The Disappearance of Lizzie Bennet

by Elizabeth Hopkins

  Lydia giggled and as she turned to leave, reminded Wickham of the promised dance.

  As Collins approached, Wickham inclined his head slightly to the right indicating that he should follow him into the nearest alleyway. When Wickham ascertained that they were alone, he turned on Collins.

  “You bumbling fool!” he hissed. “You had one job and one job only and that was to secure the hand of Elizabeth Bennet. You could not even do that properly and now our plans are ruined!”

  Collins cowered in fear of Wickham’s anger. “It was not my fault,” whined Mr. Collins. “The old man would not give his consent stating that his daughter was already in a courtship. He had the audacity to call me a buffoon!”

  “You are a buffoon!” roared Wickham, forgetting to lower his voice.

  “What will we do now? Her Ladyship will be ever so angry.”

  “Allow me a few moments to think this over. I will speak with the others and get word to you later on how we are to proceed.”

  Wickham left a befuddled Collins in the alleyway and strode away.

  Chapter 5

  Lizzie alighted from the carriage and was amazed at the sight before her. All of Netherfield was ablaze with lights from every window. She scanned the façade and spotted Mr. Darcy in an upper story window. She smiled at him knowing that he was awaiting her arrival and proceeded to the entryway with her family. Mr. Darcy was there to greet her by the time she reached the receiving line.

  After the greetings were made, Darcy extended his arm to Lizzie and escorted her into the ballroom followed closely by Mr. Collins.

  “Do not forget you promised me the first two sets Cousin Elizabeth” he whined.

  In a stern voice, Lizzie replied “I have not forgotten Mr. Collins.” How could she when he reminded her constantly? She was resigned to having nothing more to do with him after their dances even if it meant sitting out the entire evening.

  The first set was about to commence.

  “I will return to claim my third set with you Elizabeth,” Darcy stated, bowed and walked away.

  Darcy and Elizabeth could never have imagined that would be the last time they would see one another for several years.

  Miss Bingley hurried over to Darcy as he approached the entrance to the ballroom. He would rather wait in the library than watch his Elizabeth dance with another man, even that idiot Collins.

  “Oh Mr. Darcy, an express has just arrived for you.”

  Darcy immediately made his way to the hallway where a messenger was waiting with a footman. A feeling of dread overcame Darcy. An express at this time of night did not bode well. The messenger gave Darcy the missive and he quickly scanned the short note.

  Dear Sir:

  Miss Georgianna has taken seriously ill and has been seen by the physician. He does not indicate that she will recover. Please come immediately.

  Your loyal servant, Mrs. Reynolds

  Mrs. Reynolds had been his loyal housekeeper at Pemberley for over twenty years and he knew she would not send such a missive if the situation was not urgent.

  He turned to the footman and asked “Please find Mr. Bingley and have him come to my rooms as quickly and quietly as possible.” He took the stairs two at a time and yelled for his valet as soon as he entered his rooms.

  “Parker! Pack our things as quickly as possible and have the carriage brought around. We are leaving for Pemberley immediately. My sister is gravely ill and requires my presence.”

  Parker left to do his master’s bidding and Darcy penned a quick note to Mr. Bennet. Bingley entered the room and he explained the urgency for him to depart immediately and asked him to give Mr. Bennet his note and share the information with Elizabeth regarding his abrupt departure from Netherfield. He was on his way to Pemberley within the next half hour.

  Bingley was approached by Caroline when he left Darcy’s rooms.

  “What is wrong Charles and why is Mr. Darcy leaving so suddenly?”

  “He has had a letter from his housekeeper at Pemberley requiring his immediate attendance as Miss Darcy is gravely ill.”

  Caroline feigned a shocked expression of concern. “How terrible for Mr. Darcy and poor Georgianna. What is that letter you are holding Charles?”

  Bingley waved the letter and stated “Darcy asked me to give this to Mr. Bennet.”

  “Give it to me Charles and I shall find Mr. Bennet and give it to him.”

  Bingley hesitated and she quickly added “Miss Bennet was looking for you earlier. Did you not promise her a dance?”

  The mention of Miss Jane Bennet was all the incentive Bingley needed to hand over the letter to Caroline and hurry away to find his angel.

  The false smile and concern on Caroline’s face was replaced by a sneer. She went to the library and immediately consigned the letter to the flames that burned brightly in the fireplace.

  She thought to herself, good riddance to those horrible Bennets! Darcy will never marry his sickly cousin and with that uncouth Miss Eliza out of the way he will turn to me. I shall be first in line to become mistress of Pemberley. Miss Caroline Bingley was very pleased with herself and she walked briskly back to the ballroom to put the next phase of the plan into action to permanently be rid of the Bennets.

  She entered the ballroom and as soon as she spotted Lizzie she walked over to her.

  “I beg your pardon Miss Eliza, but I have a message from Mr. Darcy. He states he is unable to have his dance with you and would you please meet him in the garden.” She said this with as much false sincerity that she could muster. “He relayed that it was both urgent and important.”

  Lizzie stared at the woman doubting her sincerity but unable to locate Mr. Darcy anywhere in the ballroom, thanked Miss Bingley and headed to the terrace that would bring her to the gardens below. She was glad of the respite from dancing as Mr. Collins had stepped on her toes several times and they were now bruised to the point that she found herself limping.

  She looked for Darcy after entering the garden and Wickham was suddenly standing before her.

  “Mr. Wickham! What are you doing here?”

  “Good evening Miss Elizabeth. It appears that you are not as happy to see me as I am to see you. Was it someone else you were hoping to meet? Why here comes Darcy now.”

  As Lizzy turned around expecting to see Darcy a cloth was placed over her mouth and nose and the last thing she saw was Mr. Collins and Miss Bingley observing her and Wickham from a window before her world went black.

  Chapter 6

  Darcy had his coach drive through the night stopping only to change horses and refresh himself. He purchased food for himself and his servants and they ate enroute, although Darcy was not able to eat a morsel of food. When he reached Pemberley three days later, he jumped from the coach and confronted Mrs. Reynolds and his butler who were waiting on the front steps to greet him.

  As she curtseyed, Mrs. Reynolds spoke. “Welcome home Master Darcy although we did not expect you so soon.”

  “Where is she?” Darcy demanded.

  “Who sir?”

  “My sister. Where is Georgianna? Is she in her room? Who is attending her? Is the physician here? Is she any improved?”

  Mrs. Reynolds was taken aback by his abrupt questioning, but before she could respond Georgiana Darcy appeared at the top of the stairs.

  “I am here brother. What has happened?”

  When Darcy saw his sister, he rushed up the stairs to her side and tightly embraced her. He was so relieved at seeing his sister well that he was unable to speak.

  “Brother you are frightening me. Please tell me what is wrong.”

  Darcy slowly released his sister. “I am sorry Georgiana but I am just so happy and relieved to see you well. If you and Mrs. Reynolds will come into my study, I will explain all that has occurred.

  Once they were seated, he explained the express he received at the Netherfield ball. He took it from his vest pocket and handed it to Mrs. Reynolds.

  She perused it silently befor
e she spoke. “Sir, I did not write this letter or send it to you at Netherfield. It resembles my handwriting but I assure you I did not write this. Who could be so vile as to commit such an act?”

  Only one name came to Darcy’s mind. Wickham. “I have my suspicions but I am so exhausted I cannot think on it clearly at this time. I am just so relieved that you are well dearest. I thought I had lost you.”

  Georgiana kissed her brother’s cheek and asked Mrs. Reynolds to call for refreshments for her brother. She then suggested he have something to eat and rest. “We can discuss this matter later or even tomorrow for you are truly exhausted brother from worry and lack of sleep.”

  Darcy conceded that Georgiana was correct. Now that he knew his sister was well, the anxiety and worry left his body leaving him bone tired. He truly was exhausted and felt that a short nap on the couch would set him to rights.

  When Darcy next opened his eyes, he was in his own bed watching the sunlight stream through the window. All of his clothes had been removed and replaced with a nightshirt.

  His valet Parker sensing that his master was awake, entered from the dressing room.

  “Good morning sir. I hope you slept well.”

  “How long have I been asleep and how did I get to my chambers? The last thing I remember was lying down on the couch in my study for a short nap.”

  “Myself and two footmen carried you to your rooms. You were in such a deep sleep that you never awoke even when I removed your clothes. I have your bath prepared and when you are ready Miss Georgiana will meet you in the breakfast room.”

  “Breakfast? How long was I asleep Parker?”

  “We arrived at Pemberley yesterday morning. I would say you slept for an entire day.”

  Darcy was amazed as he knew himself to sleep only a few hours each night.

  He slipped into the hot steaming water and closed his eyes. He indulged himself in pleasant thoughts of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He knew that Mr. Bennet received his note already explaining his hasty departure from Netherfield and would share the contents with his daughter.

  He was very pleased to see that Georgiana was already seated and attending to breaking her fast when he entered the breakfast room. He kissed her cheek in greeting and she said “Oh brother, how much better you look!”

  “I feel better dearest knowing that you are well and in much better spirit. I have been very worried for you of late. Let us finish breaking our fast and then I shall explain all that happened at Netherfield.”

  He related his asking for a courtship with Miss Elizabeth and his hopes that it would it would lead to her accepting his hand in marriage.

  “She sounds delightful brother! Just the type of sister I have always dreamed of.” She then frowned and said “But do you think she will like me?”

  “Like you? My dearest sister she will love you. Of that I have no doubt.”

  Just then the door banged open and their cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam strode into the room followed by their distressed butler.

  “No need to announce me Barnes.”

  “Richard!” Georgiana exclaimed as she jumped up from her seat and embraced her cousin. “What a lovely surprise!”

  “Yes Cousin, what a lovely surprise,” said Darcy with a slight sarcastic tone. “That will be all Barnes. Although I too am very happy to see you, could you just once allow Barnes to announce you?”

  “Whatever for Darcy? Where is the fun in that? I get great amusement in riling that old butler of yours.”

  Darcy sighed and resigned himself to Richard’s playful manners.

  “I assume you are joining us for breakfast.”

  “Of course I am cousin. It is the reason why I am here.”

  “Truly Richard?” Georgina gasped.

  “No pet. I was just teasing your uptight brother. You do know that you are my favorite person in all of England.”

  “Richard I am happy that you are here because a matter has arisen that has caused me some great worry and I need your expertise.”

  “Of course Darcy, anything that I can do to assist you need only to ask.”

  A short time later Georgina excused herself and the men proceeded to Darcy’s study.

  “Tell me all Darcy. I can tell by your countenance that something is greatly distressing you.”

  Darcy related all that had occurred at the Netherfield ball.

  Richard bristled with anger and asked “Do you have any suspicions as to who could have sent this missive?”

  “Only one person comes to mind. Wickham.”

  “That worthless excuse of a man! You should have allowed me to run him through last summer when we had the chance. But for what reason did he have you removed to Pemberley?”

  Darcy then related his courtship with Elizabeth.

  “Do you suppose that is the reason?”

  “I do not know with any certainty but we only came to an agreement that morning. Someone or something wanted me removed from the neighborhood with great haste and what better reason than my sister was gravely ill and not expected to survive. Wickham is the only one that comes to mind and he is currently serving in the militia in Hertfordshire.”

  “Wickham in the militia?” asked the colonel incredulously. “I find it hard to fathom that he is serving for King and country. The man has no honor and serves only himself. He has some nefarious scheme planned.”

  “I agree with you Richard but I do not know what he is involved in only I do know it is not good.”

  “What do you propose Darcy?”

  “I will take Georgiana to London to your parents home. She will be well protected there with the Earl and Countess. I want to stop at Netherfield on the way so I can introduce her to Elizabeth.”

  The Colonel observed the calf-like grin on Darcy’s face and said “Cousin, you truly are besotted and I for one am happy for you. If your Elizabeth can bring you great joy and a felicitous marriage, I say go to it. If you do not mind my company, I would like to go with you. I am not due back at the war office till the end of the month and I would escort Georgiana from there to London so that you can stay with your lady.”

  Darcy found the scheme to be most agreeable and went to advise Georgiana that they would be traveling the day after tomorrow.

  Chapter 7

  Darcy’s carriage pulled up in front of Netherfield and he took note that no one from the house came out to greet them. He asked his sister to wait in the coach as he and the Colonel alighted and rapped on the door.

  After some time, the door was opened by the housekeeper, Mrs. Nichols, who appeared to be surprised to see him.

  “Why Mr. Darcy, I am surprised to see you. Please come in sir.”

  “Is Mr. Bingley from home?” he asked.

  “No sir,” she replied “Mr. Bingley and his family returned to London.”

  “When did this occur?” asked Darcy.

  “The day after the ball sir, almost two weeks ago. Miss Bingley let most of the staff go and instructed myself and the butler to close the house stating that the family had no intention of returning.”

  “What precipitated this hasty removal to town?”

  “Oh sir, surely I do not know but the trouble at Longbourn could be the cause of it.”

  “What trouble has befallen Longbourn?” he demanded, praying silently to himself that no harm had befallen his Elizabeth.

  Mrs. Nichols was taken aback but answered “Mr. Bennet was murdered the morning after the ball. A very sad situation for the family.”

  Darcy was momentarily shocked into silence by this disclosure.

  “Has an arrest been made? What has happened to the rest of the family?”

  Mrs. Nichols looked flustered and started wringing her hands.

  “Darcy” the Colonel interjected, “Perhaps we should ride over to Longbourn and ascertain the facts for ourselves.”

  “Yes, you are correct Fitzwilliam but first Mrs. Nichols would you allow my sister and her companion, who are awaiting in the coach to wait here and refre
sh themselves until we return?”

  “Of course sir.”

  As soon as his sister entered Netherfield, Darcy and his cousin were off to Longbourn.

  Collins himself answered their knock. Where are the servants? Darcy thought to himself.

  “Mr. Darcy! What an esteemed honor you bestow on this humble servant of the Lord to visit…..”

  Darcy did not allow him to finish before demanding to know the whereabouts of the Bennet family.

  Collins was stunned by Darcy’s harsh manner but sniffled and replied “I do not know where they have gone and nor do I care to associate with them ever again. I would not allow them to stay after that very bad business as it would reflect badly on myself. I am the major landholder here and I have a reputation to uphold. Your esteemed aunt advised me……..”

  Darcy had heard enough from the simpering idiot and did an about face and entered his carriage. He instructed his driver to take him to Lucas Lodge.

  They entered Lucas Lodge and were greeted cordially by Sir William Lucas. He invited them into his study and after they were seated Darcy asked “Sir William, what has happened to the Bennet family and who murdered Mr. Bennet?”

  “Such a sad, sad business for the Bennets. I do not know all, but I will tell you all that I do know. The morning after the Netherfield ball Mr. Bennet was found murdered on the grounds between Longbourn and Netherfield.”

  “What was he doing there?” asked Darcy.

  “Many men were in the woods. We were searching for his daughters who disappeared the night of the ball.”

  “Sir William please tell me, who disappeared?”

  “Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lydia.”

  Darcy could not breathe so great was the pain in his chest.

  “And were they found?”

  Sir William sadly shook his head. “Miss Lydia was found dead alongside the road leading to London. Her neck had been broken. The constable investigated and determined she either jumped or was pushed from a moving carriage to sustain such a fatal injury. She was buried alongside her father.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam resumed the inquiries . “And what of Miss Elizabeth?”