Page 4 of To Go Against Her Heart
“After all these years, I believe you took my suggestion seriously and started hunting for a bride,” he teased.
“You speak as though I were shopping for a horse rather than a wife,” Darcy said with evident annoyance, and Richard laughed upon seeing his face.
“If I did not know you better, I would say you already tried your luck in Derbyshire.”
Darcy nodded, constantly amazed at how easily Richard understood him.
“You could not find one suitable woman there in all these months?”
“To be honest, I did not go hunting; I only stopped avoiding women like I used to and tried to converse with any young lady who crossed paths with me, with the intention of becoming Mrs. Darcy. But the experience was appalling; Richard, I cannot endure it. I understand that I must marry, at least for Georgiana’s sake. She feels so lonely in Pemberley, but the women I meet make me doubt whether they would even be affectionate towards my sister. They befriend her, only to gain my affection. She has been hurt enough, and I cannot allow anyone who has eyes only for my wealth and status into our lives. It would devastate Georgiana if my future wife had no regard for her.”
“You think too much.”
“Do you intend that it is something unwarranted? Since Ramsgate, I have distrusted my own judgment in everything and marriage most of all.”
“I suggest you do not lose hope. Perhaps you will find someone in Hertfordshire who admires you greatly, and yet admires herself still more while she is adorned with feathers.” He winked, and Darcy was well aware of whom he referred to.
“That could never occur. I endure her solely for Bingley’s sake. I hope my stay there will be short, as I cannot bear the thought of leaving Georgiana alone.”
“You forget that I am her guardian, too; I suggest you relax and enjoy your time there. I will take utmost care of her well-being.” Richard paused. “May I ask when you propose to leave?”
“I plan to leave next week and do not expect to stay longer than required.”
Somehow, Richard was convinced that Darcy would discover his bride in Hertfordshire, and he fervently hoped that it would not be Miss Bingley.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bingley and his sisters had arrived in Netherfield, and he looked forward to socializing in the country. The first meeting between the Bennets and Mr. Bingley’s family had already taken place in Lucas Lodge, and he had been smitten with Jane from the moment he saw her.
“If I am not wrong, Jane has captured Mr. Bingley’s eye within a few minutes. Don’t you agree with me, Lizzy?” Charlotte asked that evening.
“I do indeed, who could possibly resist liking my sister?” Elizabeth replied with a smile. She hardly attended gatherings except at Lucas Lodge, and Charlotte was her most trusted confidant.
“I am truly glad for your presence today as I missed you at last week’s supper party. I was on the verge of passing the entire evening without one intelligent conversation,” she declared with irritation.
“Forgive me, Charlotte, I cannot bring myself to attend these parties for diversion or amusement, as they only give me a headache. Can you believe that Mrs. Herbert, the other day, had the audacity to enquire whether the gentleman who had given me hope was already married?” she asked with a laugh.
“I cannot imagine she could be this cruel.”
“Why?What fault do you find in her question? I must give myself some credit for keeping our acquaintances amused on otherwise dull evenings. When no other topic presents itself, Elizabeth Bennet is sure to come to the rescue,” she said with a smile, though Charlotte could detect the pain in her words, laced with sarcasm.
“People will forget it, Lizzy, and so will you.”
“I don’t think either will happen in my lifetime.”
“You sound like an old maid, and I know someone named Charlotte Lucas who can give you stiff competition,” she said, and the friends laughed heartily. They shared the same keensense of humor and never hesitated to mock their own lives and temperaments for amusement. Mrs. Bennet was delighted with Mr. Bingley’s arrival as the evening ended.
“I cannot believe how fortunate we are, Jane, with such a handsome, wealthy man to have traveled from town to stay here. It is destiny for certain, and from what I know, he has a friend visiting him soon to help with the property. I do hope we may soon secure a match for you and Lizzy.”
Mr. Bennet was furious with her, understanding well that Elizabeth was still depressed.
“I suggest you keep your match-making ideas to yourself, Mrs. Bennet. I do not want you to upset Elizabeth,” he cried in the carriage.
“Oh! She must keep her hopes up; she is not an old maid like Charlotte. She is young and can easily secure a wealthy match. Mr. Harrington might have slipped away from her hands, but I do not think he is the only man on earth.”
“Mamma! I beg of you to stop mentioning him,” cried Jane, concerned for her sister, but Elizabeth said nothing. Her mother’s words no longer pierced her; she had grown used to the pain over time, and she wondered if her heart had at last reached its threshold.
***
The following week, Darcy reached Netherfield early one morning, and his friend was thrilled to receive him.
