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He retired to his study following the meal, drafting a joyous response. He informed Bingley of his good fortune, holding nothing back, and expressing his eagerness to return to the neighbourhood he had once disdained. He also requested confirmation that Netherfield could accommodate Georgiana and Mrs Annesley, as he refused to leave his sister behind while he pursued his own happiness.
The subsequent days passed in a haze of bliss. The open betrothal transformed the household. Darcy enjoyed the freedom to seek Elizabeth’s company without pretence. He guided her through the picture gallery, he turned the pages of her sheet music while she played the pianoforte, and he experienced the thrill of sitting beside her in the drawing-room without fearing his aunt’s dictation.
On the fifth morning after the engagement, the expected replies arrived.
Mr Bennet’s letter proved predictably brief. He offered his formal consent with a dry observation regarding Elizabeth’s change of opinion concerning the master of Pemberley. The missive concluded with a statement that he expected to receive Mr Darcy in his own library to discuss the marriage settlements.
Bingley’s reply arrived in the same delivery, overflowing with congratulations. He confirmed ample accommodation for everyone, demanding they arrive at Netherfield without delay.
With the necessary permissions secured, the practicalities of the return journey dominated the afternoon discourse.
The family gathered in the parlour to arrange the travel stages.
“We must depart by the end of the week,” Mr Gardiner declared, examining a map of the coaching routes. “Madeline and I must return to Longbourn to collect our children before proceeding to London. Our offspring have undoubtedly exhausted the patience of the Bennet household by now.”
“We shall travel in company,” Darcy proposed, unwilling to separate from Elizabeth a moment sooner than necessary. “My party will use our own carriage, and you shall use yours. We can arrange our stages and overnight stops, remaining together until the roads diverge for Netherfield and Longbourn.”
“An excellent plan,” Mrs Gardiner agreed, folding her embroidery. “It will provide a measure of safety and pleasant company for the duration of the journey.”
Georgiana clapped her palms together, her face glowing with excitement. “I am to meet your family, Elizabeth, and the neighbourhood where you reside.”
“You shall see a great deal of mud and a fierce collection of sisters,” Elizabeth promised, her tone affectionate.
Before the gathering could disperse, Mrs Gardiner turned her attention to the sofa where Anne sat reading.
“Miss de Bourgh,” Mrs Gardiner began, her tone conversational. “As the households prepare to separate, I wish to renew my invitation. You expressed an interest in viewing the Temple of the Muses. My offer of hospitality at Gracechurch Street remains open.”
Lady Catherine bristled. “Anne cannot possibly travel to Cheapside. The air in the city is thick with coal dust. It would ruin her delicate constitution within an hour. Furthermore, she requires the precise routine of Rosings Park.”
Darcy prepared to intervene, unwilling to see his cousin browbeaten into submission.
However, Anne did not require his assistance. She marked her page with a silk ribbon and closed the volume.
“I shall not have it, Mother,” Anne stated, her enunciation unyielding. “I wish to visit the bookshop, and to experience the city.” She turned to Mrs Gardiner, offering a confident nod. “I accept your generous invitation, Mrs Gardiner. I shall gladly visit you in London once you are settled at home, even if Mother does not escort me.”
Lady Catherine gripped her walking stick, preparing to launch her refusal.
“It is a pity,” Mrs Gardiner murmured, inspecting a loose thread on her sleeve, “because if you had chosen to accompany your daughter to town, your ladyship, we might have resolved our ongoing dispute regarding the piquet scores. I am unconvinced by your methodology during our final match.”
“My methodology is flawless, Mrs Gardiner,” she countered, stepping away from the hearth. “You lack the intellectual fortitude to comprehend advanced scoring. I shall prove it to you. Anne and I will journey to London after your return from Hertfordshire. We shall occupy the guest quarters at Gracechurch Street, and we shall resume the contest until you admit your errors.”
“I welcome the challenge, madam,” Mrs Gardiner replied with a wide smile.
Lady Catherine confirmed that she and Anne would depart for Rosings on the same morning that the other travellers set out for Hertfordshire.
Two days later, on their final evening at Pemberley, the packing trunks filled the upper passages, and a sense of anticipation settled over the manor.
The family assembled in the drawing-room following dinner. The atmosphere was peaceful, the impending separation mellowing the usual energy.
Bates navigated the room with a tray bearing tea and light refreshments. He moved with a new confidence, pouring the hot liquid without a tremor, ignoring the two wolfhounds slumbering by the curtains. He offered Elizabeth a respectful bow before retreating to the hallway.
Anne and Georgiana sat together, deep in discussion regarding a volume of contemporary poetry. At the card table, Lady Catherine and Mrs Gardiner resumed their pasteboard rivalry, their competitive exchanges providing the background noise.
Darcy stood near the tall, multi-paned windows. Elizabeth joined him, her steps silent on the woven carpet and slipped her arm through his.
“The packing is complete,” Elizabeth murmured, her gaze following the gravel drive leading away from the manor. “Tomorrow, we abandon this paradise for the dusty roads.”
“We shall not abandon it for long,” Darcy promised, covering her fingers with his own. “A few weeks in Hertfordshire to satisfy the legalities, and then we shall return.”
