Page 42 of Grief and Grievances
The drawing room, filled with the afternoon sunlight, cast a warm glow upon the assembled family members. Elizabeth, observing Mr. Darcy as he engaged her sisters in conversation, found herself increasingly astonished at the transformation in his demeanour. Gone was the aloofness and pride that had characterised their earlier encounters; in its place, a graciousness and genuine interest that she had not thought possible.
“Miss Mary,” Darcy said, addressing the middle Bennet sister with a kind smile, “I understand that you possess quite a talent for playing the pianoforte.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” Mary murmured, her cheeks flushed with pleasure at the unexpected praise. “I am honoured by your words.”
Kitty was admiring Georgiana’s gown, elegantly made of the finest fabric.
“Lydia!” Mrs. Bennet called out sharply, interrupting her reverie. “Show some manners and greet our guests!”
Lydia, who had been sulking in the corner, rose from her seat with a petulant pout. “Forgive me, Mr. Darcy, and Miss Darcy,” she said, rolling her eyes as she curtsied with obvious reluctance. “I was merely lost in thought.”
“Quite all right, Miss Lydia,” Darcy replied, his voice betraying a hint of amusement. “We all have moments of reverie.”
Elizabeth could not help but smile at this, her thoughts drifting to the countless instances in which she had found herself similarly absorbed in reflection. As she observed Darcy’s interactions with her family, she marvelled at the depth and complexity of human emotions, pondering the ways in which they could be transformed by time, circumstance, and understanding.
“Jane, my dear,” Mrs. Bennet cried, her voice tinged with excitement as she grasped her eldest daughter’s hands, “I must tell you what has transpired in the last few days! Mr. Bingley has come back to Netherfield, and no sooner did he arrive in the county than he called here, inquiring most eagerly after you!”
“Indeed?” Jane’s cheeks flushed, her eyes shining with a mixture of hope and embarrassment.
“Quite so, my dear,” Mrs. Bennet continued, hardly able to contain her enthusiasm. “He has called three times at Longbourn and even left a most charming note expressing his desire to see you again.”
Jane exchanged a glance with Elizabeth, who smiled in return. She could see the way Jane’s eyes sparkled at the news.
Darcy could not help but chuckle softly. He leaned towards Elizabeth and murmured, “It seems Bingley’s interest in Miss Bennet has not waned despite their separation.”
“Thank heavens for small favours,” Elizabeth responded, her voice low and laced with amusement.
“Indeed,” Darcy agreed, his eyes twinkling with humour. “Bingley is nothing if not persistent when his affections are engaged.”
Elizabeth found herself pondering this observation, her thoughts turning inward as she considered the subtle transformation she was witnessing in the man beside her. Was it possible that his own affections had undergone a similar shift? And if so, what might that mean for her own tumultuous emotions?
“Longbourn is so lovely,” Georgiana chimed in, breaking the spell. “I do hope that you will all visit us at Pemberley someday.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth replied, her heart swelling with gratitude for the young girl’s kindness. “What a very gracious invitation.”
“Then it is settled,” Darcy declared, a hint of warmth creeping into his voice. “We shall look forward to your company with great anticipation.”
As the conversation continued, Elizabeth glanced around at her family, taking in their expressions of joy and satisfaction. In this moment, she could not help but marvel at the transformation that had taken place within her own heart, as well as in those around her.
She watched as Jane and Georgiana exchanged warm smiles, their friendship now firm. Darcy himself spoke with Mrs. Bennet, his former pride apparently in complete abeyance. Even the younger Bennet sisters, who had once scorned the proud man before them, now looked upon him with admiration and respect.
Lost in her thoughts, Elizabeth barely noticed when the carriage was announced, signalling it was time for their esteemed guests to depart. She blinked, her reverie broken, as the reality of their imminent departure settled upon her. The strange mixture of emotions that swirled within her left her feeling both elated and melancholic, as the possibility of a future she had never dared to imagine unfurled before her eyes.
Chapter Twenty
Astheclatterofdishes and silverware echoed through Longbourn’s dining room, Elizabeth Bennet glanced towards her father, Mr. Bennet, who was sipping slowly at his glass of wine. Dinner had been consumed with the usual chatter about Meryton’s gossip and Lydia’s ever-growing collection of anecdotes about officers of the militia. However, as Lydia’s excitement over her upcoming journey to Brighton increased, a sense of urgency welled up within Elizabeth.
“Father,” Elizabeth began tentatively, clearing her throat as she addressed him, “may I have a word with you in your study after we finish our meal?”
Mr. Bennet raised his eyebrows, assessing her serious expression before nodding his assent. “Of course, my dear Lizzy. I shall meet you there shortly.”
After dinner, Elizabeth entered the sanctuary of her father’s study, where the soft crackle of the fireplace filled the air. She paced back and forth, her thoughts a whirlwind of concern for her younger sister and what consequences might befall her in Brighton. With each step, her determination to prevent Lydia’s heedlessness grew stronger.
“Ah, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet said as he entered the room, closing the door behind him. “It is good to have you and Jane home. I have not had a word of sensible conversation at Longbourn since you departed.”
Elizabeth did not smile at his teasing, and he sighed, taking a seat at the desk. “What is it that has you looking so troubled?”
“Father,” Elizabeth replied, her voice earnest, “I must speak to you about Lydia’s plans to visit Brighton. I am convinced that it would be unwise to allow her to go without proper supervision.”
