Page 46 of To Go Against Her Heart
“Please, Lizzy, do not look at me so. I fervently hope our house will not become an abode of misery for my nieces. I have a feeling that if they should meet, we may get a better perspective of what his intentions are.”
Elizabeth conveyed the same idea to Jane, who was horrified.
“How do you expect me to renew her acquaintance, after everything that has happened?”
“If you look at the matter closely, it will not be improper to call on Miss Bingley, for she has communicated with you from town. I am certain you can call on her.”
“I cannot; it is too much for me to endure. What do I even say to Mr. Bingley?”
“You will know when you see him.”
“I do not think I can muster the courage to meet him or his sisters. It would seem I am voluntarily throwing myself in his way.”
“No, not at all! It would just seem as though you are visiting an acquaintance in town. You act as though Mr. Bingley argued with you and left you severing ties. Nothing of that sort happened, and I am certain he would be delighted to see you.”
Elizabeth tried to convince Jane, but her sister was adamant. However, Mrs. Gardiner was quite resolved in the matter. Theday of Christmas arrived, and Elizabeth found it very difficult to recollect how peaceful the previous years had been on the same occasion. The day passed swiftly as the family attended church and later spent the evening at Mr. Phillips’s.
The Gardiners were to leave within a couple of days, and Elizabeth wondered if her father could help with the situation.
“If she does not wish to go, I wonder what I can do to convince her,” Mr. Bennet said.
“She wishes to see him again, I am certain, but she is afraid to do so. Papa, I have a feeling that if they meet, whatever the issue is, it will be resolved.”
“Honestly, Elizabeth, after what happened to you because of your visit, I do not feel the same way.”
“It is a grave injustice to compare Mr. Bingley to the man who gave me hope, Papa. I beg of you not to do it. Won’t you speak with Jane regarding this? I am certain you can convince her,” she pleaded, and her father abided by her request.
That night, Jane walked into her chamber to find Elizabeth seated by the mirror.
“You asked Papa to convince me, did you not, Lizzy?”
“Well, I had to try my luck. Considering my situation with Mamma, I had to ask him to help my case. Did you agree?” she asked eagerly.
“I did, but it is in your hands for me to travel to town.”
“I do not understand; what would you want me to do?”
“Come with me.”
“What?” she cried in horror. She had never considered the idea before, afraid of being haunted by the memories of her courtship.
“Yes, Lizzy. It would be a welcome change for you as well. I can imagine how difficult Mamma is making your daily life here. You must accompany me. Otherwise, I do not wish to go.”
The sisters argued until midnight, and finally, Elizabeth agreed. She knew that Jane needed her support, and as much as it tortured her to return to the place where she fell in love, she did not want to forsake Jane when she needed her.
The Gardiners, especially the children, were delighted with the news of Elizabeth accompanying them. However, Mrs. Bennet was not thrilled.
“Why does she have to go? Does she not remember what happened when she visited last time? By now, she could have married Mr. Collins and settled in Kent,” she cried to her husband.
“Enough! Mrs. Bennet, I must warn you not to utter another word about Elizabeth. She is not a coward and has no reason to avoid town; she has done nothing of fault. Indeed, it may do her good to stay away from you for a few weeks and find some peace from your ill temper,” her husband said, his anger evident.
Charlotte was delighted with the news.
“I will miss you, Lizzy, but I am hopeful everything will turn out well. Please do not let your past experience haunt you while you are there.”
“I am going for Jane’s sake and nothing else. I sincerely hope nothing will go wrong there.”
“Do not worry. I am certain Mr. Bingley will be delighted to see her.” Charlotte paused. “But how do you feel about meeting Mr. Darcy again?” she asked.
