Page 19 of Painted with Love

Chapter 7

In Gracechurch Street, the dinner at Mr Darcy’s house was still the main subject of conversation. Elizabeth reflected on it often, wondering whether she was more thrilled or anxious about it. Less than a month had passed since the dreadful marriage proposal, and she wondered how her opinion and her feelings could have changed so much in such a short time. She also wondered why her opinion of him had been so ill in the first place since her uncle and aunt spoke so highly of him. Her heart was pounding just thinking of him, and as much as she tried to keep her expectations under good regulation, there were still slim hopes that all his attention was meant for her.

He had certainly made amends for his errors, helping Mr Bingley reunite with Jane. Mr Darcy had the strength to admit his faults and remedy them.

Elizabeth had heard Lady Catherine and Mr Collins mention an engagement between Mr Darcy and Anne de Bourgh, but she knew it was not true. If it had been, he would not have proposed to her at Rosings. Was it possible that his feelings for her persisted? Could such a man forget and forgive such a harsh rejection and the accusations that had accompanied it and propose a second time? Would any man be so generous?

There were still many things she did not know about Mr Darcy, but her limited knowledge suggested that, by his nature and education, he might be precisely the sort of man best suited to her. They were different in every sense, but perhaps that would allow them to complete each other. If only it was not too late for such reflections. But, if he did not want a particular connection with her, why would he invite them to dine at his house? He had already done enough to bring Mr Bingley back to Jane, so there was no need for further involvement on his part unless he wished it. Apparently, he did.

Two days after his first visit, Mr Bingley called again, this time alone. Jane was delighted to see him, and Mrs Gardiner allowed them a little privacy in the drawing-room. This time both the gentleman and the lady were more voluble, less distressed, and by the time Mr Bingley left, Jane was all smiles.

Mr Bingley surprised them again on the day of the dinner party when he called at Gracechurch Street as they were readying themselves for the evening.

“I have come to accompany you to Darcy’s house,” he said, confusing them all. “Darcy and the colonel have an unexpected engagement. They might not return until after we arrive, but Miss Darcy is there, expecting us.”

The statement caused utter puzzlement, and Elizabeth felt chills of worry.

“So, Mr Darcy is not at home? Did something happen?”

“Since we are all acquainted with the subject, I think I am allowed to speak of it. Mr Wickham is in town. Darcy and the colonel met with him last night, but I understand the scoundrel attempted extortion of some sort, and things…took a turn for the worse.”

“A turn for the worse? What do you mean?” Elizabeth asked, a shard of ice in her chest.

“Darcy would probably not want you to know — it is not a subject to discuss with ladies — but apparently he lost his temper and…”

“Mr Bingley, please speak plainly. We are truly worried,” Elizabeth said.

“Darcy lost his temper, and Wickham was the recipient of it.”

“I see… Well — I am sure Mr Darcy lost his temper for good reason,” Mr Gardiner replied. “From the little I know of the subject, I cannot blame him. If Mr Darcy is busy, perhaps it would be best if we postpone the dinner?”

“Oh no, that is precisely the reason why I am here. Everything is arranged, and you are expected,” he insisted.

“Very well, then,” Mrs Gardiner said. “I shall go and say goodbye to the children, then we may depart.”

“Will your sisters be attending the dinner?” Jane enquired.

“No,” Mr Bingley replied hastily. “It will be quite some time before Darcy issues an invitation to them and I allow them to accept it.”

“I see…” Jane whispered.

The encounter between Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham, although presented in a light tone, distressed Elizabeth. She did not know Mr Wickham was in London and wondered about the gentlemen’s confrontation. Why would Mr Darcy even meet that wretch if not to throw him in prison, as he deserved? She was slightly reassured knowing the colonel was with him; otherwise, she expected the worst from the man she had once considered a friend. While she fought all sorts of worries, she realised how important Mr Darcy’s well-being was to her and how it pained her to know he could be in danger. Although still confused about her feelings, she had to admit they existed and seemed to be growing stronger every day.

For the whole of the ride across town, Elizabeth remained restless, with a tightness in her chest that remained till the moment they reached their destination. In front of the house, Mr Bingley stepped down and handed the ladies out. Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth observed the gentleman offer Jane his arm and her accept it; all signs indicated that, in regard to her sister and her admirer, there were no more reasons for concern.

They entered, and Elizabeth looked about, but she barely noticed anything. Her main interest was in the master, who apparently was still missing. Instead, Miss Darcy and an older lady welcomed them, and Mr Bingley performed the introductions.

Miss Darcy seemed very young, and she was exceedingly pretty. Her manners were restrained, and her timidity made her search for support from her companion, Mrs Annesley, but her little smile and gentle voice showed friendliness.

They all moved to the drawing-room, and the conversation was awkward for a few minutes until Mrs Gardiner mentioned Lambton and Pemberley — and Miss Darcy’s face brightened with obvious delight.

“I am so happy to finally meet you,” Miss Darcy declared. “My brother has spoken very highly of you.”

“It was a great privilege for us to meet Mr Darcy and now you,” Mrs Gardiner said.

The conversation continued for a while; Elizabeth glanced through the window at every sound of a carriage.

“Perhaps we should dine,” Miss Darcy said. “It is what my brother advised me to do if he was late. I shall ring the bell.”