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.
She had greatly missed Longbourn and life in the country since coming to London. While she had enjoyed it at first, she had come to long for her lengthy walks across fields and up Oakham Mount. She knew not what the Willstones’ manor or surrounding area would be like, but she looked forward to having some time to explore it.
When Elizabeth returned to the Willstones’, she was met with about as much joy as she had left at her aunt and uncle’s home. Rosalyn and Mr. and Mrs. Willstone were in a very animated conversation in the sitting room when she walked in.
Not wishing to disturb them, Elizabeth peeked her head in and wished them a good evening, then proceeded toward the stairs to go up to her room. Rosalyn rushed out and asked Elizabeth to join them for a moment.
With eyes as bright as her smile was wide, she said, “Come, we have some very exciting news.”
Elizabeth knew that whatever the news was, it could not surpass in excellence all that had come to pass this day. She walked in and joined them, eager nevertheless to hear what it was that had Rosalyn so vibrant.
Mr. Willstone greeted Elizabeth and then nodded at Rosalyn with a teasing twinkle in his eye. “So are you going to tell her or should I?”
The way Rosalyn clasped her hands and looked at her with such joy on her face, Elizabeth was quite sure what… or at least
“I cannot imagine, Rosalyn. What happened?”
Looking first to her sister, then to Mr. Willstone, Rosalyn finally turned to Elizabeth. “The Darcys were at services this morning. Mr. Darcy and his sister joined us directly afterward, and we talked about our journey to the country in a few days and their departure on the morrow.”
Elizabeth nodded, feeling somewhat apprehensive, but encouraged her to continue.
“You will not believe this!
Elizabeth was stunned into silence. “Your family will be going to Pemberley?” she finally asked.
“All of us! For a fortnight! You included, of course.”
“No!” Elizabeth exclaimed abruptly, her brows furrowing in astonishment as she attempted to make out what this meant. “I mean, surely you are jesting, are you not?”
“She is not jesting. It is true,” Mrs. Willstone answered as she looked at her sister and smiled. “Rosalyn could not be happier.”
Rosalyn leaned toward Elizabeth with a conspiratorial glint in her eyes. “They know the regard I have for him. They had guessed all along.” She let out a slight giggle as she said, “And here we thought we were keeping such a good secret between ourselves!”
“Hmmm,” Elizabeth said with a compulsory grin, still wondering how all this transpired and why.
“Mr. Darcy has invited some men to join him for several days of hunting,” Mr. Willstone explained. “Miss Darcy is going to entertain the ladies. I dare say I have always wanted to see Pemberley. I have heard so much about it over the years from Lorraine’s family.”
Rosalyn reached over and touched Elizabeth’s arm. “Is this not the most exciting news?”
“I cannot find the words to express my feelings,” Elizabeth said honestly. “It is all quite… astonishing.”
Mr. Willstone leaned back in his chair, planting both arms firmly on the armrests. “I do not believe Mr. Darcy customarily invites people to Pemberley that he does not know intimately. This comes as quite a surprise—and an honour—to us!”
“And Miss Darcy,” chimed in Mrs. Willstone, “is so quiet and shy. We were quite pleasantly surprised by her wish to entertain the ladies while the men are out. This may perhaps be her introduction to hosting a small party.”
Mr. Willstone nodded. “Now, we have cautioned our Rosalyn not to look upon this with too much expectation.” He looked over at her and winked. “But with the attention Mr. Darcy has paid her recently, we cannot help but hope that he has formed an attachment to her and wishes to further their acquaintance.”
Elizabeth looked over at Rosalyn, studying her features. She was indeed very pretty. Her manners were pleasing, and she had a very engaging personality. Pushing down a myriad of feelings that were beginning to rise, she answered, “I know of no reason why he should not.”
Elizabeth’s words could not have made Rosalyn more happy and herself feel more confused.
After allowing Rosalyn sufficient time to express how this might just be the opportunity for all her hopes and dreams to be fulfilled, Elizabeth looked at Mrs. Willstone. “Under the circumstances, I feel somewhat awkward trespassing upon Pemberley. After all, Mr. Bingley forsook Miss Darcy for my very own sister. I cannot believe that she or her brother would wish me there. Do you suppose they are under the misapprehension that I will not be accompanying you?”
The Willstones looked at each other. “We had not thought of that, dear,” began Mrs. Willstone.
With her hands folded in her lap, Elizabeth began to nervously intertwine her fingers together and suggested, “Perhaps it would be best if Emily and I went on directly to your country home, instead.”
