“No!” Bingley cried so loudly that Parker knocked at the door, asking whether they were all right. Darcy was so surprised at his friend’s reaction that he could not speak.
“No, my friend,” Bingley repeated, “you will stay and fight them. As you know, Mr Bennet and our ladies planned to return to Hertfordshire in a day or two to prepare for the weddings. Early this morning, I took the liberty of sending a message to Mr Bennet and Jane to join me here. For now, the best way to act is to be honest with them and ask for advice and support. In the end, it is Elizabeth’s life. My sisters will not dare behave in any other way than benevolently towards Jane…but…”
Darcy understood what his friend wanted to say well, while his delicate and attentive nature forbade him from making a clear statement. Elizabeth was in danger of not being accepted by London society, and all because Lady Catherine wanted revenge for an imaginary engagement Darcy had supposedly broken. She was still very powerful and had the connexions to spread gossip in town—and not only there.
“I do not think Mr Bennet or our future wives can give us any advice, for living in Hertfordshire is easier than facing the ton but having them here is a good thing. Thank you, my friend.”
But he was not happy at all, and the misfortune was complete when Lady Edwina had to make a hasty return to her estate to attend to some urgent problems. Darcy felt his godmother had not understood the gravity of their situation; otherwise, she would have stayed. Lady Edwina was one of the few people capable of helping them, so just before breakfast, he wrote a detailed letter asking for her help.
∞∞∞
Despite the beauty of the chamber she had been given—once Lady Anne Darcy’s own—Elizabeth had slept poorly. Bad dreams, filled with Lady Catherine’s disapproving glares and the whispers of London society, haunted her restless hours until dawn, and in each, Lady Catherine loomed like an ominous effigy of her present troubles.
To her surprise and delight, her father and Jane arrived just in time for a late breakfast. Silently, Elizabeth turned to Darcy, questioning how such dear guests had come to be there. But her betrothed merely smiled and gestured toward Bingley—the true architect of this unexpected joy.
Yet, around the breakfast table, the mood was far from cheerful. Bingley, ever gentle-hearted, had hinted at the situation in his letter to Mr Bennet, but he had not dared to expose the true depth of the problems Darcy and Miss Elizabeth faced. That task fell to Darcy. Sitting beside Jane, her hand clasped in his own, Bingley was quietly grateful to relinquish so heavy a burden.
“Georgiana and I are pleased to have you here again,” Darcy said, and a smile appeared on his face. He was delighted that Mr Bennet was present, not only to support Elizabeth but because his sensible and amiable presence contributed to a generally peaceful atmosphere.
“Unfortunately, Lady Edwina had to depart for her estate, but I hope she will return shortly, as I think we really need her.”
They waited in silence for the footmen to finish serving. Only Parker remained in the dining room to attend to their needs. Darcy thanked him and, with a visible effort, began to speak.
“I am living the happiest days of my life since this exquisite lady agreed to be my wife…and I think my friend Bingley is of the same mind.”
Bingley nodded happily, his gaze fixed on his betrothed with love and gratitude.
Darcy smiled mostly at Elizabeth—sitting next to him—and kissed her hand. She had tears in her eyes, and even his butler turned away, not letting anyone see his emotion.
“As you know, yesterday we attended the opera. I want to apologise—again!—for my family’s behaviour,” Darcy’s voice was slightly rough as he emphasised the word.
Mr Bennet nodded silently.
“Mr Bennet, that was the first and last time I shall accept such behaviour. I must confess that my only thought was for Elizabeth and my desire to see her shine in London society. But I was wrong: some in my family are not accepting of my marriage, and I do not want to lie to you or give you false impressions. They have a wrongheaded idea of duty that was perpetuated in the last century but is now obsolete.”
He looked at Elizabeth. “You are the one I want to live with,” he turned to her father—“I shall accept only people around us who understand my love and devotion for yourdaughter. Unfortunately, yesterday evening, Bingley overheard unpleasant discussions regarding our future marriage, inflamed by my aunt Lady Catherine and perpetuated by others.”
They all looked at Bingley, who unexpectedly blushed as the ‘others’ were also his sisters. His innocence and sensibility were displayed again.
There was considerable silence around the table as they all waited for Mr Bennet to express his feelings.
“Well,” Darcy added, “Bingley told me about some gatherings where we were the principal subject of gossip, and the good man wanted to warn me that London is not accepting our marriage as respectfully as it should.”
“My children,” Mr Bennet said, looking especially at Georgiana, “I hope Miss Darcy accepts my calling her my child…”
Georgiana had tears in her eyes; she dearly respected Mr Bennet and enjoyed being considered his child. “Mr Bennet, please call me Georgiana.”
“Of course—then I must tell you I am completely unprepared for such a villainous manifestation of disapproval, hate, and interest in others’ problems. At home, I tend not to hear the gossip around me, as I know that in a few days, it will die…while…here in London…I confess I do not know how gossip appears, spreads, and finally dies…if it dies at all. Even today, I could take Jane and Elizabeth home and let London speak in vain…”
Mrs Bennet’s propensity to gossip was well known, but it was just a drop in the ocean compared to London’s appetite for the activity. Mr Bennet was concerned for Elizabeth but felt sorry, mainly for Darcy, who, in the past, had seldom been the subject of malevolent rumours. He imagined how crucial his name and social status were, and the present situation must make him angry and discomfited. As for Elizabeth, he hadfewer concerns; she was never interested in society’s response to her marriage. She was strong and intelligent enough to understand the futility of such interests, and he hoped she would concentrate on her future family and their happiness.
Regarding Elizabeth, Mr Bennet was partially correct; she was more concerned than frightened. Not having the ton on her side made her rather indifferent; all her concern was for her beloved husband-to-be, who seemed devastated by London’s attitude.
For the first time in their life, she understood that she had to be firmly by his side, not asking for but giving her support and showing her love and unconditional trust in his decisions. If London society behaved dreadfully, she would be beside him with her love, supporting his actions.
“I shall stay here in London with you in this house,” Elizabeth said in an unwavering tone. “We shall confront and defy any difficulties together, and I am sure Georgiana will help us.”
It was an unexpected, unconventional decision that made Darcy’s heart race.
