FOUR

After two hours spent at their club, in the company of the earl and his two sons, Colonel Fitzwilliam and the viscount, Darcy and Bingley each returned home. Bingley's enthusiasm remained high, and every time he had the chance to speak, he mentioned something in regard to Hertfordshire. Darcy felt the colonel's gaze upon him, and he knew the meaning of it. No, Bingley was certainly not likely to fall in love with another woman and to forget Miss Bennet soon.

When Darcy arrived home, Georgiana had not yet returned. Instead, the butler informed him that Lady Matlock had sent word that he was expected there, so he had little choice but to obey.

At the Matlock residence, his aunt, his sister, his uncle, and his cousins were all talking animatedly about the subject that brought him so much discomfort.

"Darcy! Come here, son!" Lady Matlock invited him. His aunt was in a dangerously high disposition, which could threaten the delicate threads of peace of mind he still had remaining.

"My dear boy, I called you here because there is something I must tell you immediately."

"Please do so, Aunt," he said, defeated, causing the lady to laugh.

"I have always admired your qualities, and I admit — and your uncle agrees — that there are many areas where you surpass gentlemen twice your age."

"Thank you…"

"However, when it comes to matters of the heart, you have extremely poor judgment! It shows that you do not have much experience and that you have practised very little — something that Catherine always insists on people doing."

Everybody else laughed, and even Georgiana smiled shyly.

"I have only spent an hour with Miss Bennet," Lady Matlock continued, "and five minutes with Mr Bingley, and it was enough to observe those two are in love with each other. It was so obvious that it is laughable that anyone would assume otherwise."

"Your aunt is determined to see those two reunited," the earl jested. "She has taken this on as a personal project, and there is nothing you can do to stop her."

"I have no intention of stopping her," Darcy answered in earnest. "And yes, I admit I was convinced that Miss Bennet did not return Bingley's affection. It was an honest judgment made for his benefit. But we should not even speak of this. If I had not had the imprudence to tell Richard, who was eager to share it further—"

"So you blame Richard for telling me?" Lady Matlock enquired.

"I do, Aunt. Furthermore, I blame myself for talking about it in the first place. It is a personal matter of Bingley's, and I do not like it that you all seem to be amused by it. I strongly believe we should not speak of it any longer, nor interfere in any way. Since Bingley and Miss Bennet have now met again, it should be entirely their decision and their affair."

His serious statement caused Lady Matlock to frown, but Lord Matlock replied, "I fully agree with Darcy. We should leave them be to do as they please."

"Mrs Gardiner is such a pleasant lady," Georgiana interjected, changing the subject. "I enjoyed talking to her exceedingly."

"So did I," Lady Matlock agreed. "She is surprisingly well educated, very fashionable, and speaks easily about various subjects, from the theatre and the opera to politics. And her nieces are pleasant girls too. I have to say, even though the eldest Miss Bennet is one of the most beautiful young women I have met, I quite favour Miss Elizabeth. She is clever, witty, spirited, and not afraid to express her opinion on any matter."

"So do I," Darcy replied absently, then his heart stopped at the stupidity of his own words. He quickly added, "I spent a few days at Netherfield in Miss Elizabeth's company, and I agree with my aunt's description of her."

"Miss Elizabeth sounds like just my kind of lady!" Colonel Fitzwilliam said. "I prefer spirited young women. I must find a way to meet her."

"Very few ladies are not your kind of lady, Richard." Lady Matlock rolled her eyes. "You should decide on one and finally marry, as you are not so young any longer. Your father already had two children at your age. But Miss Elizabeth lacks something that is very important for you — money."

"How unfortunate," the colonel replied. Both he and Lady Matlock spoke in jest, which irritated Darcy.

"Darcy, there is something that intrigued me," Lady Matlock continued. "I received the impression that Miss Elizabeth is not very fond of you. At some point, she mentioned that you were more enemies than friends and that you are her severest critic."

"Yes, well…as you said, Miss Elizabeth has a tendency to tease and sometimes say things she does not truly believe."

"So you are calling her a liar?"

"Not at all. Only a tease. You should not take her words in earnest."

"I am not sure about that. She seemed very serious. She also mentioned your dislike of dancing, which is not a surprise to anyone in London and apparently in Derbyshire either."

"Just to prove you wrong, I shall mention that I did dance with Miss Elizabeth at a ball Bingley hosted."

"Did you? How lovely. I might have been wrong, then. However, even when she said it was unlikely that you would call on the Gardiners, there was a trace of irony in her voice. I only tell you all this because I was intrigued and amused. This is the first time I have seen a young woman who is not struggling to gain your attention and to flatter you."

"Dear aunt, we both know that statement is an exaggeration," Darcy replied, and the Matlocks laughed again.

"So, will you go with Bingley tomorrow?" the colonel asked. "If you do, I should like to go too. For no other reason than mere curiosity."

"I probably will. Bingley needs some support," Darcy replied. His answer surprised even himself; it was as if his mind had made a decision against his will. "However, please do not take offence, Cousin, but I believe it would be better if we are not too many at this particular call. I noticed Miss Bennet was quite distressed when she saw Bingley. Perhaps we should allow her a little time to compose herself. And you may call with Bingley the next time."

"That is a sensible suggestion that I utterly support," Lady Matlock agreed.

Once he returned home, Darcy had another agitated evening. The certainty that he would see Elizabeth again the next day was disquieting. Lady Matlock's claims about Elizabeth not liking him, even though he had dismissed them at first, troubled him. Not for a moment had he imagined Elizabeth's opinion of him could be anything other than good. What could have prompted her to say they were enemies?

It was amusing how Elizabeth had made a favourable impression on Lady Matlock too. Her character, her wit, and her mind were worthy of admiration by anyone honest enough to recognise worthiness. Of course, his aunt liked Elizabeth, but she would surely disapprove if she knew of Darcy's admiration for her. And she would surely oppose a possible connection with Elizabeth and her family. It was a matter that Darcy had reflected upon countless times. Elizabeth herself was everything he had ever wanted in a woman. She would certainly suit him as his wife. But her situation in life was an obstacle against her becoming Mrs Darcy. It was a position that required more than his admiration and affection; he had to consider his duty and his family's expectations. The lady he did marry, eventually, would certainly not bring him the joy that he felt at the thought of seeing Elizabeth again the next morning.

***

"Darcy, I am grateful to you for coming with me," Bingley said in the carriage. "I am nervous, and I know I shall behave like a fool. I cannot believe I shall see Miss Bennet again."

I cannot either , Darcy thought to himself. "Bingley, may I ask — did you tell your sisters about Miss Bennet?"

"I did not. Caroline really brings me to the edge of my patience whenever she hears about the Bennets. But what I find even stranger is that she disapproves of my affection for Miss Bennet but seems to dislike Miss Elizabeth even more, and I do not know why!"

I do , Darcy thought, recollecting the evening when he had told Miss Bingley about Miss Elizabeth's fine eyes. That had been another careless imprudence, just as it had been to tell the colonel about Bingley and Miss Bennet.

"There is something you should know, and I believe it is better you find out now, as I expect it will be mentioned during your visit and might anger you."

"What is it?"

"Well…I have reason to believe that Miss Bennet and her aunt also visited your sisters yesterday, not just Lady Matlock."

Bingley stared at him in disbelief, then frowned, blinking repeatedly.

"What do you mean? She was in my house? When?"

"As I said, I am not sure whether she was or not. But she might have been. I just wanted to warn you in case you hear about it. It is better to be shocked here in the carriage than in front of Miss Bennet and her relatives."

"But…how is it possible that you know and I do not? Who told you? Caroline? Do you have a relationship with her?"

"Come now, Bingley, do not be ridiculous. The only reason I speak to your sister is you and our friendship. Were it not for that, I should never be in her company. I apologise for being so bluntly rude, but that is the truth."

"Then how…?"

"She did inform me that Miss Bennet might call. I confess that, for a while, I was in agreement with your sisters — though for different reasons. I believed that Miss Bennet was not a good match for you. As you already know, I presumed that her feelings did not equal yours."

"I do know that. And I know you agreed with Caroline and Louisa to keep me away from Netherfield!"

"I cannot deny that. However, I have realised my involvement was unnecessary and, although well meant, more harmful than useful. It was not for me to judge anyone's feelings."

"And now? What do you think?"

"I have no reason to change my previous estimation. But I shall refrain from expressing it. I am willing to support you in making your own decision, based on your judgment alone."

"Thank you. I shall ask Miss Bennet whether she visited Caroline yesterday. If she did, my sister will hear from me. How dare she deceive me in my own house! She has treated me like a fool long enough. That will end today!"

"Bingley, try to compose yourself before we arrive in Gracechurch Street. I dare say it is in your best interest to make a good impression."

"You are right, of course," Bingley agreed, while Darcy admitted to himself that he too was concerned with making a good impression.

They reached their destination around noon; the house was a handsome building, placed on an elegant street with a small park across from it. It showed that, whatever business Mr Gardiner had, it was successful.

They were invited into a lovely drawing room, tastefully furnished. Mrs Gardiner waited with her husband and her two nieces. Darcy's first glance was directed towards Elizabeth, and he could see her surprise. She certainly had not expected to see him there. Was she pleased with his presence, or the opposite?

Pleasantries were exchanged and an introduction to Mr Gardiner performed, then their host invited them to sit.

Unlike the previous day, Bingley returned to his usual self, amiable and voluble, talking all the time. Mr and Mrs Gardiner proved to be excellent companions, with a great openness for conversation and knowledge in many areas, just as Lady Matlock had claimed. Elizabeth was mostly as he remembered her from Hertfordshire, and, although he did not speak to her directly, her nearness warmed Darcy until the heat inside him became disturbing.

They talked about Pemberley and Lambton, about Mr Gardiner's business, and they debated the extraordinary coincidence that had caused their paths to cross with Lady Matlock's.

Despite the fact that Elizabeth's company was delightfully tormenting, Darcy enjoyed his time more than he had expected.

"Mrs Gardiner, did you happen to visit my sisters yesterday?" Bingley suddenly enquired.

"Yes, we did. Jane wrote to your sister and informed her that we would come."

"Unfortunately, I was not aware of it, as I was not aware of your presence in town until yesterday, when Darcy told me," Bingley confessed, causing general astonishment.

"Your sisters told us you were busy with Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy, which caused your absence during our call," Elizabeth answered. Darcy did not miss her sharp tone, nor Mrs Gardiner's reproachful glance. Elizabeth's statement irritated Darcy exceedingly. What did Miss Bingley mean by claiming Bingley was busy with his sister? Did she suggest there was some sort of arrangement between Bingley and Georgiana? Surely, she would not dare to intimate something so outrageous.

"Despite my close friendship with Bingley, we have only seen each other a few times since we returned from Hertfordshire," Darcy answered. "As for my sister, she and Bingley have always been friends, but they rarely meet, as they share only a few interests."

Bingley seemed to have missed the meaning of his sister's words, but Jane Bennet's expression of relief was obvious. From her, Darcy looked to Elizabeth, whose eyes wore a glimpse of something he had never seen before.

"I am sure it was some sort of misunderstanding," Mrs Gardiner offered. "We are happy and honoured to have you both here, gentlemen."

"And it is good that you have such an honest and loyal friend as Mr Darcy, who tells you the truth, Mr Bingley," Elizabeth said. There was a smile in her eyes and on her lips, which confused Darcy. Was she was being serious or teasing him again?

Boldly, and perhaps even improperly, he replied, "I am glad I have your approval, Miss Elizabeth, although you consider us to be more enemies than friends. This makes your opinion even more valuable."

The answer evidently disconcerted Elizabeth, and she looked at him, puzzled. Then, Bingley asked a question, and the conversation took another turn. An hour later, the guests took their leave with mutual hopes to meet again but without any fixed plans.

Bingley chatted all the way back to Mayfair, expressing his delight in seeing Jane Bennet, his anger towards his sisters, and the confrontation he planned to have with them. Again, Darcy took his share of the blame; he admitted the short visit had given him enough reason to assume his estimation of Miss Bennet's feelings had been hasty and inaccurate. Bingley, however, seemed determined to quarrel with his sisters, and no argument seemed to calm him.

"I am considering hosting a dinner and inviting the Gardiners. And Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. I shall send both Caroline and Louisa away if they do not behave. Would you come, Darcy? And perhaps Miss Darcy too?"

No, I should not be close to Elizabeth again so soon , Darcy's reason screamed in his mind.

"If you wish it, I shall, Bingley. I would only ask that you take slower steps and consider the effect of your actions on yourself and Miss Bennet."

"I am considering everything very carefully, Darcy. So I shall count on you to come to dinner," Bingley said hastily, proving he had hardly listened to Darcy's advice.