“I am in fact grateful for it, Mr Darcy. As I already confessed, I have long wished for an opportunity to apologise for my reckless accusations about your dealings with Mr Wickham.”
“If that is the case, I have much more to apologise for. I admit the past two days have felt interminable. I found myself reflecting on our discussions that evening at Bingley’s, and I prepared what to say…but now I am here, I am lost for words again.”
“There is not much to be said, and perhaps we should not discuss this subject any further.”
“I agree…but…first I must ask, have you more news from him?”
“He visited again while we were out dining at Mr Bingley’s house, so we were fortunate not to meet. I pray that is the last I hear from him.”
“I doubt it. Wickham’s audacity is not easily discouraged. I confess I have hired someone to watch him and to inform me about his movements.”
“Oh, have you? That sounds wise… I cannot believe how much trouble he gives you.”
“The trouble with Wickham is more easily managed if you are able to anticipate it. Dealing with the consequences of his actions is more difficult.”
“Did you mention to Miss Darcy that he is in town?” Elizabeth enquired shyly.
“Yes, I wished to avoid unpleasant surprises if she happened upon him.”
“I am very sorry… I imagine how distressed she must be…”
“Thank you. Unfortunately, I am not sure I am capable of helping her overcome this situation. She is too proficient at hiding her true feelings.”
“Very much like her brother,” Elizabeth whispered, and he gave a sad little smile. She continued, “Speaking of sisters, I must thank you for encouraging Mr Bingley in his new plans. Jane is certainly as overjoyed as he appears to be.”
“They deserve joy after they suffered so much sorrow,” Mr Darcy said in a low voice. “You surely have no reason to thank me. Quite the opposite.”
“Do you truly plan to visit Mr Bingley at Netherfield?”
“I am not sure yet, though I have promised him. I am certain my return will not be as welcome as his. I would not wish to ruin anyone’s disposition with my presence.”
She paused, pondering her words.
“People judge you and like or dislike you based on what you allow them to see, Mr Darcy. Even if you are not comfortableperforming for strangers, they must be allowed to discover more about your true nature in order to fairly judge your character.”
“You are right, of course. That is why I do not blame anyone for disliking me.”
“And yet, it would require so little effort on your part to be liked. If only you would take the trouble to care about others’ opinions.”
“Your opinion is one I have always cared about. Though I was utterly mistaken in my understanding of it.”
He stared at her, and she averted her eyes before replying, “My opinion changed once you allowed me to see you in a different light. Perhaps others deserve equal courtesy.”
“If your opinion has improved even slightly, I am content, Miss Elizabeth. Shall we return to the others now? I would not want to abuse your uncle’s patience.”
“Yes, of course. Only one more thing, sir. Your return to Netherfield might not be as welcome as Mr Bingley’s, but it will certainly not be as unpleasant as you assume. So I see no reason for you to disappoint Mr Bingley.”
With that, she turned and walked ahead; she did not dare look at him, though she felt his intense stare. Had she said too much? Did he understand her meaning?
When they entered the drawing room, she noticed her uncle and aunt’s curious glances, while Mr Bingley and Jane were chatting to each other.
“I was telling Miss Bennet that I might accompany her and Miss Elizabeth to Hyde Park tomorrow, if the weather allows it,” Mr Bingley said enthusiastically.
“How lovely. I am sure my sister would enjoy a visit to the park too,” Mr Darcy said.
“Then we shall all go together! That would be wonderful!” Mr Bingley declared. “I shall come and fetch Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth in my carriage. Of course, if you approve of it!”
“I can safely say we all approve of it, Mr Bingley,” Mrs Gardiner answered, after a brief look at her husband. “You should plan your return to Hertfordshire too. My nieces are expected home within a week.”
