Chapter XXXII

A s such things tend to happen, the time passed ever more swiftly, flowing ever faster on wings of the idyllic days in which Elizabeth existed. Talk at Longbourn soon turned to weddings and other such trappings, and while Elizabeth was relieved that she was not as much a part of them as her sister, she took note and dreaded the time when it might be her turn to be the focus of her mother's plans. Jane was as serene as ever, enduring such ubiquitous talk with nary a complaint, though Elizabeth noted she was far firmer in insisting on her preferences than she might have thought.

In those days, Elizabeth continued to receive her friends and return their visits, growing closer to Anne and Georgiana, and coming to esteem Mr. Darcy more than she ever thought possible. The ladies were easy to appreciate, but Elizabeth's attention more firmly fixed on the gentleman as time wore on. The memory of her previous opinion and the preceding year's interactions faded with time, and if they returned at all, it was with a sense of wonder that she had been so mistaken. It was a testament to how badly Georgiana's near miss with the detested Mr. Wickham affected him when he was here the previous autumn, for Elizabeth soon concluded that he was truly an amiable man when the occasion permitted it.

The neighborhood, that had greeted the return of Mr. Bingley and the addition to the party at Netherfield Park with amazement, soon accepted the change in the Bennets' fate, many proclaiming their sure knowledge of Mr. Bingley's esteem for Jane. Acceptance of Elizabeth's growing understanding was slower in coming, not only because of the gentleman's prior behavior but also of Elizabeth's oft-stated opinion of him. Elizabeth could not control what others said, and she could not direct their thoughts. Should others convict her of altering her opinion for no other purpose than to attract the attention of a wealthy man, so be it. She was not about to concern herself with the approval of the neighborhood, other than a few close friends who she knew would congratulate her.

The one friend who offered vociferous approbation was Charlotte, for whom even four sheets of paper were insufficient to state her pleasure with the news of Elizabeth's new closeness with Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth had not been explicit in her letters to Charlotte, so she attributed her information to the Lucases, and perhaps more particularly Maria. Along with Charlotte's congratulatory letter, there was another missive that was not so approving.

"Lizzy!" greeted her father one morning as Elizabeth entered his bookroom, having received his summons. "The most amusing letter has just arrived."

"A letter?" asked Elizabeth. Her father was not a great correspondent and rarely informed his family of what letters he received.

"From the most admirable correspondent," said Mr. Bennet, his smirk telling Elizabeth the comment was sarcastic. "And such excellent timing, for it comes the day after you received your letter from Mrs. Collins."

Now having some notion of her father's meaning, Elizabeth shook her head, seating herself in front of his desk. "Might I assume that Mr. Collins did not receive the news with nearly as much enthusiasm as Charlotte?"

Mr. Bennet snorted; his eyes filled with mirth. "I do not know precisely what Mrs. Collins wrote, though I can guess. Her husband's missive was full of pompous nothings and grave warnings of all manner of catastrophe if I allow my second daughter to pursue a man such as Mr. Darcy. Did you not know that he is engaged to his cousin? What manner of perversity is this, for a woman of no consequence in the world to fix her wiles on a man already claimed by another?"

"I suspect," said Elizabeth wryly, "you have quoted Mr. Collins's own words."

"You appear to know him well," said Mr. Bennet.

"Then his news is out of date."

"That it is," agreed her father. "Yet he dives into the pond with no thought for its depth or whether there are rocks under the surface." Mr. Bennet shook his head, his shoulders shaking with laughter. "I declare, Lizzy, that regardless of how much I detest correspondence, I would not give up my cousin's letters for the world. There is no more absurd specimen than he."

"Shall you write to him and inform him of his error?"

Mr. Bennet wiped his eyes of the tears accumulating in the corners, and nodded, though he appeared reluctant. "I suppose I must, for if I do not, he may take it into his head to write to Lady Catherine or, heaven forbid, journey here to make his sentiments known."

Becoming more serious, Mr. Bennet leaned on his desk and regarded Elizabeth. "There is also a faint whiff of resentment in his letter. When you were in Kent, did you sense any measure of rancor on his part for your refusal of him?"

"Not openly," said Elizabeth, considering the silly man's behavior. "Mr. Collins took every opportunity to remind me of what my recalcitrance cost me, but if he held a grudge, he said nothing of it to me."

"Then I may be reading more between the lines than he means," replied Mr. Bennet. Then he chuckled and added: "Then again, his flowery prose leaves much to the imagination, so it is possible to read much into his statements. I shall write to him and inform him of his error. Hopefully, he will take the hint and desist before he makes more of a fool of himself."

Elizabeth did not know if her father's warning was efficacious, as he did not speak to her of any further letters on the subject. When she mentioned it to Mr. Darcy, however, he was most decidedly not amused.

"That is the trouble with Lady Catherine's penchant for choosing such men to serve her," said he when he heard all. "The bolder ones tend to guard her ladyship's perceived interests more zealously than she."

"I do not know if I would call Mr. Collins bold," said Elizabeth. "But he is not lacking in zealotry when it relates to Lady Catherine."

Mr. Darcy nodded. "I shall speak to her on the subject. Whether she will take as dim a view of his actions as I do, I cannot say, but at the very least I expect she will instruct him to desist."

What Lady Catherine thought on the subject Elizabeth did not know and she did not say, but to the best of Elizabeth's knowledge, Mr. Collins made no further protest. Letters from Charlotte were plentiful, but she avoided the mention of her husband for reasons on which Elizabeth had no desire to speculate.

The date soon approached for the Gardiners' arrival in Hertfordshire for the looming tour to the north, and with it, Elizabeth's preparations began in earnest. Before they came, however, another letter arrived with a surprising suggestion.

"Mary," said Elizabeth, wishing to bring the matter to her sister's attention first, "I received a letter from Aunt Gardiner. In it, she suggests you travel north with us."

Taken aback, Mary stared at her. "They want me to go to the north?"

"If you will promise to not mention it to Mama," said Elizabeth, leaning in to impart a secret, "I will say that I suspect Aunt wishes you to come for additional chaperonage."

"I shall not speak a word of it to Mama," said Mary, showing Elizabeth a sudden grin. "I think I should be happy to accompany you, for I would love to see Pemberley and keep Georgiana's friendship."

Mr. Darcy was equally supportive of the idea. "That is an excellent notion. Mary would enjoy such a journey, and Georgiana would appreciate her company."

"Oh?" asked Elizabeth archly. "Is my company not enough for your sister?"

"I do not intend you to keep my sister's company," said Mr. Darcy. "That, I reserve for myself."

Elizabeth did not respond, the burning of her cheeks rendering it impossible. With Mr. Darcy's approval and Mary's eagerness, Elizabeth applied to her father, who quickly granted his permission, though it was not without a little grumbling.

"You have never included Mary in the list of your sensible daughters before," said she when he said something on the subject.

"Of late, Mary has improved," said Mr. Bennet. "I suspect it is because of her friendship with Miss Darcy, though there may be other factors. She has come to my room a few times to borrow books, and they are not he r usual moralistic preferences. I dare say I have not seen Fordyce in some time now."

Elizabeth recalled the conversation where they had discussed Fordyce, but she did not mention this to her father, wishing to protect Mary's privacy. When the time came to inform their mother, Mrs. Bennet was initially concerned, most likely because she felt Elizabeth alone in Mr. Darcy's company would cause a quicker resolution. It was not long, however, before she saw the benefits of such a situation and gave her unreserved support. Another who was not reticent about her approval was Georgiana Darcy.

"How happy I am that you are to accompany us, Mary!" squealed the girl the moment she entered the room for a morning visit. "We shall have so much fun together! Do you know my brother has talked of replacing the pianoforte at Pemberley? Perhaps together we may convince him!"

Elizabeth witnessed this with fondness, but she noted a slightly smug smile adorning Mr. Darcy's features. Determined to understand his self-satisfaction, she questioned him at once.

"Georgiana does not know it," said Mr. Darcy, "but I already made the arrangements, and the pianoforte is in the music room at Pemberley. But do not tell Georgiana, for it is a surprise."

Mr. Darcy showing a softer, kinder side, no longer surprised Elizabeth. As she looked at the gentleman, she felt a more powerful feeling toward him than any she had yet experienced, for she now had the sense that he was a truly good man.

"You did this for your sister's pleasure?"

The gentleman seemed to sense her state of mind, though to his credit he attempted to downplay the situation.

"The pianoforte needed replacing, Miss Bennet," said he. "My father purchased it for my mother long before her passing. Our old instrument is still at Pemberley, but my staff moved it to another parlor, where it occupies a position of honor."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth. "I believe I comprehend your motivations perfectly."

Again, he sensed her meaning, for he grinned. They did not speak of the subject again, instead turning their attention back to the party, where there was some discussion about Mary's inclusion in the tour to the north.

"I know not why Mary should go," grumbled Lydia.

"Would you provide a chaperon for your sister?" asked Mrs. Bennet, seeming to understand the unstated reason Mary was to go. "You may stay at home where you will have the pleasure of meeting your new companion. I do not mean to give you up for some time yet, Lydia, for it will be a great comfort to retain your company."

This did not mollify Lydia, for she seemed to view the coming of a companion with a dread akin to a traveler setting off into an unknown and dangerous land. Mary, to her credit, did not do as Lydia would have done and crow at her good fortune, but there was a hint of a satisfied air about her. Georgiana moved to placate her, suggesting there would be other opportunities for her to visit the north, and while Lydia did not appear to appreciate the need to wait, soon she was speaking in a lively fashion, forgetting her disappointment for the moment.

The purpose of the visit, however, was not only to speak of Mary joining the Gardiner party but was also to be the last visit for Miss Bingley and the Hursts before they departed from Hertfordshire themselves.

"Thank you, Mrs. Bennet," said Miss Bingley, "for your hospitality and friendship. My sister and I decided to keep our original plans and visit our family in the north for the summer."

"Then we shall miss your presence," said Mrs. Bennet, magnanimous though she was not ignorant of Miss Bingley's true feelings about her brother's engagement to Jane.

"And we shall anticipate our return," said Miss Bingley, a patently false statement. "When we return, it shall please Louisa and me to offer our assistance to the wedding preparations."

Mrs. Bennet's reply was all that was gracious on the surface. "Yes, I can imagine your brother will be your priority. I have everything in hand, but I am certain your help will be invaluable."

"We certainly wish to do our utmost for Charles's happiness," said Miss Bingley.

The saccharine in Miss Bingley's voice was sickening, and Mrs. Bennet's knowing condescension was almost palpable. Neither woman liked nor trusted the other, but both insulted the other with innuendo and disingenuous compliments. It was, perhaps, better than open hostility, but only marginally.

"I hope you will forgive me for saying it, Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy, "but I never thought I would see the day when another lady would return Miss Bingley's insincerity on her, and all spoken in tones that appear to be all that is pleasant."

"Oh, my mother is a master at it, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth, fighting to keep the grin from her lips. "I think it comes from some lingering insecurity concerning her background and not being born to a gentleman. She has some supernatural ability to sense another lady's condescension and responds in kind. I have witnessed some rather infamous exchanges between her and certain other ladies of the neighborhood."

Mr. Darcy regarded the two ladies, who were still engaged with each other, the temperature dropping precipitously between them. To her credit, Mrs. Hurst had nothing to say, her manner suggesting resignation, though to what, Elizabeth could not say.

"Do you suppose they will descend to screeching and pulling hair?" asked Mr. Darcy clinically.

"My mother would never stoop to such depths," replied Elizabeth. "Yet I suspect they will not stop until the visit is complete."

Elizabeth could not proclaim her words to be prophetic, for she knew her mother well, and had long had Miss Bingley's measure. Those not involved with the ladies' increasingly frigid exchange stayed away, directing worried, knowing, or exasperated glances at each other. When the Bingley party rose to depart, Mrs. Bennet and Miss Bingley exchanged farewells that were affectionate, respectful, and entirely insincere. Were Elizabeth to guess, Miss Bingley meant to hasten their return to Netherfield and assume responsibility for the wedding preparations, proclaiming her wish to do everything right. Mrs. Bennet, on the other hand, could sniff out the woman's designs and meant to ensure she completed the arrangements before Miss Bingley returned. Where that might lead, Elizabeth did not wish to consider—the way Mr. Bingley regarded them both, she expected he did not mean to allow them to ruin his wedding. That was sufficient for the moment.

When the time finally arrived for the Darcy party to travel to the north, Elizabeth found herself confused and agitated. This had all been so new, so unexpected that she did not know what she should feel. All she knew was that she would miss Georgiana and Anne's company, but she was not indifferent to Mr. Darcy going away. On the contrary, she felt a distinct longing for his company, even though he had not yet gone. Was this the love she wished to feel for her future husband? She could not say. Neither could she say she was indifferent to him.

The day before their departure, the Darcys, with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne, Lady Catherine, Georgiana, and the ever-present Mr. Bingley, visited Longbourn to take their leave. None of the insincerity and understated insult that had been the feature of the Bingley sisters' leave-taking marred their visit. Even Lady Catherine was not so severe as she had often been, though she was every bit as officious.

"Now, Mrs. Bennet," said the lady after the greetings were complete, "let us take a few moments to discuss your choice of a companion for your girls before I leave you to your devices. I will not presume to tell you who would suit them best, but there are a few things for which you should be alert."

"Of course, Lady Catherine," said Mrs. Bennet graciously and even a little eagerly.

By this time, neither of the two young ladies who were to benefit from the companion took any notice of such talk, so inured to it were they. As was their wont, they sat in Georgiana's company with Mary, speaking animatedly about the next time they would meet. To Lydia's credit, it appeared she only made a few comments about her vexation at Mary's invitation. Mary did not reply, proving her maturity, though she did not scruple to avoid a smug smile at the girl whenever she mentioned it.

"It is now time for us to part, Elizabeth," said Anne, pulling Elizabeth into an embrace. "Once again, I must take this opportunity to thank you for persuading me against Mr. Wickham's mad schemes. I will forever be in your debt."

"Not at all, Anne," replied Elizabeth, returning her new friend's embrace fiercely. "I am only grateful I was able to help."

"Those who find themselves in such positions often do nothing," replied Anne. "I shall look forward to your coming to Pemberley, for when you arrive, we shall walk the grounds together from morning until night!"

Elizabeth laughed at Anne's reference to her reluctance to walk to Longbourn the day they had met in Meryton. "It will displease your mother if I presume to drag you about Pemberley at all hours of the day and night."

"Darcy will not be happy either," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, nudging his cousin's elbow. "I hope you realize Darcy has other reasons for inviting Miss Elizabeth to his estate."

"Darcy can wait his turn," said Anne, affecting a haughty demeanor.

They all laughed at the banter, and Elizabeth turned on the colonel with some asperity. "Do you mean to go to Pemberley too, or do you have some other destination in mind?"

"Fortunately for us all," interjected Mr. Darcy, "Fitzwilliam must return to London and his duties. I have no notion how the army failed to instill him with discipline, but given his penchant for humorless jesting, it is indisputable."

"Do not concern yourself, Miss Elizabeth," said the colonel. "I shall be underfoot when you least expect it. Darcy here is always happy to have me."

The look of disbelief Darcy sent him returned them all to their laughter. They sat together for some time, engaged in conversation typical to those who were about to be sundered from each other's company. Mr. Darcy spoke of some attractions she might see on her way north and said something of his party's journey, which he had undertaken many times. Anne assured Elizabeth that she was eager to see Pemberley again, as she had not been there in several years, while Colonel Fitzwilliam restrained his comments for his upcoming duties with his regiment. While the act of parting was still not welcome, Elizabeth treasured these last few moments in their company, even knowing they would reunite soon.

When the time came, the visitors rose and with many expressions of pleasure, said their farewells. The Bennets returned their fondness in equal measure, and many comments of their desire to return to each other's company passed between them. There was even enough time for Mrs. Bennet to insert her foot firmly in her mouth.

"How happy we have been to welcome you all!" exclaimed she, her excitement getting the better of what sense she possessed. "And you too, Mr. Darcy! Why, I dare say you improve substantially with acquaintance!"

It was all Elizabeth could do not to groan, though most of Mr. Darcy's party appeared amused—the exception was, of course, Lady Catherine, who regarded Mrs. Bennet as if trying to determine how to reform her. Mr. Bennet's grin at his wife's lack of tact mirrored that of most of the gentleman's family. Yet Mr. Darcy, the subject of her faux pas, contented himself with smiling at the Bennet matron and indicating his pleasure.

"Thank you, Mrs. Bennet. As you can see, I had more than enough reason to improve myself. I am gratified that I have achieved some measure of success."

"It appears you have, sir," chimed in Mr. Bennet. "If no one else, my daughter appears to approve."

Elizabeth glared at her father, but he took no notice, of course. The rest of the company all appeared to take great pleasure in her embarrassment, for she was the subject of gently teasing comments for a few moments after. When they all made their way from the room, Mr. Darcy held her back, clearly wishing to speak to her in private. When they were alone, he turned to her.

"It shall seem like an age until you finally come, Miss Elizabeth. I hope you will excuse me if I express the hope that your uncle will decide to proceed directly to Pemberley and eschew the sights along the road."

"Perhaps we shall," replied Elizabeth. "It would be agreeable to my aunt."

"Yes, I well understand her affinity for Derbyshire, for I love my home."

Mr. Darcy looked at her intently for a moment and reached down to grasp her hand. "Dare I hope, Miss Elizabeth, that you will find some measure of longing in your heart for my company?"

Sensing his entreaty was at least as serious as it was humorous, Elizabeth refrained from laughing. "I might," said she. "Will you miss me?"

Mr. Darcy felt no need to curb his laughter. "Always. But I shall endure it, for our separation will be of short duration."

"I can safely say, Mr. Darcy," replied Elizabeth, "that I shall miss our conversations. I am eager to see your home, for if it is as wondrous as you all suggest, I dare say I shall find no better in all the land."

"It is the best for me ," replied Mr. Darcy. "I am confident you will echo my opinion."

With those words, they stepped out of the house to the rest of the company waiting for them. Unsurprisingly, a few more light-hearted jests met their exit.

"Miss Mary," said Anne, "you will need to take your chaperonage duties seriously at Pemberley. If they can get lost in the short distance from the sitting-room to the door, I have no notion of what mischief they will find in a house the size of Pemberley!"

"Oh, I shall," said Mary, completely seriously.

"I promise I shall not give you trouble," said Mr. Darcy, bowing over Mary's hand and setting her to blushing. "Or not much, anyway."

The company laughed, and Mr. Bennet affected a stern demeanor when he said: "Do not make me call you out, Darcy. I would not survive the experience."

"If such a thing is necessary," replied Mr. Darcy, "I promise I shall not be unwilling to meet my obligations as a gentleman without delay."

"Yes, I am certain you will at that," said Mr. Bennet.

With a final flurry of goodbyes, Elizabeth and Mary expressing their eagerness to see Anne and Georgiana again, the ladies entered the carriage, except only Lady Catherine. The lady, rather than follow them, turned to say a few words to Elizabeth.

"As you know," said she, her manner as haughty as usual, "I wished for my Anne to marry Darcy."

The lady's demeanor softened, and she raised a hand to Elizabeth's cheek, touching it in a show of affection. "As my children have taken it into their heads to be difficult, it appears my wish is destined for disappointment. I declare you will be a most suitable substitute."

Lady Catherine then leaned close and, in a whisper, said: "But you must assist me in finding a suitable husband for Anne!"

Elizabeth laughed and kissed the lady's cheek. "I shall be quite happy to do so, Lady Catherine, for Anne's happiness is important to me."

With a regal nod, Lady Catherine turned and entered the carriage. Mr. Darcy bowed over Elizabeth's hand once more, bestowing a lingering kiss on it, before he, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Bingley all mounted their steeds, and the carriage set off, the three gentlemen escorting it to Netherfield Park in the distance. The Bennet family waited outside, watching the carriage retreat until it was no longer in view. Then they turned and entered the house.

"They are as fine a family as I ever met," said Mrs. Bennet. It was entirely unsurprising that Mrs. Bennet should speak first given her character. "I would not have suspected it from meeting Mr. Darcy last autumn."

"It is curious how events can alter one's first opinions," said Mr. Bennet.

"It is," agreed his wife. "Yet I will say it again: they are an excellent family. It will be no hardship to greet them as relations."

Elizabeth saw the look her father gave her, and she knew exactly what he was thinking. Mrs. Bennet had spoken several times of her improved opinion of Mr. Darcy, but this time, she said nary a word about the gentleman's wealth.