Chapter 9

"Miss Bingley, I sincerely thank you for your interest, but I want to be very emphatic in saying that you have no reason to be worried." Mr. Darcy remained very serious; he did not wish to say anything unnecessary.

"I do not think you understand the gravity of the situation, Mr. Darcy. You and your sister are very kind, and there are very evil people in this world. I hope you have not forgotten how Eliza's mother did everything she could to force my brother to spend time with Jane. I know you think Eliza, with her impertinent comments, can be amusing, and I do not understand why. However, you do not realize how dangerous she is to a gentleman like you. Please, Mr. Darcy, hear what I am saying. I advise you to stay as far away from that woman and her family as possible and not allow her to be near your sister."

"Is that all you wanted to tell me, Miss Bingley?"

"Mr. Darcy, one day, you helped my brother open his eyes and realize that Jane Bennet had no feelings for him. Well, now it is my duty to do the same for you. That woman will do everything in her power to make you believe that she is interested in you, but I assure you that all she wants is access to all of this…"

"Enough, Miss Bingley. I have listened patiently to everything you have told me, and it is unnecessary to keep repeating the same."

"Excuse me, Mr. Darcy. I thought you were not taking my concerns seriously. For that reason, I considered it necessary to provide more evidence so that you understood the danger you are in."

"Understand. Now, if you will excuse me, I will have breakfast. I have something important to do in a few more hours in Lambton."

"You are correct, Mr. Darcy. We should go to breakfast and forget about this conversation. If you do not mind, could Louisa and I travel with you to Lambton? We need to buy some things…" Caroline was convinced that Mr. Darcy had taken her warnings seriously and was not planning to continue his absurd friendship with Eliza and her vulgar uncle and aunt.

"I am sorry, but I will ride. If you need something urgently, talk to Mr. Johnson. He can arrange a carriage for you and your sister." Mr. Darcy wanted to end this conversation without having to explain, but Caroline insisted, and he was about to lose patience.

Mr. Darcy invited Caroline to accompany him to the dining room, and as they walked, she happily chatted about how beautiful Pemberley was and how much she liked spending time there.

"Mr. Darcy, what time do you plan to return? Louisa and I look forward to walking around the garden and asking you some questions about the plants and flowers grown there. You know so much about all those things…"

"I am sorry, Miss Bingley, but I do not know how long it will take me to do what I must do. If you want to know more about the flowers and plants, talk to Mr. Johnson, and he can ask the gardener to give you a tour of the garden and explain everything you want to know." Fortunately, they were already reaching the dining room, and he would no longer have to endure Caroline's dull conversation.

"Excuse me, sir, but what is that important thing you have to do? A gentleman with so much influence in this area must always be busy with business and similar matters.

"It is something personal, Miss Bingley," replied Mr. Darcy with a cynical smile.

"I see. And is it private or something you can share with a good friend?" Caroline asked with a flirtatious smile. She thought Mr. Darcy was pleased to share his private affairs with her.

"It is not private, Miss Bingley. I will go to Lambton because I want to accompany Miss Elizabeth Bennet on her morning walk and converse with her about some matters very important to me," replied Mr. Darcy.

"Sir… I thought…" Caroline felt like a fool and did not know if she hated Elizabeth or Mr. Darcy more.

"Miss Bingley, please," said Mr. Darcy, bowing as he reached the dining room door. He had to hold back a laugh when he saw Caroline's face.

The rest of the Bingley family and Georgiana were in the dining room. Mr. Darcy sat and began to talk with his friend and his sister, satisfied that he had put Caroline in her place without having to give her any explanations.

For her part, Caroline did not say a word while she ate breakfast. She was consumed with rage and disappointment and kept thinking that Mr. Darcy would ruin his life because of that woman, and she would be satisfied knowing she had warned him.

P&P

"Uncle Francis, I want to be Captain of my own ship, just like you, and I want to sail the seas too," said little Ralph.

"Excellent, my dear Ralph. But before you consider joining the Royal Navy, you must finish school. When you are eighteen or older, you can begin your naval career," Francis explained.

"But you started sailing as a child; why must I wait?" Ralph asked, offended.

Francis smiled and took his nephew's hand. He could not explain that when he started sailing, he was a child with no family, and no one would miss him. "Ralph, I do not think you would want to be away from your mother, father, and siblings for a whole year."

The boy thought for several seconds and said, a little concerned, "No, I love my Mama and Papa very much, but Sarah always tells me I have big ears. I would not mind not seeing her for a whole year."

Francis started laughing and hugged his nephew. "Do not pay attention to my niece, Sarah; your ears are normal."

"Ralph, go to the kitchen; there are freshly baked oatmeal biscuits. We shall be leaving in a few more minutes, and I want to talk to my brother," Joseph said. "I am sorry, Francis, but when Ralph learned you were here, he begged me to bring him. He wanted to see his favorite uncle. Every time a letter from you arrives, he is so happy."

"Do not worry, Joseph; I enjoyed speaking with him. He is a pleasant boy."

"Francis, I came to see you to invite you to spend a day with my family. Jonathan and Sarah want to see you even though they almost do not remember you. They have not seen you in more than five years."

"Tomorrow, I have the day off. I can go to your house and spend the afternoon with the children."

"Perfect, dear brother. We will be waiting for you."

Joseph was twelve years old when Francis was born. They never had the opportunity to live together and hardly knew each other. But when Francis was twenty, they had the chance to spend a weekend together at their father's house and corresponded from that day on. Although they were not friends, they maintained a cordial relationship and considered each other family.

Joseph was a good man, a good husband, and a good father. But he had no special talent and was rather timid. For that reason, his father constantly criticized him and compared him to his youngest son, a successful naval officer who had made his own future and had been decorated for his courage and contribution to the kingdom.

While the brothers shared amicably, Lord Evans spent the entire morning at the club talking to all his contacts. He wanted to help his son and somehow earn his forgiveness.

"Francis, I have excellent news for you," said Lord Evans, entering the room. "Joseph, what are you doing here?"

"Hello father, I came to invite my brother to my house, and I brought Ralph. He wanted to see his uncle."

"I am glad Francis has the opportunity to spend time with your family, Joseph. It is good for the boy to spend time with a man he can admire," Lord Evan said.

Francis was upset by his father's comment, but when he saw his brother smiling, he knew he did not care. Joseph once told him he was happy with a wonderful family and that nothing his father said could ruin everything he had. Francis understood this now more than ever. If he could start a family with Jane, nothing could ruin his happiness.

"Joseph, I have something important to discuss with Francis," said Lord Evans.

"Father, you can tell me whatever you want in front of Joseph. Brother, I want to buy an estate," Francis explained. He did not like the way his father ignored his brother.

"Do not worry, Francis. It is time for Ralph and me to go home," Joseph said. He knew his father well and did not mind. He knew Lord Evans wanted to reconnect with his son and did not want to part without knowing he had forgiven him.

After Joseph and his son said goodbye, Lord Evans asked his son to accompany him to his study to tell him the excellent news he had. He told him that his solicitor informed him that Mr. Newland had a property that he wanted to sell as soon as possible and that he was expecting them at his house the next day to discuss the matter.

"It is a property that Newland inherited from an aunt and that he has no time or inclination to manage. In recent years, he has rented the property to potential buyers, but none have been interested in buying it. "Newland is my age, and his son would rather inherit money to invest in the family estate than invest in more land that he will not have time to manage. What do you think of my news, son?"

"It is a good possibility, father. I would like to have the opportunity to see the place before making any decision."

"Of course, son. At this time, the estate is leased to the son of a rich merchant who wants to become a gentleman and have his own land. But Newland is sure he is not interested in buying it because he abandoned the estate and has not heard from him. Are you interested?"

"Yes, it seems like an excellent opportunity, but before giving a definitive answer, I would like to know a little more about the property."

"Of course, son. For that reason, I asked Newland to meet with us tomorrow. He will show you the plans of Netherfield and tell you a little more about the land and the community where it is located."

"That is excellent, father. I thank you very much for helping me with all this," Francis said, sincerely grateful.

"If you like the property, my son, I promise you that I shall do everything in my power to make it yours as soon as possible." Lord Evans approached his son and hugged him. The purchase of that estate will allow him to be closer to his son and eventually accept him as his father.

For his part, Francis was eager to learn more about Netherfield. If the estate were near Longbourn, he would immediately travel to Hertfordshire. He would have the perfect excuse to visit Mr. Bennet and see his dear Jane. He knew he only had a few months to get her to accept him and try to win her love.

P&P

Elizabeth was crossing the bridge when she saw Mr. Darcy riding towards her. She was a little nervous because she did not know what to expect. Although she only remembered very little about her past interactions with Mr. Darcy, she felt that he was important in her life. She did not understand why she rejected his hand, but she assumed she must have had powerful reasons for doing so. Also, she found it very difficult for a person to change in such a short period of time, and she wondered if she should trust him so blindly.

"Miss Bennet, I am very pleased to see you," said Mr. Darcy and dismounted his horse. He was apprehensive but knew that he should not miss the new opportunity that life was giving him.

"I am glad to see you too, Mr. Darcy. Do you want to walk this path? I would really like to see those trees on the other side of the river."

"Of course, Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy excitedly. He asked a boy from the stable to care for his horse, offered his arm to Elizabeth, and they walked the path along the river.

Mr. Darcy attentively listened as Elizabeth told him what they would do that day and about the preparations to return to London in a few more days. "My aunt told me she wants me to spend a few days with them in London. My mother does not know about my memory problems, and sometimes she loses patience when I tell her I do not remember something," Elizabeth explained, smiling. Mrs Bennet pressured Elizabeth, and the doctor recommended calm and patience during her recovery.

"I understand, and I agree with Ms. Gardiner. You need peace and to feel safe to recover those memories still hidden in your mind."

"Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I can never remember those things that were erased from my memory."

"These are some passages in your life that you do not remember, Miss Bennet. Believe me, you will have the opportunity to replace them with other memories, which I hope are full of joy and pleasant experiences."

"I thank you very much for what you told me, Mr. Darcy. It helps me to think I shall have the opportunity to create new memories," Elizabeth said, smiling. She watched as the sun's rays illuminated the waters of the river and couldn't help but think about how beautiful that place was. But she could also not deny that walking with Mr. Darcy made her feel content and at peace.

"To be honest, Miss Bennet, I wish you could remember everything except my atrocious marriage proposal." Mr. Darcy stopped and looked at Elizabeth with longing eyes. "Miss Bennet, I would like to be recorded in your memories as the gentleman you met a few weeks ago at that inn."

Elizabeth could not help but smile when she saw him so serious. "Mr. Darcy, we all make mistakes; we all make mistakes because we are human, and it is human nature to err. But please, you must never forget that very few people do or are willing to change and admit that they have been wrong. The man I have met in these weeks is kind, considerate, and amiable; that is the only thing that matters now. My uncle and aunt also think you are very charming, and they are wise people, and they are rarely wrong."

"I agree with you. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are wise people, and I am honored to have met them. I consider them my friends," Mr. Darcy said sincerely. Then, he took Elizabeth's hand in his and said with a trembling voice, "Miss Bennet, all of this change, this new person I am today is thanks to you. You were the one who made me see how foolish and vain I was. I thought I would be admired and respected because of my fortune and social position. But I realized that people of worth like you demand much more. I realized that in order to earn the right to be your friend, I had to make an effort... Miss Bennet, I still admire and love you, I think even more than before... I, I would like to know if there is a possibility that you would accept..."

Elizabeth blushed and replied with great emotion, "Mr. Darcy, I feel delighted and honored, and I want to tell you that I... I feel something very strong for you, something that I do not know how to describe. But I feel I do not have the right to give you an answer. Mr. Darcy, there are things I do not remember and…"

"Miss Bennet, I do not mean to make you uncomfortable or pressure you. Knowing that you have feelings for me gives me hope. I just want to know if you could allow me to court you. I just want to have the opportunity to be close to you. I want you to know me better, and maybe one day you can accept my love and protection."

"I am happy to know that we may continue to see each other. I also want to know you better, Mr. Darcy. I enjoy our conversations… I accept," Elizabeth replied excitedly.

Mr. Darcy kissed Elizabeth's hand and caressed her cheek for a few seconds. He knew that they were in a public place and that he could not expose Elizabeth's reputation. Then, he offered his arm again, and they continued walking happily. Elizabeth felt her heartbeat every time Mr. Darcy looked and smiled at her. For his part, he was so happy that if he could, he would have taken Elizabeth to Gretna Green and made her his wife.

"My dear Elizabeth, do you not mind that I call you for your name when we are together and no one is present?"

"No, I like it when you call me by my name. If you want, you can call me Lizzy."

"I am sorry, but I really like your name, Elizabeth. My dear and beloved Elizabeth… You cannot imagine how many times I have said your name and thought of you," said Mr. Darcy, kissing the hand of the woman he loved.

"What should I call you? Fitzwilliam or Darcy? They both seem very formal to me."

"My friends call me Darcy, the men at the club… I would not want you to call me that. What do you think of William? That is the way my sister calls me."

"William… Yes, I like it. I shall call you William."

"Elizabeth, I would like to speak to your uncle. Now that I know you will spend time in London, I shall travel there with Georgiana. I want to know if I can visit you at your uncle's house and if he will allow it."

"Are you always like this, William?"

"How?"

"Do you always have everything thought out and planned?" Elizabeth asked with a curious look.

"Yes, I always try to do everything I can to get what I want, although it does not always work," Mr. Darcy replied with a flirtatious smile.

"I am very surprised to hear that, Mr. Darcy. For someone who plans everything, it must be quite a defeat not to get what you desire."

"I do not deny that it is difficult for me to accept failure, but it also makes me fight harder to get what I want, especially when I know that the final reward will be the greatest happiness I have ever felt or experienced."

Elizabeth felt short of breath. She knew he was talking about her, and that excited her in a way she could not control. She did not know how she would keep from throwing herself into his arms and asking him to kiss her and tell her that he loved her. They had been courting for half an hour, and she felt that her feelings for him were clouding her mind and not letting her think properly.

"It is an excellent idea for you to speak to my uncle, although I do not think you should talk to my father. It is better to leave that matter in the hands of my uncle; he will tell you what you should do."

"I agree. I shall do what Mr. Gardiner advises me to do. Now, my dear Elizabeth, let me inform you what Miss Bingley told me this morning."

Mr. Darcy related to Elizabeth about the incident with Caroline, and she was surprised by the woman's audacity.

"And what did you tell her?"

"I listened, thanked, and then told her I would come visit you."

"Indeed? And what did she say?"

"She was so impressed that she did not dare say anything else. I hope she understands that nothing she can say will separate me from you. You are the only one who can do that, my dear Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled and held Mr. Darcy's arm tighter. They both walked, chatting animatedly, towards the inn. They felt so much happiness that they did not notice how many looked at them with curious eyes. Everyone began to speculate that Pemberley would soon have a new mistress.

P&P

Francis took a deep breath, straightened his jacket, took off his hat, and knocked on the door. He had left the carriage his father lent him in the stable at the Meryton Inn and had ridden to Longbourn.

When the door opened, the butler ushered him in. He handed him his card and asked if he could speak to Mr. Bennet. Mr. Hill told him to wait and went to his master's office.

"Sir, a gentleman gave me this card and told me he wanted to speak with you."

"Hill, you should have said I was not home," Mr. Bennet said. He was busy reading a book that had arrived yesterday and did not want anyone to interrupt him.

"Do not worry, sir; I shall tell the gentleman you are busy now."

"Wait, give me that card." When Mr. Bennet saw the name, he was immediately content. "Hill, tell the Captain I shall be happy to receive him."

As Francis waited, he looked around curiously. The Bennet house was quite lovely, although it could not compare to his father's properties. Suddenly, he heard a melodious voice singing a sweet song. When he turned around, he saw his beautiful goddess, Jane, descending the stairs.

"Captain Coleman," Jane said, very surprised.

"Miss Bennet," Francis responded with a smile lighting up his face.

P&P

Thank you very much to everyone who leaves comments and enthusiastically follows the story.

In the next chapter, Francis will have the opportunity to get to know the Bennet family better and will find more than one surprise.

See you soon!

Saludos,

Yo