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Dinner at Pemberley
The Bennet girls
had settled it that Mr. Darcy would bring his sister to visit
two days hence; and were consequently resolved not to be out
of sight of the inn the whole of that morning. But their conclusion
was false; for the very next morning these visitors came. They
had been walking about the place with some of their new friends,
and were just returned to the inn, when the sound of the parlor-maid
knocking on the door announced visitors. "Mr. and Miss Darcy
to see you, sir," was the breathless verification.
Miss Darcy and her
brother appeared, and this formidable introduction took place.
With astonishment did Elizabeth see that her new acquaintance
was at least as much embarrassed as themselves. She had been
told that the girl was exceedingly proud; but the observation
of a very few minutes convinced her that she was only exceedingly
shy. Like her brother! Miss Darcy was tall, and on a larger
scale than Elizabeth; and, though little more than sixteen, her
figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. She
had sense and good humor in her face, and her manners were perfectly
unassuming and gentle. Elizabeth, who had expected to find in
her as acute and unembarrassed an observer as ever Mr. Darcy
had been, was much relieved by discerning such different feelings.
Their conversation
was interrupted by Mr. Darcy. He spoke to Mr. Gardiner, but his
eyes were on Jane. "My friend, Mr. Bingley, waits outside
and wishes to visit. May I bring him in?"
Mr. Gardiner knew
of Jane's partiality for the gentleman in the past. He looked
at his niece and was alarmed at her very high color. Yet she
nodded her acceptance and permission was granted.
Jane was in a quandary.
She had only just steeled herself for meeting Mr. Bingley at
some undetermined point in the future; but now that time was
now. How she stopped from clutching her sister's hand in support
she did not know; but when Bingley walked in a moment later,
she was able to return his greeting with civility. She noted
while he made the acquaintance of her family that he was at the
same time the same and different. His features and manners were
all that she remembered, but there seemed a reserve that was
new to him. When he gazed at her again, Jane could see a ghost
of pain that seemed to darken his blue eyes.
"I am very
surprised to see you here, Miss Bennet," he said. "But
glad, too. Was your journey enjoyable?" Bingley was not
unaware in the changes to Miss Bennet. She was still the sun,
but not the warm one of summer. Rather she was like a winter's
day - bright, yet with little warmth. Oh, for summer again!
"It was, sir.
I had not had much chance to see the world, and my uncle was
very kind to take us. Derbyshire is lovely."
"It is a pretty
country; but there are many lovely spots in Britain. I have found
Hertfordshire much to my liking."
Jane hid her start.
"Indeed, sir? I should not disagree with you, as I have
lived there all my life. You plan to stay at Netherfield?"
"Yes, I do.
The place suits me, I think. I have begun improvements to it,
you know."
She did not, and
confessed her ignorance.
"Oh, yes. The
property is very good, but has lacked serious management. Fortunately,
the new steward and I are of a like mind about what needs to
be done. Take the pastureland…"
Elizabeth, conversing
with the charmingly modest Georgiana, allowed herself to steal
a glance at the others from time to time. She was relieved that
Jane and Bingley could converse in an increasingly comfortable
manner, and she was pleased beyond measure that Darcy had taken
the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Gardiners.
Never, even in the company of his dear friends at Netherfield,
or his dignified relations at Rosings, had she seen him so desirous
to please, so free from self-consequence or unbending reserve,
as now. As he knows them better, he is more relaxed. I am
such a fool!
"Four sisters,"
Georgiana was saying. "Oh, I should love to have sisters."
Elizabeth could
not help herself. "With such a brother, I do not understand
why."
The girl blushed.
"He is the best brother in the world. I do not deserve him."
Elizabeth saw the distress on the girl's face, and her anger
at the perpetrator of her anguish was rekindled. She impulsively
reached for her hand.
"You are mistaken,
I am sure. I believe you deserve every good thing in the world."
She looked at Darcy. "Your brother thinks so, and we both
know that Mr. Darcy is never wrong." It was unfortunate
that the target of her gaze was otherwise engaged; for had he
any inkling of the unintentional intensity of the look he would
have thrown himself down at her feet.
Their visitors stayed
with them above half an hour, and when they arose to depart,
Mr. Darcy called on his sister to join him in expressing their
wish of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and the Miss Bennets to
dinner at Pemberley before they left the country. Miss Darcy,
though with a diffidence which marked her little in the habit
of giving invitations, readily obeyed. Mrs. Gardiner looked at
her nieces, desirous of knowing how they, whom the invitation
most concerned, felt disposed as to its acceptance. Satisfied
that Jane was not opposed and Elizabeth was eager, she accepted
with gratitude.
The sisters wanted
nothing but to retire to their shared room to discuss the morning's
activities, but their desire was stymied by their aunt. "Girls,
we have been making inquires about Lambton, and I must say that
Mr. Wickham is not held in much estimation; it is said he leaves
debts wherever he goes." It was plain to see that her loyalties
were switching from "poor Mr. Wickham" to "charming
Mr. Darcy."
"Indeed,"
added the uncle. "And, to our wonderment, it seems that
Mr. Darcy has been known to settle them - in full, as well. A
remarkable gentleman." If his eye fell upon Elizabeth during
this statement, the lady refused to acknowledge it.
The group then settled
that such a striking civility as Miss Darcy's, in coming to them
on the very day of her arrival at Pemberley - for she had reached
it only to a late breakfast - ought to be imitated, though it
could not be equaled, by some exertion of politeness on their
side. Consequently it would be highly expedient to wait on her
at Pemberley the following morning. Mr. Gardiner would also go
- the fishing scheme had been renewed and a positive engagement
made of his meeting some of the gentlemen at Pemberley by noon.
~~~~}+{~~~~
The carriage ride
back to Pemberley was quiet, as the three passengers were lost
in their own thoughts. Georgiana was overjoyed at finally meeting
the Miss Elizabeth Bennet she had heard about ad nauseam.
She found her as lovely and kind as Fitzwilliam and Richard had
described and far more refined than Caroline Bingley had suggested.
Georgiana liked Miss Elizabeth very much, and was perfectly prepared
to love her and all of her relations. The girl's remark of wishing
for a sister was no slip-of-the-tongue; might her brother have
finally found his happiness? Hopefully, future interactions with
the Bennet sisters while they visited Derbyshire might give Fitzwilliam
a chance.
Charles Bingley
was fighting not to leap out of the carriage and run back to
the inn. Initially, Jane Bennet was very reserved during their
tête-à-tête, but as Bingley talked about Netherfield
- really talked about the passion he now had for his home - he
could almost feel her presence, her esteem, radiating from her.
Bingley's pride in his estate was no play-acting - he felt that
he at last had found his place in the world. Should he prove
himself to his angel…
No, she was not
his angel. Not now. But…perhaps…there was hope…?
Fitzwilliam Darcy
tried not to hope. He was glad at this chance to prove that Elizabeth's
criticisms had been - finally - taken to heart. To be honest,
he had some resentment for her refusal when he had returned to
London. But it was during his humiliating confession with Bingley
- where he had revealed all, including her refusal - he admitted
to himself that he had been totally in the wrong. He could not
understand how he could have been so arrogant, so presumptuous,
to a woman he claimed to adore. Many days he spent in painful
contemplation - and nights, too. Darcy came to the realization
that while he was master of a great estate and owner of a large
fortune, in truth Elizabeth Bennet was his superior in all ways
that truly mattered. That is, dealing with his fellow man.
He was uncomfortable
with those he did not know, so he withdrew, suspicious of their
motives. Elizabeth enjoyed people, no matter their station, and
tried to place them at ease. Who was the gentleperson and who
was not?
"Had you
behaved in a more gentleman-like manner."
Darcy closed his
eyes. How those words burned! Yes, he had lost his opportunity
to claim her as his own, yet he would still do right by his lady-love.
Even if she didn't
love him back.
~~~~}+{~~~~
"Lizzy, he
loves you," Jane began once the sisters finally achieved
the privacy they so desperately desired. "Do not look at
me in that manner - I know of what I speak."
"Jane, he cannot;
not after what I said to him in Kent! You must be mistaken. Remember
his letter."
She bent to take
her hands. "Lizzy, I do remember both his letters. I must
admit I would not wish to receive another like them; but you
must look beyond his choice of words. Look to his actions. He
kept his promise and spoke to Mr. Bingley. Have you imagined
how mortifying that must have been?" Elizabeth realized
that until now she had not. "And his manners are much changed;
surely you have noticed that."
"I have, and
know I have greatly wronged him, Jane. He is not proud; only
shy with strangers."
"And how do
you account for his manners towards our aunt and uncle? Does
that not show he has taken your criticisms to heart?"
Elizabeth was pained
to be reminded of her words to Mr. Darcy. "If it could take
back what I said - my words were inexcusable. Jane, I cannot
hope - it is useless!"
Jane kindly forced
Elizabeth to look at her. "Elizabeth - do you love him?
Would you accept him if he renewed his addresses?"
"I do not know
if I love him…yet… but I think I would accept him."
Jane smiled. "I
think he is a good man, and that he would make you happy, Lizzy."
Elizabeth smiled
in return. "There was more than one good man in our sitting
room this morning, Jane. What think you of Mr. Bingley now?"
It was as if they
changed places. Jane turned away and spoke in a low tone. "He
is the same as he was, Lizzy, yet…different." She choked
back a sob. "I have hurt him badly; I can see it in his
eyes." She sat on the bed and Elizabeth tried to comfort
her. "He...he spoke of Netherfield, of what he is doing
there, of the improvements he is making."
"Oh, Jane,
we had no idea!"
"I know - our
father shows little interest in the workings of the other estates;
and our mother is only concerned over matters of society and
gossip." Neither could account for the disinterest of the
matrons of Meryton for the Master of Netherfield, unless it was
because Mr. Bingley apparently had not stirred from the house
since re-establishing his residency.
"Perhaps…he
has listened to your words, as well!" Like Mr. Darcy!
she admitted to herself.
"Perhaps…Oh,
Lizzy, I am so confused! My heart says one thing; my mind another!
Can I risk myself yet again?"
"Do you love
him?"
Jane was silent
for a few moments. "I have never stopped loving him. But
I still do not know if it is right!"
Elizabeth hugged
her sister. "We shall be in Lambton for a few more days.
Perhaps we shall learn the truth of these matters." She
then decided to lighten the mood. "Now - what are we to
wear to Pemberley tomorrow?"
~~~~}+{~~~~
Convinced as Elizabeth
now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had originated in
jealousy, she could not help feeling how very unwelcome her appearance
at Pemberley must be to her, and was curious to know with how
much civility on that lady's side the acquaintance would now
be renewed. Her only fear was that Miss Bingley would be unkind
to Jane.
Jane had no such
fear. She was reconciled to the fact that Mr. Bingley's sisters
disapproved of her. She cared not two straws about that - for
if it was her destiny not to be united for life with Charles
Bingley, what did it matter what two unpleasant persons thought
of her? She would be polite and open, and work hard to promote
Lizzy to Miss Darcy. She saw that her sister's happiness would
be most secured by a union with that illustrious gentleman; and
therefore it became her heart's desire.
On reaching the
house, they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose
northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. In this room
they were received by Miss Darcy, who was sitting there with
Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady with whom she lived
in London. Georgiana's reception of them was very civil; but
attended with all that embarrassment which, though proceeding
from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to
those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud
and reserved. Her guests, however, did her justice, and pitied
her.
By Mrs. Hurst and
Miss Bingley, they were noticed only by a curtsey; and on their
being seated, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be,
succeeded for a few moments. It was first broken by Mrs. Annesley,
a genteel, agreeable looking woman, whose endeavor to introduce
some kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well bred
than either of the others; and between her and Mrs. Gardiner,
with occasional help from Jane and Mrs. Hurst, the conversation
was carried on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage
enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence,
when there was least danger of its being heard.
Elizabeth soon saw
that she was herself closely watched by Miss Bingley, and that
she could not speak a word, especially to Miss Darcy, without
calling her attention. This observation would not have prevented
her from trying to talk to the latter, even as shy the girl was
proving in company. "Have you the opportunity of using your
present, Miss Darcy?"
It took a moment
for the girl to understand the object of her question. "Oh,
yes! The pianoforte is lovely. I have never played on a better.
But I am afraid that my talents do not do it justice."
"Not do it
justice! Oh, my dear Miss Darcy, how you go on!" Miss Bingley's
exclamation only added to the girl's discomfort. This went unnoticed
by the lady and she continued. "Miss Elizabeth, I assure
you I have heard no one play was well as Miss Darcy, and I have
hopes she will favor us with a performance this morning."
Elizabeth could
not help but notice the look of horror on their hostess' face.
"While I would be delighted to hear her play, and I doubt
not her ability, I believe the shortness of our visit this morning
would not do her justice; and I selfishly would like to continue
our discussion of Austrian composers we began yesterday."
Georgiana looked
strangely at Elizabeth - they had only expressed a mutual appreciation
of Mozart - before she recognized the change of subject from
performance. "Oh, yes. I must say I prefer Mr. Beethoven
to Mr. Mozart. What is your opinion?" Her high opinion of
Miss Elizabeth only increased at the aid she so smoothly offered,
and wished that she could likewise converse with such ease.
Miss Bingley jumped
in. "Oh, yes; Beethoven is far superior!"
Elizabeth smiled.
"I must disagree, as I enjoy Mozart very much. But my sister
Jane is of your opinion. She explained it to me thusly; Beethoven
is for the music lover, while Mozart leads the listener to discover
music; the stepping-stone towards a more general appreciation
of music. He acts as an initiator, a bridge towards the discovery
and appreciation of other musicians. Mr. Beethoven's genius takes
music to a new level, one that is only fully appreciated by those
that have studied music intently. So it follows that you ladies,
as accomplished as you are, should join Jane in showing the greater
interest in Beethoven, while I, a mere enthusiast, should lean
towards Mozart."
Georgiana could
not help but smile at the enormous complement Elizabeth had paid
to her studies. Caroline could not be as pleased; the pleasure
to her vanity was diminished by the offhand reference to Jane's
superiority.
The next variation
which their visit afforded was produced by the entrance of servants
with cold meat, cake, and a variety of all the finest fruits
in season; but this did not take place till after many a significant
look and smile from Mrs. Annesley to Miss Darcy had been given,
to remind her of her post. With an embarrassed blush, Georgiana
bent to her task. There was now employment for the whole party;
for though they could not all talk, they could all eat; and the
beautiful pyramids of grapes, nectarines, and peaches soon collected
them round the table.
While thus engaged,
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley entered the room. They had been some
time with Mr. Gardiner, who, with two or three other gentlemen
from the house, was engaged by the river, and had left him only
on learning that the ladies of the family intended a visit to
Georgiana that morning. Miss Darcy, on her brother's entrance,
exerted herself much more to talk; and Elizabeth saw that he
was anxious for his sister and herself to get acquainted, and
forwarded, as much as possible, every attempt at conversation
on either side.
Miss Bingley saw
all this likewise; and, in the imprudence of anger, took the
first opportunity of saying, with sneering civility, "Pray,
Miss Eliza, are not the ----shire militia removed from Meryton?
They must be a great loss to your family.''
In Darcy's presence
she dared not mention Wickham's name; but Elizabeth instantly
comprehended that he was uppermost in her thoughts; and the various
recollections connected with him gave her a moment's distress;
but, exerting herself vigorously to repel the ill-natured attack,
she presently answered the question in a tolerably disengaged
tone. While she spoke, an involuntary glance showed her Darcy
with a heightened complexion, earnestly looking at her, and his
sister overcome with confusion and unable to lift up her eyes.
Had Miss Bingley known what pain she was then giving her beloved
friend, she undoubtedly would have refrained from the hint; but
she had merely intended to discompose Elizabeth, by bringing
forward the idea of a man to whom she believed her partial, to
make her betray a sensibility which might injure her in Darcy's
opinion, and perhaps to remind the latter of all the follies
and absurdities by which some part of her family were connected
with that corps. Not a syllable had ever reached her of Miss
Darcy's meditated elopement. To no creature had it been revealed,
where secrecy was possible, except to Elizabeth and Jane.
Elizabeth's collected
behavior, however, soon quieted Darcy's emotion; and as Miss
Bingley, vexed and disappointed, dared not approach nearer to
Wickham. Georgiana also recovered in time, though not enough
to be able to speak any more. Her brother, whose eye she feared
to meet, scarcely recollected her interest in the affair, and
the very circumstance which had been designed to turn his thoughts
from Elizabeth, seemed to have fixed them on her more, and more
cheerfully.
The ardent look
was not lost upon Elizabeth; and their eyes seemed to speak:
Thank you, Miss
Elizabeth.
Mr. Darcy, I
am so sorry.
You have nothing
to apologize for, Miss Elizabeth. It is I who must apologize
for bringing such ill-mannered people into my house.
They are Mr.
Bingley's family; we cannot choose our relations.
Indeed, as I
well know. But we can choose our friends. Thank you for helping
Georgiana.
Who could not?
She is all loveliness and sweetness.
She is everything
to me.
I know.
I…I wish…
Yes…?
Bingley wished to
lighten the mood. "I say, Miss Bennet, the weather is very
fine! Would you not say so, Georgiana?" Elizabeth and Darcy
were startled out of their mood.
"Yes, very
fine," answered Georgiana.
"I believe
it is fine weather for a picnic, do you not think so?"
Georgiana was puzzled;
Bingley had never expressed a desire to picnic before. "I
am sure it is."
"For me, I
like nothing more than a picnic. And you, Miss Bennet - do you
enjoy a picnic?"
Jane smiled modestly.
"Yes, I enjoy them very much." She successfully suppressed
the giggle that threatened to burst forth from her. Charles Bingley's
boyish charm was one of the more attractive features of his character.
"Miss Elizabeth;
surely you join your sister in this sentiment?"
Elizabeth smiled
broadly at her amusing friend. "We have enjoyed picnics
very much at Longbourn, sir." Darcy was completely nonplused
at the topic of conversation.
"That settles
it! We shall have a picnic - tomorrow, if the weather cooperates!
What say you, Darcy? Where is the best picnicking spot in Pemberley?"
Darcy looked cautiously
at his friend, as if he had gone mad. "I would say that
the small pond would make a superior place for such an outing,
Bingley."
"It seems we
shall have a picnic tomorrow, Miss Bennet; Miss Elizabeth,"
conceded an amused Georgiana. "Will you ladies attend? Please
say that you will." The Gardiners begged off, but the Bennet
girls did give their assurances of their attendance. The conversation
continued into other matters until the time to leave was upon
them.
~~~~}+{~~~~
While Mr. Darcy
was attending the party to their carriage, Miss Bingley was venting
her feelings in criticisms on Elizabeth's person, behavior, and
dress. Her opinions of Jane she kept to herself - she knew that
her plans for separating them would fail if she were overt. No
such restriction was felt for Miss Elizabeth's person, however.
But Georgiana would
not join her. Her brother's recommendation was enough to ensure
her favor in the beginning: his judgment could not err, and he
had spoken in such terms of Elizabeth as to leave Georgiana without
the power of finding her otherwise than lovely and amiable. Now
that she had met the lady in question and had gotten to know
her, only Fitzwilliam and Richard held a greater part in her
heart. When Darcy returned to the saloon, Miss Bingley could
not help repeating to him some part of what she had been saying
to his sister.
"How very ill
Eliza Bennet looks this morning, Mr. Darcy,'' she cried. "I
never in my life saw any one so much altered as she is since
the winter. She is grown so brown and coarse! Louisa and I were
agreeing that we should not have known her again.''
However little Mr.
Darcy might have liked such an address, he contented himself
with coolly replying that he perceived no other alteration than
her being rather tanned -- no miraculous consequence of traveling
in the summer.
"For my own
part,'' she rejoined, "I must confess that I never could
see any beauty in her. Her face is too thin; her complexion has
no brilliancy; and her features are not at all handsome. Her
nose wants character; there is nothing marked in its lines. Her
teeth are tolerable, but not out of the common way; and as for
her eyes, which have sometimes been called so fine, I never could
perceive anything extraordinary in them. They have a sharp, shrewish
look, which I do not like at all; and in her air altogether,
there is a self-sufficiency without fashion which is intolerable.
"I remember,
when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were
to find that she was a reputed beauty; and I particularly recollect
your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield,
'She a beauty! - I should as soon call her mother a wit.'
But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you
thought her rather pretty at one time.''
Georgiana's eyes
flew to her brother.
"Yes,'' replied
Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, "but that was
only when I first knew her; for it is many months since I have
considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance!"
Hurrah for you,
brother! thought Georgiana.
He then went away
with his sister, and Miss Bingley was left to all the satisfaction
of having forced him to say what gave no one any pain but herself.
Mr. Bingley, who
had witnessed all of the forgoing, now entered the fray. "Caroline,
I would have words with you. No, Louisa, stay; this concerns
you as well. I repeat what I said before - I bear you no ill
will for your previous advice regarding Miss Bennet. You were
looking after my best interests, I dare say. No, Caroline - not
a word! Let me make myself rightly understood. I intend to court
Miss Bennet for the usual purpose. I know my own mind and I shall
not be swayed. You will treat my intended - and all of her
family - with the respect that is due them as daughters of
a gentleman. As head of the family I know you will attend to
my decision. If you feel that this task is beyond you, you shall
quit my company immediately. This is the last that I will have
to say about this subject; the matter is closed.
"On a new subject,
will you attend tomorrow's picnic or not?"
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