Hi everyone.
Thank you for your continued support and as always, special mention goes out to these reviewers:
Eleoopy, crispill, liysyl, Guest, ChrisM0519, Deanna27, Shelby66, Lisa, Matelia-legwll, Jansfamily4, julescrowe, RHALiz, Happy Lizzy, PDS1, Maria Teresa C
Very happy to read your comments. And again, very interesting answers to my question about swapping roles. It could be hilarious or disastrous if those swaps were to happen. ;-)
Matelia-legwll: Thank you for offering to help. I hope you do not mind if I send you a PM as I do not want to bore other readers with unnecessary details. There is a story I have in mind that I want to write in future but I am not sure if it would violate any rules as it has a few similarities to a popular story. Not sure what is allowed and what is not. Hope you or anyone can advise as I am still new to this writing hobby.
I promised an update this weekend so I did my best to come up with this chapter. Please be aware that I have not had time to edit this properly so expect typo errors etc. I will clean it up this week. And I am sure you will not let me forget, ODC is in this chapter.
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The men gathered in Mr Bennet's study to discuss their plans with regards to Mr Wickham. Colonel Forster started by explaining that there had been no confirmed sightings of the man since he fled the camp. He had tasked his men to enquire with the nearby coaching inns yesterday. The only information his men received from messenger boys in Hatfield was that he was apparently bound for London. However, upon checking with the staff connected with the stage and mail coaches, they had no recollection that a man of his description was able to access a seat yesterday. Tickets, especially for London travel, were sold out days in advance so it would not have been easy for him to purchase a last-minute conveyance that way. If he had taken an outside seat on top of the coach, then he would have been easily seen.
Colonel Fitzwilliam asked if Colonel Forster could instruct some of his officers to go to the next stops of the various coaching routes from Hatfield to see if Mr Wickham had arrived there. He also stated that he would like to go to Hatfield himself, with the assistance of the officers who went there yesterday.
"My suspicion is that Wickham is still in or near Hatfield. Given that there were no other sightings, this is our best lead. He has no money so he will not be able to go far," explained Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"I am of the same opinion. Given his propensity to spend and gamble, he is unlikely to have any savings on him. He will be hard pressed to even have sufficient money to pay for transport to London," agreed Colonel Forster.
"I also find it hard to imagine that Wickham would want to stay in London. It is an expensive place to live in, compared to the country. He also has accumulated quite a lot of debts in some areas in town so he would most likely want to avoid being seen there. Moreover, he is fully aware that my cousin and I have a lot of strong connections in London and he would have almost no hope of evading capture there," added Mr Darcy.
Mr Bennet shifted in his seat, very hesitant and feeling embarrassed to reveal Lydia's foolishness to the men present, but knew that he had to as it had something to do with the scoundrel.
"I am very sorry to say that my daughter Lydia had given him some money. She had confessed her stupid actions to her sisters, and she had admitted her mistake to me just before you arrived. Fortunately, this would only be a small amount of coinage and would not be of any great value. I believe she was infatuated with that cad and was charmed by his attentions and flowery words. I am relieved that she is otherwise unharmed. I hope you will keep this matter confidential," Mr Bennet explained with a heavy heart.
"Thank you for sharing this information, sir. Trust that we will not discuss this with anyone outside our party. I wonder at how many innocent young ladies that blackguard had fooled," Colonel Forster assured him.
"I still believe that Wickham might try to elope with Miss King. He does not know that Miss King has reported their plan to her father. His overconfidence and boldness might work to our advantage if he is still of the mind that Miss King is resolved to run away with him. He would not be able to readily find employment now that he has fled the militia so he has almost no other means to gain access to funds. That dowry of ten thousand pounds would indeed be tempting to him. It would pave the way to a secure life. A man like him would jump at the chance to have a guaranteed source of income without having to do much in the way of performing honest hard work," Colonel Fitzwilliam voiced his thoughts.
"I will have my men continue with their surveillance in the area of the Kings' residence then, and have a few officers spread out in the village," Colonel Forster replied.
"I think that is a wise thing to do. If only we can lure Wickham back to Meryton," mused Colonel Fitzwilliam.
The meeting concluded shortly afterwards. Colonel Fitzwilliam declared that Darcy and Bingley could remain at Longbourn to pay their calls to the ladies while he headed to Hatfield, along with a few officers. He was here on urgent business while his cousin also had another important agenda, winning his fair lady's hand. Besides, he also felt that Darcy was more emotionally attached over the Wickham situation as they had been very close childhood friends. He knew his cousin had a kind heart despite his aloof demeanour, whereas he had no care whether or not that cad came out of this dead or alive.
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While the men were holed in Mr Bennet's study, the mistress of Longbourn had been busy preparing an array of food for nuncheon. It had not been previously arranged with the men to stay for a light repast but she was determined to make a good impression and show their hospitality. Working with Mrs Hill and cook, they were able to present a good table consisting of a selection of cold meats, bread, cheese, some fruit preserves and sweet items.
The men were very pleased to accept the invitation although the two colonels apologised for not being able to stay long due to having matters to attend to. Mrs Bennet, demonstrating her motherly attributes, told them that they can have their fill then depart immediately. She assured them that she understood that their business indeed required urgent attention but that they also needed to be well nourished for their long day ahead.
Once the colonels had excused themselves, the others continued to take part in polite conversation. Lydia was noticeably more subdued and almost silent. Kitty often followed Lydia's behaviour, hence she was also less lively than her usual self. Mary was having a quiet discussion with her betrothed, Mr Collins, who was due to leave for Hunsford tomorrow and was planning to pack his things after their meal in readiness for his travel. Mrs Bennet wanted Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy to remain for sometime at Longbourn so they can spend more time with Jane and Elizabeth.
"It appears to be another sunny day. I imagine it would be quite enjoyable to have a stroll in the gardens," Mrs Bennet hinted, hoping the two men would get the message.
"Mrs Bennet, winking at Mr Bingley is pointless as he is already courting our Jane. Now, winking at Mr Darcy causes me some alarm, given that he had previously brought flowers here. Is there something I ought to know about as your husband?" Mr Bennet questioned her.
"Oh, do not be silly, Mr Bennet. I was not winking at Mr Darcy. I think something went in my eye, that is all," replied his exasperated wife.
"Is that so? In any case, I believe these two men will not find it merely tolerable to take a walk with our handsome daughters," Mr Bennet said, while pointedly looking at Mr Darcy, as if to remind him that an apology to his second eldest daughter was still forthcoming.
"Yes, indeed, it is the best weather for a walk in your gardens, Mrs Bennet. I would definitely love to escort Miss Bennet outdoors. Will you be joining us, Darcy?" Mr Bingley asked with enthusiasm.
"I would very much like to accompany Miss Elizabeth, if she is up for some exercise. I do not wish to tire her too much after her recent recovery from her illness," said Mr Darcy considerately, but wishing that the young lady would not decline.
"I would welcome the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine in the gardens, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth remarked, suddenly feeling shy.
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Mr Bingley and Jane led the walking party, followed by Mr Darcy and Elizabeth. The other members of the Bennet family opted to stay indoors. After a short walk, Mr Darcy led Elizabeth to a bench so she would not exert herself too much. He also had another more important reason for taking this chance to sit down – he wanted to issue his long overdue apology for his insult at the assembly. The gentleman felt that before he could make any progress in his pursuit of Elizabeth, he needed to have a clean slate and hopefully, his explanation would be accepted and any previous misundertandings would be cleared up. He knew that it was vital he delivered his apology most sincerely.
"Miss Elizabeth, please allow me this moment to make an apology to you," he started.
Elizabeth looked at him questioningly but waited for him to proceed with his speech.
"During the assembly, I made a very grave mistake of insulting you when I proclaimed you only tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt me, as well as implying your lack of desirable qualities for men to give you consequence. I have no excuse for my poor behaviour and arrogance then. I was in the worst of moods that evening and certainly not keen to take part in any dancing or merriment, due largely to the fact that I was very worried for my sister Georgiana. However, that does not absolve me from the guilt of saying something utterly rude and hurtful. I hope that you find it in your heart to forgive me and that in time, you will see that I am trying to improve my conduct and manners," Mr Darcy explained in earnest, while anxiously waiting for her reaction.
The young lady was taken by surprise by his honest declaration. A few days ago, she would never have expected that the illustrious Mr Darcy would readily admit the error of his ways. Now she really felt that she had misjudged his character. He may be proud but that was most likely due to his upbringing and having spent his life in the highest societies. He may have made a poor first impression to her and to the local residents of Meryton, but it was quite remarkable for someone of his station to humbly express his heartfelt regrets.
"I accept your apology, Mr Darcy. And I truly appreciate your candour," replied Elizabeth.
Mr Darcy was very relieved that Elizabeth immediately accepted his apology without any hesitation.
"Mr Darcy, as we are on the subject of apologies, please allow me the opportunity to also offer mine," she continued.
"I do not know of anything that you should be apologising for, Miss Elizabeth."
"I have to apologise for my previous prejudices against you, sir. I am ashamed that I had wilfully misunderstood you and anything you had said during our conversations. It was very wrong and thoughtless of me to spread my ill opinion of you to people I am acquainted with. I am now slowly discovering and appreciating the goodness and generosity in your person," Elizabeth explained.
"I think whatever prejudices you had of me were reinforced by my less than exemplary behaviour. I am also very much responsible for the reputation I have developed with the townspeople. It did not help that Mr Wickham had been spreading lies about our history."
"That is another matter I have to apologise for, sir. I was sorely mistaken when I believed his false stories. I am so heartily ashamed for falling for that man's fabricated tales --"
"Miss Elizabeth, pray do not torment yourself over his actions. He is experienced at deception. He had fooled so many people, including my own father. If you would agree, could we put a stop to these apologies now and consider both of us forgiven by the other?"
"Yes, Mr Darcy, I agree."
"And can we also agree to forget about our past misunderstandings? Would you be willing to start afresh?"
Elizabeth paused to think before giving her response.
"No, I am afraid I cannot agree to that, sir."
Hearing her reply, Mr Darcy felt that his luck might have run out.
"Mr Darcy, I do not want to merely forget about our mistakes. I would like us to use our past experiences to guide us in our interactions from now on. Allow those to help us comprehend each other better and hopefully doing so will prevent any future misunderstandings. If you agree, sir."
Mr Darcy, of course, saw the sense in her reasoning and readily accepted her suggestion. He would indeed be the most fortunate man in the world if he could win the heart and hand of this extraordinary lady.
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How was that? Some progress? At least they have cleared the air. There will be more D/E moments, I promise, but most of them will come after Wickham has been arrested. But there MAY be a part two of this D/E talk… next chapter, maybe.
My next question:
If you can time travel into the Regency era, what would you like to do? Probably a one-off return trip. A week or two maybe? I am not sure I want to stay there forever…
I would like to meet or at least see Jane Austen, of course. I would like to attend one of the balls/assemblies. I would probably do a lot of people-watching and information-gathering about how they do things back then. If there is time, I would also like to see how places have changed over time, like how Bath or London looked like back then. Or maybe even teach them a few things but I may just confuse them.
Thank you very much and please stay safe. Till next chapter… ;-)