Jane looked appalled for a moment—to think her sister could not trust her; then she remembered Elizabeth was not quite herself yet and trod carefully. “Yes, of course, dear sister; you can always confide in me.” Jane did not want to give that she had found her journal entry.
Elizabeth was relieved and knew Jane was sincere; she would not tell a soul. Elizabeth cautiously chose her words but knew regardless that she would sound crazy. She would be locked up in the asylum. “Jane, I do not belong here. I am not your Elizabeth, I cannot remember everything, but I will never be her. I am only breaking Darcy’s heart, and I must leave at once.” She paused to gauge Jane’s response and expression.
Jane blinked back tears and embraced Elizabeth. “Oh, Lizzie, you only speak of these things since you are not well yet. You have amnesia and are not quite right in the head yet.” Elizabeth let out a huge sigh; she knew this was pointless, but she had to try, only because she had to find a way back. She needed to leave before all of this got out of hand. Come to think of it, it already was.
Elizabeth tried again, but no words could be formed; she gave up. Jane felt sorry for Elizabeth and suggested they go back inside and eat breakfast. “I fear I have worn you out, Lizzie. Let us go eat, and you rest.”
Once Elizabeth retired to her room, Jane made no delay in grabbing her letter to Darcy and the journal entry. She felt horrible for breaking Elizabeth’s trust, but she must do something quickly. Jane was worried for her sister, that she would do something drastic; it just might end her life. Once finished with her letter, she gave it to the footman to take into town. Her father was in his study and noticed Jane was about to send the letter off. He quickly intercepted it right after Jane left it in the hands of the footman. Mr. Bennet told the footman to give it to him, and he would personally deliver it to Darcy. After the footman obliged, Mr. Bennet read the letter and gasped at the absurdity of it all. He did not read the rest of the letter and he didn’t read the journal entry. Instead, he burned the letter, for he did not want Darcy to read these ramblings and come rushing back home. He also did not want Wickham to be alerted and cause any more problems.
****
Lydia was left behind when Wickham haltingly left the day before. She was furious and believed he did her an injustice. Upset, she and Kitty decided to go into town to window-shop. Kitty was still single, and Lydia took pity on her. While window-shopping, Lydia had a great idea. “Kitty, dear, we have not been to a party in such a long time. Perhaps I can convince Jane to talk Bingley into a party. I should like to dance gaily and sip on champagne. This has been most dreadful since Elizabeth has fallen ill. We should take pity on her and throw her a birthday. However, honestly, I am doing it for selfish purposes. Perhaps all the available soldiers will attend, and we’ll find you a husband!”
Kitty snickered. “Her birthday is not for another fortnight.”
Lydia shrugged. “It is never too early to plan a party.”
“You are devious and quite selfish. Elizabeth deserves this attention more than ever. She is a selfless creature and deserves the best birthday ever.”
Hell-bent on her proposal, Lydia set out to find a lovely hat for the occasion. She had the attention span of a child and was easily distracted by a gorgeous hat in the window. It was blue with a peacock plume. “Oh, this is to die for, and will be the envy of the party!” She pulled Kitty into the store before Kitty could protest.
“Kitty, dearest, you should find a hat for yourself!” Lydia beamed.
“Lydia, that is quite all right; I have no interest in finding a husband tonight. It should not be about either one of us. Poor Elizabeth; I am concerned.”
Lydia was appalled to hear that her sister was not interested in finding a husband when usually she would jump at the opportunity. Lydia placed her hand on Kitty’s forehead to make sure she did not have a fever. “Darling, are you quite, all right? You do not have a fever. You are speaking nonsense. When did Kitty Bennet not want to find a husband?”
Kitty snickered again. “Unlike you, dearest sister, I have grown up. I realize the world does not revolve around me.”
Lydia let out a sigh and headed to the front of the store to purchase her hat. “Fine, Kitty. You are being a bore and a killjoy. Let us finish shopping and eat something.”
After they left the shop, they spotted Wickham. Lydia was not in the least bit happy; she began to storm over to him. However, she stopped in mid-step as she saw that he was with that strumpet, Anne, Darcy’s cousin. Kitty held Lydia’s arm as Lydia’s eyes were casting daggers in their direction. Wickham did not notice them and proceeded into the inn. “Come, Lydia, do not make a scene. Wickham must have a good explanation as to why he is with her.”
Lydia fumed. “You daft girl. My darling husband better have a damn good explanation.”
“Let us go home instead and calm down. It is bad enough Elizabeth has caused the town to talk. We do not need any other situation to bring shame to our house. I shall be ruined for any prospective husband if word gets out Wickham might possibly be stepping out on you, and that you acted like a lunatic in public.”
Lydia spun around and could not get her words out; instead, she huffed. Before Kitty could stop her, she made a beeline to Wickham and Lady Anne. She entered the inn and demanded of the innkeeper where to find her husband. The burly man towered over her; he was nearly six feet tall. He smelled of leather, soap, and whiskey. “Lassie, I dinna ken wha ye guidman is. As ye kin see, thare ur loads men 'ere.”
Her lips pressed into a thin line; she was getting a headache. She did not have time for this. She poked him and spat back. “Speak the Queen’s English or bloody well go back to Scotland, you brute!”
He growled, took her hand into his, and squeezed her hands with his big calloused sausage fingers. He gave her another growl, this time warning her to watch her mouth. Regardless, this did not deter her or reduce her anger. Instead, it fueled her rage.
She raised her voice. “Wickham, you know the man, he comes here often. He is with his strumpet concubine.”
“Lassie, if ah wur ye, ah wid nae shout. Ah, kin throw ye oot oan yer lug. If ah wur yer guidman, ah wid spank ye ’til yer bahookie wis red.”
“Listen here, you ogre, tell me where my husband is, or you will regret it,” she hissed.
Someone grabbed her arm and spun her around, and a man spoke in her ear. “Darling, what are you doing here?” Wickham was not pleased to see her.
“Darling husband, I might ask the same of you. Why are you here with that strumpet?”
His tone was vicious, and she was frightened a bit. “She and I have an urgent business; that is why I was called away this morning and made haste. She is clearly upset, and I have come to console her since she is a close friend.”
Lydia did not believe him for one moment, but before she could yell at him, she felt someone grab her arm. It was Kitty. “Lydia, do not do this here. Mother will hear of this, and you will not hear the end of it.”
Lydia turned back to Wickham, gritted her teeth, and tried to be civil. “Come home at once and honor your vows after you have finished with her. We recited till death do us part and not whore around till we part. I expect to see you at Bingley’s manor in a fortnight for Elizabeth’s birthday.”
Wickham grabbed her arm tighter and his nostrils flared with anger. “Know your place, dear wife; I am not to be commanded. However, I would never miss Elizabeth’s birthday for the world.” With that, he left her without another word.
Lydia fumed; she wanted to run after him and pull out Lady Anne’s hair, as she noticed she was too close to him. Too close, as if she were waiting to pounce, and he was a piece of meat. Kitty was losing her patience; she pulled Lydia out of the inn and dragged her home.
Anne sent daggers into Lydia’s back as she walked out of the tavern. Anne turned back to face Wickham, and with venom in her voice asked, “What was she doing here? You were supposed to be inconspicuous, and you failed miserably.”
Wi
ckham had no patience for Anne’s attitude and placed his finger on her lips. “Hush or you will be turned out on your ear, and you shall never have Darcy or any part of the inheritance.”
Anne purred and saw the error in her ways; she did not want to cross Wickham. She knew his foul temper teetered on the dangerous side. She sidled up to him, purred, and ran her fingers through his hair. “Darling, please do forgive me. It is just that Lydia vexes me so. I do not understand why you waste your time on that urchin when you could do so much better. Or why you even bother with Elizabeth?” Her hand trailed down to his tunic, and she started to unbutton it. He grabbed her hand to stop her.
“Do not start with that again, Anne. You know who I would much rather be with.” She frowned as he removed her hand from his tunic.
“Well, darling, at least we can play house. We might as well make the best out of this situation until we both get what we want.” Anne took him by the hand and pushed through the tavern to their room upstairs.
****
While Kitty and Lydia were on their way home, Darcy passed them in his carriage. They had not noticed, and he was grateful for that. Anise was asleep, and he did not want to overexcite her. Anise was upset; she would have given anything to be in her aunt’s care and to see her mother.
Darcy had decided to leave Anise in the care of a boarding school instead of Georgiana. He knew of a Catholic boarding school in London that would shield Anise from any danger that might befall his family. While Anise was tucked away from harm, he would get down to the bottom of why Elizabeth had to go to London. He wasn’t quite sure where to begin, but he was determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Anise slept like a baby for the hour it took to arrive at the boarding school. He gently roused her from her sleep. His heart broke as she rubbed her eyes of sleep and she asked innocently, “Where are we, Papa? Are we at Aunt Georgiana’s?”
He put on a brave face. “No, my little poppet, we are at Saint Michael’s boarding school. You are to stay here for a while.”
“Papa, why can’t I stay with you? How long will I be here for?”
He patted her hand. “Not long, I promise. Now let us get your things and get you settled in.”
Tears began to run down Anise’s face. “I do not want to go, Papa. Please, have I misbehaved? I shall behave, I promise.”
“My child, you are not being punished. I cannot truly explain why you are here, and again I promise I shall come to bring you home soon.”
There was a knock on the carriage door that startled them both, making them both jump at the same time. Darcy leaned over Anise and opened the door, and there stood a priest with white hair, twinkling blue eyes, and a smile that would ease any broken soul.
“Good day to you, Mr. Darcy; we have been expecting you.”
Darcy could not find his voice. Impossible; I told no one of us coming here.
The priest continued to smile as Darcy composed himself. “You know my name; might I know yours?”
“Father Michael,” he calmly stated. “And this must be sweet little Anise. Do not cry, my child; you are going to reside within our Father’s house, and you will be most loved.”
Anise smiled at being acknowledged and she stopped crying. Father Michael reached out for her hand and helped her out of the carriage. Darcy gathered her belongings and followed them inside the school.
Once inside Darcy relaxed, and a wave of reassurance and peace came over him. He quickly dismissed the strange introduction, yet he wanted to get Father Michael alone and question him once Anise was settled in.
A nun greeted them as Father Michael ushered them in. “This is Sister Kathleen; she will take Anise to get something to eat and to her room. She is in good hands, Mr. Darcy.”
Before Darcy could object, Sister Kathleen took Anise away. He watched her wave, and she too was calm and subdued, which he thought was strange. He would have thought she would have given him a hug or say goodbye. Lost in his thoughts, he jumped as he felt Father Michael’s hand upon his shoulder.
“You have many questions, and I shall answer them. Please come with me.”
Darcy followed him silently to his office. Once inside Darcy found his voice. “What is going on here? How did you know our names?”
Father Michael sat down behind his desk and looked Darcy straight in the eye. “William, I knew of your coming, just as I had known of Elizabeth’s. You both do not belong here, and you are in grave danger.”
Darcy was slack-jawed. “Why do you call me William? Elizabeth called me that as well when she awoke from her accident.”
“Well, that is because you are William Darcy in another life; you, along with Elizabeth, time-traveled here.”
Darcy’s face turned red with anger and his fist clenched. “You are insane! I shall not leave my daughter here with a lunatic.”
“Answer me this, William; have you not had strange dreams of pulling Elizabeth out of a fire in a metal beast?”
Darcy stood quietly. Witchcraft! How does he know of my dreams?
As if reading Darcy’s thoughts, Father Michael calmly stated, “I know, dear boy, because she was in an accident and you saved her, which traumatized you and you repressed your real life and reverted back to your old life, as Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.”
Darcy was shell-shocked, and he could not find his voice. His thoughts swirled like a knot, trying to unravel what was transpiring before him. He could not fathom any of what Father Michael was telling him. He studied the priest; if he were, to be honest with himself, Father Michael did not seem like a lunatic. There was something about him that he could not pinpoint.
Father Michael got up from his chair and went over to Darcy, placing his hand on his shoulder. “I know this seems impossible, but I assure you I speak nothing but the truth. I am under a solemn oath to never lie and to follow God’s orders. Which is to protect you and Elizabeth.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Kitty and Lydia approached their home, and they were almost run over by their valet. Lydia and Kitty were splashed by a puddle. Lydia was furious; their valet was going to be turned out on his behind later. Kitty took Lydia by the arm. “Darling sister, plotting our valet’s death will only put us out another servant. You know we have bad enough luck keeping them with Mother around.”
“Oh, Kitty, that is a horrible thing to say. I am a lady, who would never dream of plotting a lowly valet’s death.” Lydia snickered and rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Bennet was waiting for the girls when they came home. “Kitty, Lydia, hurry. My nerves are a-twitter. Where have you been? Mr. Collins is here, and we must make ourselves the most gracious hostesses and entertain him.”
They both rolled their eyes, sighed, and reluctantly went upstairs to make themselves presentable. Several minutes later, they entered the sitting room with their mother and smiled politely at Mr. Collins. “It is nice to see you, cousins,” he said, and he turned to Mrs. Bennet. “Will Jane and Elizabeth be joining us this evening, Mrs. Bennet?”
She was flustered and embarrassed at the fact of their absence. “No, Mr. Collins; I am afraid not. Elizabeth is not feeling well, and Jane is with Mr. Bingley.”
“Oh, what a pity; I have great news that I wanted to share with you all.” He smiled. “Lady Catherine de Bourgh has been gracious in offering to have Elizabeth stay in her manor and be taken care of by her doctor. She thought that it might suit Elizabeth to enjoy the finest care that could be offered.”
Mrs. Bennet was quite pleased. “It is an honor that Lady Catherine would be so kind as to take care of Elizabeth. Yes, this would do Elizabeth some good. The countryside would do wonders for her health.”
Mr. Collins was pleased with the acceptance of the news. He was also quite pleased that she didn’t question how he or Lady Catherine knew of Elizabeth’s whereabouts. He thought he should reward Wickham for being such an obedient servant. “Charlotte would be quite pleased as well to see Elizabeth. I am afraid of her condition she cannot tra
vel. She is with child and has been advised to stay and have bed rest.”
Mrs. Bennet feigned interest. “Oh, I do pray Mrs. Collins is faring well. Pregnancy can be harsh; my prayers are with her.”
Both Lydia and Kitty moved impatiently in their seats, and Lydia wanted to discuss with Jane and Bingley about Elizabeth’s party. Lydia telepathically willed Jane and Bingley to come home as she stared at the clock on the mantle. As if Jane and Bingley read her mind, they arrived home. Mr. Bennet greeted them and told them the family was in the sitting room. As they entered, Mrs. Bennet was very pleased with their presence. “Do join us and visit with Mr. Collins.”
Lydia beckoned to Jane and Bingley, trying to tell them she wanted to talk to them privately. Mrs. Bennet noticed Lydia’s impatience. “Lydia, dearest, what is the matter with you?”
Lydia smiled. “Nothing, Mother; I am not feeling well, and I do have a headache. Might I excuse myself?”
Kitty shot her a glance which said, If I must suffer Mother and Mr. Collins, so must you. Lydia ignored the daggers in Kitty’s eyes and stared pathetically at her mother. “Very well, go rest before supper then.”
Lydia too quickly bounced off the chair and bid Mr. Collins and her mother a good evening. Kitty was unhappy. “Mother, I am dreadfully tired; my head hurts.”
Mrs. Bennet gave in. “Go ahead, Kitty; you might as well go along too.”
“Thank you, Mama.” She curtseyed and left the room. After Kitty left, Jane and Bingley made an excuse to leave the room.
“Sorry, Mama; we have had a long travel, and we would like a refreshment. We shall be back.”
Mrs. Bennet let out a sigh. “Children. I apologize for their rudeness for abandoning your company.”
Collins smiled grimly and thought good riddance; the more he had to suffer Mrs. Bennet, the more he wanted to hang himself. “It is all right, I must be on my way. However, is Mr. Bennet around? I shall like to speak with him.”
“You can find him in his study, dear cousin.” She frowned, clearly upset that he was cutting their visit short.
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