Chapter 17 ~ Sharing Secrets

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:6-8, ESV)

Sir William had intended to return to Hertfordshire that morning but delayed his trip for the pleasure of taking tea at Rosings once more and as Elizabeth sobbed out her story to Charlotte a bath was prepared, Sir William's carriage was made ready, and their trunks were packed. There was no time for other arrangements to be made so Charlotte's only maid was to accompany them as far as Gracechurch and return by post in the morning. As Elizabeth put on her travelling costume and the maid put together her own small bundle, Charlotte and her husband were speaking in the next room.

Brushing out her husband's coat Charlotte explained that there was some unhappy news at Longbourn-

"My dear Charlotte, should not we all go? Do you not think that it would be proper if - -" he gave his wife a significant look.

She helped him into the garment and smiled compassionately.

"Husband you need not be alarmed. Mr. Bennet is in good health. It was not clear in the letter but I suppose it is only Mrs. Bennets nerves she had some fright or other and being a most elegant lady - -" Charlotte understood enough of her husband's mind to know just what he would most credit. She adjusted his collar so the points would stand up above his cravat.

"Yes, I quite understand but I do not understand the rush. Lady Catherine will feel slighted."

"Not if you say only that Miss Bennet had unhappy news from home. If she asks more questions, allow me to answer them. I will spare you any of her displeasure."

The whole household soon filled Sir William's carriage and Mr. Collins, his wife, and her sister were delivered to Rosings. The story Charlotte told her husband was immediately shared with Lady Catherine who, though surprised, considered Sir William's decision to return Miss Elizabeth to her family as soon as possible a very sensible choice and was no otherwise concerned than hoping they had the good sense to stop at the Bell for their change of horses.

Darcy was so very close now to fulfilling his ambition and it was one that promised much more, not only in funds but in influence. Owning the secrets of powerful men could only yield additional benefits for the industrious mind. The house where he sold the favours of merchants' daughters he'd ruined and the maids he had used no longer brought in enough money to cover his debts and he had enough pride to avoid depleting Pemberley's resources. He planned to set up another establishment with a better class of ladies for entertaining gentlemen from a superior social sphere. Miss Bennet would be a treasure as the first filly in his new stable and like a new horse she would be renamed in tribute to Bingley. His unwitting lure called Jane Bennet an angel, Darcy smiled, Serephina was just the name for her. Her clever sister proved to be a more difficult catch, which really only made her more enticing. She would be advertised as lively Lavinia. Her wit and playfulness would draw many admirers all eagerly competing to spend money for her favour. Money he would manage. When once their elder sisters had come upon the town the younger girls would have little choice and would fall into his keeping easily enough.

It had now been thirty minutes. Darcy rolled his eyes and thought how typical of a woman. He had emphasized the importance of leaving quickly, but ladies could not be hurried. This she would soon learn was no longer her privilege, not with him.

Those continuing on to London were grateful that the rain had slowed to a gentle patter running clean and clear down the windows. Sir William entertained his daughter's maid with the story of his knighthood and followed it with a careful description of his presentation in St. James. The stories were too familiar to Elizabeth to distract her from her troubles but the wonder on the face of the servant girl did divert her a little as the old coach creaked and bounced its way to the safety of her uncle's house.

Unaware that Elizabeth was already out of his reach, Darcy left his branch and began to pace. He could not allow his irritation to show; he must play the lovesick puppy a little longer. Having possession of the more troublesome sister first was probably best. Jane Bennet's resistance had not caused his corrupt castles to crumble at his feet. His design was to lure one sister with the chance to rescue the other from ruin. He need only to reverse it. He would lure the angel by taking the wit. Jane would come readily enough if he said that with her help they could recover Elizabeth and save her reputation. "You need only come with me, I will protect you." Afterwards he would easily and truthfully claim that the lady came willingly under his protection. It was almost more fun this way, the foolish girls he had taken before were delighted to have a little coin or a whispered promise. Gentlewomen required more time and gentle coaxing.

More time! Forty minutes! How much longer did the baggage expect him to wait. Six long minutes stretched by and he thought to drag her out of the house but held himself back. When after nine, and then ten minutes more she still did not appear he knew. There were plenty of pretty girls but five sisters – that was a gold mine. A very nice start for his stable, and to get them all at once. He would have his revenge and he would have those girls. It wouldn't be as much fun this way but he would see them well and truly ruined - all of them begging him for help. The image made him smile and to that end he made his way to London. As he travelled he filled the story he would tell with delicious details and vindictively swallowed one raspberry tart after another, hardly noticing their sweetness.

It was while they were enjoying tea after dinner that the Gardiners were told of the sudden arrival of their niece. Accomodations for the maid were swiftly arranged and Sir William was made comfortable before joining his host below stairs. Mrs. Gardiner and Jane took care of Elizabeth as she shared her story; it was shocking, Mr. Darcy could not be so bad as that. Jane then shared what had happened the previous day. Worried that she had misjudged him she had said nothing to her aunt though the letter she sent to her sister was in a mailbag on its way to Hunsford.

Jane was now convinced that some men were indeed wicked and she pitied Bingley for having been so deceived in man he called a friend. After these revelations Mr. Gardiner felt his niece's would be safest out of London. Jane and Elizabeth would continue on to Hertfordshire with Sir William in the morning. Mrs. Bennet was all aflutter when they came back again so early. Sir William sat with Mr. Bennet and produced a missive from Mr. Gardiner. Sir William explained what he knew about the business.

"Though she is blameless, I need not tell you how this story could affect the prospects of my little Lizzy – all my girls in truth. You will be discrete will you not?"

"Quite so, Bennet, quite so. I will support her I will tell anyone who hints at trouble that she behaved very properly.

"Yes well, Sir William, I would ask more than that of you. No one could know the story just yet besides the people in this house. I only ask that you will not tell the story."

"Not a word will I breathe, on my honour as a gentleman."

Mr. Bennet had to be satisfied with this and he hoped that his neighbour would prove that he was capable of holding his toungue.

Though no one could value the honour associated with the status of gentleman more highly than Sir William he broke his oath soon enough. The sudden return of the Bennet sisters surprised the community and strange speculations and scandalous surmises began to circulate. Sir William, with only the very best of intentions informed his wife that Mr. Darcy met Miss Elizabeth on a walk and did not behave as a gentleman. Swearing her to secrecy he entreated Lady Lucas to use her influence to dispute the worst of the gossip. As a first step towards this goal she enlisted the assistance of Mrs. Long, and told her, in strictest confidence, what she had learned. That good lady dispatched her errand by hinting that 'there was something to do with a young man from Derbyshire and less than gentlemanly behaviour' to everyone she saw the next day and so the story spread.

This intriguing news made it through their community at first inspiring sympathy. It did not end the rumours. If she was blameless why would she return so suddenly? Doubtful eyebrows were raised over every repetition and speculation grew. They spoke compassionately with phrases like: 'poor girl,' 'such a shame,' 'he seemed a very gentlemanlike man.' They tsked and tutted and sighed over Meryton's own wronged heroine, their 'Wretched Eliza.' Gossip of this sort was very entertaining for many days and then as the story grew stale they were told with very subtle change in intonation and at times the listeners raised doubtful brows. So the story continued to interest her neighbours and supplied them with conversation enough to enliven many morning visits.