“If there was a clear will, Mr Darcy would have been obliged to follow it. So there must be something more behind this refusal,” Mr Gardiner interjected.
“Besides,” Mrs Gardner concluded, “if there was some misunderstanding between Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham, it is entirely their business and wholly unconnected to us. Unless you, Lizzy, have some particular interest in Mr Wickham.”
“I have no other interest except compassion for a friend’s misfortunes.”
“I understand your reluctance in asking Mr Darcy, Lizzy. I would not do it either. But there is something else I can do,” Mrs Gardiner said. “I may write to my cousin in Lambton and ask whether he knows anything about Mr Wickham. He might know something of interest. In fact, I shall do that immediately.”
Elizabeth had no reason to oppose it. Her uncle and aunt’s arguments were common sense. Indeed, she had trusted Mr Wickham implicitly, from the first time they had spoken. And he had treated her with a confidence that was not justified since he knew nothing of her. She could well be a slanderer and betray the secret with no remorse. As she reflected on this, Elizabeth realised that Mr Wickham himself had ceased to keep the secret of his past dealings as soon as Mr Darcy left Hertfordshire. He had come to Longbourn and told his story, and half of Meryton as well as most of the officers were aware of it.
In the end, Elizabeth felt grateful for Mrs Gardiner’s idea. Finding out some information from Lambton might be the missing link to proving whether she had misplaced her trust or not.
***
The day of Mr Bingley’s visit seemed to bring Jane back to life, melting Elizabeth’s heart. It was not clear yet what had happened that had kept Mr Bingley away from Jane for almost a month; however, during their reunion, his feelings were quite apparent.
Jane refused to admit more than a friendship with Mr Bingley, but Elizabeth knew it was due to her fear that she might hope too much — as had happened before. However, that changed the next day when they received an invitation for dinnerfrom the gentleman. Mrs Gardiner read it out, and Jane seemed to forget to breathe as she listened.
“It says Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy will attend, as well as Colonel Fitzwilliam. He did not mention anything about his sisters. He asked whether tomorrow would be convenient for us.”
“I believe so,” Mr Gardiner responded. “Do you think the girls are feeling well enough to do without you for an entire evening?”
“I am sure they are. Neither has a fever any longer, and besides their governess, Janey and Thomas will be here all night. The children are as accustomed to them as they are to us. And they might enjoy it more because they are less likely to be disciplined.”
“Then it is settled. I shall write to Mr Bingley and accept. I must say — since Lizzy and Jane arrived, there have been a succession of quite remarkable events,” Mr Gardiner said.
“True, my dear. A few days ago, we were travelling down Grosvenor Street to catch a glimpse of Mr Bingley’s house, and now we are invited to dine there. And with Mr and Miss Darcy!”
“You anticipation is so amusing,” Elizabeth interjected. “I have never seen any of you so impressed by an invitation.”
“You may tease us as much as you want, Lizzy. We are not just impressed,” Mrs Gardiner responded, “we are also delighted and pleased with how things seem to have progressed.”
Elizabeth could not argue with that. They had arrived in town with a heartbroken Jane, suffering from the loss and betrayal of the man to whom she had given her heart. Just a few days later, there she was, blooming with happiness. Whatever had led to such an outcome, she was grateful for it. And apparently, if Mr Darcy had played a part in Mr Bingley’s separation from Jane, he had contributed to their reunion too.
After some intense preparation, the party from Gracechurch Street arrived at the Bingleys’ residence in the late afternoon and were warmly welcomed by their host.
Mr Bingley came to the door to greet them, proving he expected them. In the drawing room were Mr and Miss Darcy with another gentleman, as well as Miss Bingley and the Hursts. The introductions were performed, and Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately became a favourite due to his amiable manners.
His was a little older than Mr Darcy and perhaps not so handsome, Elizabeth thought, but from his smile to his tone of voice, everything about him was likable.
“My mother has spoken so much about you since you met that I have looked forward to meeting you,” the colonel said. “This dinner is the perfect opportunity.”
The conversation developed easily, with the Bingley sisters contributing little to it. Mr Darcy was not particularly vocal either — as usual — but he seemed to enjoy the company and interjected from time to time.
The meal was served; the table was large enough to accommodate the whole party but not so large as to limit conversation, so anyone could easily speak to everyone.
“So, Miss Elizabeth, I understand you were the one who suggested the walk that took you in front of my mother’s coach,” the colonel said. “I am not sure I know many young ladies who favour walking over the comfort of a carriage.”
“Miss Eliza has some peculiar tastes,” Miss Bingley said. “She favours reading over playing cards even at parties, and her favourite activity is walking, regardless of the weather or the distance — even if it is over three miles! It can easily be said that she is a great reader and a great walker.”
“I am not sure whether your remark was meant as praise or criticism, Miss Bingley, so I shall accept both. I see no reason to apologise for my preferences,” Elizabeth replied. “Asfor the particular instance you refer to, I did walk three miles on a muddy road to see my sister who was ill at Netherfield.” Elizabeth felt annoyed already; and she still held a grudge against the two dishonest sisters.
“You certainly have no reason to apologise, Miss Bennet,” she heard Darcy interjecting. Surprised, she looked at him, and he continued, “I have always considered the improvement of one’s mind through extensive reading to be a quality in a man or a woman. And concern and loyalty towards a sister is certainly something admirable.”
His serious tone bewildered Elizabeth as much as his favourable words. She remembered his statement about improving one’s mind from one evening at Netherfield. And the mention of loyalty for a family member could have been a clear hint at Miss Bingley’s dishonesty, so she felt induced to support him.
“Thank you, Mr Darcy. We have not always been in agreement, but I daresay, in essentials we value similar things. With some exceptions, perhaps, regarding certain circumstances or certain people. But each of us have our moments of prejudice and misjudgement.”
Mr Darcy stared at her, a frown between his eyes, in an apparent effort to understand her meaning. She was referring both to his involvement in Mr Bingley’s departure as well to Mr Wickham’s situation, but surely, he could not guess that.
