“Let us hurry. We are already very late,” Mrs Gardiner said. As they walked the remaining distance to the Gardiners’ carriage, all three ladies were thoughtful and barely spoke at all. When they finally reached the conveyance, Mrs Gardiner was exhausted. She asked the coachman to drive along Grosvenor Street, as planned, and only then did the conversation resume.
“Lady Matlock is quite an elegant lady,” Mrs Gardiner said. “I have seen her a few times in town before, at the opera or theatre, but I never spoke to her before today. I did not remember her being so amiable.”
“It was kind of her to be so worried about hurting some strangers who were in the middle of the road,” Elizabeth said. “But she must have been surprised by your mentioning the Darcys and Lambton, and her curiosity induced her friendly manners.”
“Probably. But I am still puzzled. And Miss Darcy — it was the first time I ever saw her. She looks very much like her mother.”
“Miss Darcy was very beautiful,” Jane whispered. “And she seemed amiable too, which is unusual for someone so rich and so accomplished. Miss Bingley spoke often of her many talents.”
Elizabeth felt the pain in her sister’s voice and understood the meaning behind her words. Jane had just met her supposed rival, and she felt immediately defeated. Mrs Gardiner, however, continued, blissfully unaware of her niece’s turmoil.
“Lady Anne Darcy was just like that. Very pretty, gentle, kind, and talented. She painted and played the pianoforte beautifully. Of course, I never saw or heard any of that for myself, only reports. Does Mr Darcy resemble his sister?”
“Dear Lord, no! One could hardly meet two more different people. From appearance to voice and manners, they are utterly the opposite! I wonder whether they are truly brother and sister.Mr Darcy is as proud, arrogant, and careless about the feelings of others as one can be. He would certainly not stop his carriage to see whom he had hurt.”
“You are too severe on him, dear Lizzy,” Jane interjected. “Mr Bingley always spoke highly of Mr Darcy and praised his generosity, kindness, and sense of honour.”
“I am sure Mr Darcy can be all that, if and when he chooses to be. Probably with his family and close friends. The rest of the world, however, and especially those who have lost his friendship, are not given the chance to witness those qualities.”
“You are indeed very severe on him, Lizzy. What puzzles me is that Miss Darcy said she heard him and Mr Bingley mention your name. I wonder under what circumstances. It must be something good — that is what her tone indicated.”
“Of Mr Bingley, I expect to say something nice about our family. But Mr Darcy was always my severest critic,” Elizabeth concluded.
“I do not know what to do about Lady Matlock’s invitation. Should I take it in earnest and just knock on her door next time we are in the neighbourhood?”
“I was under the impression she expected that and insisted upon it,” Elizabeth responded. “Why would she do that if not in goodwill?”
“That is Mr Bingley’s house,” Jane suddenly interjected, gazing out of the window with curiosity and the same disturbed countenance.
“Since his sister wrote to you to visit her, we may come one day, Jane. We may take that opportunity to greet Lady Matlock briefly. What do you think? Would you like that?”
“I would like that very much, Aunt. Would you, Lizzy?” Jane answered.
“I would rather walk around Hyde Park while you visit Miss Bingley and only join you to call on Lady Matlock,” Elizabethsaid in all honesty. “Mr Bingley certainly took all the common sense and decency and left nothing for his sisters.”
“I would very much like to meet Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley,” Mrs Gardiner said. “I am curious about both of them.”
“Well, we can always hope for another accident!” Elizabeth laughed.
