As if summoned by her thoughts, the door opened, and Mr Darcy entered. His tall figure filled the room with an air of quiet authority, his dark eyes sweeping over the party before settling, briefly but intensely, on Elizabeth. Her breath caught, and warmth crept up her neck.
“Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” he said, his voice steady but formal. “I am glad I arrived home in time to greet you.”
“Mr Darcy, what a pleasure to see you, sir. We understood you were at your club,” Mrs Gardiner said. “We are delighted to see you before we leave.”
“I was at my club, but I left a little earlier than usual. You have had a pleasant visit, I hope?”
“Very much so, I thank you. Miss Darcy is a gracious host. We are grateful for your sister’s hospitality.”
Mr Darcy inclined his head, taking a seat next to Miss Darcy. His proximity to Elizabeth, although they were separatedby a small table, felt charged with unspoken words. She stole a glance at him, noting the faint tension in his jaw, the way his fingers drummed lightly against the arm of his chair. Was he as discomposed as she?
The conversation turned to Lambton, Mrs Gardiner’s childhood home, and then to Pemberley again. Mr Darcy seemed as enchanted with these subjects as his sister and Mrs Gardiner were.
Mrs Gardiner recounted tales of her youth, while Elizabeth listened with half an ear, her thoughts ensnared by Mr Darcy’s presence. When he spoke, his voice was low and measured, offering a comment about Pemberley’s gardens that drew a shy smile from Miss Darcy. Elizabeth found herself watching him, noting the tenderness in his tone when addressing his sister, a stark contrast to the aloofness she had once attributed to him.
Their departure was delayed, and Elizabeth’s distress diminished slightly. Mr Darcy’s nearness, though still uncomfortable for her, became more bearable. He was a pleasant host, his manners amiable, even friendly.
In the middle of their animated discussion, a footman entered to announce another guest. Elizabeth immediately glanced at Jane, who had become white and breathless, her eyes darting between her sister and the door.
“Darcy, I have just arrived…” a well-known voice said, and in the doorway appeared none other than Mr Bingley. His voiced faded as his eyes widened in disbelief, and he whispered, “Miss Bennet?”
“Mr Bingley…”
“How…what? Miss Elizabeth? What are you doing here?”
“They are having tea with Georgiana. Is it not obvious?” Mr Darcy remarked, his tone surprisingly light and teasing, before introducing his friend to Mrs Gardiner.
“Oh…I am delighted to make your acquaintance.” Mr Bingley bowed, his eyes turning towards Jane repeatedly. “Miss Bennet, have you been in London long?”
“Above four months, sir,” Jane whispered, her words increasing the gentleman’s disbelief.
“Four months? Have you not…? I have just returned from Oxfordshire… I had no idea…”
“We believed you knew my niece was in London, sir. Your sisters told us they had informed you,” Mrs Gardiner said. Elizabeth cast a look at Mr Darcy, who appeared disconcerted, then at Mr Bingley, whose astonishment seemed complete.
“My sisters knew you were in town?”
Jane was looking steadfastly at her lap. “Yes. I called on them once, and they visited me in Gracechurch Street.”
“But… I have not… I did not know… Darcy, did you know?”
“Yes,” Mr Darcy responded after a brief hesitation, a slight redness to his face. “I should have informed you myself. I apologise for not doing so.”
“This fortuitous encounter has resolved the problem, has it not?” Mrs Gardiner said with a light smile. “How fortunate that Miss Darcy invited us for tea and you happened upon us.”
“Very fortunate indeed,” Mr Bingley replied, clearly dumbfounded.
“Sadly, we must leave now — my children are expecting us,” Mrs Gardiner said.
“You are leaving? Oh, may I…? Can I…? Would you give me your address so I may call on you?”
He looked so desperate that Mrs Gardiner’s smile widened and Jane blushed.
“With pleasure, Mr Bingley. Colonel Fitzwilliam said he might call too. We would be honoured to receive you both. And Mr Darcy, of course, but we know he has important things to employ his time,” Mrs Gardiner concluded. Mr Darcy said nothing, apparently uncomfortable, and the visit ended.
In their carriage, Jane began to talk tearfully, unleashing her long-hidden sorrow.
“He did not know I was in town! Can you imagine? And he said he would call!” She continued to chatter on the same subject, supported by her aunt, while Elizabeth returned to her own musings.
