Charlotte knew arguing with Louise would only add fuel to the fire, so she chose to take a stroll outside to clear her mind. As she walked through the gardens, she couldn't help but think about Louise's ring; it was almost identical to the one on Lizzy's assailant's hand. She tried to shake these thoughts from her head. Mr. Glouding had been living in Hertfordshire for two years and was an incredibly respected gentleman; when news of his surprising inheritance spread throughout the county, many ladies had their eyes set on him as a potential husband—Louise included. Her family was elated when he finally chose her as his bride-to-be. Lady Lucas made sure that everyone in Meryton heard about the good news and congratulated herself for their envy.
Charlotte pondered what would happen if Mr. Glouding were the rogue who had attempted to abduct Lizzy. The shame of a broken betrothal was something she did not want her family subjected to, yet if they found out after Louise's wedding, it would be even worse for the family's reputation. She tried to reason that many rings could look similar, and he apparently did not have a scarred hand like the assailant had... or did he? Charlotte still wasn't sure—she had never seen his hands without gloves. Frankly, she hadn't paid him much attention since he appeared to be a respectable gentleman and Louise's fiancé.
Just as Charlotte was absorbed in her thoughts, she heard the Bennet carriage approaching, with Lizzy and Lydia stepping out. Charlotte assumed this visit was merely social, but their worried expressions caught her eye.
As the Bennet sisters approached her, Charlotte could see the anxiety in their eyes. It was Lizzy who spoke first, her voice trembling slightly. "Charlotte, we need to talk," she said.
"What's wrong?" Charlotte asked with concern.
Lydia jumped in, "Lizzy and I think we may have a lead. We believe Mr. Glouding was behind the attack, abduction, and theft that occurred at your house."
Charlotte was shocked by the suggestion; even though such thoughts had crossed her mind before. She inquired, "What makes you think that?"
Lydia began to recount what she had witnessed on the night of Lucas's house party as well as an event from a year ago—everything.
Charlotte realised that the ring wasn't the only thing which made Mr. Glouding a suspect. Not only did it seem he had been unfaithful to Louise, there was evidence pointing to him being involved in attempted abduction of gentlewoman and even a maid!
What was happening? Why would he do such a thing? And why plan a theft that would delay his own wedding?
Charlotte was worried that if her suspicions about Mr. Glouding were true, he was too dangerous to associate with. She believed that the shame of a broken betrothal would be better for her family than that kind of association. While gossip about Louise's failed engagement would circulate, it would eventually dissipate. However, they had no real evidence against Mr. Glouding. Even if she tried to convince Louise and her mother to end the engagement, why would they listen? Charlotte couldn't accuse Mr. Glouding without revealing what happened to Elizabeth - which would likely damage her friend's reputation - and even then they might not be able to prove him guilty. Moreover, there was a marriage settlement her father had signed with Mr. Glouding, making things more complicated. There were many questions which seemed to have no answers.
As Charlotte weighed the possibility of Mr. Glouding's culpability in the maid's disappearance, she realized that potential evidence could be found at his estate in Haye-Park. She remembered that Haye- Park was one of the closest estates to the outskirts of Hertfordshire and was situated near a dense forest and woods. Could she somehow enter there without permission and search for clues? It would have been impossible with all of his staff around and it would be disrespectful to barge into his estate uninvited. If she got caught doing so, her own reputation along with her life would be at stake.
She was deep in thought when her mother walked in. "We have been invited to Mrs. Phillips's card party," her mother said cheerfully, as if all the unpleasantness of the morning had simply vanished. She noticed her mother wasn't the only one whose spirits had lifted at the news of a social event.
Lydia's nervous demeanor suddenly shifted into excitement. "Mama said that Aunt Phillip is inviting some dashing officers too," she exclaimed with a grin on her face.
Charlotte and Elizabeth eyed Lydia in warning, but she waved it off, saying, "I just want to dance and hear interesting stories from the officers. Interesting stories always help me to create more stories!" Her companions sighed with relief at her response.
Charlotte glanced at her and asked, "Will you ever change?"
To which Lydia replied nonchalantly, "No."
The nervous silence was suddenly broken by a wave of laughter from all of them, providing a much-needed reprieve.
