Jane entered the room, her eyes bright. “Lizzy, Aunt says we must prepare for callers. Do you think…Mr Bingley might come today?”
Elizabeth smiled, setting aside her needlework. “If his devotion at dinner is any measure, dearest, I should not be surprised if he arrives with the punctuality of a town crier. And perhaps…others may join him.”
Jane’s cheeks took on a light crimson tone, and she nodded, her own heart evidently fluttering. Mrs Gardiner bustled in moments later, adjusting a vase of fresh blooms. “Girls, make yourselves presentable. I have a suspicion this afternoon will be busy.”
No sooner had they settled than a knock echoed at the door. The maid announced Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy, and Elizabeth’s breath caught. Mr Bingley entered first, his boyish grin fixed on Jane as he bowed with eager courtesy. “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Mrs Gardiner, what a pleasure to call upon you!”
Mr Darcy followed, his tall frame filling the doorway with an air of composed elegance. His dark eyes sought Elizabeth’s immediately, holding them with that intensity she now found intoxicating rather than intimidating. He greeted them in a more composed voice, carrying a trace of friendliness that could not be missed.
“Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy, welcome,” Mrs Gardiner replied graciously. “We are delighted to see you both. Is Miss Darcy in good health? And your sisters, Mr Bingley?”
“My sister sends her regards,” Mr Darcy said. “In truth, she wished to join us, but it was not possible this time.” With that, he glanced at Elizabeth, and she understood. The mere possibility of Mr Wickham’s presence was enough for Mr Darcy to keep his sister away.
“My sisters are well,” Mr Bingley said. “Caroline has gone to stay with the Hursts for a few days since they both disapprove of my plans.”
“Your plans, sir?” Mrs Gardiner enquired, inviting them to choose a seat.
Mr Bingley sat next to Jane, Mr Darcy in an armchair, with Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner on a small sofa. From such a short distance away, Elizabeth observed his repeated glances at her and felt the room’s air thicken with unspoken words. What were Mr Bingley’s plans? Did Mr Darcy approve or disapprove of them? she wondered.
Refreshments were ordered, then Mrs Gardiner repeated her earlier question.
“Oh,” Mr Bingley replied, with a light tone and a slight colour in his cheeks, “I decided to reopen Netherfield. Closing it was a hasty decision that I have come to regret. I sent letters to my housekeeper and my solicitor this morning, instructing them to prepare the house for my return.”
Elizabeth was not surprised, given the gentleman’s attention to her sister since they had been reunited, but Jane seemed utterly stunned and doubtful. She looked at Mr Bingley, then at Elizabeth, a crease between her brows.
“That is wonderful news,” Elizabeth replied. “I am sure everybody in the neighbourhood will welcome your return. You have been missed all these months. But dare I enquire whether you are certain about your plan this time, Mr Bingley? It wouldbe quite sad if you returned to Netherfield only to leave it again after a month or so.”
She knew her statement was bold and not entirely proper but could not help herself. Jane turned pale, Mr Bingley’s cheeks took on a deep crimson colour, but it was Mr Darcy who replied.
“I dare say that this time, Bingley’s plans are settled. His previous departure from Netherfield was mostly due to some bad advice that he should have dismissed. I am ashamed to admit that I was one of those who advised him poorly.”
“I shall not place the blame on anyone but myself,” Mr Bingley declared. “I left Netherfield, even though I wished to stay. This time, nothing will alter my plans—” He stopped short, his expression changing. After a moment he continued more hesitantly, “Unless you believe my return would be unwelcome,” he said, looking straight at Jane. She was so surprised that she needed a moment to find the words to respond.
“I cannot imagine anything more pleasant than your return to Netherfield, Mr Bingley,” she finally whispered with a small yet bright smile.
Elizabeth glanced at Mr Darcy; his countenance expressed utter approval, and his eyes as they met hers bore a warmth she had not noticed before.
“Well then, it is settled!” Mr Bingley answered joyfully. “I was wondering — if Mr and Mrs Gardiner approve, of course — would you allow me to escort you back to Hertfordshire?”
“What a convenient and delightful plan, sir,” Mrs Gardiner responded. “There is nothing I would like more than to know my nieces are safe under your protection.”
“Excellent! This is truly the best day I have had in a long time. Now I must learn how to manage Netherfield. Darcy haspromised to teach me. He will go to Pemberley at the end of this month, but he has promised to visit me in September.”
Elizabeth felt Mr Darcy’s gaze on her again, and she met it with slight uneasiness. Not only did he support Mr Bingley’s reopening of Netherfield but he also intended to visit. Was his friendship with Mr Bingley strong enough to bring him back to Hertfordshire? To her? Of course, returning to Netherfield did not necessarily mean he would accept any sort of relationship with her family, against which he had expressed so many objections.
As the visit progressed, Mr Bingley’s joy made him even more talkative than usual, and Mrs Gardiner happily encouraged him. Mr Gardiner arrived home and was delighted to see the gentlemen and to hear the latest news. The company seemed to please everyone, and the visit lasted longer than was generally considered appropriate for a morning call. However, Elizabeth became increasingly conscious of how little opportunity there had been for a private conversation with Mr Darcy, until the gentleman at last broke in, saying, “Mr and Mrs Gardiner, please do not consider me rude, but I wish to ask you a favour — a few minutes of private conversation with Miss Elizabeth, if neither of you has any objections.”
As much as she had wished for it, Elizabeth was as surprised as her uncle and aunt by this blunt request.
“I have no objection, if Elizabeth agrees,” Mr Gardiner replied. “Is there a matter that should concern me?”
“Not at all, dear uncle,” Elizabeth responded. “It is only a misunderstanding that began in Kent and for which I wish to apologise to Mr Darcy. To be honest, it is in regard to Mr Wickham, to whom I granted my trust only to discover he didnot deserve it. Mr Darcy offered to provide me with a few more details.”
“I see,” Mr Gardiner replied, though Elizabeth’s explanation did not sound convincing. “You may go to the library, Lizzy. I have no reason to object to you talking to Mr Darcy.”
The gentleman thanked her uncle, and Elizabeth led the way, disconcerted, her heart pounding. For the first time since that day at the parsonage, she would be alone with Mr Darcy. Was it possible that only a month had passed?
“I hope you will forgive my boldness, Miss Elizabeth,” he said.
