The Heiress

by Ldibo

Mr. Bennet had been married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was not of his own choosing, and it was an unhappy one. His second marriage brought him much happiness, and he was deeply devoted to his wife. When Mr. Bennet passed away, to Jane's surprise, he chose Elizabeth as the heiress of Longbourn. This is a story about deception,betrayal and love. Unedited story. E&D J&B

48. Chapter 48

Here is the second part of the chapter:)

PPP

The following afternoon, Darcy with a heavy heart departed for London with the firm intention of returning to Ramsgate two days before Elizabeth's birthday. Two days later, Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted the ladies to Ramsgate.

Despite the picturesque surroundings, Elizabeth frequently wandered back to Mr. Darcy. She felt his absence keenly, yearning for his company and eagerly anticipating his return. She was preoccupied with foreign emotions and sought solace in a heartfelt conversation with her mother about her feelings and uncertainties.

As she pondered the situation, she concluded that her possible future with Mr. Darcy held the promise of immense happiness. They complemented each other very well. Moreover, with Mr. Carper taking on some of the stewardship responsibilities and receiving support and advice from Mr. Darcy's experience, Longbourn would continue to thrive.

Two days before her birthday, Elizabeth's anticipation was replaced with disappointment, as she observed that only Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam had arrived to accompany them for a leisure walk on the beach.

After exchanging warm greetings, the party decided to split in two: Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mary, and Elizabeth went ahead, while Mrs. Bennet, Georgiana and Kitty strolled at a more relaxed pace together.

Elizabeth hesitated to ask Colonel Fitzwilliam about Mr. Darcy, concerned that he might notice her interest. Meanwhile, Mary, who suspected her sister's affection for Mr. Darcy, commented, "I heard that Mr. Darcy was supposed to return from London today."

The colonel smiled slightly and responded, "Indeed, that was Darcy's original plan. However, in the letter I received yesterday, he informed me that he decided to stay for an extra day because Bingley requested his help." He glanced at Elizabeth from the corner of his eye and added, "He will be here tomorrow."

"Is Mr. Bingley facing any difficulties?" Mary inquired with curiosity.

The colonel snorted, "It is nothing serious. But Bingley seems to rely more on Darcy's judgment than his own."

Elizabeth and Mary exchanged smiles, and Elizabeth replied, "Bingley is lucky that Mr. Darcy takes a prodigious deal of care of him."

"Indeed! Darcy is an exceptional friend. Moreover, based on something that he told me hither, I have reason to think Bingley very much indebted to him."

"What is it you mean?" Elizabeth asked curiously.

"He lately saved Bingley from the inconveniences of a most imprudent marriage. It turns out, the lady was a deceitful fortune hunter who attempted to mislead him..."

The colonel continued praising Darcy's many good qualities, but Elizabeth was not paying attention. She couldn't help but think of Jane. Colonel Fitzwilliam did not know the lady's name, but several coincidences led Elizabeth to believe that he was talking about her sister Jane.

Noticing that Elizabeth was not participating in the conversation, Fitzwilliam asked her why she was so thoughtful.

"I am thinking of what you have been telling me," she said, "I disagree with Mr. Darcy's interference. Why was he to be the judge?"

Mary intervened, "Maybe there was not much affection in the case."

"That is not an unnatural surmise," said Fitzwilliam, "but it is lessening the honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly."

Elizabeth frowned and Mary changed the topic of conversation.