Chapter 19
"I do not know why you think I have intentions of harming your wife and her family. Miss Bennet is a great friend of my sister and has helped her much during these months they have spent together," Mr. Darcy explained, trying to defend himself.
"My wife told me about how you behaved during your visit to Hertfordshire. She said the day she met you at an assembly, you insulted Elizabeth, saying she was not pretty enough to tempt you to dance with her. Are you Will you deny it?"
Mr. Darcy was frozen for a few seconds. He remembered the incident perfectly but never thought anyone had heard him. At that moment, he realized that Elizabeth's low opinion of him had been the product of his own behavior.
"I will not deny it, but when I said those words, I did not know she or anyone else had heard them."
"The fact that you dared to speak like that about a lady you did not even know in a public place speaks very poorly of you, Darcy."
"I know and shall not make excuses for my horrible behavior. I hope you do not judge me because of that incident."
"You are right about that. My disapproval of you and the Bingley family is not based solely on an isolated incident." Andrew told Mr. Darcy about that conversation Mrs. Bennet had overheard at the Netherfield ball between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley's sisters. "Do you know that everyone in Hertfordshire has a poor opinion of you?"
"No, the truth is that the time I was there, I hardly had the opportunity to meet anyone," Mr. Darcy tried to explain.
"Did you not have the opportunity, or did you not take the trouble?" Andrew asked.
"I suppose I did not want to meet anyone… In any case, what I thought at the time was based on my observations of the behavior of Mrs. Bennet and her younger daughters," Mr. Darcy explained. He would not allow Andrew to recriminate him about matters he did not fully know.
"And what observations made you conclude that none of those people were worthy of your respect?"
"It was evident that Mrs. Bennet was seeking an advantageous marriage for her daughter, and her three youngest daughters behaved atrociously..."
"Darcy, how long have you been in society? Will you tell me that Mrs. Bennet is the only mother who looks for a good husband for her daughters? Since I assumed the title of Lord Norton, I have suffered firsthand the harassment of mothers trying to introduce me to their unmarried daughters. In fact, between you and the fool Bingley, you are undoubtedly a much better match, and yet my mother-in-law never attempted a rapprochement between her daughters and you. And as for my wife's younger sisters, they are just girls who, with the proper guidance, will be able to mend their ways."
At that moment, Mr. Darcy thought about Georgiana and how Elizabeth had accepted her even though she barely spoke at first. Furthermore, she was now the sister of a Baroness, and although she could have quit her position, she still supported his dear sister.
"You are right. I believe I have been wrong about many things, but I am not so stubborn as not to admit it." Mr. Darcy knew there was nothing he could do but apologize.
"I am glad you can at least understand the reason for my discomfort. Given your good disposition, it will be much easier to ask you to help me with a matter." Andrew explained to Mr. Darcy what they had agreed with the Countess regarding Elizabeth's time with the Darcys. "Lady Norton thinks no one should find out that my sister Elizabeth worked for you. We do not want that issue to interfere with her future options."
"Are you planning to introduce her to your friends? I warn you that Miss Bennet will not accept that you impose a husband on her," Mr. Darcy said without thinking.
Andrew was surprised because Mr. Darcy spoke so vehemently, but he responded immediately. "Elizabeth has the freedom to do what she wants with her life. And yes, I plan to introduce her to some of my single, honest, and hard-working friends, and time will tell if anything comes of it."
Mr. Darcy was certain that Andrew did not know Elizabeth's temperament and way of thinking as well as he did. He wanted to explain many things, but unfortunately, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine entered the room and abruptly interrupted the conversation.
"Darcy, I was informed that you were here, and I wanted to come and ask about Miss Bennet's health. You are generous, nephew, as a gentleman of your standing should be. But you and Georgiana do not need to come to this house every day. You can send a servant to inquire about Miss Bennet's health." Lady Catherine had learned that her nephew and niece spent much of the day in the parsonage and disagreed with such a display of benevolence.
"My dear Mr. Darcy, you and your dear sister are always welcome in my humble abode. But my dear and esteemed patroness is correct; you do not need to come every day because my cousin Elizabeth had a trifle cold. Mr. Darcy, a gentleman of your rank cannot waste time worrying about the health of an employee…"
"Excuse me, sir, but I want you to be more respectful when you talk about Elizabeth," Andrew said firmly.
"Also, Mr. Collins, Miss Bennet is not an employee but a friend of my sister. She offered to accompany my sister so she would not have to travel alone. The least I can do after that gesture of friendship is to express my concern about her health," Mr. Darcy added.
Mr. Collins did not dare to contradict Mr. Darcy, so he attacked the stranger. "You see, sir, my cousin Elizabeth is undoubtedly a lady of excellent fortune to have the friendship of Miss Darcy. But she and her family today have no home or anyone to protect them because I inherited her father's estate. So, for that reason, it is logical that they have to look for employment to survive…"
"You are wrong, sir. Elizabeth, her mother, and sisters have me as their protector and my house in London and my estate in Somerset as their home," Andrew clarified as respectfully as he could under the circumstances. "So, I think it is clear that Elizabeth accompanied Miss Darcy as a gesture of friendship and not because she has any obligation to the Darcy family."
"Darcy, who is this man? And why do you dare to get involved in matters that do not concern you? Lady Catherine asked, looking disdainfully at Andrew. At that moment, Georgiana, Charlotte, and Jane entered the room, and Lady Catherine panicked. She wondered who the beautiful, elegantly dressed blonde was and if she was the reason her nephew spent so much time there.
"Cousin Jane, what are you doing here?" Mr. Collins asked, confused.
"Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, allow me to introduce you to my dear friend Jane's husband," Charlotte said.
"Thank you, Mrs. Collins," Andrew said, approaching Lady Catherine with much ceremony and formality. He knew ladies like her perfectly well and did not want to show any sign of weakness in front of her. "Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, my name is Andrew Taylor, sixth Baron Norton. I am here because I accompanied my wife, Lady Norton, to fetch our dear sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Lady Catherine looked with contempt at Jane and some respect at Andrew, but she knew better than to be rude to two people of such high social rank. For his part, Mr. Collins bowed almost to the ground. Afterward, he remained silent, still shocked that he was now related to a Baron and Baroness.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my Lord, my Lady," said Lady Catherine, furious. She hated being overshadowed by people of greater importance than her, especially when they were young, attractive, and elegant.
"The pleasure is ours, Lady Catherine," Jane replied with cordial but cold respect.
After a few minutes of awkward conversation, Lady Catherine and the Darcys retired, and Mr. Collins did not leave Andrew alone for a second. In fact, after that, he spent much of the day in Elizabeth's room so as not to have to endure the impertinent questions and false flattery of the Master of the house.
P&P
Mr. Darcy was in his study preparing the final details of the trip back to Pemberley. Georgiana was resigned to the fact that Elizabeth would no longer be with them, although she could not hide her sadness. She said nothing, but he understood his dear sister's despair. After having Elizabeth for two months at Pemberley, the house would not be the same without her.
If he had focused on being her friend instead of assuming that Elizabeth was anxiously awaiting his marriage proposal, perhaps she would have accepted his courtship. How happy Georgiana would have been with a sister like Elizabeth, and how happy he would have been as her husband. Of that, Mr. Darcy had no doubt. Thanks to Georgiana, he knew that Elizabeth was completely healthy, and that made him feel relieved.
However, Mr. Darcy decided to show little interest when Georgiana told him about her friend. He preferred to show indifference and not ask questions so Georgiana would understand he was not interested in the matter. He preferred not to know anything more about her with the hope that one day, he would be able to forget her.
Mr. Darcy did not know what he would do if Georgiana one day told him that Elizabeth had met a gentleman or, worse, that she was engaged to be married. He needed to flee London as soon as possible; the mere thought of meeting Elizabeth at a ball or the theater on the arm of another man caused him a deep despair. At Pemberley, in the music room or the art workshop, he could think of her, her smile, and the beautiful memories of the happiest days of his life.
"Mr. Darcy, excuse me for interrupting you. Mr. Bingley wants to speak to you," said the butler. Since his Master returned from Kent, he was very distracted, as if absent, with an unmistakable sorrow in his eyes.
"Tell him to come in," Mr. Darcy replied. He had planned to visit his friend before traveling to Derbyshire and had an earnest conversation with him.
Mr. Bingley entered his friend's study, greeted him affectionately, and sat.
"I am glad you came, Bingley. There are some things I would like to talk to you about. I hope you have time."
"I also need to talk to you and tell you about my plans for this summer. I have all the time you need," said Mr. Bingley, smiling.
Mr. Darcy was the first to speak. He confessed to his friend everything he had done to keep him away from Jane and the reasons why he hid Mr. Bennet's death from him. "It was pretentious of me to interfere in your life like that. I want you to know that I deeply regret what I did, and I apologize if my misplaced advice caused you harm."
"I confess, Darcy, that as soon as I learned about everything you and my sisters had done, I was furious and disappointed. But after reflecting and hearing Lady Norton, I realized that the only one I have to blame for everything that has happened is myself. If I had been strong and fought for the woman I loved, things would have been very different. Furthermore, I recognize that your advice, although misguided, was well-intentioned. I do not know if I can say the same about my sisters."
"You are very generous, Bingley, and I sincerely thank you for forgiving me. Your friendship is significant to me," said Mr. Darcy excitedly.
"At least, I have the satisfaction of seeing my dear angel with a good man who knew how to love and protect her when I did not. Darcy, I came here to tell you all my plans. I feel optimistic about the future. First, I want to return to Netherfield and put everything in order before finishing the lease. After that, I shall travel to Scotland, and I intend to spend a long time there with my uncle Edmund and his family."
"I am glad you have decided to complete your work in Netherfield, Bingley. It is important that you comply with everything you promised to avoid legal problems. For our part, Georgiana and I shall return to Pemberley at the end of the following week."
"Are you not planning to participate in the remainder of the season? Lady Margaret will be upset with you if you do not participate in her famous end-of-season ball."
"I know, but I no longer want to be in London. For now, I believe the best for me is to spend time at home. Bingley, I recently had the opportunity to reflect on my behavior and how I have treated the people around me."
"I hope you are not offended, old friend, but hearing you speak like this gives me great pleasure. I have always thought you were harsh with people outside your circle of friends and sometimes even unfair."
"I am not offended, so do not worry about that. Can you please explain how I was harsh or unfair? I need you to be honest so I can adjust my behavior."
"Of course, I do not have to go to great lengths to give you good examples of what I said. For example, your behavior in Hertfordshire, the way you treated the people in that place who welcomed you with open arms, and those you ignored or looked at with contempt. I imagine you remember how many times, together with Caroline, you ridiculed my neighbors and even Jane and Elizabeth Bennet."
While Mr. Bingley spoke, Mr. Darcy realized with horror that everything he said was what Elizabeth had seen of him since she met him. But he was even more surprised to discover that his behavior had been similar to Caroline Bingley's. She was superficial and could barely speak well of another human being. Although his parents raised him with sound principles, he had become a haughty and insufferable pompous man, so much so that two good and noble women, like his cousin Anne and Elizabeth, had come to detest him.
After nearly two hours of pleasant talk, Mr. Bingley took leave of his dear friend. They did not know how long it would be until they saw each other again, but they promised to correspond permanently to keep in contact.
While Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley talked in the study, Georgiana practiced the piano. She felt sad, but she had promised Elizabeth that she would visit her at his brother-in-law's estate in the summer. She did not know how to talk about it with her brother because he seemed unhappy and absent, and she did not dare tell him that she was leaving him alone for a few months.
Furthermore, she had promised Elizabeth that she would care for the dog Oscar. Fortunately, her cousin Richard visited her, and she took the opportunity to tell him everything that was worrying her.
"As I told you, Richard, I look forward to traveling to Somerset in July and August and spending time with Lizzy and her sisters. But I wonder if William will give me permission. Besides, I have seen him so sad that I do not know if I should leave him alone."
"Do not worry about any of that, dear; I shall talk to your brother. In fact, I came here to talk to both of you. The butler informed me he was with Bingley, and I prefer not to interrupt."
Richard took the time to chat with Georgiana and tell her he had received new orders and would spend much of the summer in Brighton. But as soon as he heard that Mr. Bingley was gone, he immediately went to his cousin's study to tell him the news.
"I have been waiting to speak to you for almost an hour, but I took advantage of the time to converse with Georgie. I was happy when she told me Miss Bennet had recovered, although I noticed the sadness in her eyes when she spoke about her. I know how much she will miss her."
"It makes sense; they have spent much time together in recent months," Mr. Darcy added, feigning indifference.
"I suppose you are correct, but let me explain why I came. I have two important things to talk to you about."
Colonel Fitzwilliam told him the details of his new assignment and the great surprise he received when he reviewed the list of officers who would be under his command. "Forster died a few months ago, and the regiment settled in Hertfordshire command was under an acting colonel. I shall assume control of those troops, which in a few weeks will move to Brighton. Darcy, I shall have Lieutenant George Wickham under my command, and I assure you that I shall make that wretch curse the day he was born."
"If you have come to ask my permission to give that scoundrel what he deserves, you can do whatever you want. Never again in my life will I do anything to help him, who, not happy with all the damage he has done to us, has dedicated himself to telling lies about me." Mr. Darcy told his cousin what Wickham had said about him to the people of Meryton.
"Do not worry, Darcy, I shall teach him a lesson that he will never forget. I shall not rest until I see him in prison. Well, I already told you one of the important things I wanted to talk to you about. Now, I want you to explain what you plan to do to win Miss Bennet's heart and how I can help you."
"I do not know what do you mean, Fitzwilliam?" Mr. Darcy said and stood to prevent his cousin from noticing his nervousness.
"Darcy, let us save the part where you deny it and the part where I insist. Anne wrote to me, told me everything and demanded that I must assist you. That is why I am here."
Mr. Darcy was silent for a minute, confused and trying to find arguments to deny Anne's words. But he knew his cousin and thought it was better to close the matter once and for all.
"I shall not do anything. I plan to leave Miss Bennet alone so she can be as tranquil and happy as she deserves."
"Will you not fight for her love?"
"Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth despises me."
"She certainly does not have a good opinion of you, but I do not think she despises you. In my opinion, you are not indifferent to her. That is the reason why your behavior has hurt her so much."
"I am sorry, Fitzwilliam, but I refuse to listen to you any longer. Since when have you been an expert on matters...?
"On matters of the heart? I think that from a very young age, I have had a special talent for detecting when there is something special between two people, and I believe you and Miss Bennet would make a great couple. She knows how to put you in your place better than anyone. Also, she would be an excellent sister to Georgiana and make you smile more. Every time you are near her, your eyes light up, and you look at her with a silly face. Anne said that, and I agree with her," Richard explained, laughing.
"Is that why you came? To laugh at me?"
"No, I have come to try to convince you not to abandon hope, Darcy. Anne and I agree that you will be the most foolish man in England if you do not fight for her."
"Did you not comprehend that she despises me?"
"And you think you are not capable of changing her mind? Can you not perhaps show her that your affection is sincere and that you are willing to earn her admiration?"
"Perhaps… I do not know, I…"
"Are you so used to women almost fainting every time they see you that you do not know how to conquer the heart of someone who does not believe that you are the most wonderful man in the world?"
"Those women you mention are not interested in me but in what I have and I represent."
"Another point in Miss Bennet's favor, do you not think? If she gives you a chance, you will know it is because she is truly interested in you and your pretty face."
Richard did not want to continue insisting when he saw his thoughtful cousin. So, he preferred to change the subject and tell him about the Countess and her family's plans for the summer.
Georgiana invited her cousin to dine with them that night, and Richard immediately accepted. He liked spending time with his two cousins, who were almost like their brother and sister.
Richard and Georgiana talked about many things during dinner while Mr. Darcy listened and occasionally commented. But when Georgiana told her cousin something about Elizabeth, he began to think seriously about what his cousin had told him.
"Lizzy wants to help her mother with the move; she wants to be close to Mrs. Bennet because she knows leaving her home will be hard for her mother and sisters. She will travel to Hertfordshire in the next few days."
"I understand it must not be easy to lose the home where one was born and lived much of one's life."
"I do not think I could ever recover if I have to leave Pemberley," Georgiana added.
"Do not worry, Georgie, that will never happen," Mr. Darcy said and continued eating.
That night, before falling asleep, Mr. Darcy had an idea, and he hardly slept, wondering if it was the right thing to do.
P&P
Elizabeth had been at Longbourn for two days and felt a mixture of joy and sorrow. She was happy to be at home surrounded by everything that evoked so many beautiful memories and sad to realize that none of that belonged to her family anymore.
After breakfast, Elizabeth went for a walk in the garden because she had planned to start packing her father's books later. She knew that she would feel melancholy, so she wanted to breathe fresh air and be in contact with nature before locking herself in what was Mr. Bennet's study for more than twenty-five years.
While watering the roses that Jane used to grow, Elizabeth heard a carriage approaching. At first, she thought it could be a neighbor, but when she noticed the carriage's elegance, she knew it was not anyone from the area. By the time the carriage approached the entrance to Longbourn, she caught the Darcy family crest and could not help but become nervous. She approached the entrance to receive the visitors and was pleased when she saw Georgiana descending from the carriage.
"Lizzy, I am so happy to see you," Georgiana said, running to hug her friend.
"It gives me great pleasure too, dear. But I am surprised to see you; what are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked.
"Miss Bennet, I hope we are not inopportune, but Georgiana wanted to see you. We arrived yesterday afternoon... I have come to assist Bingley in resolving Netherfield's affairs before ending the lease and... to do other matters that I have pending..." said Mr. Darcy, looking at the woman he loved.
Elizabeth noticed something different about Mr. Darcy. His voice was much kinder and his gaze was no longer haughty but rather longing. She could not help but blush and responded as calmly as she could.
"Do not worry, Mr. Darcy, you are always welcome," Elizabeth replied, smiling.
Mr. Darcy was glad; at least Elizabeth smiled at him, and that small gesture filled his heart with hope.
P&P
Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and follows the story with enthusiasm.
In the next chapter, Mr. Darcy will do everything possible to make Elizabeth realize he has changed.
See you soon!
Saludos,
Yo