Page 80 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Bravery is too strong a word, brother. And Mr. Darcy and I did not hate each other. Not really,” she jested.

The conversation continued in the same manner until familiar sights captured their attention. The carriage drove along beloved paths and Elizabeth’s heart pounded with pure joy as she approached the house. She was coming home.

The carriage passed through Meryton and several people stared at it. Jane and Bingley showed their faces at the window, but Elizabeth remained hidden behind the curtains. She hoped she could avoid any visitors, at least for a few days, and enjoy the family reunion in privacy. However, her hopes were shattered when the carriage reached Longbourn.

Mrs. Bennet burst from the house, followed by Aunt Phillips, Mrs. Long, Lady Lucas and Sir William.

“Lady Barrington! My Lizzy is Lady Barrington! Oh, look at you, such elegant mourning gowns! And what a carriage! Sir William, is it as large as Lady Catherine’s? I am sure it is even bigger! My Lizzy has a property in Kent too, I heard! One of many! Just like Lady Catherine, but more! And here are Mr. and Mrs. Bingley! And your clever black friend—look how pretty she is! One would not believe such a pretty lady could be so intelligent, would they? Come in, come in!”

Elizabeth embraced her mother and greeted the others warmly, while she glanced at Cece. Her friend appeared diverted by the reception. Jane, however, was red with embarrassment.

“Mama, where is Papa?”

“He is in the library, as usual. Come in, hurry!”

“Lizzy!” Lydia, Kitty and Mary cried, throwing their arms about her.

“Lizzy, look at you! Are you a countess now? You look so fashionable and rich! Did you bring us presents?” Lydia jumped around.

While Jane performed the introductions, Elizabeth excused herself and ran to her father. She found him in an armchair, thinner and paler than usual, holding a book that slipped from his hand as she entered. He did not stand up; Elizabeth knelt and held him tight in a long, silent and meaningful embrace.

“My darling Lizzy. My dear child,” Mr. Bennet kept whispering, caressing her hair.

“I am here, Papa...”

“I feared I would never see you again...I knew something was wrong...I knew from that evening at dinner...if only I could...I was such a poor father, that you had to ruin your life in exchange for my negligence. I failed to take proper care of my family, and when I intended to, I was too weak and incapable...Your uncle wrote to me...I feel like I hurt you with my own hands...I would have given my life for you, but my life was worthless...”

“Papa, please stop! Stop now!” Elizabeth interjected. “Your self reproof is unfair and useless. You are a loving, caring father and all you need to do for us is to take care of yourself! We need to have you with us for as long as possible. Please do not cry, Papa...You mean the world to me...please do not cry...”

They did cry together, tightly embraced, for a long while. From the drawing-room, loud voices, peals of laughter and cries of joy could be heard.

When the tears had washed away the grief and eventually dried, Mr. Bennet kissed his daughter’s hands repeatedly, then caressed her face.

“Black is unbecoming on you, my Lizzy. Throw it away!”

“I will, Papa. Soon. But I must wear it for six months.”

“Why must you? My Lizzy would not care about such rules, especially for a worthless man!”

“I am not wearing it for him, Papa, but because of what I need to accomplish. There is so much and so many people depending on Lady Barrington, that Lizzy must step back and obey.”

“Tell me, my dear. I wish to know everything.”

“I will tell you everything you want to know, Papa, except for my marriage. Of that, there is nothing to discuss. All is buried in the past.”

“I know enough. Your uncle wrote to me...”

“Then you already know too much...”

“Brother Gardiner claims that Mr. Darcy was the one who saved you. Mr. Darcy? He, of all people?”

“He did save me, Papa, although Charles and my uncle risked their lives for me too. But Mr. Darcy saved me in more ways than one. Yes, he of all people.”

“This is astonishing, considering how much you hated each other.”

“He never hated me, Papa. He confessed to me as much. I did hate him though, as I was blinded by prejudice. I was so ready to believe the worst of him that I trusted the falsehoods related to me by a man that I barely knew. All Mr. Wickham’s accusations against Mr. Darcy were false.”

“I never cared for Wickham’s fabrications, but neither did I care about Darcy. I do not remember exchanging a single word with the man. He obviously did not think much of me or our family either. So I cannot but wonder why he put so much effort into helping you?”