Chapter Sixty-Six

I t lacked but two days until Christmas when Mr. Darcy and Mr. Richard Fitzwilliam – now no longer a Colonel – were on their way to Meryton. Mr. Fitzwilliam was in the jolliest of humours as he waxed poetic as to his future with the lovely Miss Jane Bennet.

Mr. Darcy only half-listened to his cousin's jubilant exclamations, but managed to nod at the appropriate times, thus escaping censor.

He was thinking of Miss Elizabeth.

It had been weeks since he had last seen her, but she had never been far from his thoughts. Had she thought of him? Or had she forgotten him? Perhaps an eligible young man had moved into the neighbourhood and had courted her? Or perhaps she had decided that Mr. Darcy would never be able to release his anger, and had decided against him permanently? Or perhaps she had come to realise that anger and love could indeed reside in the same heart? And could Miss Elizabeth not help him diffuse that anger? Perhaps she had reconsidered her position!

When the carriage pulled up to Netherfield Park, Mr. Fitzwilliam leapt from his seat, with Mr. Darcy following far more sedately. Mr. Bingley appeared immediately to welcome them.

"Darcy! Colonel!"

"Colonel no longer," Mr. Fitzwilliam corrected him.

"You have resigned your commission, then?"

"Yes; I have done my share for king and country."

It was clear that Mr. Bingley bore his ex-rival no ill will, as he clapped Mr. Fitzwilliam on the back and said, "You have done more than your share, Fitzwilliam, and I thank you for it."

The three men went into the house. Georgiana Bingley was awaiting them at the entryway, looking nervous. But her cousin gave her no time to fret, as he hugged her immediately, saying, "Georgiana, you look beautiful! Country living always did agree with you."

Flushed with pleasure, Mrs. Bingley then turned hopefully to her brother, who placed an arm about her shoulders rather awkwardly and merely murmured, "Georgiana."

"I have refreshments in the drawing room," Mrs. Bingley said, quietly.

Mr. and Mrs. Hurst were awaiting the guests, and rose to their feet when everyone entered the drawing room. After bows, curtsies, and the usual enquiries about the journey, the two travelers were made to feel welcome with cups of tea, cucumber sandwiches and apple tarts.

"I do not recall these being offered here at Netherfield before; they are delicious," Mr. Fitzwilliam said, reaching for his third tart.

Mrs. Hurst smiled at him. "Apple tarts are a family recipe. They are a favorite of my brother and myself, and my new sister likes them very much as well. Caroline never cared for them, which is why you did not have the opportunity to enjoy them when she… " And here she trailed off. There was a moment's silence, as no-one knew quite what to say about Miss Bingley.

"They are now quite a favourite of mine as well," Mr. Fitzwilliam said, hastily. "Darcy?"

"Eh? Oh, yes, quite good," was the absent-minded reply.

"Georgiana is invited to Longbourn this afternoon," Mr. Bingley commented. "But I thought perhaps we might all go."

"I am ready now," Mr. Fitzwilliam said, standing up immediately.

The company laughed at him, good-naturedly. "Sit down, Colonel – er, Fitzwilliam – no one else is ready to leave just yet," Mr. Bingley said.

Mr. Fitzwilliam chuckled and took his seat. "Very well; but I am ready at any time."

***

It was a full hour before everyone was ready, but finally Mr. Bingley, Mrs. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam were in the Bingley carriage, headed for Longbourn. Mr. Fitzwilliam was in high spirits, but the rest of the company were rather quieter. Mrs. Bingley was considering the fact that her brother was interested in her new friend Elizabeth; Mr. Darcy was wondering how Miss Elizabeth would receive him after these many weeks; Mr. Bingley, much to his credit, was concerned only for his wife's comfort.

Once ushered into Longbourn's parlour, the company was offered refreshments by Mrs. Bennet, which were declined. Mr. Darcy made a beeline for Miss Elizabeth. How lovely she was! How her eyes danced, how her hair shone in the winter sunlight coming through the window! His heart beat fast as she rose to greet him, blushing rosily.

"May I sit beside you?" he asked, quietly.

"I hope you will," she replied, smiling at him.

"Have you been well, Miss Elizabeth?"

"Very well, I thank you, although –"

"Although?"

"Not entirely well in spirits. I rather missed a certain gentleman."

Mr. Darcy smiled broadly at her; his entire countenance, often rather severe, lit up. "And I missed a certain young lady." He glanced about; the other inhabitants of the parlour were busy with their own conversations. "Would it be too much to ask that we walk in the garden? Doubtless there are blooms worth visiting."

She laughed at him. "It is almost Christmas and the garden is quite barren, but I think everyone will understand."

Mr. Darcy addressed his hostess. "Mrs. Bennet, I thought I might escort Miss Elizabeth on a short walk, despite the chill. Would that be acceptable?"

Mr. Fitzwilliam added his own request. "And I thought Miss Bennet and I might do the same."

Mrs. Bennet assented readily, and the two couples soon made their way out through the kitchen door to the back garden. Leaving Mr. Fitzwilliam and Jane at their customary bench, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth found privacy behind the rosebushes. Mr. Darcy began, "I have prayed that you would not forget me."

"Your prayers have been efficacious," she assured him. "I have thought of you quite often."

Mr. Darcy stepped forward and took her hands. Despite the cold, neither of them had worn gloves. The skin to skin contact affected both of them deeply, and they each gasped aloud at the other's touch.

Still holding her hands, he whispered. "Miss Elizabeth, I am still very, very angry with my sister. But can you not understand that this anger does not affect my feelings for you? I would very much like –"

She put a finger on his lips. "Speak with your sister, Mr. Darcy. Let the poison in your heart out so that it may dissipate. Only then can we have a future together."

Mr. Darcy's shoulders slumped in disappointment. Silently, they returned to the parlour, where a spirited discussion of the upcoming wedding was in progress. Jane's dress had already been sewn, the flowers had been chosen, the menu for the wedding breakfast decided; in short, all was in readiness. Mr. Fitzwilliam was then asked about Chestnut Creek, and he was happy to speak about his new estate at length.

Mrs. Bennet invited everyone at Netherfield to come to Longbourn for Christmas dinner, and her invitation was immediately and happily accepted.