Sorry real life is causing havoc. My family lost 2 members this week and my husband lost a co worker to very suspicious circumstances.
2020 has been very hard. Hold your loved ones close and tell them you love them often .
Chapter Eleven
On the Road to Pemberely
The next morning Elizabeth awoke to Emma's baby babble and turned to see Emma holding her feet with her hands as she continued to babble. Elizabeth smiled and said, "Good morning my darling Emma, I am delighted to see how content you are on this the first day of our new life together, I promise to keep you happy and safe as long as I am your Mama."
Hannah entered the room carrying the pitcher containing hot water to see little Emma in Mrs. Darcy's arms, "Oh Mistress, I am sorry when I left Emma was still asleep."
"No need to apologize Hannah, it was very pleasant to awaken to the sounds of my daughter," replied Elizabeth as she peppered kisses Emma all over her face. Elizabeth looked around the room hoping to see the necessary supplies for Emma.
"I will call for your breakfast mistress, shall I take Emma to her nurse for you Ma'am?" asked Hannah unsure if her mistress would want to be separated from her child. Hannah noted the only time Emma was not in Mrs. Darcy's arms was when Emma nursed.
"If you would give me but a few minutes, please have Emma's wet nurse join us in the sitting room. I hate to part from her just yet. I will take my breakfast as Emma's nurse tends to her breakfast," replied Elizabeth.
Hannah nodded and replied, "Yes Mistress," and quickly left. Hannah smiled as she recalled the images of Mrs. Darcy with little Emma in her arms during their trip north. These past months had been difficult for Hannah, watching her Mistress and Master deal with their injuries and more importantly their missing memories. The staff at Pemberley witnessed first-hand how difficult this time has been for Darcy family. Once Mr. Darcy married Mrs. Darcy, the atmosphere at Pemberley changed; it was joyous and more pleasant. At least Mrs. Darcy has recovered and has little Emma, we only need Mr. Darcy to come to his senses once again and all will be right with the world, thought Hannah to herself as she tended to her chores.
Elizabeth readied Emma for the day's journey while she waited upon the wet nurse for Emma to enter the sitting room; once she arrived, Elizabeth quickly prepared herself for the day, washing and dressing simply. "This is going to another long day traveling," said Elizabeth aloud.
Hannah had been busy notifying the remaining staff to ready the carriage and requested several baskets with food be prepared for the carriage. What Hannah was unaware of at this time was that Lord Bellingham sat at table closest to overhear Hannah's requests. Lord Bellingham's assumption confirmed; Mr. Darcy was not traveling with his wife. The realization brought about more questions, where would be Mr. Darcy be, if he was not travelling with his wife and child?
Lord Bellingham knew his friend Darcy to be very protective of his family, the news that Mrs. Darcy was traveling alone alarmed him. I must stop in and see Darcy for myself, he thought to himself, the carriage accident must have been worse than originally reported; I hope Darcy was not injured too severely keeping him from traveling with his lovely wife.
Elizabeth arrived downstairs with Emma in her arms as the carriage awaited their arrival to continue their trip to Derbyshire. When Elizabeth passed the table Lord Bellingham sat, she did not notice the man staring at her. Lord Bellingham detected the haste with which Mrs. Darcy was taking her leave of the Inn. Lord Bellingham noted that Mrs. Darcy seemed saddened, there was something unknown and it left him bothered. With their past meetings, Mrs. Darcy was always gracious and cheery, unlike today she was distressed and in a hurry. This must mean Darcy had been seriously injured in that carriage accident, he thought to himself making sure to find time while in London to search out the truth regarding Darcy and offer any assistance he may.
The Darcy carriage quickly left. "At least she travels with a sufficient number of men for protection," he said aloud to no one as he looked out the window.
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When Lord Bellingham arrived in London, he went directly to White's hoping to talk with someone from Darcy's circle of friends or family. What he learned was that Lord Matlock had left London recently with his son the Viscount. "They left rather in a hurry," as told to him by one of his peers.
He then heard the news of the Matlock ball; planned for Thursday of the following week. This information regarding the ball held promise for him on finding out more information regarding Darcy's injuries. Of course, the Matlock ball would be one of the highlights of the season and all of London's finest would attend. Lord Bellingham heard Darcy's younger sister, the lovely Georgiana Darcy was in town. Reverend Covington and his lovely wife were to accompany Miss Darcy. Lord Bellingham and Covington attended university together, although in different years. "I must make time to visit Covington at Darcy house I may even meet the mysterious Miss Darcy while I am there."
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The journey to Derbyshire took longer than Elizabeth remembered. Emma did not care for the long journey and began to fuss. While caring for Emma at Netherfield, Elizabeth remembered how much Emma enjoyed her stories with "her voices." Elizabeth began to recite one of her favorite stories including hervoices for each character, which calmed Emma immediately. Elizabeth's stories also kept the other occupants of the carriage occupied during the long hours of travel.
"One more day Emma and we will be out of the carriage and I can take for a walk outside. The gardens at Pemberley are lovely, more so than Netherfield. You will be able to play in the grass while the birds will sing their songs just for you," said Elizabeth as she kissed Emma as she was closing her eyes for her nap.
"Mrs. Darcy, I can take Emma if you please," said Emma's nurse as she held out her arms.
"Thank you Jenny, I am very well. I have missed so much time with my daughter I could not bear to part with her yet. I am sure at some point in the future you will resume your excellent care for Emma," replied Elizabeth smiling at Jenny.
Jenny, who grew up at Pemberley was engaged to be Emma's nurse by Mrs. Reynolds. Jenny later learned Mrs. Darcy was impressed with her for her loving care of her younger siblings, and suggested Jenny as a possible candidate for the upcoming nurse's position. It was not until after the Darcy's carriage accident that Mrs. Reynolds employed Jenny to care for little Miss Emma Darcy. Jenny was informed she would be required to travel to Netherfield with Mrs. Bingley and care for Miss Emma there until Mrs. Darcy regained her memory or other arrangements were necessary.
With Elizabeth and Emma Darcy returning to Pemberley if only temporarily, Jenny expressed her happiness at seeing her family soon. "I am happy that we are heading home Mistress," said Jenny smiling back Elizabeth.
"I know not what plans Mrs. Reynolds has for us Jenny, if you find that you do not wish to be apart from your family once I learn where I shall live with Emma, you may request another position at Pemberley. I know being away from your loved ones is hard when you are so young. I will understand," replied Elizabeth as she recalled how hard it was for her to leave her family when she first married Mr. Darcy. Pemberley was her home now, even if her husband did not remember.
"Mrs. Darcy, I will always want to care for Emma. I am only happy that I will see my family for a time, even if we are to leave again." Replied Jenny shyly. Everyone in the carriage noticed the tear that fell from Mrs. Darcy as she tried to hide by turning her head. This situation was as sorrowful to them as it was their mistress.
"I understand," replied Elizabeth as she continued to look out the window hoping to hide her sorrow. The carriage remained quiet until Emma woke up from her nap. "I think we should stop and have something to eat, Emma appears to want outside, and I can hardly blame her."
The carriage stopped near a field while Hannah and Jenny worked to empty the baskets prepared with food for all the inhabitants of the carriage. Elizabeth insisted that all the men join the women on the blankets provided; all enjoyed the picnic lunch.
Elizabeth needing to have her thanks spoken said, "I am very grateful to you all of your assistance during our hardship. I do not know if I would ever survive our difficulty without all your assistance. I am very thankful for your continued support and service. When Mr. Darcy recovers he will know how much you have helped his family." Elizabeth referred to her difficulties as "our" for she could not exclude her husband even if he did not remember her.
The group assembled thanked Elizabeth stating, "We would do nothing else mistress." Once back in the carriage they rode enjoying more stories told by Elizabeth and her "character voices." The following day was a repeat of the previous day until they reached the outskirts of Pemberley grounds when Elizabeth said to Emma, "Look my darling this is your home. Your Papa and I created you here with all our love. I hope one day you will be able to grow up and have your children here with you."
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Netherfield Park
While Miss Bingley left alone in the suite of rooms, the same rooms Elizabeth previously resided, to refresh herself at Netherfield Jane left her without speaking. Caroline was pleased to be left alone to try to formulate a plan for her to remain in her brother's house, she paced the room only stopping to look out the window.
"What am I going to do now?" she said aloud to herself. Pushing her hair off her forehead, she mumbled to herself, "I abhor this ghastly hairstyle, what are these asinine women of the ton thinking, keeping all of this hair piled on top of one's head, it is giving me a headache, why can they not go back to pulling it from the back of one's neck like before." Then Caroline pictured Eliza's hairstyle and remembered "Oh yes, that woman wore her hair that way and it is out of fashion and I will never do that, even if it means I have this infernal headache forever!"
Just as Caroline was turning, she observed Mr. Darcy walking in the garden from the window. "What on earth is Mr. Darcy doing here? Oh, that must be why Charles does not want me here. Precious Eliza must be here at Netherfield and for that reason alone I am unwelcome into my own brother's home. Oh, how I hate that woman! She has ruined all my plans and my life!" Caroline barked to herself.
Caroline watched Mr. Darcy as he reached two men and began speaking with them. It was Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and his older brother Henry, Viscount Gladney. "Well at least the Viscount is here, I may be able to capture his attention by taking advantage of the situation" she said then quickly remembered what happened with his mother, Lady Matlock. "Damn, I am never going to escape that woman; she is going to haunt me until the day I die. What am I going to do now?" Caroline plopped on the bed face down and cried.
Jane arrived downstairs to see her Mama and her youngest sister, Lydia enter the house followed by her husband and father. Both men looked furious. It was then Jane heard her father say, "What did I tell you Mrs. Bennet? You must have forgotten my explicit orders or you would not have shown your face here at Netherfield."
Lydia not used to hearing her father speak to her mother that way said, "Why is it that we are not allowed here at Netherfield Papa? I thought my visit would please everyone, as I have been gone for such a long time." Lydia did not care how selfish she sounded as she spun around with her arms held out to her sides.
"Lydia dear, please be quiet," replied her mother quietly recognizing how much worse it would be for her if Mr. Bennett got angrier than he already was as she wrung her hands together.
"La! I have come all this way to visit you all, and you make it sound as if I am not wanted," replied Lydia and looked to see Janes face. There was an expression on Jane's face; one she had never witnessed in all her years living with Jane… it was fear.
Mr. Bennet held the bridge of nose trying to regain himself before he lost his temper and said, "Lydia I have expressly told your mother that she was to stay at home until tomorrow when I would return. Why are you here?"
Lydia never one to understand when she should keep her mouth shut uttered, "Whatever for? It is not as if I come home to visit all that often. I would think my sister Jane would be so happy to see me she will want to throw a ball in my honor." After she spoke, she giggled thinking she may possibly pull one over on her sister and really get her to throw a ball in her honor.
Mr. Bennet had enough and shouted, "Enough Lydia! You will stop your interminable speech this instant! There are things that you are not aware of and G-D willing you will not ever know! I cannot handle both of you and your mother at this moment!"
Lydia shocked at her father's speech started to cry and Jane offered her comfort. "Let's go into the drawing room and have some tea," offered Jane hoping to calm down both Lydia and her father.
Mrs. Bennet followed her husband trying to look repentant hoping to avoid his previous threats of taking away her precious pin money. Jane rang for tea and sat next to Lydia trying to calm her tears. Jane unaware Lydia's tears were fake as she often faked her tears with Mr. Wickham when he was angry with over something she said or did, spoke soothingly to her sister.
Once they had all entered the room, Mr. Bingley so focused on Mr. Bennet's reaction towards Lydia had forgot to shut the drawing room door. Mr. Bingley almost seated, spotted Mr. Darcy and his cousins passing as they walked down hall, he quickly stood to shut the door. Mr. Bingley hoped to avoid another situation with Lydia Wickham enfold in his home, especially with Mr. Darcy in residence. However he was too late, Lydia had spotted the red coat of a soldier and recognizing that he was Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Then she noticed Mr. Darcy and another tall man unknown to her.
"Good Lord is that Mr. Darcy, and where is Lizzy, why is she not here to greet me? Is that why I am not welcome, you do not want me here because of him?" Lydia pointed in Mr. Darcy's direction then continued, "It is not my fault Mr. Darcy hates my Wickham. Why should I be sent away, Wickham is not even here! Nor do I know where he is," Lydia put her hand to her mouth when she realized she just told everyone her husband had left her and was missing.
The Colonel heard Lydia's speech as she practically shrieked her words, with her voice growing in volume until he heard that Wickham was currently missing. Darcy only heard Wickham's name before turning to storm into the drawing room. The Viscount turned towards his brother Richard shrugging and they followed Darcy as he entered the drawing room.
Lydia saw Mr. Darcy first and realized the look on his was beyond furious; she leaned into Jane's embrace as a way to provide protection from the one man besides her husband that she feared most.
"Bingley is that," Darcy pointed at Lydia then continued, "Wickham's wife?"
Mr. Bingley not sure what to do blew out a deep breath and nodded. Mr. Bennet stood and walked towards his daughter in an attempt to block Lydia from Mr. Darcy. As much as he disliked Lydia's actions and her husband, he did not want Darcy to take out his anger on Lydia. Darcy's head injury not only caused his personality to revert to his proud disagreeable mien, it also let his anger reach the point of becoming close to his having physical altercations, mostly with Richard.
Richard and Henry tried to stand in front of Darcy, hoping to slow his progress and calm him before he reached Lydia and did something he would regret. "Darce, calm down man and let us find out what Mrs. Wickham knows before you do something you will regret," said Richard holding out his hands to stop Darcy's movement.
"Regret! I will regret!" Darcy sputtered, "That is absurd! Richard you cannot be serious, that girl," Darcy pointed towards Lydia then continued, "She is the one that should regret being married to that… that degenerate scum! I have done nothing compared to that immoral fiend. Look at her, she is but a girl, I have to wonder if he took advantage of her youth and married her to avoid something elicit that would send him to the goal. It is not as if he does not deserve worse!"
Lydia shocked at Mr. Darcy's speech started to cry, for real this time. In between sobs Lydia cried, "What is Mr. Darcy talking about Jane? What has my Wickham done, is there something I do not know of? Is that why he ran off leaving me alone with no money? Why does Mr. Darcy talk as if he does not know me?And where in heavens is Lizzy?"
Darcy almost felt bad for making the young girl cry until he heard Lydia say, "Lizzy" then another headache suddenly began and he felt slightly dizzy. Richard noticed Darcy sway and helped him to sit in a chair far enough away from Lydia to ease everyone's comfort. Darcy was holding his head in his hands leaning over so that he was looking at his shoes.
This was how the Earl found the group. Jane holding Lydia in her arms, Mrs. Bennet sat with her mouth open apparently shocked at Mr. Darcy's tirade. Mr. Bennet had moved to sit in between his wife and daughters with a grim expression on his face. Mr. Bingley was red faced, embarrassed by his friend's accusations and unsure of what he should do next. Mr. Bingley saw the Earl enter the room and decided it was best if he was near his wife Jane so he moved to stand next to her chair.
"What has happened?" inquired the Earl looking around at all the stunned faces. "I take it something else distressing has happened by looks of Mrs. Wickham and Darcy."
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Meanwhile Caroline heard the shouting from downstairs and she became curious what was the source of the commotion. She believed one of the voices belonged to Mr. Darcy and if he was shouting, it might have something to do with his wife or that horrid Bennet family. The thought of Mr. Darcy shouting at his wife made her smile. "I may just have a chance with him after all, I knew the marriage could not last!" said Caroline aloud to herself as she started downstairs. She arrived outside the drawing room just as she heard Lord Matlock's voice. Caroline listened outside the door.
The Earl spotted Mrs. Bennet and as he looked directly at her she shuttered in fear, he then saw Mrs. Wickham in tears and said, "I take it this has to do with Mr. Wickham as I see his wife sitting the room in tears." He turned to look at Darcy and noticed he was in pain. "Did someone mention Elizabeth by any chance?" He took a seat near in the middle of the group.
Richard nodded and replied, "Mrs. Wickham," with annoyance lacing his voice, "she inquired of Elizabeth and expressed her distress at what Darcy had to accuse of her husband, although I would not have chosen the words Darcy spoke in front of ladies."
Darcy looked up at his uncle and said, "The pain is passing, I shall be well. I think it best if I leave the room while someone explain all the sordid details to his wife." Darcy spat out before continuing, "I believe the girl has the right to been enlightened of her husband's depravity without my involvement. She may not credit the truth for what he is being accuses of for clearly Wickham has provided her with a prejudicial view of my character."
Darcy abruptly the room and spotted Miss Bingley as she walked down the hall away from the room he had just exited. "Miss Bingley, how have you been?" he inquired hoping to find something familiar to him as to maintain his sanity. His time with the Bingley's over the previous years, for the most part was pleasant; it was not until he learned about Bingley's marriage that Darcy began to feel uncomfortable around Bingley.
Miss Bingley heard the tone of Mr. Darcy's voice, he seemed pleased to see her and deciding to take advantage of the situation, she turned andexclaimed, "Welcome to Netherfield Mr. Darcy. It has been such a long time since we have spent time together. It feels as if it has been ages since we enjoyed each other's society. I remember all the enjoyable times spent at the theater together."
Darcy remembered attending the theatre with Charles nodded, and stated, "I agree Miss Bingley. How have you been, has London kept you busy with all the entertainments you find amusing during the season?" Darcy shuttered at the thought of escorting Miss Bingley to the various dinners, parties and balls those in the ton found so amusing. Deciding to change the topic of conversation he continued, "Are Mr. and Mrs. Hurst in good health?"
Miss Bingley smiled up Mr. Darcy as she answered, "Yes, however I find that I miss my precious nephew so much, so that I had to travel to the country to see him. Charles and Dear Jane have refused to travel to London with him, so here I am."
Miss Bingley happy to have Mr. Darcy's full attention remembered he inquired about her sister and said, "Oh my, yes Louisa and Mr. Hurst are in excellent health. I am happy to announce that I shall become an aunt again soon. Louisa and Hurst are so thrilled that is why they are not here; it is very difficult for Louisa to travel in her condition." Miss Bingley said the last words with some discomfort hoping to play on Mr. Darcy's sympathies.
Darcy tried to shake off Miss Bingley's grip on his arm as they continued to walk but she would not let go. "There is a very pleasing garden, will you join me? I find I am in need of some fresh air," requested Darcy as he looked down into Miss Bingley's smiling face. Darcy tried not to shutter at the thought of Miss Bingley's attentions. He recalled how many times he tried to rebuff her attentions without offending her or her brother Charles.
Miss Bingley took Mr. Darcy's words as a compliment and quickly agreed to accompany him, "I wonder at which garden you speak of?" glad to keep Mr. Darcy's attentions focused on her while his loathsome wife was away from his side.
As they continued to stroll their way outside Darcy said, "The garden has some wonderful water features I find soothing, the garden itself is surrounded by large hedges that give a sense of privacy." Darcy confessed to himself at that moment the only reason he like this particular garden was he often observed Elizabeth within, recalling the pleasant the view with her within this particular garden. I need not mention that piece of information to Miss Bingley, he thought to himself.
Miss Bingleybeamed, "Oh, Mr. Darcy that is the very garden I worked so hard to create while I was in residence, it just after Charles took the lease on Netherfield. I am so pleased you find happiness with my design."
Mr. Darcy felt guilty for telling half-truths to Miss Bingley however, he decided to give no reply. They continued their walk keeping their thoughts to themselves. Mr. Darcy's mind wandered how to question Miss Bingley for the answers he so desired without giving into her severe barbs to anyone she deemed beneath her.
Caroline's mind wandered to all manner of explanations for Mr. Darcy's anger. It must have something to do with that chit Lydia! NO, it must Eliza! Eliza with her lack of decorum or her heart rate increased. Eliza's duty as mistress of Pemberley, could he want a divorce? Is he here with me because he finds me the best candidate to be Mistress of Pemberley? Pemberley…Pemberley… and all its glory all mine, she sighed at the thought. Caroline's mind raced with all varieties of thoughts as to the demise of her nemesis. Mr. Darcy's actions today told her she was on to something.
Miss Bingley never one to keep her snide comments to herself especially when it came to getting what she wanted and she wanted Mr. Darcy. "Where is Eliza, is she not here at Netherfield or has she gone off leaving you all alone?"
Startled by Miss Bingley's question, Mr. Darcy suddenly stopped walking making Miss Bingley pull back as she had continued to walk. He glared down at her and replied, "Why would I know where this Eliza is? And why in heavens would you question me about her?"
Miss Bingley surprised by Darcy's hostile reaction to her inquiry and her mentioning his wife, turned to him and replied coyly, "Mr. Darcy have you finally determined that Elizabeth Bennet is beneath you and that you have made a mistake offering for her?"
Darcy stunned by Miss Bingley's response about his offering for Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy began to suspect that other pertinent information his family was hiding from him. The scene with Mrs. Wickham was just the latest example of his family's deceits. His headache returned in full force, the bright sunlight increased the intensity of his pain. Darcy groaned as he reached for Miss Bingley's arm declared, "Pray I must sit down, my head hurts."
Miss Bingley taking Mr. Darcy's response as a positive sign started with, "I just knew you would come to your senses. That Bennet family is beneath us. I never understood your claims of Eliza's fine eyes, and your attraction to her. I never saw that Eliza's eyes were anything other than plain. I am grateful that that chit no longer bewitches you! Oh! That awful Lydia Wickham, she is the worst of that Bennet family, running off with Mr. Wickham like a common trollop. My brother was no help to you with his marriage to one of them, although I will admit Jane is all that is kind and sweet. I am so sorry you have been all alone with your feelings. I am willing to help you, Mr. Darcy. If you will allow me to help you and am sure with your connections it will all be handled quickly."
Miss Bingley not hearing Mr. Darcy's objections began voicing her opinions of Eliza's looks and her deficiencies. She did not notice the grimace on Mr. Darcy's face until he passed out and landed on the grass. Miss Bingley ran screaming for someone to come help Mr. Darcy.
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The group assembled in the drawing room had been discussing the Mr. Wickham. It was at this time that Lydia learned about her husband and his known activities. Lydia cried that Mr. Darcy had it out for her husband for some unknown reason and it was not fair. Lydia stomped her foot in protest, "Mr. Darcy is a horrid man!"
Mr. Bennet so upset with his daughter and her lack of sense told her directly, "Mr. Darcy had to bribe Mr. Wickham to marry you Lydia! Mr. Wickham cried off declaring he was never going to marry you, not when you both left Brighton together, nor when you were found living unmarried together in London. It was only after Mr. Darcy provided Wickham with enough money that he agreed to the wedding."
Lydia's world was falling apart and her heart was breaking. She thought her husband loved her and hearing the truth made her realize how her family saw her actions. It was only when Mrs. Bennet started wailing about, "How horrible Mr. Wickham was for leaving her Lydia alone in Newcastle," that the conversation turned to when Mr. Wickham disappeared.
They group assembled pieced together the information that Mr. Wickham had disappeared two days before the Darcy's carriage accident and had not been seen since. Mr. Bennet wanted to scold Lydia for her lack of sense when he turned to see his wife. Mrs. Bennet's shock at hearing about Mr. Wickham made Mr. Bennet decide it was not worth it. If he could not get his wife to change, nothing was going to change his silliest daughter. If only he knew how much Lydia would change upon hearing the truth about her Mr. Wickham.
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The shouts of "Help! Someone must come help Mr. Darcy" coming from Miss Bingley brought the conversation in the room to a stop. The men took off running to find Darcy unconscious outside in Elizabeth's garden.
Miss Bingley caught up with the Colonel and Viscount as they were carrying him inside. "Whatever is wrong with Mr. Darcy?" inquired Miss Bingley waving her fan trying to catch her breath. When no answers came to her she practically shouted at her brother, "Charles you must tell me what is wrong with Mr. Darcy. We were talking about…well never mind. We were speaking and all of a sudden he passed out at my feet."
Richard upon hearing Miss Bingley's speech concluded Caroline spewed her hateful venom about Elizabeth to Darcy so much so that Darcy passed out. Richard announced, "It was just stress and Darcy will be well." As he, left a surprised group of people staring back at him including Miss Bingley.
Richard took it upon himself care for Darcy sitting by his bedside until he woke. When Darcy awoke, Richard gave him some of the powders left earlier to relieve him of his headache. The two of them did not talk about what caused his recent episode. Richard felt Darcy would come around and talk to him when he was ready in his own way. While Darcy was not certain he could trust Richard, decided to keep his questions and doubts to himself.
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Miss Bingley confused by the Colonel's words wanted answers from her brother and sooner rather than later. Miss Bingley left Mr. Darcy in his cousin's care and went to her rooms to think. She believed Mr. Darcy agreed with her assessment of the Bennet's and decided to take it upon herself to write to Lady Catherine de Bourg. If writing a letter to Lady Catherine on behalf of Mr. Darcy seemed impertinent to the great Lady, she would accept her censure. After all, she was only writing to request Lady Catherine's help with regards to obtaining a divorce for Mr. Darcy from Elizabeth Bennet.
"It serves that chit Eliza; she will be blamed for the shame and disgrace as being a divorced woman. And I will be happily married to Mr. Darcy and of course…be the best Mistress Pemberley has ever seen." Miss Bingley smiled to herself as she went to her room to dress for dinner hoping to impress Mr. Darcy with the latest London fashions that included her latest gown in the lovely shade of orange she preferred.
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Darcy left alone in his room once Richard left, still questioned whether he could trust his family. His doubts about his family were not solely based on the connection to the Bennet family and Wickham; it was what they were keeping from him. This is all too frustrating, he thought to himself as he ran his fingers through his hair.
Darcy decided he would leave Netherfield in the morning and visit his sister Georgiana in London before making any more decisions about his life and responsibilities. He was unsure what part his sister had in his family's schemes, he was still unsure of what her part was in with regards to the deception he felt. "What else are they keeping from me? I must consider my options before morning. I do not want to have them cause more difficulties," he said aloud before heading downstairs.
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Dinner that night was a strained affair. The seating arrangement took on something that would upset society's standards. Bingley sat at the head of the table with the Earl, Viscount, Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam on one side of the table with Lydia, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet, and then Miss Bingley in that order with Jane in her seat as hostess.
The Earl refused to sit near Mrs. Bennet for fear of saying something inappropriate when she spouted her nonsense. Mr. Bennet refused to allow his wife to sit anywhere but next to him. Lydia did not want to sit near the "Horrid Miss Bingley" decided it was safer near Jane, and then realized she would be directly across Mr. Darcy. This configuration during dinner kept the conversation to a minimum until Miss Bingley started speaking of "How lovely it is to sit among friends."
This lead to Miss Bingley mentioning how "Wonderful it is to enjoy the society of such elevated members of rank." Caroline pleased with herself did not notice the looks of concern around the table.
When no one commented, Miss Bingley continued with "It is so nice not to have Eliza here and her taint amongst the group." Miss Bingley realized that Lydia was still at the table and then added, "Well we will just have to put up with Mrs. Wickham I guess, 'tis a shame really."
Then several things happened at once.
Lydia huffed in annoyance and said, "Well at least I am married woman, you are just an old unmarried harpy!"
Jane started to sob, which brought Mr. Bingley to her side as he stared at his sister.
Mrs. Bennet starts wailing, "I just knew that Lizzy's actions would cause us shame, that wild and headstrong girl, what did marriage do for her? Nothing I tell you! It will soon be all over town that she is to be divorced because her husband does not want her and the child, then what!"
Mr. Bennet took his wife's by her arm and removed her from the table telling her "Be quiet this instant!"
Lydia unsure what to make of the scene playing around her, especially after hearing her mother denigration of Lizzy, looked up at Mr. Darcy with her mouth agape as he glared directly at her, showing his anger. Darcy was so focused on Lydia's proclamation of Elizabeth being married he missed her next words.
"Is Lizzy to be abandoned just like me? What child is Mama speaking of?" After saying these words, she stood to follow her parents out of the room, afraid of what Mr. Darcy would say or do next.
Mr. Bingley called for the housekeeper to take his wife upstairs for fear of the child Jane carried. Jane sobbing caused Charles to lose his composure as he turned to shout at his sister, "Caroline you will go upstairs and pack your things, you are to leave this house immediately!"
Mr. Darcy sat and watched the melee around him and wondered how his family could condone this kind of behavior. I have the right of it, I must leave in the morning, Darcy thought to himself as he watched Bingley follow his sister out of the room.
Not once did Darcy consider what he heard that night. Darcy had blocked from his mind hearing the words, "Elizabeth was married and being abandoned," Darcy focused only on Lydia, Mr. Bennet and finally Charles' behavior. Darcy would learn how much these words would mean to him later, much later.
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That night Mr. Bingley had his Caroline's belongings packed and arranged for her transportation to his house in London via post while he wrote to his aunt in Scotland asking her to help care for his sister. He was done with Caroline, he would arrange for his aunt to take over his sister's inheritance.
Bingley spoke with the Earl regarding his sister and concerning her care and inheritance. The Earl was proud of Bingley and very grateful for his care of his nephew. "I am sorry that Richard's plan had not worked," said the Earl to Bingley as they walked up the stairs. Today had been a long stressful day for the both of them. The Earl placed his hand on Bingley's shoulder and said, "It will get worse before it gets better son, try not to worry the small stuff, you have a child to care for and one on the way. The best parts of my life were when my children were born."
Over the years, Charles Bingley knew his friendship with Darcy gave him a "sort of a tentative" acceptant within the society of London. Today with the Earl's words, Charles felt he had the acceptance of the Earl, besides Darcy and Mr. Bennet that meant more to him than his own Fathers.
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Lord Matlock spoke with his son's: Richard and Henry. They agreed that removing Darcy from Netherfield to his own house in London would be idea was that Georgiana would be able to help calm Darcy until they find a way to work through their problems with Darcy. Darcy would be in his own home, he would feel comfortable, hopefully, and they would gain more of Darcy's trust. They make plans to leave in the morning after taking their leave of the Bingley's.
Darcy has told his valet to pack for an early morning departure. "We will be leaving Netherfield for London at first light," stated Darcy.
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Lady Catherine was at that very moment on her way to Netherfield to collect Mr. Darcy with a plan of her own. Lady Catherine had learned from her spies at Matlock house that Darcy, Richard, and Henry along with her brother were at Netherfield. She also learned that Darcy could not remember the last two years of his life, which meant he did not remember his wife Elizabeth. This was the perfect time for her to get his marriage annulled using the loss of his memory as the reason. Lady Catherine was unaware of the child, Emma or she may have had second thoughts about abusing her power. But then again we will never know.
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That night at Longbourn, Mr. Bennet related his conversation with the Earl to Mrs. Bennet. "You will no longer be receiving your precious pin money Mrs. Bennet, if you had followed my orders and stayed home, the fiasco at Netherfield would not have happened today! Your actions may have just ruined all our lives! I will be in contact with Lord Matlock to make sure I know where to find my daughter Elizabeth, along with our granddaughter. It is my belief that you do not care about her wellbeing; I will not bother to inform you when I have found them. Now you may go upstairs and start packing your belongings. You will no longer be welcomed at Longbourn as its mistress. You will reside in the small cottage and you will take Lydia with you!" Mr. Bennet stormed off to inform Mrs. Hill of his decision leaving a stunned Mrs. Bennet and Lydia in the hallway.
"Mama what is my father speaking of? What does he mean that we have to move to the small cottage?" asked Lydia unsure of what she just witnessed. She had never seen her father that angry before today. Lydia never cleaver, had not put all of the day's events together…yet.
"Lydia, I told you that we should have stayed home today, but you insisted we visit Netherfield and now I have lost my home." Mrs. Bennet waived her hand about her, "Oh, child I do not have the time to explain it all to you this minute, go upstairs and pack your belongings. I am afraid your father will change his mind and decide we must leave immediately before we can pack our trunks."
Lydia sighed and said, "Has the world gone mad?" Mrs. Bennet had not heard her to reply; she went into her rooms and began packing her belongings hoping that Mr. Bennet would change his mind.
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As the sun began rising the next morning, Mr. Darcy dressed and ready to take his leave opened the front door to an unexpected sight. As Mr. Darcy stood on the front steps of Netherfield, he was taken by surprise when he saw his Aunt Lady Catherine descend the steps of her carriage.
"Aunt Catherine, what bring you here?" asked Mr. Darcy with a hopeful look on his face. He knew his aunt would not approve of recent events here; she was after all the voice of reason in his life. (So he thought.)
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Note: Yes I know Divorce or Annulment was impossible during that time. However it does not mean crazy people who thought they could control the world did not THINK they could get what they wanted. Also you will find out later in the story that Although Lady Catherine had spies at Matlock house, she did NOT have them at Pemberley. So she would not have known about Miss Emma.