Page 9 of Sketching Mr. Darcy
However, Elizabeth could not cease thinking of everything Charlotte had said about her being hasty and vain—and misjudging Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy based on her wounded or flattered feelings.
She also thought about Jane and knew that Charlotte was right.
Jane would not hesitate to put her family’s safety above her own feelings, and Elizabeth felt the guilt for placing the entire burden of a safe marriage on her sister’s shoulders.
She hoped that Mr Bingley would return soon and everything would be resolved perfectly.
As for Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham, though Elizabeth had no reason to change her opinion about the latter, she had already suffered a change of mind regarding the former.
At least she admitted that she failed to recognise certain good qualities that he undoubtedly possessed.
Even before her talk with Charlotte, Elizabeth had decided to make amends for her behaviour towards Mr Darcy as soon as they met again.
As the days passed, Elizabeth’s concerns moved entirely towards her elder sister. Jane had looked pale and distressed for some time, but it was easy to understand the cause: she had sacrificed her sleep and rest to watch over Elizabeth.
However, when the second Miss Bennet improved and recovered completely, the eldest looked even worse than she had during Elizabeth’s illness.
Elizabeth feared that her sister might feel ill herself, but Jane assured her that was not the case.
Worried and sensing something was troubling her dear sister, Elizabeth insisted with repeated inquiries until Jane ceased her resistance and confessed the reason for her distress .
“It is nothing to worry about, Lizzy. I just received a letter from Caroline yesterday—did I mention that I wrote her a few days ago? She informed me that they are all settled in town for the winter. So there are no hopes for Mr Bingley to return to Netherfield anytime soon.”
***
London, 13 December
Darcy had been in London more than a fortnight when he received Lady Matlock’s third invitation for dinner—and he found no reason to refuse or delay it again.
He dearly loved the Matlocks as they were his closest remaining family, but his mind was too engaged with his own troubled thoughts to bear family dinner chat.
He had been reluctant to send Dr. Taylor to Longbourn before asking Mr Bennet’s consent.
Though his intentions were good, it was presumptuous of him to make a decision about a lady to whom he was in no way connected.
Mr Bennet’s only concern, however, was that his daughter was well and sound, and he proved it through a letter of gratitude that Darcy received after Dr. Taylor’s arrival at Longbourn.
He had been correct in worrying about Elizabeth’s state.
God knows what might have happened had she been left in the care of the apothecary.
Fortunately, she had fully recovered, so he no longer had reason for concern.
Bingley was another troublesome case for Darcy, as Bingley’s spirits had fallen so that he barely looked like his usual self.
Darcy had had a long talk with his friend, expressing his doubts about Miss Bennet’s true feelings, that she might be pushed to accept his suit in order to assure her family’s security.
Somehow, his own words seemed unconvincing even to himself, so it was no wonder that Bingley had left him in the middle of the room and had refused to see him since then.
His uncle Lord Matlock announced that he wished to speak about an important problem affecting the entire family, and Darcy could easily guess what that problem was.
Annabelle’s presence in Town at that precise moment was dreadful.
He truly could not set his mind to think of it nor had he the strength or will to do anything about it.
Darcy happened to meet her on the street one day, and he briefly greeted her as both were in company.
After that, he received three notes from her, asking him to call on her—which he wisely ignored.
He expected the situation to become more complicated as gossip would surely arise and spread all over London.
The Matlocks would be affected by the rumours, and he owed them at least the assurance that, as always, he would do the right thing.
As for himself, he could not care less about the rumours surrounding Lady Annabelle Stafford. He planned to leave for Pemberley with Georgiana as soon as possible.
At Pemberley, he could be alone with his thoughts: regrets, sorrows, struggles, memories, and the image of the only woman who had ever captured his heart—and from whom he could not possibly free himself—Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
***
Darcy was not surprised when, arriving at the Matlock residence for a family dinner, he found there, besides the earl’s sons and daughter-in-law, his cousin James Darcy—the only son of his father’s younger brother.
James greeted them so loudly that he embarrassed Georgiana.
It was clear that he had already enjoyed several drinks.
Despite a long succession of disagreements, Darcy held great affection for the only cousin on his father’s side and was pleased to see him, but James’s presence there was an unmistakable sign that dinner would be anything but peaceful.
However, between light conversation and exquisite courses, dinner passed pleasantly for both Georgiana and Darcy. He congratulated himself on accepting Lady Matlock’s invitation since lately he had been such poor company for his sister.
Afterwards, the earl invited the gentlemen—his two sons, Darcy, and James—to enjoy a drink in the library while Lady Matlock, her daughter-in-law, and Georgiana remained to amuse themselves.
As Darcy was thinking he might have unfairly presumed his younger cousin would be a troublesome companion, James approached with a glass of brandy.
“So, Cousin Darcy, how are you these days? What interesting news do you have?”
“I am fine, thank you, James. Nothing interesting, I am afraid.”
“Really? That is not what I heard.” He laughed, finished his brandy, and poured himself another.
“I do not understand your meaning, James, but that is not unusual. I rarely understand your jokes. I suggest you find another means to amuse yourself since my life is so dull.”
“Oh, you are being too modest. I was told by a friend who resided in the neighbourhood that you had quite an exciting time in Hertfordshire.”
“You will end this trifling conversation immediately, James. I suspect which friend gave you such information, and as always, everything that person says is not only untrue but offensive.”
Lord Matlock joined them. “What are you talking about, James? Is this more of your nonsense?”
“No nonsense, Uncle. I heard there was an incident involving Darcy and a certain young lady in Hertfordshire. It sounded quite strange and somewhat amusing, considering it was Darcy whom we were discussing. I am interested to hear his side of the story.”
“It is nonsense, James, and it pains me to see that age makes you no more wise or proper. I demand you have the decency to change the subject immediately and never repeat it. You may amuse yourself, but your reckless behaviour might also jeopardise the reputation of a most honourable young lady.”
“What are you both talking of, Darcy? What incident? What young lady? And James—no more brandy for you this evening.”
“It seems that Darcy was lost in the woods with a young lady. They returned home after some time, and it was reported that their appearance was far from proper. I heard the lady became ill afterwards. It is not clear whether it was from the cold or from some other cause.”
He laughed and gulped another brandy, and to everyone’s shock, Darcy grabbed him by the coat and pushed him violently against the wall. James Darcy froze in shock and dropped his glass as he stared at Darcy’s sharp, furious expression.
“You never know when to stop, you idiot,” Darcy said, his jaws clenched.
“Darcy, for heaven’s sake, calm yourself! What is wrong with you?” Lord Matlock intervened. “Darcy, please!” he repeated as he tried to free James from Darcy’s grasp.
Darcy reluctantly pushed his younger cousin away then stepped to the window, glaring outside as he struggled to regain his breathing as well as his countenance.
“Darcy, please sit down. Have another glass and let us try to speak calmly.”
“Uncle, Georgiana and I must leave now. Thank you for a most delightful dinner.”
“You want to leave? So unexpectedly? Come, Darcy, you cannot possibly be upset with James. You know how he is.”
“I am not upset. It is time to leave, and I must fetch Georgiana.” He turned to his cousin and said in a low voice, “Do not dare repeat that story. Do not dare spread malicious gossip to amuse yourself at the expense of an innocent young lady, or you will bear the consequences. And be sure you tell the same to the idiot who came to you with this foul tale. He will ruin you, James, and today you convinced me you no longer deserve my assistance.”
“Oh come, Darcy, why so serious and resentful? I was only joking! Tell him, Robert—is it not true that all men make such jokes? Do not be angry. I meant no harm,” he said, hurrying to stop Darcy but with little success.
“James, be quiet,” said the earl. “And Darcy, please do not leave in such haste. You will only frighten Georgiana. Let us not start a fight in the family, despite James’s usual stupid jokes.
We all understand this is a matter of great importance to you, Darcy, and I trust James will have enough wisdom to be careful what he says about such a delicate subject. Will you share the story with us?”
Darcy emptied his glass in two gulps then took a few deep breaths before he felt confident enough to conclude the awkward situation. He was equally angry with his cousin and with himself for losing his temper so easily, but he recognised that his uncle’s advice was sound.