Page 114
“I have not seen Mr. Bingley this happy since he returned from Hertfordshire. I pray he and Miss Bennet have resolved their differences and come to a new understanding.”
“That may soon be the case. We can only wait and see.”
“Brother, will you please tell me what has been happening? I know it must be dreadful, for I have yet to receive a letter from Elizabeth since my last correspondence, and it is not like her to allow this much time to pass before she replies.”
“Dearest Georgiana, I fear there is something you should know about the goings-on in Hertfordshire—that has directly affected the Bennets. I have not said anything before for fear of upsetting you, but I think the time has come for you to learn what has occurred.”
“I pray Elizabeth has come to no harm!”
“I believe Miss Elizabeth is in good health, at least I hope she is. What I am about to convey involves her youngest sister.”
Darcy asked Georgiana to have a seat. “Miss Elizabeth’s youngest sister is married—to George Wickham.”
Georgiana gasped. “Elizabeth said nothing of her sister being engaged. Do you—do you suppose she has learnt of my past with George, and she said nothing to me about the engagement for fear of how I might react to the news.”
“I am afraid the circumstances of the wedding are such that Miss Elizabeth would not have confided them at all. Wickham did not marry her sister out of love; he had no choice but to marry after he persuaded the young girl to run off with him.”
Georgiana coloured. “Do you mean to say they eloped?”
“To her credit, the youngest Bennet daughter truly supposed they were eloping, but Wickham never truly had any intentions of ever marrying her. She had no fortune, no connections, nothing to tempt him—save her … her.” Darcy stood and walked to the window. “The two of them were found in a disreputable part of London, living together as would a man and his wife—out of wedlock.”
For the longest time, Georgiana said nothing as Darcy recounted those details suitable to his sister’s maidenly sensibilities. Darcy read in her expression pain, confusion. She folded her hands in her lap. “It is no wonder Mr. Bingley ended the engagement. In light of the social consequence had he aligned himself with a family disgraced, I suppose the shame would have been too insurmountable for a young man whose friends and status must always be increasing.”
“Actually, Miss Bennet ended the engagement. As you have witnessed, Bingley was quite devastated.”
“By her sacrifice, it is evident she loves him very much. Now that Elizabeth’s youngest sister is married, I suppose it worked out for the best. Mr. Bingley seems to agree.” Georgiana raised an inquisitive brow. “Brother, I have but one question.”
“Ask me anything.”
“How does this development affect your opinion of Elizabeth?”
Although Bingley had not stopped talking about the prospect of returning to Miss Bennet’s side since entering the carriage, Darcy had managed successfully to hear very little of what his friend said, for he had weighty matters of his own to attend.
How shall I meet Elizabeth again after our acrimonious discussion in Kent? Everything she had accused me of—my haughtiness, my selfish disdain for the feelings of others—all bore a measure of truth. Having spoken with my cousin and having seen for herself Wickham’s vile propensities, I only hope she will view me in a more favourable light as regards my mistreatment of others. As for my ridiculous demands that a life with me meant severing ties with her family, I must find a way to show her that I have learned to think better of such a harsh demand.
The carriage was nearing the outskirts of town when Bingley bolted from his seat. Kneeling before Darcy, Bingley grabbed his hand.
His eyes widened, his mouth agape, Darcy jerked his hand away. “What on earth are you doing?”
Bingley reached for his friend’s hand again, to no avail. “I mean to rehearse my speech to Jane. You know how much this means to me. After what I have done, I can hardly afford to make a mistake when I request my Jane’s hand in marriage.”
Darcy abruptly moved to the opposite seat. “For Heaven’s sake, Charles, when I said I would do everything in my power to see that you and your angel were reunited, this is not what I had in mind.”
Still on his knees, Bingley scooted to Darcy’s side. “Oh, Darcy! What is the harm?”
“What did you say to persuade her to accept your hand the first time?”
“The first time, I took her hand in mine and asked her if she would do me the honour of becoming my wife. I mean to be a bit more romantic the second time. I mean to ask her on bended knees—however, I fear I may appear desperate and she might pity me. That would never do.”
Darcy blew out a resigned breath. Whatever he had said to Miss Bennet had been persuasive—would that I might have enjoyed such success with Elizabeth. “If you insist upon rehearsing your second proposal, I am obliged to help; however, must you remain on your knees?”
“I think I must,” Bingley replied with lukewarm conviction. “What is more, I must hold your hand.”
“What if Miss Bennet refuses to allow you to hold her hand?”
Bingley’s countenance clouded. “I never thought of that.” He sat on his backside and contemplated the matter.
I wonder if it might help if I renew my proposal to Elizabeth on bended knees—with her hand held firmly in mine. It would be a stark contrast to my first endeavour where I stood across the room and she sat in a chair in the opposite corner. How ironic—even then we were distances apart and I never even realised it.
