Chapter 45

A quarter of an hour later, Mr. Bennet was knocking at door of the address given to him by Mrs. Younge. The door was answered by a buxom, middle-aged woman with a jolly expression.

"Hello, good sir, what may I do for you today?"

"I have just left the home of a Mrs. Younge, who has no room in her boarding house. She offered me this address, and suggested that this would be an adequate substitute."

"Were you looking for company to share your room with?" A scantily clad young woman walked up behind the matron at the door.

"No, madam, I am afraid that Mrs. Younge has misdirected me."

"Oh, what a shame, sir, and you are such a handsome gentleman!" Mr. Bennet was starting to back away.

"You won't change my mind with ridiculous flattery. Perhaps Mrs. Younge directed me here because of a common acquaintance we have. Perhaps he frequents this place?"

"Many men come here frequently, they find this a pleasant place to spend some time. I believe you would also sir. Who was your friend?"

"Mr. Wickham."

"Oh, he has indeed been here many times. I have not seen him lately, though."

"Just as I supposed. Good day, madam." Mr. Bennet barely finished these words before he fled down the street and turned the corner to find the place where Mr. Darcy was waiting for him. He quickly climbed inside the carriage and began laughing.

"I see that visit have improved your mood, but I can scarce imagine why."

"That Mrs. Younge does not trust us."

"I am not surprised, but why do you say it."

"This place where she has sent us is not exactly a boarding house."

"Not exactly?" Mr. Bennet arched his eyebrows at Mr. Darcy. The younger man understood his mean, and he too let out a hearty laugh.

"I believe I shall not mention this adventure when I write to my family tonight."

"I would rather think they did not know such places existed." Mr. Bennet sobered at this expression.

"My daughters are quite sheltered, and would know little of such things, though my youngest daughter may well end up in such a place if we do not find her soon." After saying this, Mr. Bennet buried his head in his hands.

"We will find her, sir."