Page 16 of Painted with Love

Chapter 6

As soon as the gentlemen left, Jane could not hold her thoughts any longer.

“I cannot believe this is happening! Mr Bingley did not know I was in London! I thought he did not want to see me! How could his sisters not tell him? If not for Mr Darcy, I might have returned to Longbourn and never seen him again!”

“Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst are not to be trusted at all — I have long told you that, Jane. At least now you know that Mr Bingley is most willing to see you,” Elizabeth replied, busy trying to control her own emotions.

Mr Darcy had invited them to dinner. Why would he do that? He was barely acquainted with the Gardiners, and he had every reason to still be angry with her. Perhaps he wished to apologise for separating Mr Bingley from Jane. Or perhaps he wanted to express his gratitude for the recovery of the watch. Many explanations could be found, but his gesture remained surprising.

“It was such a pleasure to meet Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Mrs Gardiner said. “But I find it hard to believe that we are to dine at Mr Darcy’s house. I cannot imagine why he would bestow such attention upon us. He surely is not obliged to do so.”

“I was surprised, too, especially considering what we heard about his pride and arrogance,” Mr Gardiner added.

“Mr Darcy’s manners are much improved since I last saw him,” Elizabeth said.

“I have observed no improper pride in him so far,” Mrs Gardiner said. “And, considering everything I know about the Darcys, I am exceedingly flattered by his invitation.”

The conversation continued a little longer, then Mr Gardiner went to his office while Mrs Gardiner attended to the children, allowing the sisters a few moments of privacy.

“Dear Lizzy, I almost fainted when I saw Mr Bingley. I still find it hard to believe he was here! He seemed so sad and apologetic. And he had lost some weight, I believe.”

Jane’s enthusiasm was heartwarming, especially after all the long months of sorrow. Considering the responses of both Jane and Mr Bingley, the separation had not caused much harm to their tentative friendship.

Elizabeth continued to think of Mr Darcy and the reasons behind his amiability. She had enjoyed seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam again, but as pleasant as his company was, her interest was engaged by his cousin only.

The dinner at Mr Darcy’s house also meant an introduction to Miss Darcy, and Elizabeth wondered how affected the girl had been by Mr Wickham’s scheme. That wretched man’s insolence seemed to have no limits, and it would certainly be difficult to stop.

Later that day, Elizabeth received Mr Bennet’s response to her letter warning him about Mr Wickham. Mr Bennet had replied in his usual style:

Dear Lizzy,

Your old favourite Mr Wickham is of little concern to us, as I hear his efforts are concentrated on pursuing Miss Mary King. My brother Phillips said Mr King, her uncle, is not happy about the courtship, and he has certainly objected to the otherwise charming officer.

Furthermore, your uncle Phillips mentioned something about the officer’s tendency to make purchases on credit, leading him to have accrued a long list of debts. I cannot imagine this situation ending well for him.

Mr Wickham aside, I hope you will return soon. Since you have been gone, I have hardly had a few minutes of sensible conversation. I look forward to hearing about Lady Catherine’s fireplaces and the windows of Rosings. Mr Collins has written to me, and I feel he is begging for some compliments he can convey to her ladyship.

Your father

T. Bennet

Elizabeth smiled, folding the paper. Apparently, Mr Wickham’s recent actions were in congruence with his usual character — one that she had failed to recognise but Mr King had easily identified. How long Mr Wickham would manage to keep up appearances inside the regiment and how long he would remain in the militia was hard to estimate, but she agreed with her father — the situation was unlikely to end well for him.

The following morning, one more surprise arrived after breakfast. It was a note from Mr Bingley to Mr Gardiner, and its contents left Jane bewildered.

Mr Gardiner,

After some deliberation, I have decided to reopen Netherfield. I feel that closing it was a hasty and imprudent decision, which requires amends.

Consequently, I intend to return to Hertfordshire as soon as possible. Considering the circumstances, I am asking your permission — and theirs, of course — to travel back with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. I assure you that I shall provide them with extra protection and will escort them to Longbourn safely.

C. Bingley

Mr Gardiner read the letter to his wife and nieces wearing a large smile.

“What an excellent arrangement,” Mrs Gardiner said, while Jane responded with tears of joy.

“Mr Bingley has finally learnt to take action based on his own wishes,” Elizabeth declared, wondering how much Mr Darcy had influenced that decision.