Now that Jane was recovering, Elizabeth could take time for herself, especially knowing the Healers were doing everything they could to make sure of Jane’s speedy recovery. She grasped the opportunity to go on a stroll with Darcy in the garden, where he entertained her by pointing out some of his childhood haunts.
“But my favorite place was my aunt’s hothouse, where – naturally – I was forbidden from setting foot.”
“What could be so very interesting in a hothouse?” she said, laughing as she remembered how he had surprised her with dinner in the hothouse in Netherfield.
He smirked. “It was not what you are thinking, Mrs. Darcy,” he replied. “We were children, and to us it was another world. It was full of hiding places amongst the exotic plants. Anne and I used to chase each other and hide under the giant leaves.”
“Did you ever get into trouble?”
“Not once, believe it or not. Somehow, my aunt never suspected us. Or maybe she could not imagine that we could possibly disobey her.”
As they approached the house, the voice of Lady Catherine could be clearly heard.
“That is completely unacceptable. How dare you defile the sanctity of Rosings Park?”
Darcy speeded up his pace. “Oh, no. Now what?”
They found Bingley leaning against the wall in a most nonchalant manner.
“This – friend of yours,” said Lady Catherine, “is invited to leave immediately! We cannot have these goings-on under my roof!”
Elizabeth glanced to the side and spotted Mrs. Jenkinson there, looking very self-righteous. It was not hard to deduce what had happened. Clearly Bingley had been caught alone with Jane.
Anne, who was also present, gave a little giggle. “Well, at least things are more lively now.”
Lady Catherine sent her a scathing look. “There is nothing funny about a young lady being compromised.”
“No, there is not,” said Mr. Bingley. “I take full responsibility, and I will make amends immediately. I intend to marry Miss Bennet as soon as I can.”
Lady Catherine ignored him. “Anne, go to your room. I will not have you exposed to such improper behavior.”
“Mama, I am twenty-eight years old. Do you think it is the first time I see a gentleman and a lady kissing?”
“Nonsense. I have done everything I can to shield you from such things.” Lady Catherine turned to Mr. Bingley. “You are corrupting my daughter.”
“Mama, Mr. Bingley is not corrupting me—” said Anne.
“—Do you see what you have done?” said Lady Catherine, speaking over Anne. “Before you came, my daughter would never have dared to defy me in this manner.”
“We have done nothing wrong,” said Bingley, calmly. “Miss Bennet and I are engaged.”
Elizabeth let out a squeak. “That is wonderful news!”
Mr. Bingley was beaming. “I am the happiest man in the world.”
“Then go and be engaged somewhere else!” And with that concluding statement, she walked out of the room, dragging Anne along with her. As they left the room, Colonel Fitzwilliam came in. He mouthed something to Anne, and she gave a secret little nod.
Meanwhile, Darcy stepped forward and offered his best wishes. “Have you spoken to Mr. Bennet yet?”
Mr. Bingley’s joy dimmed. “Not yet.” He looked at Elizabeth anxiously. “Do you think he will object?”
“You need not worry. I do not think Papa will deny Jane her happiness after everything she has gone through.”
Bingley, reassured, hurried off to find Mr. Bennet.
Elizabeth thought about what she had witnessed. “Is there anything between your cousin Richard and Anne?”
Darcy looked surprised. “Not as far as I know. At least, Richard has not confided in me. Why do you ask?”
