FF PRIDE and PREJUDICE AU NOT Cannon

Check-Mate

I do not own the copy rights to the book, or bbc special, Pride and Prejudice

Than-you to the help given to me by my beta reader; mistakes are still my own.

Getting Help

Ch. 5

Any strange fog that had been around the mansion, and in the tunnel Liz had been in, was continuing to cling closely to us. I willingly admit to myself it is far thicker than I would have liked to see. Neither Lydia or Kitty attempt to let go of the poles; though, they continue to give me directions according to what they remember. Their accuracy was questionable as my mind was having a hard time comprehending what little I was seeing, and we veer off the road more than once before finding the path again. Thankfully, they remembered enough - or at least Lydia did. Before long, we find ourselves coming into view of a large brown building.

"There's the tavern we stopped by the other night. I'm sure they have plenty of room for us. It is not like many people travel this time of year." Lydia's words are music to my ears - as Mrs. Bennett really did need medical attention. While her bleeding had stopped, I noticed she'd begun to sweat. Therefore, I was relieved to see Wickham...okay, things had to be bad for me to enjoy seeing his face...hurrying towards us.

"What happened? Where have you been? We've been looking for you over a week."

'A week? There's no way, Mrs. Bennet was bleeding for a week. Good heavens, no one has that kind of blood to lose out of their system. It is not a thought I consider voicing as Lydia is already speaking.

"We don't know, not really. Things are too confusing." Lydia shook her head, along with Kitty. "A strange thick fog rose up, never seen anything like it, neither had mother." She looked at me and back at Wickham "This is Miss Abigail. She took care of Momma's head."

"She needs a doctor, as soon as possible. I'm no medical personnel, I've done the only thing I am capable of. And…" I flinched without even trying. "...lost what little supper I'd had afterwards."

Wickham willingly takes over and picks Mrs. Bennet up before hurrying ahead of us into the Tavern. I guestion the wisdom of the way he was carrying her, only I don't explain why I would think his actions unwise - as that would cause a huge debate- I check any words wishing to come out and keep my mouth shut. I also do not attempt to tell him I'd not liked having to move Mrs. Bennet in the way Liz and I had been cornered into doing for the very same reason-there was no time to spare. As much as I might not like it, I let him talk without interruption instead.

"I'll go fetch a doctor, and then go inform Mr. Bennet his ladies have been found." Wickham politely tips his hat and leaves. As soon as he is gone, I question the girls about their other sisters, Jane and Mary.

"Jane's married; she'll be told eventually, but why bother about her right now? And why would Mary be here? She's just as busy in her own home as Jane is." Lydia replied.

I think she would have explained Liz's situation only I spoke up before the young lady could get another word out. "Mary is married? I thought Liz said she didn't like to go to town." I kick myself as soon as the words are out; both her sisters are shocked I know their older sibling and ask how I know her. "I met her once, just a short visit. "So, who is your sister married to? And where is Charlotte?" Might as well ask about her, they'd just assume we packed a lot of information into a short talk; Lydia and Kitty did.

"As to Mary, Reverend Collins who else?" Kitty giggled. "Shocked he even looked at her, sister hardly ever said two words to him."

"And Charlotte? Is she married yet?" I ask hesitantly.

"Of course, she married Mr. Wickham."

'Oh, brother, that trip I just took really did a number to my brain. I either need more sleep or some serious meds' Out loud I simply say that, since a doctor and their father have been sent for, I have to go. "Until we meet again." I nod and then hurry out the door before they can stop me.

The tavern is surprisingly quiet for an establishment that is supposed to be the center of life. I walk up to the only man I see - a gentleman behind the bar. "I believe a doctor has been sent for on behalf of Mrs. Bennet?" He nods his head in response and I continue on. "I can't stick around, but…" I reach into my pocket and pull out a very old ring -old enough as so still bring in a pretty penny in the society I am now in. "This should cover the cost of my... distant cousin's medical bill and the cost of her staying here. Please give her husband my apologies for not sticking around. I am overdue for an appointment; we don't need another search party sent out. Please, make sure the doctor gets his share." I only claimed any kind of relation as it would explain my willingness to pay her bill.

"Of course." The man takes the ring and smiles at me.

I might have prayed I hadn't made a mistake in giving the stranger the ring only a gentleman carrying a medical bag had heard me; I figured he was the doctor and was proven correct when he vocalized his thanks.

"Heard the name Bennet and figured I might not see any payment," He looked at the tavernkeeper who shook his finger at the gentlemen saying no payment would have been hid from the doctor. I make my departure, leaving the two men to take care of the Bennett Ladies.

It is only when I am outside do I realize no one had mentioned Mr. Darcy. 'Of course they wouldn't. Liz isn't around. Wondered who married him? Good thing the gentleman has a wife, I'm certainly not interested in him' I would not have dwelt on the subject of Pemberley, its owner or going there only Liz had thought it wise, so I head down the road asking directions as I went.

One lady had heard his name but was too new to the area to give very accurate instructions. I then ask an older gentleman on a horseback whose companion appeared to be a fairly young French girl. Unfortunately, it was clear his mind was starting to slip as his answers made no sense. Sadly, I only realize that when I find myself facing an overgrown path. Thank heavens getting back onto a main road is easy enough.

"Could you please tell me how to get to Pemberley?" I ask the driver though I cannot see inside the carriage.

"We can do better than that." A lady with a beautiful smile opened a curtain; she looks familiar. "We can take you there." It is only when I get inside that I fully comprehend it it is Charles and Jane Bingley I am riding with.