Notes: In the next chapter Elizabeth & Darcy
PPP
The following day, upon their arrival in London, they were warmly received at the Gardiner house for tea. The reunion with Jane evoked heartfelt emotions, leading some to shed tears of joy. Subsequently, Mrs. Gardiner graciously ushered them into a refined drawing room.
Elizabeth observed the changes in Jane with keen interest – the way her hair was styled differently, her fashionable attire, and the noticeable restoration of the weight she had lost during her illness. While Jane remained undeniably lovely, there was a newfound gravity in her gaze, a subtle maturity that seemed to surpass her mere twenty-three years.
Once they were comfortably settled, Elizabeth beamed with joy as she shared the news of her engagement to Mr. Darcy.
Even though Jane was aware of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's previous time together at Ramsgate, she was surprised by the news. During Mr. Darcy's stay at Netherfield, she had not detected any particular interest between them. Jane's mind also dwelled on Mr. Bingley and the demise of her romantic aspirations. Furthermore, she somberly remembered that a few weeks earlier, she unexpected crossed paths with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst as they strolled in Hyde Park. When they noticed her, Miss Bingley whispered something to her sister. To Jane's dismay and embarrassment, they choose to pass her without so much as a nod. Despite knowing she should forget Mr. Bingley, Jane still found herself pondering "what ifs", imagining an alternative reality where she, rather than Elizabeth, was the heiress of Longbourn. She recognized that it was not Elizabeteh's fault and genuinely attempted to extend her congratulations to her.
"Have you set the wedding date yet?" inquired Mrs. Gardiner with a curious expression, her eyes showing genuine interest as she leaned forward in her chair.
"No, we have not decided yet. But the wedding will take place at Longbourn Chapel in three months, after the one-year anniversary of Father's passing," Elizabeteh replied, her voice tinged with emotion as she spoke of her father. Looking at Jane, she added, "I would be honored if you could attend."
Jane's complexion grew pale, a mixture of apprehension and unease crossing her features at the thought of returning to Longbourn and encountering her former neighbours. She still felt the sting of embarrassment and was certain that many of her neighbours would gossip about her. Sensing her niece's discomfort, Mrs. Gardiner replied, "On behalf of my family, we appreciate the invitation. Unfortunately, my husband cannot leave his business during November and December, and my relatives from Lambton typically visit London in the weeks leading up to Christmas, staying until the new year."
Mrs. Bennet, who had also noticed Jane's discomfort, nodded slightly. Changing the topic of conversation, she looked at Mrs. Gardiner and inquired, "If I remember correctly, Lambton is in Derbyshire."
Mrs. Gardiner's face lit up as she nodded and answered, "Yes, it is just a few miles from Pemberley."
Intrigued, Elizabeth asked, "Have you had the chance to visit Pemberley?"
"Yes; I visited three times. It is a large and beautiful estate. I also had the honour of meeting Mr. Darcy's parents. Mr. Darcy Sr. was an honourable man and was held in high regard in Lambton. I have heard that your Mr. Darcy shares many of his father's admirable qualities - "
The conversation then delved into Pemberley, the allure of London, and other worldly matters for the next half hour.
As Mrs. Bennet and her daughters returned to the inn where they were staying, the group unanimously agreed that Jane was well and did not want to return to Longbourn.