Chapter 10
Mary had never had the opportunity to speak in a relaxed way with a man, and that this man having met two of her most beautiful sisters, would have preferred her company. Mr. Mortimer was everything a gentleman should be, she thought, he was handsome, intelligent and sincere. She had never had a best friend because she had always been a lonely girl, but she would love to be friends with Mr. Mortimer and chat for hours with him. Mary was very attracted to the man she had met yesterday, she had never dreamed of marrying or falling in love, so she did not understand what was happening to her. She assumed that what she felt, was how it felt when you had a friend. Mary was thinking about Aaron at the breakfast table, while the rest of her family chatted amiably.
"Lizzie, do you think you can postpone your trip to Kent for two days? A few days ago, I found out that I must travel there for several days. If you can delay your departure, I, personally, can leave you in Hunsford, and I can pick you up, and we can return together to London. Besides, I would like to see Charlotte, I haven't seen her for at least ten years and I have always remembered her as a good friend. If you agree, we can send an express, so Charlotte can know about your change of plans", Jonathan explained to his cousin.
"I think it's perfect Johnny, traveling with you is much more entertaining than doing it alone", Lizzie said animatedly.
The family continued to enjoy breakfast as they agreed on what they would do that day, and discussed about the invention fair, they would attend tomorrow. After hearing Jonathan and Mary so upbeat on the subject, the entire family had decided to attend and spend an entertaining day together.
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Darcy was sitting at the breakfast table when he saw his sister enter the room. He greeted her, and they had a conversation about the day's plans, and after that they ate in silence, until Darcy out of nowhere asked his sister.
"Georgiana, do you remember the man who helped you pick up the books yesterday? I ask you, because I think he is an old friend from university, but since I did not have the opportunity to see him well, I am not sure. Did he say something to you? How did he look? Of course, if you remember, it is not really important, I am just curious", Darcy said, praying that his voice sounded as neutral as possible so his sister would not discover his little lie.
"Of course, I remember brother!" Georgiana said with great enthusiasm, and blushing when she realized the inappropriateness of that.
Darcy tried to ignore her sister's enthusiastic response as best he could, and nodding, he suggested to her to continue, that he was listening.
Georgiana, seeing that her brother was not censoring her, and that he was really interested in what she could say, told him that the man had not spoken to her, that he had only smiled and helped her. She told him that he was a tall man, a little shorter than him, that he had blond hair and very light blue eyes, and blushing, added that he was very handsome, and that also he had a kind and charming smile.
Darcy made a superhuman effort not to show his sister the effect of her words on him. With the calmest voice that he could manage, he said to his sister, "I think I was confused, and he is not who I thought he was". And with that he continued having breakfast in absolute silence.
Later, in the solitude of his office, he could give free rein to his thoughts, and full of resentment, he began to think, while he stared out the window without seeing anything that was in front of him.
"I think what happened yesterday is the best thing that could happen. I had already forgotten you Elizabeth Bennet, but when I thought about you was in some idealized way. The realization that you are the same as all women, empty and quickly carried away by the words of the first scoundrel she meets, has made me see you as you truly are. I hope in the not too distant future, to find you just like yesterday, but this time, I will lead a woman of noble origin by my arm. Stay with your Adonis, who must be a fool for sure. What rational man would want to have Mrs. Bennet as a mother-in-law?". With those thoughts he felt better, knowing that one day he would make Elizabeth Bennet feel, as he felt at that moment.
Darcy continued to work responding to business letters and writing letters for his steward in Pemberley, and his two other states in Scotland. Suddenly, his butler knocked on the door and told him that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurts were in the drawing room, and that they wanted to speak to him.
He felt a little exasperated by the interruption, he detested his friend's sisters, but he could not snub them, so he told the butler to let them know that he would be with them in five minutes.
The moment he appeared in the drawing room, Miss Bingley immediately said, "Mr. Darcy, we are very sorry to interrupt you, but we must consult with you about something of the utmost importance. We really need your advice sir", Caroline said to Darcy, looking at him in the same flirtatious way she always did, and that he disliked so much.
Caroline then proceeded to tell Darcy that the day before, she had gone with her friend Lady Isabella to Madame Blanchet's store, and when they arrived there, Jane, Miss Eliza and other sister, who she did not remember the name, were leaving the store accompanied by an aunt, who she assumed, was the wife of the Cheapside tradesman.
In the meantime, Darcy was thinking how it was possible that the Bennet sisters, and the wife of a minor merchant could pay the fees of a modiste of Madame Blanchet's category. It seemed that this woman, because that was the way he called Elizabeth in his mind now, had not only gotten a foolish handsome husband, but also rich. Sure, a tradesman, a new rich, he thought disgusted.
"Mr. Darcy, I am afraid that Jane Bennet decide to call on us one day, and meet Charles again, and all our efforts will be in vain. I would not bear to see my brother join a family like that, to have a fortune hunter for a wife, a vulgar mother-in-law, and the impertinent Eliza for a sister. My brother deserves much more than that, don't you agree Mister Darcy?".
Unfortunately, jealousy has never been a good adviser, and Mr. Darcy responded to Miss Bingley in a way that a good man like him, would never have done under other circumstances.
"Miss Bingley, invite Miss Bennet to your house and make sure your brother is not at home. Once there, let miss Bennet know that the two families can never have any kind of friendship due to differences in social status, and finish, by making it clear to her that if she aspires to catch Bingley, she will not succeed because he has family and friends who will always look out for his best interests".
Before continuing, he paused to take a deep breath and said, "I also want to ask you, Miss Bingley, that you never speak of this matter to me again. I never wish to hear or speak of the Bennet family again in my life!", and with that he ended the conversation.
Darcy explained to Caroline and Louisa that he had a lot of work to do, and asked them to excuse him. They were grateful for his support and advice and left happily knowing that they could keep their brother away from Jane.
For his part, Darcy felt some guilt and remorse for what he had just said, he sensed that Jane Bennet was a good woman, but unfortunately managed by an unscrupulous mother. But when he thought of Elizabeth buying expensive clothes in one of the most luxurious stores in the city, surely with the intention of looking beautiful to that man, he was happy that Miss Bingley had sought him out.
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The next day Miss Bingley's invitation came to Gracechurch street, and everyone was very surprised. Jane, who always thought the best of everyone, was happy to know that Caroline had been sincere when she had offered her friendship, and did not want to blame her because her brother had deluded, and then abandoned her.
Elizabeth did not think the same, and sensing that Caroline was up to something, offered to accompany her sister. But Jane declined, saying that it was not appropriate for both to arrive, when the invitation was only for her. Thus Mrs. Gardiner ordered the carriage and Jane set out to visit, whom she believed to be her friends.
That same afternoon, at four o'clock, Aaron Mortimer arrived to call on Mrs. Gardiner and the Misses Bennet. The previous evening Mrs. Gardiner had invited him to tea, and he had accepted immediately. When Aaron entered the drawing room, everyone was struck by the fact that he was loaded with papers that appeared to be blueprints or something like that.
He came in shyly and greeted everyone, and he couldn't help but look at Mary more than good manners allowed. "I hope you don't mind Mrs. Gardiner that I brought all these papers" he said, laughing nervously, "but I wanted to show them to Miss Mary and ask her opinion, of course if I don't bother you" he said looking shyly at Mary.
Aaron asked Mrs. Gardiner's permission to use one of the small tables in the room, so he could open his designs. Mrs. Gardiner told him there was no problem. She was very curious to see how Aaron was eagerly trying to impress Mary.
He began to explain to Mary the new project that he had been working on for a while. Mary was fascinated and even made a suggestion, that he took with great joy. Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth watched the scene with a mixture of amusement and joy. It was certainly a very pleasant afternoon for the group gathered there.
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In another part of the city, the exact opposite was happening. Caroline and Louisa received Jane and when she sat down, she began to say each one of the words that Mr. Darcy had suggested, and of course, adding a few more insults. As Jane listened to the woman that once she believed her friend, she couldn't believe that she had invited her, to humiliate her. Jane, who was shy, didn't know what to say and couldn't hold back her tears.
Miss Bingley was the only one who spoke and Mrs. Hurts seeing Jane crying, felt a little guilt and remorse, stood up and said. "Miss Bennet I think it is time for you to go home", and Caroline added, "and I hope it is clear that we do not want to see you anymore and that you are not welcome in our home". Then, the two sisters stood up and left Jane alone in the middle of the room. With what little dignity she had at the moment, she stood up and went back to Gracechurch street.
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Jonathan had come home and Mrs. Gardiner had invited Aaron to dinner, so they were all chatting and joking while waiting for Mr. Gardiner and Jane. She arrived at the house with her face flushed, and her eyes red from crying. Seeing Jane, everyone was concerned, and Jane excused herself and went to her room immediately. Elizabeth, of course, ran after her. Mrs. Gardiner tried to resume the conversation they were having before Jane's arrival, but Jonathan and Mary were distressed and really wanted to know what was wrong with Jane, not knowing at the same time what to do.
Jane told Elizabeth everything that had happened, and confessed that she was very ashamed to have been treated like a fortune hunter. Lizzie felt so angry that she wanted to ask her aunt for the carriage, and go to the house of those harpies to put them in their place.
"Please Lizzie, return to the room with the rest of the party. I'm sure Mary must be happy talking with Mr. Mortimer, let's not allow the Bingley sisters ruin our entire family's afternoon. Give me some minutes and I will join you all", said Jane more relaxed.
A few moments later Mr. Gardiner came home and Jane joined the family for dinner. Jonathan watched his cousin and saw the immense effort she was making to show that she was happy, and he wondered what had happened. It was a nice dinner, everyone converse amicably and that helped Jane to relax and forget about everything that had happened that afternoon.
After agreeing to meet the day after tomorrow at the Invention Fair, Aaron left. Jane and Mary, who were feeling tired, retired to their rooms and Jonathan told Elizabeth to please tell him what had happened.
Jonathan knew what had ocurred when the Bingley family was in Hertfordshire from what Jane had told him, and he sensed that perhaps, there were some details, which a kind-hearted girl like his cousin, did not want to tell.
Elizabeth was still very angry, and told Jonathan why Jane had been invited to the Bingley house, and how humiliated she had felt. But she also told him that she was not at all surprised for her, because she always knew that these women never really had liked Jane. She also related him in detail, all the interactions of the Netherfield inhabitants with her family and the entire neighborhood, including the comment that Mr. Darcy made about her in the assembly, and how he constantly looked at her and her whole family with censure and contempt.
"The only one of all that group that was always friendly was Mr. Bingley. The rest, it was no more than a group of pompous people who believed themselves above the rest of us", Lizzie said. "imagine that on one occasion I spent a little more than half an hour in Netherfiel's library in the company of Mr. Darcy, and he didn't speak to me even once. I greeted him, he nodded and ignored me the rest of the time", Elizabeth finished.
Jonathan stood up, he couldn't sit still for another minute. He felt rage and impotence. On one hand was Mr. Bingley, who deluded his cousin and left her as nothing had happened, on the other the poisonous sisters making fun of his family with impunity, and finally that Mr. Darcy, who had dared to humiliate a girl he didn't even know in front of her entire neighborhood. He was sure that this group of cretins had done all this because they were sure that his cousins had no one to defend them. He did not know how, but somehow he would let each one of them know how wrong they were.
"Cousin, I know what you are thinking, because I thought the same one hour ago, when Jane told me what had happened. Jane wants us to forget this incident, and I think she is right. We have a lot of fun things to do in the next few days, and then, we will go to Kent. Let's forget about those people, none of them are worth it", Lizzie said to Jonathan smiling.
"You're right Lizzie. I think it's time for us to go to sleep. Thank you for trusting me and telling me everything", with that, he kissed her on the forehead and they both retired to rest.
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The next day Jonathan was answering correspondence when Robert walked into his office. "I am very sorry that you are going to miss the ball that I am organizing, but I am happy to know that your parents and cousins will attend. You know that I don't like these things very much, but they are a way to meet new investors, few dare to reject an Earl's invitation", Robert told Jonathan with feigned seriousness.
They continued talking for a few moments and Jonathan told him that tomorrow they would go with the whole family and Aaron to the Invention Fair. Robert told him that he would join the group, and that he would bring Sophia, who would be happy to see so many new things and spend time with her favorite uncles.
Jonathan changed the topic and asked, "Robert, do you know a certain Charles Bingley and his friend Darcy?" Jonathan asked very seriously and added, "It is not business but personal", and proceeded to make a summary of the interaction of the Bingleys and Darcy with his family during last autumn.
"I am very surprised, what a pair of harpies. I don't know Bingley but I have heard that he is a nice guy. What you tell me about Darcy surprises me even more. I cannot tell you that I know him well, I am a friend of his cousin colonel Fitzwilliam, and I have always heard that he is an honorable man. The few times that we have been in the same group, he has seemed to me a rather reserved but polite man", Robert explained to his friend.
They talked a bit more about Jonathan's cousin's situation and Robert offered to help his friend, with whatever he needed. He owed everything to Jonathan, who had helped him when he had no money and nowhere to go.
"I have an idea, I don't know if it will be the right thing to do, but what do you think if I invite Bingley to my ball under the pretext of talking about business, and take advantage of getting to know him better. Besides, it would give Miss Bennet the opportunity to see him again, if he has nothing to do with his sister's intrigues, maybe they could fix things", Robert offered to his friend.
"It seems like a good idea, but let me consult it with my mother and Jane, and I will let you know what they decide".
That night Jonathan spoke with his mother and Jane about the discussion with Robert, and asked for their opinion. Jane said that she no longer cared about Mister Bingley, and that if she saw him, she would treat him like the casual acquaintance that he was. Mrs. Gardiner thought it was a good idea to invite Bingley, so the gentleman would know that her niece had no interest in him, and he could tell his sisters that Jane was not looking to be his friend, so they would leave Jane in peace. They all agreed Lord Maxwell could invite Mr. Bingley to his ball if he wanted to do it.
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The next day the Gardiners, the Bennet sisters, Aaron and Robert met at the Invention Fair. Jonathan introduced Robert and little Sophia to his cousins. Robert was very impressed with the three young women, and it was clear that Aaron had a keen interest in the youngest of them. He remembered that Jonathan had always said that his cousins were very handsome, but he never imagined that the oldest was so beautiful. What a fool Bingley must be to play with the feelings of this kind beautiful woman.
Aaron was very excited about the exhibition, and that his loom was one of the most visited inventions. But above all, he was happy to see how Mary had admired his loom, and how she admired him. They spent all the time together, first he showed her every detail of his invention, and then they visited other exhibitions that interested both of them.
It was a wonderful afternoon for everyone involved, and Jane had completely forgotten the incident occurred two days ago. Everyone had been so nice, and the little Sophia had been excellent company with her constant questions, and enthusiasm for everything she saw.
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The next day Jonathan and Lizzie left for Kent. They started traveling early in the morning and after a few hours of travel, in which they both slept a bit, they made a stop at the inn where they rested and ete something.
When Jonathan entered the Inn with Elizabeth on his arm, a very attractive woman in her thirties dressed in a very provocative way said, "What a surprise dear Jonathan, so many years without seeing you, but I can tell you that you are the same, or even more handsome that the last time I saw you", she concluded with a provocative look.
"Lady Victoria", said Jonathan and absolutely nothing more.
"And who is this lady with that dress from 3 seasons ago, that goes on your arm?" added the woman looking at Elizabeth with a face of hatred and jealousy.
Elizabeth found the situation very funny but noticed that her cousin was furious and in order to avoid a scene in public she answered, "My name is Elizabeth Bennet and I am Jonathan's cousin, dear lady in a fashionable but scandalous dress!".
At this, the woman looked at Jonathan and seeing that he was ignoring her, decided to call her servants and leave the place. Elizabeth and Jonathan ate in silence, she wanted to ask but decided to respect Jonathan's silence.
Once in the carriage, Jonathan told Elizabeth that he had met Victoria when he was 20 years old, that she was the sister of a university classmate, the daughter of a respectable tradesman. She was a few years older than him and they had had a little romance. Jonathan felt uncomfortable talking about this with Lizzie, but she asked him to please trust her, that she was no longer a child and could understand more about these things than he believed.
"She was a very beautiful woman as you saw, and very ambitious. It was she who started the relationship with me, let's say that she had all the experience that I did not have, and I let myself be carried away by her. After about three months of meeting in secret, one day I found out from the newspaper that she had married a Baron, an older man who had become a widower and wanted a wife to have his heir. I was a little disappointed because at that time, I thought I was in love with her. I did not blame her for wanting to have stability and her own home, I was very young and could not offer her anything", he thought for a moment and continued. "A year later she looked for me, she told me that her husband was always busy in his businesses and that he spent an important part of the year in the north. She told me that we could see each other, while her husband was away because only with me she could be happy, and that she had missed me very much. At that moment, I lost all respect I had for her, and told her never to dare to look for me again. That day I spoke with my parents, and they told me that I had done the right thing, and that I should not allow that woman, or anyone else to ruin my life.
Elizabeth was silent for a moment and asked her cousin if he still had feelings for the lady. He said no, that having grown up with the example of a woman like his mother, he could never admire a woman like her. And with that they both continued the journey in silence.
What Jonathan could not explain to Elizabeth is that the whole thing had been nothing more than the lust of a young man, and that it had nothing to do with love. In fact, he thought that he had never admired a woman enough to feel in love with her. As he looked out of the window, he wondered if somewhere, there was such a woman that he could admire and love.
