by Kate Jensen
Elizabeth smiled at her father. “I am relieved that my injury hasn’t had such terrible results for you, Papa.”
“Oh Lizzy! We were so worried! I am glad to see you recovering so well. Should you be out of bed yet? Perhaps you should go rest.”
“I feel well, Jane. My head aches still, but the doctor assures me that is to be expected for some time still. Other than that and the loss of my memory, I am doing fine.”
“Loss of your memory?” asked Jane. “What is this?”
“Did Mr. Bingley not tell you? Since I woke up I cannot remember anything from the past year. It is more annoying than anything else.”
“Mr. Bingley reported that you had an accident and were unconscious. He was not aware of your memory loss. You poor thing! How Terrifying!” Elizabeth smiled at her sister and reassured her that she was well.
“Bingley,” said Mr. Darcy. “It is good to see you again. I hope your trip was uneventful.”
“I am glad to be back, Darcy. The roads were good and we were able to make good time.”
“Your sisters will be very happy to see you again.”
“Are Caroline and Louisa still here? I thought they were to continue on without me.”
“They decided to remain until you returned,” replied Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Bingley huffed in displeasure. “I specifically told Caroline not to wait for me and that they should remove themselves because you did not need to play host to them while Miss Elizabeth was injured. I cannot believe that Caroline did not listen to me.” Mr. Darcy was not at all surprised that Miss Bingley had defied her brother but chose not to comment on it. “Do not worry, Darcy. I will speak to Caroline and they will be on their way within an hour.”
Mr. Bingley knocked on his sister’s door and requested to speak with her. “Charles, I am so glad that you are returned. You must be exhausted after spending so many days in a carriage. You should rest and we can speak more at a later time.”
“That will not be necessary, Caroline. I feel perfectly fine and I need to speak to you now. What are you and the Hurst’s doing at Pemberley still? I told you to continue on without me and yet I find you still here a week later. What do you mean by disobeying me?”
“Charles, we thought it would be better to wait for you to return so that we could all continue on together as we had previously planned. Louisa didn’t feel well enough to travel immediately and Miss Darcy was delighted to have us stay.”
“I told you to continue on without me, Caroline. I was very clear about my expectations. Did you not understand me?”
“Charles, please understand, we just wanted to wait for you so that you wouldn’t have to travel alone later to meet up with us.”
“Caroline, I told you that I would not be continuing on the trip with you. I have other things to attend to.”
“Surely you are not still considering a courtship with Miss Bennet? I was sure that you would reconsider it once you had met with her and her family again. There would be no benefit for yourself or our family in an alliance with Jane. You must see that.”
“I will not have you speaking against Miss Bennet. I fully intend to court her and only waited this long to make the request because I knew how distressed she and Mr. Bennet were at the news of Miss Elizabeth’s accident. Now that it is clear that she is in no physical danger I will speak with Miss Bennet and her father after supper.”
Miss Bingley attempted to interrupt her brother to express her displeasure with his plans but he continued on without allowing her interruption. “Furthermore, I understand that Miss Bennet was in London over the winter, that she called on you and Louisa, and that you returned the call. Why did you not mention anything about it to me?”
Miss Bingley faltered in her response and attempted to make an excuse about Mr. Bingley being gone so often with Mr. Darcy that she must have forgotten to mention it to him, but Mr. Bingley would not believe her excuses. “You found the time to mention it to Mr. Darcy. He was the one who eventually confessed it to me. I believe you have forgotten who is the head of this family, Caroline. I was left with the responsibility of caring for you. You are now of age so I am not your guardian. If we cannot have mutual respect for each other and I cannot trust you to treat Miss Bennet well then as I said before I left for Longbourn, you will need to go stay with the Hurst’s, or if they are not willing to house you, I will release your dowry to you and you may arrange your own household.”
“Charles! You cannot be serious!”
“I am very serious, Caroline. Your bags should be packed by now. You and the Hurst’s will be departing within the hour. I will call for the carriage. You may speak with them about your future arrangements during this trip and write to me if you desire me to release your funds to you.” Mr. Bingley then turned and walked away before Miss Bingley had time to recover from the shock of her brother’s decision.
As Bingley had stated the carriage was loaded and ready to depart within the hour. Miss Bingley tried to speak with her brother but he would not be moved. She and the Hurst’s boarded the carriage and left later that morning. The rest of the party was happy to see them leave and looked forward to a much more relaxed and enjoyable time without Miss Bingley’s verbal attacks to contend with.
The two sisters found a moment to talk alone when Elizabeth accompanied Jane upstairs to a guest bedroom.
“Are you truly well, Elizabeth? Father and I have been so worried about you since Mr. Bingley arrived at Longbourn with word of your injury.”
“I am well, Jane. My head still aches some, but the doctor assures me that this is normal and will abate with time.”
“And the memory loss? What does he say of that?”
“He is hopeful that it will return, but there is no way of knowing when it will happen.”
Jane seemed relieved to hear this. “I am so glad. I can only imagine how frightened you were when you woke in an unfamiliar place. Has Mr. Darcy been kind to you?”
“Mr. Darcy has been an excellent host to us and very attentive to me.”
“And you do not remember any of your previous acquaintance with him?” asked Jane with some hesitation.
“No, not at all,” answered Elizabeth. “Mr. Darcy has told me of how we met last Fall when Mr. Bingley leased Netherfield and Aunt Gardiner has added what little she knew from my letters to her. Why do you ask?”
“There is much more to talk about but it will have to wait until tonight. We should go back down for tea.”
Though curious about what Jane wanted to discuss, Elizabeth agreed that they should return downstairs.
During tea Elizabeth’s curiosity was set aside temporarily as she watched Jane interacting with Mr. Bingley. The two were almost entirely engrossed in each other. They hardly spoke to anyone else, and Elizabeth could not remember a time when Jane had looked more radiantly happy.
“I am glad to see Jane restored to her former happiness,” Mrs. Gardiner said as she sat down next to Elizabeth. “Let us hope that she is not once more disappointed in her hopes.”
“They do seem quite happy together, don’t they? Was she very disappointed last winter when he left Netherfield?”
“You know Jane well enough to know that she hides her emotions well. That I could detect her low spirits at all told me that dear Jane was heartbroken.”
“Poor Jane! He had best be careful of her heart this time or I shall have something to say to him about it. Jane is perfection itself and does not deserve such treatment.”
Mrs. Gardiner patted Elizabeth’s hand. “Whatever came between them before seems to have been resolved. Let us give him a chance to prove himself.” Elizabeth nodded her agreement but vowed to keep a close eye on Mr. Bingley.
After tea Mr. Bingley suggested a walk in the gardens. The others all made various excuses but Jane, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy agreed to his plan. Once outside Jane and Mr. Bingley quickly outpaced Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy purposely held back in his desire to let Mr. Bingley have some private
conversation with Miss Bennet as well as his own desire to have a few moments to speak with Elizabeth.
“I hope you have enjoyed your time here at Pemberley, Miss Elizabeth. I know Georgiana has enjoyed becoming friends with you. I have long desired to introduce you to her. I am glad that your visit has allowed me to do so.”
“Georgiana is a dear girl. I must thank you again for being a generous host to me and my family after my accident.
Mr. Darcy smiled. “It has been my pleasure. Though I regret your injury I am very glad that it has allowed us to renew our acquaintance.” Mr. Darcy paused for a moment and then he continued. “Mr. Bingley intends to reopen Netherfield when he leaves here in about a week. I realize that our acquaintance must seem very short to you but I have admired you for many months now. If I accompany Mr. Bingley back to Netherfield would you allow me to call on you at Longbourn?” Mr. Darcy held his breath as he waited for Elizabeth’s answer.
Elizabeth was surprised by Mr. Darcy’s request. Though she and Mrs. Gardiner had speculated on his interest in her, Elizabeth hadn’t expected such a step so soon. Mr. Darcy was right that their acquaintance seemed very short to her and there had been much confusion. Elizabeth’s first reaction was to accept but then she hesitated as she remembered what Miss Bingley had told her of Mr. Darcy. Pushing aside Miss Bingley’s words and recalling her determination to judge the man based on what she knew of him rather than others, Elizabeth decided that if the man she had grown to know over the past week wished to court her she would be pleased.
Elizabeth gave Mr. Darcy a wide smile. “I would like that very much, Mr. Darcy.” Darcy let out the breath that he had been holding and returned Elizabeth’s smile.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. I cannot express how happy that makes me.” The two continued on their way. As they rounded a corner in the path they found Mr. Bingley and Jane returning towards them. Both had large smiles on their faces. Mr. Bingley seemed quite proud of himself and Jane seemed shy but very happy. Elizabeth was convinced that their conversation must have been as interesting as her conversation with Mr. Darcy. She raised one eyebrow in question to Jane and Jane nodded her head slightly.
“Darcy,” said Mr. Bingley as soon as they were close enough to speak. “Would you mind escorting the ladies back to the house? I need to go speak with Mr. Bennet. Miss Bennet has accepted my proposal.”
“Of course, Bingley.”
Mr. Bingley hurried down the path and Jane joined Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy on their more leisurely walk back to the house.
Elizabeth nudged Jane’s shoulder and raised her eyebrow again. Jane immediately broke into a huge grin. “Oh Lizzy! I am so happy! How am I to bear such happiness?”
“Congratulations, dear Jane! No one deserves happiness as much as you do.”
“Thank you, Lizzy. I feel as if it is all some wonderful dream.”
Mr. Darcy offered his sincere congratulations as well. He was happy for his friend and thankful that his error in judgment hadn’t ruined the happiness of two such deserving people. However, his thoughts could not dwell long on Bingley and Miss Bennet’s happiness when his mind was so full of his own happiness. He could scarcely believe that Elizabeth had agreed to a courtship. He hoped that he would soon be in Bingley’s position asking Mr. Bennet for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage.
Chapter Twelve
It was a merry group who met up in the drawing room before supper. Mr. Bennet had given his blessing to Mr. Bingley and the newly engaged couple were practically glowing in their happiness.
Mr. Bennet could not help teasing the new couple. “That was quick work, Mr. Bingley. We had not seen you for seven months and then you showed up on our doorstep with news of Lizzy’s accident and within a week you had proposed to Jane.”
Mr. Bingley laughed. “Well I had meant to merely ask for a courtship but I am afraid that I am rather impulsive and impatient. When I finally worked up the courage to talk to her I couldn’t contain myself and asked for her hand instead.”
“Well, I for one am pleased that you were so impulsive, Mr. Bingley,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “You have made our dear Jane very happy.”
While everyone else discussed Jane and Mr. Bingley’s engagement Mr. Darcy approached Mr. Bennet. “Sir, after supper may I have a word with you?” Darcy was eager to ask for his permission to court Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow as he looked speculatively at Mr. Darcy and Mr. Darcy recognized the look that he was well familiar with on Elizabeth’s face. Mr. Bennet nodded his agreement.
“Excuse me, sir,” a footman said as he entered the drawing room and bowed to Mr. Darcy. “An express has just arrived for Mr. Bennet.”
“Thank you, Henry,” said Mr. Darcy as he nodded for him to give the express to Mr. Bennet.
Mr. Bennet opened the letter and began to read it. His face lost all color and he collapsed into the chair behind him.
“Papa!” cried Elizabeth. “Are you well? What has happened?”
Mr. Bennet weakly handed the letter to his daughters who had rushed to his side. “Our family is ruined,” he murmured.
Jane and Elizabeth quickly scanned the letter.
June 18th
Brighton
Dear Sir,
I regret to inform you that your daughter, Miss Lydia, has left Brighton
to elope with one of the officers in my regiment, Mr. Wickham.
Her absence was detected this morning when she did not come down to
break her fast. She left a note for my wife, which I have enclosed for you,
stating her intention of travelling to Gretna Green.
I have made enquiries within my regiment as well as at posting inns
nearby. I have discovered that they made their escape late last night and were
seen making their way down the London road rather than heading towards
Scotland.
My enquiries among my soldiers has revealed the general belief that
Mr. Wickham has no intention of going to Gretna Green. I fear he is not a man
to be trusted.
I am leaving for London immediately after posting this letter in the
hopes of being able to discover them. I will be able to take a week’s leave
before I will be required to return to my post. You may reach me at the army barracks in London. I hope when you arrive that I will have better news for you.
Again, I apologize for the situation that has befallen your family while I had guardianship of your daughter.
Col Forster
Elizabeth sat down next to her father as the tears began to run down her cheeks.
“Jane,” said Mr. Bingley as he stepped next to her. “May I see the letter?” Jane silently handed the letter to Mr. Bingley as she covered her face with her hands and burst into tears as well.
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Gardiner stepped over to read the express over Mr. Bingley’s shoulder while Mrs. Gardiner moved to sit by her nieces and offer what comfort she could.
“Good Heavens!” cried Mr. Gardiner when he had finished the letter. “What was she thinking? The foolish girl!”
Mr. Bingley took Jane’s hands in his. “Don’t worry, Jane. We will find a way to fix this. Colonel Forster is already searching for her and we will join him there to continue the search.”
While Bingley was comforting Jane, Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Darcy explained the contents of the letter to the others in the room. Mr. Darcy addressed the room. “I will instruct my servants to begin packing our trunks while we partake of a quick supper. If we hurry, we can leave in an hour and cut some miles off the trip to London before we must find lodgings for the night.”
“You will be coming to town as well?” asked Mr. Bingley.
“Certainly,” replied Mr. Darcy. “I have known Wickham all my life and may have some ideas about where to search for him in town.”
“I would like to help as well,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam. “I need to be back in London in a week anyways and would be happy to return
early if it gave me the chance to track down Wickham and make him face the consequences of his actions for once.”
During dinner the group decided that it would be best if Mrs. Gardiner, Jane and Elizabeth returned to Longbourn to help Mrs. Bennet through the crisis.
“Perhaps you would be good enough to escort them, Bingley?” asked Mr. Bennet. “Then you could rejoin us in town if we have been unable to locate Lydia or you could stay to reopen Netherfield and help Jane and her sisters.”
“Of course, sir.”
In short order supper was finished, the trunks loaded and the group was ready to depart.
Mr. Darcy took just a moment to talk to Elizabeth before they boarded different carriages. “Try not to worry, Miss Elizabeth. I promise all will be well. I’ll see you again soon.”
“Are you certain that you wish to continue with a courtship, Mr. Darcy? We have not told anyone else yet and I would not blame you if you decided against it. My father is right. Our family is ruined.”
“This will have no effect on my intentions. I have hoped to further our relationship for too long and you are too much a part of my heart for me to be willing to give you up now that you have finally agreed to a courtship.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
Mr. Darcy handed Elizabeth into the carriage and then joined the other party in his own carriage.
Elizabeth was glad to see Jane so happy during the trip back to Longbourn. Mr. Bingley did an excellent job of comforting the ladies during the journey. Whenever the ladies began to worry about Lydia, Mr. Bingley would find a way to distract them.
“Do not fret, ladies. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have known Mr. Wickham all their lives. They will know how to find him and will ensure that he acts as he should.”
Elizabeth tried to stay optimistic but it was difficult. How could Lydia have done something so foolish? To jeopardize the family’s good name and standing in the community not to mention the risk of ruining not only her own reputation but the reputations of all her sisters as well was unimaginable.
