This is a shorter chapter than the last few but there are longer ones coming soon. A bit of a heads up about my version of Mr. Bennet, he's a bit different than canon. He has some secrets that are known by select people and will likely be shared with others soon. The situation at Longbourn at this point is not as it was in the book at this point. Elizabeth does not know this yet as she was at Rosings for six weeks, Jane has been in London, and those that were at Longbourn are not the best at keeping up their correspondences.
"What shall be said?" Mrs. Gardiner asked once the family was alone. "To say Elizabeth is missing risks her reputation, to say she has been found may risk her life."
"Charlotte said she would say nothing to her parents about Lizzie's departure in her letter though she said she could not guarantee the same from her husband or sister." Jane said. "Maria is staying in Hunsford longer and will be collected by her father."
"Collins has likely already written to his Lucas relations." Mr. Bennet said. "If his letter to them is anything like the one he sent here Lizzie's reputation may already be in jeopardy."
"If that was so then Mama would have written. She is likely curious what has brought you to town."
"I told her your uncle wished to discuss some investments."
"If Elizabeth's recovery is of a longer duration then Fanny must be told." Mr. Gardiner remarked.
"We do not know how long her recovery will take."
"More than a week and my sister will become suspicious. Your dislike of town is well known. If you return with only Jane she will want to know why Elizabeth did not return."
"I do not wish to leave without Lizzie." Jane said.
"We shall wait until we speak to the doctor." Mr. Bennet said. "I will have her brought here as soon as possible."
"Mr. Darcy said the doctor does not believe she should be moved."
"That was before they knew she was conscious. Knowing that she is aware may change his mind. She can be cared for just as well here or Longbourn as she can at that man's home."
"If you do take her to Longbourn how will you explain her injuries?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.
"I do not know at present." Mr. Bennet said. "Perhaps we could say she was robbed."
"There have been no news of a post carriage being robbed." Mr. Gardiner said.
"She could have left the post carriage at a stop to stretch her legs and it departed without her. Then she was robbed. She sent word from where she was and we went to retrieve her."
"It is a thin story, Bennet."
"Maybe but it will satisfy most. None in Meryton will look for more. It will concur with what Mr. Collins said. If we say she does not remember the attack it is likely she will be safe."
"If the attack took place at Rosings and Mr. Collins claims to have put her in a post carriage it is likely he knows what truly happened. In fact it is quite possible he assisted."
"That had occurred to me as well."
"Perhaps we could say she has gone to visit some other acquaintance." Jane said. "I would hate to return home without her but if it would keep Lizzie safe I would."
"We will decide after I speak to the doctor." Mr. Bennet said.
"I would like to go with you, Papa."
"I thought you may. I have no objections to it."
The group parted to their own projects willing the time to go faster so they may be reunited with Elizabeth.
The three gentlemen were silent until the carriage rounded the corner. Mr. Darcy let out a deep sigh.
"From this moment forward I will not acknowledge Lady Catherine. She is no longer my family."
"Collins had something to do with it." Colonel Fitzwilliam said. "I have no doubt. If he did not commit the act himself then he knows who did."
"I agree that he must carry at least some guilt." Mr. Darcy replied. "I do not think he acted alone though. Very little happens at Rosings without Lady Catherine's knowledge."
"You think your aunt had something to do with Miss Elizabeth's injuries?" Mr. Bingley asked.
"If she discovered that I proposed to Elizabeth, she might have taken her anger out on her."
"Collins would do anything Lady Catherine told him to." the colonel remarked. "If she told him to put Miss Elizabeth in a trunk and send it to London I have no doubt he would."
"How could they expect to get away with such a scheme?"
"Simple Bingley, if Miss Elizabeth was not found, everyone would likely think she was taken on route to London."
"He is probably waiting to hear word of her having gone missing." Mr. Darcy commented.
"Perhaps we can use that to our advantage." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked.
"How?"
"I am not sure yet. I think we could get the truth out of him before we could out of Lady Catherine though."
"Would she truly risk everything to harm Miss Elizabeth? Surely she would realized that if she was caught she would go to jail or be hung." Mr. Bingley said.
"She believes she is untouchable and she knows well how to manipulate people. It is unlikely that she was physically involved but I have little doubt that she gave the order." Mr. Darcy replied.
"What will happen when that becomes public knowledge? It will surely cause a scandal for your family."
"My father will likely step in." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked. "He is quite good at preventing a scandal."
"Perhaps he could get the truth from Lady Catherine."
"It is possible if we could make him see that what has occurred would harm the family." Mr. Darcy said.
"It is also possible that he would insist that Miss Elizabeth be removed from your home and a payment made to the Bennets for their silence." the colonel replied. "He will do what must be done to prevent a scandal but right now there is only speculation about what happened. It is likely he would side with Lady Catherine."
"You are right. Even with proof he might just try to cover it up."
"Unfortunately."
"So we shall continue as we have. Elizabeth's presence must be kept a secret."
Up next - A plan is made.