Darcy nodded his head in acknowledgement.
Caroline Bingley glided into the room and pasted an insincere smile on her face as soon as she saw who was with her brother.
“Oh Mr. Darcy” she cooed “and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Charles why did you not tell me they were here so I could have properly welcomed our guests.”
“This is not a social call Miss Bingley” replied Darcy coldly. “Please seat yourself.”
Darcy’s temper was rising and the Colonel thought it best if he took the lead in the conversation.
“Miss Bingley we have recently learned of the tragic events that took place in Hertofordshire and are hopeful that you will be able to assist us in our inquiries.”
“I would be happy to assist in any way that I can Colonel, although I cannot imagine what I could relate regarding the Bennets that you have not already been told.”
The Colonel continued by informing her that witnesses stated that she intercepted Miss Elizabeth at the ball and directed her to the garden. She was also observed watching Miss Elizabeth in the garden from a window alongside Mr. Collins.
A flush overcame her face and she pressed a hand to her chest and her mouth fell open. She then regained her composure and said “I surely do not take your meaning Colonel. I assure you I did no such thing! Those country bumpkins are lying; probably for their own amusement.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam gave her a hard look. “You are stating that you have no knowledge whatsoever of Miss Elizabeth’s disappearance?”
“None whatsoever sir!” she stated most emphatically.
Darcy interjected “And what of my letter that Bingley gave you to give to Mr. Bennet?”
“I located Mr. Bennet and gave it to him.”
At this point, Caroline stood and excused herself from the room stating she had a previous engagement.
Darcy turned to Bingley and in an angry voice asked “Why did you leave Netherfield without taking your leave of Miss Bennet or offering condolences to the family?”
“Caroline said we must return to London immediately as the scandal could attach to ourselves and she would never make a good match” Bingley replied nervously.
Darcy was beyond angry now. “CAROLINE SAID, CAROLINE SAID! Is that your only excuse Bingley? An honorable gentlemen would never have taken his leave in such a manner. You advised me that you were on the verge of making an offer to Miss Bennet.”
“But now everything has altered. Caroline says we cannot be associated with such a family and we must distance ourselves.”
“I am heartfully disappointed in you Bingley and am ashamed to call you my friend. Therefore, I will no longer call you a friend and cease all acquaintance with you and that harpy of a sister of yours. Goodbye Bingley.”
“But Darcy I do not understand your feelings, knowing that you did not care to associate with the Bennets.”
“Miss Elizabeth and I were in a courtship although it had not been announced as yet. I might have not liked the family much but I am in love with her and would have withstood her family for her happiness.”
Darcy and the Colonel then retreated from the room at a fast pace leaving Bingley with his mouth hung open.
They encountered Bingley’s brother-in-law Mr. Hurst in the entryway.
In a whispered voice he said “Meet me at my club within the hour. I have important information to impart.”
The men did not speak until they reached Darcy House each lost in their own thoughts of what had taken place at Bingley’s home. Darcy instructed the butler to have Georgiana summoned to his study. As a precaution, he locked the door after she arrived so they would not be overheard or interrupted.
Georgiana clapsed her hands together and anxiously asked “What have you learned brother? Is it good news?”
He related his conversation with Bingley and his sister. “I have cut my association with the family. I cannot conceive how he could be so in love with Miss Bennet and then abandon her without a word of farewell or condolence for her family’s loss. It is not an act of a gentlemen and I am sorely disappointed in him. I do not believe that he was in love with Miss Bennet at all but she was merely another in a long line of “angels”.
“Oh poor Miss Bennet. Do you know where the Bennets are and might we call upon them to offer our condolences?”
“That is an excellent suggestion Georgiana. I know they have relations that live on Gracechurch Street in Cheapside. Miss Bingley gloated over that fact while conveniently forgetting her own connection to trade.”
“She was lying.” stated Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“Who was lying cousin?” asked Georgiana.
“Miss Bingley. When confronted that a witness observed her intercept Miss Elizabeth at the ball and then observe her watching the garden through a window with Collins, she denied all.”
“I noticed that as well cousin.” said Darcy. “And what does Hurst have to do with all of this? Except for eating, drinking and playing cards, I cannot imagine him taking note of anything or anyone around him.”
Darcy looked at his watch and said “It is nearly time, let us go and meet with him at his club. He might have some information that could prove to be important to our endeavors.”
When Darcy and Fitzwilliam entered the club, they located Hurst sitting at a table in the corner partaking of his noon day meal. He stood at their arrival and invited them to sit. “I will get right to the point. I know why you came to see Bingley today. His abandoning of Miss Bennet was badly done. The night of the Netherfield ball I was dozing in the library when Caroline entered the room and consigned a letter to the fire. She thought she was alone and said out loud ‘Good riddance to those Bennets and with Eliza out of my way I shall be mistress of Pemberly!’ I did not think much of her actions or words at the time, as she was always ranting about such things but I do now consider it important after what happened to the Bennets.”
Darcy and Fitzwilliam stared in stunned silence. They knew Caroline Bingley was involved and here was Hurst providing the proof.
“There is one more thing I wish to impart. The day of the ball Caroline received a missive. I know not from whom, but she called for the carriage and left immediately. She returned an hour later. I thought it deuced odd to pay a call on the day of the ball, but did not think upon it much until later. When she returned, she informed my wife that we were leaving at first light the following day and had her maid pack her trunks. When we heard the bad news about the Bennets, Caroline convinced Charles we should all go back to town to avoid the scandal that would follow. Do you see my meaning Darcy?”
“Of course” Darcy replied slowly. “She was planning to leave before the tragedy occurred but used the tragedy as an excuse to leave! Fitzwilliam, she had full foreknowledge of these events!”
“I concur cousin, but we need proof, not just hearsay. My apologies Hurst; I believe you wholeheartedly but I do not know how we can prove it without evidence.”
“No apology is necessary Colonel.” Hurst picked up his utensils and before he continued his meal said “You will find a way and I will continue to be asleep and learn as much as I can, although I strongly believe my wife does not know what Caroline has been up to.”
“You amaze me Hurst.” Darcy stated.
Hurst chuckled “Surprised you, did I not? You would be amazed at what people will say when they believe you are asleep and unable to hear.”
Darcy stood and extended his hand to Hurst. “Thank you and if you learn of anything else, please do not hesitate to send word to me either in town or at Pemberley.”
The gentlemen took their leave and made their way to Darcy House.
Chapter 10
The Darcys and Fitzwilliam presented themselves at Gracechurch Street the next day. After giving their cards to the butler, they were escorted to a sitting room where Miss Bennet and her two younger sisters, Mary and Kitty were sitting with another lady. The gentlemen bowed and the ladies curtseyed to one another.
Miss Bennet spoke,
“Mr. Darcy, may I introduce you to my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner?”
Darcy noted that she was older than he but dressed in the latest fashion. He then introduced his sister and cousin.
“Welcome to our home. Please be seated and I will call for refreshments” said Mrs. Gardiner.
“Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner,” said Darcy, “we have come to offer our condolences upon the loss of Mr. Bennet and your niece Miss Lydia. I was away at my estate in Derbyshire and only just learned of their passing. I also learned of the disappearance of Miss Elizabeth and want to assure you that I will do all in my power to recover her.”
Mrs. Gardiner was surprised at this statement, but Miss Bennet silently nodded her head. Miss Bennet is aware of our courtship thought Darcy.
“Mr. Darcy, we are all grateful for any assistance you might offer, but I have to ask why someone so wholly unconnected to our family would do so?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.
“It was not announced as yet, but the morning of the Netherfield ball I applied to Mr. Bennet and received his consent and blessing to court Miss Elizabeth. My hope and wishes were that she would consent to be my wife. I told Mr. Bennet as such and we were in agreement. We were to share the third dance together at the ball as her cousin had already claimed the first two sets. But it was not to be. I received an urgent express forcing my immediate return to my estate as my sister was gravely ill and not expected to survive. The missive was a ruse so that I would immediately vacate the neighborhood.”
Miss Bennet gasped “Oh Mr. Darcy who would contrive such an evil deed?”
“At present Miss Bennet, I do not know but Colonel Fitzwilliam and myself do have some suspicions. When your sister is recovered, and she will be recovered, we will have our answers. How is Mrs. Bennet? I note that she is not amongst you. Is she in good health?”
“Our mother is not in good health sir. Since the tragic events, she has taken to her bed and is unwell at this time to receive visitors. The shock of forcing her to leave her home also weighs heavily on her mind.”
“It grieves me to hear of her distress” Darcy replied. “If there is anything I can do to bring her relief Miss Bennet, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Jane Bennet lowered her eyes and spoke softly “You are too kind sir.”
Darcy handed her his card with his direction. “We shall remain in London for the time being, so please send word to Darcy House if I can be of any assistance to your family.”
The visitors stood and prepared to take their leave. “Mrs. Gardiner, with your permission, I, along with my sister would like to call upon you again. I would also hope to make Mr. Gardiner’s acquaintance.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled and said “We would be honored sir and you are most welcome in our home. I grew up on Lambton and would welcome the opportunity to speak of my hometown with one who is familiar with the county.”
Darcy was pleasantly surprised by this knowledge and said “I would be delighted to converse with you on the beauty of Derbyshire.”
When they were on their back to Darcy House, Georgiana asked “Oh brother, I so enjoyed meeting the Bennets. May I invite them and Mrs. Gardiner to tea?”
Darcy was pleased that his sister got along well with the Bennet sisters. She had no one of her own age to converse with and was happy to promote the acquaintance. After all, he thought, they will one day be my sisters.
“Of course you may dearest. I take it you enjoyed their company?”
“Oh yes!” replied Georgiana exuberantly. “Miss Bennet is all that is lovely and kind. How could Mr. Bingley abandon her so?”
The Colonel replied “I fear it is his loss for Miss Bennet would have been the making of him. He will never shrug off the yolk that Miss Bingley has placed around his neck.”
Darcy said “Sadly cousin, I agree with you. But there is nothing to be done about it. I have severed the acquaintance and I feel it is for the best. Caroline Bingley is a vicious, evil gossipmonger and will do anything to further her own desires.”
“Brother, I am glad you severed the acquaintance. I never cared for her company and felt she only offered her friendship to get closer to you.”
Chapter 11
Months, and then three years passed with no word of Lizzie Bennet. Mrs. Bennet passed away quietly in her sleep some weeks after Darcy’s initial visit to Gracechurch Street. Physically and emotionally, she never recovered from the loss of her husband, her favorite daughter Lydia, and her home. Darcy and Georgiana visited Gracechurch Street often and invited the Bennet sisters and the Gardiners to Darcy House for teas and dinners. Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanied them when he was not tending to his military duties. Darcy very much enjoyed the company of Mr. Gardiner. He found him to be an intelligent, well read and well spoken man and was always pleased to be in his company
Darcy received regular reports from Webster, but there was never anything of note to report. Webster searched all of England and Scotland to no avail. There was not a trace of Lizzy anywhere to be found. He had Webster continue his surveillance of Wickham. He wanted to know at all times where the villain was and what he was up to.
Darcy always remembered his promise to his cousin and would not give up hope. He felt in his heart that she was alive and living in the world and one day he would find her. Except for the Gardiners, the Bennet sisters and his family, Darcy did not go out in society. The knocker was not on the door at Darcy House. He was in no mood to socialize and came to town rarely and only to conduct business. He did not care for the opinion of the ton and society in general. Only one person mattered to him. Elizabeth Bennet. Her opinion was the only one that mattered to him.
He was sitting in his study going thru correspondence when he stopped to remove a miniature from his inside coat and placed it on his desk. It was a portrait of Elizabeth Bennet.
About a month after her disappearance, his valet came to him with a request.
“Sir, I am having the crates of books that arrived from Merryton unpacked and placed in the library as you requested. What would you have me do with the miniatures?”
Darcy looked up and asked “What miniatures?”
His valet replied “The ones that were enclosed in the crates along with the books.”
Darcy immediately stood and went to his library. There were miniature portraits of all five Bennet sisters as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. He lovingly held and caressed the portrait of his Elizabeth. The portrait could not have been made too much before her disappearance as she looked exactly as he remembered her.
“Thank you Porter. I will see to these.”
That wretched Collins! The family would have wanted these as a rememberance of their loved ones but instead he tossed them in the crate as if they were rubbish!
He had an artist duplicate the one of Elizabeth which he presented to Miss Bennet along with the others. The original of Elizabeth he kept for himself. He kept it in his breast pocket always except for when he slept, he placed it on the table next to his bed so hers was the first face he saw each morning when he arose. When he was working in his study, it was on his desk where he could see her face at all times. In all the time that she was gone, his devotion and love never wavered, but in fact grew stronger. He was determined he would marry no other but her.
He recalled his last visit at Rosings Park, with his aunt Lady Catherine de Burgh who was sister to his mother, the late Anne Darcy. That was almost three years ago and he could recall their conversation with clarity that erupted into a heated argument that resulted in Darcy leaving Rosings and severing all ties with his aunt.
Lady Catherine sat on her throne-like chair with her sickly daughter Anne seated next to her. She was banging her cane on the floor and demanding that Darcy do his duty and marry Anne.
“As I previously advised you Aunt, I will not marry my cousin. I have absolutely no desire to make her my wife.”
Lady Catherine roared “It was the fondest wish of your mother that you do so! I will not be gainsaid! You will do your duty and marry A
nne and unite our two estates.”
“I will do no such thing!” replied Darcy angrily.
“I know all about that little trollop Elizabeth Bennet you attached yourself to in Hertfordshire!” Lady Catherine yelled. “Now that she has run off with some soldier, you can have no excuse for postponing the wedding. I will have the banns read immediately!”
Darcy’s anger rose and he also raised his voice to a shout. “Do not dare to presume to belittle the woman I love and will marry one day! How is it that you know of my connection to Miss Elizabeth? Not even that sycophant parson of yours knew of our courtship!”
Lady Catherine looked startled and was momentarily at a loss for words.
“I have my ways Darcy and you will do as I say and marry Anne!”
“Again, I will not do as you ask but I will leave here immediately and until such time that I receive an apology for insulting Miss Elizabeth, consider all ties between us severed!”
“Come back here Darcy!” Lady Catherine roared. “I am not finished with you!”
“But I am finished with you Madam.”
Darcy turned on his heel and exited the room and Rosings. He instructed his valet to pack and forward his trunks. He sorely missed the Colonel’s company, who was away on the continent with his regiment and unable to accompany him to Rosings.
Alone in his carriage, he reviewed his encounter with his aunt. He patted his breast pocket to calm himself in order that he might overcome his anger and think more clearly. How did she find out about Elizabeth? he asked himself. Not even that fool Collins knew of our courtship. How I wish Richard were here.
Anne de Bourgh passed away within the year from her many ailments and Lady Catherine lived a reclusive life at Rosings. Neither she or Darcy ever attempted a reconciliation and they remained estranged these past three years.
Darcy returned his attention back to his correspondence and separated the invitations which he would consign to the fire without opening. The letter from Georgiana, who was at Pemberley, he would put aside to read later at his leisure. He quickly scanned those pertaining to business matters which would require a reply.
The Disappearance of Lizzie Bennet Page 5
