Mr Darcy's Fight for Love, page 5
“It is most unusual!”
Generally, one would invite only close friends on such short notice but as the Duke of Sommershire was so highly ranked he could ignore protocol. In any circumstance, an invitation to Sommershire Palace was an honour. All London was curious to see a place that had been closed for so long.
"Is it because of you that we are invited?" Charles asked, "I tried hard to remember if I had any connection with the Sommershire family, but I could not find any. I also asked my sisters; they were both thrilled for me, but they did not know the late duke or duchess. Instead, they told me the young duke's story with many details I did not know about the tragedy."
Darcy was looking at the glass of brandy in his hands, “I used to know the old duke and duchess, they were my mother’s friends, we were more than once at their place. Their children were younger than I; they were Georgiana’s age, so I do not remember them. When the tragedy struck, my mother was already long gone, so I paid my respects but did not know more than the rumours. My father never was close to them, so I can say this invitation is a huge surprise for me, too.”
“In more than one sense,” Charles smiled. “First, because we were both invited and then because it is so unexpected that the young duke has opened his house again after seven years.”
“It seems he was badly burned; he has scars…” Darcy said.
“Maybe that is the reason he decided to retire from society, but I applaud his courage in showing himself again, and we have to support him as many others do.”
It was well known that the Regent was the duke’s godfather and he was regularly informed about his state of health.
"Louisa told me some people thought it was not a spontaneous fire; they helped aristocrats from France to run from the country and offered them shelter…"
“Yes, I know, but the fire was more than 15 years after the French revolution…it is a little late for revenge,” Darcy said, but he also remembered some rumours.
“You may be right, but it seems the fire was so strong that the servants could not put it out; it burned for a whole day.”
Darcy remembered the estate he sometimes visited with his mother, including the imposing library, the splendid parks and gardens and the dining room that looked more like a ballroom. As a child, he had been utterly impressed by the place. He even suspected his mother made some changes in London and Derbyshire guided by ideas she took from Sommershire.
“They had an impressive gallery of artwork; I wonder how much was saved from the fire.” He sincerely hoped the library still existed. However, in the end, nothing material was relevant besides the tremendous tragedy of human losses.
“Imagine how excited Louisa and Caroline were about this invitation. They imagine that new importance is given to our family by people of the Ton…While I think it is nothing like that, most probably it is just my name being so often associated with yours.”
“I do not know. Indeed Mama was a friend of the late Duchess of Sommershire, but I do not think they invite all the friends they ever had. As for you…associated with me, well this is not a way to offer invitations, you must have some connection with your guests…or some interest.”
Darcy was silent for a long moment; they sipped their drinks and meditated.
“I have to make a confession,” Darcy finally said, rather tormented, “I hope you will forgive me.”
Bingley’s candid eyes and benevolent smile invited him to speak. He did not imagine his friend could do wrong, so he was ready to forgive anything.
“I was so presumptuous as to imagine that I had the right to decide who was the right woman for you.”
Bingley's astonishment was beyond expression. He had accepted his friend’s judgement about Miss Jane Bennet, but it was not only his fault.
"A man has to decide for himself. I accepted your judgement only because I myself was not sure. I liked her…I would say it was the connection that was not favourable. I disliked her family…well, mostly her mother. And then do not forget my sisters who were so clearly against some members of the Bennet family."
Bingley’s correctness and altruism induced him to admit his own hesitations. Far from blaming Darcy, he found his own flaws.
“It does not matter what your intentions or feelings were, Charles, I should have never influenced you in such an important matter. Finding the right wife is by far one of the most important decisions in a man’s life. I have the feeling that Miss Jane Bennet is an accomplished young lady who would make a perfect wife for you…in the case that you still like her.”
“I do!” Bingley said wholeheartedly, slightly blushing from the emotion their conversation aroused.
“Then I am so sorry to have intervened between you. I truly and sincerely apologise. If it was not for me taking you from Netherfield you could be married by now, happily married. I only hope it is not too late.”
Despite seeing Charles visibly troubled by their conversation, Darcy was determined to go further with the confidences.
“I gave you the wrong advice but also, some months ago when I knew Miss Bennet was in London, I decided not to tell you!”
Charles’s constant smile vanished from his eyes. He looked at his friend with a long sad glance, so rare on his face. It was not only a shock to find out the role his friend had in that story but also a kind of discomfiture due to the intimacy of their conversation. They were indeed good friends, but never in the past did they share any confidences. Yet it seemed this time his friend wanted to apologise and mend, if possible, his acts from the past.
“But how did you know that Miss Bennet was in London?” Bingley asked, suddenly curious.
Darcy hesitated for a short moment. But, finally, he said, "It was your sisters who informed me; they met Miss Bennet at her uncle's house."
Charles seemed so uncomfortable that Darcy felt sorry for him.
“I am sorry, Charles,” he repeated only because he did not know what else to say. “As I said, I hope that my confession will open a new opportunity for you and Miss Bennet!”
“Yes, it certainly will. I intend to go to Hertfordshire to meet her and try to make her forgive me.”
Darcy nodded relieved.
“Maybe you will feel better,” he continued, “if I tell you that I had my punishment for this deceit.”
The difficult part of their conversation was at its end, so Bingley smiled, inviting his friend to continue.
“I will tell you something no one else knows! When I was at Rosings, some weeks ago, I met Miss Elizabeth.”
Charles’ interest was aroused again.
“Do not tell me you like her!” he said somewhat jokingly.
“Well, yes, I confess I like her, but how did you guess?”
Charles answered with all his benevolence restored, “When a man and a woman quarrel too often, one may suspect that there is not hate but love between them!”
Darcy could hardly believe his ears. His giddy, distracted friend—who usually seemed in the clouds—was sometimes an observer, noticing hidden aspects of life and relationships.
“You might be right,” Darcy said, “in my case you surely are right. But, unfortunately, only half right as only I like Miss Elisabeth while she despises me.”
“I am so sorry to hear this…” Bingley had passed from embarrassment to compassion; he was sorry for his friend and his ill-luck in love. He hoped he still had a chance with Jane.
“Miss Elizabeth declined my proposal!”
It was not such a shock for Bingley. Secretly he considered Darcy to be too proud—maybe the only flaw he found in his friend—yet such a confession was a sign of humbleness he had rarely seen in people.
“I am so sorry to hear this,” he repeated with a friendly glance meant to offer support and understanding.
“It was a sign for me that I had to change, to be more lenient and tolerant, and never to intervene in another’s life. Miss Elizabeth knew I advised you against continuing the relationship with her sister.”
It was, by far, the most meaningful conversation they ever had. Both of them felt their friendship was gaining more strength.
“I am sorry to have such a role in your unhappiness,” Bingley said, “but I am glad we do not have any misunderstanding between us anymore…and mostly that you agree with my decision to pursue the relationship with Miss Jane to…” he hesitated for a moment, while the smile on his face betrayed him “…eventually to marriage! If it were not for this dinner, I would already be on the road to Longbourn.”
They sipped their drinks in silence experiencing a pleasant afternoon, and the prospect of dining with the Duke of Sommershire made it even more exciting.
“Anyway,” Darcy said, “your wait will not be long; you can leave for Longbourn to meet Miss Jane the next day after the dinner…and if you want, I could accompany you!”
“I can hardly wait,” Charles said and finally ascended into his clouds—where he usually lived—having in mind the marvellous face of his beloved Miss Jane.
Chapter 10
In usual circumstances, Charles would have enjoyed every moment before that dinner. He had always liked the preparations, the emotions before such an important event. But the talk he had with Darcy reignited his interest in Jane; he yearned to meet her again. Actually, it was not only that discussion but also a thought that tormented him for some time. He was sorry his friend and sisters did not like Jane or her family, but it was he to marry her and his sentiments were stronger than ever. He felt so happy he could hardly wait to see Jane’s beautiful face again, and the way she blushed when he was near her, deliciously showing her emotions.
The day before the dinner they agreed to go with one carriage with Bingley conveying Darcy from home. As he looked for the last time in his bedroom mirror, Bingley dared to imagine Jane in his home, near him for life. The ten minutes trip to Darcy's house was enough for Bingley to plan his trip to Netherfield and his meeting with Jane. He could feel the excitement they would both feel and the happy ending…because he could not imagine Jane's sentiments for him had changed.
He closed his eyes and let his imagination float to encounter Jane’s enchanting silhouette and loving eyes.
The two friends met with some embarrassment after their long conversation from two evenings ago, when many secrets had been unveiled. They rode in silence both deep in reverie, one happy, the other sad; yet even Darcy kept a secret in his soul…maybe the trip to Longbourn would be a happy one for him too as he still had expectations regarding Miss Elizabeth. They had delightful plans for the near future and also they thought with much pleasure to the evening to come.
For Bingley, it was the most important invitation he had ever received while for Darcy, it recalled a dear memory. As they entered the Sommerville park he felt like he was a child again near his beautiful and kind mother.
The park and palace were lighted with hundreds of candles, creating a magic ambience more suited to a season’s ball than a dinner. As it was the first event the Sommershire Palace had seen in so many years, no extravagance was excessive. Lady Sommershire wanted to celebrate the return of her nephew, the Duke of Sommershire, from a long and painful journey—from tragedy to the light and his return to a normal life. So joyful was she that she wanted all of London to participate in her happiness.
Darcy and Bingley entered the luxurious room, where many guests were already gathered, feeling they were about to participate in an impressive event. It was an atmosphere of joy and cheerfulness that was impossible not to feel. It seemed that not only the people but also the house participated in the general bliss. They both were touched by a happy state of anticipation and curiosity but nothing they could envision prepared them for the huge surprise that was waiting for them. Upon arriving in Lady Sommershire’s parlour, the first people they saw in the distance…were the Bennets! They stood still for a few seconds in front of such a tremendous happenstance, then looked at each other in disbelief trying to understand the strange circumstance. But this was no time for questions; they had to recover in haste as they approached Lady Sommershire to offer their greetings and gratitude for the invitation.
“Mr Darcy,” she said, “I remember you so well from the time you came to visit my sister-in-law with your dear mother!”
Darcy made a considerable effort to keep his composure and introduce Bingley, who was still utterly astonished by the presence of Jane and almost incapable of speaking; he could not take his eyes from her.
To their astonishment, Lady Sommershire deserted her other guests to lead them with much determination to the Bennets, proving she was aware they were old acquaintances. While crossing the room, Darcy recognised and greeted several members of the Ton, but they stopped only in front of Mr and Mrs Bennet, who were beside Elizabeth and Jane.
Less shocked than Bingley, Darcy had to admit it was the most unexpected meeting. Usually, it was not difficult to guess who the guests would be at such an event. To find the Bennets in one of the most influential houses of England was a considerable surprise.
For Bingley, it was a miracle. He made an effort to greet her parents despite his eyes being directed to the lady he had been dreaming of ever since he left Netherfield. His emotion was so evident that Mrs Bennet forgave him for all the sufferings he provoked in her daughter.
“Mr Bingley,” she said, “what a pleasure to find a well-known face among so many strangers.”
She ignored Darcy, who was waiting for his turn to present his bow.
“Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet,” Bingley mumbled, trying in vain to take his eyes from Jane, “it is indeed a pleasure to find you here!”
Fortunately, Lady Sommershire saved the situation. She invited Jane and Bingley to follow her to a quiet spot, near the fireplace. She looked back once or twice to see how Jane and her gentleman were doing, repressing a smile so evident was their agitation. They stood still one near the other—their cheeks on fire—incapable of speaking engaged in an emotion Lady Sommershire envied.
"How are you, Miss Jane?" Charles Bingley finally asked.
Jane made an effort to look at him, she was happy to see him, yet she did not know to interpret his emotion. Was he sorry for all the suffering he provoked with his careless attitude, or did he want to persist and make her suffer again?
But her incertitude was banished by his hasty voice, “Please, Miss Jane, please forgive me!”
He sounded so sincere that Jane looked into his eyes for the first time and what she found there made her heart melt. It was love like she had never seen, a declaration more trustworthy than any words could contain. The intensity of their look almost made her faint. She leaned on the marble mantle, looking at the fire.
“Just a word from you and I will not persist in my demand and will disappear forever from your life,” Bingley managed to whisper, as more and more people were around them.
"What demand, Mr Bingley?" Jane replied, suddenly more confident.
"Oh, Miss Bennet, the only one that tormented me during all these months. We should go to the terrace if it is not too cold for you.”
Jane nodded, her body burning—sure she would not feel the cold from outside.
He gave her his arm, and they crossed the parlour to a glass door that opened onto a terrace while Mr Bennet followed them with worried eyes. Just some moments ago, Elizabeth also left on the arm of a young man who asked his permission to lead her to the table. He was slightly dizzied by the surroundings and the gathering but decided not to lose his daughters from his sight.
"Why is Jane going outside with that Mr Bingley, who made her suffer only some months ago?”
Mrs Bennet put a caressing hand on her husband’s arm, “Please do not worry, Mr Bennet, the poor gentleman is even more nervous than she is. Nothing bad will happen on the terrace; on the contrary, I can predict a happy event!”
And indeed, as soon as they were on the terrace, Charles Bingley took Jane’s hand and asked with all the courage he could gather, “Jane, will you marry me?”
“Yes!” Jane cried without a moment of reflection. “Yes, I will marry you, Charles.”
The very next moment their lips were together, all the suffering forgotten in the passion of their embrace. No more timid or shy, just sure that in a short while they would be together in life. They hardly decided to go back inside.
It took Mrs Bennet only a glance to know that another happy event was about to happen in her family. She gently tapped Mr Bennet’s elbow with her fan discreetly showing the pair that entered the dining room. Jane and Bingley were so excited and happy that could mean only one thing, “We should prepare Mr Bennet for another wedding!”
It was a glorious day for the Bennets.
‘Two daughters to be married, both in wealth and…in love,’ Mrs Bennet thought.
“It is a good day for us, Mr Bennet,” Mrs Bennet said. “Please do not be worried anymore, Mary or Jane will take care of us…no matter what. It is a triumph. And look at Elizabeth! How splendid she looks, even that annoying Mr Darcy looked charmed and ready to take her to the table. But I hope she will find someone else, like the young gentleman who actually accompanied her.”
Chapter 11
Ever since she came to London, Elizabeth constantly thought about Darcy. She feared their meeting—the first after Hunsford where she refused his marriage proposal—but at the same time, she wanted to see him.
As she considered herself a thoughtful and polite person, the way she had rejected his proposal still made her wretchedly uncomfortable. The fury and frustration she had felt in Hunsford disappeared long ago, leaving her ashamed by the violence of her answer. She was ready to meet him and try to mend a relationship that could be pure friendship…or more.
When Sophie asked her to name a friend she wanted to invite to dinner she indicated, without hesitation, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy. It proved to be a pleasant coincidence as Sophie also knew him.
Days before that evening she imagined how they would meet. But nothing prepared her for the emotion she felt when he entered the room. It was expectation and happiness but also fear he was still mad at her. She prayed he had forgotten the past and forgave her attitude. Indeed the eyes he fixed on her were burning with pleasure and joy. He bowed slightly from a distance making her heart beat at a frightful speed. Both changed colour; one looked white, the other red, but it was pure pleasure on their faces.
