Page 180 of The Governess of My Heart
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Despite the cold November weather, the following day was bright and sunny. Elizabeth felt out of place at the breakfast parlor in Netherfield, but Georgiana kept her company. Miss Bingley sat along with her brother, silently scanning Elizabeth from top to bottom.
What did he see in her to marry her?
Miss Bingley could not digest watching the way Darcy behaved around her. Apart from his sister, she had never seen him care for anyone in such a way.
After breakfast, Darcy briefly conversed with Mrs. Lewis and Elizabeth, ensuring they understood the plan.
“Are you certain you do not want me to accompany you, Lizzy?” Georgiana asked with worry.
“No, I will be all right. Do not worry,” Elizabeth said.
Georgiana watched them leave and hoped they would return soon. Mr. Bingley also went with them, and Georgiana excused herself to her room, unwilling to spend time in Miss Bingley’s company.
Meanwhile, Darcy sat beside Elizabeth in the carriage; even though they were in Lord Anderson's company, Darcy held her hand. Elizabeth tried hard to compose herself as she watched the familiar paths she had walked since childhood pass by, as the carriage rolled on. Finally, when she set sight of Longbourn, Elizabeth felt a wave of panic hit her.
Lord Anderson witnessed her agony as she struggled to compose herself; her countenance turned white, and she could hardly breathe. Darcy asked her again whether she wanted to return to Netherfield, but she disagreed. As the carriage stopped, she mentally prepared herself for the worst.
***
In Longbourn, the morning had started as usual; while Mr. Bennet sat in his library, Mrs. Bennet kept to her room, occupied with her thoughts.
I am happy that Mary is marrying him. But I am certain his sisters do not favor the match. And why does Mr. Bingley insist on getting married so soon? I need time to make Mary understand how to deal with his money. She is too naïve and will not even think about supporting us. Had it been Jane, it would have been easy for me.
Downstairs, Mr. Bennet was tired of his wife’s constant arguments over the past few weeks. She had pestered him about wedding clothes, gifts, and much more. But what irritated him the most was her request to renew relations with the Gardiners and invite them to the wedding.
Just as he sat lost in thought, the servant announced the arrival of visitors, and Mr. Bennet was shocked to see Darcy and another man walk into the library.
“Mr. Darcy!” he exclaimed in surprise, not understanding who the other visitor was.
As they stood before him, Mr. Bennet could not determine why their eyes were cold and resentful.
“Mr. Bingley did not inform me of your arrival, but it is a pleasure to see you again,” he said, directing his gaze towards Lord Anderson.
“And who is this gentleman?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“Allow me to introduce you to my future father-in-law and Elizabeth’s father, Lord Anderson,” Darcy said with composure.
For a second, Mr. Bennet felt he had heard him wrong.
“Wha… What did you say?”
“Why? Have you forgotten her so easily? Or would it be easier to lie to me that no one named Elizabeth Bennet lived here?” Darcy asked.
“How do you know this? And this man here… is he?” Mr. Bennet stammered.
“You might not have seen me in the flesh, but I am certain your wife has spoken of me when you conspired against Sarah,” Lord Anderson said.
They watched Mr. Bennet startle; his features expressed confusion and fear.
“I suggest you leave this room now,” he said icily.
“Why? Will you deny that you never tried to ruin Elizabeth's life to save your property?” Lord Anderson asked with disgust.
“Who are you to question me? Get out of my house now. That girl ran away, and she is as immoral as her mother,” Mr. Bennet yelled.
Lord Anderson could no longer stand it; he grabbed Mr. Bennet by his coat and punched him hard.
