Chapter 10
Mr. Bennet was having breakfast with his family, but his mind was elsewhere. He was so worried about Elizabeth that he could not focus on the newspaper, even if he tried to read.
He knew his wife should not learn the news about Elizabeth. Otherwise, she would have one of her famous nervous meltdowns. Also, his youngest daughters would tell everyone in Meryton about Elizabeth's situation.
Mr. Bennet wished he could travel to London to support his brother-in-law, but Mr. Gardiner had expressly asked him to keep everything in reserve, at least for a few more days. Although he did not like to spend the day locked in his study, praying for his daughter's welfare, he knew there was nothing else he could do at the moment. He had resigned himself to waiting until he could receive better news. In the letter that had arrived the day before, Mr. Gardiner informed him that Mr. Darcy's cousin was in charge of searching for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and that Mr. Bingley was supporting him.
"Mr. Bennet! You know very well I do not like when you ignore me," Mrs. Bennet yelled in her characteristic shrill voice.
She had noticed that her husband was much more withdrawn than usual and pale and haggard. She was afraid that he might be ill, making her feel even more nervous.
"I am sorry, my dear, but I did not hear what you were saying," Mr. Bennet said immediately to avoid an unwanted argument.
"Well…I was telling you that I believe it is time for Jane and Lizzy to return home. Lady Lucas informed me that Lizzy left Charlotte's house a week ago, and I see no reason for her to be in London pestering my brother anymore."
"My dear Mrs. Bennet, London offers much entertainment for a curious and intelligent girl like Lizzy, and Jane always enjoys the company of her little cousins."
Mr. Bennet took the newspaper to indicate to his wife that he did not wish to continue the conversation, but she was not about to allow him to ignore her again.
"I need Jane with me, and it is not fair for Lizzy to stay in London enjoying the city after spending over a month in Kent with Charlotte in her new home. That house should have been her home because…"
"Mama, it is not fair that my dear Wickham left us. He said he would be in town for a few days, but Denny says he will not return to Meryton," Lydia said, interrupting her mother.
"I do not care if Wickham does not return. Denny and Carter are much nicer and are not always in a horrible mood," Kitty added.
"You say that because Wickham never paid you any attention, and you are jealous that I was his favorite," Lydia retorted.
"I hope you can see now, Mr. Bennet, why Jane and Lizzy must return to their home. These girls will continue arguing, and Mary does nothing to stop them," said Mrs. Bennet.
Mary continued eating while she read her sermon book. She was not paying attention to her mother's laments.
Mrs. Bennet was getting more nervous and tried to end the argument between Kitty and Lydia while she insisted to her husband that Jane and Elizabeth should return immediately.
Mr. Bennet had no choice but to tell his wife a small part of the truth. He would have preferred to keep that information private to prevent her wife from gossiping to all her neighbors, but it was the only thing that would calm her.
"Mrs. Bennet, yesterday I received a letter from my brother Gardiner, and I intended to reply after breakfast. He asked me if he could allow Jane to stay a few more days in London. She has reunited with a good friend, and Edward thinks she should allow them to spend time together."
"A friend? What friend?"
"Mr. Bingley. But, now that I know you want here as soon as possible, I shall tell my brother..."
"Oh, Mr. Bennet! Is that true? Please do not play with my poor nerves," said Mrs. Bennet. She was so pleased that she silenced her two youngest daughters so she could question her husband.
After answering the multiple questions from his wife to the best of his ability, Mr. Bennet asked, smiling. "Is Jane allowed to stay in London for a few more days? If not, I shall ask Edward..."
"Of course, my Jane can stay as long as she wishes. Hill! Please, prepare my best day dress... Oh, I need to make some visits," said Mrs. Bennet, agitated. She was happy thinking about her daughter's future wedding. "Jane can stay, but Lizzy must return!"
"Mrs. Bennet, Jane needs a chaperone. If Mr. Bingley's sisters are unavailable and Madeline is occupied with her children, Jane and Mr. Bingley will not have anyone to accompany them if they want to explore the city."
"Oh, yes, you are right, Mr. Bennet." Mrs. Bennet remembered that Mr. Bingley's sisters had been very cold with Jane, and it was best not to depend on them. "Lizzy can stay for as long as Jane needs to be in London."
"Very well, then that matter is resolved," said Mr. Bennet, closing the conversation.
Mr. Bennet retreated to his study as he listened to the exclamations of his wife and his youngest daughters. At least for the moment, he managed to keep his wife distracted, but he did not know how long he could continue hiding the truth.
P&P
"Miss Darcy, I know very well how you feel, but you have to remain firm and confident that my sister and your brother are safe and sound," Jane said as she caressed Georgiana's face. She was very sorry to see her so heartbroken, but from what Colonel Fitzwilliam had told them, Jane knew that Georgiana's only family was her brother.
"Thank you very much, Miss Bennet. I promise I shall not lose hope that my brother is alright. I am confident that I shall see him again soon."
Georgiana was devastated by the horrible news, but with the support of Richard, Jane, and the Gardiners, she managed to accept the situation.
Besides, she was grateful that her cousin had told her the news in the Gardiner's home and not at Darcy House. Her uncle Patrick called on her every day asking for Mr. Darcy, and she understood that it was better he did not know the truth. Otherwise, he would ensure everyone knew what was happening, generating additional problems.
As Mrs. Gardiner poured Georgiana a cup of tea and Jane comforted her, she remembered that her brother had mentioned Miss Elizabeth Bennet in more than one of his letters from Hertfordshire. In addition, she remembered that he spoke of her with admiration and described her as an intelligent lady with a delightful and witty personality.
Half an hour later, Mr. Bingley arrived at the Gardiners' to offer assistance in whatever they needed. He greeted everyone and approached Georgiana to tell her not to worry because that nightmare would end soon.
Watching Mr. Bingley and Georgiana's interaction, Jane realized that Caroline had once again lied to her. It was evident that the relationship between them was a friendship and that Mr. Bingley saw Georgiana as his best friend's sister.
"Georgie, remember I told you that not all the news was so bad? Well, I want to share with you that Glover and Mallory sent me a message," Colonel Fitzwilliam said. He wanted to share the decision he had made.
Richard informed them that his men had discovered that the criminals who kidnapped Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth had been taken prisoner in a small town near the road to the north. "Miss Elizabeth and Darcy were not with them."
"And where are Miss Elizabeth and Darcy?" asked Mr. Bingley.
"They assume they were left in the carriage and took the horses to spend the night at the inn there. They have not found the carriage yet, but knowing Darcy, I am sure they fled. They are probably traveling to Pemberley now. I reckon they must be close to Derbyshire," explained Richard.
"But how can you be sure they freed themselves?" asked Mr. Gardiner.
"Because my cousin is intelligent and solves even the most difficult problems. I believe we should be confident they are well, and we shall hear from them very soon," Richard concluded.
"Thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam, for such good news," said Mrs. Gardiner.
"For this reason, I have decided to leave for Pemberley tomorrow. If they are not there when I arrive, I shall organize another search. This way, I do not interrupt Glover and Mallory's work. Now, if they are in Pemberley, Darcy and Miss Elizabeth may need help reasoning what to do... I assume you know they must need my assistant," Richard said uncomfortably. Everyone understood what he meant except Georgiana. She had not had time to think about the implications spending so much time alone with a woman would have on her brother.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam, please allow me to accompany you. You will need support, and it is best that we keep this incident between us," Mr. Bingley added.
Mrs. Gardiner was concerned about Elizabeth's situation and had some doubts about how the matter would be resolved. She still remembered what her niece had told her about the character of the Derbyshire gentleman and his opinion of her and the inhabitants of Meryton. So, when she had the opportunity to speak more privately with Colonel Fitzwilliam, she took the opportunity to ask some questions. Her husband had told her about Jonas' offer and wanted to know if it would be necessary to resort to his help.
"Colonel, you will excuse me if my question sounds a little impertinent, but you must understand that it is our duty to protect our niece... We need to be certain that this whole nightmare will not have devastating effects on Elizabeth's future. Colonel, please be honest and tell us how you think this could be resolved."
The Colonel saw Georgiana talking to Miss Bennet and decided to be honest with the pleasant lady. He understood Mrs. Gardiner's concern very well and decided to tell her everything he thought would happen.
"Mrs. Gardiner, my cousin, is attached to social norms and conventions, but above all, he is a gentleman who will always do the right thing."
"I understand, but I cannot deny I have apprehensions."
"If you share them with me, I promise I shall give you a straight answer."
"I have the impression that your cousin aspired to have a marriage with a woman very different from my niece..."
"Yes, that is true, Mrs. Gardiner. My cousin is a practical man, and he wanted to find a woman who met all the requirements to be Mrs. Darcy," Richard explained. But seeing Mrs. Gardiner's questioning face, he decided to be even more direct. "I believe my cousin aspired to marry a wealthy heiress."
"Thank you for being so honest, Colonel. I shall be honest too... When you meet with my niece and your cousin, please explain to them there is another option, and they do not have to do something that will ruin them. I do not want to condemn my niece to a life next to a man who will never be able to value her. Furthermore, it is unjust to your cousin that his noble gesture of protecting my niece forces him to marry a woman who will never meet his expectations.
"I understand, Mrs. Gardiner," the Colonel said. He understood the lady's position perfectly and could not refute her reasonable argument.
Mr. Bingley joined the conversation, and Mrs. Gardiner preferred not to continue discussing such personal and delicate topics. After almost two hours, Richard and Georgiana finally left but promised to keep them informed. For his part, Mr. Bingley stayed with the ladies because Mr. Gardiner had to go to his office to resolve some urgent problems.
Mr. Bingley's presence served to keep Jane a little calmer. He wanted to be there as long as he could. The following day, he would leave for the north, and he did not know how many more days he would be able to see his beloved angel.
P&P
Elizabeth knew she had just a few seconds to convince those women that the situation was not as they thought. So, she decided to change her strategy, and instead of trying to free herself, she tried to reason. She was aware she had no time to waste, so she went straight to the point.
"Mrs. Harvey, Mrs. Arnold, I know I have lied to you, and you have reason to doubt what I told you. But please allow me to explain what happened and why I am in this trouble. I promise to be honest, but I need you to listen. Please, tell those men not to take Mr... William away!"
Amanda looked at Doris and walked to the window to tell the men to await her instructions. Then Amanda said very seriously, "You have five minutes, Lizzy. But do not try to defend that horrible man. No decent gentleman cajoles an innocent girl to elope with him with false promises of marriage."
Elizabeth took a deep breath, sat on the bed, and began to speak as calmly as possible to express her ideas coherently and credibly. "You are right. William and I are not married, but we have not eloped, nor has he tried to abuse my innocence. During all this time, he has cared for me, and if he is in this situation, it is precisely because the only thing he has sought is to protect me."
Elizabeth tried to explain as best as she could the story of their abduction, how the ruffians had abandoned them, and how they had managed to escape. "When we arrived here, William had a high fever, and I said he was my husband because I thought it was the most credible thing to say."
"William seems like an important gentleman; why would he risk his life for a stranger?" Doris asked suspiciously.
"We had known each other for a few months. I was visiting my friend, the wife of William's aunt's parish cleric. We were both returning to London when, due to the detour, we found ourselves at that inn where what I have already told you happened."
"And what is your real name and that of the gentleman? If you want us to help you, we must at least know who you are," Amanda asked.
"My name is Elizabeth Bennet and my friend is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy," said Elizabeth. She was unsure if sharing their true identity was a good idea, but she had no alternative. Those women were her only hope.
Amanda and Doris whispered a few things in each other's ears and then asked Elizabeth a direct question. "We imagine, girl, that you have realized that after spending so many hours alone with a man if he does not marry you, your life will be ruined forever."
"I understand. But we had already decided with Mr. Darcy that from here, we would travel to Gretna Green to get married," Elizabeth explained.
"Well, no doubt the gentleman has risked his life for you, but are you sure he will keep his promise?" Doris asked. "Men like him do not marry just any woman unless you are a rich heiress."
"My father is a country squire, and although I am a gentleman's daughter, I have no dowry. But despite that, yes, I am certain Mr. Darcy will marry me," Elizabeth answered without hesitation.
"Why?" Doris asked.
"Because he proposed to me in Kent..."
"And why were you traveling separately if you were engaged?" Amanda questioned.
"Because I rejected his proposal... Please, Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Harvey, tell those men not to hurt Mr. Darcy."
"Do not worry, girl; the boys will not do anything until they receive orders from us. Now, you will explain everything about your relationship with that gentleman," Amanda said.
Both ladies sat on the bed beside Elizabeth and listened attentively to her story. The women were locked in that small room for almost half an hour, and only when they were convinced that Elizabeth was not in danger they ordered the men to release Mr. Darcy and allow him to return to the room.
"Your story with the gentleman is certainly quite peculiar," Amanda said.
"But you were right to reject him; a life of misery is preferable to spending your life with someone who does not respect you," Doris added.
For his part, Mr. Darcy was desperate, thinking about Elizabeth's welfare. He believed that those men wanted to harm her and that was why they had tried to abduct him. He ran up the stairs and entered the room abruptly, interrupting the ladies' conversation.
"Elizabeth, are you alright? We must leave here immediately. Put your things in the traveling bag! I shall take the gun, and we shall..."
"Mr. Darcy, it is unnecessary...Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Harvey will help us," Elizabeth said, trying to calm him.
At that moment, Mr. Darcy realized that Amanda and Doris were in the room. They inquisitively looked at him, almost smiling. "Excuse me ladies, but I cannot trust anyone. My wife's safety is the most important thing to me..."
"Mr. Darcy, they know the truth."
"That is right Mr. Darcy. We know that Lizzy is not your wife, but we trust that you will keep your word, and very soon she will be," Amanda said smiling.
"I had the honor of knowing your parents. I worked for your mother, Lady Anne. She was a very kind-hearted woman, and I am certain her son must be too," Doris said. "Because you are the son of such a generous Lady who helped me when I needed it most, I shall assist you with your present predicament."
Mr. Darcy was a little confused, but Elizabeth explained that she trusted Amanda and Doris's good intentions and that they should trust them. After having so many hardships and so many nights of affliction, both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy managed to settle.
That afternoon, Doris and Amanda convinced old Billy to take the couple to the mail coach station the following day so they could travel north.
Amanda and Doris offered them money, but Mr. Darcy explained he did not need it and had enough to travel and return to Pemberley.
Doris brought them peasant clothes so they would not attract attention in case the ruffians were after them. They also prepared several sandwiches and dried fruits for them to have something to eat.
Furthermore, that night, Elizabeth slept in the room with Doris and Mr. Darcy had no choice but to accept. However, he almost could not sleep because he was concerned that something would happen to the woman who would soon be his wife.
Finally, the following day, the two innkeepers, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, got up at dawn, ate something, and were ready to leave when old Billy came to fetch them.
"Thank you for your help, ladies. I promise that I shall always remember what you have done for us, and although I know that you do not want any material reward, I want you to know that you will have my support if you ever need it," Mr. Darcy said sincerely.
"We do not need anything, William. You just have to be a good husband to Lizzy. Doris and I do not trust men," Amanda explained.
"I will always keep you in my prayers and ask God to protect you," Elizabeth said, hugging both women.
"Take good care of yourself, Lizzy," Doris said sincerely.
Mr. Darcy helped Elizabeth into the wagon, and they finally set off to the next town.
P&P
Glover and Mallory found Mr. Darcy's abandoned carriage but no indications of the whereabouts of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. After exploring the area, they noticed one town hidden among the hills. Although they had been warned that it was not a place they should visit, they suspected they might be there. But before entering the town, they ensured their weapons were loaded and ready to use.
The first place they inspected was the inn. If Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were still in town, they would be there. But if they had already left, they could surely obtain some information that would let them know what had happened to them in the last days.
"Good afternoon, madam. I would like to ask you a few questions if you do not mind," Mallory said.
"I do not mind your questions, sir. But I do not know if I want to answer them," Doris replied.
"I do not think you will have any problem answering our questions, madam," Glover added and left a coin on the counter.
Amanda took the coin and added, "Tell us how we can help you, gentlemen."
"We are looking for a young couple who are missing," Glover explained in detail what Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth looked like while Doris and Amanda listened attentively without saying or asking anything.
"We must locate them to inform their families that they are unharmed and safe," Mallory said.
"Maybe we know something," Doris said and looked at Amanda. Glover put another coin on the counter and Doris decided to speak. "They left for London yesterday morning. They told us that they had been kidnapped but had managed to escape. That is all the information we can share with you."
"The gentleman was quite reserved and the lady seemed worried, so we did not want to question them. One of the requirements for being a good innkeeper is not to intrude in other people's affairs or ask impertinent questions," Amanda added.
"Thank you very much, ladies. You have helped us a lot," Mallory said.
Glover and Mallory realized that about four men were observing them threateningly and preferred to leave immediately. They already had the information they needed so they would travel to London. In the first decent town they found, they would send an express to Colonel Fitzwilliam with the latest news.
"I am glad those ruffians left without causing trouble," Amanda said.
"Do you think we managed to mislead them and force them to travel to London?" Doris asked.
"Yes, and they have no reason to suspect us. The good thing is that William and Lizzy will be able to travel north without interference."
"And if everything goes well, they will be husband and wife in three more days."
Doris and Amanda continued their routine while Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy traveled to Scotland.
P&P
Dear readers, after several months, I have decided to return to this story. I spent a long time deciding how to continue it. I had two ideas but finally decided which one I wanted to continue. When I have completed it, I will tell you what my other idea was.
I hope to post two or three chapters a week. This is a new story, and I must write each chapter from scratch.
Finally, I want to tell you that my daughter is raising money for a summer program. A few weeks ago, she published the story Missing under the author name Miraranda Flan. It's one of my favorite stories, and if you want to read or reread it, it's available in K and KU. Thank you all for your collaboration; I really appreciate it.
In the next chapter, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy will arrive at Pemberley as husband and wife.
See you soon!
Saludos,
Yo