I just want to remind you that I do not own Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, just this story. I do not authorize use of my story. It is a shame I have to say this…but life is what it is.
Just a few things to touch on…
I do not like Mrs. Bennet. Never have and never will. Mr. Darcy not only lost his memories, the head injury has changed his personality, one example is he is quick to anger now and tends to react before thinking, unlike the Mr. Darcy we all know and love, and yes he will go back to that lovely man.
Chapter Ten
The carriage containing Elizabeth Darcy, her daughter Emma, along with a few trusted Pemberley servants left Netherfield just as the Earl of Matlock's carriage was passing through Meryton.
Jane was in the nursery with her son Charlie when the nurse left with Emma stating, "Miss Elizabeth has requested I bring Miss Emma to her rooms."
Jane, unaware of the hostile situation downstairs involving Mr. Darcy's accusations of her sister, smiled at the thought of Emma together with Elizabeth. Jane reasoned it would be beneficial for Emma to be near her mother, even if Elizabeth was not yet aware Emma was her daughter. Jane departed the nursery reflecting on all the details expected to be accomplished, met up with the housekeeper and was kept busy authorizing last minute details.
The quick movements of a few servants within Netherfield did not reveal anything amiss to Jane or the housekeeper. They had adjusted to the small changes when the staff from Pemberley first arrived. Mrs. Reynolds trained her staff to work efficiently and effectively, they carried out her orders to perfection, which in turn improved the running of the Netherfield. The changes proved superior with regards to the demands Caroline Bingley installed during her reign as Mistress of Netherfield. It was assumed they were doing their work and not packing to leave with Elizabeth Darcy and Miss Darcy.
Mr. Bennet was reading in the library when he heard Darcy, Bingley and then the Colonel shouting nearby, he decided to shut the library door to avoid listening to whatever Mr. Darcy was angry about now. Mr. Bennet shook his head in disbelief, picked up his book, and resumed reading. When Mr. Bennet heard the faint sound of a carriage, he decided to leave the library glad that Lord Matlock had arrived to deal with his nephew Darcy. However, when he arrived near the front door the butler had not opened the front door, as there was no carriage.
"I thought I heard a carriage," Mr. Bennet inquired of the butler.
"No sir, I have not seen anyone arrive. I will send a footman to inquire; it could have been a delivery."
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were still discussing the "details" as to why Mr. Darcy's life was fundamental withheld from him. Darcy did not like any parts of his life being withheld, he did not like "others" having control over his life. They heard a carriage and decided to meet the occupants at the front door. Arriving they spotted Mr. Bennet standing there looking outside with a puzzled expression upon his face.
"I thought I heard a carriage, I must have been mistaken," said Mr. Bennet as he turned to greet Bingley and Darcy.
"No I heard one too, maybe it was lost and turned around," suggested Bingley.
Just then, the Matlock's carriage was spotted coming down the driveway.
"No matter, the Earl is here now," stated Mr. Bennet.
Darcy unsure of Mr. Bennet's connection to his uncle asked, "Do you know my uncle?"
Mr. Bennet turned and said, "Yes, for many years now. He is a good man with a keen sense of humor and wit. You will be surprised to find that we have been playing chess by mail these two years now."
Mr. Darcy confusion to the news of the Mr. Bennet's connection his uncle, the Earl of Matlock, along with the new information of Elizabeth's having a child, started to give him a headache. Placing his hand on the bridge of his nose, he tried to make the pain go away.
Lord Matlock exited the carriage followed by his son, Viscount Gladney, Henry Fitzwilliam, and then Mr. Alexander Smith helping his wife Mary to exit the carriage.
Just at that moment, Jane exited the house flustered declaring, "Elizabeth and Emma are missing!"
Upon hearing the news of Elizabeth and Emma missing, Mr. Darcy passed out. Bingley tried to catch Darcy as he fell; however, he only stopped Darcy from hitting his head on the stairs. Viscount Gladney, Henry Fitzwilliam came running along with Mr. Smith to assist Bingley with Darcy. They needed help getting Mr. Darcy inside due to his height and weight.
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Richard Fitzwilliam had stormed off after shouting at Darcy in Bingley's office, hearing the carriage and knowing it to be his father and brother arrived just as he heard Mrs. Bingley screamed to see Bingley lying on the ground with Darcy on top of him. Richard watched as his brother Henry and Mr. Smith carried Darcy upstairs to his rooms. Mrs. Bingley sent someone for the apothecary to come to Netherfield. Up until today, Darcy had shown no sign of distress or illness to warrant him to faint.
While the Viscount and Mr. Smith carried Darcy upstairs and placed him on the bed, Richard explained to his father how Darcy reacted today with regards to his assumptions of Elizabeth and Emma. Lord Matlock, Jane, Mary, and Mr. Bennet listened as Richard explained how Darcy confronted Bingley after he assumed Elizabeth was a fallen woman because she had a child. Jane started to sob and the Earl suggested they all meet downstairs to discuss a plan of action. Lord Matlock rang for tea as they waited for the others to arrive..
The housekeeper arrived with tea to see the group assembled in various states of upset and worry. After making sure all was well in hand, for her mistress was still sobbing, she left the room wringing her hands.
"Did you see Hannah, Mr. Lewis?" She asked the butler.
"No Ma'am," replied Mr. Lewis hoping that unless he was specifically asked a question, not volunteering information would be considered lying.
"I only hope that Mrs. Darcy is well," replied the housekeeper as she left to determine how many of the servants left with Mrs. Darcy keeping her secrets as well.
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Richard poured himself a glass of brandy and said, "Would anyone like one? I think this occasion calls for something stronger than tea."
Lord Matlock nodded and tilted his head in Mr. Bennet's direction indicating Richard should pour Mr. Bennet a glass.
Bingley held his wife as she sobbed saying, "Liz…z…y… is….Mis..ssssing." Jane, taking in a breath, interrupted the sobs.
Mary finally realized that Elizabeth was just not outside on a walk missing, that she had left Netherfield. "You mean Lizzy left Netherfield?"
Jane still sobbing just nodded.
Mr. Bennet finally realized what had upset Jane stood and said, "Elizabeth is gone!"
Bingley trying to calm his wife and afraid for Mr. Bennet said, "We can send someone to find her, she could not have gotten far."
Lord Matlock thinking about the events of the day turned to Richard and said, "Do you think her leaving has anything to do with what Darcy said today?"
Bingley looked up horrified and asked, "Do you think she heard?"
Richard finished off his glass and poured himself another. "How can you think otherwise Bingley, it is not as if the entire house could not hear Darcy shouting it for all to hear!"
Lord Matlock calmly said, "Please tell me exactly what happened so we can decide what our next step will be, if Elizabeth just left we have a way to find her. Mr. Bingley, I suggest you start since Darcy started with you."
Bingley tried to describe his encounter with Darcy stating, "Darcy came shouting into my office stated that we deceived him with Elizabeth's status as being a fallen woman. He said Elizabeth's taint would ruin Caroline's chance for marriage then suggested we were hiding the fact that Emma was Elizabeth's natural child. Darcy admitted later he felt we all were controlling his life by keeping secrets from him and, well, he resents us for being high handed."
"You mean he knows Emma is Elizabeth's child?" asked a horrified Jane.
Richard snorted, "Yes, and he only sees only what he wants to see, he could see the resemblance to Elizabeth however not himself!"
"Do you think that is what made Lizzy leave with Emma?" asked Mary still confused as to why Elizabeth would take it upon herself to remove from Netherfield.
"It could be a definite possibility. Has Elizabeth shown any indication of remembering anything from her life recently?" asked Henry Fitzwilliam, unsure if Elizabeth remembered her life as Mrs. Darcy.
Jane sat quietly and puzzled out her sister's actions of late. Jane gasped. "I think she did remember something. That is why I wrote to my father and asked him to come and observe her; there was something sad about Lizzy I could not place. When I think about it, Lizzy changed after the first meeting with Mr. Darcy, it continued only when Mr. Darcy was in the room. Oh, how could I have missed it?" Jane began to sob again into her husband's shoulder while he held her closely.
Mr. Bennet said, "Jane dear, now that you point out the changes it is apparent that Elizabeth has been hiding her emotions for a long time now. I can see how she hid them from all of us, especially your mother. Oh, your mother! I could just…well I just hope we can find Elizabeth soon."
Mary, always analytical, suddenly said, "We need to find out who left with her, it may give us a clue as to where she may be headed."
Lord Matlock impressed with Mrs. Smith's mind said, "That is an excellent idea, Mrs. Smith. Bingley, please request your staff to join us so we can interview them."
Richard scoffed at the thought of Pemberley employee's wiliness to expose their Mistress, "I would think those loyal to Mrs. Darcy will not tell us anything if they heard Darcy's rant this afternoon. It was despicable even for Darcy. The staff at Pemberley is very loyal their mistress, father, we would have better chance of getting information out of them if they were tortured."
The Earl rubbed his chin, although not happy with his son's choice of words, he said, "You may be right on that account Richard. Once we have determined who accompanied Elizabeth, I will send an express to Mrs. Reynolds asking for her assistance. I will bet on my life, Mrs. Reynolds will know where Elizabeth is headed."
Jane looked up almost in relief and said, "Yes, I agree with you Lord Matlock. Mrs. Reynolds will know exactly where my sister is to be found." Jane stood to ring the bell.
While they waited for Mr. Lewis and the housekeeper to discover the missing servants, Lord Matlock assured Mr. Bennet they would find Elizabeth soon. He decided to bring up the subject of what to do with Darcy. "What do you think happened when we arrived today? Darcy fainting is not a common occurrence, is it?"
"No, Father. It is not. I have my suspicions that when Darcy heard Elizabeth and Emma were missing it may have too much for him to process." Richard believed that deep down losing Elizabeth hurt his cousin too much to admit and his body shut down.
Mr. Bennet sat and watched the information unfold said, "I agree, he did seem to be bothered before the announcement as if he had a headache of some kind."
"Yes! I saw him rubbing his nose as if he was in pain," added Bingley excitedly as he realized this piece of information was important.
The group assembled discussed what steps they needed to overcome regarding Elizabeth whereabouts and what to do when they found out her final destination. They also agreed it was best not to bring up Elizabeth or Emma in Darcy's presence as a way of avoiding any added setbacks. The apothecary examined Darcy, found nothing amiss, and left some powders to alleviate pain if he continued to experience head pain.
Richard sent an express to his superiors stating there was a family emergency. The Earl signed the express giving testament of Darcy's falling ill. Richard had imbibed in too much brandy for a safe journey to London by the time he was due to leave for London.
Richard's sleep was often disturbed due to the carriage accident that hurt Darcy and Elizabeth. He was still bothered that the accident happened on Pemberley grounds. He felt there was something he was missing. He was also angry with his cousin for his behavior and attitude of late. Darcy reminded him of his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and he despised that woman with every fiber of his being. If were not for his aunt, his cousin Anne would be a healthy, vibrant, independent woman, one he could love for all the days of his life. Richard poured himself another glass of brandy and sat watching the fire until dinner.
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Dinner that night was a somber affair. Jane had ordered an excellent meal as usual. Bingley proud of his wife, home and son was thankful his life was not the horrid mess as his good friend Darcy. He never wanted to stay parted from his angel and being witness to the trials and tribulations of his good friend was not easy for him.
Darcy had refused to stay in bed only for a trifling headache and joined the party for dinner at the specified time. He was waiting until dinner was over so that he could speak with his uncle and cousins. Darcy wanted to address his situation and find answers. He would not allow more time to pass without finding out more about his life these missing years.
Lord Matlock inquired of his son Henry and Mr. Smith's dealings in Scotland as a way to reduce the tension at the dinner table. Darcy listened as to how they found a legal solution to the boundary lines the local government was opposing. With Mr. Smith's legal expertise, Darcy was happy to learn his land stayed within his holdings. Darcy would have the legal documents handed to him after dinner.
Jane and Mary spoke between themselves of their relations in London, Mary shared how much the Gardiner children had grown. It was only when Darcy overheard Lady Matlock's name mentioned by Mary that his attention turned to listening to their conversation. Mary was updating Jane on Mrs. Gardiner and Lady Matlock's upcoming charity event coming up at the Matlock's townhouse in London. Mary then mentioned Lady Matlock's meeting Caroline Bingley during one of their shopping trips. Jane blushed knowing Caroline's behavior was not always proper for societies dictates. Mary noticed Mr. Darcy watching them and changed the subject to ask about Charlie.
Mr. Darcy sat through dinner and began to have mixed emotions regarding his family's close connections with the Bennet family. Then there were the Bennet relations in trade- the Gardiners. How is it that my family could act so differently than I remember?
After dinner had ended Mr. and Mrs. Smith left with promises to call upon the Bingley's before they left for Bath. Lord Matlock offered his home in Bath for the duration of their stay along with the use of one his carriages. Darcy was not sure what to make of his uncle's grand gesture, besides it was nothing to him if his uncle wanted to so charitable, he thought to himself.
After the Smith's left Jane went upstairs to be with Charlie, she was missing Lizzy and Emma.
The remaining men moved to Bingley's office where Darcy reviewed the legal documents regarding his estate in Scotland. He was surprised to find exactly how Mr. Smith achieved the retention of his lands. The Darcy estate mapped out over the last three hundred years had several versions. The only map with the King's seal clearly showed the lands belonged to the Darcy family. All the other maps did not have the official seal, thus were not valid and the local government did not have a case. In addition to this finding, Mr. Smith arranged for tenants to have new housing built, most too damaged to reside in by the storm. The only caveat was the mapping of their lands for each tenant changed to reflect the natural landmarks. This made it easier for the tenants to farm their land and gave them direct access to river providing the necessary water to grow their crops. There would no longer be fights among the tenants over access to the river. Mr. Darcy was impressed with Mr. Smith's efforts, something he was not accustomed to doing.
After seeing how his cousin Henry handled the situation, Darcy asked, "Did you think you would find a resolution so quickly?"
Henry knowing how demanding his cousin could be regarding estate issues, smiled, and replied, "I had every faith Mr. Smith would resolve the situation. You should realize cousin, that you may not know everything. I doubt you could have done any better."
Realizing his cousin made a valid point he nodded in acquiescence. However, he was not sure he would have made the decision to send Mr. Smith to resolve his disputes knowing how important the Darcy legacy had been to his father.
Lord Matlock sat next to Darcy and said, "I hear you have some complaints." He waited until Darcy formed the questions in his head, his nephew well known to consider his questions or remarks thoroughly before speaking. This is what made other peers of the realm apprehensive of Darcy. They did not understand that Darcy took his time to consider all his options before speaking avoiding the many mistakes others found themselves in without a way out.
Darcy was angry at being "handled" and wanted to clear the air, without offending his uncle. "I have a right to know what happened in my life, uncle."
"Well, I have to disagree with you this time Darcy, today you passed out when confronted with some information, you passed out on top of Bingley. I cannot say more, without worries of hurting you further. I will not harm you. You are my family and I want to protect you."
"I must protest, I disagree with you, I respect the fact you are the head of the Fitzwilliam family however, I am my own master. You owe it to me to tell me the truth," replied Darcy frustrated.
Lord Matlock aware that his sons were listening to his conversation said, "Can you explain to me, why you would assume that Elizabeth, a lovely lady that is all that is kind and good, would be a …what did you call her Darcy?"
Darcy embarrassed by his outburst said, "I did not call her anything, I said her taint would affect Bingley's unmarried sister."
Lord Matlock nodded and said, "Well be that as it may, do you go around accusing women of having natural child? I am ashamed that you said that in the lady's own home."
Darcy upset that his uncle was defending Elizabeth said, "No, that is where you are wrong uncle, this is not her home. If you had heard that mother of hers you would understand how I arrived at that conclusion."
"Ahh, Mrs. Bennet, I am sorry you had to meet her at this time. She is a very unhappy woman and feels the world owes her. I am sorry for Mr. Bennet, that being said, you should not take anything she says to heart. She is a very bitter woman talking. She reminds me of my sister Catherine only without the title. It is shame actually."
The fact that his uncle would carelessly speak of his sister in this manner disturbed him. His headache, which had not gone away, was beginning to grow in intensity. Darcy grew up having to show respect for his mother's older sister, his Aunt Catherine. The Darcy and Fitzwilliam families were to be respected, not mocked as he felt his uncle had done. Darcy unsure if he is able to deal with this new attitude of his uncle decided he would go to bed and think over how he would handle his situation.
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The carriage containing Mrs. Darcy and Miss Emma stopped for the night at one of the Inn's on the road to Pemberley frequented by the Darcys on their way to London. Hannah explained that Thomas and Hugh knew the owners and they would arrange for the bill to be sent to Pemberley. Elizabeth had not thought about the money that would be required to travel when she decided to leave Netherfield.
"Mrs. Darcy, we explained that to the owners that we had been robbed and did not have money for our travels. The Hamm ell's knowing the Darcy's have frequented their establishment for years agreed to send the bill to Mrs. Reynolds. This will make it easier for us to travel since we have limited funds until we reach Pemberley," announced Hannah quickly afraid Mrs. Darcy would not agree with the scheme.
Elizabeth smiled as she touched Hannah's hand, "I thank you, I had not thought about our traveling expenses. Mr. Darcy…." Elizabeth stopped herself from sobbing said, "Mr. Darcy always took care of the arrangements. I am afraid this is new territory for me."
Hannah smiled at Elizabeth and agreed they should enter the Inn. Once inside Mr. Hammell greeted Elizabeth and called for his wife to show Mrs. Darcy to her room. "Dinner will be sent up for you and your staff, Ma'am."
Unknown to Elizabeth, Lord Bellingham had seen Elizabeth enter with Miss Emma in her arms. Lord Bellingham had met Mrs. Darcy during one of Lady Matlock's balls. He remembered how his friend Darcy only had eyes for his wife and smiled at her throughout the night's festivities. He found Darcy's behavior so out of character he remarked on it to his friend.
"Darcy, I have never seen you so happy to attend a ball," said Lord Bellingham.
Darcy turned to his friend as Elizabeth was dancing with his uncle Lord Matlock, "Yes Bellingham, I found I enjoy attending balls knowing I can dance with my lovely wife."
Bellingham smiled at Darcy and said, "I wonder how many of these eligible ladies now staring daggers at your lovely wife now that you are off the marriage market, so to speak."
Darcy's smile disappeared as he looked toward the crowd gathered watching the dancers, "I never gave anyone encouragement."
Bellingham saw the look on Darcy's face and realized he upset his friend, "Come Darcy, no need to worry, I know you have not and I am sure everyone will find your wife just as lovely as she appears."
Bellingham watched as Darcy stared out on the dance floor at his wife; it was only when Mrs. Darcy smiled at Darcy that the smile returned to his face. Bellingham envied his friend for finding love.
As Mrs. Darcy disappeared upstairs, Lord Bellingham smiled happily- his friend Darcy now had a child along with the love of his wife. Finding love among the ladies of the ton was proving harder than he originally thought. Maybe there is something to finding a wife in the country, he thought to himself.
Hannah fearful that Mrs. Darcy would disappear before they reached Pemberley arranged for a small bed to be moved to the sitting room adjacent to Mrs. Darcy's room. Elizabeth and Emma spent the night together in her bed. Elizabeth held Emma in her arms all night afraid if she let go Emma would disappear just as her husband had.
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The next morning Jane came down to breakfast after spending time with her son Charlie to find her husband Charles, Mr. Darcy, Lord Matlock, the Viscount, and the Colonel enjoying their breakfast. Mr. Darcy saw the pain on Mrs. Bingley's face and almost felt guilty for the things he said about her sister Elizabeth. He quickly changed his attitude, knowing he was correct in his assumptions, no matter what his family told him regarding Elizabeth. If Elizabeth were indeed a married woman, she would have been with her husband and introduced to him as a Mrs. … none of that happened; therefore, he felt he had the right of it.
Richard suggested to Darcy and his brother they head out for a ride before he has to leave for London. Lord Matlock decided to write his wife with news of Elizabeth and her leave taking with Emma. He knew his wife Lady Matlock, would be concerned and tried to assure her in his letter that Mrs. Reynolds will take good care of Elizabeth and Emma. He only hoped his assurances would work.
Things had gone from bad to worse.
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Meanwhile in London, Caroline made the decision to disappear from the viscous rumors regarding her floating around the London elite. After Caroline's set down by Lady Matlock at the modiste, rumors had spread like wildfire around London's elite. Caroline found herself denied access to homes she previously had called on, the morning calls she previously reveled in had ended. Caroline decided to leave London thinking she would be safe at her brother's estate, she headed to Netherfield. Caroline assumed she would have access to her brother's home, failed to send notice of her pending arrival.
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Longbourn had an early morning visitor. Lydia arrived unannounced stating, "Mr. Wickham is not to be located, and I could no longer stay in Newcastle." Mrs. Bennet happy to see her favorite daughter was excited at the possibility of spending time together.
"Your father is currently at Netherfield, he is to come home tomorrow." Mrs. Bennet stood wringing her hands in worry. It would not do to upset Mr. Bennet again and lose her pin money.
"La! Then we shall go there, Jane will be happy to see me and we will make a merry party!" laughed Lydia, not taking her mother's words seriously. "We can stop in Meryton on the way and you can buy me a new bonnet, mine is just dreadful."
"Lydia my dear, I am not so sure that your father will be happy with our visiting Netherfield at this time."
"Why ever not? I have not been home in such a long while and I am sure Jane has plenty of room and servants to make my stay more than comfortable." Lydia flounced down on the coach without any care for comportment. "We will have such fun while I am here, for I do not know how long it will be before my Mr. Wickham comes to get me."
Mrs. Bennet unsure of how to explain the situation to her favorite daughter, not wanting to disappoint her said, "Well, let us send a note to Jane and see what she says."
The note was quickly forgotten when Lydia began telling her tale of how she was able to travel with "little money and had to stay in the worst lodgings ever!" Mrs. Bennet, fearful that Lydia might have been hurt during her travels, listened carefully to stories Lydia weaved. The truth was Lydia was thrown out of her lodgings several weeks ago, and had been staying with another officer and his wife until the wife caught her husband engaged with Lydia in well…
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When the Butler arrived at Mr. Bingley's office to announce the arrival of a carriage, he was not prepared to see his sister descending the carriage. As Caroline descended the carriage, she found her brother scowling at her. He cannot know what happened already, Caroline thought to herself.
"Caroline, what are you doing here? And why are you not with Louisa and Hurst?" uttered Bingley standing with his hands in fists at his side.
"Why Charles, are you telling me you refuse to greet your own sister?" Caroline replied with a false smile on her face that indicated she knew her brother was angry with her.
Changing tactics she asked, "Where is Jane and Little Charles? Are they well? I have missed them so."
Bingley replied, "Jane and Charlie are fine. What I want to know is why you feel you can arrive unannounced."
Caroline unsure of what her brother actually knew about her situation replied sweetly, "Well Charles, I must have forgotten to send the note. I was so excited about visiting my nephew I must have completely forgotten."
Bingley aware of his sister's manipulations said, "Well Caroline I am sorry to say, we do not have room for you at this time. We have visitors and you would have been notified of this had you send a note!" Charlies knew he was lying to his sister, he just felt he could not trust her with Darcy visiting.
"Visitors, who could ever be more important than you own sister, Charles?" Declared Caroline taken back by the fierceness in her brother's voice.
"Well if you must know Caroline it is Lord Matlock and his sons." Charles saw Caroline pale at the mention of Lord Matlock's name. Something must have happened with Lady Matlock, thought Charles to himself.
"Well at least invite me in for tea, if I am to make the trip back to London. I will need to refresh myself," said an almost defeated Caroline. Her thoughts were how to avoid her brother finding out the mess she was in back in London and convince him to allow her to stay.
Jane arrived to see Caroline entering the front door with her husband. She sighed knowing Caroline was here to avoid the censure she was receiving in London due to her own actions. Jane did not want to inform Charles of her latest actions; however, with her presence here at Netherfield she knew it was not possible to hide it from him.
When Bingley spotted his wife, he called to the footman standing near the morning room, "Please bring tea to the drawing room."
Jane entered the morning room and greeted Caroline with a cold civility. "Caroline, how are you?" There was no mention of an offer to stay.
Caroline knew by the tone of Jane's voice, she heard of her circumstances and tried to change the atmosphere by mentioning, "I so miss Little Charles I could not stay away." Caroline was working out in her head how long it had been since she saw her nephew.
Jane always happy to speak of her son said, "Charlie is doing very well. He just went down for his morning nap."
Caroline could not believe it and snapped in her usual condescending tone, "Morning nap? Should he not be waking up about now?"
Jane usually had the patience to deal with her sister said in a cold tone, "No, Charlie wakes up early, and if he does not sleep now, he will be cranky all afternoon."
Caroline knew she had overstepped and said, "Oh, I did not know."
Jane aware it was impolite not to offer some time for Caroline to refresh herself said, "Let me take you upstairs, I am sure the trip from London was long and you need some time to refresh yourself."
Caroline was hoping that Jane would feel sorry for her and invite her to stay for a while. She followed Jane upstairs hoping to avoid any of the Fitzwilliam family.
Bingley watched his sister and wife walk upstairs and wondered what he should do regarding his sister's unexpected visit thought to himself, if Caroline was here in the country, that meant something must have happened in London for her to want to hide herself away at Netherfield.
Mr. Bennet found Bingley standing at the bottom of the stairs looking up and questions, "Is there something wrong son?"
Bingley turned and said, "My sister Caroline arrived unannounced and I am at loss for what to do."
Mr. Bennet pated his shoulder and said, "Well dear fellow, you have to offer a room. It is lucky that Elizabeth is gone is it not?"
Bingley always amazed at how well Mr. Bennet was able to find the humor in things says, "What should we do about Darcy? I have no expectations that my sister will be able to keep this secret."
"Well there is hope that Darcy may able to pull it off, he is known to your sister, and you can always threaten to take away her money and support. I find that makes Mrs. Bennet behave," replied Mr. Bennet.
Bingley looked at Mr. Bennet with a new admiration. "I believe that may just be the one thing that will make her behave. I can send her to my aunt and cut off her allowance."
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Richard thought by taking a morning ride with his brother and Darcy they could talk some sense into his cousin. Darcy would on occasion listen to Henry; Richard was hoping this would be one of those times.
"Darce, what bothers you this morning?" asked Richard hoping to get Darcy talking. If Darcy could talk out his problems, he usually found the sound answer.
"Richard, while I appreciate all you have done for me these past months, I do not appreciate being lied to!"
Henry watching Darcy react to Richard was surprised by his words. There was always a connection between the two men he never understood. Henry loved his brother and his cousin; he just did not understand their bond. Darcy's words surprised him. The anger in Darcy's words was new, even before he married Elizabeth, Darcy never showed his anger. He just did not talk until he found the proper way to explain himself. Henry decided this must be due to the head injury.
"Darcy, why do you think we are lying to you?" asked Richard uncomfortable with Darcy's words and tone of voice.
"Well are you not, I know that I am not being told the truth and in effect that is lying to me," replied Darcy.
Richard unsure how to answer looked to his brother for support and shrugged. Henry had not seen this side of his cousin since he had been out of the country.
"Darcy, I am not sure what you have been told, I just know the doctors have stated you must remember on your own for your own heath. Yesterday proved to us that you cannot handle being told your memories," replied Richard hoping to placate him.
Henry said, "Cousin, you know that we would never do anything to hurt you."
Darcy angered by the reply he received rode off leaving his cousins staring at each other.
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While Jane was making sure of Caroline's comfort, another carriage arrived at Netherfield. This time it was Mr. Bennet and Mr. Bingley who greeted the incoming carriage.