Darcy followed his gaze, then looked at Elizabeth and nodded. “Of course. I am sure Miss Elizabeth will discuss all the details with my sister.”
The conversation continued for another half an hour, but neither Elizabeth nor Darcy felt little else except the sorrow of the upcoming separation which both struggled to conceal. The two gentlemen carried on the discussion, with Elizabeth lost in anguished reflections. She had become so accustomed to seeing him, to knowing he was nearby, to waiting for his visit with a joyful tension in her stomach, that his leaving brought back her past turmoil stronger than ever.
With some relief, she heard Darcy mention writing to Mr. Bennet with some information. He also offered to take a letter for the Gardiners, on whom he intended to call. These small gestures of consideration were enough evidence of his intention to maintain the relationship, not just with Elizabeth but also with her family. And yet, these eloquent proofs were not enough palliation for her distress.
And his warm farewell, his brief hold of Elizabeth’s hand in his own as he said goodbye, his friendly separation from her father, her mother and sisters, only made his departure harder to bear.
***
Mr. Darcy had been gone for three weeks and there was no news of his return. Except for Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet, few people missed him, each preoccupied with their own concerns.
Mr. Bingley still visited Longbourn quite often. Jane was even invited by Miss Bingley for tea one day, in an attempt at civil behaviour. The visit made Miss Bennet rather uncomfortable, but she confessed her disappointment only to Elizabeth.
Mr. Bennet received a letter from Mr. Darcy and he shared it with Elizabeth. He also received another one from his cousin, Mr. Collins, which he shared with his entire family, announcing an upcoming and most dreaded visit from the future master of Longbourn.
But the best news of all was Mr. Bingley’s decision to host a ball at Netherfield on November 26th, arousing much speculation in Meryton and hope in Mrs. Bennet.
Elizabeth was little involved in her family’s daily excitement. Her distress at Darcy’s departure was much stronger than previously. Once her doubts about his opinion of her vanished, accustomed to his friendship and secretly hoping for something more, she allowed her heart to feel for him freely, and to long for him in equal measure.
What kept her busy was her correspondence with Georgiana, with Mrs. Reynolds, who informed her about the constant progress of Pemberley’s household and the return of six families to Lambton, and with her aunt Gardiner, who related to her the news of Mr. Darcy’s unexpected and exciting visit to Gracechurch Street.
Mr. Collins arrived on a Monday in the middle of November, and his appearance was everything Mr. Bennet expected and his wife and daughters dreaded. He was pompous, humble and vain at the same time, educated but still a simpleton, annoying in his desperate need for attention. He complimented the girls in a way that made them cringe, declared his admiration for Jane, which Mrs. Bennet quickly averted, then he turned his interest towards Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet advised him to choose a more docile recipient for his plans.
Another addition to Meryton’s society stirred the peace of the small village; a regiment of Militia camped there, much to the delight of the ladies—young and old. Lydia and Kitty spoke of little else but the officers after each visit to Meryton, and Mrs.Bennet did not oppose listening to them, as well as her sister Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Long.
In great need of exercise and anxious to escape Mr. Collins’ constant nonsense one morning, the five Bennet girls walked into Meryton to shop for some new gloves for the upcoming ball. To their despair, Mr. Collins joined them too, as a continual annoyance.
As soon as they entered the town, their attention was caught by a young man whom they had never seen before, walking with some acquaintances—Lieutenants Denny and Sanderson.
The unknown man’s appearance was most gentlemanlike and his air and his posture were impressive. As they approached, the ladies could see that his appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing manners, as well as a warm smile.
Elizabeth watched him with intense curiosity, as his figure seemed very familiar to her. She was certain she had met him before, but when his eyes fell upon her, he showed no sign of acknowledgement.
Lieutenant Denny asked their permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had just accepted a commission in their corps.
“How wonderful!” Lydia cried. “There is nothing more charming than a man in uniform!”
Jane tried to censure the girl but failed, as Mr. Wickham bowed and thanked her for such kind words. Lydia was beside herself with joy.
At that very moment, Mr. Bingley was seen riding down the street and he noticed them too. He came closer, dismounted, greeted the ladies and was introduced to the gentlemen. He confessed he was on his way to Longbourn to invite the family to the ball.
“I will also visit Colonel Forster to extend an invitation to the officers,” Bingley said, his words meeting with general approval. After a few more minutes with Jane he apologised and left, promising to call that afternoon.
“A ball is a most wonderful event,” Mr. Wickham declared. “And how kind of Mr. Bingley to invite all the officers.”
Elizabeth was still preoccupied with trying to recollect where she might have met Mr. Wickham before. Even his name was familiar to her. However, when he spoke, his voice was completely new to her.
“Mr. Bingley is very kind and considerate,” Jane said.
“And he is very fond of balls, just like Denny and Sanderson!” Lydia cried. “I hope you are too, Mr. Wickham!”
“I confess I am,” he smiled.
“A respectable ball hosted by an honourable young gentleman is quite pleasant,” Mr. Collins interjected, but everyone ignored him.
“I am glad Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy, has left, or else I am sure we would never have a ball! Everybody knows Mr. Darcy hates balls and parties!” Lydia continued.
Appalled by her sister’s outburst, Elizabeth tried to censure her, but that very moment she was struck by the apparent change of colour on Mr. Wickham’s face.
