Chapter 46: Caught
Soon after her meeting with Wickham at the park, Miss Bingley had left for Netherfield.
Mr Bingley and Jane were surprised to see her.
"Oh! Charles, it was so wretched to be in town without you and Jane. I want to stay here for a while."
Mr Bingley was happy that his sister was finally trying to be friendly with Jane. But Jane could see that something was amiss. She does not like the country. I wonder what made her make this visit.
After a couple of days in Netherfield, Miss Bingley started to worry. He must have accomplished the task by now. How long do I wait for news?
She was getting tired of waiting. She hoped that Wickham had carried out her plan successfully.
If he has abducted her, then I am sure Mr Darcy has left town. She had no idea that Darcy had left to Pemberley a long time ago.
How am I to know this for sure?
She sat in the drawing-room with Jane, lost in thought. Just then, Mr Bingely stormed in.
"Jane, this is awful. We must leave to Pemberley immediately."
Miss Bingley sat up in her chair. Finally!
"What happened?" Jane asked in distress.
"This is a letter from Darcy. An express rider delivered it just now. He says that Elizabeth is in danger. He needs our assistance."
"Danger? Oh, God! What happened?"
"I do not know exactly. He states something happened, and Elizabeth is in danger. "
"What could have happened? " Jane asked and started to sob.
I know what happened to your insolent sister. Miss Bingley thought to herself.
"Jane, do not cry. I am sure your sister is alright. Charles can be helpful in whatever way is required. We must leave soon." Miss Bingley said, faking concern.
"You are coming along?" Mr Bingley asked.
"Of course, I am. Elizabeth is my sister as well. How can I sit here without being of assistance."
Jane was worried and did not know what to make of the situation.
They did not inform Mrs Bennet and packed their bags in a hurry.
Ms Bingley was excited beyond measure. Finally, that man had done what was required. She could not contain her happiness. But in front of her brother faked concern and joined them in their trip.
I love to see Pemberley without her in it. She will never be able to set foot there ever.
She mentally prepared speeches for Darcy to pacify him after the betrayal of his wife.
Engulfed with shame and rage, he would look at me as his solace.
She had instructed Wickham to send some letters to Pemberley addressed to Elizabeth. She had no idea that Wickham had never followed her plans. He did not want to implicate himself in any way by writing those letters.
When I visit Pemberley this time, I am not coming back. I will offer to wipe away Mr Darcy's worries and marry him. I will be the mistress of that estate and everything that man has in his name.
She never liked Georgiana much. But she knew that she had to fake emotional attachment with her to gain Darcy's goodwill.
The Bingley family was ready in an hour and left for Pemberley. Whenever they traveled to Derbyshire, she hated the long journey. But now, she enjoyed every moment of it.
Miss Bingley was the happiest in the carriage, but she acted well trying to be concerned and worried. They covered as much as the distance they could and rested for the night.
In the morning, Elizabeth found Darcy sleeping on the chair in her bedroom. Darcy woke up hearing her.
"Are you in pain? Do you need anything?" He asked with concern.
Elizabeth was confused. She did not remember going to sleep the previous night.
"Why are you sleeping on the chair?"
"You don't remember what happened last evening?"
"I don't." She said, trying to remember.
"You tried to stand up on your own and fell. You were in a lot of pain, and the doctor came and gave you medicine. You slept right after."
"Oh! So slept on the chair the whole night?"
Darcy nodded his head. He had felt awkward to join her in bed without her permission.
Elizabeth understood his feelings. There was still an evident barrier between them in terms of intimacy. They both knew in time they must overcome it.
"How does your leg feel?"
"I feel better. I think that is why I should have tried to walk."
"Well, I am not letting you try that again. I can carry you wherever you want to go. I hope you can refrain from such attempts."
"I will." Elizabeth said and smiled at him. She thought he looked extremely handsome in his disheveled hair.
"I have written to Bingley. They should be here by tonight."
"What did you state in your letter?" She asked, unable to control her curiosity.
"I mentioned that you were in danger. I am sorry, Elizabeth. I had to state falsehood to get my plan accomplished. I am sure that woman has accompanied Bingley and your sister."
"Jane should be so worried." Elizabeth said in a disapproving tone.
Darcy was silent.
" What is your exact plan?"
" Dorothy is going help us and there is no way Miss Bingley could deny her involvement with your abduction and the compromise."
Elizabeth was worried about the outcome of Darcy's plan. She knew that the offense committed by Miss Bingley could implicate her with serious punishment. She remembered the torture she had experienced after the compromise and could not help but feel anger against her. But, the thought of Mr Bingley and Jane concerned her.
Darcy held her hand.
" Elizabeth, I have admired your kind heart since the time you walked to Netherfield to tend to your sister. This woman does not deserve any goodwill from you. You do not have to forgive her to save the Bingleys from shame. She needs to get punished for her sins."
Elizabeth realized that Darcy was right.
"I will leave in a couple of hours to meet them at the Inn."
"You do not want them to come here."
" That woman, never. She cannot set foot on the grounds of Pemberley. It is her greed for wealth that has made her commit these crimes. I still cannot believe that Bingley's sister can be of such a filthy character."
"When will you be back?"
"As soon as I settle matters there."
After breakfast, Darcy left along with Richard and Dorothy.
He knew that Mr Bingley would stop at the White horse Inn to change horses.
Just as he had thought, about two hours before they could reach Pemberley, the Bingleys stopped at the White horse inn.
"Jane, we can have some refreshments here. We are close to Pemberley." Mr Bingley said.
"Charles, I need a few minutes to change." Miss Bingley said, unable to forgo the temptation to look best.
She changed into a different gown and headed to the parlour. The room was empty, and she wondered where her brother and Jane were. She sat down, and a maid brought in refreshments.
"I want a hot cup of tea." She said without looking at the maid's face.
" I will get it momentarily, Miss Bingley."
Miss Bingley was surprised and looked up.
"How do you know my nam...?" She could not complete the sentence.
Dorothy!
She could not believe her eyes.
" You... You ...how come you are here?"
"Miss Bingley, I am sure George Wickham informed you of his association with me."
" What nonsense are you stating?"
" You may think that I am unaware of your plans, but Wickham has informed me everything."
" This cannot be true. You know nothing. I will get you arrested right away. "
"On what grounds? For helping you with the compromise in Netherfield? Or being associated with your partner in crime for the abduction you planned?"
Miss Bingley felt agitated. Where did she get this confidence to stand in front of me?
"You may wonder if I am the same submissive woman who served your needs. I am not scared of you anymore. George has given me the confidence to face you. He is not on your side. We are a team."
"Impossible. I paid money to accomplish the task and be loyal to me. What do you have to give him?"
"He did not carry out your plan."
Miss Bingley was shocked. She is lying. Mr Darcy wrote that Elizabeth was in danger.
" You mean..you mean he did not abduct Elizabeth?"
Dorothy was silent.
"You ungrateful chit. Tell me, did he abduct her or not? Did he take her away and finish her as I ordered him to? I gave him so much money. If he has double-crossed me, I will kill him." She said, shaking Dorothy.
" I cannot divulge the details. He wants more money."
" I gave him enough money to ruin and kill her. She is a nobody. I paid more than what she is worth. I cannot give him more. You are lying. We are aware that Mrs Darcy is in trouble. That is why we are here. If at all he has not carried my orders, go and tell him his life is in my hands." She said with spite.
" Why should I do anything you want me to?"
" You insolent chit. I can send you to jail. I can throw any accusation on you. You think you are so powerful?"
" I know the truth about the compromise."
" Oh! Nobody will believe you. You have no evidence that I orchestrated the act that day. If you had the guts, you would not have left Netherfield that night. You can act courageous, but I know it is an act. Tell Wickham that he is playing with fire, I will have both of you hung. I want Elizabeth dead, now leave this place and convey my order to him."
Dorothy stood in silence.
"Why are you still standing here? Leave before my brother comes, or else I can easily make him call the authorities." She said with confidence, inwardly wishing that Dorothy would leave the place.
Suddenly the parlour door opened, and Mr Bingley stood with another man.
"There is no need for that, madam. My name is Stephen King. I am the local magistrate. If you need anything, I will be of service."
Miss Bingley stared at him in shock. Behind them stood Darcy, Richard, and Jane. She shivered upon seeing the rage on Darcy's face.
She turned to her brother, and from the look on his face, she realised that she could not fool him this time.
She was caught red-handed, in her own words.
Thank you for all the amazing reviews and constant support. Some readers have asked whether the story is coming to an end. I assure you that Darcy and Lizzy get their HEA, but the story does not end there. There is a lot more to it. :) Wish you all a very happy new year. Stay safe!