CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Elizabeth stirred and opened her eyes. The soft knocking came again at her bedroom door.

She sat up in bed and blinked as Charlotte’s worried face appeared around the side of the door. Her friend smiled slightly upon seeing her and came into the room.

“It is not like you to rise so late. I was concerned that you might be unwell.”

Elizabeth yawned and rubbed her eyes. “I am sorry... I did not retire until close upon midnight...”

Charlotte looked at her curiously. “Yes, I was surprised when we received the message yesterday evening from Rosings, saying that you would be staying there until late...”

“Oh... Rosings!” Elizabeth sat up straight. “Has there been news from there this morning?”

“Only that Miss de Bourgh lost her way while out for an evening stroll and caught a slight chill. But otherwise, all is as usual. Why do you ask, Eliza? Were you not there yourself and aware of these events?”

“Oh... er... yes... of course...” Elizabeth stammered. “I... I was just wondering if Miss de Bourgh’s health was better. She... she was the reason for my late return as she wished me to keep her company and, with her poor health, I did not like to disappoint her.”

“I believe she is making a good recovery. Indeed, we received word that Lady Catherine herself has fully recovered and invites us for dinner this evening. Well... I shall leave you to dress. Breakfast is still on the sideboard in the dining room downstairs...” Charlotte moved towards the door, then paused and turned around excitedly. “Oh, Eliza, I almost forgot to tell you! The most welcome news! The village constable arrived this morning to say that I am no longer under suspicion and all charges against me have been lifted.”

“Yes, apparently Mr Darcy has discovered the real culprit for Lady Catherine’s poisoning. No doubt he will divulge all details to us this evening. Oh... and I almost forgot this too...” Charlotte pulled a letter out of her apron pocket. “A letter for you from London. I believe it is from Jane.”

Elizabeth received the letter eagerly and, as soon as Charlotte had quit the room, settled back against the pillows to read it.

Oh, my dearest Lizzy—words cannot do justice to my feelings, but believe me when I tell you that I am the happiest of creatures! Mr Bingley has asked me to marry him! He is riding to Longbourn already, as I write this, to ask Papa’s permission, but we have already settled it between us that we are to be the happiest couple in the world. Oh, ’tis too much! I do not deserve it. How I wish everybody could be as happy!

Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst will not receive the news of our engagement with pleasure, I know, but I hope that when they see—as I trust they will—that their brother is happy with me, they will learn to be contented and we shall be on good terms again.

But I must end this now and write a letter to Mama. Though she will have had fair warning with Mr Bingley’s arrival to speak to Papa, I would not trifle with her affectionate solicitude and I must give her the details of the proposal myself. Oh, to know that what I have to relate will give such pleasure to all my dear family! How shall I bear so much happiness!

I look forward to seeing you soon, dear sister, and relating to you all the intimate details of my time in London. And I very much hope that I shall soon have the chance to see you as happy!

Your loving sister,

Jane.

Elizabeth read the letter with a bittersweet mix of feelings. There was delight and joy for Jane—and relief that despite the contrivances and obstacles put in their path, the engagement had come about at last—but there was a sense of regret and sadness too. She read Jane’s final line again: “And I very much hope that I shall soon have the chance to see you as happy!”—was there not a painful irony in the fact that she had helped to ensure her sister’s happiness by giving up her own?

When they arrived at Rosings that evening, it was to find it alight with candles. Lady Catherine, having at last left her bedchamber and resumed her social routine, was determined to celebrate the occasion with great pomp and ceremony. The dining table overflowed with over a dozen courses, each more lavish than the last, and when they finally reconvened in the drawing room, champagne was served instead of the usual tea.

Elizabeth accepted her glass and found a seat beside Anne, who was looking remarkably well after her adventures of the night before. Indeed, the girl had more colour than usual in her cheeks and a new light in her eyes. Her voice, when she spoke, was a trifle louder and she no longer kept her eyes cast shyly down the whole time. Elizabeth was delighted to see these little changes and hoped that they were the signs of a growing new confidence.

On the other side of the room, Darcy raised his hand and called for their attention. Elizabeth turned her eyes towards him and could not help admiring his tall, fine figure and noble countenance. Once again, she felt that pang of regret. They had not had much chance to speak this evening—with the Collinses, Sir William, and Maria Lucas, not to mention Lady Catherine, Mrs Jenkinson, and Mr Hargreaves all present, they could not be as they were last night. Elizabeth understood that, though she grieved the loss of that ease and intimacy between them. She blushed still to remember the sensation of his arms around her as they rode the horse together, and the feel of his hand on hers. But these were simply memories to be put aside and forgotten, she told herself severely. It would not do to dwell on them.

“If I may have your attention, please...” Darcy cleared his throat, then directed his gaze at his aunt. “I have news of some import to share. The investigation into the poisoning attempt on Lady Catherine has now been concluded and the identity of the culprit determined. It is not—as might have been previously suspected—anyone in this household or that of the parsonage; the guilty person is a leader of the local group of Luddites. They have recently engaged in several riots and other acts of destruction, and it appears that this poisoning attempt was part of a plot to harm Lady Catherine and cause disruption in the local community. Do not worry—Colonel Fitzwilliam is currently engaged in apprehending the leader and suppressing these acts of rebellion, thus the danger to Lady Catherine’s person is unlikely to continue. My cousin has asked me to make his excuses tonight as he has had to return to Canterbury to report to his superiors.”

Murmurs of surprise and relief greeted this announcement. Lady Catherine began loudly denouncing the Luddite movement, whilst Mr Collins rushed to congratulate Mr Darcy on the successful investigation, and Sir William, Maria, and Charlotte talked excitedly amongst themselves. Then a new voice broke across the hubbub, causing all heads to turn in astonishment.

“I too have some news of import to share,” said Anne de Bourgh, standing up and facing them all.

Elizabeth saw that the girl’s hands were clenched tightly together, but Anne held her head high. Elizabeth felt a flash of pride.

“Mother... I wish it to be known that I consider myself an adult now and thus, from henceforth, I shall be dictating my own time and activities. I should like to begin walking in the park every day and learning to play the pianoforte; I will no longer follow the diet of gruel and barley water prescribed by the physician—I wish to eat normal meals, including red meat—and I will not subject myself to any more bleeding.”

“Anne! What nonsense is this?” Lady Catherine frowned at her daughter. “Drop these ridiculous notions at once and be silent.” She turned irritably to the lady’s companion. “Really, Mrs Jenkinson, I do not know what you are teaching her these days, but I expect—”

“This has nothing to do with Mrs Jenkinson, Mother,” said Anne. “Indeed, while I appreciate her long devotion to my education, I would like to point out that I am of an age to no longer need a governess.”

Mrs Jenkinson turned pale and her eyes widened with anxiety, then she relaxed slightly as Anne smiled at her and said:

“I would be happy for Mrs Jenkinson to remain as my companion—but only to provide chaperonage and company, not parental supervision.”

“INSOLENT GIRL!” Lady Catherine’s bosom heaved with indignation. “This is not to be borne! I will not listen to such nonsense. Sit down at once and be silent!”

Anne stood trembling for a moment, facing her mother, and everyone in the room held their breath. Then to their astonishment, the girl took a step forwards and raised her chin even higher.

Lady Catherine’s eyes bulged in her face. She opened and closed her mouth, but no words came out.

Anne took another step forwards, her voice gaining confidence. “Furthermore, I wish it to be known that I should like to have a ‘come-out’ and enjoy a London season. I would like to go to town and attend the theatres, walk in the parks and gardens, and explore the shopping on offer. I do not wish to rusticate here at Rosings for the rest of my life.”

“And I should be happy to support Anne in that wish,” Darcy spoke up. “My house in town is available for her use at any time. My sister, Georgiana, will be ready for her own London season next winter. I should be pleased for Anne to accompany her and for them to have their come-outs together.”

All eyes turned expectantly to Lady Catherine. Her face was so red now that Elizabeth feared she might have an apoplexy. Her chest rose and fell rapidly and she appeared to be struggling for control.

At last, she spoke: “If one is considering a London season, then naturally one should wish to visit all the best shops in London. You will not order your wardrobe, Anne, without my approval.” She paused, then turned and said to the rest of the room, “There are few people in England, I suppose, who have a more true enjoyment of fashion than myself, or a better natural taste. Indeed, when I had my own season, I was known for my exemplary style and...” She continued to talk on as Mr Collins hastened to agree with her and ply her with compliments.

Anne sighed a little and caught Elizabeth’s eye, then gave her a rueful smile. Elizabeth returned the smile. Some things, it seemed, would never change. Nevertheless, Lady Catherine had accepted Anne’s proposal for a London season. It was a first step.

And watching Anne as she nodded and began discussing her proposed come-out with her mother, Elizabeth felt convinced that this would only be the first of many changes to come. In her own way, Anne had inherited her mother’s formidable spirit and Elizabeth had no doubt—seeing the way the girl turned to smile at Edwin Hargreaves—that Lady Catherine might yet have more surprises in store when it came to Anne’s eventual marriage plans.

All too soon, the evening was over and the carriage was being called to take the Hunsford party home. As they all stood waiting in the main foyer, Elizabeth found herself alone with Darcy at last. They stood together, a little apart from the others, beside an ornamental tree which provided them with slight privacy.

“I am afraid that I shall be leaving for London in the morning and will be unable to return for a few weeks. I have an urgent matter of business that I must attend to,” said Darcy. “I understand that you yourself will have departed Rosings by the time I return, so I fear we shall not meet again this time.”

“Oh.” Elizabeth tried to hide her disappointment. She knew that it was best that Darcy did not remain at Rosings—his presence was a temptation she found too difficult to resist—and though Jane’s engagement was now secured, the spectre of the rejected proposal still hung between them.

Elizabeth felt colour rush to her cheeks and found herself unable to meet his eyes.

“Miss Bennet...” He waited until she raised her gaze to his. “I have something I must ask of you and I hope you will honour me with an honest answer.”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam informed me of something before he left this morning. While waiting outside Lady Catherine’s chambers, he happened to overhear an interview between you and my aunt. It appeared that she was making comments of a threatening nature, concerning your sister, and securing a promise from you with regards to my attentions.” He leaned forwards slightly. “Was that the real reason you refused my proposal that evening?”

He moved even closer and his voice dropped to a murmur. “And... if Lady Catherine had not spoken to you, would your answer have been different?”

“Darcy? DARCY! What are you telling Miss Bennet? I must have my share in the conversation.”

Elizabeth saw Darcy’s mouth tighten for a moment, then he let his breath out slowly and stepped away from her. Turning towards the others, he said to Lady Catherine, “We are speaking of Colonel Fitzwilliam, madam.”

“Ah! Yes, the colonel. He is so much attached to me... and so excessively sorry to go...” Lady Catherine began to talk about how much she felt the loss of friends, but the carriage arrived at that moment so conversation was cut short as the visitors prepared to leave.

Darcy personally handed the ladies into the carriage and Elizabeth felt the pressure of his hand linger on hers for a moment longer than necessary. There was so much still left unsaid between them, but she had to content herself with a look as he shut the door. He lingered, however, by the window.

“I believe Bingley may be returning to Netherfield Park,” Darcy said. “Once my business is finished in London, I shall look forward to joining him there—and perhaps renewing our acquaintance?”

Elizabeth felt her heart swell with happiness. “I should like that very much,” she said with a smile.

Darcy held her gaze for a moment longer, then nodded, the ghost of a smile touching his own lips. “Until we meet again, then. Goodbye, Miss Bennet.”

He stepped away from the carriage and they moved off. Mr Collins instantly began talking about the evening—the dishes that had been served, the number of candles in the drawing room, Lady Catherine’s wit and conversation... but Elizabeth heard not a word.

She gazed out of the window into the gathering dark, a smile on her lips and song in her heart as she thought of that last look in Darcy’s eyes and dreamt of the moment when they would meet again.