Page 25 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“You arrived yesterday?”

“Yes.”

“Have you spoken to Mr. Bingley?”

“In London. I told him everything.”

“Everything?”

“That Miss Bennet was in London, that I had helped conceal it from him, and that my judgment of her feelings might have been mistaken. He decided on his own to return.”

I looked at Mr. Bingley. Jane had just smiled at something he said, and he seemed unable to take his eyes off her.

“Thank you.”

Darcy stiffened slightly.

“Do not thank me for correcting an injustice I committed myself.”

“Many men prefer to cling to their mistakes rather than admit they made them.”

His eyes returned to mine.

“Your opinion taught me that such comfort costs too dearly.”

I had no reply.

My mother called Mr. Darcy over to discuss the beauty of Longbourn’s park. He moved away. For the rest of the visit, I caught his gaze on me several times. Each time, he looked away first.

After their departure, Jane drew me into our room.

“Lizzy,” she said, “Mr. Bingley asked if he could return tomorrow.”

“And what did you answer?”

“That Mama would be happy to receive him.”

“Jane!”

She smiled in spite of herself.

“What could I say?”

“That you would be happy to see him.”

“That would be too direct.”

“After months of suffering, a little clarity would not be criminal.”

Her smile disappeared.

“He told me he didn’t know I was in London. He thought… He thought I didn’t care for him.”

“And now?”

“Now he knows better.”

I pulled her into my arms.