Page 54 of Bitterness of Spirit

“We met in the park, and we could not waste the opportunity of knowing the gentlemen better,” Mrs. Gardiner intervened. “So we insisted on their joining us.”

“Well, no visit is ever impromptu if any of the ladies in the house invited you,” Mr. Wilson responded, kissing his sister’s hand. “It is a lovely coincidence that you met.”

“Yes, and we were just discussing Derbyshire and Pemberley,” Mrs. Gardiner continued.

“Then I am happy to join you,” said their host.

The conversation gradually resumed, but the eldest Miss Bennet could not gather enough courage to speak. She stayed near Elizabeth, touching her arm from time to time, searching for support. She dared to look at Bingley several times but only for a moment. She looked incredulous, fearful, and on the edge of tears.

The master of the house watched the entire scene with an interest that did not escape either Darcy or Elizabeth.

“So, you are Bingley,” Mr. Wilson suddenly said. “I confess you are different than I expected, sir.”

Bingley paled and so did Jane. “In what way, sir?”

“I could not say—just different. So, I understand you leased Netherfield?”

“Yes,” Mr. Bingley answered reluctantly as Wilson’s voice became more severe.

“Do you plan to keep it or to give it up? I would be interested in taking it from you.”

Bingley’s pallor increased. “I am not certain…I have not decided yet. I have not thought about this subject thoroughly.”

“Well, perhaps you should, sir. And it is good for a worthy young man to be more decided on important matters,” Wilson uttered.

His meaning did not go unnoticed, and the distress became general. The gentleman, however, seemed unimpressed that his comments troubled his companions.

“Sometimes, a lack of determination is the result of too much trust in others’ advice,” Darcy intervened to sustain his friend.

“Too much trust is as bad as the lack of determination itself,” Wilson replied. “And a man of consequence should keep both under good regulation. Depending on others’ judgement more than on one’s own might be harmful.”

Darcy took the statement to heart, feeling guilty for his friend’s torment. On the couch, the eldest Miss Bennet seemed close to fainting, while Mr. Wilson’s smile was unfairly large.

Darcy moved closer to the group. “Occasionally, a man makes a poor decision that can affect his life. Sometimes, the impact of that decision lasts for months, other times for five and twenty years. What truly matters is the recognition of his fault and the courage to make amends before is too late.

He briefly looked at Elizabeth then to Wilson, whose smile faded.

“You are right, Mr. Darcy,” his host unexpectedly admitted. “It is commendable that Mr. Bingley seems willing to improve his determination in order to avoid making wrong decisions in the future. What would you say if we discuss more of this at dinner, the day after tomorrow? Mr. Bingley, you may bring your sisters too. Let us keep the family together.”

The sudden change in Wilson’s voice disconcerted Bingley completely. From an obvious scolding to a friendly invitation, he was lost as to what to believe. So he only nodded in acceptance.

Darcy was troubled by the entire conversation and felt ill that he had to attack his host in order to protect his friend. But he could not let Bingley suffer from Wilson’s rebuke, especially in front of the Miss Bennets.

The invitation for dinner took him by surprise too, and he noticed Bingley’s astonishment and his quick acceptance. Again, he glanced at Elizabeth. There was nothing in her eyes of disapproval, so he dared answer in a way he would not have imagined possible only a day ago.

“We thank you, Mr. Wilson. It will be a pleasure to see you all again in two days’ time.”

Regardless, the visit continued, and somehow, the tension diminished. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Gardiner invited the gentlemen to the library, and the party separated.

Only then did the eldest Miss Bennet murmur, “Oh Dear Lord, this cannot be!” and ran to her chamber. Elizabeth followed her, but Jane waved her hand, indicating her desire to be left alone. The sorrow of so many months was painfully increased by a happenstance for which she had long ago abandoned any hope. The pain was too strong to be bear—or to be shared—even with her dearest sister.

Elizabeth understood and returned to the drawing room. She had little to say. Nor could many things be discussed in the presence of Maria. Eventually, they returned to their chambers to prepare for dinner.

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley departed without having a chance to take their farewell of the ladies.

Chapter 14

The day after Mr. Bingley’s visit, Jane Bennet was still not her usual self—nor was her younger sister. Despite their strong bond and complete trust, neither spoke openly of the reason for her distress. Each wondered about the other’s feelings at the sudden appearance of the man who brought her so much turmoil.