Chapter three: An unexpected arrival
Promising things happen, when you least expecting them.
It was a usual afternoon and Elizabeth with Jane were invited in Netherfield. Since jane's courtship to Bingley, the two sisters spend most of their time near the big estate. But unfortunately for Elizabeth, she had to put up Miss Bingley, who seemed to pay attention to her all the time. They did not fancy each other, that was obvious, but nevertheless, they kept civility between them. That afternoon,which seemed a ordinary proved the opposite.
It was after dinner and the party was seated in the drawing room, when they heard of a carriage. Bingley, as the master of the house, excused himself. When he returned, he was not alone. A tall man was with him.
Elizabeth was playing the piano and as for Jane and Miss Bingley, were talking of the upcoming wedding. None of them, really saw Darcy came in. On the other hand, the gentleman immediately as he walked in found himself observing Elizabeth, who looked remarkably well. She had that usual light upon her and her eyes, were captivating as always. Bingley announced his friend and everyone looked at him. Darcy hadn't felt such a distress in his entire life. He was afraid, indeed he was. He was afraid of talking to her.
Immediately the ladies stood up and formed a smile, when he finally sat down on the couch near Bingley, Elizabeth could finally breathe. Her hands were trembling and she was certain that she had formed a blush. It was her thoughts that made her blush, thoughts of him. However anxious she may were, she never stopped her performance. She could feel his look upon her and that was the time when they finally looked each other.
He smiled first; as she was too embarrassed even to breathe. He had that beautiful smile, which could make everyone forget to breathe. Elizabeth's heart almost stopped. He really was here. In the same room, breathing the same air as she. Could that be all true? But what about her letter, did he not receive it? She could clearly remember telling him that in spite of her great wish to see him, that could not happen. Why did he want to make things more complicated than they already were?
When she finally finished her performance, she stood up and sat next to Jane, who was still talking with Miss Bingley, while her brother occupied his friend. When the gentlemen stopped, they approached the ladies and sat next to them.
"I must tell you Miss Elizabeth, your performance was perfect this time" Bingley said all kindness.
"I thank you, Mr. Bingley, but I hardly think that is true.," she smiled
"What do you think, eh Darcy?"
"Yes, I think so too." He paused "Are you well Miss Elizabeth?"
She looked at him "Very well thank you. " she looked again down. "Is your sister well? Why did all her friends left her?"
"She is very well. Yes, indeed, but nevertheless she stayed in London"
she smiled "We had the most interesting conversations, I really did enjoyed her company"
"You can visit her any time, you wish" he smiled at her and she blushed.
"Did you finish the book, Miss Elizabeth?" Miss Bingley asked, only to take part in the conversation. It is usual of course, she loved to be the centre of attention, but that was not the only reason she spoke. Darcy was here and she couldn't let a young lady like Elizabeth attract him more, than she had already did. She was meant to be with him, afterall. She didnt feel jealous, she felt that she had to make the right thing, marrying him was even consented by God himself.
"Yes, I did and I dare say that I found it extremely interesting. Have you read it?"
"Yes, but I did not like it as you did. I never really understood his character" she replied.
"What book, Elizabeth?" Her sister asked, before Darcy had the chance to.
"Coelebs in search of a wife by Hannah More" she paused. "Have you read it, Mr. Darcy? I know that you are quite fond of reading"
"Yes, indeed I have. But I really think that the author gives a very bad nation of men" he paused. "But, nevertheless it gives a interesting view of love and marriage."
"I believe so too. But I suppose love has nothing to do with marriage and its obligation." She said raising an eyebrow, challenging him. Ohh, how he loved when she did that. He really wished that moment to grab her and hold her tight, never letting her go. But, that was not thoughts that gentleman was supposed to do, when he looked at women. "A person, I believe must first fall in love and then marry someone, if we want those people to truly be matched."
He smiled, a little. "Do you believe that a marriage, unequal in love has a chance of succeeding?"
"I do not think that I understand you"
"If, for instance, the gentleman proposes to a woman, who has no feeling for him at all, accepts his hand, do you think the marriage will fail from the beginning?" Her heart almost stopped. He wasn't talking in general, he was talking about them.
"Maybe, but maybe not. It depends on the woman." She laughed "and how much she can endure"
"But, Miss Elizabeth, are not the ladies, who are supposed to be enduring?" Miss Bingley joined.
"No, I do not think that it's on our character. Men, as well, can be enduring. I think it depends on the person." She paused to think. "Take for instance, my sister and me, she is very patient and always endures whatever she has to do, when it is not in her linking" she looked at her sister and smiled "On the other hand, I hardly do what is expecting and I can endure whatever I think it is right."
"Then," she laughed "you will not find easily your match" Elizabeth gave her a cold smile and then turned her eyes into her lap.
"I think you are mistaken, Lizzy" her sister broke the awkward silence "you endure mama's talkativeness"
They all laughed and for the last time of that evening, Elizabeth looked Darcy on the eyes. How she had missed those eyes. When it was about for the Bennet sisters departure, the gentlemen helped the ladies into the carriage and asked them if they could call on them. But, to their unfortunate luck, they denied, claiming that they had some other fixed engagements, which was true.
"I see the way you look at her" Bingley said as they saw the carriage moving away
"What do you mean, Charles?" Darcy asked with his severe voice.
"You know what I mean, old friend. Elizabeth, I am talking about Elizabeth"
"Do not be ridiculous, Charles." He said and laughed ironically "I am only being civil to her"
"But for a reason. You cannot fool me, you look at her in the same way I look at Jane."
"No, I am not. It's only your scandalous imagination" he replied coldly
"Maybe, but I would be really glad if you and I would be brothers" he said and touched his back.
Two days later, Mr. Bingley as usual visited Longburn, but to Elizabeth's astonishment Darcy didn't come with him. Mr. Bingley claimed that he didnt had returned from his morning walk. Jane and he took a small walk outside the house and when she finally returned, announced to her sister that they were expecting in Netherfield for lunch. Elizabeth immediately refused, but her sister changed her mind. The truth was that she longed to see him, but her mind was telling her that she should not. He was engaged, soon to be married.
When Elizabeth got home, hours later, she found that Jane had already gone to Netherfield with the carriage. Obviously, she was late and her sister could not wait her any longer. She found a note from her, saying that she should come as she promised. She asked for her mother if she could take the other carriage, but she most emphatically refused, saying that it maybe be needed. The only choice she had was to walk, for she did not ride, but that was not a trouble, she had done it before...
I have to admit that this was not the long chapter, I've promise to. But, I wanted to see how many of you really like this and following me what you think, tell me if you really like it and if it deserves to be continued. Because I think that I should stop it. I am sorry that this chapter did not have a letter, but I think it didnt fit. But I promise that in the next or two after this chapter, there is going to be one. I'm preparing it.
What are you going to see next: Elizabeth being distant, a note and a meeting.