. “Today we are going to shop for beautiful things because tomorrow evening we are going to the theatre.” As Jane prepared to protest, Mrs Gardiner decided it was time to stop treating her like fine porcelain.

“Jane, your uncle has been clear. We have an invitation from Lord Mansfield, and we shall not refuse such an amiable gesture. Lord Mansfield insisted that we bring our nieces, so we want you to look your best and be extremely kind to him, as he is your uncle’s partner.”