Chapter 23

The day after the ball, Mr. Bingley got up very early, got everything ready, and set off for Netherfield without saying anything to any of his sisters. He needed to know what had happened when he left Hertfordshire, and the best way to find out was to find out for himself.

Although at first he encountered resistance from the neighborhood and no one received him as they had the first time he came, he was finally able to confirm that everything David told him was true. Malicious people had invented something that never happened, and poor Jane had to get married to save her reputation and that of her family.

But what surprised him the most was that everyone seemed to believe he had been the story's villain. He clarified to everyone who wanted to listen that he never knew about the malicious rumors, but still, people seemed to blame him for something. They all seemed to believe that he had tried to get between Jane and Colonel Smith when it had been the other way around.

Two days after Mr. Bingley was in Hertfordshire, David, Jane, and Elizabeth arrived at Meryton. They had no idea that Mr. Bingley was there and that he was trying to reconcile with the neighbors. But to his indignation, David was received as a hero, and Sir William Lucas organized an assembly in his honor to which Mr. Bingley was not invited.

The first three days in Meryton were crazy for Jane and David. They planned to stay there for only a week and return to London. But they had to extend their visit for three more days because David had to clear up some business with Colonel Forster.

Jane went to have breakfast with her family to spend time with them since her husband had gotten up early for work. She had to talk to her father about the plans to help his three youngest daughters.

But when she approached the study, she heard Elizabeth talking, quite annoyed with their father. "Papa, why do you allow Lydia to socialize with Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Forster? David, Aunt Alice, and I have told you what kind of people they are, and you don't seem to care."

"Lizzy, Lydia only sees them when they come to this house. Besides, Mrs. Forster apologized to your mother for believing Miss Newland's lies. I know that woman is not exactly an intellectual, but I don't think she has any bad intentions with your sister. And if Mr. Wickham is a scoundrel, your sister is too poor and foolish to attract his attention," concluded Mr. Bennet.

He didn't want to continue arguing with Elizabeth, so he was glad when he saw Jane at the study entrance. Elizabeth excused herself to her sister and went to her room. She couldn't stand another day in Longbourn and counted the days until Aunt Alice, and the Gardiners would pick her up and set off for the Lake District.

"Father, can I talk to you for a few minutes?"

"Of course, as long as it's not the same thing Elizabeth has told me on more than one occasion," Mr. Bennet replied with a smile.

"No, Papa. It's about my younger sisters," Jane explained.

Mr. Bennet invited her to sit, and she explained what she had discussed with her sister and mother-in-law. The plans were for Mary to spend the summer in Manchester. Jane's mother-in-law spent a lot of time alone and was a great pianist. When she discovered that Mary liked to play that instrument, it occurred to her that they could enjoy time together. Also, Rebecca had found that she was pregnant, and she would soon be traveling with her family to their estate in Yorkshire, and they thought that Kitty could spend the season with them. Finally, Jane would invite Lydia to live with them in London. She wanted to get her away from the bad influences of some people in Meryton.

"I think that's excellent, Jane. If you can convince your sisters, I won't object. Also, if you want, you can take your mother with you too," added Mr. Bennet with a laugh. Then, he took his book and continued reading so Jane understood that the conversation was over.

Contrary to what Jane thought, both Mary and Kitty happily accepted her invitation. Since Lydia resumed her friendship with Harriet Forster, they had felt very uncomfortable at home. Mary could no longer bear that Lydia did what she wanted, and the house was always full of officers. For her part, Kitty could not forgive Lydia and Mrs. Bennet for forgetting what Jane had been through, thanks to Mrs. Forster. Also, she hated that Lydia was always saying horrible things about David to annoy her. Mary and Kitty were happy to get out of Longbourn for a while.

But Lydia did not want to leave Meryton, so she flatly turned down Jane's invitation. She had other plans, but she had to wait until the ever-perfect Colonel Smith was away from her father before she could explain her plans for the summer. Sir David was the only one who could persuade her father not to permit her to go to Brighton with her dear friend Harriet.

After talking to her father, sisters, and mother, Jane went to the garden to walk around and see if Elizabeth was there. She noticed her sister tense, nervous, and very thoughtful and wanted to talk to her and see if she could help her. Since Jane got married, they had yet to have time to converse as they used to when they lived together.

Unfortunately, Elizabeth was not there. But Jane had an idea and went to her secret place because she didn't know when she would return to Longbourn again. There, she had spent a wonderful time reading beautiful adventures. Still, it was also the place where she somehow met her beloved husband.

Mr. Bingley had spent almost a week in Netherfield without knowing what to do. He had tried to put Netherfield's business in order but found it rather tedious. Managing an estate was very different from his father's business. In the business world, a gentleman should socialize with investors and clients, and the effects of a decision were immediately seen. While cultivating the land involved a lot of work, and the returns were only sometimes what was expected. Moreover, too many variables were impossible to control, like if it rained a lot or a little or if it was freezing in the winter or too hot in the summer.

Mr. Bingley rode for several minutes and arrived at the same place he had visited several months ago when he dreamed of becoming a landed gentleman. He still remembered that beautiful place where a willow tree created a kind of shelter in front of a small stream. But his surprise was immense when he saw Jane Bennet sitting on a rock reading some papers that looked like a letter.

Jane was very focused on reading the first chapter of Hidden Feelings again. She had found those sheets there, and as soon as she read them, she deeply admired the one who wrote them. But she never imagined that the author of this exciting story would be her husband. Also, Jane was happy because she suspected her family would have a new member in a few more months. But she didn't want to tell David anything yet because he was too busy resolving work matters.

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"Miss Bennet, you don't know how nice it is to see and talk with you without anyone's interference," said Mr. Bingley cheerfully.

"Mr. Bingley, what are you doing here? Also, sir, please don't call me Miss Bennet because I've been Mrs. Smith for over six months," Jane replied seriously.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Smith, but you are still Miss Bennet for me. Please let me tell you a few things I need you to know. First, please believe me when I tell you that I didn't know anything about the rumors about you and me when I left Hertfordshire. If I had known, I would have returned immediately." Mr. Bingley talked nonstop for several minutes, and Jane did not interrupt him.

"I'm so sorry if I exposed you to all. I know it is my fault that you had to marry the first man who offered to help you," Mr. Bingley said, his voice cracking.

"Why do you believe that?" asked Jane, very surprised.

"Because I've been here several days and heard everything that happened," replied Mr. Bingley apologetically.

"I understand, but if you're interested, I'd like to give you my version of the events," Jane said very serenely.

"Of course," replied Mr. Bingley nervously.

Jane handed Mr. Bingley what she was reading when he interrupted her. He took the papers and read a few lines. "What is this?"

"It's a story my husband wrote," said Jane. Then, she told him everything that had happened between her and David. "That night when I went out on the terrace, I did it because he left me a note and asked me to go there to reveal his identity to me."

"You thought I was him? I remember very well that you said something like 'it's you,' right?"

"Yes, and I'm really sorry for all the misunderstandings. But I think things worked out the right way because you weren't the person I admired, and you didn't admire me as much as you said or thought you did," Jane explained.

"Why do you say that?" asked Mr. Bingley, offended.

"Because if you had truly loved me, you would not have abandoned me as you did," Jane replied calmly.

"I didn't leave because I wanted to. My sisters persuaded me not to return to Netherfield."

"Worse then, because if I had been in love with you, I would have been very disappointed to learn that you abandoned me because others persuaded you to do it. In any case, Mr. Bingley, this is not worth discussing further. If it helps, I still think you are a good man, and I have no hard feelings against you or your family."

"I know, and I think I have realized what kind of a fool I've been. Thank you for sharing your love story with Sir David with me. I sincerely wish you all the best," Mr. Bingley said dejectedly.

Mr. Bingley and Jane talked for several more minutes until Jane told him that she must return to Longbourn. She said goodbye, and Mr. Bingley took his horse and rode for several minutes before returning to Netherfield.

Mr. Bingley was not used to failure and had difficulty accepting his faults. He had always preferred to ignore everything that disturbed his happiness. But this time, he understood he had to reflect on his behavior to mature once and for all. That conversation with Jane allowed him to see everything he hadn't wanted to see before. "What am I going to do now?" he wondered without having an answer.

P&P

Mr. Darcy came home late and had to change his clothes quickly so he could have dinner with Georgiana. He had spent much of the day working with his steward and other men repairing the irrigation canals that covered the northern part of the estate.

At first, he thought that in Pemberley, he would manage to forget and start planning the rest of his life, but he was wrong. Even though he kept himself busy all day working, he only managed to tire his body. However, his mind was still active, thinking about everything that would never be.

It had never bothered him to be alone, but now the loneliness hurt him because it made him think about what his life would have been like with the love of his life by his side. Sometimes, he spent the night thinking about how his whole story with Elizabeth would have been if he had tried to court her as she deserved. He knew he might not have managed to win her heart, but at least he wouldn't feel like a fool who could not please a woman worthy of being pleased.

Mr. Darcy went to the small dining room where he and Georgiana dined each night. Every evening they had the same routine, they had dinner, and then Georgiana played the piano for him. Afterward, they talked a little and retired to their rooms to sleep.

Georgiana was apprehensive and sad to see her brother so downcast, but she didn't know how to help him. Richard told her that the only thing she should do was to be very understanding and loving toward him. Sometimes, she thought that maybe he was in love with someone who did not love him, but it was hard for her to believe that he was suffering because of Miss Evans. She wondered who could not see what an excellent man her brother was and thought the lady probably did not deserve him.

"Georgie, do you remember Mr. Scott?" Mr. Darcy asked tentatively.

"Yes, he was one of our father's best friends," Georgiana replied, a little intrigued. She remembered John Scott because when their father passed away, he came all the way from Scotland to help her brother with everything. Also, after the funeral, he stayed with them to provide emotional support and company. But unfortunately, in recent years, his and his wife's health had deteriorated, and they could not travel outside Scotland.

"Yes, they met in Cambridge and were friends until our father passed away. I'm telling you this because I received a letter from him." Mr. Darcy told Georgiana that Mr. Scott's wife had passed away a month ago and invited him to spend a few weeks with him. Of course, Mr. Darcy couldn't explain to his dear sister the other reasons why he wanted to be as far away from everything and everyone as possible.

"I am so sorry, brother. I knew Mrs. Scott was sick, but I did not know how bad her health was. I am assuming you want to go to Scotland."

"Yes, and if you want, you can come with me."

"I'm sorry, brother. I would love to see Mr. Scott, but I have planned to spend a month at Matlock with Aunt Helen, Sarah, and the children. I hope you do not mind."

"Of course, I understand. I just want you to know that I will stay in Scotland for a few weeks."

"Yes, dear brother, it is good that you can help Mr. Scott in this difficult moment. Then, in a few more weeks, we can meet again here," Georgiana replied. She sensed that her brother needed to be alone and probably wanted Mr. Scott's advice. Maybe, he could help him solve his problems.

"Thank you, dear sister," said Mr. Darcy and continued eating. He hoped that Mr. Scott could help him to find a way to resolve his dilemma. He felt that talking to him was almost like talking to his father.

A week later, Mr. Darcy left for Scotland, hoping everything would be better when he returned to his ancestral home. He hoped the weeks in Mr. Scott's company would help clear his cloudy mind.

P&P

Elizabeth had been traveling with Aunt Alice for six weeks. She had greatly enjoyed the sights of the Lake District. Unfortunately, Uncle and Aunt Gardiner could not accompany them because he had problems with one of his businesses and had to stay in London for three extra weeks. But they had arranged to meet in Lambton for a big family reunion and tour of the Peak District.

They stayed at the town inn, and from there, they visited family and toured the natural beauties of the place. Elizabeth was a little sad and melancholy and didn't quite understand why. On the one hand, she was tremendously disappointed with her parents, who, despite all warnings, had allowed Lydia to travel to Brighton with her friend Harriet Forster.

But in addition, she had begun to experience a feeling of loneliness. It seemed like everyone was finding their place, and she didn't know what to do with her life. Mary told her how happy she was with Mrs. Smith. They were even planning a trip to Ireland to visit Ruth's sister. On the other hand, Kitty was also delighted with her situation. For the first time, she felt useful and appreciated. Rebecca had a strong personality like Lydia but was protective and kind. Elizabeth sensed that neither Mary nor Kitty would ever live in Longbourn again, and she had no wish to return if all remained the same. That was why the idea of traveling with Aunt Alice to Canada seemed more and more attractive every day.

The day before, she had learned that Pemberlet was very close to Lambton and had decided to write to Georgiana. She hadn't heard from her friend for a long time because they had both been traveling. Furthermore, unconsciously, Elizabeth preferred not to have contact with her. She didn't want to learn about Mr. Darcy and Miss Evans's engagement.

After breakfast, Elizabeth went for a walk around the town. The Gardiners and Aunt Alice had gone to visit an old family friend, and she preferred to wander around a bit. But great was her surprise when she returned to the inn and Georgiana was waiting for her accompanied by Mrs. Annesley.

"Oh, Lizzy, you don't know how nice it is to see you. I got your letter yesterday evening, and I couldn't wait to come to visit you," Georgiana said, hugging her friend affectionately.

"It's nice to see you too, my dear Georgiana. Aunt Alice and Aunt Gardiner are originally from Lambton and have family here, which is why we came to this place. But I had no idea it was so close to home," Elizabeth said as she took her friend's hands.

Elizabeth invited Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley into her small private room in her room to have tea. Georgiana told her friend everything she'd done over the summer but didn't say anything about her brother. So, Elizabeth thought that Mr. Darcy probably wasn't married yet.

Georgiana was very excited to be with Elizabeth. She always was alone in Pemberley and had never invited a friend to spend time with her. The people who visited them were always friends of her brother. That's why she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.

"Lizzy, I hope you don't have any plans for tomorrow," Georgiana said hopefully.

"No, I'm free tomorrow because my family will spend the whole day with their relatives. I had thought of going for a walk around the area. If you want, you can come with me."

"I have a better idea. Why don't you come to spend the day with me at Pemberley? We have some lovely gardens and a large park we can walk through. And we can have a picnic."

"I don't want you to feel forced to spend time with me, Georgiana."

Georgiana thought Elizabeth was reluctant because her brother had never been polite to her. So she added excitedly. "Lizzy, I'm alone. My brother is in Scotland and won't be back until next week. Please, Lizzy, I know we will have a splendid day."

Perhaps Mr. Darcy was on his honeymoon in Scotland, Elizabeth thought, and her heart tightened. "If my uncle and aunts don't need me, I promise I will visit you tomorrow."

Just before Georgiana left, the Gardiners and Aunt Alice returned to the inn. They immediately gave Elizabeth permission to visit her friend the next day. Georgiana was very excited and could not contain her emotion.

The Gardiners and Aunt Alice were grateful because Aunt Martha was a little sick, and they would take care of her for the next few days.

Georgiana discreetly asked Mrs. Annesley something, and she nodded. "Lizzy, why don't you stay with us for a few days?"

"I don't know; I don't want to abuse your kindness, Georgiana," Elizabeth said a little uncomfortably.

"Elizabeth, we would feel more at ease knowing you are with Miss Darcy than all day alone here at the inn," Mr. Gardiner said, and his wife and Aunt Alice opined the same.

"Alright, I accept your invitation, my dear Georgiana. Thank you so much for your kind invitation," Elizabeth finally said.

The following day Georgiana would send a carriage with a maid to fetch Elizabeth, and she would return to the inn in two more days.

P&P

Elizabeth was very impressed with Pemberley. The nature that surrounded the beautiful mansion was fascinating, as much or more than the house. Her bedroom was three times larger than any room she had slept in before and elegantly decorated. She was in a room next to Georgiana, and they had stayed up late the night before conversing.

As expected, Georgiana spoke about her brother and how worried she was because, for several months, he had seemed sad and absent. Georgiana also told her that she felt her brother had gone to Scotland to forget something or someone.

After breakfast, Georgiana wanted to practice the piano, and Elizabeth took the opportunity to explore the northern part of the park. The day before, they toured the southern region that bordered the lake and the front of the mansion. Now she would go around the back that bordered a small river and where the stables were.

In Pemberley, everything was big and well organized. On the day Elizabeth had spent there, she learned how Mr. Darcy was respected and admired by all his employees. She knew that he had taken over the entire estate and his family fortune at a very young age, and despite that, he had managed to handle everything successfully. She could not avoid comparing him with her father, who had always neglected Longbourn.

Elizabeth preferred to get all those negative thoughts out of her head and focus on the beauty of nature. The next day she would return to Lambton, so she wanted to observe and enjoy that almost magical place.

Mr. Darcy had risen very early because he did not wish to sleep another night in an inn. So he took his horse and went ahead, his valet would ride in the carriage with the rest of the servants.

The four weeks in Scotland had helped him to make up his mind. Thanks to Mr. Scott, he managed to understand that he was behaving like a coward and had given up very quickly.

Mr. Scott had told him to fight for the woman he loved and that if she rejected him again, at least he would have the satisfaction of knowing that he had tried.

The stable boy was surprised when he saw his Master arriving at the stable with his horse. "Murphy, get Lightning to walk around and give him some water and alfalfa. After that, let him rest."

"Yes, Master," Murphy replied and took charge of the horse.

Mr. Darcy felt a little dirty after several hours of riding. So he took off his jacket and cravat and washed his hands and face. The morning was beautiful and made him want to swim in the river, but he had more important things to do.

He wanted to resolve everything pending in Pemberley to be able to travel to London as soon as possible. He had planned to ask Fitzwilliam to find out where the Smiths lived and to ask Lady Smith to contact her sister and ask her if she could grant him an interview. In addition, he wanted to ask Elizabeth if they could be friends and if she could give him a chance to get to know him better.

He intended to follow every single one of Mr. Scott's advice to conquer Elizabeth's heart, even if it took him years. He knew that he had sincerely changed to be a better man for her, and he no longer felt afraid or ashamed to see her but rather the opposite. He wished he could be with her and show her how much he loved and admired her.

He stopped in front of the river for a few moments, just where a small bridge connected the east and west slopes, when he believed he saw a vision. Elizabeth Bennet was crossing the bridge, looking around in fascination.

He didn't know how or why she was there, he would find out later. At that moment, his only concern was getting closer to her and showing her he was a new man for and because of her. This time, he wouldn't let the opportunity pass.

He put on his jacket, fixed his cravat as best as he could, and walked over to where she was. "My dear Miss Bennet, you do not know how happy I am to see you." Mr. Darcy stood in front of Elizabeth, looking at her adoringly.

Elizabeth wanted to die of embarrassment but had no escape, so she had no choice but to smile and greet him politely. "Good morning, Mr. Darcy," replied Elizabeth. She blushed and became very nervous as he watched her excitedly.

P&P

Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.

We are getting closer to the end. I think there are only two or three more chapters left.

In the next chapter, Mr. Darcy will show Elizabeth in every possible way how ardently he admires and loves her.

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