Page 78 of Roses from Pemberley
Mrs. Philips smiled dreamily. “So true, Mr. Darcy, so true.”
Not long after that, the gentlemen took their leave, but not before seeing Lady Lucas crossing the street and heading towards Mrs. Philips’ home. Darcy smiled to himself and wished he could have been there to see her reaction when Mrs. Philips told her about the dinner she was to attend at Netherfield. Doubtless, she would relate the event to her husband…and others in the neighbourhood.
He turned to Bingley and said, “Why do you not ride to Longbourn and tell Miss Bennet of our plans? I, in turn, shall call on Mr. Philips in his office and attempt to gather information about Wickham’s debts.”
Bingley frowned. “But can I not help in paying them off? It seems to me that I have had all the easy responsibilities in this matter. Besides, I have already spoken to Mr. Philips and wehave almost finished collecting the required information. But I do insist on helping with the payments.”
Darcy rolled his eyes. “Please do not make me have this conversation again. I was forced to argue with Elizabeth’s other uncle over it just yesterday and do not wish to do so with you. In fact, you must consider it as payment for the months of anguish through which I put you and Miss Bennet.”
“That was as much my fault as it was yours,” said Bingley skeptically. “But I shan’t argue with you over it as you seem determined to have your way. But allowmeto call on Mr. Philips. I shall see you back at Longbourn afterwards.”
They parted ways and Darcy was soon back at Longbourn where he found Mr. Gardiner in the drawing room, seated among the ladies of the house. Finally allowing himself a little respite from all his tasks, he settled into an armchair across from Elizabeth and regarded her uncle.
“Mr. Darcy, I am happy to see you again, though I did not think it would be so soon…and under such circumstances. I received the note you were kind enough to send this morning and have come here to attend my brother’s funeral.”
At this Fanny Bennet began to weep quietly as Mr. Gardiner put his arm around her shoulder.
“Yes,” murmured Darcy, “things must not have been easy…for your family.” He turned to Mrs. Bennet. “You have my deepest sympathies, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she said, dabbing at her eyes with her lacy handkerchief. “It has been difficult, as you say. Especially now that no one will call on us.”
“And they will not even greet us when we pass them on the street,” said Kitty Bennet, now also becoming tearful.
“Not a very Christian attitude at all,” said Mary grimly.
“You are right, Miss Mary,” said Darcy. “But perhaps we can offer you a little…respitefrom these troubles. I spoke withBingley earlier, and we thought it a good idea to have a quiet family dinner at Netherfield this evening. Just family, of course - both yours…and mine.”
*****
Elizabeth sat across from her betrothed and wondered which family members he was referring to. She was about to ask him about it when Mrs. Bennet forestalled her.
“Your family, Mr. Darcy? Who do you mean?”
“Well, my sister Georgiana, for one. And others…whom you met at Rosings.”
“Rosings!” cried Mrs. Bennet. “You mean the earl and countess? Lady Catherine?”
“Yes, at least…someof them. And of course Mr. and Mrs. Philips, whom we took the liberty of inviting.”
“So they are coming to Netherfield?” asked Mrs. Bennet.
“I expect they will,” he replied, trusting that his family would fulfill his request once his letter reached them.
“Well then, thank you, Mr. Darcy. We shall be happy to see them again.”
“We never met them before,” said Kitty, pressing the last of her tears away and sharing a look with Mary. Elizabeth noticed that, since Lydia’s departure, her two sisters had become much closer.
“They shall be happy to make your acquaintance, Miss Catherine,” said Darcy.
“But, Brother,” said Mrs. Bennet, “as you have just arrived, will you not tell us a little more about Lydia? Has she become more sensible since this debacle? Is she at least regretful of her actions?”
Mr. Gardiner appeared troubled before saying, “I hope shehasgained some sense since I departed. However, I saw none of it beforehand.”
“Oh, that selfish girl!” cried Mrs. Bennet who began to weep anew.
It was then that Bingley was shown into the room.
He was quickly introduced to Mr. Gardiner who took the opportunity to say, “Perhaps you young people would like to take a little air? I shall stay here and have a little tea with my sister.”
