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 yourcompany.”
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 thatappearto 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 wouldneverstoop 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 designsand 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.
