Chapter 22
Charles Bingley managed to take a few steps when he felt his sister take him by the right arm and his friend by the left arm.
"Charles, you can't be such a fool going to talk to that woman at an event like this," Caroline said indignantly.
"Bingley, I think there is something you should know before you greet Lady Smith," said Mr. Darcy worriedly.
"Caroline, I warned you I wouldn't let you meddle in my life again. So I advise you to leave me alone if you don't want to cause a scandal and be a laughing stock of everyone in this ball," Mr. Bingley replied. He made sure to be emphatic but spoke very quietly so no one would hear him.
When he saw that Caroline had let go of his arm and took a few steps back, he looked at his friend Darcy and reacted to what he said between disbelief and very surprise. "Darcy, who is Lady Smith?"
The moment he asked that question, the chords of the musicians began to play, and all the couples went to the dance floor. Then, Mr. Bingley noticed how his Angel started to dance with Colonel Smith while he looked at her possessively. They spoke as if there was something more than a casual relationship between them.
"Darcy, do you know what is going on with Miss Bennet?" asked Mr. Bingley, almost anticipating the answer.
"Not really, Bingley. I just know now that she is Lady Smith, Colonel Smith's wife." Mr. Darcy felt sorry when he saw his friend's reaction. He could see the pain on his face, and he sensed it was very similar to the one he felt every time he remembered that he had lost the only woman he had ever loved because of his pride.
"Are you sure? How long have you known this information?" asked Mr. Bingley, unable to take his eyes off Jane.
"Fitzwilliam told me a few minutes ago, and considering the evidence we have before our eyes, I think we should assume it is true." Mr. Darcy concluded.
"I see," replied Mr. Bingley, his voice cracking with emotion. "I have no choice but to wait until the first set ends to find out what happened in Hertfordshire after I left."
Caroline had been listening intently to what her brother and Mr. Darcy were conversing about, even though they were speaking very softly. Fortunately, the obnoxious Miss Evans was dancing, and she could talk freely. "Charles, have some dignity. That woman married that man because who else would put up with such a vulgar family? Most military men are poor second sons or men who have no other way of making a living. But, on the other hand, a woman like Jane can manage to live on a Colonel's salary. She's so simple and bland that I don't think she minds attending multiple balls in the same dress. Besides, now that her husband was knighted, we can say that she's achieved some social notoriety, even though I don't think it'll last long."
"Caroline, please don't say another word, or I won't be able to control myself for another second," Mr. Bingley replied. He was hurt, confused, and stunned by everything happening in front of his eyes. The last thing he wanted at that moment was to tolerate his sister's nasty comments.
Mr. Darcy sensed that his friend was on the brink of losing patience with his venomous sister and decided to intervene. "Miss Bingley, I believe this is neither the time nor the place to discuss these matters with your brother."
Mr. Darcy was so emphatic that Caroline couldn't reply. She only limited herself to smiling and looking at the couples who animatedly danced the first set. She had noticed how Mr. Darcy looked at Eliza Bennet with open admiration, and she couldn't help but feel jealous. In addition, she noticed that the Bennet sisters wore very elegant gowns and jewels and that all the attendees were watching them with great interest. But she would not let those women steal Mr. Darcy's and Lady Matlock's attention or anyone else. This was her night, and she would do her best to make everyone see the kind of women Jane and Eliza Bennett were.
After reprimanding Caroline, Mr. Darcy said nothing more. He couldn't stop looking at Elizabeth, not knowing what to do. He knew he couldn't ignore her, but he was afraid and ashamed to talk to her. Besides, she was so beautiful that evening that he felt he could not breathe whenever his gaze met hers. "How can I apologize, my dear Elizabeth, and make you understand that despite my stupid pride, I love you and admire you more every day." Mr. Darcy thought as he struggled with the agony of having the woman he loved so close yet so far from him.
Elizabeth was dancing with one of Mark's friends, a pleasant gentleman with an interesting conversation. Despite that, she was uneasy for many reasons and could hardly concentrate on what the gentleman was saying to reply accordingly. She was aware that Jane was increasingly nervous because her husband had noticed how Mr. Bingley was looking at her. It seemed that he was getting more and more annoyed with the attitude of that man who one day was interested in his dear wife. Elizabeth realized that Jane was trying to calm David, but Elizabeth knew that in certain matters, men could be pretty stubborn.
But Elizabeth was also tense because she felt Mr. Darcy's eyes on her. Her eyes had met on more than one occasion, and he seemed nervous and less severe than before.
The day before, Elizabeth received a letter from Georgiana in which she told her that her brother was apparently courting a young lady who was the daughter of Lady Matlock's good friend. Georgiana explained that she didn't like Miss Evans because she found her cold and calculating and thought she could never make her brother happy. But at the same time, she said that if her brother were in love with her, she would do everything to get along with that lady.
Elizabeth wanted to tell herself that what Mr. Darcy did with his life didn't matter to her, but for some strange reason, she couldn't understand why that information made her feel uneasy. Mr. Darcy had followed her advice, and yet she was disappointed. Somehow it bothered her that he had forgotten her so soon and that the love he had professed for her was not as intense and sincere as he had told her less than a month ago.
When the first set ended, many things happened at the same time. The first was that Mr. Bingley walked right up to Jane to greet her. He intended to ask her to dance with him and try to converse with her. He needed to know what had happened and if his beautiful Angel had been forced to marry that man.
"My dear, please don't worry about anything. Tonight, you are the guest of honor, and I am very proud of you. Also, please don't forget how much I love you," Jane told David as they joined Rebecca and Mark.
"Thank you, my dear," David replied, still tense.
Mr. Darcy noted the intentions of his friend. Although at one point he thought to persuade him not to do something stupid, he had more important personal matters in mind. He would ask Elizabeth to dance her second set and find a way to apologize to her.
For her part, Caroline did nothing to stop Charles from approaching Jane. She thought that only in this way would her brother come to his senses and forget about that damn woman. She was sure that in time he would understand how lucky he was to be free of Jane and her horrible family. Also, a gentleman asked her to dance, and she couldn't refuse him because she wanted to dance with Mr. Darcy later. If her brother wanted to make a fool of himself, she just hoped he was discreet.
"Miss Bennet, it is so nice to see you again. You look lovely tonight," said Mr. Bingley, nervous and looking at Jane with longing eyes.
David was about to put that fool in his place, but he calmed down when Mark looked at him, telling him not to do anything stupid. Also, he saw Jane very uncomfortable, so he took a deep breath and said as calmly as he could. "Good evening, Mr. Bingley. I will ask you to please call my wife by her new legal name, she is now Lady Smith."
"Good evening, Mr. Bingley," replied Jane. Then, she took her husband's arm, and he immediately kissed her hand. She didn't understand why Mr. Bingley was acting very surprised and offended. Jane knew he had no profound feelings for her because he left Hertfordshire without even saying goodbye or giving any sign of life until that moment.
"So, good evening Lady Smith. If you prefer me to call you like that, I have no objection," said Mr. Bingley, looking intensely at Jane. The aggressive manner David spoke to him and how nervous Jane looked confirmed to Mr. Bingley that perhaps his poor Angel was in an unwanted marriage. He needed to be able to talk to her without her husband's presence. "Lady Smith, would you do me the honor of dancing the next set with me?"
Jane was utterly taken aback, and she couldn't understand why Mr. Bingley insisted on making her uncomfortable. For his part, David was no longer willing to tolerate that man's impertinence.
"I'm sorry, sir, but Lady Smith promised to dance the second set with me," Mark said, offering his arm to Jane.
"Yes, I promised Lord Atkinson that I would dance with him," replied Jane. She was perturbed seeing David so disgusted. Unfortunately, Lord Matlock, forced by his wife, asked Rebecca to dance the second set with him, and David and Mr. Bingley stayed behind alone.
As soon as the second set started, David said emphatically. "You and I have to talk. So let's go where we can converse without interruptions."
"Yes, I have many questions, and I expect you to answer them honestly," replied Mr. Bingley
After thanking Mr. Kelly, Elizabeth intended to talk to Jane. But Mr. Darcy approached her, and she had no choice but to speak with him.
"Miss Bennet, it is a great surprise to find you here. But it is certainly a pleasure for me to see you again." Mr. Darcy was very nervous because he didn't know if Elizabeth wanted to talk to him.
"Good evening, Mr. Darcy. I imagine you would never have expected to find me at a ball organized by your aunt, but you see, sometimes even the most unexpected things happen," replied Elizabeth.
"I found out a few minutes ago that your sister married Colonel Smith. So now you are the sister of a national hero, and it is normal that you receive many invitations because everyone wants to meet the brave Colonel." Mr. Darcy didn't know what else to say. "For how long will you stay in London?"
"No, I will return to Longbourn in two more days," Elizabeth replied. She was very uncomfortable because Mr. Darcy seemed to want to tell her something but instead just asked foolish questions.
"I see," said Mr. Darcy.
"If you'll excuse me, sir, I want to..." Elizabeth said.
But Mr. Darcy would not let Elizabeth get away from him. He had an apology to offer and would not miss the opportunity. "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"
Elizabeth was amazed by his request, but she couldn't say no. She couldn't act so impolitely in front of so many people. "Of course, Mr. Darcy, thank you very much."
Elizabeth was uncomfortable and didn't know what to do. She didn't understand why Mr. Darcy acted as if nothing had happened between them. But she could tell that he wasn't comfortable with the situation either. Also, she was concerned because she saw that Mr. Bingley and David seemed to be conversing in a not very friendly manner.
Mr. Darcy needed to buy time and decided that as soon as they finished dancing, he would tell her everything he had practiced since the moment he realized his tremendous mistake. But he also noticed that Elizabeth kept an eye on her brother-in-law and Bingley.
"Miss Bennet, as I told you, Bingley and I found out that your sister had married Colonel Smith. I think the surprise for him was even greater because he thought things were very different." Mr. Darcy tried to explain to Elizabeth why Mr. Bingley looked so solemn and nervous.
"I don't understand why. He left one day and never came back without caring about the consequences of his actions. Did he expect my sister to be waiting for him to make up his mind or receive permission from others to act? My sister was the one who suffered from all the rumors that his departure generated. I don't see why he expects that my brother-in-law owes him an explanation," Elizabeth retorted.
"This is the second time you've mentioned those rumours. So what do you mean?" Mr. Darcy asked curiously.
Elizabeth explained to him as discreetly and briefly as she could all that had happened to Jane after they had left Netherfield. "Fortunately, David was there to clear everything up and support my sister."
Mr. Darcy was very impressed with the story and felt even more guilty. Apparently, his friend had made a big mistake interfering in the love story of Sir David and his wife. "I understand, Miss Bennet. I think Bingley was greatly wrong to leave Hertsofshire without any explanation. But I was also wrong in not helping him to see the problem with his actions."
Elizabeth couldn't believe what she was hearing. Mr. Darcy was humbly admitting that he had been wrong, and apparently, he was sincere. "Thank you, sir."
After that conversation, they continued dancing in silence. They both had a lot to think about and resolve in the few minutes remaining on the set.
David and Mr. Bingley walked to a small room off the ballroom to talk. David didn't want to waste his time with that man, so he got right to the point.
"Mr. Bingley, I don't want you to disturb my wife. Let alone disrespect her forgetting that she is a married woman now," David said emphatically.
"When did you marry Miss Bennet?" Mr. Bingley asked angrily.
"What?"
"Do you want me to repeat the question?"
"No, but I don't understand what that has to do with what I just asked you to do."
"And why is it so hard for you to answer my question? Do you have something to hide?"
"Of course not. My wife and I got married before Christmas."
"Now I understand. Surely she was suffering because I didn't return, and you took advantage of her weakness to force her to accept you."
David couldn't believe how stupid and immature that fool was. Evidently, he had a high opinion of himself and thought so little of Jane. "The truth is that my wife was greatly affected by your departure but not for the reasons you think," David explained. Then, without giving details, he explained the rumors his irresponsible behaviour created and how they affected Jane and her family's reputation.
"And you took advantage of that terrible situation? What kind of gentleman are you?" asked Mr. Bingley indignantly.
"I can't believe you dare say something like that to me. You who abandoned her after singling her out in front of all her neighbors and leaving without saying goodbye." David wasn't about to tell him the secret history between him and Jane, so he kept that part of the story out of the discussion.
Mr. Bingley felt a little uncomfortable, but he was not about to admit his mistake. "At that time, I was having some personal conflicts, but that didn't mean I wasn't interested in her. Besides, if I had known what was happening in Meryton, I would have returned to Netherfield immediately. Taking advantage of a lady's weakness is not worthy of a hero, Sir Davis," concluded Bingley sarcastically.
"I did not take advantage of Jane. I, like you, was very interested in her, and like you, whenever possible, I talked and interacted with her. We have maintained permanent contact since I arrived in Hertfordshire. The only thing that made me not openly show my interest was that I thought she was interested in you. In fact, when the rumors started and before offering my assistance, I traveled to London to talk to you and tell you what was going on in Meryton. I wanted her to have the possibility of choosing without pressure between you and me."
"That's a lie; No one told me you were looking for me."
"I did what a gentleman would do under the circumstances. I went to the club you frequented and couldn't find you, so I went to your house afterward and explained to Miss Bennet that I needed to talk to you. I left her my card and waited two days for you. After that, I returned to Hertfordshire and decided to court Jane."
"Caroline? She didn't tell me anything."
"That's not my problem. In any case, when I returned to Hertfordshire and proposed to Jane, she accepted me immediately. She confessed that I was the person she was really interested in. My wife and I love each other very much, and I don't want you to think you can disturb our peace. I do not have anything else to tell you; good evening, sir," David said because he wanted to return to the ballroom in search of Jane. But, unfortunately, he was feeling too angry and didn't want anyone to see him like that. So he went to the garden for a few minutes to get his head and emotions in order.
Mr. Bingley had to sit down to process all the information. His beautiful Angel had been the victim of cruel rumors while he was in London, not knowing what to do. In addition, Caroline had hidden Colonel Smith's visit from him, and for that reason, he never found out what was happening in Meryton. Consequently, poor Miss Bennet had to marry the first man who offered to save her reputation and her family. So now she lived in a loveless marriage. "What have I done?" he wondered, totally overwhelmed by grief and hopelessness.
As soon as the second set was over and before Elizabeth could return to her family, Mr. Darcy finally found the courage to apologize. "Miss Bennet, please excuse me for taking a little more of your time, but I need to apologize to you for my horrible behavior at Hunsford."
"Sir, I don't think it's necessary. That's already forgotten," Elizabeth replied uncomfortably.
"No, Miss Bennet. For me, it is necessary to apologize. You must know that I have reflected and realized that your criticisms and reproaches were valid and just. I am aware that since we met, I have behaved like a haughty and arrogant man with you. I feel deeply ashamed of my conduct and behaving in such an ungentlemanly manner toward you. That is why I ask you from the bottom of my heart to please forgive me because I am sincerely sorry."
"Mr. Darcy, I really appreciate your words, and I honestly think we should forget about that episode," Elizabeth explained, hoping to end the awkward conversation.
"I understand... Miss Bennet, I..." Mr. Darcy was very disappointed with Elizabeth's reply. He realized that she just wanted to get away from him, but he tried to find some way to see her on another occasion, even if it was just one more time. But unfortunately, his aunt interrupted them.
"My dear nephew, did you know Miss Bennet, or did you meet her today?" the countess asked. She was curious to see her nephew dancing and chatting animatedly with a young lady.
"Yes, Aunt. Miss Bennet is an excellent friend of Georgiana, and we met at Ramsgate nearly a year ago," Mr. Darcy explained.
The countess told them that the musicians would rest for fifteen minutes and the dance would continue very soon. "I have personally made sure that the supper is the best of the season. Darcy, I assure you that there will be all your favorite desserts."
"My dear Lady Matlock, allow me to congratulate you on this wonderful ball," Laura Evans said with a mellow and false voice. She approached the group because she didn't like Mr. Darcy spending so much time talking to that stranger.
"Thank you, my dear Miss Evans," replied Lady Matlock. She knew very well why Laura had approached and was prepared to see how both ladies fought for the attention of her nephew. So, she made the introductions and waited for the fun to begin.
"Miss Bennet, I have never seen you at any important event before. So I assume your family does not have a house in London," Laura said condescendingly.
"Yes, Miss Evans, My father does not have a house in London. But I have an uncle and now my sister Jane here in town. But you're right, I live in Hertfordshire most of the time because my father doesn't like the city," Elizabeth explained. It didn't escape her that this was the woman Georgiana had told her about in her letters. She was undoubtedly a lovely and elegant woman, and she understood why Mr. Darcy was interested in her.
Laura didn't like that Elizabeth accepted her inferiority so quickly. But she would not show anyone her discomfort, so she ignored her and said coquettishly to Mr. Darcy. "Sir, do you remember the question you asked me at Mr. Kane's dinner? I think I finally have the answer."
Elizabeth felt like she could not breathe and couldn't stand another minute talking to that woman. "If you'll excuse me, my Lady, Mr. Darcy, Miss Evans, I think my sister needs me." Elizabeth curtsied and left.
Lady Matlock was stunned by Elizabeth's attitude. Apparently, she was the first woman not to be dazzled by her handsome and wealthy nephew. "May I know what was the question Miss Evans asked you, dear nephew?"
"I don't remember, aunt," Mr. Darcy replied as he watched Elizabeth walk away from him. At that moment, he realized that he had lost her forever, and there was nothing he could do about it. She wanted him as far away from her as possible, and he would comply.
"Mr. Darcy asked me if I'd rather live in the country or the city, and I told him I had to think about it. Well, I've decided I prefer the country, especially if I can live in a beautiful estate," Laura said triumphantly.
"If you'll excuse me," Mr. Darcy said and went to converse with Fitzwilliam and other gentlemen.
Lady Matlock went to greet another guest, and Laura was left alone and humiliated. She had lost her chance to catch Fitzwilliam Darcy, but she didn't want her harpy friends to know it. So, for now, she would stay as close to him as possible until she could come up with a good excuse that she was the one who didn't want him to court her.
"Don't worry, dear Jane. David is not an impulsive child, and he knows very well what he's doing. I'm sure he'll clear everything up for that man, and then he'll come back, and we'll forget about this unpleasant incident." Rebecca took Jane's hand to calm her down. She had asked her husband to locate David and intervene if necessary to prevent a scandal.
"Thank you, Rebecca, for always helping me when I needed it," Jane said sincerely.
"Jane, is everything alright?" Elizabeth asked, a little worried.
Rebecca told her what had happened and that David and Mr. Bingley were having a private conversation somewhere in the mansion. For her part, Elizabeth told them Mr. Darcy assured her they were unaware that Jane had married or about the rumors that had affected her reputation. "In any case, that doesn't matter at this point."
"Yes, my dear sister. Today I am the proud wife of a wonderful man," concluded Jane more calmly. She felt safe in the company of Elizabeth and her sister-in-law.
But Caroline was far from comfortable. She had watched as Mr. Darcy danced and talked almost privately with Elizabeth. And later, Lady Matlock joined them and spent several minutes conversing with Eliza.
Meanwhile, she was alone because her brother had practically abandoned her, and Mr. Darcy hadn't even looked at her. Also, she noticed that the woman with Jane and Eliza Bennet was the one who had danced with Lord Matlock, and it made her even angrier. How could these insignificant and vulgar women achieve what she had tried for years in one evening?
That's why she approached them to remind them who they were and not think they were above her.
"Jane, Eliza, I still can't believe you are in a ball as elegant as this. I must confess I had to look at you several times to be sure it was both of you," Caroline sneered. "I know you are used to small-town assemblies, and you must be very excited to attend an event like this. But I must warn you that once your hero husband's fame, dear Jane, wears off, you will probably never receive an invitation like this again." Caroline was happy; she had put these women in her place because she knew they would never respond to her as she deserved.
Rebecca felt furious with that reckless woman. "Sorry, madam, but who are you to talk to my sister-in-law Jane and my friend Elizabeth in such an atrocious manner?"
"I'm Caroline Bingley and don't bother telling me who you are because I don't care. Also, I am not interested in what your brother did because, in two weeks, no one will remember it," Caroline replied with a smirk.
"Rebecca, I think it's best we don't waste our time talking to this lady. Miss Bingley, why do you spare us a disagreeable moment, and you go talk to the many friends you must have at this ball?"
"Caroline, this is such a beautiful event that we better not ruin it with pointless arguments," Jane added conciliatorily.
"Jane, Eliza, I hope you don't think that because you have five minutes of fame, you can lecture me on how I should behave around people of my own class," Caroline replied with a smirk.
"I'm sorry, Jane, Lizzy, but someone needs to put this woman in her place. Please leave me alone with her for a few minutes," Rebecca said furiously.
Jane and Elizabeth understood that it was best to do what she asked since many people were observing them with open curiosity. Fortunately, the musicians began to play the chords of the fourth set, and almost everyone started to dance.
"What happened, Rebecca? Do you think you will scare me because you have a famous brother?" Caroline asked defiantly.
"Look, Caroline, I will talk openly and honestly with you, and I hope you'll listen to me if you know what is good for you. Let me remind you that you and I are not the daughters of landed gentlemen like most of the women here. My father is an important banker, and yours, I believe, was in the business of exporting and importing fabrics. We have both always had money, but to survive in a world that despises us but needs us, we learned to defend ourselves and, in your case, also to attack those who make you feel inferior."
"Don't make me laugh. Are you trying to tell me that I am inferior to Eliza and Jane Bennet?"
"Yes, because they are the daughters of a gentleman, and you are not. Whether you accept it or not, it is your harsh reality. But you do not scare me, dear Caro, and I warn you that if I see you bothering my sister-in-law or her sister again, I will not hesitate to destroy you socially."
"And I'm supposed to be afraid of a banker's daughter?" Caroline asked with a mocking laugh.
"Yes, but you must know that in addition to being the sister of a hero and the daughter of a wealthy banker, I am the wife of an Earl. Well, now I will leave, so you can think about everything I have told you," Rebecca concluded. But before leaving, she added something else. "Oh, and don't call me Rebecca again. For you, I am Lady Atkinson, is that clear to you, or should I repeat it?"
Caroline couldn't remember feeling so humiliated. But she didn't dare to answer anything, just stared at Rebecca with contempt but in silence. That damned woman was a countess, and like it or not, she couldn't stand up to her.
After all these unpleasant incidents, the Smiths and the Atkinsons stayed together for the rest of the night. They only made an exception when they talked and danced with their hosts and their family.
Elizabeth danced and conversed with Colonel Fitzwilliam and another gentleman but could not help but notice how Mr. Darcy spent much of the night with Miss Evans. However, he did not dance with her or no one else.
Mr. Bingley returned to the ballroom but did not dance either. He had only asked Caroline about Colonel Smith's visit a few months ago, and when he saw her flustered, he knew it was true. He would have an earnest conversation with her, but he had no head to think about that because he used all his time observing Jane and her stupid husband.
Mr. Darcy tried to get close to Elizabeth on more than one occasion, but she always did her best to avoid him. David noticed how that man looked at his sister-in-law and how uncomfortable she felt. That is why he decided to intervene in the most discreet way possible. Fortunately, the opportunity came when everyone was ready to go home and was waiting for the carriage.
"Mr. Darcy, may I have a word with you," David asked as the women in his party were looking for their coats.
"Of course, Colonel. I didn't get a chance to congratulate you and thank you for everything you've done for all of us," Mr. Darcy replied very politely.
"Thank you, but I want to talk to you about a different topic. I want to tell you that Elizabeth is now my sister, and it is my responsibility to protect her. So I hope you don't forget it. Good night," David said and went to open the carriage door for his wife.
"Good night, Colonel," Mr. Darcy replied. "Goodbye, Elizabeth," he added as he watched the carriage take her away from the Matlock home and his life.
P&P
Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
Sorry for the ultra-long chapter, but everyone had to talk to everyone, and I couldn't make it shorter. I think we have three or four chapters left, so that I will finish this long story by the end of this month.
In the next chapter, the action will move to Hertfordshire and Pemberley.
Gracias a todos los lectores de habla hispana, portuguesa y francesa que siguen mis historias y dejan comentarios de apoyo.
¡Nos vemos pronto!
Saludos,
Yo