Page 13 of Bitterness of Spirit

“But sir, I believe one is entitled to speak of his problems if they occurred due to someone’s misconduct,” Elizabeth spoke daringly.

“That might be, my dear Miss Elizabeth. But for me, there is nothing appealing in a man who complains of his misfortunes, especially in the presence of ladies. A man must remain strong and brave. Pity should not gratify a true man.”

“I assure you it is not my intention to have anyone pity me,” Mr. Wickham replied. “My only concern is not to pollute my late godfather’s memory.”

“Then it seems we have something in common,” Mr. Drake Wilson spoke in a friendlier manner. “I truly appreciate loyalty and integrity in a man.”

“Yes, so do I,” Mr. Collins interjected again. “And so does Lady Catherine. Her ladyship always insists on the importance of a man’s character. She has a strong opinion about that.”

“Does she? Quite fascinating,” Mr. Wilson concluded, gulping his wine. “Her ladyship seems to have a strong opinion about everything from what I have heard. I hope I shall have the chance of meeting her sometime.”

“My dear sir, I shall be happy to introduce you to her ladyship if you will do us the pleasure of visiting once my dear Charlotte becomes my wife.”

“Indeed—you may come with Lizzy. She promised to visit me with my father and Maria,” Charlotte insisted.

Mr. Drake Wilson appeared surprised. “You are both too kind, but I shall not take advantage of your generosity. For now, I barely have time to discover Hertfordshire and to become reacquainted with London. But I might visit Kent one day if an opportunity arises.”

Christmas time passed, more thrilling and quicker than ever before. Days were such a mix of sorrow, regrets, excitement, gratitude, joy, and hope that it was difficult to decide whether Mr. Bingley’s departure made a stronger impression than the unusual appearance of Mr. Drake Wilson.

Jane accepted her aunt’s previous invitation and joined the Gardiners in London while Elizabeth remained to console her mother and younger sisters. Mr. Drake Wilson declared it was his loveliest Christmas in the last five and twenty years, and he promised to repay their kindness by inviting them all to London for the Season as soon as he acquired a house.

Mrs. Bennet’s excitement was even greater than that of her daughters. New prospects lay ahead. With a relative in Town who was ready to purchase a house among some of the most prosperous members of the ton—and spoke of his wealth carelessly, expressing unrestrained commitment to supporting them all—she could breathe easier. With a wealthy protector close to their family, the beautiful Jane and even the stubborn, headstrong Lizzy would soon find proper husbands. Neither Mr. Collins nor even Mr. Bingley was worth further thought.

Indeed, Mr. Gilbert Drake Wilson’s arrival at Longbourn was a Christmas miracle!

***

Two weeks had passed since the guests’ departure when Elizabeth received two letters that gave her equal pleasure and concern.

One was from Mrs. Gardiner, who tenderly approached the delicate subject of her attachment to Mr. Wickham. She confessed she had noticed their mutual inclination to each other and wanted to warn Elizabeth against an imprudent match.

You are a sensible girl, Lizzy. Therefore, I am not afraid to speak openly. Do not involve yourself or him in an affection that a want of fortune would make imprudent. I have nothing to say against him; he is a most interesting young man although I confess Gilbert shared some suspicions with me. He is not so fond of Mr. Wickham, but I think it is only a manly thing. My dear brother has spent too much time guarded against those who might harm him and sees shadows even where they do not exist. To me, if Wickham had the fortune he ought to have, I should think you could not do better. But as it is, you must not allow yourself to fall into a fantasy that cannot be. Your father depends on your resolution and good conduct I am sure. You must not disappoint him.

Elizabeth finished reading with a broad smile. It was not the first time her aunt had mentioned the matter, nor the first time she gave advice.

Indeed, Elizabeth was not in love with Mr. Wickham. She felt nothing more for him than for any other handsome gentleman she had met in the past and whose company she had enjoyed during a ball or a walk. He was, beyond all comparison, the most agreeable man she ever saw, but she knew—she felt—that love must mean something more. Much more. She was undoubtedly worried about the notion of his becoming really attached to her, but for the time being, she had enough wit to notice he was equally pleasant to all the other young women around Meryton. He must know, too, that an alliance with her would be thoughtless and dangerous and bring a life of misery to them both.

”Oh!—that abominable Mr. Darcy!’ she mused half in jest. However, a moment later she wondered whether her feelings for Mr. Wickham would—or could—become more profound were he in possession of a comfortable living. Was there more of him to attract her than he had already shown to her—and the entire neighbourhood? He had been at Longbourn quite often with parties of guests, but she did not feel her inclination for him changing or growing. Still, he was a delightful companion, an excellent dancer, and a handsome presence.

She responded to her aunt’s letter in a light-hearted manner then moved to Jane’s. The tone of the writing was sombre, and Elizabeth felt her sister’s sadness as a grip to her chest. Jane had finally called on Miss Bingley with Mrs. Gardiner, but the event did not bring her joy.

I did not think Caroline was in spirits, but she was delighted to see me. I inquired after their brother, of course. He was well but so much engaged with Mr. Darcy that they scarcely saw him. They expected Miss Darcy to dinner, but I did not see her, as we had to leave. Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were going out. I am confident I shall soon see them here.

Elizabeth shook her head over this letter, feeling angry and pained. It convinced her that the arrogant sisters had no feelings for Jane and no intention of informing their brother of her presence in Town.

Until then, my uncle, aunt, and I are very busy with the arrangements for Mr. Wilson’s new home. He has rented a house near Hyde Park, which affords such a beautiful view from every window. And the house is just wonderful, Lizzy. I have never been in such a manor in Town. It belonged to an earl, and it must have been painfully expensive. Mr. Wilson wanted to buy it, but the heirs prefer to rent for now, as there were some things to be taken care of before selling it. It is only thirty minutes away by carriage. He asked Aunt Madeline and me to be in charge of the decorations and all the arrangements. It is a huge responsibility. Dearest Lizzy, it makes me dizzy to see how much money he is willing to spend. And he keeps buying presents for me, my aunt, and our cousins. I wonder if, during our daily wanderings in Town, I might happen upon Mr. Bingley. It is not impossible, I believe.

No, it was not impossible at all, Elizabeth thought. Only through an accident could Mr. Bingley discover her sister’s being in Town, but the accident seemed likely to occur—an accident or perhaps Mr. Wilson’s help. If only Jane would dare to ask it. It was not impossible for him to happen upon the gentleman at the club or somewhere. He only needed to be informed of Jane’s presence in Town—and from that moment on, he would be the only one responsible for his decisions.

Chapter 4

London, January 1812

Darcy woke even earlier than usual. Excitement and worry for the long journey that lay ahead troubled him. He would return to Pemberley and remain there until spring; it was his desire as well as Georgiana’s. Mrs. Annesley would join them, and everything was prepared for safe travel despite the bad weather. Colonel Fitzwilliam decided to accompany them and take the opportunity to visit friends in the North. Darcy accepted his explanation, being confident that his cousin wished only to assure himself that Georgiana arrived at their destination safely.

As soon as morning light arrived, the luggage was all arranged in the carriage, and the party of servants took their places.

Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were helping Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley to walk carefully on the slippery ground when their attention was drawn by two large carriages halting a few houses down the street. From inside one of them, a man stared at them with unconcealed curiosity.