Chapter 8
The following day, Mr. Darcy awoke early despite not sleeping well. He needed to ride; the exercise always helped clear his mind and make better decisions. For months, he had dreamed of kissing a woman as he had never kissed anyone in real life. Still, whenever he wanted to see her face or ask her name, she seemed to vanish, leaving him with immense sorrow in his soul. He often woke up in the middle of the night feeling something was missing, but he did not know what he had longed for so much.
But last night, that voice and those kisses took shape and had a name: Elizabeth Bennet. What was happening to him? Why did he feel so uneasy since he had seen that woman, and now he even dreamed of her? Plus, he remembered how she called him William. What did that woman know about him? Although he initially decided to stay far away from her, he was considering trying to talk to her now. Maybe it was worth getting to know her a little better and finding out why she had spoken with such familiarity.
Besides, it was better to be cordial with her since they would undoubtedly meet on more than one occasion and for the rest of their lives due to her relationship with his best friend. Nevertheless, he was concerned and did not want her to notice that he was attracted to her and try to take advantage of him. His friend Bingley had such a high opinion of his sister-in-law that perhaps it was safe if he showed her a little more interest.
Unfortunately for him, Elizabeth did not have breakfast with the family because she did it in her sister's room. Besides, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley spent most of the morning touring the estate, only returning home a little before noon. So he could not see her until later.
After changing his riding clothes, Mr. Darcy went into the drawing room to see if he could converse with Elizabeth. When he entered the house, he saw her walking in that direction. However, he was surprised to find his friend's mother-in-law and his two younger sisters-in-law there.
Mr. Bingley introduced him to his family cordially. But he did not have to spend ten seconds in that woman's presence to realize everything Caroline said about her was completely and utterly true.
Mrs. Bennet had come to visit Jane but also wanted to meet Charles' friend. She heard a rumor in Meryton that he was a handsome and wealthy gentleman who was also single. "You do not know how much we missed you at my daughter and dear son-in-law's wedding, Mr. Darcy. He told us that you had an accident, and that is why you could not come."
"That is correct, madam," Mr. Darcy replied dryly, wishing the woman would not continue talking to him.
"You are from Derbyshire; Charles told us you had a huge and wonderful estate. I imagine you must have a splendid mansion in London as well. Does your house in Derbyshire have more rooms than Netherfield?" Mrs. Bennet asked several impertinent questions that Mr. Darcy practically ignored.
"Pemberley is my home, the place where I grew up. Like my ancestors, I shall dedicate my life to care for and preserve its legacy, Madam." That was all Mr. Darcy said before sitting in a chair near the window, picking up a book, reading, and ignoring everyone.
"Sir, I think..." Mrs. Bennet tried to say. She did not like that rude man and wanted to let him know how displeased she was with his behavior.
"Mama, I think it is time for you to return to Longbourn. You know how strict my father is about luncheon time," Elizabeth said, distracting her mother from making out-of-place comments. She had also noticed how harshly Mr. Darcy responded to her mother and preferred that Mrs. Bennet not continue talking to the gentleman.
Mrs. Bennet did not like how Mr. Darcy answered her, but Elizabeth was right, and it was better to return home. "Well, my dear Charles, I think it is time for us to go."
"Mama, before we go, let me remind Charles that Jane's birthday is in two weeks," Lydia said.
"Of course, I know my angel's birthday is coming up, Lydia," Mr. Bingley said with his usual good humor. Caroline and Louisa were silent, wishing those women would go away once and for all.
"So, Charles, I think you should organize a ball to celebrate your wife's birthday. What do you think of my idea?" Lydia asked excitedly.
"Yes, Charles, it would be wonderful, like the ball you organized the day you proposed to her," added Kitty.
"And you have to invite all the officers," Lydia added.
"Oh, what a wonderful idea you have had, my dear Lydia. Of course, Charles, you have to organize a ball for my daughter, who is also the mistress of this beautiful estate," said Mrs. Bennet, looking at Caroline and Louisa. "And you, sir, I imagine you must be used to attending elegant balls, and you will be happy that you can participate in one while visiting my daughter's house. Besides, I do not think you will find prettier ladies to dance with than my girls. Do you like dancing?"
Mr. Darcy could not believe the woman's audacity to talk to him like that when he was not even part of the conversation. "I rarely dance, madam," he replied without lifting his head from the book he was pretending to read.
"Well then, let this ball in my daughter's honor be one of those occasions," Mrs. Bennet insisted, but Mr. Darcy ignored her.
Charles knew his friend and sensed that he did not like his mother-in-law's somewhat overwhelming personality. He intervened so that the tension would not continue to escalate. "It is a wonderful idea to me, a ball for Mrs. Bingley. As soon as Jane gets better, I shall discuss it with her, and we shall start planning everything."
Mr. Bingley continued chatting with his mother-in-law and sisters-in-law about the potential ball while Lydia and Kitty made vulgar comments. Elizabeth was very embarrassed and grateful that Charles was helping her in some way to control her mother and sisters. But she also noticed the mockery faces and contempt of Mr. Bingley's sisters and the censure in Mr. Darcy's eyes.
Finally, Charles and Elizabeth got Mrs. Bennet and her two youngest daughters to leave, and they were both relieved. But, as soon as they left the room to escort the visitors to their carriage, Caroline spoke to her brother's friend.
"Mr. Darcy, I suppose you now realize why we were so adamantly opposed to my brother marrying that woman."
"Yes, Miss Bingley and I believe you had valid reasons for doing so." Mr. Darcy replied. He was also in a bad mood for having to share minutes of his life with that trio of atrocious women. He was now more confident that he should not approach or speak to Elizabeth. Even though she seemed honorable, he was not sure her mother would not try to use her daughter to get what she wanted. He was not a weak, sentimental fool like his friend, so no matter how much he dreamed of Miss Bennet, he would not make any effort to get to know her or understand why he thought about her so much. For him to be trapped by a family like that was the worst nightmare he could imagine.
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After nearly seven hours of traveling, George Wickham finally arrived in the small town of Meryton. Indeed, its dusty streets could not be compared to London but to Lambton, where he had spent part of his childhood. But his options were limited, and one of his friends at the gaming tables offered him the opportunity to join the militia. The pay was a pittance, but he had nothing better at the moment.
After the incident with Darcy, he hid for several months until he knew what had happened to him. Fortunately, one of his many contacts confirmed that nothing serious had occurred to his nemesis. But he knew he had to stay hidden until things calmed down. He had managed to survive thanks to the money he had obtained from the jewels that silly Georgiana had given him to finance the trip to Gretna Green.
He had not hidden out of fear of Darcy. He was confident he would not do anything against him to protect his stupid sister's reputation. But he knew his cousin was a whole different story and that he would probably kill him if he found him. Ever since they were children, Wickham had never been able to charm Richard Fitzwilliam as he had Darcy. On more than one occasion, when he dared to cross the line, Richard gave him a beating that he still remembered.
Consequently, he only left the hovel where he hid when he confirmed that Richard had left for the country's north with his regiment. Then, since he had practically no money left, he accepted his friend Denny's offer to try his fortune in the militia. Perhaps he would find an heiress to marry and solve his economic problems in that town. But his aspirations were much lower than before, and he was content with a dowry of just ten thousand pounds.
"Wickham, why did you take so long to get here?" Denny asked, welcoming his friend.
"Denny, remember that at the moment, my circumstances are very different from when you met me. I had to travel in the mail coach, and it took much longer than usual," Wickham explained with disdain. He was not born to have a life full of restrictions, yet he lived like that because of Darcy.
"I understand, do not worry. Colonel Forster will play a poker game with us later, so I shall take the opportunity to introduce you to him."
"Thank you, Denny, for helping me when I needed it." After talking a bit about the trip, Denny led his friend to the barracks where the men from the regiment stationed at Meryton slept.
As they walked, Wickham took the opportunity to ask his friend about Meryton and his people. "And how are the women of this town, dear friend?"
"I see you have not changed a bit," Denny laughed. "I shall summarize it for you as best I can. There are many very pretty girls, especially the Misses Bennet. However, the prettiest of all is already married. But they are poor, so I know you would not be interested. There are no heiresses here, my friend, although the people are very kind and always invite us to dinners and social gatherings where you eat well and have good entertainment."
"Only the rich can afford to marry for love, Denny," Wickham replied cynically. "But at least it is good to know that if I do not find a wife, I can find friends to enjoy life for a while."
Denny laughed at his friend's cheeky comments, and they continued walking towards the camp, making plans for the night and the poker game they planned to play with other officers.
P&P
"How do you feel, my dear?" Charles asked his beloved wife. Every day, he found Jane even more beautiful than before. He was so happy with her, by her side; everything was better, and he wondered how he could be pleased with his life before meeting her.
"I feel better, darling. Lizzy's company has done me a lot of good. Since she was little, she has liked to read about everything, and she knows a lot about medicinal plants with which she prepares very effective ointments." Jane explained to her husband while sitting on the bed beside her. The previous two nights, he had slept on a small sofa in her room to care for Jane, even though she had insisted that he sleep in his bed. Since he had gotten married, they had never slept apart before, and she missed having her husband close to her at night.
"I am so glad to hear you are feeling better, my beloved angel. I do not like to see you ill; I love you with my life, and I could not know what I shall do if something bad happened to you," said Mr. Bingley excitedly. Two nights ago, Jane had a high fever, and Lizzy managed to control it since it was impossible to look for the apothecary in the middle of the night. So he was happy to have her in their home.
"Charles, it was just a fever, and it is over. Mr. Monroe told me I could get out of bed tomorrow," Jane explained, caressing her husband's face.
"No, my love, you are still delicate. I shall not risk your health…." Mr. Bingley replied, concerned.
Jane laughed and very patiently told her husband. "Charles, I no longer have a fever and feel much better. Mr. Monroe said it did not do me any good to stay in bed all day and I should exercise to regain my strength. Besides, Mr. Darcy has been here for almost five days, and I want to meet and welcome him."
"Alright, my dear, but only for a few hours, and if you promise to keep yourself warm, sit by the fireplace so you do not get cold."
"Very well, I promise. Now, go back to your guest. He came to help you, and I do not want him to feel he is bothering us. After dinner, you can play cards or just chat before you go to your rooms."
"Alright, but I am only going because poor Darcy must be almost on the verge of insanity having to endure Caroline's constant flattery," Mr. Bingley said with a laugh.
"Charles, do not talk like that about your sister," Jane replied to her husband before he left her room. "Charles..."
"Tell me, darling," he asked curiously.
"I would like you to sleep with me in my bed tonight," Jane said, blushing.
Mr. Bingley felt his heart beating faster with so much excitement and happiness. "Of course, my love. I, too, missed having you by my side every night." Mr. Bingley kissed his wife's cheek and promised to return as soon as possible.
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The last two days were an absolute nightmare for Elizabeth. The same day her mother and sisters visited Netherfield, Jane had a horrible night. She had such a high fever that Elizabeth and Charles spent the entire night caring for her. They ensured she drank enough fluids and tried to lower her temperature by applying a cold water compress to her forehead and neck. Fortunately, after that night, Jane had improved. She had been fever-free for two days, and the cough had subsided considerably.
But as if her sister's health was not enough to be worried about, Mr. Darcy's contempt was a constant reminder of her lost love. He ignored her whenever he could, making her feel like she did not exist. In fact, the previous morning, she met him in the library, and he had not said a word to her, even though they had been in the same room for more than half an hour.
At that moment, everyone was in the small room playing cards. Still, since Charles had gone to see Jane for a few minutes, she felt she was surrounded by people who detested her. But she also could not deny her deep sorrow when she saw Mr. Darcy and remembered William. What had happened to him? Why had he played with her heart and feelings? Was William the same person as the arrogant Fitzwilliam Darcy? No, she could not believe that. She preferred to think that William had never existed to accept that he was that man.
"Eliza, you are very quiet tonight," Caroline said teasingly.
"Yes, Lizzy, I also noticed that you have not said much," added Mr. Bingley, who was then entering the room. "If you are worried about Jane, let me tell you she is well and plans to get up tomorrow and join us for dinner."
Mr. Bingley was beaming with happiness, and Elizabeth knew it was because her sister was so much better. "I know, Charles, and that makes me very happy."
Mr. Darcy was thankful that his friend had finally returned. That way, he could talk with him for a few minutes, excuse himself, and retire to his room. It was torture to be around Elizabeth Bennet, especially when he sensed she was watching him discreetly as if searching for something. He planned to stay another week at Netherfield and disappear from that place. Until that kind of infatuation that affected him did not go away, he preferred to stay as far away as possible from his friend.
"I imagine that now that your sister is better, you will return home. Surely, you must be anxious to be with your dear family," Louisa said to Elizabeth with a sneer. That provoked a small laugh from Caroline.
Mr. Bingley was about to say something, but Elizabeth hinted with a look that it was best to ignore such comments. For her part, Elizabeth continued reading her book so she would not have to think about matters that made her unhappy.
"Elizabeth, do you not want to play cards with us?" Mr. Bingley asked.
"No, I thank you, Charles. I intend to read for a few more minutes and retire to rest," Elizabeth answered.
"You always so studious, Lizzy," Charles added, smiling.
Caroline watched Mr. Darcy stare at Elizabeth as she read. So, she wanted to provoke Elizabeth to show Mr. Darcy how impertinent and ill-mannered she could be. "Eliza loves to read and does not enjoy anything else."
Elizabeth had been holding back for so many days that she could not take it anymore. "No, Miss Bingley, the truth is that I love to read, but I also enjoy other things, like long walks in the fresh air, for example."
"Do not be silly, Caroline. Of course, Lizzy enjoys many things. But she is also an excellent reader. That is why she is so clever," Charles replied, smiling.
"Reading does not necessarily make you clever, Bingley," Mr. Darcy added, unable to resist joining the conversation. He was dying to talk to Elizabeth but not directly so she would not think they could be friends.
"What do you mean, Darcy? You always repeat that people should improve their minds by extensive reading," Mr. Bingley replied in surprise.
"By reading relevant and important books, Bingley. Or do you think a lady who spends her life reading gothic novels becomes an intellectual for doing it?" Mr. Darcy retorted arrogantly.
"Of course, Charles. As always, Mr. Darcy is correct. Walking around with a book in your hand makes you look clever to simple people who do not see beyond appearances. Still, it does not make you intelligent," Caroline added, looking at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was enraged and would not stand those haughty people trying to make her feel ridiculous for another minute. She was completely overwhelmed and could not help but respond with sarcasm in her voice. "I am an avid reader, and if a novel, even a romantic one, seems entertaining to me, I read it without guilt." Then, looking at Mr. Darcy, she added, "Even if it is a gothic novel. But of course, I imagine you have never read a book of that genre. I suppose books like that do not interest you," Elizabeth said defiantly.
Mr. Darcy felt as if he had had this conversation before, and he could not stop looking at Elizabeth with intrigue and concern. "No, Miss Bennet, I have not and will not read one because, as you said, it is not a literary genre that interests me."
"I am not surprised, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied, avoiding the gaze of the man who reminded her so much of another. "You see, not all of us have such strict codes about what we read." Elizabeth wanted to clarify to Mr. Darcy that the game was up and that if he wanted nothing to do with her, she did not want anything to do with him.
"What you call 'strict codes,' Miss Bennet, I call it common sense and proper use of time. What could I learn from a book about the misadventures of a woman in love with a man who despises her?" Mr. Darcy asked, intrigued.
Elizabeth felt heartbreak at the direct message, but she responded with poise. "I cannot answer that question, sir. A person once told me that matters involving personal preference are not arguable. If you find reading a book on Roman history entertaining, others may not. I read to learn and entertain myself," Elizabeth replied, avoiding Mr. Darcy's intense gaze.
"I understand, and I guess you are correct about that. Of course, personal tastes vary, but a person's intellectual superiority determines complex personal interests, do you not think, Miss Bennet?"
Mr. Darcy could not stop looking at Elizabeth as they talked. She was even prettier when she argued and tried to defend her ideas. He could see in her beautiful eyes how she planned her responses, and that was simply captivating.
"I do not know, sir. I do not have the ability, which you seem to possess, to detect superiority. I have always thought that we are not that different, that most people are quite equal, " Elizabeth replied.
"Eliza, how can you say that? I suppose..." Caroline was about to intervene, but Mr. Darcy did not give her time to speak.
"What do you mean when you say we are all quite equal? I presume you do not seriously think that is accurate," asked Mr. Darcy, totally absorbed in his conversation with Elizabeth.
"I sincerely believe we all have talents and shortcomings, Mr. Darcy. For example, being tall is certainly a plus if we need to get apples off a tree. But being tall is probably a disadvantage if we have to sneak down a small passageway. In that case, being rather small will be welcome. Also, some have plenty of money but lack the freedom to enjoy life, while others are happy and free but lack the security that money offers. So, if we add our virtues and subtract our defects, I think we are all pretty much the same, do you not think, Mr. Darcy?" asked Elizabeth triumphantly.
Mr. Darcy did not know how to reply to such a slight argument. But what was worse was seeing Elizabeth's defiant and triumphant look. Who was this beautiful, intelligent woman who seemed to enjoy putting him in uncomfortable situations? Why did she sometimes seem so familiar to him if he was sure they had never met?
"I told you my new sister was a brilliant young lady, Darcy," Mr. Bingley said with a laugh as Elizabeth left his friend speechless. He was always eloquent when discussing complicated issues, and now it seemed he could not refute Elizabeth's argument.
Mr. Darcy wanted to continue talking to Elizabeth because he felt the conversation was not over. But Caroline could not resist having to share for a second more the attention of the man she wanted for her. So she intervened. "I understand what you said, Mr. Darcy. I would not say I like romance and gothic novels. They are all boring and repetitive."
"Indeed, Caroline?" asked Mr. Bingley, laughing hard.
"The last book I remember you read, Caroline, was called 'Love at Dawn.' With that title, I am sure it was not a philosophical paper or the story of some ancient lost civilization," said Mr. Hurst sarcastically. Everyone present laughed. Sometimes, he enjoyed putting his sister-in-law in her place.
Caroline stared at Louisa, and she whispered something in her husband's ear. Mr. Hurst got up, poured himself a brandy, and sat on one of the sofas where he would pretend that he had fallen asleep in a few more minutes. That was preferable to accepting that his wife tried to abuse him as Caroline did with Charles.
"What is the name of the book you are reading, Eliza?" Caroline asked to divert attention from her brother-in-law's thoughtless comment.
"War and Trade," Elizabeth replied. Mr. Darcy felt a flash upon hearing the name of that book. He had the impression he had read it but could not remember when.
"I understand; with so many people in trade in your family, I suppose you must be very interested in the subject," Caroline said mockingly.
"You are correct, Miss Bingley. I am very interested in the subject," Elizabeth answered, not wanting to argue. "Well, I am sorry, but I am fatigued. I think I should retire to my room. Good night," Elizabeth said and left.
Charles also took the opportunity to excuse himself, and his friend Darcy did the same. Caroline was furious that nothing had turned out the way she had planned. She had dreamed of playing cards late in the company of Mr. Darcy. But, instead, he had been talking about books and other nonsense all evening with the damned Eliza Bennet.
P&P
That night, in his dreams, Mr. Darcy remembered passages from the book Elizabeth mentioned earlier. He found himself in a room surrounded by other men discussing Professor Price's studies. Later, he found himself talking about the book with her while they danced in a room full of people he had never seen.
'William, why do you ignore me, my love? You used to be so different.'
'Elizabeth, do you not realize that everything between us is impossible? Your mother, your sisters. I am sorry, but we cannot be together.'
'I understand; you do not love me anymore….'
'Of course, I love you, but you must understand I cannot marry a woman like you. Please do not cry, Elizabeth….'
'I do understand... William, if you do not love me anymore, I do not love you either… Goodbye.'
'Elizabeth… oh Elizabeth…. Come back, do not leave me alone. I cannot be happy without you.' He watched the woman he loved disappear into the mist and did nothing to hold her back.
"NOT AGAIN!" Mr. Darcy said as he woke up in the middle of the night, troubled. "I have to get out of here as soon as possible."
P&P
Thanks to everyone who leaves comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
In the next chapter, Mr. Darcy meets Jane.
See you soon!
Saludos,
Yo