Relieved, Bingley smiled again. "Very well, you do that. My sisters will take it as a sign of deference."
Darcy's intentions were clear and unwavering. He had no desire to show respect to those vicious ladies who did nothing but gossip; instead, he was determined to defend Elizabeth and win over those who doubted her in that arduous battle against London, which was proving quite formidable.
"So, what were you doing?" asked Bingley, having found him at his desk.
"Writing a letter to my godmother, Lady Edwina, with plenty of details about... this upsetting situation. She announced that she would arrive in London in three days... to meet Miss Elizabeth."
"How kind of her! Such a lovely and pleasant lady."
"Very much so. She was my mother's best friend. Both Georgiana and I adore her, and I trust she will be a valuable help in refuting the nasty rumours spread by Lady Catherine. She is also close to Lady Matlock, so she might help me in that quarter, too."
"Lady Edwina will easily come to appreciate and love Elizabeth. They are the same type of strong ladies."
"I agree. And so would Lady Matlock if only she would take the trouble to meet and know Elizabeth."
"And the earl?"
"My uncle is full of anger and resentment and will not take the trouble until he sees some reason to do so. I do not want to fight with him. I know he only wishes what he believes to be best for me. And I am aware that, until a year ago, I was very much like him. Elizabeth changed me."
"Yes, she did," Bingley admitted with a laugh. "So, what is your plan for today? After you send the invitation, I mean."
"I shall meet Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner and call on Mr Talbot. Then, nothing special except to prepare for the dinner party."
"May I join you?"
"Of course, Bingley, it will be my pleasure. Is all your business complete?"
Bingley shrugged. "I do not have much business to worry about. My father left everything under good regulation."
Darcy smiled and pondered how fortunate it would have been had Mr Bingley still been alive, for he would have resolved all material matters for his friend, who now concerned himself with nothing but happiness. "Now that you will marry, you should purchase your own estate as your father long desired."
"Yes, I shall. Perhaps not right now. We have a house in London, and I am rather comfortable in Netherfield. I intend to do nothing but enjoy my marriage during the coming months, although there is a nice estate not far from London I might consider in the future…"
"Excellent plan. Now, let me change before we leave. I do not want Mr Bennet to wait for us."
∞∞∞
The day passed in such a rush that Darcy barely had time to consider it. They met Elizabeth's father and uncle and called on his solicitor. Once at Mr Talbot's office, the conversation became so engaging that time flew unnoticed.
Mr Bennet wished to make some changes in his documents that would affect his family after his death. Darcy discussed and agreed with his future father-in-law about the settlement for Elizabeth. Then they spent some time enjoying Mr Talbot and his sons' company and brandy.
Later in the afternoon, the two elderly gentlemen returned to Gracechurch Street while Darcy and Bingley each hurried home to prepare for the dinner party.
Since Gracechurch Street was a considerable distance from Mayfair, the gentlemen decided that the Bennets and Gardiners would remain overnight at Darcy House after dinner.
The excitement of having Elizabeth in his house was so intense that the joy of it overwhelmed Darcy. He asked Mrs Gibbon, the housekeeper, several times about the food, the arrangements, and the available rooms; he inspected the dinner table and the bedchambers, then changed his coat several times—all to Georgiana and his valet us amusement.
"Brother, everything is perfect as always," Georgiana said lovingly. "You know that."
"Yes, I know, dearest. I am a bit nervous, that is all."
"Do you fear Miss Elizabeth will disapprove of something?"
"Disapprove? No, no, by no means…yet…" Darcy hesitated to continue.
"Yet? Please finish your thoughts," Georgiana asked with concern.
Darcy took his sister's hands in his. "My dear, some of our relatives oppose my choice of Elizabeth. And I fear they will not refrain from expressing their opinion."
