The end of Mr. Darcy's year of mourning was drawing close, as was Georgiana's 19th birthday. Despite the broken relationship between Darcy and his cousin, Edward, and Lord Matlock; Lady Matlock sent him an affectionate letter offering to throw a grand ball for Georgiana's coming out.
Although Darcy didn't want to go back to London or see the Fitzwilliams, he knew that sooner or later, for Georgiana's sake, he had to return to the city. After a serious conversation with his sister, they decided to accept Lady Matlock's proposal and left for London in mid-March.
PPP
During her first days in London, Georgiana went shopping with Lady Matlock, and Lady Maria in the most exclusive shops in the city. According to these two ladies, it was imperative to have several different dresses to wear for both evening and day parties. Darcy allowed his sister to buy whatever Lady Matlock and Lady Maria suggested. He wanted his sister coming out to be a success.
On the third day of being in London, the siblings went to visit Elizabeth, where they were warmly received by Mrs. Gardiner and to a lesser extent by Elizabeth.
Over the last few months, the two young women had become fast friends through their letters. Elizabeth had grown fond of Georgiana and resolved to put her past with Mr. Darcy behind her. She had concluded that he was not a villain and was very sorry for his past actions. Georgiana was overjoyed to see Elizabeth again, especially since she had learned from Lady Maria that Elizabeth was the author of her favourite novel.
The two young ladies discussed a variety of topics, including music and literature. Georgiana had just recently finished reading Elizabeth's second novel, and told her, "I enjoyed reading your second novel very much. It is my favourite. At first, I couldn't believe it when Lady Maria told me that you were the writer and even later when your sister confirmed it! I wish I had your talent!"
Elizabeth smiled and glanced at Darcy, who was enjoying listening to their conversation. "Thank you, Georgiana. I am glad you enjoyed it. If you wish, you can read the draft of my new novel and give me your honest opinion and suggestions."
Georgiana's eyes lit up. She excitedly asked, "Really?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, I would appreciate it."
Georgiana beamed, "I would like to read it very much! Thank you!"
Darcy looked into Elizabeth's eyes, which bewitched him more and more each day. With a slight smile, he said, "I also have enjoyed reading your novels, Miss Bennet. May I have the honour of reading the draft of your next one?"
Elizabeth shook her head. With a mischievous smile, she replied, "I don't think you will like my future novel, Mr. Darcy."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because the story is about a young lady who overheard a rude comment from a proud and arrogant gentleman at an assembly." She looked at him and added, "The gentleman refused to dance with the lady because, in his opinion, she was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him."
Darcy paled slightly, but he replied, "I hope the proud and rude 'gentleman' is properly punished for being so foolish and conceited."
With feelings, Darcy added, "I also hope that in your story, the gentleman becomes worthy of her forgiveness since, without a shadow of a doubt, the lady deserves a better man."
Elizabeth understood the message very well. Smiling at Darcy, simply replied, "If you want to know the answers, you should read the novel, Mr. Darcy..."
They continued talking about the novel and Georgiana's coming out. Georgiana excitedly invited Elizabeth to her ball, but Elizabeth tactfully excused herself since her aunt and uncle were not invited, and she couldn't attend alone.
The Darcys returned home shortly before dinner. Georgiana was pleased with their visit; she liked and admired Elizabeth very much. Darcy was optimistic and hoped that someday Elizabeth would forgive him.
PPP
Georgiana Darcy's ball was one of the main events of the season. Lady Matlock spared no expense and all of London's high society - except Lady Victoria's family – had been invited.
Georgiana was beaming and widely admired by several gentlemen. She was wearing a beautiful and expensive ivory-coloured gown, a diamond necklace and matching bracelet, and a beautiful pearl tiara in her hair.
As agreed, Georgiana opened the ball with her brother, the second set she danced with Richard, the third with Lord Matlock, and the fourth - despite her displeasure - she had to dance with her cousin Edward.
Darcy only danced with his sister, Lady Matlock and Lady Maria. The rest of the evening he chatted with various acquaintances, including Bingley, who had just returned to London after spending several months working on an estate he was leasing, just 50 miles from Pemberley.
Lady Matlock, against Darcy's wishes, introduced him to several young ladies who had debuted in recent years; Darcy was polite to all of them, but he didn't ask any of them to dance, and it was quite clear that for the moment he was not looking to remarry.
His cousin Edward apologized to him on more than one occasion, claiming that he had not wanted to ruin Lady Victoria's future, and he did not want his wife, whom he loved, to know what had happened between them. He honestly thought Darcy would never find out. Besides, his affair with Lady Victoria had ended before Darcy's engagement. The relationship between the cousins, as expected, was shattered forever, but both agreed to greet each other at social events and pretend that nothing had happened.
Overall, Georgiana's ball was a complete success and there were few comments on Darcy's ill-fated marriage.
Charles Bingley's life had changed radically in little more than a year. It all started one day when he was walking with his sister in Hyde Park, and they ran into a friend of Caroline's, Miss Alton and her companion. A few years ago, Miss Alton - as well as his sister – had been interested in being Mrs. Darcy. However, the gentleman never looked at her. After the usual greetings, Miss Alton smiling asked Caroline, "Have you heard the news about Mr. Darcy? Everybody in London is talking about him! It is such a huge scandal! I almost feel sorry for him."
His sister's face lit up and replied, "Yes, of course, I have heard of it. As you know, Mr. Darcy is a friend of my brother. However, since Mr. Darcy had married, my brother is not as close to him as before." In a low voice, Caroline added, "My brother and I will probably not drop the acquaintance, but it is better to wait several months to see how he is doing."
Mocking Miss Alton added, "Poor Mr. Darcy, now only a desperate woman will want to marry him!"
"You are right my dear Marianne. Even all his money is not enough of an incentive to make up for being the laughingstock of London!"
The two women continued talking for a few minutes about Darcy's misfortune and mocking him. Bingley chose not to intervene in the conversation, but during the brief encounter, he realized his sister was not a good person. Instead, she was a gossipy woman who rejoiced in the misfortune of others.
Later that day, they met Jane Bennet, or rather Jane Carey, on her husband's arm. The meeting was awkward, especially given Caroline's backhanded comments and questions. Jane Carey was very gracious in her responses and treatment, a stark contrast to his sister. Although over the months he had realized that what he once felt for Jane was just a youthful infatuation, typical of an immature young man of only 23 years old, he knew that when the time came, he wanted a woman similar to Jane as a life partner. He did not want a woman like his sister.
After that day, and since Caroline had turned 25, he had released her dowry so that she would live as she pleased. Later, he leased an estate with a good steward, far from the city, and devoted himself fully to learning how to manage it.
PPP
Lady Victoria's family had been shunned in all the London first circles. The catastrophic financial news, added to the alleged infidelities and "dark" death of Lady Victoria, had led the family to flee to their estate. Despite all efforts, the family still had some debts.
Added to all the misfortunes, Lady Victoria's father had an attack of hemiplegia, which resulted in the loss of motor and speech faculties. Unfortunately, these disabilities prevented him from exercising his duties in Parliament. He knew that if he died, having sired no legitimate son, his title and property would pass to a distant cousin whom he hardly knew. His wife and daughter would be left on the street, with no prospects or relatives to help them. He had tried to marry his younger daughter off to a minor gentleman, and even a wealthy merchant, but due to all the gossip, no one had wanted to associate with his family.
His wife and daughter no longer spoke to him and most of the servants had been released for lack of money to pay their salaries. Lady Victoria's family went from being one of the most powerful families in England to their current status of social outcasts.
PPP
After Georgiana's coming-out ball, several gentlemen and ladies visited Darcy's house daily. There were invitations to dinners, balls, and parties, of which Darcy carefully selected the ones which were convenient to accept.
In the twenty days they had been in London, Darcy had dined with Bingley four times and had accompanied Georgiana to visit Elizabeth five times. The relationship between them had improved substantially, or, at least, Elizabeth no longer treated him with contempt. They talked about various topics - music, literature, Pemberley - and she had even discussed with him and Georgiana the plot of her upcoming novel.
On this particular day, with Georgiana's help, he had invited the Gardiners, and Elizabeth to the opera. Thankfully, they all accepted. Bingley, who had been visiting earlier that day, was invited to join them.