Page 96 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Elizabeth felt overjoyed and overwhelmed. She had much to ask and much to say but chose to watch and enjoy the view of domestic felicity in front of her. Bingley and Jane’s affectionate small gestures; her mother inviting everyone to eat; her sisters talking much too loudly and barely properly; Cece and Miss Darcy, interjecting in the discussion with obvious amusement; and her father talking privately and in apparently mutual understanding with Mr. Darcy. An image that she would previously never have dared to even consider possible.

Her glance met Darcy’s quite often and each time it locked briefly. Nothing more was needed for the time being.

Eventually, the Netherfield party retired for a well-deserved rest and some peace fell over Longbourn.

Only then was Lydia allowed to complain to her mother about how cruel Elizabeth had been to her and how uncivilly she had treated poor Mr. Wickham.

“Oh hush, child! Do not speak of Mr. Wickham again in the presence of Mr. Darcy! And your sister might treat anyone as she pleases! Do you not know how wealthy she is now? Mr. Darcy himself said so! You should be quiet and do not argue with her if you wish to be invited to town for the season!”

“But Mama, I think I love him!”

“Do not peak nonsense, silly girl! How can you love him after just a week? You are such a fool! Can you imagine how many rich and handsome gentlemen you will meet from now on? Who cares about Mr. Wickham? I heard he left many debts in Meryton. What use is there in speaking of him?”

After several more arguments, Mrs. Bennet retired and sent Lydia to her room. The girl threw herself on the bed and cried until she fell asleep, convinced her life had ended.

In the morning, however, she woke up in good spirits, ready and eager for the London season.

∞∞∞

“Papa, I am so happy to see you in such good health,” Elizabeth said the next morning, embracing her father. They were both in the library, just after breakfast.

“I do feel very well, my dear. Sit next to me, please. I have news for you.”

“Good news, I hope?”

“Indeed.”

“What is it? Please do not tease me!”

“My dear, it is not a matter for teasing. A few days after you departed, I received a note from your uncle.”

“And?”

“He informed me that he had seized another business opportunity recommended by Mr. Darcy. He was quite excited to extend his affairs and was confident he could recover some of our lost capital within a year. You do remember our significant failure that damaged our income a few months ago?”

“I do remember, Papa. But you must not worry any longer, I can...”

“No, Lizzy, do not even say that! I will not accept continuing to live in negligence and allowing you to support me. I am hopeful about your uncle’s new investment, especially with Mr. Darcy’s assistance. Indeed, life is like a swing. It takes you up and down, in chaos most of the time, unless you have someone to push you in the right direction.”

Elizabeth listened, but her mind was blurred by emotions. This was Darcy’s business in town? Helping her uncle to extend his business. Without even informing her? Was all the time and effort he invested in assisting her not enough?

A lump in her throat forbade her to reply.

“And then he suddenly appeared at our door—I thought your mother would faint when she saw him and Miss Darcy. What a sweet, lovely girl! Upon my word, some men are fortunate with their sisters, others are like poor Bingley. Oh well...”

He was jesting, but Elizabeth still could not recover.

“Oh, and there is something else. Now I realise there are two pieces of good news, actually.”

Elizabeth struggled to pay attention, but her thoughts were too unsettled.

Mr. Bennet handed her a small, black, velvet box.

“What is it, Papa?” she asked, reluctant to even touch it.

“Open it, my child,” her father said in a soft and tender voice.

She did so, with slow and hesitant moves. A cry escaped from her lips and she ceased fighting her tears as she stared in utter disbelief at Lady Sedgewick’s lost ring.