Chapter 29:
Mary had found life extremely miserable after Elizabeth had left. The household was chaotic, and she found it difficult to handle questions about her sister's disappearance amongst acquaintances.
The servants in Longbourn knew there was some connection between the disappearance of Elizabeth and the visit by Mr. Collins. Most acquaintances of the Bennet family did not believe in the story about Elizabeth's disappearance. No proper reason or fact was supporting their story. The only person who knew the truth about Elizabeth, apart from Mary, was Mariah Lucas.
Elizabeth's letters reached Mary through Mariah. Mariah, even though younger than Mary, had been sensible and mature in guarding this secret.
The only comfort to Mary was the letters Elizabeth wrote. She was happy that her sister was somewhere safe. As months passed, she was convinced that Ashton Park was the best place for her sister.
Elizabeth wrote every single detail to Mary. In the past months, she had disclosed her heart. Mary understood that Elizabeth was deeply in love with Darcy. She wrote to her sister to trust her heart and not be worried about the past. She was sad about the suffering she endured because of her growing feelings for Darcy. She did not know how to help her. She hoped her sister would find happiness soon.
The arrival of the Bingleys provided some sort of distraction to Mary. She found the Bingley sisters proud and unfriendly. Mr. Bingley was a stark contrast to his sisters. She found herself enjoying his company. Mary had met him thrice at social gatherings. He seemed to be pleased with Hertfordshire. He conversed with all young ladies amiably, and Mary felt he was drawn to Jane. She heard her mother and Jane scheme tirelessly at home to make Mr. Bingley fall in love with Jane. Mrs Bennet knew he was wealthy, and Jane wanted to marry him for the same reason. Mary fervently hoped Mr. Bingley would see her true nature and not fall for her charms.
Even if he does, what can I do about it? She had often thought.
Mary had formed a habit of walking to Oakham Mount every morning. She felt a sense of comfort in spending time there, knowing how much her sister liked the spot.
This morning, she had sat there reading one of her sister's letters. She was still unaware of details about Darcy's proposal.
She sat there musing about her sister's prospective travel to Grovner Square. She was oblivious to the presence of Mr. Bingley and Darcy behind her.
She suddenly noticed some movement behind her and turned around.
She was surprised to see Mr. Bingley along with another rider. Mary immediately placed the letter inside her book and rose.
The men got down from their horses and approached her. She walked towards them and curtsied.
"Good morning, Miss Mary. It is a pleasure to see you again."
"Good morning, sir. I hope you are doing well," Mary said to Mr. Bingley.
She glanced towards Darcy and was confused by the expression on his face. He looked confused and distressed.
"Allow me to introduce my dearest friend to you. This is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, my closest friend since my days at Oxford. He comes from Derbyshire."
Mary could not contain her surprise and shock. It was now Darcy's turn to scrutinize her expression.
"Darcy, this is Miss Mary Bennet. She is the daughter of Mr. Bennet."
It took a moment for Mary to compose herself and greet Darcy.
Darcy, on the other hand, did not understand why she looked so uncomfortable at the mention of his name. To him, she somehow resembled Elizabeth. Though the likeliness was faint, and she was much younger, something about her reminded him of the dearest face that haunted him day and night.
"It is nice to make your acquaintance," he said finally.
"You see, Miss Mary, my friend has travelled from Derbyshire to assist me with the affairs at Netherfield."
"That is indeed very gracious of him. I hope you have a pleasant stay here, Mr... Mr. Darcy," she said, unable to compose herself.
Darcy noted her hesitance in mentioning his name.
"I should be on my way home now," she said.
"Oh, yes of course. I hope to see you at Lucas Lodge today," Mr. Bingley said.
They parted ways, and Mary's heart was beating fast as she went down the path.
Of all coincidences, how could Mr. Darcy be here? In her last letter, Lizzy never mentioned anything about him traveling away. And him being the friend of Mr. Bingley. Good God!
She knew Elizabeth's letters always reached her with delay as they came through Charlotte. She somehow felt agitated. She fervently hoped his trip would be short-lived.
On the ride back to Netherfield, Darcy felt unsettled. He did not know why Mary reminded him of Elizabeth. He distinctly remembered her expression at the mention of his name.
She looked startled, as though recognized me from somewhere. He thought.
That night he was unable to sleep. Ever since the proposal he was tortured by his thoughts in the night. He used to be in command of every situation in life. Lately with Georgiana, he thought he had no control of situations.
But now, in his own life, he seemed uncertain of his actions and future.
He had thought it a wise choice to come to Hertfordshire. He needed to keep his mind busy. He had a distinct hope of forgetting Elizabeth. But the reality was that everything about Hertfordshire reminded him more of her. He felt her presence everywhere. He could not explain the feeling. It made no sense to him.
Well aware that she was far away in Derbyshire, he felt so close to her. He did not want to engage himself in social gatherings. But the next day, Mr. Bingley was persistent in his request. He wanted Darcy to accompany him for the evening. Miss. Bingley was not interested. She hoped that Darcy would stay back in Netherfield. Darcy, was not entertained by spending the evening in the company of Miss Bingley at Netherfield.
He finally decided to go. Miss Bingley accompanied them, not wanting to miss any time spent with him.
They were the second to arrive for the gathering. His friend had already informed him that the Bennets were the closest friends of the Lucases.
As anticipated, the Bennets had been the first to arrive. Mary tried to be calm. She could not help it, but it was too much to contain. She was to spend time in the presence of the man, whom her sister loved deeply. She was still unaware of the proposal. She assumed that Darcy was here to assist his friend and nothing else. Jane had dressed immaculately for the evening, and she intended to impress Mr. Bingley. She openly declared that Mr. Bingley would propose to her anytime. Her mother hoped for the same. Mary had not discussed anything about the arrival of Darcy to her family. She was still worried that his visit may put Elizabeth's welfare in jeopardy.
The moment Mr. Bingley entered Lucas lodge with his friend and his sister, Sir Lucas hurried to welcome them.
Sir Lucas introduced the Bennets to Darcy. Darcy dreaded meeting new people and immediately spotted Mary amongst the sisters.
He saw how Jane smiled at Bingley and immediately took his side. Within ten minutes, he found her flirting with Mr. Bingley. He sighed internally. He had seen him fall for many pretentious young women before. He hoped his friend be sensible this time.
Darcy was introduced to many other families. Miss Bingley did not leave his side and constantly whispered sarcastic comments about the gathering.
Mary, on the other hand, was happy to see Mariah.
"Mary, I just learned Mr. Darcy is from Derbyshire. Isn't that where Lizzy…." Mariah started.
"Shh! Let us not discuss this here," Mary interrupted her.
"I understand. I am worried now."
"Nothing will happen. We have been able to safeguard this secret for so long. I am certain we can do the same."
None in the gathering suspected that the two young girls had kept such a secret so safe for many months.
Darcy was not interested in conversing with anyone. He found Mary glancing in his direction now and then. Her expression looked worried.
Once the music started, Mr. Bingley forced Darcy to dance.
"I am in no mood to dance, Bingley. You know I detest it."
"Oh! common now, Darcy. There are so many pretty girls waiting for a partner."
"They are better off sitting alone than dancing with me. Your partner seems to be waiting for you. Please go and enjoy her smiles."
"She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
"You have said this many times before," Darcy said and moved away to get some refreshments.
He found Mary standing near the coffee table. She was startled when she came face to face with Darcy.
Darcy did not know what to say to her.
Mary smiled faintly at him.
"Would you like some coffee, sir?" she asked, trying to sound unaffected.
Darcy hesitated, and Mary moved giving him room to get his cup.
"Thank you," he said.
"I hope Hertfordshire is to your liking," she said, gathering courage to speak to him.
"Yes, it is. It reminds me much of Derbyshire."
"I hope you have a pleasant stay."
"Thank you. I assume it will be short-lived. I would not say the same about my friend," he said, glancing towards Bingley and Jane dancing together.
Mary looked at Mr. Bingley too, and felt sad to see him with Jane. Darcy noticed her expression.
"I meant; he is delighted with Netherfield."
"It is indeed a beautiful property, sir. We are happy to see it occupied again."
Sir Lucas joined them.
"Well, Mr. Darcy, I hope you are enjoying the company of Mary. She is one of the wisest I know for her age," he said.
Mary looked embarrassed, and Darcy smiled at her, understanding that this was not the first time Sir Lucas had said something like this.
"Why do you not dance? Mr. Darcy?" he asked.
"I have no intention of dancing, sir. I do not enjoy it much."
"Oh! You must. You have so many pretty girls to choose from."
Darcy politely declined and excused himself. Mary could see the truth in her sister's description of him. He seemed proud and indifferent. But she saw a glimpse of his true self when he smiled at her.
I must write to Lizzy and ask her why he is here. She thought.
The rest of the evening passed swiftly. Darcy returned home tired. He wanted to leave Hertfordshire soon.
He was also worried about his friend. From his observation of Jane and Mr. Bingley, he was pretty certain that Mr. Bingley was falling for someone who did not have genuine feelings for him.
He hoped his friend's interest would be short lived as in several circumstances before. But, later that night, Mr. Bingley proved him wrong.
"I think I like Miss Bennet a lot."
"What?" Darcy asked with irritation.
"I know I have said this before, but she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I think I need to trust my heart and feelings from now on."
"I say you trust your instinct."
"I will. I love spending time with her, Darcy. She is so interested in knowing about me. She asked so much about my life in town."
I bet it was to know how many houses you own there. Darcy thought.
He went to sleep that night with the same turmoil he had felt since the proposal.
A few miles away in Longbourn, Mary sat down to write a letter directed to her beloved sister, with so many questions about Darcy's presence in Netherfield.