Darcy called on Mr Bennet the next morning.
"I am trying to find your brother and sister and your daughter Elizabeth!" Darcy got right to the point
"Have you lost them?"
"When was the last time you heard from your daughter?"
Mr Bennet could see the concern in the young man's face and stamped down his ire at the questioning. Curiosity got the better "about two or three weeks ago, she wrote to the whole family together. Our reply would have been received maybe a week ago. Why are you asking?"
"I will explain sir, but I need to know the substance of her letters. I would not wish to divulge something she wished to hide"
Bennet's attention was caught "she wrote of the community and stores to my wife and her sisters, to me she talked of her friends at the local book store and she was working on scribing as an extra source of income and was talking about how much she enjoyed it."
"Any mention of her husband?"
"Now that you mention it I don't believe so. Is something wrong"
Darcy was beginning to feel angry at her family. How could they not have noticed her sadness?
"I am not at liberty to share details but your daughter fled her home almost two weeks ago. I am trying to find her"
"If she was so unhappy to have fled her home then I will not help you find her to bring her back again"
"You misunderstand sir. I have news of Mr Wickham meeting with an accident" he could not being himself to say an unfortunate accident again.
"Sir, are you saying that my daughter fled her home and would be happy to hear of the demise of her husband of six months?"
Darcy didn't answer, he didn't need to. The older man sat heavily down in his chair.
"Please, what has he done to her?"
"He has not been kind. That is all I can say. I am not privy to the details. I need to find her."
"What can I do to help?"
"If you could write to your brother. His butler claims he is not at home but will not divulge his location. I have good reason to believe that they are aware of where your daughter is."
"I wish to come with you"
"Sir, I have no idea where I am going to next, it will likely be quickly and on horseback. When was the last time you travelled a distance on horseback?"
Mr Bennet sighed "I take your point"
"Can you think of any other acquaintance that your brother might go to for aid?"
"He has many friends through business who are loyal to him, any number would help him. I couldn't even start to compile a list"
Darcy sighed in frustration. "I need to find Mr Gardiner."
"I will write express and ensure that the rider is sent on to where they are. I can have them send back a message with directions."
"If you can have those messages directed to Darcy house I will see the messengers compensated. I will also keep you informed of my progress"
Mr Darcy left Hertfordshire with dampened spirits but no less resolve