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“Miss Darcy was very beautiful,” Jane whispered. “And she seemed amiable too, which is unusual for someone so rich and so accomplished. Miss Bingley spoke often of her many talents.”

Elizabeth felt the pain in her sister’s voice and understood the meaning behind her words. Jane had just met her supposed rival, and she felt immediately defeated. Mrs. Gardiner, however, continued, blissfully unaware of her niece’s turmoil.

“Lady Anne Darcy was just like that. Very pretty, gentle, kind, and talented. She painted and played the pianoforte beautifully. Of course, I never saw or heard any of that for myself, only reports. Does Mr. Darcy resemble his sister?”

“Dear Lord, no! One could hardly meet two more different people. From appearance to voice and manners, they are utterly the opposite! I wonder whether they are truly brother and sister. Mr. Darcy is as proud, arrogant, and careless about the feelings of others as one can be. He would certainly not stop his carriage to see whom he had hurt.”

“You are too severe on him, dear Lizzy,” Jane interjected. “Mr. Bingley always spoke highly of Mr. Darcy and praised his generosity, kindness, and sense of honour.”

“I am sure Mr. Darcy can be all that, if and when he chooses to be. Probably with his family and close friends. The rest of the world, however, and especially those who have lost his friendship, are not given the chance to witness those qualities.”

“You are indeed very severe on him, Lizzy. What puzzles me is that Miss Darcy said she heard him and Mr. Bingley mention your name. I wonder under what circumstances. It must be something good — that is what her tone indicated.”

“Of Mr. Bingley, I expect to say something nice about our family. But Mr. Darcy was always my severest critic,” Elizabeth concluded.

“I do not know what to do about Lady Matlock’s invitation. Should I take it in earnest and just knock on her door next time we are in the neighbourhood?”

“I was under the impression she expected that and insisted upon it,” Elizabeth responded. “Why would she do that if not in goodwill?”

“That is Mr. Bingley’s house,” Jane suddenly interjected, gazing out of the window with curiosity and the same disturbed countenance.

“Since his sister wrote to you to visit her, we may come one day, Jane. We may take that opportunity to greet Lady Matlock briefly. What do you think? Would you like that?”

“I would like that very much, Aunt. Would you, Lizzy?” Jane answered.

“I would rather walk around Hyde Park while you visit Miss Bingley and only join you to call on Lady Matlock,” Elizabeth said in all honesty. “Mr. Bingley certainly took all the common sense and decency and left nothing for his sisters.”

“I would very much like to meet Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “I am curious about both of them.”

“Well, we can always hope for another accident!” Elizabeth laughed.

Three

Darcy put down the papers that he had already neglected for too long. He could hardly keep his mind on anything since he returned to London. His plan to forget Elizabeth by creating distance between them had failed, and his mind was filled with thoughts about her, just as had happened during his stay at Netherfield. His sleep was equally disturbed too, by dreams he refused to acknowledge, and the lack or rest made him anxious and annoyed all the time.

“Dear brother, you will not believe what happened!” Georgiana said joyfully as she entered the library. “Am I disturbing you?”

“You never disturb me. Surely you do not have to ask! Please come in and sit down. I am glad to see you in such an excellent disposition. I assume you enjoyed yourself with our aunt.”

“I did, but I must tell you something quite astonishing. A most entertaining coincidence.”

“Do tell,” Darcy said, pleased with his sister’s enthusiasm. He had rarely seen Georgiana so lively in recent years.

“Well, as our carriage drove down Park Lane, we almost hit some ladies, who were walking.”

“Oh…?”

“Yes! It gave us a fright, but fortunately, nothing bad happened. Our aunt stopped the carriage and went to speak to them. And, as it happened, one of the ladies had grown up in Lambton and she knew Aunt Matlock. She was also well acquainted with our parents!”

“How lovely, indeed.”

“Oh, but there is much more. As our aunt spoke to her, the lady introduced us to her two nieces. Can you guess who they were?”

“I certainly cannot! But I am glad you are amused.”

“Well, I should keep you intrigued a little longer, but I cannot. Her nieces were Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. From Longbourn, Hertfordshire! The same Bennets you wrote to me about in your letters!”

The girl paused, evidently eager to witness his response, but Darcy was stunned, struggling for air. He prayed it was a joke — as unreasonable as such an expectation was.