Chapter 2

"T here is something important that I must tell you all," Mr Bennet said to his family the next morning at breakfast. "Today, I shall receive a visit from an old friend. I shall receive him in my library, but he will likely wish to make your acquaintance too. I am kindly asking you to mind your manners and welcome him with politeness and decorum. Especially without excessive effusions when I introduce you."

The entire family were gathered around the table, including Mr Collins.

"My dear Mr Bennet, I feel vexed that you do not trust your wife and daughters to behave properly in front of strangers," Mrs Bennet replied. Elizabeth hid her smile behind her napkin. She was the only one who guessed whom the guest would be and also knew that Mr Bennet's concern was not without reason.

"I shall gladly apologise if you prove me wrong, Mrs Bennet."

"Papa, Kitty and I are going into Meryton. And Lizzy and Jane promised they would accompany us."

"What an excellent idea. Yes, you should do that," Mr Bennet agreed.

"Mr Collins, would you not escort the girls? I am sure you will find Meryton an enchanting town."

"I observed a little of it on my way to Longbourn, and I would like to see more of it. Besides, it is always a pleasure to be with my cousins. I am counting on my cousin Elizabeth to tell me all about the neighbourhood."

Elizabeth needed all her strength not to roll her eyes and sigh with exasperation. She would rather stay at home, but that would only cause a quarrel that might displease her father.

An hour later, the Bennet sisters and Mr Collins were walking the short distance to Meryton. Lydia and Kitty talked about the officers; Mr Collins spoke about all sorts of nonsense. Elizabeth disregarded them all, thinking of the reunion between her father and his friend.

She had found no opportunity to ask her father for more details about his relationship with Lord Matlock and his family; but it must have been a close one since the earl had introduced him to his sisters and wife. Her father seemed familiar with details about the family, and given that Mr Darcy was part of it, she was tempted to assume they were all arrogant, proud, and fastidious. Just like the man who had called her tolerable and refused to dance with her. As if that was any tragedy at all.

They arrived in Meryton quickly, and Lydia and Kitty immediately ran ahead. They noticed a group of officers and waved to them, despite Elizabeth's rebuke.

"Look, that is Maria and Charlotte Lucas! And they are talking to Denny and Stevenson! Let us join them!" Lydia cried.

She was about to run across the road when Elizabeth grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop. Still, Lydia waved and shouted until the group noticed and moved towards them.

As the officers approached, Elizabeth continued to censure Lydia until the two groups united and greeted each other. Besides the officers and the Lucas sisters, another gentleman caught Elizabeth and her sisters' attention. He was a gentleman of a similar age to the officers yet more distinguished and handsome; and when he spoke, his voice matched his appearance and his amiable manners.

"This is my friend, George Wickham," Mr Denny said. "We chanced to meet in London last week, and I persuaded him to join our regiment."

"Oh, how lovely! A red coat is all Mr Wickham needs to be perfect!" Lydia exclaimed, causing another scolding glare from Elizabeth.

"You are too kind, Miss…"

"Lydia Bennet. And these are my sisters, Jane and Lizzy and Mary and Kitty. And my father's cousin, Mr Collins."

Mr Wickham bowed, greetings were exchanged, and the conversation began.

"So, where are you going?" Lydia continued.

"Nowhere. We were just talking," Charlotte Lucas explained. "My father has invited the officers to dinner tonight. Colonel Forster will also be there, and of course Mr Wickham."

"Oh, how fortunate you are! Papa would never host a dinner for the officers. I am glad Mr Bingley will have a ball, though, as he promised. You must all come!"

"Mr Bingley has invited all the officers," Mr Denny answered.

Placed in an unfavourable light in comparison with the handsome officers, Mr Collins's disposition was evidently low. He tried to interject in the conversation but was often interrupted. Eventually, the officers excused themselves, and Charlotte invited the Bennet party to Lucas Lodge to continue their conversation. That pleased everyone, and even Mr Collins' spirits improved slightly.

Sir William received them with his usual courtesy, and once he was introduced to Mr Collins, the two began a discussion of mutual interest.

Lady Lucas spoke to Jane, while Charlotte took Elizabeth's arm, and they sat together on a sofa a short distance away from the others, talking as they had done since they were young children.

"Dear Eliza, what do you think of Mr Wickham? Since he arrived in Meryton, he has charmed everyone he has met. He is certainly the town's favourite."

"I have rarely heard you speak with such enthusiasm about a man," Elizabeth whispered teasingly. "I must assume he is your favourite too."

"How could he not be my favourite? But I know too well I am neither pretty enough nor young enough nor rich enough to draw his attention."

"Charlotte, now you sound silly," Elizabeth continued to tease her. "Why would you want to draw a stranger's attention two days after meeting him? Just because he is handsome and amiable? I expect that from Lydia and Kitty but not from my wise and prudent friend."

"Well, my mind tries to remain wise and prudent, but my heart has a will of her own," Charlotte whispered back. "And I cannot forbid myself from quivering at the sight of a handsome man."

Such a statement made Elizabeth stare at her friend, wondering whether she was serious or not.

"But joking aside, there is something you must hear. Yesterday, my father met Mr Wickham for the first time and described our town to him, as well as your family and Mr Bingley's. Papa mentioned Mr Darcy too, and Mr Wickham asked when Mr Darcy had arrived in Hertfordshire. The conversation continued, and he mentioned he was already acquainted with Mr Darcy but they were not friends at all."

"How strange! These days seem to be marked by the most astonishing coincidences," Elizabeth replied. "And? Is there more?"

"Yes! Papa told him that, generally speaking, Mr Darcy has few friends in Hertfordshire as he is a proud and cold man and does not enjoy people's company. Then Mr Wickham said Mr Darcy had done him a great injustice, but he did not wish to speak ill of him because the late Mr Darcy was Mr Wickham's godfather and very fond of him. And he said he is too loyal to his godfather's memory to reveal the true character of the young Mr Darcy!"

"Dear Lord, this is shocking indeed! I shall say again that such coincidences are inconceivable," Elizabeth uttered.

She was bewildered as she considered the chain that connected her father to Lord Matlock, to Mr Darcy, and now to Mr Wickham. If it were in a book, surely the readers would arch their eyebrows sceptically.

"Papa did not ask further. I mean, he probably did ask, as you know how curious he is, but Mr Wickham offered no more details."

"This is an intriguing story. In truth, I am not surprised to hear Mr Darcy did Mr Wickham some injustice. Mr Darcy seems to have a personal scale of principles upon which he judges everybody and everything. If Mr Wickham did not fit on that scale, Mr Darcy would not hesitate to push him away. I wonder how it happened that Mr Darcy's father was Mr Wickham's godfather. What could be the connection?"

Almost two hours later, the visit at Lucas Lodge ended and the Bennet girls — together with their cousin — walked back towards Longbourn.

Elizabeth had more subjects of reflection and speculation. She wondered what had happened during Lord Matlock's visit to Longbourn, whether the earl was acquainted with Mr Wickham, and how Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham would respond when they faced each other — if that event occurred.

They walked along the high street, Mr Collins expressing his delight in meeting Sir William and Lady Lucas, when they saw the same three officers from earlier walking towards them. This time, Colonel Forster was with them.

When the two groups met, they stopped, and more greetings were exchanged.

During the brief conversation, the sound of horses drew their attention, and Elizabeth was surprised to see Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley, and Lord Matlock riding together. Mr Bingley was the first to recognise them, and he hastened his horse towards them. Once there, he dismounted joyfully, smiling especially at Jane. His companions approached on horseback. Elizabeth was exceedingly curious, and she watched Mr Wickham — as well as Mr Darcy — with much attention. When they recognised each other, Mr Wickham turned pale, and Mr Darcy's face coloured, the shock obvious in both. Neither said a word, then Lord Matlock's voice boomed, silencing everyone.

"Wickham? What in God's name are you doing here?"

"Lord Matlock… I am honoured to see you, sir," Mr Wickham replied.

"I am shocked to see you, Wickham. This is a week of surprises," the earl said.

Throughout the exchange, Mr Darcy remained silent, his expression dark, his colour changing.

"I am Colonel Forster, sir. I shall take the liberty of informing you that Mr Wickham had just joined our regiment. He is a militia officer."

"Is he? Well, you must understand my confusion, Colonel. A few months ago, I was told Wickham was engaged in the study of the law in London. I did not expect to find him an officer in a town I happened to be visiting."

"Young men are often undecided on what they wish to do with their lives," Colonel Forster offered.

"True. Some more than others," the earl replied.

"Lord Matlock, are you on your way to Longbourn? Or have you already been?" Elizabeth enquired.

"We have already visited your father, lovely Miss Elizabeth! How fortunate that we met you. I hope someone will perform some introductions," Lord Matlock requested, dismounting. Mr Bingley assumed the task, while Elizabeth cast repeated glances at Mr Darcy. He was the only one who remained on horseback, watching the scene from afar. Mr Wickham also looked at him repeatedly, but Mr Darcy seemed to deliberately avoid his gaze.

"Let us accompany you to Longbourn," Lord Matlock suggested as a sign that the conversation was over. Each party continued their walk, and only after the officers had departed did Mr Darcy dismount too.

"Lord Matlock, Mr Darcy," Mr Collins interjected, "I cannot go any longer without expressing my gratitude for the extraordinary opportunity to make your acquaintance. I have often heard my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, mention both your names, but I never hoped to be so privileged as to meet you! I could not imagine this happening!"

"Mr Collins, I have also heard Mr Bennet mention your name several times. Try to calm yourself, sir. There is no need for effusions about a mere encounter. I know my sister encourages such speech, but I prefer to keep things short and simple. And, as far as I know, my nephew shares my preference."

"I do," Mr Darcy said briefly.

Mr Collins was deeply disconcerted, and he seemed lost for words. Mr Bingley took the opportunity to interject.

"Miss Bennet, considering the fortunate coincidence with Lord Matlock and Mr Bennet, I shall host a dinner tomorrow evening to which your entire family is invited."

"Oh…how lovely," Jane whispered.

"You may see me at Longbourn often and when you least expect it," Lord Matlock told the Bennet sisters. "Bennet and I have many memories to share. Do not mind me — I would be perfectly content to spend some time with him in the library, and you can forget about me and keep to your usual routine."

"Although my father's company is what interests you, we shall be happy to see you at any time, even if only briefly, my lord," Elizabeth answered.

"I may come with Lord Matlock when he next calls," Mr Bingley suddenly said, causing Jane to blush and Elizabeth to smile.

"We shall be happy to see you at any time too, Mr Bingley," she replied.

"Also, we all know that it is not Bennet's company that interests you the most, Bingley," Lord Matlock concluded, laughing loudly. "Here we are — at Longbourn already. We must leave you now, but we shall see you all tomorrow."

With that, the gentlemen left, and the sisters — followed by Mr Collins — entered the house.