Page 102 of Bitterness of Spirit

“That is because she is your sister and he values your friendship, my dear,” Jane said adoringly.

“I know Caroline and Louisa have not been kind to you and your family, and I cannot apologize enough.” He kissed her hand tenderly, and she smiled.

“All is in the past now. I cannot wait to finally be home. Will Caroline be there?”

“No indeed. She is staying with Louisa. We need some time alone,” Bingley declared, and Jane blushed most becomingly as she agreed with her husband.

They arrived in Town in the early afternoon. Most of the families who could afford it had already retired to the country for the summer, so their part of Town was rather empty. The heat kept people inside, and the streets were mostly deserted.

Elizabeth remained at her aunt’s home in Gracechurch Street while the Bingleys headed towards Grosvenor Street after a brief halt. They were eager to be alone, and nobody attempted to restrain them.

The Gardiners’ house had been restored after the fire, and it looked handsome and neat. It could not be compared with Wilson’s house in Park Lane, but to Elizabeth, it meant comfort, warmth, and peace. In the next two days, her disposition improved, and her spirits rose due to her aunt and her cousins’ company.

Mr. Gardiner also brought excellent news. He and Mr. Wilson had finished their business, and they were ready to leave Town sooner than expected. Therefore, it was mutually agreed to begin their journey as quickly as everything could be arranged.

“But we should take a small detour. I have to see a friend in Oxfordshire. We shall stay at an inn one night and continue our journey early the next day,” Mr. Wilson said. “I hope this will not be a problem for anyone.”

“Not at all, I am sure,” Elizabeth replied. “Since we are travelling for pleasure, the more places we see, the better.”

Jane and Bingley were of the same opinion, but Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst expressed their disapproval for such an unexpected and disturbing change of plans. However, since everyone travelled together in three carriages, their opposition had no impact upon the party.

Therefore, five days earlier than planned, the group left London, riding towards the place where Elizabeth’s heart, mind, and hopes already resided.

***

The stop in Oxfordshire meant a detour of only forty miles from the regular route north. Only Mr Wilson went to visit his friend while the others rested at a comfortable inn at a crossroads.

The following morning, they resumed their journey. Travel was long and occasionally difficult, with many stops and three additional nights spent on the road. It was hot, and the horses, as well as the travellers, needed rest.

To Elizabeth, the journey seemed endless. It seemed as though their destination kept moving further away and they would never reach it. The more her eagerness increased, the more frequent their stops became.

Eventually, after several tormenting days, on a mild summer afternoon, the three carriages arrived at the edge of Pemberley Park. Two of them stopped while the one with the Hursts and Miss Bingley continued on.

Elizabeth left the carriage hastily, leaping into the tall grass. A gentle breeze touched her face with a soft caress. She walked ahead then froze and gasped in awe.

The splendour of the green park shining under the sun’s brilliance took Elizabeth’s breath away. In the valley, Pemberley Manor—a handsome building majestically towering over the estate—was framed between the blue sky and its reflection in the blue lake, like a perfect picture meant to indulge the visitors’ eyes. On one side of the house, gardens with colourful, blooming flowers added to the flawless beauty of a magical place.

“Dear Lord, this is wonderful,” Jane whispered.

“Just as I remembered it,” Mrs. Gardiner uttered.

“Yes, just as I remembered it,” Mr. Wilson added. “Of all the places I have seen, there is no other for which nature has done so much. And the human touch only enhances its beauty; it never ruins it.”

“What do you say, Lizzy?” her aunt asked. “Is it everything I said?”

She smiled, quickly wiping away her tears. “It leaves me tearful and speechless.” She laughed at her own folly. “It is everything you said and so much more.”

“Come, let us go,” Bingley said. “We shall have plenty of time to visit the estate. We are tired and hungry, and we are surely expected.”

“Should we all go to Pemberley, or perhaps take some rooms at the inn in Lambton and let Mr. Darcy know we have arrived?” Mr. Gardiner asked. “I am speaking of us; it is clear that the two of you and Lizzy were invited by Mr. Darcy himself.

“Darcy invited us all,” Bingley insisted. “I would suggest going together as he specifically directed me. He even mentioned fishing with Mr. Gardiner.”

The others hesitated briefly, but Wilson ended the debate.

“You should go, but I cannot possibly appear at Pemberley until Darcy and I have a sober conversation and settle the matter between us. I cannot just show up at his door uninvited.”

“I am sure Darcy made no such distinction,” Bingley insisted.