FIVE

Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley calling in Gracechurch Street was an event hard to believe even for Mr Gardiner, who was a pragmatic man and not easily impressed.

"My dear Jane, I am so glad to see you happy," Mrs Gardiner said. "What a joy it has been to have Mr Bingley here. He seemed to be everything we expected, and his admiration for you cannot be denied!"

"Oh…I am not sure about that, Aunt. But I was happy to see him. At least I know he was not aware of my being in London and was not avoiding me on purpose."

"I never trusted Miss Bingley's words, and her claim about Mr Bingley being busy with Miss Darcy is as evil as it is ridiculous! Mr Darcy seemed quite angry when I mentioned it."

"It is no wonder. Miss Darcy is still very young and certainly not in search of a suitor," Mrs Gardiner added. "And Mr Bingley's interest seems to lie in one direction only!"

Jane blushed, smiled, and said nothing else.

"I hope Mr Bingley will confront his sisters and rebuke them as they deserve. Which makes me admit that I was pleasantly surprised by Mr Darcy's willingness to reveal the truth to his friend."

"Mr Darcy has always been a loyal friend. Mr Bingley has said that often," Jane whispered.

"Speaking of that, I am still bewildered. To take tea with Lady Matlock and have Mr Darcy calling at my house all in one week is something I would have never imagined," Mrs Gardiner said.

"I cannot even argue with you, my dear," Mr Gardiner said. "Even if Mr Bingley informed you he would call, I did not expect Mr Darcy."

"Neither did I, my dear. What surprised me even more is that, while we all expected Mr Bingley to be amiable, Mr Darcy was the same, although Lizzy made us believe the opposite."

"There is something distant and perhaps haughty in Mr Darcy, especially compared to Mr Bingley," Mr Gardiner added. "However, I agree that his behaviour was beyond reproach, even though he had no reason to be friendly with us."

"Lizzy dear, I cannot imagine why Mr Darcy made such a poor impression on you. Except that he refused to dance with you and that he disadvantaged your favourite, Mr Wickham."

Mrs Gardiner's irony touched Elizabeth, especially since she was equally puzzled by Mr Darcy's improved manners. His behaviour was indeed beyond reproach; furthermore, he had apparently informed Mr Bingley about Jane's presence in town and had come to support him on his call, which could have only one purpose: a reconnection with Jane.

"I am as surprised as you, Aunt. I have never seen Mr Darcy act as friendly as he did today."

"You told Lady Matlock yesterday that you were more enemies than friends, Lizzy. And today, Mr Darcy repeated your words — with apparent displeasure."

"I said nothing but the truth, based on what I saw every time I was in Mr Darcy's company. He always looked at me to find fault. It made me most uncomfortable."

"Well, something changed his mind."

"Possibly, Aunt. However, as much as I appreciate his friendliness, it does not compensate for the cruelty he showed to his childhood friend Mr Wickham, and it certainly does not justify his disregard of his father's dying wish."

"And may I ask how you know all this, Lizzy?" Mr Gardiner enquired.

"Mr Wickham related it to me. I told my aunt the entire story."

"Do you have any other details, besides Mr Wickham's narration?"

"I do not, but it is enough for me. Mr Darcy may defend himself if he wishes to!"

"Have you asked Mr Darcy?" Mr Gardiner continued, puzzling Elizabeth.

"Asked him? How could I do that? Mr Darcy hardly spoke to me at all in Hertfordshire. There was no opportunity for me to discuss something so delicate with him."

"How interesting. Then how did it happen that Mr Wickham found the opportunity to reveal something so delicate and so personal to a stranger he had only just met? He knew nothing about your true character. Why would he confide such an intimate matter to you? Both I and your father find this story highly unlikely."

Mr Gardiner's voice was light and his countenance relaxed, but his enquiries vexed Elizabeth. She had never taken the trouble to ask herself such questions, and being forced to answer them now made her feel uncomfortable.

"To me, the only important thing is Mr Darcy's behaviour towards me and my family," Mrs Gardiner said. "The Darcys are among the most illustrious families in Derbyshire, and I have never heard anything to question their honour."

"And yet, Mr Darcy left Mr Wickham a living, which his son refused to give."

"If there was a clear will, Mr Darcy would have been obliged to follow it. So there must be something more behind this refusal," Mr Gardiner interjected.

"Besides," Mrs Gardner concluded, "if there was some misunderstanding between Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham, it is entirely their business and wholly unconnected to us. Unless you, Lizzy, have some particular interest in Mr Wickham."

"I have no other interest except compassion for a friend's misfortunes."

"I understand your reluctance in asking Mr Darcy, Lizzy. I would not do it either. But there is something else I can do," Mrs Gardiner said. "I may write to my cousin in Lambton and ask whether he knows anything about Mr Wickham. He might know something of interest. In fact, I shall do that immediately."

Elizabeth had no reason to oppose it. Her uncle and aunt's arguments were common sense. Indeed, she had trusted Mr Wickham implicitly, from the first time they had spoken. And he had treated her with a confidence that was not justified since he knew nothing of her. She could well be a slanderer and betray the secret with no remorse. As she reflected on this, Elizabeth realised that Mr Wickham himself had ceased to keep the secret of his past dealings as soon as Mr Darcy left Hertfordshire. He had come to Longbourn and told his story, and half of Meryton as well as most of the officers were aware of it.

In the end, Elizabeth felt grateful for Mrs Gardiner's idea. Finding out some information from Lambton might be the missing link to proving whether she had misplaced her trust or not.

***

The day of Mr Bingley's visit seemed to bring Jane back to life, melting Elizabeth's heart. It was not clear yet what had happened that had kept Mr Bingley away from Jane for almost a month; however, during their reunion, his feelings were quite apparent.

Jane refused to admit more than a friendship with Mr Bingley, but Elizabeth knew it was due to her fear that she might hope too much — as had happened before. However, that changed the next day when they received an invitation for dinner from the gentleman. Mrs Gardiner read it out, and Jane seemed to forget to breathe as she listened.

"It says Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy will attend, as well as Colonel Fitzwilliam. He did not mention anything about his sisters. He asked whether tomorrow would be convenient for us."

"I believe so," Mr Gardiner responded. "Do you think the girls are feeling well enough to do without you for an entire evening?"

"I am sure they are. Neither has a fever any longer, and besides their governess, Janey and Thomas will be here all night. The children are as accustomed to them as they are to us. And they might enjoy it more because they are less likely to be disciplined."

"Then it is settled. I shall write to Mr Bingley and accept. I must say — since Lizzy and Jane arrived, there have been a succession of quite remarkable events," Mr Gardiner said.

"True, my dear. A few days ago, we were travelling down Grosvenor Street to catch a glimpse of Mr Bingley's house, and now we are invited to dine there. And with Mr and Miss Darcy!"

"You anticipation is so amusing," Elizabeth interjected. "I have never seen any of you so impressed by an invitation."

"You may tease us as much as you want, Lizzy. We are not just impressed," Mrs Gardiner responded, "we are also delighted and pleased with how things seem to have progressed."

Elizabeth could not argue with that. They had arrived in town with a heartbroken Jane, suffering from the loss and betrayal of the man to whom she had given her heart. Just a few days later, there she was, blooming with happiness. Whatever had led to such an outcome, she was grateful for it. And apparently, if Mr Darcy had played a part in Mr Bingley's separation from Jane, he had contributed to their reunion too.

After some intense preparation, the party from Gracechurch Street arrived at the Bingleys' residence in the late afternoon and were warmly welcomed by their host.

Mr Bingley came to the door to greet them, proving he expected them. In the drawing room were Mr and Miss Darcy with another gentleman, as well as Miss Bingley and the Hursts. The introductions were performed, and Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately became a favourite due to his amiable manners.

His was a little older than Mr Darcy and perhaps not so handsome, Elizabeth thought, but from his smile to his tone of voice, everything about him was likable.

"My mother has spoken so much about you since you met that I have looked forward to meeting you," the colonel said. "This dinner is the perfect opportunity."

The conversation developed easily, with the Bingley sisters contributing little to it. Mr Darcy was not particularly vocal either — as usual — but he seemed to enjoy the company and interjected from time to time.

The meal was served; the table was large enough to accommodate the whole party but not so large as to limit conversation, so anyone could easily speak to everyone.

"So, Miss Elizabeth, I understand you were the one who suggested the walk that took you in front of my mother's coach," the colonel said. "I am not sure I know many young ladies who favour walking over the comfort of a carriage."

"Miss Eliza has some peculiar tastes," Miss Bingley said. "She favours reading over playing cards even at parties, and her favourite activity is walking, regardless of the weather or the distance — even if it is over three miles! It can easily be said that she is a great reader and a great walker."

"I am not sure whether your remark was meant as praise or criticism, Miss Bingley, so I shall accept both. I see no reason to apologise for my preferences," Elizabeth replied. "As for the particular instance you refer to, I did walk three miles on a muddy road to see my sister who was ill at Netherfield." Elizabeth felt annoyed already; and she still held a grudge against the two dishonest sisters.

"You certainly have no reason to apologise, Miss Bennet," she heard Darcy interjecting. Surprised, she looked at him, and he continued, "I have always considered the improvement of one's mind through extensive reading to be a quality in a man or a woman. And concern and loyalty towards a sister is certainly something admirable."

His serious tone bewildered Elizabeth as much as his favourable words. She remembered his statement about improving one's mind from one evening at Netherfield. And the mention of loyalty for a family member could have been a clear hint at Miss Bingley's dishonesty, so she felt induced to support him.

"Thank you, Mr Darcy. We have not always been in agreement, but I daresay, in essentials we value similar things. With some exceptions, perhaps, regarding certain circumstances or certain people. But each of us have our moments of prejudice and misjudgement."

Mr Darcy stared at her, a frown between his eyes, in an apparent effort to understand her meaning. She was referring both to his involvement in Mr Bingley's departure as well to Mr Wickham's situation, but surely, he could not guess that.

"I cannot either agree or disagree with your statement, Miss Elizabeth, as I am not sure how well I comprehend it. I hope my statement was as clear as I intended it to be."

"My brother and I walk often when we are at Pemberley," Miss Darcy said.

"I have said it many times — Pemberley is probably the most beautiful place I have ever seen. However, one would probably need weeks to see it on foot," Mrs Gardiner said.

"That is true." Miss Darcy smiled.

"I remember your father often riding from Pemberley to Lambton. We, as children, always recognised him from afar. His posture was unmistakable. He always rode large, frightening horses. I remember Lady Anne also riding, but that was long ago."

"My mother was an excellent rider, but she was too weak for exercise in her last years," Mr Darcy answered. "My sister is an excellent rider too," he added with apparent pride.

"That is because I learnt from you when I was not even four," the girl answered with an affectionate look at her brother.

"The truth is Georgiana is excellent at anything she attempts," Colonel Fitzwilliam said, causing Miss Darcy to blush. "So is Darcy, except that he is not as kind as she is," he jested. Mr Darcy smiled, but it looked a little forced.

"My sister Jane is a good rider too," Elizabeth said. "I also learnt to ride, but for some reason, horses always intimidated me. I find that walking suits me best."

"I am sure you would enjoy riding too, Miss Elizabeth, if you gave it a try," Mr Darcy said with another smile that puzzled Elizabeth.

"I might, but my father has only two horses, and they are usually needed on the farm. So I have few chances to practise for my own amusement."

"Having only two horses might be a great inconvenience," Mrs Hurst uttered.

"It depends," Elizabeth replied calmly, even though she noticed the hidden offence. "It seems walking is a good choice for me. Of all my walks — which have been quite numerous — the one in Hyde Park was certainly the most fortunate."

"My mother said so too," the colonel responded in the same light tone.

"I agree!" Mr Bingley interjected. "Without that meeting, I wonder when I would have discovered that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were in town!" he added with a meaningful glare at his sisters.

"You have a lovely house here," Mrs Gardiner declared in an obvious attempt to change the subject. "We were delighted to receive your invitation."

"I am exceedingly happy to have you here, Mrs Gardiner. I am only sorry that I was not at home to greet you properly on your previous visit," he said, and another glare at his sisters followed.

Elizabeth enjoyed her time exceedingly. She could not help being satisfied by Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst's obvious discomfort, in opposition to Jane and Mr Bingley's joy. She spoke extensively with the colonel and Miss Darcy, but Mr Darcy puzzled her. He looked at her intently — as he had done many times in the past — but there was something different in his countenance and in his eyes. His manners towards her relatives were friendly and unassuming, as she had never seen from him before. She also observed his tender concern for his sister, which revealed the affectionate bond between the two — and his amusing exchanges with his cousin, who did not hesitate to tease him at times.

With the disdain and grudge she held against him assuming he had separated Mr Bingley and Jane, Elizabeth found herself unsure of what to think of Mr Darcy's true character. Everyone else seemed to have a favourable opinion of him, but she could not so easily forgive his selfish and cruel actions that had condemned Mr Wickham to poverty, even if Mr Darcy might have some reason of his own for his behaviour.

She felt more and more tempted to ask him about that story — an impulse she tried to dismiss.

The pleasant dinner party ended quite late, and it would have probably lasted longer if the guests had not had a long ride home.