Page 103 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

“Darcy invited us all,” Bingley insisted. “I would suggest going together as he specifically directed me. He even mentioned fishing with Mr Gardiner.”

The others hesitated briefly, but Wilson ended the debate.

“You should go, but I cannot possibly appear at Pemberley until Darcy and I have a sober conversation and settle the matter between us. I cannot just show up at his door uninvited.”

“I am sure Darcy made no such distinction,” Bingley insisted.

“You are too kind, Bingley. The argument between Darcy and me does not allow me to presume I am welcome too, and I would like to be certain before imposing myself on him.”

“But, brother, perhaps it is time you invited Mr Darcy to have a conversation. I am only aware of what you told me, but I must say that the responsibility for ending this disagreement belongs to the same person who started it.”

“I am not certain what exactly happened, but I am still astonished that Darcy would hold a grudge against his father’s best friend,” Bingley insisted.

“Perhaps, once you meet again, this entire situation will come to a reasonable conclusion,” Elizabeth said with unconcealed distress.

She knew she was speaking selfishly. She hoped that, once the quarrel between Darcy and Wilson was settled, he would recognize his own injustice regarding her involvement. She dared not consider whether such a damaged relationship could ever be repaired. But what hurt her most was the notion that he considered her capable of such cruel deception and subversive behaviour.

“I shall send Darcy a note from the inn. Enjoy your time; we shall meet again tomorrow. I hope you will manage with one carriage for the rest of the ride. I shall take the smaller one with my luggage,” Wilson said with a tension that did not escape the others’ notice.

“Brother, should we not come with you?” Mrs Gardiner insisted.

“Not at all—I shall be fine. There are many places I want to visit this afternoon. In fact, I would rather be alone for a while.”

He departed, and the rest of the party reluctantly resumed the journey. The carriage moved slowly to allow them time to admire the surroundings.

As they stopped in front of the main entrance, Elizabeth’s heart almost stopped too. The door opened widely, and a girl, elegant and beautiful, greeted them with a little smile. Behind her, Elizabeth recognized Anne de Bourgh, waving at her. Elizabeth returned the wave, surprised and pleased. Miss de Bourgh looked different—better than ever before. The pallor was gone, her cheeks were slightly tanned and crimson, and she had gained a little weight, enough to show her health had improved. Her expression was open, joyful, and confident.

From inside, a man’s steps could be heard hurrying out, and Elizabeth’s heart now raced.

Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared in the doorway, opening his arms in a warm greeting. “Welcome, welcome! You have arrived three days early! What a lovely surprise. I could not believe it when I saw Miss Bingley and the Hursts. They are already in their rooms. So good to see you all! Please allow me to introduce you to the mistress of the house: Miss Georgiana Darcy. You remember Anne, I hope? Mrs Bingley, please receive my heartfelt congratulations. Bingley, my friend, what did you do to deserve such a stunning wife? You are the luckiest man alive!”

“I cannot deny I am,” Bingley responded with a huge grin while the colonel politely kissed Jane’s hand.

“Mrs Annesley, Mrs Reynolds, how lovely to see you,” Bingley continued, addressing the two ladies who were waiting a little behind. “This is my wife, Mrs Bingley, and her family.”

The joyful excitement of Bingley and the colonel was contagious. Greetings and introductions were performed in a warm and friendly manner. If there was any doubt of their welcome, it was gone within minutes. While exchanging pleasantries, handshakes, and curtseys, Elizabeth held her breath. She looked around, waiting, hoping, and wondering.

“But where is Darcy?” Bingley eventually asked.

“My brother left yesterday. He had some urgent business in London; that was all he said. He will return as soon as possible,” Miss Darcy explained in a friendly voice. “But we have everything prepared for you; we are so happy to have you here. Please, do come in.”

Chapter 25

They entered the exquisite house, walking through the elegant halls and surrounded by so much beauty that it left them speechless. Fortunately, the colonel and Bingley carried on a lively discussion until they entered the drawing room to rest. The servants carried their luggage to their chambers, and drinks and refreshments were served.

Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh sat near Elizabeth as the latter tried to involve the former in the others’ conversation.

But Elizabeth scarcely saw or heard anything as, in her mind, more tormenting thoughts were spinning, making her dizzy. Just when he knew they were about to arrive, Darcy prepared everything for their reception, made certain that they would feel comfortable on his estate, then left—just to avoid seeing them or, more precisely, seeing her.

Pemberley meant nothing without Darcy although every inch of it reminded her of him. She felt she should not be there since he met her presence with his absence. She had to leave—to escape—as soon as possible.

∞∞∞

An hour later, the guests were invited to retire to their chambers. It was early afternoon, and the weather was still warm. After such a long journey, rest was the perfect remedy.

A maid took each family member to their chambers. Elizabeth was led by Janey, a girl younger than she, who kept expressing her hope that everything was to Miss Bennet’s liking.

“Here it is, miss,” Janey said, opening a door and inviting Elizabeth in.