Darcy's Trial by M. A. Sandiford Page A

touched Elizabeth’s arm. ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure it can be resolved easily enough. Oh, by the way, there is a letter for you in the hall.’
    On retrieving the letter, Elizabeth immediately recognised Jane’s hand, and felt a glow of anticipation which for the moment drove other concerns from her mind. Leaving the letter on her bedside table as a promise of future pleasure, she made haste to wash, rub her teeth, and change into her nightgown, before kneeling to read by the light of a single candle.
Longbourn
    Dear Lizzy
    I must be quick (mama is in a state) but I wanted to write straight away for I have such news as you will hardly credit. Mr Bingley has returned to Netherfield, not two days ago, and today he came to pay us a call! What is more, he was extremely attentive, and when mama contrived to leave us alone for a few moments, explained to me the reasons he left so abruptly last year, and did not call while I was in London. I cannot go into details now, but I am so relieved and gratified that we have now met and achieved a better understanding, although of course I do not ask or expect anything to come of this.
    Mr Bingley also confirmed the grave news concerning Mr Darcy, of which we had already heard rumours in Meryton. I believe you know what I am referring to. It is extremely shocking, and I’m sure you must be distressed whatever your opinion of that gentleman.
    I hope you are enjoying London—but not too much for I would dearly love you to return. Have you been able to visit Mrs Beaumont and her family as you intended? Papa often grumbles that you have abandoned him, and I think he also worries about his debt to Mr Gardiner, but like all of us he has been cheered by Mr Bingley’s reappearance.
    Looking forward to hearing your news, Jane
    After scanning these words rapidly for new information, Elizabeth read them again slowly, with ambivalent feelings. On the one hand she was delighted and relieved that Jane’s sufferings were at an end—for unlike her sister, she was in no doubt of Mr Bingley’s intentions. On the other hand, she was uneasy that her family should be sharing in the gossip about Mr Darcy; she was also disturbed by the phrase ‘whatever your opinion of that gentleman’, which reminded her anew of Bridget’s words: manifestly you are not indifferent to this man .
    After hiding the letter inside Vindication of the Rights of Woman , itself secured at the bottom of a drawer, Elizabeth snuffed out the candle and retired, aware that sleep would not come easily.

Chapter 11
    As he opened his boiled egg, Mr Gardiner came straight to the point.
    ‘So Lizzy, it seems you arrived later than expected at the Beaumonts.’
    Elizabeth frowned, wondering how her uncle had come by this information, then recalled that he might have questioned the servant who had carried her message. She nodded assent.
    ‘What delayed you?’
    She hesitated, unwilling to lie. ‘I would rather not say.’
    Mr Gardiner exchanged a grim look with his wife before taking a folded note from his breeches pocket. ‘This arrived yesterday evening, after your message. It is from Mr Darcy.’
    Elizabeth gasped in horror. ‘What does it say?’
    ‘You may as well read it yourself.’
    He handed it over, and Elizabeth turned away, to hide her countenance, before studying the now familiar hand.
Grosvenor Street
    Dear Mr Gardiner
    I feel it is my duty to inform you that your niece Miss Elizabeth Bennet has called at Darcy House this afternoon. Given my present circumstances, I had strongly advised her to discontinue her visits, but from the selfless kindness of her nature she wished to comfort my sister, and to read to me to distract me from my illness. From Miss Bennet’s own admission, I understand that her family, and yourself in particular, are unaware of this situation, which in my opinion—and I imagine yours as well—should be promptly addressed, to avoid any risk of damage to Miss Bennet’s reputation.
    Sincerely,