Page 100 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

Elizabeth wiped a tear and forced a laugh. “Mr Bingley should learn to build his felicity without Mr Darcy—especially now that he is married.”

Jane glanced at her. “Do not worry; I assure you that Charles is perfectly happy even without Mr Darcy. Nevertheless, he wishes to see him—and you—equally happy,” Jane said daringly, and Elizabeth stared at her in disbelief.

“Upon my word, marriage has changed you in only a few days, Mrs Bingley,” Elizabeth said, and Jane raised her eyebrow in silent challenge.

“I wonder whether Miss Bingley or Mrs Hurst bothers you as they used to,” Elizabeth inquired mockingly.

“Hardly,” Mrs Bingley responded with a self-confidence that allowed no contradiction and made Elizabeth laugh again.

∞∞∞

May ended, and summer achieved its full due.

For Elizabeth, the days passed too slowly. There was little room in her mind for anything but Darcy and his opinion of her. She had been harsh with him during their short encounter on the Bingleys’ wedding day, but he had been unfair to her too. And it was his fault that the misunderstanding persisted between them. He should not have left. He should have stayed long enough to discuss and to clarify any doubts. His suspicions were groundless, and they only proved that he might not think as highly of her as he pretended.

She also admitted that she did not choose her words carefully. But she had been too surprised by his accusations, by his hasty departure, and by his somewhat distant attitude. She barely had time to gather herself and respond properly.

Perhaps when they next met, they might remedy their ill-advised conversation. But the next opportunity to talk seemed so far away that she felt discouraged. Consequently, as Jane was now in her own home, Elizabeth spent much of the time alone with her thoughts, self-blame, and concerns—based chiefly on her own speculations.

Darcy maintained a regular correspondence with Bingley but also wrote once to her father and uncle. In all his letters, Darcy expressed his eagerness to receive them. What should she understand from that? He doubted her honesty and her feelings but welcomed her to his home? Did he recognize his flaws and regret his statements? Or was he just being polite for the sake of his friend?

And what about Mr Wilson? They all planned to travel together to Lambton. Would Darcy welcome his father’s old friend to Pemberley, or would he hold a grudge?

So many questions and worries with so few answers gave her little ease, and she could do nothing but wait and see what the future would hold.

∞∞∞

By the middle of June, preparations for the trip north were the main concern at Netherfield as well as at Longbourn.

“We shall stay in London a week as Mr Gardiner and Mr Wilson still have business to conclude,” Bingley explained to the Bennets. “It will be a good opportunity for Jane to become accustomed to our town house and the staff. She visited it briefly before the wedding, but now it is time for her to take her proper place and make any changes to her liking.”

“I am sure I shall not need to change anything,” Jane replied. “But I am happy to spend time in London. You have such a beautiful house, Charles.”

“We have a beautiful house, my darling. And it is waiting for its mistress to make it a home,” he said, kissing his wife’s hand.

Lydia rolled her eyes in exasperation while Mrs Bennet was both proud and joyful to witness such devotion from Jane’s handsome, wealthy husband.

“I wrote to Darcy about the schedule. In fact, Jane wrote the letter as my handwriting is a mess,” Bingley continued. “So we should arrive in Derbyshire the last week of June. And from there, we shall see what travelling plans will suit us best.”

“So, you will stay at Pemberley? All of you?” Mrs Bennet asked.

“Yes. I mean, if Mr and Mrs Gardiner and Mr Wilson accept the invitation. Darcy intends to host us all, but he was afraid to ruin their plans.”

“What plans?” Mrs Bennet burst out. “My sister Gardiner confessed she has never had a chance to see Pemberley except from afar. Surely, she will not forgo such an occasion! Who knows whether Mr Darcy will invite ever them again?”

“Mama, we shall do what is best for everyone,” Elizabeth said. “Let us not forget that Mr Wilson’s first interest is to reconnect with his relatives. And surely Aunt Madeline would like the same. Therefore, they might have other engagements.”

“Well, let them do what they like. You should stay at Pemberley with your sister and new brother,” Mrs Bennet concluded.

“Perhaps you should go with them to be sure the arrangements are to your liking,” Mr Bennet encouraged his wife in jest.

She, however, took the suggestion in earnest. “No indeed. My nerves would not allow such a journey. But surely nobody would ignore an invitation from Mr Darcy!”

“Do not worry, Mama. I am sure we shall have a lovely journey,” Jane said soothingly.

Several more days passed after that conversation, and from Meryton more news arrived.

Mr and Mrs Collins, who were visiting Charlotte’s family, brought the exciting news of their expecting an heir. Mrs Bennet took the opportunity to host a dinner for the Lucases and Collinses, as well as for Mr and Mrs Bingley before their departure. She prepared the event with extra care to prove herself worthy as Mr Bingley’s mother-in-law.