Page 148 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

“Of course we can,” Darcy replied with more suitable composure. “But we do not want to intrude on others’ activities.”

“No, of course not, not at all,” Bingley added, realising the concealed reproof.

“Please know that your company is always welcome, gentlemen,” Mrs Gardiner assured them. “And Mr Darcy, your rescue of the kitten has made you the children’s favourite. You made a long-lasting impression on all six of them.”

Darcy smiled, recollecting the incident and then Elizabeth’s sudden appearance. Elizabeth blushed, remembering Darcy embracing Mrs Norwood. Neither dared look at the other.

“I tried to do my best, ma’am,” he answered with a feigned seriousness that caused general amusement.

With that, the visitors left, but they remained the main subject of conversation for several more hours.

Chapter 9

“Lizzy, Mr Bingley said he did not know I was in London,” a nervous Jane confessed to her sister when they were finally alone. “He said Mr Darcy informed him only yesterday.”

“I suspected as much, Jane.”

“But Lizzy, how is it possible? I was at his house! Why did Caroline not tell him?”

“Would you like to wait and ask Mr Bingley, or should I venture a guess? It is clear that Caroline purposely deceived her brother to keep him away from you!”

“I cannot believe Caroline could be so dishonest…”

“I can. Quite easily!”

“What a strange turn of events, Lizzy! If we had not come to Brighton, and if Mr Bingley was not here too, I would have never found out. All would have been lost. All this time, I believed that he had no interest in meeting me again.”

“The turn of events has been extraordinary indeed, but I doubt everything would have been lost otherwise. If Mr Bingley was interested in meeting you again he would have found a way, as soon as Mr Darcy told him the truth.”

“Mr Darcy…Yet…How selfish of me…How are you feeling, Lizzy? After everything that occurred between you?”

“I feel strange. I cannot describe it. I did not expect to meet him either.”

“Do you think he is angry with you? Or upset? I did not notice any resentment in his manners. Quite the contrary.”

“I cannot imagine how he feels about me, but his behaviour was kinder than I expected or deserved Jane, I know that. After I abused him so shockingly. No man would forgive such treatment.”

“I am sure you blame yourself too much, dearest.”

“Not at all, Jane. I was abominably rude to him. Not for refusing him—I could not have willingly agreed to marry a man for whom I felt so little and so ill—but my accusations were mostly born from hate, spite and prejudice. And from my silly, ridiculous preference for Mr Wickham.”

“You should not be so hard on yourself, Lizzy. Mr Darcy’s improved manners show he understood your mistakes and is not opposed to overlooking them. His civility today was almost friendly, as though he was ready to accept a cordial relationship with you. And confessing the truth to Mr Bingley showed that he is not opposed to him remaining our friend.”

Jane was flushed from nervousness, Elizabeth from guilt.

“I cannot forgive my own stupidity, even if Mr Darcy can. He might say to himself, ‘well, she was a silly girl, charmed by a rascal. Not the first and surely not the last,’ and that would hurt me more than his anger, Jane!”

“Lizzy, I do not know what to say. I am sorry that you are so troubled.”

“I am, and deservedly so, Jane,” Elizabeth admitted, then she looked at her sister and smiled. “But let us not speak of your simple-minded sister, but of your Mr Bingley. He does look very handsome, I admit that.”

“He is not my Mr Bingley, Lizzy. But he is a dear friend whom I was happy to meet again.”

“Oh yes he is, or he very soon will be. Everyone who saw him today would agree with me. Shame on him, he seemed determined to do anything to remain in your company!” she laughed.

“Mr Bingley is always amiable and friendly, Lizzy.”

“He is. But more so on some occasions than others,” Elizabeth continued to tease Jane, who tried to deny the insinuations.