Page 15 of Painted with Love

“I just returned to London last night,” Bingley added, his voice hesitant. “I was shocked when Darcy told me Miss Bennet had been in town for several months. I was completely unaware of her presence here. If I had known, I would certainly have called a long time ago.”

“Jane and my aunt visited your sisters, so we assumed they would have informed you,” Elizabeth said, and Bingley paled even further.

“They did not. I am very sorry… There was a sort of …misunderstanding…”

“I am sure there was,” Mrs Gardiner offered graciously. “We are all happy to finally have you here, Mr Bingley. And the colonel and Mr Darcy, of course.”

Fortunately, Mrs Gardiner and her husband possessed excellent conversational skills, and with Colonel Fitzwilliam’s help, the atmosphere soon became more relaxed. Elizabeth spoke to the colonel, and Darcy watched their easy, animated chatter. His cousin had been charmed by Elizabeth from the very beginning, and the feeling seemed to be mutual.

Bingley hardly spoke a few words; he only glanced often at Jane Bennet, who seemed unwilling to meet his eyes.

“It was such a pleasure to meet Miss Elizabeth in Kent,” the colonel said. “Darcy and I visit our aunt Lady Catherine twice a year, but our visits are rarely — if ever — as pleasant as the last one was.”

“You flatter me, Colonel,” Elizabeth said, laughing. “I know it is not entirely true, but I am glad to know I was pleasant company.”

“It is entirely true,” Darcy heard himself saying before he minded his words.

Elizabeth cast a quick look at him, and his eyes met hers briefly.

“You cannot have any doubts if Darcy seconds my pronouncement,” the colonel said in jest. “We all know he is not accustomed to flattery.”

“Indeed. Mr Darcy is always honest, even when he is wrong,” Elizabeth said, and a little smile appeared on her lips.

“I cannot argue with you, Miss Elizabeth, though I am not sure whether you are intending a compliment or a reproach,” Darcy said. The mere fact that she had smiled at him and teased him was enough to delight him.

“It was certainly not a reproach, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth replied, the little smile still on her lips.

The visit lasted almost two hours — and Darcy hardly noticed the time passing. Minute by minute, Bingley seemed to regain his spirits and Jane Bennet the colour in her cheeks and her serene countenance. A slight feeling of jealousy grew inside Darcy as he watched his cousin talking to Elizabeth with so much ease. At times, her glances turned to him, and their eyes met, but they did not exchange more than a few words.

When they were ready to leave, Darcy was surprised by Elizabeth approaching him and asking in a low voice, “Mr Darcy, is Miss Darcy well? Was everything settled?”

“Almost…to both your questions, Miss Elizabeth. I am not quite sure how to best settle things. As you know better than anyone else, there are many details to be considered.”

“I imagined as much. I wrote to my father and warned him about Mr Wickham. He is no danger to my family, for we have nothing of interest to him. But I do not want my parents or sisters to consider him a friend any longer.”

“Very wise of you, Miss Elizabeth. Hopefully, Wickham will not be around your family for too long.”

“Miss Elizabeth, it was a pleasure to see you, as always. I hope we can meet again before you leave London.”

“We would like that very much, Colonel. We shall leave by the end of next week,” Elizabeth said.

Darcy needed a moment; he breathed deeply and suddenly said, surprising even himself, “Mrs Gardiner, Mr Gardiner, would you consider having dinner at my house, together with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, of course, before their departure?” As he spoke, he stole a glance at Elizabeth and noticed her flushed cheeks.

“We would certainly be delighted and honoured, Mr Darcy!” Mr Gardiner replied.

“Most certainly,” Mrs Gardiner agreed enthusiastically.

“Excellent,” he uttered. “Of course, Bingley and the colonel will be there too, as well as my sister.”

“It will be a great pleasure to make Miss Darcy’s acquaintance.” Elizabeth finally voiced the acceptance that Darcy so longed to hear.

“Perhaps in three days’ time, if that is agreeable to you all?” Darcy suggested.

“Very agreeable. We have no other fixed engagements,” Mr Gardiner said.

With that, the three men left the house. At the door, Darcy cast another glance towards Elizabeth and noticed the smile not only on her lips but in her eyes.