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In Gracechurch Street, the dinner at Mr Darcy’s house was still the main subject of conversation.

Elizabeth reflected on it often, wondering whether she was more thrilled or anxious about it.

Less than a month had passed since the dreadful marriage proposal, and she wondered how her opinion and her feelings could have changed so much in such a short time.

She also wondered why her opinion of him had been so ill in the first place since her uncle and aunt spoke so highly of him.

Her heart was pounding just thinking of him, and as much as she tried to keep her expectations under good regulation, there were still slim hopes that all his attention was meant for her.

He had certainly made amends for his errors, helping Mr Bingley reunite with Jane. Mr Darcy had the strength to admit his faults and remedy them.

Elizabeth had heard Lady Catherine and Mr Collins mention an engagement between Mr Darcy and Anne de Bourgh, but she knew it was not true.

If it had been, he would not have proposed to her at Rosings.

Was it possible that his feelings for her persisted?

Could such a man forget and forgive such a harsh rejection and the accusations that had accompanied it and propose a second time? Would any man be so generous?

There were still many things she did not know about Mr Darcy, but her limited knowledge suggested that, by his nature and education, he might be precisely the sort of man best suited to her.

They were different in every sense, but perhaps that would allow them to complete each other.

If only it was not too late for such reflections.

But, if he did not want a particular connection with her, why would he invite them to dine at his house?

He had already done enough to bring Mr Bingley back to Jane, so there was no need for further involvement on his part unless he wished it. Apparently, he did.

Two days after his first visit, Mr Bingley called again, this time alone.

Jane was delighted to see him, and Mrs Gardiner allowed them a little privacy in the drawing-room.

This time both the gentleman and the lady were more voluble, less distressed, and by the time Mr Bingley left, Jane was all smiles.

Mr Bingley surprised them again on the day of the dinner party when he called at Gracechurch Street as they were readying themselves for the evening.

“I have come to accompany you to Darcy’s house,” he said, confusing them all. “Darcy and the colonel have an unexpected engagement. They might not return until after we arrive, but Miss Darcy is there, expecting us.”

The statement caused utter puzzlement, and Elizabeth felt chills of worry.

“So, Mr Darcy is not at home? Did something happen?”

“Since we are all acquainted with the subject, I think I am allowed to speak of it. Mr Wickham is in town. Darcy and the colonel met with him last night, but I understand the scoundrel attempted extortion of some sort, and things…took a turn for the worse.”

“A turn for the worse? What do you mean?” Elizabeth asked, a shard of ice in her chest.

“Darcy would probably not want you to know — it is not a subject to discuss with ladies — but apparently he lost his temper and…”

“Mr Bingley, please speak plainly. We are truly worried,” Elizabeth said.

“Darcy lost his temper, and Wickham was the recipient of it.”

“I see… Well — I am sure Mr Darcy lost his temper for good reason,” Mr Gardiner replied. “From the little I know of the subject, I cannot blame him. If Mr Darcy is busy, perhaps it would be best if we postpone the dinner?”

“Oh no, that is precisely the reason why I am here. Everything is arranged, and you are expected,” he insisted.

“Very well, then,” Mrs Gardiner said. “I shall go and say goodbye to the children, then we may depart.”

“Will your sisters be attending the dinner?” Jane enquired.

“No,” Mr Bingley replied hastily. “It will be quite some time before Darcy issues an invitation to them and I allow them to accept it.”

“I see…” Jane whispered.

The encounter between Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham, although presented in a light tone, distressed Elizabeth.

She did not know Mr Wickham was in London and wondered about the gentlemen’s confrontation.

Why would Mr Darcy even meet that wretch if not to throw him in prison, as he deserved?

She was slightly reassured knowing the colonel was with him; otherwise, she expected the worst from the man she had once considered a friend.

While she fought all sorts of worries, she realised how important Mr Darcy’s well-being was to her and how it pained her to know he could be in danger.

Although still confused about her feelings, she had to admit they existed and seemed to be growing stronger every day.

For the whole of the ride across town, Elizabeth remained restless, with a tightness in her chest that remained till the moment they reached their destination.

In front of the house, Mr Bingley stepped down and handed the ladies out.

Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth observed the gentleman offer Jane his arm and her accept it; all signs indicated that, in regard to her sister and her admirer, there were no more reasons for concern.

They entered, and Elizabeth looked about, but she barely noticed anything. Her main interest was in the master, who apparently was still missing. Instead, Miss Darcy and an older lady welcomed them, and Mr Bingley performed the introductions.

Miss Darcy seemed very young, and she was exceedingly pretty. Her manners were restrained, and her timidity made her search for support from her companion, Mrs Annesley, but her little smile and gentle voice showed friendliness.

They all moved to the drawing-room, and the conversation was awkward for a few minutes until Mrs Gardiner mentioned Lambton and Pemberley — and Miss Darcy’s face brightened with obvious delight.

“I am so happy to finally meet you,” Miss Darcy declared. “My brother has spoken very highly of you.”

“It was a great privilege for us to meet Mr Darcy and now you,” Mrs Gardiner said.

The conversation continued for a while; Elizabeth glanced through the window at every sound of a carriage.

“Perhaps we should dine,” Miss Darcy said. “It is what my brother advised me to do if he was late. I shall ring the bell.”

“As you wish. We are happy to wait until the gentlemen return,” Mrs Gardiner answered.

“It might be rather late. We can begin now, and my brother and cousin will join us as soon as they arrive.”

They moved to the dining room, which was large and elegant, able to accommodate a large party.

The seven of them barely occupied a small part of the table.

The first course was served, but before they had filled their plates, the two gentlemen arrived, greeting the party with apparent good spirits.

They disappeared for a few minutes to refresh themselves, then returned and took their seats.

“We apologise for the delay,” Mr Darcy said. “It was an unexpected circumstance that interfered with our plans, and it could not be postponed.”

“Mr Bingley explained it to us briefly. I hope everything was resolved to your satisfaction,” Mr Gardiner replied.

“Mostly, yes. It is no secret — George Wickham has realised that the militia is not the career for him. Therefore, he asked my assistance to begin a new life, somewhere abroad. Preferably India. He intends to make this important move together with a fellow officer. A Mr Denny — I believe you know him — who has also suffered a change of heart and desires a change in career.”

He spoke in a light tone, choosing his words carefully, but Elizabeth understood his meaning perfectly. Mr Wickham and Mr Denny wished to escape from the regiment, and apparently Mr Darcy was willing to indulge them as long as their destination was the other side of the world.

“I trust you always make the best business decisions, Mr Darcy, and this peculiar situation is certainly no exception,” Mr Gardiner said.

“My decisions are not always the best, but in this case, I am confident it was the most convenient for all parties.”

“And now that is done, we may turn to more pleasant subjects, like this delicious food and the delightful company,” Colonel Fitzwilliam interjected.

Miss Darcy looked pale and distracted, keeping her eyes on her plate, though her brother glanced at her several times.

As everybody ate, Elizabeth’s eyes were drawn towards Mr Darcy’s hands. The back of his right one was dark and bruised, and he seemed to be moving it with some discomfort. Their eyes met in silent communication, and she blushed when a little smile appeared on his lips.

As the meal progressed, the conversation became more cheerful, and after the second course, they returned to the drawing-room together, with no separation of the sexes.

The discussion moved from one subject to another; only Miss Darcy remained silent, sitting close to her companion.

She was obviously struggling to entertain the guests, but to Elizabeth, the sadness in her pretty eyes was apparent, and she realised that Miss Darcy’s suffering was still far from healed.

When Mr Darcy rose to pour brandy for the gentlemen, Elizabeth boldly moved near him, filling her teacup.

“That injury looks quite nasty,” she whispered. “I assume it is painful too. I hope it was worth the discomfort.”

“There is some pain and some discomfort, but I admit it was absolutely worth it. Though I should be ashamed of myself. Any savage can use violence, but a gentleman should always keep his temper.”

“There are times when a savage act can be justified, even for an otherwise flawless gentleman,” Elizabeth replied, still in a low voice, while they gazed at each other from only inches apart.

“Your approval means a lot to me, Miss Bennet. I shall dare to admit that the strike injured my hand but was deeply satisfying.”

With their eyes still locked, she answered, “I am glad, Mr Darcy. It was deeply satisfying for me only hearing about it.”

His smile widened, and she felt her cheeks heating. Mr Bingley came to help Mr Darcy with the drinks, while Elizabeth took her cup and resumed her place.

Once the tension dissipated, the evening became warm and entertaining, filled with unrestrained discussion and jokes. Elizabeth did not speak much to Mr Darcy directly, but she was delighted and flattered by his friendly manners towards her relatives.

His glances gave her reason to believe that, even if her assumptions were not completely correct, they were not utterly wrong either.

Mr Darcy did not hate her, nor did he hold a grudge about her offensive and unfair rejection.

Several times he mentioned the possibility of visiting Netherfield soon, and that increased Elizabeth’s hopes that their relationship would not end when she left London.

During the evening, Elizabeth approached Miss Darcy too.

The girl seemed so sad, so withdrawn in her own thoughts, that Elizabeth’s heart ached for her.

She began a discussion about music, then theatre and opera and their mutual inclination for reading, and Miss Darcy’s bearing eased a little.

Mr Darcy watched them with his usual little smile that sent shivers down Elizabeth’s spine and kept her in a state of anxiety until the end of the party.

On their way back to Gracechurch Street, the Gardiners and Jane exchanged opinions with much animation, while Elizabeth said barely a word. She kept thinking of Mr Darcy and his bruised hand, wondering whether a gentle touch could bring him comfort.

***

Three days later, Elizabeth and Jane travelled back to Longbourn in Mr Bingley’s company and in his carriage with a maid for propriety.

The evening prior, Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had called for a final goodbye, conveying Miss Darcy’s warm wishes.

There was no time or opportunity for more than a few warm words of farewell, so Elizabeth left London with a burden of regret in her soul.

She had also arrived in London from Kent with her heart heavy, and that had been due to Mr Darcy as well.

But the weight pressing on her chest was utterly different now, as were her feelings for the man who had caused them.

The carriage had barely left town when Elizabeth began to feel a deep longing, as she had never experienced before, without knowing if or when it would be soothed.