“I support Bingley in this one,” the colonel said. “It is a matter of honour for a man to admit when he is wrong and to make amends.”
Mr Gardiner arrived home and greeted the guests, and the conversation turned to lighter and more entertaining subjects. Colonel Fitzwilliam asked Elizabeth about her enjoyment of the play they had seen together, how long they intended to stay in London before returning to Longbourn, and whether they planned to attend the theatre again. His interest in her company was apparent, but Elizabeth knew it was nothing beyond friendliness; he had indicated as such while they were in Kent, when he had told her of his need to marry someone with a good fortune and connections.
Besides, as much as she enjoyed the colonel’s company, Elizabeth felt no particular attraction to him. She appreciated his manners, his friendliness, and even his appearance, just as she appreciated Mr Bingley’s. Even if the colonel had courted her and proposed to her, she would not have considered marrying him.
As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she frowned and scolded herself. Would she dare reject a third marriage proposal? Really? She, who had no fortune, no connections, nothing to recommend her among many other gentlemen’s daughters. Was that not arrogance and even recklessness? After all, if their father died, she, her sisters, and her mother would be at the mercy of others. At the mercy of Mr Collins, of all people, and a worse fate she could not imagine. And yet, she had rejected the clergyman and rejected a gentleman worth ten times his consequence. Had she been honest and wise or simply thoughtless?
“Miss Elizabeth, I hope it is not our company that makes you frown,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said, and she startled. “You look either preoccupied or displeased.”
She tried to laugh. “I did not realise I was frowning, but you are certainly not the reason. You and Mr Bingley are delightful company and could surely never displease anyone.”
“I am glad to hear that. Your preoccupied expression reminded me of Darcy, when we used to visit the parsonage in Kent.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks heated, but she kept her light tone. “I cannot blame Mr Darcy. I often found myself lost in my own thoughts during Mr Collins’ speeches.”
“Indeed!” The colonel laughed. “Mr Collins has been exceedingly fortunate in his choice of a wife. I admire Mrs Collins’s patience and fortitude.”
The conversation continued for another half an hour; Mr Darcy’s name was mentioned several times, causing Elizabeth to fall back into her reflections about the gentleman.
So Mr Darcy had agreed to attend a dinner with her and her family… Undoubtedly, Mr Bingley’s purpose was to showhis regret for not visiting Jane before. That must be a clear indication of his lasting admiration, even affection. Mr Darcy must have understood that, and yet, instead of discouraging his friend, he had agreed to support him by joining the party with his sister. He had only seen Jane once since he returned to London.Has he changed his opinion on such an important matter simply based on my words during our fight at the parsonage?
A man with less strength of character would hold a grudge against her for her offensive rejection. Instead, he had been nothing but gentlemanly towards her and her family; this admission made Elizabeth feel even more guilty and ashamed of her behaviour, which had been anything but ladylike. The dinner at Mr Bingley’s home would place them in close company once more. Would he address her, or would he disregard her? Should she say something? What could be said after so many unjust accusations?
The dinner party, which would give so much joy, such renewed hopes, to her sister, was likely to be one of the most distressing evenings Elizabeth had ever spent. And probably Mr Darcy too.
When Mr Bingley and the colonel took their farewell, there were no regrets on either side since they were to meet again soon.
As final pleasantries were being exchanged in the vestibule, there was a knock at the door, and a servant stepped forwards to answer it. On the step, two officers were waiting, but when their gazes fell on the gentlemen inside, their smiles faded.
Elizabeth’s heart stopped, and she held her breath.
“Wickham? What the bloody hell are you doing here?” Colonel Fitzwilliam shouted. “I beg your forgiveness, ladies, for my appalling language. Some surprises are just too much.”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam?” Mr Wickham asked, taking a few steps back. His companion, Mr Denny, stepped back too. “I did not expect to see you here… I have just… I came to bring Mr and Mrs Gardiner letters from Longbourn. From Mr and Mrs Bennet,” Mr Wickham mumbled.
Jane and the Gardiners looked stunned, not so much because of the officers’ presence but due to the colonel’s violent response. The amiable, smiling guest from a few minutes ago seemed to have vanished, replaced by a resentful man with a frightening temper and countenance.
Elizabeth was the only one who understood the gravity of the situation and the dreadful consequences that might follow. She immediately realised that the colonel would tell Mr Darcy, who would assume she still maintained a friendly acquaintance with Mr Wickham. What an unfortunate twist of fate!
“Gentlemen, perhaps we should all enter and have a drink?” Mr Gardiner suggested tentatively.
“We cannot stay any longer, sir,” the colonel replied in a rather harsh tone. Then he bowed and stepped out, followed by a dumbfounded Mr Bingley.
After the two guests left, Mr Gardiner invited the officers inside, and more drinks were ordered.
“I am truly sorry to have caused such an unpleasant scene,” Mr Wickham said. “I have long known the entire Fitzwilliam family hates me, but I never imagined the colonel would allow the resentment to overpower his common sense, especially in front of ladies.”
“You must not apologise to us, Mr Wickham,” Mrs Gardiner replied. “We are grateful that you brought us letters from Longbourn.”
“Denny and I have some business in London. Since I knew Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were in town, I asked Mr and Mrs Bennet whether they would like to send any correspondence,” he said, handing the letters to their host.
“Thank you. How very considerate of you, sir,” Mrs Gardiner said.
“I should have sent a note before calling, but in truth, I never expected to meet a member of the Darcy or Fitzwilliam family in this part of London. I was not aware that you were even acquainted with the colonel.”
“I met him in Kent,” Elizabeth explained. “I am sure he was just as surprised to see you, Mr Wickham. I imagine the unexpected encounter was equally unpleasant for both of you.”
“Certainly, but at least I did not respond discourteously. A gentleman should not lose his temper so easily,” he said, obviously disquieted.
