Page 17 of The Painting (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

“Of course,” he answered. She offered him her hand and he brought it to his lips briefly, then she entered the shop, and he untied his horse and mounted.

∞∞∞

Bingley’s call so early and so soon after the previous one at Mrs Crawford’s, surprised and delighted Jane exceedingly, and it pleased her sisters and aunt. Any doubts they might have had about the gentleman’s feelings and intentions were slowly vanishing.

Due to the unsettled weather, Elizabeth, Jane and Mary had planned to journey into Brighton and to call on Colonel Forster, to check on Lydia and Kitty.

“If I may be of any help to you, ladies, I would gladly escort you,” Bingley immediately offered. “To be perfectly honest, the moment I found out the regiment was here, I intended to call on Colonel Forster too.”

“How kind of you, sir,” Mrs Gardiner answered, while Jane blushed and Elizabeth smiled. “Mr Bingley, I confess that I would feel much relieved if my nieces were not alone in a strange town, but under the protection of a trustworthy acquaintance. If it is not too much trouble for you of course.”

“Trouble? Not at all. It is my pleasure, I assure you. As I said yesterday, I have no fixed plans, so I am at your disposal whenever you need me.”

“Excellent,” the lady agreed, to everyone’s acquiescence. Therefore, with the three Bennet sisters on one bench and Mr Bingley sitting opposite them, the carriage headed for Brighton.

The first stop was the colonel’s house, where they were gladly received. Bingley’s presence was much appreciated by the colonel, and only minutes passed until Mrs Forster insisted on him attending their ball too.

“I am very grateful for the invitation, madam, and I will gladly accept it as soon as I consult with Darcy too. I am here at his invitation and I must see if he has other plans.”

“Mr Darcy? It was an honour to meet him in Hertfordshire and I would very much enjoy seeing him again,” the colonel answered.

“And of course, Mr Darcy is invited to the ball too!” Mrs Forster interjected.

“I will tell him, of course, although I know he is not fond of balls,” Bingley said.

“We planned to go for a walk, as soon as we finished our tea,” Mrs Forster continued. “Would you like to join us? The more, the merrier.”

Bingley was happy with any opportunity to be in Jane’s company as much as possible, so when the Bennet sisters accepted, he readily supported them.

After some more tea and drinks for the gentlemen, the large party headed towards the park, which was already full of people.

As Elizabeth feared, they soon met another group of officers and Wickham was among them. She was tempted to shorten their walk, but Jane and Mr Bingley looked so happy together that she reconciled herself to the company of Wickham, who was now at her side.

He spoke much and she responded only shortly.

He even mentioned Darcy’s name several times, and she was uncertain if he had actually seen Darcy or only heard about his presence in Brighton.

But she refused to enquire and to engage further in that conversation.

As they were walking along the main street, Elizabeth suddenly held her breath as she spotted the very subject of her reflections.

There was Darcy, with Mrs Norwood, next to her carriage. They stood close to each other as they spoke, then he kissed her hand and untied his horse. It was clear they had arrived together and appeared to be quite intimate. Elizabeth turned pale and tried to regain her composure.

She noticed that Wickham had observed the scene too, as well as Bingley, who showed no restraint in actually calling to Darcy and waving to him.

Elizabeth glanced at Wickham, who was now wearing a large grin, although he looked somehow distressed. She expected Darcy would apologise and depart but he approached them, surveying the entire group.

Elizabeth was next to Wickham and Darcy’s eyes met hers. Then he bowed politely to her and stepped forward, answering the colonel’s enthusiastic greeting and starting a conversation with him, ignoring Wickham completely as if he did not even exist.

The strange party continued their walk for more than half an hour. Elizabeth was arm in arm with Mary at the back of the group. Fortunately, Wickham returned to his fellow officers, allowing her distress to slowly diminish.

Eventually the party separated, with farewells and repeated pleas to attend the ball. Elizabeth stole a few glances at Darcy but did not speak to him at all. When they were ready to return home, Bingley posed the question that Elizabeth longed to address but did not dare to ask.

“Darcy, have you concluded your business in the town for today?”

“Yes. I intended to return to the cottage even before I met you.”

“Then will you not come with us?”

He hesitated briefly, looking at Elizabeth. “I would like to if I am not bothering you.”

“Not at all,” Bingley insisted. “Tie your horse to the carriage and climb in.”

Darcy hesitated again and Elizabeth finally said, “You might find the carriage a little crowded, Mr Darcy, but your company would be most welcome.”

“Thank you, Miss Bennet. If the company is enjoyable, it can never be too crowded.”

He smiled and her heart flushed as she wondered if he was attempting to flirt with her. She kept wondering all the way back home, as he sat opposite her and, although he spoke little, she felt his gaze upon her all the time.

Even if it was still cool outside, she felt warm and nervous—even more than usual when he was near.