Chapter 53: Hertfordshire
The journey to Hertfordshire was pleasant. With Emma in their carriage, they were busy keeping her occupied.
They stopped at an inn for the night. The next day they reached Netherfield in time for dinner. Mrs Bennet and the rest of Elizabeth's sisters were present there.
Elizabeth felt a strange emotion to be back to Hertfordshire. She had left her home with no hope in the marriage and had returned with the contentment of getting a soulful married life.
Darcy's emotions were no less different. Mrs Bennet was elated to welcome Elizabeth and Darcy. Emma recognized Jane and ran to her. Georgiana was excited to see Elizabeth's sisters.
Dinner was a happy affair. Darcy and Elizabeth glanced at each other often, cognizant of each other's thoughts.
Elizabeth was quite surprised when Darcy declined the offer to stay at Netherfield.
"I had promised Mrs Bennet to stay in their cottage. So, we will stay there."
Elizabeth's mother beamed with pride at Darcy's acceptance.
"You hear that, girls. Now let us leave and get everything set up to welcome them."
Georgiana left with them, not wanting to miss spending time with Mary. Darcy and Bingley left to his study to discuss mutual affairs.
"Lizzy, I know you are worried about the visit to Kent. I am sure it will turn out good." Jane said to Elizabeth.
"I do not know, Jane. I cannot help it. I am worried."
"You are not alone. Mr Darcy will take care of things. You said his cousin is there as well. Emma seems excited."
"That adds to my worry. She does not know anything about Lady Catherine. I do not know what to expect."
They spoke for a while, and Jane showed Elizabeth around the house. She had made changes to the decor. Elizabeth thought the house looked more welcoming.
She changed to leave to her mother's cottage. When she came down the stairs, she
was tempted to enter the library. Elizabeth remembered the days she spent in the house when Jane was sick.
She entered the library, and her memory envisioned a stern Darcy sitting in one of the chairs.
How little did I know that I would fall in love with the same man? She smiled at the memory and heard someone behind her.
She turned around, anticipating the arrival of her husband.
But it was not him. It was Mr Bingley.
"Elizabeth, I knew you would be here. I would like to talk to you." Mr Bingley said uneasily.
They sat down. Elizabeth could not look at him in the eye. She could not meet him eye to eye, nor converse with him freely as before. Whenever she saw him, she was reminded of Miss Bingley.
"I do not know how to approach this subject. But you do not need to be guilty of what happened with my sister."
Elizabeth was silent.
"I miss our conversations. I can understand the reluctance you have to converse with me as before. I want you to know that I do not hold you or Darcy responsible for her punishment."
"But I feel I triggered everything she did. I cannot look at the sadness in your eyes without feeling guilty."
"If at all you see anything in my eyes, it will be the utmost shame I carry within me. I failed to correct her flaws. She lived right here with me when she planned the compromise. I was such a simpleton. I cannot blame anyone in this world except myself."
"I am truly sorry."
" No, do not be. Wipe away the minutest feeling of guilt or pity you have for her. I have learned to do so myself. She does not deserve it."
"But how could you be so resentful of her. Despite everything she has done, she is your sister."
"She may be, but she has not changed. " Mr Bingley cried with distress.
Elizabeth stared at him.
"Louisa did not want to be associated with her. She did not want to see her at all. But I went to meet her before she left on the ship. I am ashamed to tell you that she does not repent any of her actions. The things she said about you and Darcy, I do not have the heart to say to you. She repents none of her actions. She went to the extent of murder and still thinks she is right. Her words that day made me realise something. She will never change. She does not need your sympathy."
Elizabeth looked shocked.
"Some people can never change, Elizabeth. Come what may, their character is deep-rooted with immorality. That is the truth. Let us accept it." Mr Bingley said in a small voice.
Elizabeth was silent. What he says is true. I know that Lady Catherine is no different from Miss Bingley.
"I want us to be friends like before."
"We never ceased being friends, Mr Bingley. You are my brother now. I promise you. I will never let the past come in between us anymore."
They were interrupted by the arrival of Darcy.
"Shall we leave?" Darcy asked, not understanding why they looked so emotional.
They left for Mrs Bennet's cottage in Meryton. Elizabeth thought the house was bigger than what she had expected. They were welcomed with warmth. Mrs Bennet was extremely proud they chose to stay with her instead of Netherfield.
Darcy felt outnumbered by the women. He was happy to see Georgiana build a bond with Mary. On the other hand, Emma enjoyed all the attention she was getting.
They were all tired by the end of supper and retired soon.
The house had two small guest rooms. Emma and her nanny took one of the rooms. Darcy and Elizabeth took the other. Georgiana shared Mary's room.
Elizabeth smiled at Darcy when she entered the room. The room was very small. She was not sure if he had ever stayed in such a small space.
"Finally, I get my time with my beautiful wife."
"Has it been so long?"
"Come here." He pulled her into an embrace.
"How are you feeling to be back home? I know you miss Longbourn. I will try my best to get it back for your family, now that I can deal with Mr Collins in person."
"I do miss Longbourn. But I am happy that Mamma has settled down well here. You are truly remarkable."
" Elizabeth, please do not mention it."
" I am not talking about you and Mr Bingley buying this cottage."
" Then?"
" You did not have to stay here. I don't even think the size of this bed would suit you. Why did you have to do this?"
" Your mother invited us to stay here when she was in Pemberley. I assured her that I would. I do not think it would be respectful to stay at Netherfield. I have to give your mother the respect she deserves as my mother-in-law."
"That is why I said you are truly remarkable. I am so proud of all that you do for me. Although, I do not think you can get a good sleep."
"All I need is you by my side. I will sleep well."
Surprisingly they slept well, and both of them woke early. Darcy asked her whether she wanted to go to Oakham mount. Elizabeth agreed with excitement.
He rode along with her on his horse, and they reached the top of the mount.
Darcy envisioned seeing her there many months ago.
They sat in the same spot and saw the sunrise.
Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder.
"Fitzwilliam, I cannot believe the turn of events. I never wanted to marry. When I married you, I had no hope of love. But now, you do not know how meaningful you have made my life."
"You seem to have a generous heart, not to mention what I put you through. I took you from your home without the slightest idea about the truth on your side. I cannot think about the past without abhorrence."
"But you realised the truth without any evidence to support my innocence. That is all that matters to me."
They spoke for a while and headed back to the cottage. After breakfast, they prepared to leave. Mrs Bennet gave Elizabeth slight hints of wanting a grandchild soon. Elizabeth blushed in embarrassment.
Jane and Mr Bingley came at the time of their departure.
"Everything will be well. Do not worry. Convey my regards to Charlotte." Jane said, squeezing Elizabeth's hand.
The party left Hertfordshire. It was barely fifty miles to Kent. The journey to Rosings was a stark contrast to the previous one.
Almost everyone felt nervous in the carriage, except Emma, who was excited to show her dolls to her grandmother.
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