“Then you and your sister shall have much to talk about today, shall you not?” Rosalyn asked.
“Oh, yes, especially if Mr. Bingley has already called.” Elizabeth suddenly thought of Miss Darcy. “But how did Miss Darcy appear? Do you think she is very upset?”
Rosalyn shrugged her shoulders. “She is a very quiet girl; perhaps she was a bit more subdued last night than on the few other times I saw her. When we first inquired about Mr. Bingley, she merely replied that he could not attend due to other plans that arose. It was only when we mentioned him to Mr. Darcy that he informed us what had truly happened.”
Elizabeth tilted her head, wondering whether Mr. Bingley’s decision to return to Jane was sanctioned by Mr. Darcy or not. “And how did Mr. Darcy seem with this development? Did it appear that he harboured any anger or resentment toward Mr. Bingley for his actions regarding his sister?”
“He seemed only to have concern for her. He acted a bit protective of her throughout the evening. But he definitely made a point of informing us that it was your sister for whom Mr. Bingley still harboured an attachment.”
This surprised Elizabeth, for certainly Bingley’s actions most likely cost him Mr. Darcy’s friendship. “I am certain that Mr. Darcy must be gravely concerned for his sister,” Elizabeth answered, convinced that now, with his sister’s loss, he would have more reason to think ill of her—and her family.
“It is sad for her,” Rosalyn let out a sympathetic sigh. “But I only think that this means she is not to marry and therefore Mr. Darcy will not be so inclined to find a wife for himself directly. It gives me a little more time.”
Elizabeth let out a resigned chuckle. “Yes, Rosalyn. It may just do that.”
Chapter 6
After the Willstones departed for church, Elizabeth hurried to get herself ready for her weekly visit to see Jane and the Gardiners. While she had earlier felt great sorrow anticipating this day—it being their last visit for several months—she could now look forward to it with great joy. Knowing that Mr. Bingley may have already paid Jane a call and that there was every hope of their love and attachment being restored brought her much elation. The mere hope of that would carry her through those months in the North Country far away from her family.
When Elizabeth arrived, the vibrant smiles with which her aunt and sister welcomed her caused her to hope that Mr. Bingley had indeed paid a call. Jane’s first words out of her mouth confirmed it.
“He came, Lizzy! He came!”
Elizabeth immediately went up to Jane and wrapped her arms about her. “Just by seeing your rapturous face, dear Jane, I have no need to ask of whom you speak. Mr. Bingley paid a call.” It was more of an affirmation than a question.
Jane nodded as tears of joy pooled in her eyes. “Just yesterday. I was so anxious for you to come today to tell you.”
“I am so pleased, Jane.” Elizabeth drew back and tilted her head at her sister. “And did you find him well? Is he just as you remember him to be?”
“Yes.” Jane laughed softly. “He has been in good health. He told me that he saw you at the Willstones’. How could you not have told me? He was so grieved to hear about Father. He expressed tremendous regret for our loss and offered heartfelt consolation. He also assured us how sorry he was that he never returned to Netherfield.”
Elizabeth felt great joy as she watched Jane speak in such a lively manner, quite unlike she normally did. “And did he make plans to call on you again?”
Jane let out a contented sigh. “Yes. He is meeting us at church this morning and will be returning to spend the afternoon here. I hope you do not mind, Elizabeth. I know this is your last visit for several months and…”
“You must know that I will heartily welcome Mr. Bingley’s company,” she fervently assured her sister. “Nothing could make me happier!”
As they ate breakfast together before leaving for services, Jane and Mrs. Gardiner related all that happened during Mr. Bingley’s visit: how he stayed for more than an hour, how it appeared he could not take his eyes off Jane, and how he repeatedly told them how good it was to see her again and to make the Gardiners’ acquaintance.
Elizabeth enlightened them about how surprised she had been when she had seen Mr. Bingley at the Willstones’. She confessed to Jane that she had not told her of it because she did not want to raise Jane’s hopes that anything would come of it. She did not mention Miss Darcy, and knew not whether he mentioned her during his visit the day before. Most likely he had not.
Elizabeth sat in the services that morning next to Jane. She knew from Jane’s serene countenance that the elation she felt permeated the very depths of her being. Mr. Bingley, seated on the other side of Jane, exhibited his feelings of abundant joy in the expression on his face and the enthusiasm with which he sang the hymns. Elizabeth could see by the manner in which both Jane and Mr. Bingley looked at each other that their feelings were still very much the same.
She knew not whether he had been forced to sever his friendship with Mr. Darcy in reuniting with her, but she knew there would likely be ill will between the two men if only due to his abandoning Miss Darcy. The young girl must feel the loss greatly, and her brother was likely never to forgive his friend. But she also knew that the smile Mr. Bingley wore now was not such a one as she had seen at all when he had been with Miss Darcy.
When they returned to the house, Elizabeth was grateful to see that neither Jane nor Bingley displayed any signs of awkwardness. It almost appeared to Elizabeth as if it had only been a few days since they had last met at Netherfield, instead of more than a year, and that no uncertainty had ever arisen about his regard. He was content to be with her, and she returned the sentiment.
Elizabeth could not help but wonder what this decision had actually cost Bingley. Several times during the course of the afternoon she had to purse her lips tightly together to prevent from asking him, “What does Mr. Darcy think of this?” or “Is Miss Darcy terribly hurt?” She had never divulged information to Jane about Mr. Darcy’s actions in convincing his friend to doubt her affections. No, she would do nothing to lessen the joy that Jane felt now having been reunited with the man she had continued to love since he departed Netherfield.
Elizabeth prolonged her stay as long as possible, knowing that when she said good-bye to Jane, it would be for several months. As they hugged one last time, Elizabeth whispered into her sister’s ear, being able to honestly say, “I leave you in good hands, my dearest sister. If not for this most pleasant circumstance, I would be distraught, knowing we are to be separated by so many miles and so many months. But I leave content, knowing that you are truly happy again.”
Elizabeth felt a shudder course through Jane, knowing her parting words had wrought mixed feelings in her sister and evoked some tears. But she knew that while there were a few tears shed for her departure, they were mingled with many more tears of joy for Mr. Bingley’s return.
After saying their final, lengthy, and very emotional good-byes, Elizabeth left, knowing that the only thing that might bring her back sooner would be a wedding. Elizabeth’s heart filled with joyous anticipation of that thought.
She smiled almost the whole way back, her mind and heart more at ease than they had been in a long time. She was not only leaving her sister in a good situation, but she was returning to the country, where the fresh air and miles of good walking would leave her refreshed. Now that Jane was happy, she could look forward to leaving London and all that had transpired here the past several weeks.