Colonel Fitzwilliam had now been in Brighton for three days. He was relieved to see that Wickham had had the sense to agree to his side of the bargain and remain in the quarters provided in solitude. Lydia, on the other hand seemed to be growing quieter by the day. She said little during her time in company and seemed to spend most of her waking hours attempting to complete her embroidery or simply staring as if in a trance.
On the third evening after dinner, the Colonel decided to address his concerns over her countenance, "Miss. Bennett, are you quite well? I appreciate that we are here due to unusual circumstances, however you seem to be incredibly out of sorts."
Lydia replied with a kind slight smile. She opened her mouth to reply, but quickly closed it again, replacing her words with a slight nod.
The Colonel continued, struggling with seeing the youngest Miss. Bennett is such distress. "Please rest assured that neither myself or the Forsters blame you for the events on Tuesday past."
He paused, looking to see if she was listening. Although her eyes still faced down, he could sense that he had her full attention. "I have known George Wickham for the majority of my life. He is what you would call a 'rotten apple'. Despite being given generous opportunities in his life, he has purposefully chosen a life of debt, greed and lies."
"I see," whispered Lydia in a small whisper.
Encouraged, Richard Fitzwilliam continued, "please know that you are not the first young lady to be taken in by his lies. I cannot say anymore. However, I implore you to relieve yourself of any guilt and be thankful you are safe."
A single tear rolled down her cheek, she bravely touched his forearm momentarily to show her gratitude. "Thank you, Colonel, your words have given me much comfort."
"Can I interest you in a game of cards?" he asked, hoping to take her mind off her recent woes.
Elizabeth was sitting in the front parlour on the third day of Darcy's absence when Charles Bingley bounded into the room with a look of relief and joy etched on his face. In his hand, he was carrying an open letter.
"Miss. Elizabeth, there you are! I have news from the Colonel," he stated.
"He has written to you Mr. Bingley?" asked Elizabeth, slightly perplexed.
Realising the source of her confusion, Charles explained, "no, Darcy asked me to open any correspondence received from either London or Brighton in case of an update and a happy one this is!"
Bingley went on to read Elizabeth the letter as he revealed that to a stroke of pure luck, Colonel Fitzwilliam had not only prevented the elopement, but he had returned Lydia to the Forster's care before their plight was publicly known.
Elizabeth, who had been listening intently to Mr. Bingley was suddenly overcome with emotion, releasing a pent-up sob from the depths of her chest, a mixture of elation and relief flowed through her veins like oxygen.
Mr. Bingley, waited patiently for Elizabeth to cry, having been brought up with two dramatic sisters, he knew this to be the best course of action.
As he handed her a handkerchief, he addressed her with kindness and warmth, Miss. Elizabeth do not worry yourself, this is the best news we could have hoped."
Elizabeth breathed in, trying to prevent herself from crying further, "thank you, you are quite right Mr. Bingley. I confess I do not know what came over me. Please forgive my outburst."
"Not at all, we have both been on edge."
"Yes. I just did not know if all this would change..." Elizabeth stopped herself, she was under the impression that Mr. Bingley did not know of what had occurred between Miss. Darcy and Mr. Wickham the previous year and she would not reveal her worries over Darcy and Wickham by speaking further.
"Never mind now, I must find Jane, I promised to take a turn with her in the gardens."
Mr. Bingley smiled, stood and held out his hand, "let us find her together, I would enjoy some fresh air myself."
The tension in the air cleared instantly as the happy party partook in afternoon tea a few hours later. Although only Elizabeth and Charles knew of the true reason for Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennett's trip, there had been a sense of unrest in the grand house. Seeing the future Mrs. Darcy laugh and joke like normal brightened the spirits of them all.