Chapter 19

S ince he left Hertfordshire, Darcy had acquired a better understanding of the words missing and longing. And the joy he felt when he saw Elizabeth again proved to him what a significant place she occupied in his heart, in his mind, and in his life. In the first days in London, as Bingley spoke only of his betrothed and of his plans for a quick wedding, Darcy regretted that he had not yet confessed his feelings to Elizabeth. Perhaps he should have proposed. As promised, he assisted Bingley in purchasing a licence, and he felt a slight jealousy that he was not in the same position.

Of course, in the moments when his reason controlled his desires, Darcy knew that the situation was different, that his relationship with Elizabeth was not as old nor as strong as Bingley's with Jane Bennet. Just as he was aware a too hasty proposal might disconcert Elizabeth. He knew patience was better, but his yearning and his eagerness put him in danger of acting imprudently.

On the day of the Bennets' arrival, he felt as eager as a young boy. He counted the hours until the afternoon when he could go to the Matlocks'. His cousins Richard and Anthony were there too, and his uncle looked rather agitated.

"I am very curious to meet Mr Bennet and his family," Richard said. "And amused. I have rarely seen Father so preoccupied about guests."

"I shall only stay to meet and greet them and then go home, as my wife is waiting for me with dinner," Anthony added. "But we shall both come tomorrow evening for the party."

"It will not be a party, only a dinner for our families," Lord Matlock declared. "The Gardiners will come too, and of course Bingley. I am not sure about his sisters."

"We shall be there, Father."

"I know, Anthony. I appreciate that Cecilia wishes to attend, considering she is expecting and not feeling too well. Please tell her to be careful and not exhaust herself."

"I shall, Father. We shall come, and if she feels unwell, we may leave early."

"And you, Darcy? I hope Georgiana will come?"

"Certainly."

"Good."

The time passed even slower for Darcy while he waited. He was engaged in conversation with his uncle and cousins, but his only interest was in Elizabeth.

Bingley joined them at some point, alone and agitated. Darcy smiled; unlike him, his friend was allowed to show his eagerness at seeing his betrothed.

When the guests arrived, however, Darcy had his own reason for joy, though he was more restrained in expressing it. As soon as she stepped down from the carriage, Elizabeth looked at him; their eyes locked and remained so for a few moments. Her lips parted slightly, touched by a little smile, and her cheeks were pink — perhaps from the cold, perhaps for another reason.

Once the Bennets were inside, the bustle began, with Mrs Bennet expressing her amazement and her younger daughters equally voluble.

Elizabeth discreetly took a few steps aside, and Darcy moved near her. He bowed his head slightly, and she nodded.

"Miss Bennet, you had a pleasant journey, I hope?"

"Very much so, Mr Darcy. We are very happy to be here."

"And we are very happy to see you."

"Miss Elizabeth, come here! Let me introduce my sons — Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and Anthony Fitzwilliam, Viscount Hayden."

"Miss Elizabeth, what a pleasure to make your acquaintance! We have heard so much about you!"

Darcy could not speak to Elizabeth privately for the next few hours; the Bennets were invited into the drawing room for some refreshments, then all went to rest in their chambers and change for dinner.

The viscount returned home, but Bingley remained.

"Darcy, will you stay for dinner tonight?" the earl enquired.

"I shall, if you do not mind."

"Bingley, your Miss Bennet is a stunning beauty," the colonel said. "You are quite fortunate to have secured her affection. She will be universally admired wherever she goes, including among the ton. Many men will envy you."

"Yes, she is beautiful. I know I am fortunate," Bingley admitted, slightly agitated.

"Cousin, do not tease poor Bingley about other men," Darcy interjected. "Uncle already did that last month. But I agree — Miss Bennet is beautiful, and he is fortunate that he will marry for affection and mutual regard."

"That is my main goal in life too," the colonel replied, amused. "Unfortunately, I must carefully place my affection and regard on someone with reasonable connections and fortune. Yes, I know I am shallow for giving so much importance to such things. I can already see Darcy's reprimanding glare."

"You are misinterpreting me, Cousin. I know your worth, and I trust your wisdom, though I do not always agree with your words or actions. I wish you to find the happiness you desire."

"And you, Darcy? When will you find your happiness?" Bingley asked.

"Very soon, I hope," Darcy answered after a brief hesitation.

"Really? This is the first time I have heard such an answer from you," the colonel continued. "Does this mean you have already found it? Or will you soon begin the search?"

"Soon means soon, Cousin." Darcy smiled. "If I wished to say more, I would have already done so."

"That is a fair statement. I shall tease Bingley further until dinner is ready."

"That is not a particularly useful activity," Lord Matlock interjected. "You will remain only a tease, and Bingley will remain a man with beautiful betrothed who loves him."

Mr Bennet was the first of his family to return to them, and he gladly accepted a drink.

"Henry, I would say that you have made my wife and daughters happier than I have succeeded in doing in four-and-twenty years of marriage."

"I am sure that is not true." Lord Matlock laughed.

"Do not worry. It was not a complaint, only a fair statement. I just saw your library, so I can also say you have made me happier than I have made myself in the last four-and-twenty years."

The earl laughed again, joined by his son.

"Mr Bennet, my father tells me you are fond of books. And so is Miss Elizabeth, I hear?" the colonel enquired.

"That would be a fair statement too."

They talked for a little while, then Elizabeth entered. Darcy's heart raced and pounded, and he felt as silly as a young boy experiencing the first stirrings of love. Not that he would know the sensation, since he had never been in love before.

"Miss Bennet! Come in. We were just talking about you. Would you like to sit here?" the colonel asked, taking Elizabeth's arm and directing her to the sofa. He sat next to her, and Darcy felt slightly uncomfortable.

"Thank you, Colonel, you are very kind."

"Are you hungry? Dinner should be ready in half an hour."

"No. I mean, I am hungry, but I am too busy simply enjoying being here. My sister Jane will be down shortly," she said to a nervous Bingley.

"We were talking about books and libraries," Mr Bennet explained.

"I have not seen the library yet," Elizabeth replied. "But I might look for a book to read tonight."

"You may choose whatever you wish and make whatever plans you like," Lord Matlock said.

"Thank you. Tomorrow, I would like to go for a walk with Jane. Mama and my sisters wish to go shopping."

"I shall come to escort you," Bingley immediately offered.

"That would be lovely, sir," Elizabeth said.

Darcy felt the words in his throat but needed another moment to speak.

"My sister might wish to take a walk too. If we are not intruding, we might join you. If Miss Bennet approves, of course," he finally said.

Elizabeth looked at him, clearly surprised but holding her smile.

"That would be wonderful, Mr Darcy. I am sure Jane would be happy with Miss Darcy's company."

"I would come too, but I have some prior engagements tomorrow," the colonel added. "However, I shall see you all tomorrow evening."

"Good plan," Lord Matlock interjected. "And you, Thomas? What do you plan to do tomorrow?"

Mr Bennet threw the earl a puzzled glance.

"What do you mean? I spent a day in the carriage travelling, which you know I heartily dislike. If I am allowed to choose, why would I go anywhere outside the library tomorrow?"

Mr Bennet was so serious that all the others laughed.

"Papa dislikes London for the same reason I love it." Elizabeth laughed. "Unless we are attending the theatre, and since you have no places to fish here, I doubt you will pull him out of the library often."

"You should visit Pemberley," the colonel unexpectedly said. "You will certainly love the library there. It is not just large, but many generations have added to its contents. And there are plenty of places to fish."

Elizabeth looked at Darcy, her face a little flushed.

"Mr Bennet, please consider an open invitation to Pemberley at any time you want," Darcy said. Mr Bennet seemed surprised, and Elizabeth's smile became timid. "I would be happy to share my library with someone who appreciates it, as well as my streams and ponds with someone who enjoys the sport."

The colonel laughed. "Darcy, do you realise your invitation to Mr Bennet is offensive to the rest of us? Do you mean we are not capable of appreciating your library?"

Darcy smiled. "That was not my intention, of course."

"I confess to be one of those," Bingley interjected. "The only thing I remember about the Pemberley library is its elegant furniture and a large number of books."

The sound of voices and steps announced the rest of the family, and dinner was served. The colonel continued his attentions towards Elizabeth and even sat next to her at the table, while Darcy took a chair opposite them.

Mrs Bennet expressed her rapture about the house, their rooms, the maids who attended them, the view from the windows — and her chatter did not fade throughout the meal.

Finally, tiredness defeated everyone, and the Bennet ladies retired for the night soon after dinner. The gentlemen remained only half an hour more, then Darcy and Bingley left. The next day was expected to be just as full.

Bingley continued to talk until they arrived at Darcy's house, where they finally separated. Darcy intended to go straight to bed, though he knew the emotions of the reunion with Elizabeth would allow him little rest.

Surprisingly, he found Georgiana waiting for him; she greeted him with a quizzical gaze and a little smile.

"So? Did you have a pleasant time, Brother?"

"Yes, I did. My dear, I am glad you are still awake. There is something I wish to ask you."

"Of course."

"Miss Elizabeth and her elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet, intend to go for a walk in Hyde Park tomorrow. I told you she is very fond of walking."

"Yes, you did…"

"Bingley will join them, of course. I was wondering — would you like to go too? I shall come with you, of course."

"Oh…tomorrow morning? But I am not yet acquainted with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. Would they like me to go?" She sounded surprised and concerned.

"Georgiana, we shall only go if you wish to. Miss Elizabeth said your company would delight them, but I want you to be comfortable."

"If you come, I would like to go too…" she finally agreed reluctantly.

"And perhaps it would be better to meet Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet ahead of the others and become more comfortable with them. I am sure you will find each other very pleasant."

"I am sure you are right, Brother. We shall go, then."

"Please do not consider yourself forced. You may think on it overnight and tell me tomorrow. Whatever you decide, I shall approve of it."

She nodded, smiled, and withdrew to her chamber. He knew she was not comfortable with strangers, but he was completely certain he was right on both counts: she and Elizabeth would like each other, and she would be more at ease meeting the eldest Miss Bennets before the others.

The walk — an everyday activity of usually little importance — was significant to Darcy and increased his nervousness. Bingley would surely be busy with his betrothed, so he would have time to enjoy the company of the two most important people in his life.

∞∞∞

When Georgiana came down to breakfast, she was already dressed for a walk and seemed more serene than she had been the previous evening. They were still eating and discussing their plans for the day when Bingley arrived.

He took a seat but only accepted a cup of coffee.

"I have already eaten, thank you. I was wondering, Darcy, what do you plan to do?"

"Perhaps you could collect Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, and we shall meet here? It is close to the park."

"Yes, I shall do that."

"But I believe it is a little early for a call. They might not have finished breakfast yet. I dare say in an hour would be a more appropriate time."

"Yes, of course," Bingley said.

Darcy watched his friend with amusement. Bingley's restlessness was apparent and hardly allowed him to sit still. Darcy's anxiety was equally strong, except that he was more adept at concealing it. Apparently, his claim that disguise of every sort was his abhorrence was not entirely accurate.

When Bingley finally left to fetch the ladies, Darcy's nervousness increased even further. He paced the room a few times, glancing through the window. Lord Matlock's home was only a few houses down from his, and he counted the minutes while waiting for a glimpse of them.

At last they arrived and stopped in front of the house, talking. Darcy opened the door widely.

"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, what a pleasure to see you. Would you mind coming in for a moment? My sister should be ready soon."

They seemed surprised, and both flushed. Bingley and Miss Bennet walked ahead, and Darcy stepped down and offered Elizabeth his arm. She took it timidly.

"Welcome," he said as they stepped into the hall. "I shall not insist on entering farther, as I am sure you are desirous for a walk. But hopefully on another day…"

"That would be lovely, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth answered. She was still holding his arm, and her hand lingered another moment before she finally withdrew it.

A few minutes later, Georgiana appeared, and Darcy hurried to her. From her side, he said, "Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, allow me to introduce my sister, Georgiana."

The greetings were gentle but restrained from his sister and Miss Bennet. Elizabeth, however, with a broad smile and a warm voice, said joyfully, "Miss Darcy, we are so delighted to make your acquaintance. We have heard so much about you and looked forward to finally meeting you."

"Oh…thank you, Miss Elizabeth. I am happy to meet you too. My brother has told me so much about you."

"Not only criticism, I hope," she joked, glancing at Darcy.

"Oh no, no criticism at all," Georgiana replied in earnest.

"Shall we go now? The weather is beautiful," Bingley interjected eagerly.

"Indeed, we shall," Darcy agreed. Outside the house, Bingley again offered Miss Bennet his arm. Elizabeth and Georgiana walked together, side by side, and Darcy followed them.

"I did not know the park was quite so close to your house, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth said. "I envy your home's location," she teased him, then immediately blushed.

Darcy was tempted to reply that he hoped she would soon live there, but of course, such a statement was inconceivable. Her response proved that she might have thought of it, though.

"If you are looking for parks and gardens, wait until you see Pemberley — then you will have plenty of reason to envy him!" Bingley interjected.

Elizabeth again glanced at Darcy, obviously uneasy.

"I have invited Bingley to visit in the summer with Mrs Bingley," Darcy explained.

"Oh, that is wonderful!" Miss Bennet said, her voice trembling with emotion. "That is so generous of you, Mr Darcy."

"Not at all. It would be my pleasure. And perhaps Miss Elizabeth could join you. And your father, or anyone in your family."

When he stopped, he felt Elizabeth's doubtful, intense stare and a slight frown between her eyebrows. He smiled, and she seemed even more uncomfortable.

"That would be lovely!" Georgiana interjected.

"If my entire family accepted your invitation, you might regret it, Mr Darcy. I believe my father has already told you as much," Elizabeth eventually replied and finally smiled.

"I can already dismiss your concern, Miss Elizabeth. Utterly and completely."

As the minutes passed and they walked farther along Hyde Park's paths, the awkwardness slowly dissipated, and the conversation grew more at ease. Elizabeth stopped to admire a certain part of the lake, and the group split in two; the engaged couple remained slightly behind, while Elizabeth and the Darcys took the lead. At times, Darcy met some acquaintances and exchanged greetings, but he mostly disregarded everything around him. His attention was upon Elizabeth and Georgiana, watching their relationship progressing moment by moment, word by word, gesture by gesture. At times, both of them glanced at him, and the joy growing inside him turned into a tender warmth.

The lovely walk lasted more than an hour, and when they returned home, Georgiana invited Elizabeth and her sister to join her for tea the next day, which they gladly accepted.

Before that, they were to meet again at Lord Matlock's dinner party.