“Elizabeth, I can definitely see why you took from that conversation what you did,” Aunt Madeleine said. “Mr. Bingley made a bold statement, and Mr. Darcy did not contradict him. However, by your own account, Miss Bingley had created an ugly scene. Though Mr. Darcy would not acknowledge her, she insisted on having her say to the point where that gentleman took his leave of Mr. Bingley rather than deal with his shrew of a sister. Perhaps he did not correct Mr. Bingley because he did not want to prolong an intolerable situation. Or, perhaps it is another reason altogether that he will explain to his friend when they speak later. I could be wrong, but I believe there is room for benefit of the doubt here until we know something more conclusively from the man himself.”
“Surely that is reasonable, Lizzy. Do you not think?” Jane asked.
Elizabeth met Jane’s eyes briefly. “Yes, I suppose it is.”
“Also, Mr. Darcy does not strike me as the sort of man who would raise a young lady’s expectations for nothing. In fact, he is known to be quite reserved," Aunt Madeleine pointed out. "At the ball, Lady Stanholdt told me of an interesting exchange she had with some other ladies. These ladies were amazed to see Mr. Darcy stand up with you for the first set and the supper set. Apparently, he never bestows the honor of those sets on anyone.”
Elizabeth’s breath caught. She looked at her aunt as she attempted to process what her aunt had said. Those last words were indeed a revelation! Could her aunt be correct? Was this all a terrible misunderstanding? Aunt Madeleine smiled at her, and Elizabeth returned her smile with a tentative one of her own. She felt a small bud of hope blooming inside her.
They were startled by a knock at the door.
“Come in,” Elizabeth called.
They were all surprised to see Uncle Edward enter the room.
“So, this is where the party is!” he said good-naturedly. “How are you feeling, Lizzy?”
“I am feeling better, thank you.”
“Good. I am glad to hear it,” he replied, smiling. After pausing a moment, he continued, “I received a letter from Mr. Darcy.”
“You did?” Elizabeth asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
“Indeed. He informed me of your chance meeting with the Bingleys and Miss Bingley’s treatment of you. Mr. Darcy expressed his regret that you were subjected to such atrocious behavior. He also expressed another concern—that you may have gotten the wrong impression of him due to words that were exchanged between Mr. Bingley and his sister.”
Elizabeth could not breathe. She just stared at her uncle, unblinking.
Uncle Edward watched her curiously, then continued. “He went on to say how much your good opinion meant to him, then he requested a private audience with you so that he might clear up any misunderstanding.”
It suddenly felt too warm in the room. “I see,” she said.
Uncle Edward grinned. “Are you willing to meet with him, Lizzy?”
She gave a nod. “Yes, I am, Uncle.”
“Very well. Shall I tell him eleven o’clock tomorrow?”
“Yes, that will be fine.”
“Then I shall go and see to it. I imagine he is eager for a response,” Uncle Edward teased and waggled his brows.
As soon as her uncle left the room, her sisters both exclaimed, “Lizzy!”
Elizabeth smiled uncertainly.
“How do you feel, knowing what Mr. Darcy wrote to your uncle?” Aunt Madeleine asked, smiling.
“If I am honest, I do not really know how I feel. I am trying to keep my mind from running away with thoughts of what it could mean because . . . considering everything, it would be foolish to do so.”
“No one can blame you for wanting to protect your heart, Lizzy,” Jane said.
Mary reached for Elizabeth’s hand and squeezed it.
“Tomorrow everything will be made clear,” Aunt Madeleine said. “We may have been mistaken in Mr. Darcy’s regard for you, but it is also possible that we have not been mistaken at all. It could just be that you were the victim of unfortunate circumstances . . . beginning with Miss Bingley’s horrible treatment of you.”
“Miss Bingley is so hateful!” Mary exclaimed. “We are barely acquainted with her. I do not understand why she treats us with such contempt.”
“Oh, I can answer that for you,” Aunt Madeleine said. “She is jealous.”
