Page 83 of Pride, Prejudice & Wicked Pleasure

Mrs. Gardiner was surprised and concerned; but as they were now approaching the scene of her former pleasures, every idea gave way to the charm of recollection; and she was too much engaged in pointing out to her husband all the interesting spots in its environs to think of anything else. Fatigued as she had been by the morning's walk they had no sooner dined than she set off again in quest of her former acquaintance, and the evening was spent in the satisfactions of a intercourse renewed after many years' discontinuance.

The occurrences of the day were too full of interest to leave Lizzy much attention for any of these new friends; and she could do nothing but think, and think with wonder, of Mr. Darcy's civility, and, above all, of his wishing her to be acquainted with his sister.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Though Miss Elizabeth had been reticent upon their second meeting yesterday and Darcy did not think her artful enough to engage in that uniquely female practice of feigning disinterest in an attempt to cultivate desperation in the opposite sex, her behaviour had not diminished hope, for he did not doubt that she would have a found a way to express any animosity she still felt toward him. She had settled it that he would bring his sister to visit her the very day after her reaching Pemberley, and he could hardly wait.

Fortunately, the Gardiners and Miss Elizabeth were at the inn when he and Georgiana arrived. After making the introduction, he perceived that both young ladies appeared a touch embarrassed. He expected this of Georgiana, who had always been exceedingly shy, but Miss Elizabeth’s novel demeanor intrigued him, even excited him that the change in disposition might signify a change in her feelings. He had determined yesterday that he would show her he could be civil and worthy of her esteem. Every minute in her company only renewed the desire. He had much to atone for.

“I should expect another visitor to arrive shortly to wait upon you,” he informed her happily. “Bingley.”

He was pleased that the news of Bingley agreed with her, and she had barely time to express her satisfaction when Bingley’s quick step was heard on the stairs, and in a moment he entered the room.

“Miss Elizabeth!” Bingley greeted happily. “What a delight it is to see you!”

Darcy had always known his friend to be cordial, but there was a definite enthusiasm in Bingley’s expression as he inquired in a friendly, though general way, after her family. With his customary good-humored ease, he greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.

Sitting opposite her, he was afforded an unobstructed view of her beauty. She looked in good health, and her eyes had lost none of the radiance that had captivated him some time ago. To his relief, according to Abby, she had little sorrow or horror over what had transpired in the Temple of Bastet. Though he had not absolved himself for his actions, and questioned his ability to be a proper instructor if he could not reign in his own lust, he was much relieved. His agony over what he had done, which had been greatly exacerbated by her refusal of his hand, had lowered to a simmer but remained unresolved.

“I think you torment yourself unnecessarily,” Abby had written to him. “If she is satisfied with what has happened, why should you persist in anguish?”

And he had reasoned in similar vein with himself, but still he could derive no peace till he had understood as much from her.

Bingley, too, seemed drawn to look often at Miss Elizabeth, perhaps trying to trace a resemblance to her sister.

Darcy was engaged in conversation with the Gardiners but overheard Bingley speak, in a tone which had something of real regret, to Miss Elizabeth, “It has been a very long time since I’ve had the pleasure of seeing you. It is above eight months. We have not met since the 26th of November, when we were all dancing together at Netherfield. Are all your sisters at Longbourn presently?”

There was not much in the question, nor in the preceding remark, but there was a look and a manner which gave them meaning. Time had not snuffed the tender feelings he had for Miss Bennet, and Darcy had dwelt on his culpability in that matter as well. If he had been mistaken regarding Miss Bennet, as he was led to believe by the vehemence in which Miss Elizabeth had spoken to him at the Parsonage last, then he had done a tremendous disservice to his friend. He did not doubt that Miss Bennet could find happiness with so gentle and amiable, or so well-situated, a man as Bingley even if her feelings toward him were little more than indifferent, but would her sister have sanctioned a union in which affection was so disproportionately placed? Miss Elizabeth had clearly valued her own feelings enough not to defer to the trappings his wealth and station in life would have brought to her and her family. Given the loss of her maidenhead, she had more reason than most women to accept his hand. And still she had refused him. It had been an immense blow to his pride.

But when his wound had begun to heal, he saw her actions in a different light. Indeed, not many women would have rebuffed him. He suspected, had Her Grace not been so superiorly situated, she would not have cast him aside. Thus, despite Miss Elizabeth’s error in judgment—for how he could blame her for siding with Wickham when there was nothing to repudiate his lies—her rejection had the effect of increasing his admiration.

The warmer weather beckoned a lighter dress, and he admired the contrast of her ivory muslin to her dark hair. Her arms were bare and her décolletage exposed. The apparel could not compare to what she had worn in the Temple of Bastet, of course, and as the image was causing the blood to course more strongly in the area of his groin, he swiftly dismissed the vision and suggested that they not overstay their impromptu visit.

He turned to Georgiana. “But I think we would all wish for Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Bennet to join us for dinner at Pemberley before they leave the country.”

Georgiana, with diffidence which marked her little in the habit of giving invitations, nodded. “That would be lovely.”

Mrs. Gardiner looked to her niece, but the latter had turned away. She looked to the Darcys and replied, “We should be more than happy to accept.”

“Capital!” Bingley cried. He was looking at Lizzy. “I have still many inquiries to make after all our Hertfordshire friends.”

“To-morrow perhaps?” Darcy suggested.

“Alas, we have arrangements with friends,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

“Then the day after next?”

“Yes, that would work well.”

The visitors then took their leave.

“How fortunate our timing at Pemberley is!” Bingley exclaimed when they were outside. “I could not believe it when you first told me, and thankfully they have time to spare for dinner. It would have been too cruel of Fate if they had to depart on the morrow.”

Darcy agreed as he handed Georgiana into the curricle.

“If only they could have come to dinner sooner! But perhaps we can engage them a second time before they leave?”

His giddiness drew even a small grin from Georgiana.