Chapter 17
That morning, Mrs. Bennet was visiting tenants and asked Mary and Kitty to come with her. Usually, it was Jane and Elizabeth who took care of those chores, but neither of them was home, so she had to ask her younger daughters to help her. For that reason, breakfast was served earlier than usual in Longbourn.
"Mama, it's not fair that Mary and I have to help you, and Lydia doesn't do anything," Kitty growled.
"I will go to a picnic, and you're mad because Harriet didn't invite you. I am so happy because I will have a great time with my friend and all the officers," Lydia replied mockingly.
"You're wrong, Lydia. I'm not interested in spending time with that woman because I know very well that she started those rumors about Jane, and she's always saying hateful things about our brother," Kitty retorted.
"Probably, Mrs. Forster is envious of David because he is a much more important and brave Colonel than her husband," added Mary.
"You do not know anything, Mary. You're nothing but a fool, and all the officers think you're ugly," Lydia sneered.
"I do not care what the officers think about me, Lydia. Also, your friend Harriet did not act like a married woman, and I think she is not a good influence for you," replied Mary, and continued having breakfast.
"Mama, tell Mary that she cannot talk like that about my friend," said Lydia, on the verge of a tantrum.
"Oh, Mary, don't ever talk about Mrs. Forster in that disrespectful manner again. She is a fine lady and Lydia's excellent friend."
"Mama, Mary is envious of me because she doesn't have any friends," Lydia added, seeing that her mother supported her.
"I'd rather not have any friends than be friends with a woman who slandered Jane and speaks disparagingly of my brother David," replied Mary.
"I don't want to hear any other word about Mrs. Forster, Mary. Let's plan what we'll do this morning. We have a lot of work to do," Mrs. Bennet concluded. She didn't want her daughters to continue arguing.
"But Mama, what Mary says is true. Harriet acted horrible with Jane, and she is always saying mean things about David. Papa, you mustn't let Lydia be friends with that woman," Kitty yelled exasperatedly.
Mr. Bennet was reading the newspaper and not paying attention to what was happening around him. There was a fascinating story about the big smuggling problem in the Dover Strait and how the authorities tried to control the situation using different strategies without any success. They patrolled the area, but the smugglers would hide for a while and start smuggling again when they left.
"I'm sorry, Kitty, but I didn't hear what you said," Mr. Bennet replied, annoyed by the interruption.
"Papa, Lydia is friends with Harriet Forster, and she's always smearing David and Jane. Besides, Mary and I must help Mama while Lydia goes on a picnic with that awful woman."
"Is that true, Lydia?" Mr. Bennet asked. He clearly remembered David had asked him not to allow Lydia to associate with Mrs. Forster and some of the officers.
"Yes, it's true, Papa. Harriet is an excellent friend, and I will not stop being friends with her just because Kitty is jealous and she wasn't invited to the picnic." Lydia replied defiantly.
"I think it would be convenient if..."
"Mr. Bennet, I won't let you bother Lydia. Mrs. Forster is her friend, and I do not know what could be wrong with that. Kitty, starting today, you will leave your sister alone, or I won't permit you to visit Maria Lucas." Mrs. Bennet said, ending the argument.
Mr. Bennet thought about saying something, but he wanted to continue reading the article about the smugglers. Kitty felt so frustrated when she heard how her mother supported Lydia's irresponsible behavior, and her father did nothing. So she got up from the table crying and went to lock herself in her room. Mary observed the whole situation, and she kept thinking that things would never change in her house and that maybe it wasn't a bad idea to accept Mrs. Smith's invitation and spend some time in Manchester.
P&P
Elizabeth got up early and headed for the park. She hadn't slept well thinking of Miss de Bourgh and how her strict mother controlled her life. With all her heart, Elizabeth hoped Lady Catherine hadn't made a big fuss when she realized that Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson had gone for a walk in the park while she was napping.
Elizabeth often thought that her situation in life was difficult because of her circumstances. Her mother and father were quite irresponsible and had not saved any money to ensure her daughters' future. But after meeting Anne de Bourgh, she reflected and realized that although her life was not perfect, at least she had opportunities and could freely decide what to do. Poor Miss de Bourgh was a girl trapped in the body of a woman whose mother kept her locked up in a luxurious mansion out of fear and shame.
But Elizabeth also had the opportunity to verify that everything Georgiana told her about Colonel Fitzwilliam was true and to reconsider her opinion of Mr. Darcy. Both gentlemen had been very affectionate with Anne, and it was obvious that she adored them. Apparently, Mr. Darcy was much more pleasant and less severe when one got to know him better.
"Good morning, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said and walked over to her. He had been waiting for nearly fifteen minutes where the road to Rosings and the parsonage met. "Don't you think it's a lovely morning?"
"Yes, there are hardly any clouds, and the sun's rays light up the day and make everything look even more majestic," Elizabeth replied, looking around her. She was surprised to see that Mr. Darcy was waiting for her but tried to hide her astonishment to avoid being rude to the gentleman.
Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and they took the road to the southern part of Rosings along a path surrounded by very leafy trees. As usual, Mr. Darcy was so overcome with emotion that he was happy to have Elizabeth by his side and did not feel the need to talk.
But she was concerned about the previous day's incident and immediately said. "Mr. Darcy, I would like to know if Miss de Bourgh and Mrs. Jenkinson had any problems with Lady Catherine."
Mr. Darcy was stunned to see Elizabeth's worried face, so he immediately clarified the situation. "Do not worry, Miss Bennet. Fitzwilliam convinced my aunt that they walked around the garden and Anne did not walk in the sun or do anything inappropriate. She doesn't like my cousin running around or behaving like a child for fear that someone might see her and start rumors or gossip about Anne's condition. That's why Mrs. Jenkinson always takes her near the lake because no one goes that way."
"I understand; I am well aware of the damage malicious gossip can do," Elizabeth said. But to talk about less sad topics, she added with a smile. "I'm glad the Colonel is so convincing, and he managed to keep your cousin out of trouble."
"Believe me, Miss Bennet, it wasn't easy. But since he was a child, Fitzwilliam has been very good with words, and people always end up doing what he wants," Mr. Darcy explained.
"I can believe that. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a great conversationalist, and Georgiana greatly admires him for his good disposition and sense of humor," Elizabeth added casually.
"I know many admire him for his affability and good nature." Mr. Darcy said a little uncomfortably. He couldn't help but feel jealous when he heard how Elizabeth spoke so affectionately of his cousin. "I don't have Fitzwilliam's talent for conversation or making people laugh, especially those I don't know. But I am a hard-working man, I protect those I love with my life and know how to listen."
Elizabeth did not understand why Mr. Darcy had suddenly started talking about himself. "Those are very remarkable characteristics, Mr. Darcy. A nice gentleman with a friendly personality worth nothing if he doesn't possess other qualities like the ones you mentioned."
Mr. Darcy was delighted to learn that Elizabeth could appreciate the main features of his character. "Miss Bennet, do you remember yesterday you suggested that I should marry a good lady with a big heart?"
"Yes, I remember."
"How would you like your future husband to be?" Mr. Darcy asked impulsively.
Elizabeth never thought that the always grave and distant Mr. Darcy could ask her such a personal question, and she answered it casually. "I think I'll follow the advice I gave you, and if I ever get married, I'll do it with a good man with a big heart."
Mr. Darcy smiled because he understood that Elizabeth was telling him she was waiting for him to make up his mind to propose. He no longer doubted that she was the right woman for him, but he still did not dare to formalize their relationship. In the meantime, he would enjoy that period of courtship in which he and his beloved were getting to know each other better and enjoying each other's company.
To prevent Mr. Darcy from asking any more personal questions that made her very uncomfortable, Elizabeth asked him questions about Georgiana and Pemberley. Mr. Darcy answered her questions with great joy and detail because he understood that she was curious to know more about her future home.
After almost an hour of walking, they reached the starting point, and Elizabeth said goodbye because she needed to go home to have breakfast with the Collins. "Thank you for the company, Mr. Darcy. It was an enjoyable morning."
"I am the one who has to thank you for your lovely company, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth curtsied and walked away as fast as she could. She realized that Mr. Darcy would take her hand to kiss it as he had done the day before, and she preferred to avoid that intimate gesture. More and more, Elizabeth was aware of Mr. Darcy's attractiveness, especially when he was so gallant with her.
For his part, Mr. Darcy watched Elizabeth until she entered the parsonage. "Every day we are closer, my love," thought Mr. Darcy, happy with himself.
"I'm glad you're here, Eliza. We will have breakfast in ten minutes," Charlotte told her friend. She saw Mr. Darcy through the window and realized that her friend and the gentleman had been walking together.
"I'll freshen up and then go to the dining room," Elizabeth noticed how Charlotte watched her and knew she had seen Mr. Darcy. She had told her about the incident with Miss de Bourgh the day before, and her friend had shared more information about Anne's complex life. "I met with Mr. Darcy, and he confirmed that everything was well with his cousin."
"I'm so glad to hear. Miss de Bourgh is such a sweet person that she doesn't deserve to be punished just for going out of the house for a few hours. But I see you and Mr. Darcy are friends now," Charlotte said tentatively.
"We are not friends, Charlotte, just cordial acquaintances," Elizabeth replied, hoping to end the conversation. "See you in five minutes in the dining room."
"I've always thought that Mr. Darcy has taken a special interest in you, Eliza. But I know you don't like to talk about it, so I won't add anything else."
Elizabeth retired to her room, leaving Charlotte wondering what would happen if Lady Catherine noticed her nephew's growing interest in her friend.
P&P
Colonel Fitzwilliam thought he would go crazy if his aunt kept lecturing him. The day before, he had taken responsibility for Anne's walk through the park, and his aunt had made him pay for that. She had not allowed him a minute of peace during the whole evening. She had criticized his lack of judgment, his entire family and even dared to question his military career. Finally, when she could not find another excuse to attack him, she began teaching him how to clean carpets and glass and polish silver.
But what had bothered Richard the most was that his cousin Darcy hadn't helped him at all and had left him alone to face Lady Catherine. Mr. Darcy spent the entire evening as if absent, undoubtedly thinking of the lovely Elizabeth Bennet while his aunt harshly scolded and lectured him.
Although Richard tolerated his Aunt so she would leave Anne alone, he felt it wasn't fair that he should have to put up with her while Darcy was happily strolling through Rosings with the woman of his dreams.
"Fitzwilliam," Lady Catherine said imperatively.
"Yes, aunt?" Richard said, trying to hide how annoyed he was. But besides, he didn't want Lady Catherine to start criticizing Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson, so he did everything to get her distracted. The previous evening Lady Catherine was extremely harsh on Anne.
"Please do not mix the potatoes with the eggs. You must eat them separately," Lady Catherine said to Richard.
"I'm sorry, aunt," Richard replied. Although he really would have liked to tell her that the food would still mix in his stomach.
Although her nephew responded submissively, Lady Catherine was not satisfied. She was still angry that he dared to take Anne out for a walk without asking her permission. "Fitzwilliam, I think you'll have to find a new tailor. That suit is horrible! Remember that despite your status as a second son, you are still the son of an Earl."
"My mother gave it to me, and Darcy's tailor made it," Richard replied, on the verge of losing patience.
"But you can't compare yourself with Darcy," Lady Catherine retorted.
"Why not?' Richard asked defiantly.
"Because you don't have his class or his looks. I hope I'm clear and you understand how different both of you are," Lady Catherine explained scornfully.
"The truth, Aunt Catherine, is that it is not at all clear to me what you mean." Richard had lost patience with his aunt's stupidities and was no longer willing to put up with her.
"Well, then I'll explain. He's taller and more handsome than you, and with his natural distinction, he makes even the ugliest clothes look good on him. Plus, he has a valet who takes care of his appearance. Look how you have that hair, Fitzwilliam."
"My hair, what's wrong with my hair?" Richard asked.
"Your hair is your least problem because that can be fixed with a good cut. But your nose, that can't be fixed," Lady Catherine said triumphantly.
"My nose? What's wrong with my nose?" Richard said as he touched it. Mrs. Jenkinson and Anne became increasingly nervous as they noticed that Richard had lost patience with Lady Catherine.
Fortunately, at that moment, Mr. Darcy entered the dining room diverting his aunt's attention from one nephew to another. "Where were you, Darcy? We sat down to breakfast fifteen minutes ago."
"I'm sorry, Aunt Catherine. But I was out for a walk and lost track of time," Mr. Darcy explained. Then, he saw his cousin looking at him furiously and thought he knew why.
"Darcy, I don't understand why you like to walk so much now. You should know that that is a peasant activity. A gentleman like you, owner of half of Derbyshire and grandson of an Earl, should only ride."
Mr. Darcy listened to his aunt but said nothing. Instead, he filled his plate with food and began to have breakfast and began to eat. Richard didn't like that Mr. Darcy could eat in peace while he had to bear their aunt's complaints. "I think I know why Darcy prefers to walk now," Richard said, smiling.
Before Lady Catherine could ask Richard any questions, Mr. Darcy spoke. "Aunt Catherine, when I came into the room, I thought I heard you say something about Fitzwilliam's nose. Is there something wrong with it?"
"Of course, it is too big," Lady Catherine replied.
"I see; I think his ears are bigger than normal, too," Mr. Darcy added and had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing at Richard's angry face.
"Unfortunately for Fitzwilliam, there is no solution to any of this, and he must accept himself with his big nose and giant ears. I'm sure he inherited those ears and nose from his mother," explained Lady Catherine.
"I think there is a solution. Perhaps growing a beard can make his nose less noticeable, and growing his hair a little longer can hide his ears," Mr. Darcy concluded and then looked at his cousin with a smirk as Lady Catherine kept talking nonstop.
"You should listen to your cousin's advice, Fitzwilliam..." Lady Catherine said, but no one paid her any attention. The quarrel between cousins was much more entertaining to Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson.
Richard looked at his cousin Darcy and challenged him with a look. 'If you want a fight, you'll fight,' Richard thought. "Aunt, looking closely at the silver cutlery, I have realized that you are quite right in everything you told me last night about how to take care of silverware. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows your secret. Darcy, last time I was at Pemberley and in Darcy House, the cutlery looked like brass because I am sure your servants have no idea how to clean it."
"Darcy, how can you allow your servants not to do their job properly? Pay attention because I will explain what you should tell your servants, and you will see how the silver of your houses shines as much as that of Rosings."
"Dear aunt, since I heard your educating explanation yesterday, I think I'll retire because I've also finished breakfast. Besides, I'd like to be able to go out for a walk in the garden with Anne, of course, if it doesn't bother you."
"Yes, yes, but don't walk under the sun," Lady Catherine said and continued talking to her other nephew. "Darcy, for the care of the silver, you must..."
Mr. Darcy watched as everyone left him alone with his aunt while she lectured him. He even listened as Richard and Anne couldn't stop laughing as they walked away from the dining room. "Later, you and I, Fitzwilliam, will have a long talk," thought Mr. Darcy, furious with his cousin while his aunt did not stop talking.
P&P
"How is Jane? Did she eat anything?" Rebecca asked, concerned.
Aunt Alice and Mrs. Gardiner had come to visit Jane for the last three days since they learned of David's disappearance, and they kept her company and cared for her. Rebecca was just as affected as Jane, and though she was trying to stay strong, they knew they couldn't leave her with the responsibility of taking care of her sister-in-law and dealing with her own pain.
"We managed to get her to eat some soup and calm her down a bit. She's sleeping right now. Apparently, she didn't sleep all night and was exhausted," Mrs. Gardiner explained. She was also very affected by everything happening and was grateful to be able to have her beloved aunt Alice with her.
"I'm glad she's had something to eat. I'm very worried about her health, especially since she has to be alright by the time my dear David comes back for her," Rebecca said, not holding back tears. Aunt Alice immediately sat down next to her and hugged her with words of comfort.
"I'm sorry; I know I shouldn't cry because something inside me tells me that my brother is well and that we will have him with us very soon," Rebecca said a little more calmly.
The housekeeper brought a tray of tea and some biscuits, and Rebecca told her guests that her husband was in constant contact with the authorities. "They know absolutely nothing, but Mark believes that there is something that they know and cannot let us know for reasons of military intelligence."
"I think we should be patient and wait. My husband always says that bad news is the first to come out," Mrs. Gardiner explained to encourage Rebecca.
"My husband says something very similar, and if anything fatal had happened to David, we would already know. But what worries me the most right now is my dear Jane. She will get seriously ill if she continues without eating and sleeping." Rebecca didn't know what to do to get Jane out of bed. She had been in bed for three days without saying a word. She just cried or stared at the ceiling of her room.
"Rebecca, I think the only one who can help Jane right now is Lizzy. If you let me, I'll send her a message that Jane needs her, and I can send my carriage to fetch her," Aunt Alice said.
"I think it's an excellent idea. Lizzy and Jane are very close, and she is the only one who will get her out of that bed. Elizabeth can make her understand that she must be strong to face whatever the future throws at her," added Mrs. Gardiner.
"I think you are right, and Elizabeth can stay with us for as long as it takes," Rebecca said, more animated.
"Tomorrow, I'll send Lizzy a message, and if there are no problems in three more days, we could have her here in London," Aunt Alice concluded.
The three ladies planned what they would do in the next few days to help Jane. Although the situation was delicate, everyone remained optimistic that everything would be resolved soon.
P&P
Although the morning was a little chilly, Elizabeth went for a walk because she was nervous. She hadn't heard from Jane for several days and sensed something terrible had happened. She knew David was patrolling the Dover Strait, and in the morning, she had read that after several months the authorities managed to apprehend the leaders of the smugglers who had terrorized the merchants in the area for several months. Moreover, she knew that her sister was very much in love with her husband and was undoubtedly very worried about him.
Furthermore, she was also worried about her brother-in-law. He was an exceptional person with qualities that very few men possessed. Despite being from a wealthy family, he decided to work in the service of his nation. Elizabeth wished with all her heart that he was well because she felt that her sister deserved to enjoy the love and protection of her dear David.
But other things made her uneasy too. In the last few days, she had met Mr. Darcy on more than one occasion, and she didn't know how to deal with the new emotions that he was causing in her. Sometimes it seemed to her that he wanted to tell her something, and he didn't dare, and other times that he wanted to be as far away from her as possible.
She couldn't deny that when he looked at her, especially when he kissed her hand, he left her unsettled for several hours. That was why she decided to avoid meeting him alone, so she wouldn't have to have awkward conversations or guess what that gentleman was thinking.
That's why when she saw him approaching, she hid behind some trees. She would wait there until he was far from there, and then, she would take the opposite path; that way, she wouldn't have an uncomfortable encounter.
Mr. Darcy was angry because his aunt had been up early that day, preventing him from leaving Rosings on time to see Elizabeth. He liked to wait for Elizabeth at the fork between the road that led to Rosings and the parsonage. So they could walk around the park together. He loved listening to her exciting conversation and being with her. That hour they spent together gave him the energy and happiness to resist the rest of the day working in his aunt's affairs.
Just as he had expected, when he saw the road ahead, he could not see Elizabeth. He quickened his pace to find her, but he couldn't keep walking because someone had called him.
"Darcy, wait. Why are you almost running? Richard asked. "Do not worry, aunt Catherine is not here."
"You think you're very funny, don't you? I'm still mad at you for what you did to me a few days ago," Mr. Darcy retorted.
"I don't understand why since you probably know now very well how to polish the silverware of both of your houses," Richard answered with a laugh.
"You really want to talk about this now? I'm not in the mood for your games, Fitzwilliam.
"You're so delicate, Darcy. Let me remind you that you started this conflict when you decided to talk about the size of my nose and ears."
Mr. Darcy couldn't help but laugh and added. "It's not my fault they're so big."
"The difference between you and me, Darcy, is that I don't get mad at nonsense. You can laugh all you want at my nose and ears because it's not something I chose. Instead, being an arrogant fool is your choice. Besides, with my big nose and giant ears, I am still more charming than you, and I know how to talk to a lady," Richard concluded, laughing.
"Did you come all this way to tell me all this?" Mr. Darcy asked.
"No, don't worry. I'm going to the parsonage to invite Mrs. Collins and her family to dinner at Rosings this evening. Aunt Catherine was going to send a note, and I offered to come because Anne asked me to tell Mrs. Collins to lend her a book."
Richard accompanied his cousin for part of the way, talking about various topics. In addition, he told him that his father promised he would visit Rosings very soon and that he would try to convince Lady Catherine to allow Anne to visit Robert so she could meet little Sophia.
"I hope your father can convince Lady Catherine that it is good for Anne to get out of Rosings once in a while." Mr. Darcy kept his eyes fixed on the road to see if he could see Elizabeth somewhere.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was tempted to ask his cousin if he was looking for someone, but he preferred not to joke about it. "Darcy, the other day when I came to visit the ladies, I was under the impression that Mrs. Collins and Miss Bennet do not think very highly of Bingley. From what I gather, he seems to have been very friendly the whole time he was there, but suddenly he left without even saying goodbye to anyone. Is that true? He always seemed like a good fellow."
Mr. Darcy and Richard stopped where the roads from Rosings and the parsonage joined, and Elizabeth could hear their conversation. She was a short distance from them, hidden behind some trees by the roadside.
"Yes, it is true, but he didn't mean to leave without saying goodbye. When he left Hertfordshire, he didn't know he wasn't coming back." Mr. Darcy told his cousin what had happened at the ball and the reasons Mr. Bingley's sisters had for begging him not to return to Netherfield.
"But is it true that Miss Elizabeth's sister tried to compromise Bingley? It's no secret that Bingley's sisters are a pair of social climbing harpies, and from what you've told me, the Bennet sisters have no dowry and no connections."
"I don't know, Fitzwilliam. Miss Bennet seems like a good woman to me. But, her mother told everyone they were practically engaged, and no wonder she plotted to force Bingley to propose to Miss Bennet."
"I understand, but he should have returned and notified his neighbors that he had no intention of continuing to live there, don't you think?"
"No, I think the best thing he could do was stay in London to avoid making a serious mistake that he could regret for the rest of his life."
"Did you advise him to behave like a coward and stay hidden in London?"
"No, I did not intervene in it out of loyalty to Miss Elizabeth. She protected Georgiana, and I did not feel comfortable speaking against her sister. But if I had been free to speak, I would have advised him to stay in London."
"Why?"
"Because while Miss Bennet is a well-behaved lady with impeccable manners, her family is ridiculous and vulgar. Bingley needs a well-connected woman to help him establish his social position."
Elizabeth couldn't help holding back tears of deception and rage. This was the real Mr. Darcy she met in Ramsgate, the arrogant, cold man that considered everyone below him.
When she finally heard no more voices, she emerged from her hiding place and saw Colonel Fitzwilliam entering the parsonage and Mr. Darcy walking north. She ran as fast as she could to the south and took the path that led up the hill. She needed to be alone and didn't want to meet anyone on the road. She was sure that no one would find her in the middle of the forest.
P&P
"Are you all right, dear?" Mark asked his wife. He was concerned about his wife but didn't know how to help her.
"I'm a little better, my love. The visit from Mrs. Gardiner and Aunt Alice help me to relax. They got Jane to eat and take a bath. I hope Lizzy can get here as soon as possible."
"I'm glad to know that at least Jane ate something today and that she's a little calmer," Mark said. "I think it's time to go to sleep; at least the children don't understand what is happening."
Mark kissed his wife's hand and caressed her cheek. It broke his heart to see her red eyes from crying so much. But suddenly, they heard someone knocking at the door and were very surprised. When they went to see who could pay a visit at such an inappropriate hour, they could not believe their eyes.
"Mark, Rebecca, it looks like you just saw a ghost," David said, smiling.
"Dear brother," Rebecca said and ran to hug David.
"What happened, David? Why are you here?" Mark asked, still nervous.
"Dear sister, Mark, I promise I will answer all your questions, but now I need to see my wife."
"Go with her, dear brother. Later you can tell us everything that has happened in your life lately. She is in your room," Rebecca said and kissed her brother on the cheek.
He ran up the stairs two at a time. Finally, he entered his room and saw that Jane was in bed reading Hidden Feelings.
"My love, you don't know how much I wanted to see you," David said, his voice cracking.
"Oh, David!" Jane couldn't believe her loving husband was there. She got up and hugged him while she cried with joy and emotion.
P&P
Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
In the next chapter, David will tell Jane everything that happened to him, and Elizabeth will confront Mr. Darcy.
Gracias a todos los lectores de habla hispana que siguen mis historias y siempre dejan comentarios.
¡Nos vemos pronto!
Saludos,
Yo