“Before I reply, I too need to offer my contrition,” Elizabeth responded. “Given that I was not aware of your affection for me, and I had none for you, I would not have changed my ultimate replyat that time; however, there is no excuse for the vitriol I spewed in my refusal. I am mortified by my unladylike behaviour and begyour forgiveness. From my side, you are pardoned.”
“What did you say to me that I did not deserve? Even though some of your accusations were ill-founded, formed on mistaken premises, my behaviour to you at the time merited the severest reproof. It was unpardonable. I cannot think of it without abhorrence,” Darcy replied.
“We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to that evening,” Elizabeth insisted. “The conduct of neither of us, if strictly examined, will be irreproachable; but since then, I hope, we have both seen the error of our ways.”
“I cannot be so easily reconciled to myself. The recollection of what I said then, of my conduct, my manners, my expressions during the whole of it is now, and has been since that evening, burnt into my memories and is inexpressibly painful to me. Your reproof, so well applied, I shall never forget. You said, ‘Had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.’ You know not; you can scarcely conceive how that particular accusation has tortured me. It is only in the last day or two, I confess, that I was reasonable enough to allow its justice.” It was then Darcy remembered they were not alone. The tips of his ears burnt red.
“You two should begin again,” Jane suggested.
“I would very much like to start over, if Miss Elizabeth is agreeable, that is. I have learnt my lesson regarding assuming I know what others think,” Darcy agreed.
“I too would like a fresh start,” Elizabeth accepted.
“On a different subject, Mr Darcy, were you aware that when Miss Mary King in Meryton became an heiress, Mr Wickham began to court her?” Jane enquired.
“No, Miss Bennet, I was unaware of that. On the distasteful subject of that man, the cousin Miss Elizabeth met at Rosings Park, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I are planningto make for Meryton to warn the populace, especially the shopkeepers,” Darcy revealed.
“My sister, Miss Lucas, and I are to return to Meryton in two days, on Friday. Once we read your letter…” Jane did not miss the horrified look on Mr Darcy’s countenance.
“Be easy, Mr Darcy; the only people I allowed to knowallin your letter are in this room. Each one here will keep your confidences, and without your expressed permission, none of them will repeat a word regarding your sister,” Elizabeth assured him. “I have the letter here; you may take it back, or we can consign it to the fire.” Seeing Mr Darcy’s eyes slide over to the fire, Elizabeth tossed the missive in, allowing the hungry flames to consume the paper.
Darcy relaxed as he accepted the veracity of Miss Elizabeth’s statement about the trustworthiness of her relatives.
“As I was saying, we are returning home. If we accompany you to see the shopkeepers, who all know us, I believe that things will go much more smoothly. Do not forget, Mr Darcy, your name is not good in our town, and Mr Wickham told his tale of woe to one and all as soon as you departed the area,” Jane related.
“And that was after telling me how his respect for your late father would not allow him to blacken your name,” Elizabeth added.
“That man respects no one, not even himself,” Darcy returned. He had an idea. “How are you to travel?”
“Via the post coach,” Gardiner responded.
“No!” Darcy exclaimed before he caught himself. “What I meant to say is that I will be happy to convey the Misses Bennet and Miss Lucas home. Even though there are three ladies, as we are two single men, I will have amaid with us.” Darcy turned to Mr Gardiner. “That is if you agree to allow your nieces and Miss Lucas to be escorted to Longbourn and Lucas Lodge by my cousin and me.”
Gardiner looked at both nieces. He received two nods. “In that case, we will accept your offer to transport the ladies to their homes,” Gardiner agreed.
That Miss Elizabeth agreed to be in a coach with him for more than four hours was already an improvement. It allowed Darcy to hope that this new start between them was rather promising. Could it be that the Fitzwilliams had the right of it, and he had a chance to win Miss Elizabeth’s heart?
With the discussions over for now, Maddie ordered tea and some refreshments before Edward left for the office.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
By the day after his nose had been badly broken by the chit’s uncle, Wickham heard that the Kings had departed the area. He was grateful for that because now he could tell a tale which would paint him as the victim and gain him sympathy from some willing young things.
When the same young ladies who had been willing to fall at his feet looked away from him in disgust, Wickham realised that Mr King had cost him far more than just ten thousand pounds.
Chapter 8
At calling hours on Thursday, Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived at Gracechurch Street with their charge. Just before he had departed the previous day, Mr Darcy had requested the honour of introducing his sister to the Gardiners and the two Bennet sisters.
Thanks to her brother and Richard informing her that those she was to meet knew about her near folly in Ramsgate, Gigi was nervous that she would see disgust in their looks. Her guardians explained that they no longer intended to keep anything they may think was unpleasant from her, so she would be able to make better decisions when needed.
On their arrival, the two Darcys and one Fitzwilliam followed the butler to the same drawing room where Darcy had delivered hismea culpathe previous day. Mrs Gardiner and the Bennet sisters were waiting for them.
During the introductions, still worried she would be rejected, Gigi peeked at the sisters. She saw none of what she had worried would be in their looks. Instead, she only saw open friendliness and acceptance. Seeing that her fears had not been realised, Gigi relaxed. She reminded herself that William and Richard would have never introduced her to those who would scorn her.
There was no missing how shy Miss Darcy was. Elizabeth decided to try drawing her out because up until then, the younger lady had mostly kept her eyes down and only responded with one-word replies when addressed directly.
Elizabeth leaned towards Miss Darcy. “We hear that you are a great proficient on the pianoforte. You would like my next younger sister, Mary. She practises as much as she can each day. Do you practise daily?” Elizabeth queried.
