Pride and Prejudice Fan Fiction
Unlocked Cage
Previously:
And then she saw it—a subtle glow up ahead. Caroline approached the source, her heart relieved to see the sign of an opening. The glow grew into a sliver of light that cut through the gloom, creating a picture on the cave walls with many shades of gray.
Shock to Hurst
CH. 27
Mr. Darcy led the search party. His procession held no mirth, as the gravity of the situation did not call for such acts. As the daylight waned, their determination and concern remained in place. Mr. Bingley now held a lantern that swung from his hand. His normally jovial self had not even attempted to coax anyone into smiles. No, Charles's mind was full of worry, and his face was etched with lines of concern. Colonel Fitzwilliam, also in the search party with his cousin and friend, kept a steady pace—years of training ensured his gaze missed nothing that others would have overlooked.
Mr. Hurst had shocked everyone by getting involved in the search. They had thought for sure the only thing Caroline's brother would have been concerned about was drinking. The only person not surprised, and highly concerned, was Mr. Darcy. However, without having gone to the bank and looked over the accounts, he could only stick as close to Mr. Hurst as possible. He did it simply because Mr. Darcy did not trust Caroline's brother.
William Collins, who had been persuaded to join the search despite being horribly out of shape for much walking, continued to pray, hoping for divine intervention. Mr. Philips managed to help out with the search. Though his puffing along showed he was not conditioned for physical work on an everyday basis, his concern for Jane's missing relations overcame any desire to stay home.
The men called out, their voices echoing against the silent trees, "Mr. Hudson! Mrs. Hudson! Miss Rosie!" However, sadly, only the soft rustle of leaves and the sounds of night animals beginning to stir answered back. They checked every grove, every hidden wooded valley, and even under a few bridges they came across, but found no trace of the Hudson couple or their niece.
After hours of extensively searching, any hope that had fueled their departure from Rosings Park, or places where men like Mr. Philips had met up with the original group, began to take a nosedive. The shadows grew longer, and the trails and paths became more dangerous to walk with the failing light. Mr. Darcy and the others had no choice but to turn around and head back to Rosings Park.
The walk back was quiet, each man lost in his own private thoughts, the silence punctuated only by the crunch of boots on the gravel path. They entered the drawing room of Rosings Park, a grand room now feeling too large, too empty. Lady Catherine, Anne, and the others rose from their seats, eyes filled with questions that the men's grim expressions answered before a word was spoken.
Mr. Hurst stepped forward, cleared his throat as if to speak, but froze—as did the rest—when male servants of Lady de Bourgh appeared in every doorframe and a female voice from behind—one not expected, especially by the man about to speak—was heard.
"What did you do? Come to witness for yourself I could not be found?" Everyone snapped around, shocked to see Mrs. Hudson standing with Mrs. Collins at the only other exit. Her hands showed scratches, her hair was a mess, and her eyes were blazing as if they were capable of starting a fire on their own.
"Mrs. Hudson…" Mr. Hurst could not help but stammer. "Where have you been? I have been searching with these men for your husband, yourself, and Miss Rosie. I have been so worried that…"
"You can stop right there. I am not interested in listening to any of your lies. I do not know how Mr. Wadsworth is involved in this, but his name was mentioned when we were attacked, and I know for a fact he is the one with whom you have been making illegal deals and bets for years. One of which cost my father his first home! And if you think I am bluffing, I know a few men in London who could tell these gentlemen differently." The veins in her neck were throbbing, her face remained dark red, and Mr. Bennet went to—literally—keep Mrs. Hudson from attacking her sister's husband.
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley walked up to Mr. Hurst, refusing to let him make any kind of move. Mrs. Hurst was standing her hands shaking, taking deep breaths as if attempting to breathe and then -unable to look at her husband any longer fled the room.
"Where is Mr. Hudson and Miss Rosie?" Charles asked once his older sister had fled their presence.
"Miss Charlotte and I told the outside workers where they were; a few of the men have worked the old mines. They took torches with them. My husband's leg has been hurt; he cannot walk." When asked how she had managed to get out if that is where they had been taken, Mr. Hudson's wife grinned widely. "It is amazing what one can do when they allow themselves to live in someone else's world." She did not bother to explain as the lady had gone back to shooting visual daggers at Mr. Hurst.
"I did not order for anyone to take the Hudson couple to any cave. I was with you all in the search," protested Mr. Hurst when Mr. Darcy would not lighten up in his glare. "I have done nothing wrong."
"I would not say that too loudly if I were you," Mrs. Hudson shot back, but then allowed Lady Catherine to take over from Mr. Bennet and to lead her out of the drawing room. "Mrs. Hudson…" Lady Catherine spoke as gently as she knew how, for she felt the poor lady begin to shake. "I am most certain my workers will get your husband and niece out of that old mine."
"Please, refer to Miss Rosie either as my daughter or by Miss Rosie, for her birth parents are dead; Mr. Hudson and I are her only parents." Caroline could not stop her shaking. "I am sorry, it appears I cannot seem to stop."
"My poor girl." Lady Catherine pulled up a chair next to the young mother and allowed Mrs. Hudson to lean her head on Lady Catherine's shoulder. "You will see your family soon."