Page 9

Driven by his heart’s desire and longing, Darcy travelled to Hertfordshire with Georgiana in the middle of May, a fortnight before the wedding. Colonel Fitzwilliam and his brother, the viscount, were expected a week later, together with the Gardiners.

They arrived at Netherfield in the afternoon, and immediately Bingley took them to Longbourn. While waiting in front of the door, feeling as nervous as a schoolboy, Darcy realised he had never been to the house before, nor had he taken the trouble to at least speak to Mr Bennet.

Their impromptu arrival surprised the family, and they were received with polite yet reluctant civility. To Darcy, the only thing that mattered was Elizabeth’s slight blush and the smile that brightened her face and her eyes.

Very soon, it became obvious that the Bennets’ distant politeness was caused by him, not by Georgiana. His sister, timid at first, was gently engaged in conversation by Elizabeth and Jane; then Mrs Bennet declared her exceedingly pretty but too thin and ordered refreshments. Surrounded by young women of her own age, Georgiana slowly overcame her usual restraint. From his sister’s side, Elizabeth gazed at him, her look warm and reassuring.

“Mr Darcy, what a lovely surprise that you called on us so soon after your arrival,” Mr Bennet said.

“Thank you, sir. I am delighted to be here, though I should apologise for our unannounced visit.”

“Not at all. You are most welcome. I trust you will indulge me with a conversation that does not include lace, gowns, reticules, or shoes.”

“I shall certainly do my best, sir,” he answered, suddenly realising whom Elizabeth had inherited her the sense of humour from.

“Then let us go to the library. It will be quieter and more peaceful. We should leave Mr Bingley with the ladies, though. He is always impatient when he is separated from Jane.”

Darcy nodded, and the two of them entered the library, closing the door. The room was small but neat and comfortable. Mr Bennet poured each of them a drink, and they sat.

“It is a pleasure to finally speak to you, Mr Darcy. I cannot remember whether we spoke when you were last at Netherfield.”

“Probably not. That was my fault, and I cannot apologise enough.”

“No need. My brother and sister Gardiner speak highly of you.”

“I am flattered to hear that.”

“And Mr Bingley praises you at least ten times a day.”

“Bingley is a loyal friend,” Darcy said.

“Elizabeth speaks highly of you too, which is rather astonishing. I know the two of you have never been friends.”

Darcy cleared his throat, shocked by the direct approach.

“I had the good fortune to see Miss Elizabeth several times in the last few months, and I tried to improve her opinion of me.”

“Well, I dare say you succeeded. Your opinion of our family must have improved too since you took the trouble to call on us the moment you arrived at Netherfield. Such attentions cannot be meaningless from a gentleman like you.”

Darcy took a deep breath. “Mr Bennet, during my previous stay at Netherfield, my judgment was at fault and my opinion altered by pride and arrogance. I apologise if my manners caused harm or offended you. Since then, I hope I have learnt my lesson.”

“It is refreshing — and very rare — to hear a man apologise, especially when he is not forced to do so. Let us drink to men with strong character and honour,” Mr Bennet suggested.

Darcy did so, but his host continued. “Rumour has it that we have you to thank for ridding us of that scoundrel Wickham. He had debts to every shop owner in Meryton, and word is that you paid them.”

“Rumours are like the wind, Mr Bennet. Let them blow themselves away. Debts of honour must be paid. You have an excellent brandy, sir,” he added, changing the subject.

“Would you like another glass?” Mr Bennet offered.

“Yes please.”

“I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you again during your stay at Netherfield, Mr Darcy.”

“You certainly will if it depends on me, Mr Bennet.”

***

On each of the following three days, the Netherfield party called at Longbourn; while Georgiana enjoyed conversing and playing the pianoforte with the Bennet sisters, Darcy spent most of his time with Mr Bennet.

On the fourth day, the lovely warm weather enticed them out of doors for a stroll.

The groups quickly formed, with Bingley and his betrothed arm in arm and the younger girls ahead of them. At first, Darcy walked by himself, then Elizabeth adjusted her pace to walk by his side.

After a few moments of silence, he asked, “Could this be the proper time and place to continue our conversation?”

“I doubt we could find a better one,” Elizabeth replied.

“Should we talk about regrets of the past?” he whispered. “Or about the present and perhaps the future?”

“My philosophy is to remember the past only as it gives you pleasure. I find no pleasure in my past errors or my foolishness.”

“That philosophy is very convenient to me, Miss Elizabeth, but I cannot so easily dismiss my past mistakes.”

“From my part, you have remedied most of them, Mr Darcy. Perhaps you blame yourself too much. In regard to our relationship, my share of the blame is at least as great as yours.”

“Miss Elizabeth, there is something I must ask you. When we last spoke in London, you mentioned that you regretted your refusal. Is that true?”

Her expression changed immediately.

“Forgive me if my question was improper. One word from you will silence me forever on this subject.”

“I do not wish you to be silent, Mr Darcy. Quite the opposite. I did not regret refusing your marriage proposal, merely the manner in which I did it,” she said, and he felt his heart stop. “At that time, my feelings for you were far from what they should have been. If I had accepted you then, it would have been for the wrong reasons. The strength of your affection, which you confessed to me that day, deserved to be cherished and returned. Instead, I was spiteful, prejudiced, and bitter.”

They continued to walk in silence, as if neither knew how to continue.

“You keep referring to the past, Miss Elizabeth. So I must ask about the present. You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are what they were in April, please just let me know. If you are not certain of them, I am willing to be patient. I know it would be worth waiting for as long as necessary.”

Elizabeth stopped, and he did the same. She turned to face him, then said, her voice trembling and her eyes smiling, “I greatly anticipate going to Pemberley, Mr Darcy. Either as your guest, your friend, or something more…”

He continued to stare at her, incredulous and lost for words, overwhelmed by emotions he had never felt before.

He gently took her hands in his, waiting for a sign of opposition that did not come. They were in full view of their sisters and the entire house, but neither of them cared.

“Miss Elizabeth, is this…? Have you just answered my question before I have asked it? Is this an acceptance of the marriage proposal that I have not dared repeat?”

“It is, Mr Darcy. Now you may either be pleased with my unladylike behaviour or despise me forever.” Their eyes were locked, and she continued smiling, her cheeks red and her eyes tearful, while he brought her hands to his lips and pressed a kiss on each.

“Then let me ask this, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth. Would you like to receive your family and friends at Pemberley as its mistress?”

She nodded, and a tear fell down her face. Then she released one of her hands, caressed his cheek, and lifted herself onto her toes to press a short, gentle kiss on his lips.

He held his breath, his body and heart overwhelmed by the blissful heat growing inside him. And then a choir of cries of joy burst from the garden as well as from the house, Mrs Bennet’s voice mixing with her daughters’. Elizabeth laughed while tears ran freely down her cheeks, and Darcy kissed her hands again.