“But… you are not well enough to travel. And…”
“I am well and I enjoyed the journey very much. And the estate is beautiful. Yes, I know George is here, but I will not allow him to keep me away from you any longer! I will not allow you to face all that distress alone,” Georgiana said daringly, tearful with emotions. Darcy kissed her hands, then embraced her tenderly.
“I am astonished, my dear. Astonished, proud, humbled by your strength, and grateful for your support. But I must tell you that Wickham is not here anymore and most of the distress is gone.”
“Truly?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, come in! Come in, let us talk inside! What an honour and what a joy to see you here! Georgiana, this is the happiest moment! Colonel Fitzwilliam, you in my house! And Mrs Annesley—I hope you approve of Netherfield! Come in!” Mr Bingley cried.
“You have a lovely place here. I must leave in a couple of days, but I will return for Christmas if you’ll have me. But for now, I need a drink!” the colonel said. “A long and strong one, And some tea for the ladies, and then tell us all about what has happened in the last few days. By the way, Lady Catherine has written to my father again, in case you were wondering.”
“Yes, yes, of course! Rooms will be prepared for you all. And food and drink! I will send a note to Longbourn, to tell them the happy news!” Bingley said, breathless with excitement.
∞∞∞
While at Netherfield happy emotions were shared, the news of Miss Darcy’s arrival stunned Jane—and brought her to the edge of despair. As Mrs Bennet read the note, Jane suddenly turned pale and left the room, followed by Elizabeth. Overwhelmed by pride to receive information from Mr Bingley himself, Mrs Bennet remained oblivious to her daughter’s distress.
Elizabeth found Jane in their chamber, wiping her eyes.
“Dearest, what is happening?”
“Nothing, Lizzy. Nothing.”
“Jane, answer me, please. What is wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong, I am glad Mr Bingley is happy to receive Miss Darcy. I am sure she is a wonderful young lady and most accomplished.”
“Oh, my dear, are you jealous?”
“I am not jealous, Lizzy. I just did not expect it.”
“My dear, I do not believe that Miss Darcy’s presence will affect Mr Bingley’s feelings. His admiration for you is obvious, even Mr Darcy confirmed it. And I am sure something unexpected must have happened, as Mr Darcy was ready to return home to be with his sister. He surely did not expect her to come here. Is it not unfair for you to doubt Mr Bingley? Didhe behave like a man who has a romantic attachment to another lady?”
Jane wiped her eyes. “No…”
“Then would you not grant him enough trust to see what happened? We will dine with them tonight—does he not deserve your faith for several more hours?”
“Yes… it is just that…I was so happy to see him again, Lizzy. I know I have no right to hope or to expect, but…”
“My dear, you do have every right and every reason to hope and expect! Please try to keep your spirits up until tonight! I am sure you will like Miss Darcy, from what I hear of her. I confess I am very nervous to meet her too. And Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mama and Lydia and Kitty will be thrilled to dine with a colonel and an earl’s son. I am even more nervous about their reactions,” Elizabeth tried to comfort her sister.
Secretly, she was concerned too. Miss Darcy’s sudden arrival must be the reason for some other unexpected circumstances which she feared to consider.
∞∞∞
Netherfield was arranged festively for receiving important guests, giving the Bennets and the Gardiners more reasons to be impressed.
And the presence of Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, together with Mrs Annesley, added more significance to the event.
Jane was still highly emotional and her hands were trembling when she was introduced to Miss Georgiana Darcy.The young lady, with remarkable beauty, pretty blue eyes and a sweet, warm smile on her lips, enchanted everyone. Despite her fears, Jane liked her immediately.
Elizabeth was astonished and charmed when the girl told her with gentle friendliness, “I am delighted to finally meet you, Miss Elizabeth. I have heard so much about you, ever since my brother wrote to me last September.”
The dinner was one to remember, as it tied the bond between Bingley and the Bennets so much as to leave no room for doubt.
While his admiration and affection for Miss Darcy was apparent, not even Mrs Bennet noticed any reason for jealousy. Just like her brother, Miss Darcy was drawn to Mrs Gardiner and spoke of her parents and of Derbyshire for a long time. Elizabeth joined them, much to Darcy’s delight. He and Elizabeth did not speak directly, but their glances met often and each time, a heartfelt smile was shared.
Colonel Fitzwilliam quickly became a favourite of the Bennet ladies, engaging them in conversation. They spoke freely about the other officers, about Wickham and about their enjoyment of balls and parties, much to his entertainment.
