Page 21 of To Go Against Her Heart
Jane returned home, eager to fill in all the details about her new acquaintance.
“You should have come with us, Lizzy. Why have you been sitting in our room since morning?”
“Had I known Mr. Collins was to spend the morning here, I would have accompanied you all. I assumed he would enjoy the outing, but the man has stationed himself in the library since breakfast. I decided to stay here, not wanting to be trapped with him. Oh! Jane, I am getting tired of his constant praise for Lady Catherine andof late, of his attention toward me as well.”
“Do you want to take a stroll in the gardens?” Jane asked, and Elizabeth readily agreed. They rushed out of the house, not wanting Mr. Collins to spot them, and laughed heartily at their ridiculous behavior.
“The man sure has brought us much amusement,” Elizabeth declared, laughing.
“So far, he has not mentioned his return. I wonder what else he plans to do here. Could we possibly get an insight into when he plans to leave?”
“I suppose, I could ask him outright at dinner; and he would assuredly apologize to himself on my behalf for the ill-bred question,” she said, causing Jane to laugh.
“I have been most eager to share this with you. We made a new acquaintance this morning, one of the officers from the regiment. His name is Mr. Wickham, and you would not believe it as he claimed an acquaintance with Mr. Darcy.”
“This is indeed surprising. How so?”
“I do not know the particulars, but Uncle Phillips mentioned that he was also raised in Derbyshire. They might have been acquainted since childhood.”
“I am curious to meet this gentleman who might have known Mr. Darcy since childhood; I wonder if he was different then. Did Mr. Bingley mention anything about his return?” she asked, and Jane raised her eyebrow.
“No! I do not think he would return soon,” Jane replied.
At that very moment in town, the gentleman in question sat disinterestedly, reliving each moment he spent in Elizabeth’s company.
“Fitzwilliam, what is it? Are you not interested in attending the supper invite at our aunt’s house today?” Georgiana asked, noticing his foul mood.
“Why would you think so?”
“I do not know; you seem distressed. I feel guilty that you chose to return here because of me as I am certain you were happier with Mr. Bingley in his estate,” she said in a small voice.
“I cannot imagine what makes you assume so. Yes, I enjoyed Bingley’s company, but I missed you and returned for the same reason. I am glad that aunt has kept you entertained here, and do not doubt me—I have nothing against attending today’s engagement.”
That evening, the siblings reached Lord Matlock’s house for the supper invite. They had spent very little time there after Darcy’s return, but his aunt and uncle welcomed them with warmth.
“I am so glad to see you both, and I have missed you very much, Georgiana, dear,” his aunt said with a smile.
“I can assure you, Fitzwilliam, it is tough to pass our evenings without my niece. We got accustomed to the pleasure of hearing her play,” Lord Matlock said, making Georgiana blush.
“I am certain she will be delighted to play for you tonight,” Darcy replied.
“We have invited the Kingstons to join us today. You have not met them after their respective marriages, have you?” his aunt asked.
“No, I have not had the pleasure,” Darcy replied.
“You must know that both siblings married into the same family.”
“I am aware; Richard wrote to me regarding the same.”
“Miss Kingston is now Mrs. Harrington, and I must say her husband is quite the charmer,” Lady Matlock remarked.
Just as they were conversing, the guests arrived, and Darcy perceived that Georgiana was uneasy at the prospect of making new acquaintances. However, Darcy had the advantage of being well acquainted with Mr. Kingston and his sister for many years now. Once the introductions were made, they settled down in the parlor, and as his aunt mentioned, Mr. Harrington seemed amiable and easy going.
“I understand we do not have the pleasure of seeing you in town much, Mr. Darcy,” he said.
“I spend a couple of months here, but it is never a fixed schedule.”
“I hear Derbyshire is delightful; I have promised my dearest wife a trip to the north in the near future,” he said, looking lovingly at his wife.
