Darcy, aware that had the situation been different, it would be unsuitable to accept the letter to Jane on Elizabeth's behalf, but he knew in his gut that this would be the key to his friend and future sister's happiness. He carefully and discretely placed the note into his inside pocket and returned to the main group.
"Mr. Bennet, I am glad to have you at Pemberley Sir, despite the unusual circumstances. I am keen to show you the grounds and get your insight into some future developments I have in mind," Darcy said warmly to his future Father-in-law.
"Darcy, I would be glad to explore your estate further, but I feel that I am somewhat lacking in experience of running land of this proportion, I do not know what advice I might offer."
Darcy, though secretly agreeing with Mr. Bennet, was keen to quickly form a strong and positive relationship with Elizabeth's father, he knew how close they were and could see that their relationship would matter a great deal to his love. "Not at all Sir, I have always admired Longbourne when I have visited, I would be glad of your insights."
Before Mr. Bennet could reply, his eye was caught by Mrs. Reynolds who was trying to catch her master's attention without disturbing the rest of the party. He swiftly made his way over to her without being noticed.
"What is it Mrs. Reynolds?" Darcy asked quietly, he knew that his most trusted member of staff would not disturb him unless it was important.
"I beg your pardon sir, an express just arrived…from Brighton."
"Thank you, please place it in my office, I will be there shortly. Do not mention this to anyone else."
Realising that his cousin would only send an express with urgent information, Darcy excused himself and went to his office as soon as he could. He hastily opened the note and scanned the page. His forehead burrowed and dipped as his eyebrows knitted together in anguish. Would his life ever be free of that wretched man?
Darcy paced around the room, wracking his brain for what he should do next. He must stop the elopement to save the Bennet's reputation. But how? Before he could think any further, a clear knock rapped on his door. Bingley, knowing that he was always welcome in Darcy's office, strolled in before being admitted by Darcy himself.
"The ladies are asking if…Good god man, what is it?" he asked, noticing the turn in his friend's demeanour.
Darcy gave him a brief background of why Colonel Fitzwilliam had travelled to Brighton before handing his friend the note. Within seconds, Bingley's facial expressions mirrored his friends.
"What should we do?" Bingley asked.
Pleased that Bingley said 'we', Darcy replied, "I must go and try and stop him before it is too late. I will leave immediately, but I do not want to burden the women with this news." Fitzwilliam began to pace the room, he did not want to leave Elizabeth without telling her, but he was worried that after her injuries, she would be made unwell by the news of her youngest sister's elopement.
Bingley who was a little calmer that the Master of Pemberley, came up with the most sensible plan. Mr. Bennet was brought to the office where he was told the horrible truth. It was decided that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet would travel to Brighton – they would say that Mr. Darcy has been called to town on urgent business and Mr. Bennet thought it be sensible to accompany him as he could sort out some of the administration involved in the planning of Elizabeth and Darcy's wedding. Bingley would stay at Pemberley to keep the women company. The men agreed not to tell the women the truth, but Fitzwilliam could not keep the truth from his love, he would not keep secrets from her, despite what his head was telling him. He hurried to her side to tell her everything. Elizabeth's face set like stone but she was not overcome with emotion, more of a strong resolution to support her father and future husband.
"Please keep my father safe, he is too old to be chasing after my stupid sister, although I know that he has no choice. I will keep this information to myself, but please write to me with any news."
"Elizabeth, I will do everything in my power to stop Wickham, please rest and know that I will be thinking of you every moment I am away."
"I know you and father will get to them before it is too late, I know." She replied, trying to convince herself that all would be well.
He glanced around to check they were not being overlooked before raising her hand to his mouth and giving her knuckles a kiss that he would much rather place on her lips.
"I love you Elizabeth, all will be well." Darcy stated, staring into her eyes. And with that, he and his future father-in-law set off for the South,