Chapter 13: Take my Coat

The dancing and feasting lasted until sunrise and all were merry and cheerful, but none like Kitty and the Colonel. They never for one minute parted from each other, as if afraid that they would be separated for ever.

They did not talk to those around them afraid they might be swayed or asked too many questions.

Lydia refused to address Catherine any word of congratulation, as she was mostly fuming with envy rather than dismay.

Kitty had embraced Mary, Lizzie and Jane with such love that Mrs. Bennet almost started crying. She was trying as best as she could to show the Colonel all her kindness and gratitude.

Mr. Fowler left early and bid Mary leave the party too to accompany him to the doors.

'When must you leave for Netherfield?' he asked as he put his cloak on.

'I believe in three or four days…' she replied weakly.

'I see…and when shall you be back?'

'That I do not know. Perhaps in the spring.'

He frowned. 'That is far too long a time to be gone. I shall hear none of that. Either you come earlier or I shall come to visit you at Longbourn myself.'

Mary was a bit surprised but smiled complacent.

'Oh, Sir, you need not…'

'Why ever not? I wish to see you, nothing in the world can possibly stand in my way,' he spoke gravely as if to an invisible opponent who dared challenge him.

'Why do you wish to see me?'

They both walked down to his carriage and he smiled mirthfully to her as he put his top-hat on.

'For the same reason you wish to see me.'

With that he bowed and kissed her on the forehead, leaving promptly.

As his carriage drove away her eyes saddened and for a moment she stopped in her step.

This may be the last time you see him….

She shook off that thought however, for she needed to show her joy. Her sister had finally found happiness.

She walked back into the Ball Room and congratulated the Colonel on his success, wishing him all the merriment in the world.

'It was her success, Miss Bennet. She saw happiness running away from her and she stooped to catch it. However, she caught me in those nets as well and now I am sure…'

'That you will be happy?' Mary said smiling gently.

He smiled back and kissed her hand politely. 'I owe you much as well, Miss Bennet.'

'Nonsense! Now, once I see you two married I shall be truly pleased.'

The Colonel slept at Pemberley that night and all the nights until their departure, not wanting to leave Catherine alone. However, the following day he had a serious discussion with Mr. Bennet regarding the engagement, for no matter how much he truly cherished her, he had to confront the parents first.

Mr. Bennet consented happily, though he called the Colonel in the library, opened a bottle of brandy and bade him tell all that had happened the previous night, for he still could not believe his daughter had been so skilled and willed.

Meanwhile, Catherine was restless and in such high spirits that she could barely stand still. She fidgeted and bit her lips worried wherever she found herself and when asked what her cause of distress was she simply replied she was so happy that she believed it was all a dream.

The following days she spent hours in the drawing room with her mother, talking about the engagement and wedding, which should be of course a grand festivity, worthy of even the Darcys' presence.

Lydia was very moody and sulky, eating double her portion and sewing in her room until nightfall, not wanting to talk to Catherine too much. From time to time she scolded her for having taken such a man as a lover and not someone more worthy, but Catherine only looked down embarrassed and heard nothing.

In such times, Kitty talked a great deal with Mary and Georgiana as well who was ever present. Yet, no matter how cheerful she tried to be, Mary could not hide her disappointment. She knew not when she would see him again, but it seemed a long, long time. Georgiana was very sympathetic and tried to bear Kitty as best as possible, but she could not help noticing her friend's bad mood.

The three days passed and the Colonel left immediately to arrange his affairs at home, after which he would travel to Netherfield, to expect Catherine there and prepare the wedding. Kitty shed no tears when he left, as saddened as she was, for she knew these things had to be sorted out and soon there would be a time when she would be able to see as much of him as possible. Her mother had warned her marriage was not to be trifled with and that there will be misunderstandings from time to time, even quarrels, but love shall always prevail.

Catherine replied to all this as she usually did.

'Mama, if he could stand me these past months, he shall an entire life-time.'

Kitty's maturity and growth almost scared Mr. Bennet, for he had never noticed how much a woman changes when love occupies her mind. It is not just the fanciful feeling, it is also the responsibility that comes with…creating a home, bearing children, being a good mother and she felt ready.

Mary's pain was alleviated by this and she mused with pleasure how fine a woman Catherine would come to be. She saw it in her sister's eyes, the look of a woman ready for life. A look, however she could not understand. Mary could never picture herself married, a mother or even loved, though now it was safe to say she was hoping Mr. Fowler would be the one to understand her. These fears she would not let go, helped her see things from a more objective perspective, detached her from feelings, but she worried she would not be able to do that for too long a time.

Already, her heart ached and as silly as it sounded she knew no cure. She spent most nights talking to Georgiana, fretting that if she were alone she would start thinking too much.

Alas, the time to depart came one rather sunny morning. Snow had fallen precariously here and there, but it was not exactly pleasant to have a walk.

It was slowly melting as in that part of England, winters were usually warm.

No green grass to soothe her smiled at her window and as she looked at her luggage Mary wished she would not go home, but to a different land in a different time.

When she arrived in the dining room for breakfast she found no one there. This was most odd since at least her father, who now could come down once in a while, would be there.

'Where is everyone?'

'Mary?!'

She turned and saw Georgiana climbing down the stairs rapidly, fright and worry spread on her face.

'Georgiana, what is the commotion about?'

'Oh, Mary, it's terrible! Jane! Jane is feeling very ill and the baby… Oh, it's horrid! The physician must come soon.'

Mary stopped breathing for a moment.

Jane?...

'Georgiana, what has happened?' she said taking her by the hands.

'It seems the stress and the Ball…ah, the child might be in danger!'

'Calm down, please, calm down…it will be alright,' Mary said as she led her towards the main chambers where they could find her sister.

'Is Jane safe? Is she in a bad state?'

'I don't know, they won't let me in! Perhaps they might let you since you are her sister.'

'I'll try…' Mary said as she tried to control her shaking voice.

In front of Jane and Charles' chamber stood a butler looking gravely at the approaching figures.

'Please, Sir, I am Mrs. Bingley's sister, Mary Bennet, I need to see her most urgently.'

'Very well then…' he shrugged and let her pass.

Inside she found Mrs. Bennet, Charles and Lizzie all looking like ghosts, as most of them had tears in their eyes, watching a sleeping, white as death Jane.

She lay on the bed like a fragile white rose and Mary could not help feeling entirely hopeless as she saw dark circles under her eyes and blood on her lips.

Why cannot happiness last?

Mary sat down next to her bed and asked Lizzie silently where Mr. Darcy was.

'He has gone for the physician…'she replied ghastly.

Kitty arrived promptly as worried and distressed as the others, but she fumbled and despaired so much that she was taken out of the room.

Mary sat silently in a chair waiting for the physician.

However, when the tall, acrid looking, blunt old man came all were made to leave and wait outside as he would deal with her properly. He had brought forth a midwife, fearing the worst, though he showed no reaction.

Lizzie and Charles were both holding each other crying softly as Mr. Darcy paced the hall worriedly. No one dared speak and only Kitty's loud cries were heard from time to time.

'Why can't she have happiness like me?' she moaned. 'This wretchedness…in this happy hour…'

Caroline had come lazily from her bed, for the Ball had upset her and she was quite taken aback at the news, however she tried as best as she could to soothe Mr. Darcy as she walked by him assuring him it will come out alright.

Mary comforted Kitty as best as she could as she noticed Georgiana speaking quietly with her brother in a corner. They exchanged few words and she was as blunt as possible, him as saddened as ever.

'What was it that you talked to him?' Mary asked her when she returned.

'I told him, if you wish to know, that you and your family must stay a bit longer no matter what happens, for it is too serious a case to be taken as lightly as this.'

'I suppose you are right…' she mumbled not knowing what to say. No matter how anguished she was, a very small ray of happiness managed to penetrate her soul, as the prospect of staying longer was not entirely a displeasing one. However, the ray extinguished rapidly when thoughts of Jane overwhelmed her.

Lydia, who had come much later to see Jane was more affected that anyone else since she saw herself in her sister's position and if there was something she dreaded more than solitude it was death, for death was eternal solitude.

She spoke to no one and stood aside, comforted only by her mother from time to time. She crossed her fingers and embraced her stomach frightened as Mrs. Bennet patted her weakly on her hair.

Noon came, but no one had any appetite, they stood helplessly in the drawing room, occupying themselves with trifles only.

Mr. Bennet had started playing chess with himself and he always managed to lose, throwing the pieces on the floor.

Charles could not stand still and he moved from window to fireplace, from fireplace to door, not knowing what to do, how to act and more importantly not being able to choose for whom he worried more, Jane or the child.

At last the physician exited Jane's chamber, wearing an exhausted and angry look.

'Oh, Sir how is she? Good Lord! Tell us, is she alright?' Mrs. Bennet exclaimed at once.

'She is perfectly well.'

'And the baby?' Lizzie asked.

'The child is fine and healthy, strong lad or lass I should say, however…she was very lucky to be out of danger. Now, who the Devil gave her alcohol to drink?'

All looked at each other baffled.

'Alcohol? Surely I was with Jane all the time, she never drank but water!' Charles said scandalized. 'I take care of her as…'

'Save your breath, Mr. Bingley, I was not accusing you. I simply wish to know. If not alcohol then some substance very much like it... It's obvious she must have drunk such a thing, for only this could have caused her attack, only those typical substances produce it.'

'Sir, perhaps by mistake she drank from where she should have not…' Lizzie ventured.

'Be that as it may, you must take care of her day and night. She will come to senses and be in strength in a week or so, but no more pestilences as these. She needs rest and attendance, nothing else for I gave her all the medicine needed.'

'Thank you very much, Mr. Kinsley for your valuable assistance, we look forward to her getting well,' Mr. Darcy spoke as they both exited the room to discuss the issue of payment.

'My poor child, poisoned!' Mrs. Bennet almost yelled. 'Did you hear, Lizzie? This was a plot, I tell you!'

'Mama, please be patient, let us rejoice that Jane is out of danger…we shall find and end to this,' Lizzie said as she comforted her with the aid of her father.

'Woman, do not think of such foolishness now. The danger has passed...' he mumbled though he was deep in thought as well as to how this could have happened.

Mary looked around the room even sadder than before as she beheld an ocean of frightened people. And then she noticed something.

'Where is Mr. Prowler?'

'Oh, James…' Charles spoke gravely, 'he has been in town these past days, out hunting as well. Poor fellow probably knows nothing of this.'

'Why did he leave so?' Kitty asked surprised.

Charles raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he went to see his wife.

Mary frowned doubtful.

He might have left in anger that Catherine is now engaged…but as soon as he left, Jane got ill. I can't help thinking there is something odd about this.

'Mary, come, let us see Jane,' Georgiana intoned taking her by the arm.

The days passed drearily yet fairly comfortable and not so unpleasant for the Bennets as Jane was making a fast recovery and Kitty and Charles had recovered their spirits.

They had not informed their neighbours or anyone else of the happening, thus Mary considered that Mr. Fowler knew nothing of it.

Four days came to an end one by one, but on the fifth day Jane managed to rise and walk around the room. Everyone felt so relieved that they might have given another ball in celebration of it.

Mary now sagged in her room, lonely and forlorn as she looked out at the cold, empty lands.

I wish we left sooner…this way I would think too much about…

Georgiana knocked at the secret door and entered unwelcome, noticing the sulky figure at the window.

'Everyone is up and about and here you are, like a pained widow. Leave that to Lydia.'

She smiled and took Mary's hands, looking deeply into her eyes.

'Sweet child, what is the matter?' she said in a sing-song voice.

'Nothing, I simply do not like departures…'

'It's been long since Mr. Fowler was here. He probably knows nothing of what happened…' Georgiana added.

Mary grimaced. 'Perhaps.'

'So then, someone should inform him immediately, in order for him to call and pay his dues.'

Mary looked at her surprised.

'The carriage is unfortunately taken since the physician must come again soon, but someone should venture out on a walk to go and let him know…'she said grinning.

Mary scowled. 'Georgiana, just what are you suggesting?'

'I thought I had made it plain by now,' she replied clicking her tongue.

'Come, get dressed, will you?'

'To go where?'

'You shall visit Mr. Fowler and inform him of what came to pass.'

'But that is insane! Who would do that? It's a long distance…it's not proper for me to go and see him.'

'But you'd do that Mary Bennet, you cherish him, don't you?'

'Of course not…not in that way…I care about him as a gentle friend, there is no…' she trailed off.

'Now you are running away again, scared and alone. Ah, I shall really give you a piece of my mind, but that can wait, now it's time to get dressed.'

Georgiana took out the green dress and threw it on the bed.

'Come now, and take your cloak with you.'

Mary at first did not listen, until Georgiana tried to put her dress over her head.

'Alright, alright,' she muttered as if she was doing her a service.

As she slowly put the dress on, she realised her heart was beating fast and that a sudden jolt of happiness had overtaken her.

I will see him…

Out of the blue she started putting her clothes on with a speed that surprised Georgiana herself.

She wrapped her cloak around her tightly and taking her bonnet rushed to depart.

'Good luck,' Georgiana said embracing her as she left.

No one noticed her take flight as she stepped out into the desolate grounds, facing the biting, chilly air.

However, it was not dark or snowing, it was suitably warm for her garments and with a steady step she started her journey.

It was now getting rather cloudy as she was nearing Huntington Park and she felt a few chills run down her spine. However, an honest smile was plastered on her face, her eyes sparkled with delight and she skipped ferns and puddles, holding her hems up.

All was cold and forlorn about her, but in front of her she could see the open gates and all sorrow vanished.

The house looked so proud and majestic, that she feared she would be turned out at the entrance as the Gothic windows grinned at her sinisterly, but inside awaited only happiness.

She rushed along the stony alley and promptly arrived at the tall doors, through which she entered quietly. No servant was there to welcome her and she had entered so slyly that she considered no one could have heard her indeed.

Mr. Fowler had shown her the entire house and she knew most chambers as she suspected that at this time he might be in his private rooms. She thought with embarrassment that she should not dare enter there, but she had to, for she wanted to surprise him.

As she stepped across the large hall she noticed a small satin bag of a colour she could not distinguish in the dim light. It was abandoned on a coffee table and she took it playfully in her arms, heading for the upper chambers.

She climbed the stairs slowly, her heart almost exploding in her chest.

Mary Bennet, you are insane…she told herself assured.

The corridors were as dark and dull as usual but a light in her heart guided her towards his rooms.

She fidgeted with the satin bag, trying to open it, but that was merely a pretext for her nerves.

She saw his room at the end of the corridor and she started walking very fast as not to get cold feet.

With a strong push she opened the doors slowly and stepped inside. She found herself in a crimson office, with green leather chairs and a black oak desk. No window was to be found on the walls and she noticed an opening in the wall that led to a different room.

Bracing herself she stepped slowly towards it and peered inside.

The satin bag dropped coldly on the floor as tobacco spread from it on the floor.

'Who the Dev…' Mr. Fowler spoke.

Anne de Bourg sat up on the bed, her hair tangled between his fingers, as only white sheets covered her slender, white serpent-like body. She supported her entire weight on him, as her hands rested on his broad, smooth chest. He held her waist as her legs came out of the white mass and encircled his.

'Is that Mary Bennet?' she intoned playfully. 'Oh, you dropped my snuff…'

Mary stood paralysed in the doorway, her mouth slightly parted, her eyes shining with shock, her hands trembling.

'Miss Bennet…I, you should not have come at this time…' he tried addressing her, as he tried to disentangle himself from Anne. 'This is…not what it seems, she came and was helpless…'

She stepped back to catch her breath, but as she looked into his eyes she saw a whirlpool of desire and mock.

She turned quickly and never looked back as he called for her loudly.

Mary broke into a desperate run, her boots thumping on the stones hard as she barely found breath not to fall on her knees.

Holding her dress up high she exited the house in a storm of hopelessness and tears.

A pleasant surprise waited for her outside as the mass of clouds had turned into a cold, stormy rain which now drenched every living being in its range.

The sky looked as if it was going to burst and wind howled sadly as trees bowed down obediently.

She ran desperately and when she made sure there was a safe distance between her and the dreaded mansion, she slowed her pace and started walking calmly but numbly on the path she had taken before.

She breathed roughly but let it not be shown, as her face remained impassive. She was whiter than Jane, if possible, her eyes were red as her stony face was drenched not in rain, but in hot large tears.

However, even the tears did not make her change her expression; they soon mixed with the rain water as it fell on her lips. She spat the water on the ground, wiping her mouth hard.

Mary now walked slowly, as if in a trance, looking up at the sky unsure and wishing a torrent could swallow her. She knew not where she was exactly but she knew there was no hope left.

She was drenched to the bones and her cloak stuck to her skin like glue. She took off her bonnet and let the rain wash her hair as it flew angrily in the wind.

A short neigh was heard from far, far away and her shoulders sagged painfully.

A trot followed and then she noticed in the distance a figure approaching mounted on a proud stallion.

Mary kept walking, ignoring the man as she looked in front of her, hoping she could reach the end of the world.

'Miss Bennet!' James yelled as he approached her. 'Miss Bennet!'

She did not stop, thus Mr. Prowler made his horse slow down as he followed Mary.

'Miss Bennet, what in the world are you doing outside on a weather like this?'

'None of your business, I am sure…' she replied flatly.

'It's like you to say that, but you are completely soaked!'

'I have no care.'

He now walked next to her, his horse pacing slowly.

'Come now, you must wish to be healthy and strong in order to see Miss Catherine marry.'

'So you've heard.'

'I knew from the minute they both walked in the Ball Room,' he said slowly.

'I see.'

'Whom did you visit on such rain, Miss Bennet? Was it worth so much trouble?'

She quickened her pace. 'Amusing question…'

He looked in the opposite direction and noticed far away the peaks of the tall mansion.

'Ah, I should have known earlier,' he replied dryly. 'Well, then what a gentleman he is, taking advantage of your company and leaving you to go home like this. But I suppose women do suffer such foolishness on the case of men.'

She turned to him suddenly, looking at him for the first time.

'Leave my side, please.'

Her saddened eyes expressed so much pain that his grin disappeared and he cast a worried glance at her. When he noticed the tears he coughed slowly and frowned.

'Why would you cry, Miss Bennet?'

'I am sure you would not care.'

'Perhaps you are wrong. I can…'

'Please, be gone.'

'I cannot leave you like this, Miss Bennet.'

'You very well can, the horse is fast I assume…' she spoke weakly as her eyes were cast down.

He dismounted and pulled his horse by the hems as he approached her.

'You are not well at all, you will surely catch pneumonia.'

'I shall be perfectly well.'

'For Heaven's sake, you are a smart woman, see reason in this!'

'And what would you have me do?' she said a tone higher.

'I'd have you let me take you home.'

'There's no need…'

'At least take my coat, Miss Bennet, you are too wet and cold,' he replied worried.

'I have my cloak thank you and you need the garment, you might catch a cold yourself,' she spoke.

'That tattered, thin piece of clothing shall not keep you warm at all.'

She turned to him to refuse but a sudden dizziness overcame her and she swayed dangerously.

He rushed to catch her as she leaned against him precariously.

James pulled his coat and wrapped it gently around her small figure, fastening it tightly. As he straightened the collars, he looked into her eyes and smiled softly.

'That's at least a bit better…come, you cannot even walk.'

She did not speak anymore for she couldn't find her voice, but she made a sign of protest.

'Nonsense…this is for your own good, Miss Bennet,' he said as he guided her towards his horse. At that point Mary stopped struggling and he helped her mount as he placed himself behind her, holding the hems as she leaned her back against his broad chest.

Her head reached his chin as he almost touched her hair. When he made sure she was comfortably and safely seated he pulled the reigns and the horse started trotting slowly.

'It will be alright,' he whispered as she closed her eyes.

They reached Pemberley half an hour later, as Mary was sleeping peacefully, nestled in his arms. They were both wet but Mary was drying up rapidly as the rain had stopped for a while.

He dismounted slowly, taking her in his arms. The servants looked on baffled but did not wait for explanations, opening the doors promptly.

He stepped in, carrying her in his arms as Mr. Darcy, Charles and Lizzie arrived to see what the commotion was about.

Lizzie's face turned into shock when she saw her sister, lifeless in Mr. Prowler's hands.

'What on Earth happened?'

'It's a long, story, Mrs. Darcy,' he replied slowly.

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley quickly tried to aid him carry her to her room, but at that moment Mary awoke slowly.

'Wh-what…h-as happe…' she mumbled.

When she noticed she was in Mr. Prowler's arms her face whitened even more and gently tried getting down, but found no strength.

'Mary, are you alright? Heavens you gave me a fright! What were you doing outside on this weather?'

Her eyes wondered across the room and she noticed a letter in Mr. Darcy's hand with Lady Catherine's signature.

'What's that, Sir?' she asked weakly.

'Do not strain yourself, Lady Catherine has written to us in most alarming terms that Anne has somehow disappeared from Kent. I think she might have possibly run away with a fellow, but we do not know…'

'I can answer that query…'she spoke flatly.

'What ever do you mean?'

She tried replying but she coughed loudly, spitting water.

'Oh, not now, we shall talk later, let us take her to her room,' Lizzie spoke agitated.

Mr. Prowler obeyed silently as they all went up to Mary's chamber. She was placed softly on her bed as Mr. Prowler sat down in a far away corner of the room.

Georgiana immediately arrived and she was more than distressed at the sight of her.

'Mary! Dear, Mary, what has happened?'

'Not now, Georgiana, she will have her rest and we shall find out later,' Mr. Darcy spoke.

'I will stay here with her, she needs me I am sure,' she spoke worriedly.

Mary had already fallen asleep and after kissing her, Lizzie exited the room quietly followed by Charles and Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Prowler got up slowly and giving her a last sad look went out as well.

Georgiana slowly undressed her of the coat, cloak and dress and tucked her in as she peered at the coat curiously.