Bingley commended Elizabeth’s affection for Jane, but his sisters lambasted her manners and lack of decorum. Darcy was conflicted; he could not allow Bingley’s sisters to censure Elizabeth in his presence, but he had not yet secured her father’s blessing and could not announce their engagement. Yet, in his heart, he felt that his silence betrayed her.
Georgiana looked questioningly at him. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s manners were pleasing, Miss Bingley,” she murmured.
“You are a sweet girl to speak kindly of one so beneath you. I believe, Louisa, there was a time when we were all amazed to find that Eliza Bennet was a reputed beauty. Mr Darcy eventually found her eyes to be fine, but I find them to have a shrewish look. I particularly recollect Mr Darcy saying one evening, ‘She a beauty? I should as soon call her mother a wit.’”
At the pained look on his sister’s face, Darcy wished his former opinions of Elizabeth had been more sensible. He must do what he could to atone for his mistake. “Her eyes are not only fine, but striking, and there is a general sweetness in her countenance that those who know her well can readily perceive.”
Miss Bingley steered the conversation back to Bingley’s summer plans. “Can you be sure that Jane wishes to continue her acquaintance with you? You could come with us to Bath instead.”
“You have no reason to believe that Miss Bennet no longer wishes my company, do you?”
“Jane is serene and mild. Perhaps she is just as welcoming to any man’s attentions. Perhaps it is her nature.”
Bingley pursed his lips but reaffirmed that she appeared pleased with him when he called at Gracechurch Street. He then asked his sister to come to Netherfield to be his hostess.
“You may return to the country, Charles, but I will not. I am fond of Bath and am determined to stay there until we adjourn to Pemberley with Mr Darcy in August.”
“You may do as you please, Caroline, but I am removing to Hertfordshire in June and shall stay there indefinitely.”
“Miss Bingley,” Darcy interrupted, “my plans for the summer have changed.” She looked at Darcy in alarm. “I will join Bingley at Netherfield and shall not be removing to Pemberley until a desirable event takes place.” Without elaborating on what event he desired, Darcy asked Georgiana to speak with him privately.
Darcy led his sister into the library and closed the door. He sighed at the sight of his sister fidgeting with her hands and her gaze on the floor. She clearly wanted to speak to him, but knew not how to broach the subject. Again he wished Georgiana would not be so anxious but did not know how to encourage her. Elizabeth would be better suited for such a task.
“Georgiana, what is on your mind?” He tried not to sound harsh. “It is all over your face, so you might as well come out with it.”
“Did you truly speak poorly of Miss Elizabeth Bennet to Miss Bingley?” His sister looked as though she was on the verge of tears.
“I am ashamed that I did, and I can say nothing in my defence.”
“Lizzy likes me and never once made me feel as if I were a means by which she could win your attentions.” Her words came forth in a rush and grew louder as she became more distressed. “Why would you insult her and her family to Miss Bingley when you admire Lizzy? Do not deny it,” she cried as Darcy opened his mouth to speak. “You have never encouraged me to know any woman of your acquaintance, yet you introduced Lizzy to me and encouraged me to know her family. You are staying in Hertfordshire for the summer because she is there, not because you desire Mr Bingley’s company.”
“I do not deny it.” His voice was low. “I admire Eli—Miss Bennet and was wrong when I spoke to Miss Bingley. Miss Bennet and I…quarrelled in the past and misunderstood one another grievously. She has taught me a lesson regarding my behaviour to others, hard indeed at first, but advantageous. I have earned her forgiveness. Now, may I ask for yours?”
“You do not owe me an apology, and if Lizzy does not think less of you, then it is not my place to do so.”
“She is ‘Lizzy’ to you, then?”
“Do you not approve?”
Darcy could hardly explain his jealousy at being unable to refer to Elizabeth by her given name yet. “I am pleased you have become friends, and she would be proud of you, I am sure, to have defended her so valiantly.”
Georgiana appeared shy at the memory of her outburst. “Is there any truth to Miss Bingley’s comments about Lizzy’s family?”
“Some of them can be indecorous, yes,” he admitted. “Her immediate relations are not as fashionable as the Gardiners or her elder sister; however, they are her family and must be respected.”
Georgiana nodded and walked toward the door. “Fitzwilliam?” she said, turning back to him. “So long as you are happy and she loves you, I am exceedingly gratified by your choice.” She offered a small smile and hastily exited before Darcy could do more than wonder when his younger sister had become so perceptive.
ChapterEight
After the late evening with the officers, Elizabeth and Jane were the first downstairs for breakfast. Elizabeth had treasured her newfound happiness with Darcy as a precious matter best kept to herself, but she could no longer justify refraining from telling Jane of her engagement.
“You are engaged to Mr Darcy?” Jane was absolutely incredulous. “Good heavens! Can it really be so?”
“I speak nothing but the truth. He still loves me, and we are engaged.”
“I do congratulate you. But are you certain? Your feelings have undergone a drastic change in such a short time.”
“There can be no doubt of that.”
