“I believe so. They could not bear to stay away from Pemberley or from the Darcys,” Elizabeth replied acidly.
“Lizzy, you are too harsh on them.” Jane smiled with her natural kindness. “You should understand that the main reason for Caroline’s rudeness to you is that she has lost Mr Darcy forever.”
“No, my sweet Jane. She was rude long before this happened simply because she is arrogant, conceited, and unkind.”
“Lizzy, please be nice to her for me,” Jane pleaded, and Elizabeth quickly kissed her cheeks.
“I promise I shall. I expect many others will be equally rude to me in the coming days—perhaps worse. so I should be grateful to Caroline and Louisa for preparing me for greater patience.”
“I cannot believe I shall have dinner at Mr Darcy’s townhouse and that my niece will be the mistress of Pemberley,” Mrs Gardiner interjected, eager to change the topic. “We were already accustomed to Mr Darcy’s kindness and friendship, but this new situation is just astonishing—unbelievable. I would be a little terrified if I were in your place, Lizzy—all the responsibilities of your new position and the expectations of the others, I mean.”
“My dear aunt, thank you for comforting me.” Elizabeth laughed. “Now I am frightened indeed.”
“No, you are not, my dear. You are the bravest woman I know. And Mr Darcy will be there to protect you. I have rarely seen a man so in love. His face beams when he speaks of you, even when you are not around. You are perfect for each other, as everyone will soon see,” Mrs Gardiner concluded. “Now let us go. We have much shopping to accomplish today, and we must hurry if we want to arrive for dinner on time.”
Suddenly silent and preoccupied, Elizabeth did not notice the bright smile that lit her aunt’s face. Her aunt was correct in everything she said. Fitzwilliam’s endearment and support were with her in every breath and heartbeat, and she needed nothing else, blessed to have gained his love and to find her place in his arms. And yet, she could not quiet the fear that had nestled in her heart ever since she began to suspect that his family was against her. Unlike Jane, she faced far more formidable adversaries than Mr Bingley’s sisters. And it was impossible for Fitzwilliam to remain unaffected by his family’s opposition. No matter how hard he tried to push it aside, she suspected his soul was in turmoil, striving to find a solution.
Chapter 3
As promised, Bingley arrived at Darcy House early next morning. Since he had purchased the house for himself and his future wife, Bingley resided only a few streets away from Darcy, and, unaccustomed to living alone, he would often pay his friend a morning visit, frequently sharing breakfast with him and Miss Darcy, enlivening them with his cheerful disposition.
Yet that morning, Darcy needed only a glance to find dark circles under his friend's eyes and a trace of visible distress.
"I see you are in need of strong coffee."
"You do not look very well yourself," Bingley replied. "I would guess the visit with the Matlocks did not go smoothly."
"Your guess is correct. My uncle and aunt are as displeased... and angered as I feared. Even worse, it seems Lady Catherine spread malicious rumours around London."
Bingley took his cup of coffee and leaned back in an armchair, nodding with a sad expression on his face. "I imagine it was her. Last night, I visited Louisa. She had guests at dinner, and you can guess the subject of their conversation, utterly ignoring my presence and my relationship with the Bennet family."
Darcy glanced at him. "Who was there?"
"Lady Cooper, the Lamberts, and Mr and Mrs Rupert."
"I see…" Darcy whispered.
"But be prepared to be astonished. Even when I began to fight against their malice, who do you think came to my support, declaring that he commended you for the engagement and praised Miss Elizabeth quite decidedly?"
"Who—?" cried Darcy, bewildered.
"Hurst."
"Hurst?" Darcy's astonishment was evident, provoking a smile on Bingley's face.
"Indeed," Bingley replied with unmistakable satisfaction. "He was quite decided, and he argued with my sisters more openly than I ever saw him do before."
Darcy's eyebrows rose in disbelief, and Bingley plainly laughed. "I can see you doubt it; however, it is entirely true."
"I shall thank him tonight at dinner," Darcy declared. "I hope they will attend."
The coffee burned Bingley's mouth. "Oh…" he mumbled.
"You forgot to pass on my invitation to them?"
"I confess I did." Bingley lowered his eyes like a mischievous child.
"Do not worry. I shall send them a message right away," Darcy replied that morning for the first time, amused. Since he had become engaged, the old, baffledBingley had returned, now living entirely in the clouds of his impending marital bliss.
