“Before we are interrupted, I would kindly ask you to relate to me the extent of your involvement in saving Lydia. I must know as I wish to repay you for any trouble this situation might have caused you.”
“Mr. Bennet, I had the same conversation with Miss Elizabeth during our short walk this morning. My involvement was only what needed to be done. It was my fault that I allowed Wickham the liberty to continue his dishonourable actions and deceptions against honourable people. I would respectfully ask you — as well as Miss Elizabeth — to put aside this subject and not discuss it with the rest of your family.”
“Well, it might be a little bit late for that. I have informed my wife and daughters that they should be grateful that you helped to bring about Lydia and Wickham’s wedding. I provided no details, as I know none.”
“I am sorry to hear that,” Darcy replied, truly displeased.
“You must not worry that you will receive too much gratitude, though. My wife considered your help was due since you apparently treated Wickham cruelly.”
“Mrs. Bennet is right, in essentials. As I said, my involvement was due indeed.”
“If you insist upon it, I shall only thank you again and not speak of this matter further,” Mr. Bennet concluded with a sardonic smile.
“I shall drink to that agreement,” Darcy replied.
The knock on the door increased his heart rate, and Elizabeth’s entrance made him stand up and hurry to help her with the tray. In doing so, his hands touched hers, and a shiver ran through his entire body.
“I hope you will enjoy the refreshments, Mr. Darcy,” she said. “Your servants were also offered some food and drink while they wait for you.”
“That is very considerate of you, Miss Bennet.”
“Lizzy, come and sit with us for a moment,” Mr. Bennet invited her. She seemed to hesitate briefly, then she sat on the sofa. Darcy was still standing, looking around, then he put any prudency aside and sat next to her. Her nearness made him dizzy.
“Mr. Darcy and I have decided not to discuss the Wickham matter again,” the gentleman said.
Elizabeth smiled, and her look at him from inches away stirred Darcy’s entire being.
“Mr. Darcy and I decided upon the same thing,” she replied to her father, still looking at Darcy.
“I am glad to hear we are all in perfect agreement,” Mr. Bennet uttered.
“So am I, Papa,” Elizabeth declared.
“And so am I,” Darcy repeated, their smiles sealing the deal.
***
As expected, Bingley called at Longbourn soon, and they remained for more than an hour. In the afternoon, they returned to Netherfield and, despite Mrs. Bennet’s insistence they join the family for dinner, Bingley responded that his sisters would surely want to dine with Darcy on his return.
Upon reaching Netherfield, Darcy immediately wrote to Georgiana, informing her that he had arrived safely.
The reunion with Bingley was exceedingly pleasant, unlike the one with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Their disapproval of Bingley’s engagement was obvious, and they expressed it — directly or indirectly — at every opportunity.
After the long time spent in quarrels with Lady Catherine de Bourgh and all the disagreements with the Matlocks, Darcy was in no disposition to bear more vexation. He did owe some loyalty and devotion to his relatives and even to his friend Bingley, but he certainly did not owe anything to the man’s sisters. Therefore, he spoke little, answered their questions briefly, and withdrew with Bingley to the library after dinner.
Everything at Netherfield reminded him of Elizabeth and the time she had spent there a year ago. It was a time of torment and confusion when his growing admiration for her found him unprepared for the sensations that invaded him. A time when he considered his newly discovered passion to be a mere infatuation and when he considered Elizabeth the most enchanting woman he had ever met but not suited to be his wife. A time when he tried to bury his love and affection under countless objections, and when his heart fought with his mind.
Lying in his room — the same one as last year — he recollected how many dreams had tortured him in that chamber.
Fortunately, that time had ended. His mind and his heart were now in harmony and agreement. Of his wishes, he had beenlong certain. Perhaps tomorrow morning, if he saw her again, she might offer him a little hint of her feelings and desires.
***
Tired after the journey, Darcy slept surprisingly well, so he woke up at dawn. He knew it was very early — too early — but he was too impatient to wait.
He called for his horse, but instead of riding, he held the reins and walked at a steady pace with the stallion following him. From time to time, he glanced around, though the lasting darkness did not allow much of a view until the first glimpse of daylight broke through.
After a while, he mounted, and before going to Oakham Mount, he enjoyed a refreshing gallop. When he slowed, the sun was trying to show its face, and the view was clear enough, so he rode his horse towards Longbourn.
