Page 39 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Do you remember our neighbours from Gracechurch Street—the Lewisham family?”

“Of course I do…”

“There was a fire in their house four days ago. Nobody knows what happened. We just woke up from the light in the middle of the night.”

“Dear Lord, are they injured?”

“Not really. Fortunately, everyone is safe, just desperate and scared. Their house was burned and greatly damaged. We helped them as much as we could, but they had to move to the home of Mr. Lewisham’s brother in Oxford. The whole street was affected by the smoke; the walls are all black, the houses smell of smoke, and the children are frightened…”

“How terrible! Thank God nobody was harmed in the fire,” Elizabeth whispered in a daze of surprise.

“Indeed, my dear. Gilbert insisted that we all come to live here for a while until things settle down. I said it was not necessary, but I could not refuse him as this area of Town is splendid, and such an opportunity will never arise for us again.” The lady smiled. “Besides, there are ten bedchambers here. I believe Gilbert is happy to have company.”

“Why do you say such an opportunity will never arise again?” a strong voice replied. “You may well come and live with me forever. Nothing would make me happier.” They turned and saw Mr. Wilson, followed by Mr. Gardiner.

Maria paled and mumbled a few words while Elizabeth hurried to embrace her uncle and greet Mr. Wilson warmly.

“Miss Elizabeth, you look lovely! It seems the time spent in Kent suited you very well,” Mr. Wilson said. “Did you ladies have a good time?”

“We did,” Elizabeth replied for both. “My friend Charlotte is an excellent host, and she has made herself a charming and comfortable home. We were spoiled by her kindness.”

“And how is Rosings?” Mr. Gardiner asked. “Were you disappointed or not, based on Mr. Collins’s descriptions?”

“Rosings is everything we expected and more. It is beautiful and impressive,” Elizabeth uttered.

“Well, well—I cannot wait to hear more at dinner,” her uncle replied.

A little more time was spent with refreshments and conversation before Maria finally retired to her room.

Elizabeth did the same with Jane as they clasped arms. Only then, did Elizabeth look around carefully. The elegant tapestries, exquisite furniture, wide halls, and generous chambers impressed her. It was more than she expected. The house looked like Rosings; Maria was right. Smiling to herself, she wondered what Lady Catherine might say about a house leased by the brother of her aunt who lived in Cheapside. Perhaps Mr. Bingley’s sister should be invited too—just in case.

***

“Lizzy, should we stay together as we used to at home? Or would you rather have your own bedchamber?” Jane asked. “Mr. Wilson ordered that all the rooms be prepared.”

“Dear Jane, this room is larger than our drawing at Longbourn; surely, it can accommodate both of us.” Elizabeth laughed. “Besides, I missed you so much and I have so many things to tell you that I cannot bear to be separated from you again. Besides—oh dear, what a view from the window! This is exquisite! The whole park lies before us! I cannot wait to take a long walk!”

“I was hoping you might want us to stay together. And I knew that you would approve of the view; that is why I chose it,” Jane replied, embracing her. “I am so happy to see you, Lizzy! I missed you so much! Tell me everything!”

“You tell me first, Jane. How are you, dearest? You look very well.”

“I am fine…better. The affection of our aunt and the energy of our cousins have kept me occupied all these weeks. And then there was the scare from the fire and the excitement of moving here…I had not a single moment of boredom. Nor had I time to think of anything unpleasant. But enough about me. You have been gone for a fortnight; you must have many interesting things to relate.”

“Very well, dearest. To be honest, I am eager to tell you too. Dear Jane, I am about to disclose to you something so exceedingly astonishing that you will not believe me.”

“Lizzy, you frighten me. What is it?”

“Mr. Darcy proposed to me. He asked me to marry him, and I refused him. Even more, I argued with him and offended him. I accused him of many things…some true, but others were so unfair that I want to forget them.”

As she spoke, Elizabeth felt distress overwhelm her as surprise turned the astonished Jane completely pale.

“I know it is impossible to imagine; I still cannot believe it myself.”

“What do you mean? But…Lizzy…how? There is… How can this be?”

“I do not know, Jane; and yet, it happened. I am ashamed to tell you what happened next.” Elizabeth spoke with some difficulty as she attempted to relate to her sister the chief of the scene between Mr. Darcy and herself.

Jane listened in disbelief. To her, the proposal itself was not impossible to imagine; her strong sisterly affection made any admiration of Elizabeth appear perfectly natural. But neither she nor Elizabeth had ever noticed any sign of partiality on Mr. Darcy’s side, so news that the gentleman had such strong, hidden affection was disturbing. Soon, her surprise gave way to other feelings. She was sorry that Mr. Darcy should have delivered his sentiments in a manner so little suited to recommend them, but she was more grieved for the unhappiness her sister’s refusal must have given him.