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“We intend to arrive in Derbyshire in a week or so,” Mr Gardiner finally said, amused by those young people who did not know how to express their feelings.

The silence became awkward until Darcy interjected and decided to resolve the matter, or at least Bingley’s difficulties.

“I had extended an invitation to Bingley to join us at Pemberley, as he has done for the last four years. However, he has decided to return to Hertfordshire. Although…he is unsure whether his neighbours would welcome him back and wished to ask your opinion, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth gazed at him, taken aback. Was he asking for her opinion on such a delicate matter? She hesitated, casting her eyes from Darcy to Bingley and back again before finally replying, “I am confident that all the neighbours would be interested in welcoming Mr Bingley back. Do you intend to stay for an extended period?”

“That is certain. I have plans for a longer stay, even late into the autumn and winter,” Mr Bingley said, his face reddening, his grin growing wider, much to the amusement of those present. “I mean to remain there as long as necessary! It was a poor decision to leave in the first place.”

“Then, Mr Bingley, the sooner you decide to go, the better!” Mrs Gardiner said with that tender voice meant to restore the poor man’s peace of mind and soul.

“I am ready to leave!” Bingley shouted, and finally, his smile became more joyful.

“In that case, I am counting on your visit to Pemberley, as it appears that I shall be alone with Georgiana,” Darcy addressed the gathering. Elizabeth simply nodded while Mr Gardiner assured him that their plans had been adjusted accordingly.

“Mr Bingley, may I enquire when you intend to depart for Hertfordshire?” Elizabeth asked.

“Tomorrow! I have already instructed my staff to prepare the house,” he replied.

“I see. Would you be so kind as to inform my father that we are well and ready to depart from Town?” Elizabeth requested.

“Of course! As soon as I arrive,” he replied, smiling so happily that Elizabeth almost wanted to embrace him like a child. He was plainly eager to return to Netherfield, and she wanted to tell him, “Just go, Jane is also eager to see you, and you make a delightful couple!”

She sought Darcy’s gaze, hoping he could see how happy she was that he had persuaded Bingley to return. As anyone could see, both Jane and Bingley had been wretched while separated. Elizabeth had been unjust in some of the accusations she had levelled against Darcy. Still, she was not mistaken in blaming him for removing Bingley from Jane’s company and destroying their blossoming attachment.

The visit lasted only an hour. Still, it was the most satisfying and fulfilling visit the Gardiners had experienced in years. With newfound determination and honesty, and with some help from his friend, Mr Bingley could put an end to the agony and sorrow his departure had inflicted on Jane. It was not a matter of finding love but finding peace before anything else, and an explanation from him could have that effect.

Elizabeth did not converse much with Darcy, but at that stage of their acquaintance there was no need for words of explanation; his actions had been sufficient. He did everything in his power to make amends for his past mistakes, and Elizabeth was ready to forgive and forget. The hardest part remained: making peace with her own behaviour, yet she hoped he had seen that she had changed too.

“Bingley is departing for Netherfield,” Darcy whispered just before leaving, as if he wanted to ensure that she grasped the significance of that journey.

Looking at him in surprise, she saw a plea in his eyes. “Yes, thank you! It does not matter how it ends…the important thing is for them to find peace.”

“Only for them?” he asked.

Elizabeth blushed slightly at that question, which was the most daring she could imagine. She smiled sweetly instead of answering, and he took it as the answer he wanted, so he leaned towards her and whispered, “I hope to see you at Pemberley!”

Chapter 5

Darcy remained still and silent in the carriage taking them home, glad Bingley did not accompany them, as he was not in the mood for conversation. He was often silent, yet a new frown on his forehead worried Georgiana.

“Have I displeased you in any way, dear brother?” she enquired, eager to engage him in dialogue and dispel the dark thoughts that evidently plagued him.

Darcy regarded her as though just roused from sleep, attempting to smile and comfort his sister. “My dear, there is not a man prouder of his sister than I am of you! I merely have some personal dilemmas I must resolve. Please forgive me if I have been inconsiderate towards you—”

“No!” Georgiana interrupted him, her countenance beaming. “You could never be inconsiderate towards me or any other person. However, I must admit that you have seemed sad and preoccupied, and it causes me anxiety.”

“There is no need,” he replied, forcing a smile, but the pallid expression on his face did not deceive his sister.

When they lost their father too, she was ten, and he had to take the place of both parents, becoming more of a father than a brother. She was exceedingly grateful for his dedication and even his authority, which he had to exert on occasion, as when he prevented Wickham from carrying out his nefarious plan…yet she was no longer a little girl. She desired to cultivate a different attachment with him based more on brotherly companionship than parental authority. But she did not know how to express this to him.

“I am saddened that you do not feel you can lean on me when you need to!” Georgiana said, blushing at her audacity.

He looked at her in surprise; she was the little girl weeping at their father’s funeral, whom he held in his arms for a long period. Nevertheless, in the carriage before him was a young lady who had made her debut in society just a winter ago and could now entertain thoughts of a spouse and marriage. He wanted to dismiss that sentiment, but it persisted increasingly as he gazed upon her. She was his sister, not his daughter, and perhaps she longed for a brother to advise her, not a father to supervise her.

This time, he smiled a genuine smile borne of his profound love for her. “At times, I forget that you are now an accomplished young lady and not the girl who rode a pony on Pemberley’s lanes.”

Overjoyed by his words, Georgiana could only nod, blushing with pleasure.