Page 57 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Yes, the youngest son of my uncle,” Darcy explained.

The introductions were readily performed. Sir William was too affected by the solemnity of the moment to speak more than a word while Mr. Bennet attempted to understand the obvious change in the most unpleasant man he had ever met. He realised it was the first time Darcy had addressed him personally and they actually spoke to each other since they met last September.

“Would you like to sit with us? If you do not have anything private to discuss, of course,” Mr. Wilson offered. The cousins looked at each other briefly.

“Thank you, we would like that. The colonel has just arrived from his regiment, and we were having a drink together. Nothing private,” Darcy said.

“I am so happy to make your acquaintance,” Colonel Fitzwilliam declared. “I had the great pleasure of meeting Miss Elizabeth in Kent, and we talked frequently. She spoke very highly of her family, and I have long wanted to make your acquaintance.”

Mr. Wilson nodded. “We are happy to meet you too. I am sure Miss Elizabeth would be glad to know we saw you. In fact, we expect Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley for dinner tomorrow evening. If you do not have other fixed engagements, we would be honoured if you would join them.”

He did not delay his answer a single moment. “I would like that very much, thank you.”

“Excellent. What a fortunate coincidence this has been! I have been waiting for such an animated evening for quite some time,” Mr. Wilson concluded.

The conversation turned to other subjects and lasted for another hour before they separated. But the encounter and the opinions about it were vigorously discussed the entire evening in both houses, as well as their expectation for the next evening.

Sir William departed with the regret that he had lost future chances for such illustrious company but had many stories to share in Meryton.

***

Anticipated by everyone who knew him, Mr. Wickham did not wait long before he called.

He came alone before noon on the second day after his arrival in Town and asked for Mr. Wilson. The family was gathered in the drawing room, and he entered with his usual charming smile and friendly greetings.

“Mr. Wickham, I am so happy that you came!” Lydia cried. “Did you see in what house we are staying? Can you imagine? And on one of the most famous streets in London! What do you say? Is this not astonishing?”

“I am happy to see you all, and I am honoured that you received me,” Wickham said, gazing mostly at Elizabeth. “Mr. Wilson, I must congratulate you on this beautiful house. It is exquisite. It reminds me of the Darcy house, which is only a street away.”

“Indeed, you must not congratulate me as I have no merit in the beauty of the house—except for having the money to rent it,” Mr. Wilson responded. “But I admit it is a handsome manor, which was the main reason I chose it.”

“Very handsome,” Wickham repeated as he was invited to sit and offered a drink. “Miss Elizabeth, may I ask how you enjoyed your trip to Kent?”

“Very well, actually.”

“Is Mrs. Collins pleased with her new home?”

“She is, Mr. Wickham. She has a lovely house and an excellent household, thank you for asking.”

“And Rosings? I heard it has a wonderful park, but I never visited it,” Wickham asked further.

“Rosings is impressive in many ways. And the park was just beautiful in spring,” Elizabeth said, trying to keep her voice friendly.

“And I must ask: What did you think of Lady Catherine and her daughter?” Wickham’s addressing her for so long in a room full of people became improper, but he continued with great self-confidence.

“I enjoyed meeting them very much,” she replied, barely concealing her displeasure. “Lady Catherine was just as I expected her to be, but Miss de Brought turned out to be a lovely surprise.”

“Truly? Do you think she will be a proper wife for Darcy,” he asked insolently, winking at her.

Elizabeth stared at him with disbelief and hidden anger. Wickham’s impertinence struck her, and she wondered how it was possible that she missed it before. How did he dare to wink at her? How could he imagine that she would tolerate it in front of her family?

“So, you imply that Darcy is about to marry Miss de Bourgh?” Mr. Wilson suddenly intervened.

“Yes, sir. I have known that for many years. In fact, it is a subject that was discussed among them since I was a young boy. She might be a good choice with so little pride and self-esteem to complement Darcy, who has an excess of both,” he uttered mockingly.

Elizabeth noticed Mr. Wilson’s countenance darkening. “So, I assume the Darcys treated you as one of the family since they discussed such subjects in your presence.”

“Indeed; I have always felt myself a part of the family,” Wickham hastily answered.