Chapter 13 Stupefy

The butler knocked on Mr. Bennet's study door. "Colonel Fitzwilliam to see you sir."

Bennet could understand the Colonel's impatience. He was glad of it. That meant he had some feelings for Mary. He hoped that that would be a good start.

"Please ask him in. Then, ask Gardiner to meet me here in my study."

" Hello, Sir. I would like to inquire of Miss Mary, and Miss Elizabeth. How do they fare?" Richard looked around the small study lined in some areas from ceiling to floor with books.

"Have a seat Colonel. We have many things to discuss, do we not?"

"Yes, Sir we do. I am anxious to begin all that we must discuss."

"I must extend this conversation to my brother Gardiner. I will let him explain to you why. Please have a seat." Richard sat down and waited. He would speak cautiously to the man who would determine the time frame in which the marriage would take place. He was determined it would be as soon as possible. He wanted Mary to get the best medical care possible. What confused him was why her uncle had to be part of their discussion.

"Mr. Darcy did not accompany you this morning?"

"I did not set out to visit, but my horse seemed to know exactly where I wanted to be so it led me directly here. Darcy did not know I intended to visit you so he is waiting for an appropriate hour."

"I see, so I will see him today, also. Well, as to your question – Elizabeth's ankle was broken. It was set, and she is in traction. She will need to keep off her ankle for several weeks. If you knew her better, you would understand the worse part will be trying to keep her from making her worse because she loves to walk. It keeps her temper to a minimum. Which of course means tensions around her will be high." Here Bennet paused to see how the Colonel was taking the information. He was not disappointed.

"Again, sir. I must apologize for my cousin and myself. I only wished to keep the girls safe, we had no intention of scaring them. We feel ashamed, sorry, guilty, and a bunch of other words. But honestly, Sir, I want to know…, " Richard took a deep breath and released it, "I need to know, has Miss Mary revived? Is she awake? Has she eaten anything? What is happening?

Bennet looked at the young man across from his desk. This look he understood. The manner in which the Colonel had come to his home earlier than strictly appropriate, Bennet understood. This man cared a great deal for Mary. He should have been relieved, but he was not. He would soon give up care of his daughter to this young man who had caused her injury. What was the best way to handle the situation?

Just the Gardiner enter Mr. Bennet's study. He had intended to be reasonable. He had intended to talk with the young man to hear his side of exactly what had happened. What he did was reach back and punch the young Colonel with all the frustration that had been building since he got that letter late at night and with minutes made his way to Bennet's home to find his daughter injured and probably to be disfigured for the rest of her life. Then, he found out she had already guessed at his identity. While that was not the young Colonel's fault, he was the catalyst that led to all this confusion, confrontation, and realizations. So, unfortunately he lashed out.

Bennet rushed to the other side of the desk. Laying on the floor was the young colonel. He was on his knees, holding his chin, and looking back at Gardiner.

Bennet tried to speak, but the Colonel spoke first. "Mr. Gardiner, this is no more than I deserve. I will take as many punches as you need to give me, but first please tell me if Miss Mary is alive. Is she okay? What is happening? Sirs, this is the third day with no word from you. How is she?"

For the second time in one day, Edward Gardiner broke down in tears. It was some minutes before he could talk.

Fortunately, Bennet was able to tell Richard Mary was indeed alive. He explained her treatment and current condition as he understood it. He stepped to his study door to call his butler. He was to instruct Mrs. Bennet to prepare Mary for a visitor. Bennet had a towel brought for the colonel. He then gave permission for the colonel to see Mary. It was unusual but after the way Richard had all but begged to be told about Mary's condition, the visit was warrented.

Richard was not mad. He had no idea what he would do to someone who caused Georgiana, his ward, the same injuries that Miss Mary had suffered. So, when Mr. Gardiner punched him, he understood. Fortunately, he saw the punch coming and was able to prepare. That man might be up in age, but he was still able to throw a powerful punch.

A couple of good things came from the punch. First, he found out Mary was alive and on the road to recovery. It would be a long recovery, but she was on her way. After seeing so many men die on the battlefield from wounds or infection afterwards. He knew she was in serious danger. She was alive, but infection could still take her life. Yes, Bennet was right he needed to see her for himself. Which led to the second great thing, he was given permission to visit her room. He had to keep himself from skipping out of Mr. Bennet's office.

"Young man." Mr. Gardiner interrupted his thoughts.

"Yes, sir." Richard was afraid he was about to take away permission to see Mary.

"Before you go, you need to know a few things. One, I apologize for my hitting you…so hard. Some of that you did not deserve. Some, of course, you did. Also, you should be aware that I am Mary's real father. We did not tell her, but she figured it out on her own. She just informed me not so long ago. Also, negotiations for marriage will be with me and not Mr. Bennet. Do you understand?" Richard shook his head that he did or at least he was beginning to.

"You are not to disclose the fact to anyone else. We have not informed her sisters. That they are, in fact, her cousins. This I have to discuss with Bennet."

Then looking at Bennet, he said, " Elizabeth heard the conversation. Mary, also, insisted I tell her about her mother. We can talk about that later. Colonel, both girls are in the same room. Please be mindful of that when you enter and when you speak. Bennet, is there anything else?"

"Not that I can think of at this time. I will ask you to return to my study before you leave Longbourne."

"Thank you both. I will return after speaking with Miss Mary." Richard did not know what was happening with the older men. His focus was on leaving the room and getting to talk with Miss Mary.

After Richard, left Mr. Bennet's study. Mr. Bennet took out and poured Edward a glass of port. It may be early in the morning, but this was a morning in which port was needed.

"Okay, Edward. Tell me exactly what has happened. Take your time and do not leave out anything."

Edward looked at Bennet and began explaining.