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Chapter 26
All the joy in Darcy House vanished when the loving couple saw Mr. Bennet. But Mr. Darcy would not allow his father-in-law to intimidate his wife in her own home.
"Adams, you can leave; we shall take care of the visit. Mr. Bennet, can you please accompany us to the drawing room?" Mr. Darcy asked angrily. He had very different plans for that night, and once again, he had to deal with unexpected visitors.
But Elizabeth thought she needed to speak with Mr. Bennet. "Dear, I think it is best for my father and I to speak alone."
"I agree with my daughter. I did not come to this house to talk to you, Darcy. I demand to speak with my daughter without your interference." Mr. Bennet was convinced that Mr. Darcy would not allow his daughter to tell him what was really happening.
"I am sorry, Mr. Bennet, but Elizabeth is now under my protection, and I shall not let you come to disturb her peace and interfere with our life," replied Mr. Darcy, visibly upset.
"William, please give me a few minutes alone with my father," Elizabeth said, caressing her husband's cheek.
"I am sorry, Elizabeth, but I cannot let…"
"Dear, please. Go to your bedroom and wait for me there. I promise this conversation will not take long."
Mr. Darcy saw his wife's nervousness and decided to allow the conversation. But not before telling her he did not intend to leave her alone. "Alright, but I shall wait outside the drawing room, and please do not hesitate to call me if you need me."
"Thank you, William. Father, please follow me," Elizabeth said.
She guided her father to the drawing room while her husband went to his study to calm down. He swore that he would return to Pemberley in a few days and would not allow anyone or anything to disturb their tranquility.
"Well, father, we are alone now. You can tell me why you came and why you are so angry. I sent you a letter with my husband explaining everything that had transpired in my life in the last few months. So, I do not understand your attitude, much less your resentment."
"Elizabeth, what have you done with your life? How could you marry that man who always treated you with so much contempt? Do you think I forgot how much you despised him?"
"Father, is it so difficult for me to understand your concern? I have not forgotten that you wanted to force me to marry a man I could never have admired."
"It is a totally different situation, Elizabeth. How can you not understand it?"
"I am sorry, father, but I do not understand."
"Collins is a fool who you could have controlled at will. Indeed, you were to be his wife, but you could have continued living with us or spent much of your time at Longbourn. And once I died, you would have been the landlord of your family estate. Do you believe this Darcy will allow you to have independence? Or can you control him to your liking as you would have done with the stupid Collins?"
"You are right about that, father. My husband is intelligent and considerate. Believe me, I have no intention of abusing him in any way. Do you know why? Because with him, I can speak and have an equal relationship. He loves and respects me. He can indeed be a little stubborn at times, but who am I to criticize him, considering that I am also very stubborn."
"Elizabeth, my daughter... When you left the house, I wanted to look for you and apologize, but your uncle did not want to help me..."
"Father, please do not blame Uncle Gardiner; he has nothing to do with this. If your intentions to find me would have been genuine, nothing would have stopped you."
"Elizabeth…"
"Father, please, I do not want to continue arguing with you. I want you to understand that I am happy with the life I chose and that my husband is the man I have chosen as my life partner. If you feel affection for me, I ask you to respect and accept my decision."
Mr. Bennet felt defeated and had no arguments to refute what his daughter had told him. He knew she was correct. He felt defeated because his daughter had managed to resolve her life without his support. "Well, Elizabeth, do not be concerned; I shall not bother you anymore, and you will never hear me talking about this subject again."
"Thank you, Father."
Elizabeth went to her husband to tell him that everything was resolved and that Mr. Bennet had finally understood that he should not interfere in her life.
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth invited Mr. Bennet to spend the night at Darcy House. Obviously, he had no other alternative, so he accepted their hospitality but clarified that he would go to his brother-in-law's house the following day because he would take Jane back to Longbourn. Finally the lovers could retire to their room and have some peace.
"I am so sorry, William. If I had known that my father would arrive suddenly…"
"My dear wife, the last thing I want now is to talk about your father. We have managed to solve another problem, and I believe we deserve to forget about everything and everyone and sleep." Mr. Darcy took his wife's face and kissed her softly.
"If you need to sleep, dear, I should better go to my bedroom," Elizabeth said, smiling.
"Mrs. Darcy, I think you know very well what I mean," replied Mr. Darcy. Then, he took his wife in his arms and carried her to his bed.
Fortunately, Colonel Fitzwilliam brought Anne and Georgiana home quite late after they had spent a wonderful evening at the Gardiners'. They were both fatigued, so they immediately went to their bedrooms.
That night, Elizabeth and her husband slept peacefully in each other's arms, hoping the future would not bring them any other unpleasant surprises.
P&P
Mr. Bennet awoke early, wrote a note for his daughter, and went to his brother-in-law's house. He was embarrassed and preferred not to have to see his son-in-law so as not to have to offer him an apology. When he arrived at Cheapside, the family was having breakfast, and he joined them.
After breakfast, Mr. Bennet informed the Gardiners that he and Jane would return to Longbourn the following day. Furthermore, he took the opportunity to speak with his brother-in-law and blamed him for not providing the help he needed to search for Elizabeth. Mr. Gardiner preferred to ignore Mr. Bennet. He did not feel like wasting time explaining what he should already know to a grown man.
To take advantage of his trip to London, Mr. Bennet went to the city's main bookstore. He had been saving money for the last two months to find Elizabeth, but since that was settled, he decided to invest that money in several books he had long wanted to buy.
Half an hour after Mr. Bennet went shopping, the Bingley sisters' carriage arrived at the Gardiners'.
"Caroline, are you sure what you are doing? I do not know, but I think we should accept our brother's decision," Louisa said.
"No, Louisa! I shall not let Charles ruin my chances of finding a husband like the one I deserve. My future husband must have a considerable fortune and a title so that Eliza Bennet does not think she is better than me," Caroline said. She still could not accept that Mr. Darcy was happily married to that vulgar and impertinent chit.
"Caroline, have you not thought about what Charles might do if he discovers what we are trying to do?"
"Jane is too good to distrust us. Also, you told me that your useless husband confirmed that they had a meeting with friends at the club today. Silly Jane will be returning to Hertfordshire in the next few days, and we have to make sure she distances herself from Charles so that he forgets the foolish idea of returning to that place full of savages."
Caroline and Louisa entered the Gardiners' house, pretending they were happy to be there. For ten minutes, they chatted about inconsequential topics, and only when Mrs. Gardiner excused herself and left Jane alone with her future sisters-in-law did Caroline take the opportunity to put her plan into action.
"Dear Jane, you do not know how sad we are that you are returning to Hertfordshire tomorrow. We were so used to seeing you often," Caroline said.
Jane was a little nervous, but she had promised Mr. Bingley that she would help him unmask his sisters. "Do not worry, Caroline. Mr. Bingley told me that he will return to Netherfield in two more days, and if you want, you can accompany him."
Caroline looked at Louisa, and she had no choice but to say something. "Charles has been very busy the last few days; in fact, today, he did not want to come with us because he had other commitments."
"That is correct. Charles is always busy and has many friends, including lady friends. In fact, at this very moment, he is visiting Alice Spencer. She invited us to spend a few days at her grandfather's magnificent estate. I hope Charles told you about his plans," Caroline said with pretend concern.
"No, Mr. Bingley did not tell me anything about that. Yesterday, he was dining here, and he and Colonel Fitzwilliam agreed that they would travel to Netherfield the day after tomorrow." Jane was very nervous because she knew that Mr. Bingley would probably enter the room at any moment.
"Jane, we do not want you to be so naive. We advise you not to believe everything Charles says. Our brother can be selfish, and his lack of responsibility has made more than one young lady suffer. I guess you have not forgotten that you were a victim of my brother's inconsistency. He singled you out when he was in Hertfordshire, and then he abandoned you without consideration for your feelings." Caroline saw Jane's surprised face and was glad her words had an effect. Then, she looked at Louisa and noticed that she was pale, but she heard her brother's voice before she could understand why.
"Caroline, I cannot believe what you are capable of doing. Coming to talk to my betrothed and tell her all these lies to separate us. What do you plan to achieve by deceiving and lying to Jane?"
"Charles, I… Do not believe this woman…"
"Desist, Caroline, do not try to deny what I heard with my own ears," Charles replied indignantly.
"Well, I believe we have abused Mrs. Gardiner's hospitality for too long. We should go to your house so you can resolve this matter," Aunt Amanda said seriously.
"You are right, Aunt. We should continue this conversation privately," Louisa added, embarrassed.
"I have nothing to talk to you; I must call on a friend. Jane, I hope you do not think that because my brother is infatuated with you, I shall have to accept you into our family." Caroline stood up and pretended to leave the room as if nothing had happened.
"Caroline, I have lost patience with you. I shall not allow you to continue behaving like an unscrupulous, selfish lady. You bring shame to our family. My brother would be embarrassed and very sorry to see how you behave. You will go with us to Louisa's house and listen carefully to everything that your brother, your brother-in-law, and I have to tell you. I warn you that disregarding my advice is not in your best interest." Aunt Amanda was furious and would not allow her niece to continue muddying the Bingleys' good name.
"Aunt, I do not have..."
"Not another word, Caroline. I am your aunt, and whether you like it or not, you will respect me."
Louisa was so embarrassed that she apologized to Aunt Amanda and Caroline for the first time in a long time did not feel so sure of herself.
In a few minutes, Mr. Bingley and Aunt Amanda said goodbye to their hosts and headed to the Hurst house.
P&P
Mr. Bingley was happy to return to Netherfield and was trying to learn how to run the estate so he could help his tenants and the community. He had never felt so happy and fulfilled in his life, and he thought that he had found a purpose and no longer had doubts or needed anyone's advice on what to do with his life.
Mrs. Bennet invited him to dinner, and he planned to take the opportunity to speak to Mr. Bennet and ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. Fortunately, Aunt Amanda helped him realize what he wanted to do, and he would be forever grateful for her love and wise advice.
After the incident in the Gardiner's home, many crucial things were decided for the Bingley family. Mr. Hurst told Caroline that his parents would move with them and that she had to find another place to live. In addition, Mr. Hurst informed his wife that from that day on, he expected her to dedicate more time to him and that they would spend much of the year on the family estate to start a family. If she were unwilling to do so, they would live apart, and with her dowry, he would set up an establishment where she could live and make her own life.
As expected, Louisa felt afraid of such an uncertain future, and she decided it was better to try to start a new life with her husband. Additionally, Mr. Hurst asked her to reflect on her behavior in recent years because he did not want her to set a bad example for their potential children. Louisa thought things had not turned out so bad for her. Although she would miss being able to buy clothes whenever she wanted and attend balls and social gatherings in London, in a way, she felt like she did not lose anything. She knew that even though she and her sister spent years trying to be part of the first circles, they had never really made real friends.
For her part, Caroline was angry with everyone, and she could not stop blaming Eliza Bennet for all of her misfortunes. If that woman had not come between her and Mr. Darcy, she would have her life resolved. But she was alone and did not even have a place to live because neither Charles nor Louisa wanted her with them. The only alternative she had to stay in London was to accept her aunt Amanda's invitation; otherwise, she would have had to travel to Scarborough. At least her aunt's house was large and located in an elegant part of the city.
"What are you thinking about, Bingley?" Richard asked. "I told you something, and I am sure you did not hear me."
"I am sorry, Fitzwilliam. I was thinking about everything that has happened in my life in the last few days. Well, and I am a little nervous about... you know."
"Of course, today is the big day, and of course, I wish you the best of fortune with your future mother and father-in-law. I have heard that they are a bit complicated people."
"Indeed, and they were not good parents with Mrs. Darcy. But I assume you will come with me; Mrs. Bennet will be delighted to receive the son of an Earl into her house," said Mr. Bingley with his characteristic good humor.
"I would love to accompany you, but I have another urgent matter to resolve. That is precisely why I wanted to speak with you and explain that I shall leave for London today."
"Why so soon?"
"Because today I shall resolve once and for all the matter that brought me to this place. Well, I want to thank you for hosting me these days, and I want to explain something significant to you because I think you should be aware of it."
"Is it something serious? Did something happen with Darcy or his family?"
"No, but it also concerns him and his wife. It is something related to Miss Lydia Bennet."
"Did she say something to you or did something inappropriate? That girl has a fixation with men in uniform, but she is just a silly girl and quite naive, too," said Mr. Bingley, less worried.
"That she is quite silly, there is no doubt, but I am not so sure she is so innocent. From what reliable sources have informed me, she is an inveterate flirt and quite rude. But please, Bingley, sit down and let me tell you about this matter. I have to leave in a few minutes and have little time."
"Of course, everything that girl does can affect my Angel, and if I can help, do not hesitate to tell me how." Mr. Bingley sat in front of the Colonel and listened with a mixture of rage and indignation to everything he told him.
P&P
"Let me tell you, Captain Carter, I was happy to hear that you had come to visit me. I hope you come to play chess and allow me a rematch. It still hurts me that you beat me on the last occasion we played," said Mr. Bennet animatedly. He had met the young officer at Lucas's Lodge a few weeks before and had found him to be a cultured, intelligent, and interesting young man, very different from most officers.
"I am sorry, Mr. Bennet, but I have come to speak about a private matter," replied John Carter, quite nervously.
"What could be so bad for you to be so serious and nervous? Have the French or perhaps the Spanish invaded us? Believe me, my dear Captain, I am neither of age nor condition to join the troops, so I shall have no choice but to wait until they get here," said Mr. Bennet, laughing.
But John did not move a single muscle on his face and replied. "I am here to speak about your daughter Lydia."
"Please do not tell me you are here to ask for my daughter's hand because I believe you are an intelligent fellow, Carter. Lydia must be one of the silliest girls in all England," said Mr. Bennet and sat. "I bought this book in London a few days ago, and it offers a detailed analysis of the war tactics used from Roman times until now. Sit Carter, and let me read you some fascinating passages…"
"Excuse me, sir, but I do not have much time, and I must inform you of what I have learned and request your assistance in this matter," said John, a little annoyed with the gentleman's attitude.
"Well, I wanted to give you a chance to change your mind, but if you are foolish enough to continue with this conversation, I guess you and my daughter are perfect for each other," Mr. Bennet said exasperatedly. If the officer did not want to play chess or talk about war tactics, it was better for him to leave.
John understood that Mr. Bennet was not an easy person, and to avoid extending the ridiculous conversation, he decided to get straight to the point. "Sir, your daughter Lydia plans to elope with one of the officers, Lieutenant Wickham. He has told her that she should travel to London for a few days and that from there, they will travel to Gretna Green to get married. Unfortunately, Lieutenant Wickham's true intention is to obtain money. He intends to extort your daughter Elizabeth's husband and demand a large sum of money, and if he does not agree to pay what he asks, he will abandon Miss Lydia after disgracing her."
Mr. Bennet lost color and felt short of breath. "But how do you know that, Carter? Are you sure?"
"Sir, I cannot give you all the details, but my brother and I have closely watched Wickham. Our objective is to arrest a potential deserter. You can count on our absolute discretion regarding your daughter's matter, but we need your help to capture that scoundrel."
"But, what can I do?"
"Your daughter plans to elope today. When you and your family are having dinner, she will say she is not feeling well and will stay in her room. The truth is that she plans to flee to meet the deserter who will be waiting for her in a carriage near the bridge less than half a mile from here."
"I understand…Of course, I shall not allow her to leave this house. I appreciate your help. Please capture that scoundrel," said Mr. Bennet. He sincerely thanked Captain Carter and began planning what he would do to keep Lydia in the house.
As soon as John left the study, Mr. Bennet began to write a letter to his son-in-law. He knew that Mr. Darcy was the only one who could help him solve this matter; he had an annual income of ten thousand a year.
P&P
When Mr. Bingley arrived at Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet was ecstatic and talked non-stop while Mr. Bennet stared at his youngest daughter.
"My dear Mr. Bingley, you cannot imagine how much we miss you, especially my beautiful Jane. And now, she is even more beautiful than a few months ago!" said Mrs. Bennet.
"Of course, Mrs. Bennet," replied Mr. Bingley very nervously.
"Mama, my head hurts. I better go to my room," Lydia said.
"Of course, my girl…"
"No, Lydia. You will stay here," said Mr. Bennet.
"Miss Lydia, this evening is very important to me and Miss Bennet; please stay here with us," said Mr. Bingley.
"Well, if this is a special evening for Mr. Bingley, and he wants you to be with all of us, you should stay here, Lydia," said Mrs. Bennet.
"I am sorry, but my head hurts bad, and I do not want to be here," Lydia said.
But when she was about to stand up, her father gave her an order. "You are not going anywhere, and if you do, I shall lock you in your room, Lydia."
Lydia could not stand another minute and began throwing one of her famous tantrums and crying non-stop.
Meanwhile, Mr. Wickham was sitting in the carriage waiting for foolish Lydia to appear. He smiled when he thought of all the money he would get from that business and that he could finally get revenge on that damned Fitzwilliam Darcy. Foolish Georgiana had gotten what she deserved for repenting and abandoning him. But Lydia was neither timid nor had scruples; she was nothing more than a conceited and jealous fool who wanted to do whatever pleased her.
Mr. Wickham looked at his watch and realized Lydia should have arrived twenty minutes ago. Fortunately, the night before, he had played cards with Robert Carter and a man named Logan. Carter had earned a few shillings, and Logan had no money to pay, but he owned a carriage, and they agreed that he would take them to London in exchange for what he owed him. Everything had gone wonderfully, and he hoped that silly girl would not leave him waiting.
Therefore, he felt great relief when he heard someone open the carriage door. "My love, you do not know how worried I was… I…"
"I am not your love, Wickham, but your worst nightmare," Richard said, entering the carriage.
"Fitzwilliam, what are you doing here?" asked Mr. Wickham, almost breathless.
Richard sat in front of Wickham, pointed a gun at him, and replied, smiling, "I have come to make you pay for all your misdeeds and take revenge for all the damage you have done to my family."
P&P
Thanks to everyone who follows the story with enthusiasm and leaves supportive comments.
I hope you have enjoyed the translation of "El Trato."
We have one more chapter left!
See you very soon!
Saludos,
Yo