Pride and Prejudice
They Called Him Bennet Too
Surprise and Epilogue
Ch. 16
"I wonder what your father wants. We know Curtis' family lineage, even if we have all been nothing short of puzzled by all of this mess; Lady Catherine is behind bars and Willam Hamilton is dead. We have kept our promise to anyone involved, and Mary vowed to your father she would keep her promise to us. So, why call us in privately?" Christina did not speak of how the old man had died for she believed Peter's father when he said he had not touched the gentleman...a term she used loosely. So, why would they be called away from the family's celebration.
It was only when they were inside the library did they see they were not alone. Once again, Edward was with Thomas Bennet, only this time a hooded figure sat in a chair waiting to be seen. This time, however, one could tell the physical frame was far thinner than Matthew's had been.
"Please sit." Edward waited until Thomas's wife was sitting as was Elizabeth. "First, relax, nothing is starting over. "Bear with me while I recap things you already know." He looked at Mr. Bennet, who was feeling just as dazed -if not more- than when William had revealed himself, and only went on when Thomas nodded his head.
"Do you recollect that we had concealed Christina in London, for it was the one place Richard Hamilton would not suspect to look for her?"
"Yes, most certainly, I do."
"Do you also recollect, besides your own peculiar impulse to hasten to London on Christina's account...what you discovered? One you could not explain, even to your own husband."
"Certainly, I recollect, how could I forget, sir, why do you trouble us with such trivial - unnecessary questions?" Elizabeth did not conceal her vexation.
"Your trip, my kind lady would have ended your life, and my own journey not made at all if it were not for one person's small action. It was one that set our own into motion. I was not sure who A was until after reading the note one of the smugglers put into Joseph's hand. I tossed what had been written around in my head, on top of what a recent associate said, and figured things out and went to call upon her." Edward waited until Elizabeth and Christina's eyes were both on the hooded figure, who was then instructed to take her hood down; she complied if somewhat nervously.
"Anne de Bourgh!?" Gasped Elizabeth and Christina, they were both stunned and asked what on earth had Anne done to set things into motion, especially in regard to saving Elizabeth and Christina's lives.
"I think Miss de Bourgh should speak for herself, do you not?" Thomas Bennet was now smiling wide; Edward agreed with Mr. Bennet and nodded towards Anne who was smiling nervously.
"I overheard Mother talking through an open door, to whom I could not see, about Mr. Hamilton and his doctor friend coming over. I did not like or trust those two men. Bad feelings rolled over them, so I ran to Jane; one of our older servants and talked to her- she sent me to her husband, Henry. He was outside. He told me not to worry he knew of a gentleman was in our house that could be trusted with what I had heard. I was to go back inside, but if I were to hear anything else I was to tell him, or his wife-no one else. So, I did." Anne shook her head. "I had no idea, it saved anyone's life or set such events into motion. I fear I do not hear much behind my four walls of home."
"Tell them about the tall stranger." Edwar glanced at Thomas who instantly knew the lawman meant his cousin.
"I never saw that one's face for he wore a hood, but I was out one night - to go see Henry because neither he, or Jane, had come into work- I was coming back and was locked out, which I found odd as we seldom locked that particular entrance. I was not sure what to do, he appeared and -somehow- he not only got the door unlocked but showed me how to get in and out without being heard. Told me, if possible, to tell them while they were at the house without mother around. However, If I could not, to do as he had just shown me and go only to Henry and Jane's abode. So, that's what I did. None of it was major stuff, but I passed it on nonetheless. I only saw him once after that, but again he wore a hood."
"I owe you much." Christina went over and hugged Anne, who looked unsure of what to do.
"You do not look so as sick, or as peevish, as you normally do." Elizabeth observed; reserved, yes, but not peevish.
"I ..." Anne felt her face go hot. "Have never really been all that sick; it was just a great way not to have to go to all those annoying parties my mother wanted me to attend. And being peevish?" She could not help but giggle. "Turned away the man she hoped would offer me his hand in marriage though he has a great mind and heart."
"You never wanted to marry Mr. Darcy?!" Elzabeth laughed herself at Anne shaking her head and mouthing one very long no.
"I suggest." Mr. Bennet stood up with a big grin on his own face, along with Mr. Edward. "We all join the rest of the family and you..." Turning to Anne. "would make us very happy if you joined us for you are very welcome at our home anytime you wish."
"As long as your mother, when she gets out of prison, stays away." Christina bit her tongue as soon as the words were out. Thankfully, Anne took no offense only smiled and assured her that request could easily be respected.
Epilogue
"My darling, you both look beautiful." Thomas looked down at Christina who lay in their large bed holding a newborn baby with a head full of hair and dark brown eyes.
"Are you disappointed?"
"About what?"
"It's another girl."
"We have a son, and even if we did not. I have learned from life; she will not be treated as her sisters were."