Dear readers: Please keep in mind that this story has 28 chapters and an epilogue. Once I've finished rewriting it, I'll leave it for two days and remove it from this site.
Chapter 24
Mr. Darcy awoke early, full of energy and feeling happier than ever, and he did not know how to explain those beautiful emotions. Even his valet was surprised to see him whistling and looking at himself repeatedly in the mirror.
Georgiana was also more animated; Elizabeth's visit and Mrs. Gardiner's advice gave her hope. Besides, her two guardians and her generous new friends had given her all the trust and affection she needed, and she did not want to fail them.
"Georgie, I shall visit Miss Elizabeth. Do you want to come with me?" Mr. Darcy asked tentatively. He wanted his sister to leave the house but also to ask her for a favor.
"Of course, dear brother," Georgiana replied. She noted that Mr. Darcy had said he would visit Miss Elizabeth rather than the whole family.
Mr. Darcy took a sip of coffee and explained. "I want to ask you a favor." Then, seeing his sister's puzzled face, he continued. "I wish to speak for a moment in private with Miss Elizabeth, and I want you to ..."
"Do you want me to take care of Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiners for a moment so you can speak with her alone?" Georgiana asked, but she answered herself. "Do not worry, I shall do it."
"You must be wondering what my intentions are..."
"You have read my mind, William," Georgiana replied, smiling.
Mr. Darcy told Georgiana part of his story with Elizabeth: how he had long admired her and all the mistakes he made when he met her. Georgiana said she was happy for him and liked Miss Elizabeth very much. Georgiana could not wait for the day when she could call her friend Lizzy, sister.
"I wish you all the fortune in the world, dear brother. And I promise I shall help in any way I can."
"Thank you, Georgie."
After breakfast, Mr. Darcy went to his office to review the day's correspondence and work on some unfinished business. For her part, Georgiana went to practice some piano pieces she was preparing for the dinner in honor of the Gardiners. The Darcys would go to Cheapside when the time was right for a social call.
Unfortunately, the Earl and Countess Matlock arrived at the house without invitation. The Countess slipped into the music room to speak with Georgiana because she was curious to learn more about her accident and Mr. Darcy's activities in the last few days.
"Dear Georgiana, how good to see you recovered. Let me see how you look, my dear." Lady Matlock walked over to Georgiana and inspected her appearance. She could see her niece had some minor marks on her face, but there was not enough evidence of the accident to know what had happened and why there was so much secrecy about the subject.
Georgiana stopped playing the piano instantly and became very nervous when she saw her Aunt looking questioningly at her. She knew the Countess was cold and rather gossipy, so she was terrified she would start questioning her. "Hello, Aunt," was the only thing she dared say.
The butler, who knew the Countess well, alerted Mr. Darcy about the arrival of his aunt and uncle. He informed his Master that Lord Matlock was waiting for him in the drawing room and warned him that Lady Matlock had gone directly to the music room to speak with Georgiana. Mr. Darcy immediately intervened and did not allow his Aunt to bother her. The first thing he saw was his sister, who was very nervous but answered the countess' questions as best she could.
"Aunt, Georgiana, please accompany me to the drawing-room where my uncle is waiting for us," said Mr. Darcy, interrupting his Aunt's inquiry.
Georgiana was relieved, took her brother's arm, and did not separate from him for the rest of the Matlocks' visit. The Countess insisted they come to her house for dinner because she planned to invite the Daniels. However, Mr. Darcy explained that he had other commitments and was busy for the next three weeks. The Earl tried to get Mr. Darcy to lend him money to make some investments, but his nephew told him that he had already lent him a considerable amount of money that he had yet to pay back.
The Matlocks extended their visit for a longer time than was prudent, and although Mr. Darcy told them on more than one occasion that he had other commitments, they ignored him. They were determined to get what they were looking for.
The visit was becoming unbearable for Georgiana and Mr. Darcy, but the Countess was unwilling to give in, so she decided to try again. "Darcy, how about you invite us to dinner at this wonderful house the day after tomorrow? Since you are busy, we can dine together, and I shall invite the Daniels."
"I already told you, Aunt, I have other commitments in the next few days."
"What could be more important than spending time with your family? I hope you do not continue to be determined to interact with people who only want to take advantage of you. And do not worry about anything because I shall be your hostess. Tomorrow, I shall come to speak with your housekeeper and coordinate everything," the Countess explained without even waiting for a response from her nephew.
"Aunt, I shall ask you not to insist on meddling in my affairs. I am independent and make my own decisions based on what I consider appropriate for my sister and me." Mr. Darcy was furious, and after almost three hours, he managed to get his aunt and uncle to leave.
Unfortunately, Georgiana had a severe headache after so much tension, and she told her brother that she could not accompany him. "I am sorry, brother, but I want to rest. I wish you luck with Miss Elizabeth."
"It is a bit late, and I do not think it is the right time to make a social call. I think it will be better if we go tomorrow. I need you to accompany me to ensure I can talk to her privately. I remember that she told me that she was also free tomorrow." Mr. Darcy was furious because his aunt insisted on intervening in his life. He thought it was better to speak with Elizabeth when he was calmer because his future depended on that conversation.
So he spent the rest of the afternoon locked in his study, sorting Pemberley matters so he could have the following day entirely to resolve personal affairs.
P&P
Elizabeth waited for Mr. Darcy for almost two hours but had already resigned herself to the fact that he would not come as promised. She did not know why she was so disappointed if she knew that something unexpected had probably happened and that he would come to visit her the following day.
Jane, Luke, and Adam had gone to visit the greenhouse next to the park with Emily and Peter to see exotic plants and flowers, but Elizabeth declined the invitation because she thought Mr. Darcy would come. So she stayed with Mrs. Gardiner and Betty, who was not yet fully recovered.
But instead of Mr. Darcy, it was Albert who arrived at Cheapside. After politely greeting everyone, he gave Betty a present he had bought especially for her. "I knew you were a little ill, my dear Betty, and I brought you this book that your Mama can read for you." Betty was excited to see the book, which included drawings, and asked her mother to read some pages. First, Mrs. Gardiner thanked him for his gesture. Then, she sat her daughter on her lap while reading to her little girl.
Mr. Reed took advantage of the opportunity to sit beside Elizabeth and converse with her. Elizabeth was pleased to see that Albert was not so distant because the last week, in the three times they saw each other, he avoided her as if he was angry with her.
Albert was nervous. He did not know how to approach the subject he wanted to discuss. At first, he told Elizabeth about the book he bought for Betty. Elizabeth listened and was interested until he decided to ask her a question to clarify the situation. "What have you done the last few days, Miss Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth noticed Albert tense, but she did not quite understand why. "I have helped my Aunt with Betty, and yesterday we visited Miss Darcy," Elizabeth explained.
"I see ... and how is Miss Darcy?" Albert asked, visibly uncomfortable.
"She is much better, almost completely recovered," Elizabeth replied, concerned about her friend's change in behavior. Something was wrong with him, and she wished to know what was afflicting him. "Mr. Reed, excuse me, but is there anything wrong?"
"No, I do not know... Well, I think... I need to tell you something that I did and that, after much reflection, I realized was wrong. I made a huge mistake, Miss Elizabeth." After giving the matter some thought, Albert gave her a brief explanation about his meeting with Mr. Darcy without including some details. "I know I acted out of place; I am aware of it. But I was worried about you; after seeing how that man treated you that day, I wanted to let him know that you were my friend and would not allow him to disrespect you."
Elizabeth listened carefully and asked Albert. "Do you not think you should have talked to me first and considered my opinion before speaking on my behalf? And what did you exactly tell Mr. Darcy?"
"I... I told him that ... well, that we had a close friendship, and for that reason, I asked him not to approach you. But I see you and Darcy have resolved your conflicts, and I suppose my protection is unnecessary," Albert explained, very tense.
Elizabeth was puzzled. Undoubtedly, Mr. Reed had taken attributions that did not correspond to him, but the situation was not serious, so she could not understand why he was so nervous. "Well, I know you did it with good intentions, so I appreciate it. But next time, I would rather you discuss your concerns with me first."
"Of course, but I was carried away by my anger. I still remember the way Darcy treated you that time, and I guess I acted thinking only of that moment. That is why I am sincerely apologizing to you." Albert noticed that Elizabeth was a bit upset, and he begged that she would not ask any more questions. He did not want to have to confess what he had truly said.
"Mr. Reed, I know you are a good man, and I can see that your interest in my family and me is sincere, which is why I consider you a friend. But I have realized that there is a kind of eternal rivalry between you and Mr. Darcy, and I do not want to be in the middle of it." Elizabeth saw Albert's astonished face and knew that her words had indeed affected him.
"I understand, Miss Elizabeth, and thank you for listening." Albert felt very uncomfortable with what Elizabeth told him, but he did not have much time to think because Jane, the Gardiner children, and the Daniels arrived just then.
P&P
Emily was happy because Luke and Adam had made her laugh. She had kept the children next to her to give Jane and Peter time to talk.
"Miss Daniels, do you like to run? I run faster than my cousin Lizzy," Luke proudly explained to the friendly young lady.
"And if you run faster than Lizzy, why does she always win against you?" Adam asked, annoyed when he saw how his brother flaunted in front of Miss Daniels.
"I let her win, Adam. I am a gentleman, so I want my cousin to be happy," Luke replied angrily.
"You, a gentleman? Puff, you are a boy just like me! And Miss Daniels knows it, so stop lying, Luke," laughed Adam.
Emily had to intervene to prevent the children from arguing further. "Dear Luke, you will be a gentleman in a few more years and win every race against your cousin, so you just have to be patient."
"I suppose," replied Luke resigned.
Emily took the children to see a collection of exotic flowers while Jane and Peter followed closely behind.
Peter was a bit nervous because he had never courted any woman and did not wish to give Miss Bennet the impression that his intentions were not serious. "Your uncle told me you will return to Hertfordshire in a few weeks."
"Yes, it is time to return to my family," said Jane. "But I take with me wonderful memories. I have met many people I shall always carry in my heart and with whom I hope to continue being friends, as with your sister."
"Just my sister?" Peter asked impulsively. But seeing how Jane blushed, he wanted to clarify, "Well, I imagine you have met other friends. I do not know; maybe I can be among them."
"Of course you are. You are among those special friends I shall never forget," Jane excitedly replied. Mr. Daniels had won her admiration with his affable but determined character.
After a few hours in the greenhouse, they returned to Cheapside to drop off Jane and the children. Emily was happy, but all her joy was over when she entered the drawing room and saw Albert talking almost privately with Elizabeth. Days ago, she thought they had deepened their connection, but now she realized he was still interested in Elizabeth Bennet.
"Did you enjoy the afternoon?" Mrs. Gardiner asked the newcomers.
"Yes, aunt. I saw a lot of new plants and flowers," and looking at Peter, she added. "Also, Mr. Daniels knows so much about plants, and I learned a lot from him," Jane explained excitedly.
Mrs. Gardiner saw the knowing look between Jane and Peter and was genuinely delighted. Jane needed a gentle and friendly man who was also mature and knew very well what he wanted, like Peter.
Albert greeted his friends and tried asking Miss Daniels a few questions. The last time they had seen each other, they had an exciting conversation, and he thought there was some degree of friendship between them by now. But she hardly spoke to him, transforming back into the withdrawn girl he met so many years ago.
After having tea and chatting for half an hour, all the visitors left, and Elizabeth and Jane went to the bedroom to change clothes for dinner.
"Lizzy, I want to tell you something, but I do not want you to tease me about it," Jane said sheepishly.
"If you will tell me that you like Mr. Daniels, do not waste your time because I already noticed," Elizabeth said with a laugh.
Jane blushed, but she confirmed to her sister what she sensed. "He is so kind and considerate. He also treats me as if I were someone special. But, Lizzy, I fear that everything will not work like with Mr. Bingley."
"Do not worry ahead of yourself, Jane. For the moment, enjoy his company. We only have a few weeks left here. So give him the benefit of the doubt, and do not assume that every man is like Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth explained.
"You are right, dear sister. I do not want to be sad and depressed again. But, you know, Lizzy, I never realized how important it was to converse honestly with a gentleman. They see life very differently. With Mr. Bingley, we only talked about trivial matters; he was certainly amusing with many anecdotes. But how often can one listen to an anecdote without getting bored?" Jane asked, reflecting.
Also, Jane told Elizabeth about everything they had done that afternoon and how Peter looked at her with longing eyes. Finally, before going to the dining room, she asked her sister. "Lizzy, I know you only like Mr. Reed as a friend, but what about Mr. Darcy?"
Elizabeth got very nervous and answered, jesting, "He and I are destined to argue and disagree on everything. So, the fact we are a little bit more friendly to each other is a great accomplishment. Now, I believe it is time to go to dinner."
Elizabeth changed the subject because she did not want to think about what she felt for Mr. Darcy. Jane understood and knew that when her sister felt challenged, she became uncomfortable and more stubborn. "Yes, let us go have dinner."
P&P
Lady Catherine was furious and paced frantically, reading and rereading his nephew's letter. "I shall not allow you to avoid your duty, Darcy. Whether you want it or not, you will come to Rosings, and finally, we shall set your wedding date," said Lady Catherine angrily.
When Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson came into the room, she immediately complained and said many things neither woman understood until she ended her solitary ranting. "Anne, Darcy says he will not be coming this year because Georgiana has been ill and does not want to leave her alone. Imagine he will send his steward to inspect everything at Rosings. I know you must be devastated…" said Lady Catherine, out of breath.
'The truth is that I am happy, mother. You do not know how uncomfortable you made me feel when you speak about the supposed engagement in front of Darcy. Also, I do not know if you noticed, but he completely ignores me when he is here,' Anne thought, but she only dared to reply, "Yes, mother."
"Yes, mother? Is that your only response to such devastating news? Lady Catherine cried.
Anne was sad because her beloved Herbert had left a few days ago, and she missed him very much, but she had an idea and decided to see if it would work. "Well, if I were not feeling so ill, I would accompany you to London so you could tell Darcy about the pain his new plans give us and force him to do his duties. But I know you do not like to leave me alone, although I am willing to sacrifice myself and stay here so that you can do what you must, Mother."
Lady Catherine thought for a few seconds and suddenly answered. "You are correct, Anne. And I am glad you are willing to sacrifice for what is right. But I am not surprised because you have inherited not only my intelligence but also my good judgment ..."
Lady Catherine continued saying everything she would do while Anne planned her trip to London. She would send a message to Herbert first thing in the morning, and the moment her mother left for London, she would too. Mrs. Jenkinson supported her in everything; she also wanted to be free from the unbearable Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
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Georgiana took a nap and was feeling much better. Since her brother had gone to the club for a few hours, she took the opportunity to practice the piano. She was so focused on the music that she reacted with a frightened scream when someone touched her shoulder.
"Georgie, is that the way to welcome your favorite cousin?" said the Colonel, laughing.
"Richard, do not scare me like that! I thought you were in your regiment doing your duty," Georgiana replied merrily.
"I always do my duty, young lady," the Colonel said, explaining to his cousin that he would have the next three weeks off before traveling north for several months.
Georgiana told him about her parents' visit, and Richard promised to talk to them. He knew a few secrets from his mother and father, and he knew well how to keep them at bay.
"Georgie, I have to go to Lady Grace's house to apologize because I had to leave her social gathering the other day to get something that belonged to you. So you owe me that!" Richard wanted to get his cousin out of the house, and visiting someone like Lady Grace would be an excellent way to start.
"Alright, Richard. Give me twenty minutes to change into a more appropriate outfit. Ask Mrs. Miller to inform my brother I shall be with you. I do not want him to get concerned because I am not at home."
P&P
Lady Grace chatted for almost an hour with Sarah, telling her about her experience with her late husband and how her father used her to obtain money and power. "Sarah, my dear, I have known your father for a long time and know he is not immoral. Allow me to talk to him and offer my assistance, but please do not let him use you as a bargaining chip. You are a clever girl, and I sincerely wish to help you."
"Thank you, Lady Grace. It is just that I love my father very much, and it hurts to see him suffer because he has no money," Sarah explained.
"Your father has squandered his entire fortune, and you cannot pay the cost. I know he wants to do business, and I shall help him, but he must understand that he will have to live with the bare minimum for several years. No more big balls and social gatherings to be considered the leader of the Ton. How many of those people who attended his big balls have helped him now that he needs it?"
Sarah could not refute what Lady Grace said. She knew it was true and also understood that they did not have many alternatives. She was the only one who wanted to help them and was willing to accept her help. "I shall talk to my father; thank you very much for everything, my Lady."
Just as Lady Grace was pouring tea, Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived. "My dear Lady Grace, thank you for receiving us. Excuse the inappropriateness of the time, but I did not want to let another second pass without apologizing for leaving without saying goodbye at your social gathering. I did listen to your concert, and, like always, it was wonderful," Richard said sincerely.
"My dear Colonel, please do not worry. I know you are a busy man," said Lady Grace kindly.
Georgiana greeted Lady Grace, and she introduced them to Sarah and invited them to sit. Richard told her he had an emergency that day and had been away from London for a few days on military duty.
Lady Grace accepted his apology and asked Richard some questions about the current relations between England and France. They had an exciting conversation, and Sarah and Richard argued passionately on various topics.
"I am surprised, Miss Wilson, that you know so much about military strategy," Richard said. He had seen Sarah on many occasions and had admired her beauty, but he always considered her cold and superficial. He never thought she was such a knowledgeable woman. He knew that his brother had tried to court her but that she had shown no interest in him. Now that he knew her better, he understood why.
"It is one of my father's favorite topics, and everything he reads, I read. We have met on a few occasions and only in ballrooms. Did you expect me to talk about these issues while dancing?" Sarah asked defiantly.
"Why not?" Richard asked, smiling.
"Because no one would have wanted to dance with me," she replied. "Men are not impressed by women who talk about wars, history, or business."
"Could it not be that maybe you like to dance with men who prefer women who do not enjoy profound conversations?" Richard asked, enjoying seeing how Sarah seemed to think about his question.
"At the next ball we meet, I shall approach you to discuss geopolitics," Sarah replied with a laugh.
"And I shall ask you to dance the moment you do," Richard added.
Lady Grace and Georgiana were entertained watching Sarah and Richard chat animatedly, and they only intervened a few times because they did not wish to interrupt them.
P&P
Mrs. Bennet argued with Mr. Bennet because she wanted him to order Elizabeth to return to Longbourn. She thought only Jane should stay in London until the end of the season. But he had been adamantly opposed; he knew Elizabeth was well in London and sensed something important was happening to her from what he could read in her letters.
"Mr. Bennet, you have no mercy on my poor nerves. I shall nap in my bedroom, but I do not think I can sleep with all the problems plaguing my mind," said Mrs. Bennet, pretending she was crying.
"You do not know how sorry I am, my dear," Mr. Bennet replied without looking up from his book.
Mrs. Bennet kept complaining and protesting how unfair everyone was to her while going up the stairs. She was so focused on her complaints that just before she reached the top of the stairs, she got caught in a lace that Lydia had thrown there, and she fell heavily down the stairs."
P&P
Jane and Elizabeth had put on their nightgowns and were ready to go to bed when they heard a knock on the front door. In a few minutes, Mrs. Gardiner entered their room and told them in a cracking voice. "My dear nieces, your mother had an accident, and apparently, it was serious."
P&P
Many thanks to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
In the next chapter, Jane and Elizabeth must travel urgently to Hertfordshire.
Saludos,
Yo