As the carriage made painfully slow process, Darcy attempted to take his future Father-in-law's mind off their current quest. Although small talk had never been a particular strength of Fitzwilliam's, the thought of Elizabeth spurred him on. He made comment about a recent collection of novels he had recently purchased for the Pemberley library, hoping that Mr. Bennet's love of reading would be enough to take his mind off Lydia's elopement. At first, Darcy was hopeful as Mr. Bennet asked a couple of questions, but the older gentleman was soon drawn back to his thoughts as he returned to staring out the window.
"Mr. Bennet, please know that I will do everything in my power to find Wickham and resolve this issue in the best way possible. I feel that I am to blame for this unfortunate event, after failing to make Wickham's true character known during my time in Hertfordshire."
Mr. Bennet, who took a few moments to consider what Mr. Darcy had said, before replying with a sympathetic smile, "sir, you cannot blame yourself, it is I and I alone who is at fault here. Lizzy warned me from allowing Lydia to travel to Brighton and I regrettably did not listen. If I have one piece of advice on your upcoming nuptials, it is this; Elizabeth is one of the shrewdest and thoughtful people I have ever met. I know often that a husband thinks that he does not need the input of his wife, but never underappreciate the opinion of my Lizzy, she will steer you well."
Mr. Darcy smiled as he thought of Elizabeth, he simply nodded in agreement to the man across from him. He had long admired his fiancée's sense and intelligence; he was glad that he and her father shared that opinion.
Fitzwilliam took a steadying breath before speaking, "sir, please know this. Not only do I love your daughter, but I admire and am in awe of her spirit, quick wit, and intellect. I will make it my life mission to make her happy and treat her as an equal partner. I believe that she will be the most wonderful mistress of Pemberley. Please know that I do not undervalue her on any level, she astounds me daily."
Proud tears welled in the base of Mr. Bennet's eyes. Not wanting to show the emotional effect, the master of Pemberley had had, he quickly coughed and turned back to the window. With a quiet sense of understanding falling over the carriage, Mr. Darcy picked up his book and began to read in comfortable silence.
Back at Pemberley, Elizabeth was doing her best to keep up the façade that all was well, but try as she might, Jane was able to see that something was troubling her favourite sister. She waited until the rest of the party were engrossed in a game of cards before she took a seat next to her younger sibling.
"Lizzy, are you quite well? Is there something that you wish to confide?"
Elizabeth turned to see a look of worry etched on her dearest Jane's face. She knew that telling her the truth would cause her nothing but distress. Elizabeth knew that she could not tell her the truth, despite that lying to Jane made her feel sick.
"I am just a little tired," she replied, "and I must admit, I am missing Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth hoped that by mentioning her betrothed, Jane would change the subject. Luckily, she knew her sister well and her ploy worked perfectly.
Jane giggled slightly, "Lizzy, you really are in love, aren't you? I am still shocked to see this transformation in your feelings towards Mr. Darcy. Now we are alone, you must tell me everything!"
Elizabeth smiled, glad to be on safer ground. She began to tell her dearest sister everything that had transpired during her time in Derbyshire and subsequently what had taken place between them during her time in Kent. Jane listened opened mouth, shocked and delighted by the romantic trials and tribulations the couple had been through.
At the far end of the room, Charles Bingley watched the two Bennet sisters intently. Despite trying to keep his mind on the game with Mrs. Gardiner and her children, he found he was constantly drawn to Jane and her sister. Although he knew that this was not the time, he did not know whether he would be able to stop himself admitting his true feelings to Jane Bennet as soon as he had the chance. He knew it was unlikely that during the commotion Darcy would have had chance to give his letter for Jane to Elizabeth, but he secretly hoped that he had. Seemingly being able to sense his inner most thoughts, Jane Bennet lifted her head in his direction and locked eyes with him. His heart hammered in his chest. Family disaster or not; he needed to tell her how he felt. He was envious of Darcy, he wanted to shout it from the rooftops that he was in love and Miss Jane Bennet had consented to be his wife.