Conversations at dinner

Mr Darcy had taken his seat at one end of the table and was happily chatting with Lady Clara to his left. Mary was next to Clara, then Georgie and the Captain. Anne was at the other end. On Anne's left was Mr Avery, then Elizabeth, Mr Bingley and Jane.

Jane and Bingley

"Where were you going that day?" asked Bingley

"We were going home" said Jane

"Where is home?"

"Longbourn estate, Hertfordshire. Near Meryton."

"Had you been in London?"

"Yes, we were visiting our Aunt and Uncle" said Jane.

"I could see you were heading away from London. Still, I looked for you at every ball, every dinner party, every musical evening. Everywhere. I can't believe we have met at last."

"Neither can I. You would not have found me in those places, Mr Bingley. We are not part of the ton. My late father was a recluse who avoided London generally and London society in particular. My uncle is in trade."

"You were accompanied by a gentleman on that occasion. Was that your uncle?"

"Yes, Edward Gardiner."

"Edward Gardiner is your uncle?"

"Yes. Do you know him?"

"I know of him. My father did business with him on occasion. Edward Gardiner is very well respected in London and not just by others in trade."

"I can believe that. Only he is not in London now. We are quite worried. He and his family went to India. They should have returned by now, but we have not heard from them in over a year."

"Don't give up hope Miss Bennet. There are so many things that can delay mail from abroad."

"I am sure. Tomorrow, I plan to visit my aunt's own aunt and uncle in the hope of getting some news. As you know, our arrival in London today was rather unusual…"

Mr Bingley smiled. "Fortuitous I would say…"

Jane returned the smile. "It didn't feel that way at the time. Only when the ladies came through the door…then I saw you… only then did I feel we might come out of it unscathed."

"Now that we have finally met, Miss Bennet, I suggest we get to know each other better. What do you think?"

"I think that is a very good idea Mr Bingley."

"May I call on you, here? I wish to court you, Miss Bennet."

"I would like that, Mr Bingley."

"Your father is deceased?"

'Yes, over a year ago."

"I am sorry to hear that. Have you a guardian?"

"Mr Gardiner."

"Are you under-age?"

"Yes, I am nineteen."

"I should ask someone for permission to court you. Your mother, perhaps?"

"It is best not to involve my mother at this stage."

Jane gave Mr Bingley summary of the reasons they left Longbourn.

"I see." said Bingley. "Let me assure you Miss Bennet, my intentions are honourable."

"I believe that Mr Bingley. Please tell me about you and your family."

Anne and Richard

"I believe you have acquired some special footmen."

"My more-than-just-footmen, Simpson and Hastie" said Anne.

"Darce's idea?"

"Darce made the suggestion, but I doubt it was his idea."

"Why do you think that?"

"Mr Bingley was with him and provided heavy prompting."

"I see" said Richard.

"I don't. Darce has never concerned himself with our security so why would Mr Bingley? He is a friend to us, he has often visited with Darce, but he is not a relative. It was a good idea, so I went along with it."

"Maybe Bingley encouraged Darce to visit - to ensure Georgie got some attention from her brother".

"Maybe. Darce never does say much to her, but Mr Bingley is friendly enough for two."

"He is a good person. You know, he has offered me accommodation at his house."

"Excellent. I am so happy you are back. How much leave do you have?"

"At least four months, more if I wish."

"That is wonderful news!"

"Anne, there is one thing I must talk to you about. Bingley knows my father is in dire straits financially, practically bankrupt."

"Bankrupt! I know there are rumours… Is that how Mr Bingley knew we needed security?"

"Not from the rumours. Bingley knows because he and Avery hold mortgages on the Earl's last two properties, and they expect him to default on the next payment. The Earl has only two sources of finance left.

"Georgie and me. We are still in danger."

"I'd like to speak to your Simpson about further security. I could get a couple of ex-soldiers to watch Darcy House. Is that all right with you?"

"Yes, thank you. Does Mr Bingley want to protect us or his investment?"

"He and Avery want to bring the Earl down without harming you or Georgie."

"How do you feel about that?"

"I welcome my father's downfall. He deserves it. It is entirely his own fault."

"What did Uncle do to them?"

"To Avery. It's personal to Avery and long in the planning. The Earl stole his inheritance."

"Justice then and revenge?

"Justice, definitely and more than a touch of revenge."

"Who is Mr Avery?"

"I don't know much about him. He is a bit of a mystery. I just know he is a merchant and financier who was at one stage a successful gambler."

"Richard, I don't want to have to hide away. I was looking forward to turning twenty-one. I am out of mourning for Mother and my health is better. I want to renew old acquaintances and make some new friends, participate in the Season a bit this year, for when Georgie comes out."

"You shouldn't have to hide. With extra security, leaving the house won't be a problem. What about yourself? Do you wish to marry?"

"I am not sure. In theory I don't have to but as we know there may always be threats. Marriage to the right man would be good but I worry about making the wrong decision. Now I wish to concentrate on friendships."

"Looks like you've made a few friends already."

"The Bennets are lovely people. Georgie has really bonded with Mary. It's good for Georgie to have a friend her own age."

"She looks too young to even think of coming out."

"There is no rush. A couple of years maybe. I just want to be ready. I need to know the right people, have the right contacts."

"Tell the good ones from the fortune hunters."

"Exactly. I haven't a clue now."

"Darce won't be much help. If I am in London at the time I will do what I can, but I am also ignorant of much of society. The Fitzwilliam name will be mud, too."

"You might have to change your name."

"I am considering it, believe me!"

Elizabeth and Avery

Elizabeth, shocked by and still processing Mr Darcy's last words, was pleased to sit down for dinner.

"Should I take his words seriously?" she wondered. "If so, who could the Earl have had killed and how would Mr Darcy have found out about it? Killings. More than one?"

Elizabeth was seated between Mr Avery and Mr Bingley, who was entirely focussed on Jane. Elizabeth almost unconsciously observed Mr Avery's gaze toward Miss Darcy seated opposite herself while the servants brought in the first course. By the time Mr Avery's attention turned toward herself Elizabeth had calmed and was ready to socialise. She found that Mr Avery, despite his austere appearance, was easy to talk to.

"Have you recovered from your exciting day?" asked Mr Avery.

"Somewhat."

"Not every day you almost marry an Earl's son!"

Elizabeth laughed. "That was never going to happen!"

"No?"

"No, I have no interest in marrying an imbecile, no matter who his father is."

"Not impressed by titles, then?"

"Why should I be? asked Elizabeth. "Mr Avery, my sisters and I were immensely grateful to be rescued by your untitled self this morning. We were in a difficult situation."

Mr Avery said "It was mostly the captain. Bingley and I alone would have had difficulty getting into Fitzwilliam House."

"Still, you came along, to help rescue three strangers. Thank you for that."

"Thank you for the opportunity to play a small part in thwarting the Earl. Very satisfying!"

"What can be done about a man like that? A man who feels he can just take what he wants just because he wants it, without any thought to those he deprives or hurts. That title of his, in our society, is a shield that protects him from the consequences of his own wrongdoings. Can anyone prosecute an Earl? I doubt it. It makes me angry just to think of it."

"You should be angry. What you say is true, someone like the Earl does not have to face consequences." Avery smiled. "Usually."

"There are some ways, then?"

"There will be for this particular Earl."

"What sort of consequences will he face?"

"The earl faces imminent bankruptcy."

"Oh! That's why his nieces' fortunes are his only hope."

"Yes. How are Miss de Bourgh and Miss Darcy? They are not out of danger, you know."

"I know," said Elizabeth. "Anne seems calm. Maybe she always seems calm. Deep down inside, she may be angry. Ladies are not encouraged to express their real feelings."

"Where are you from, Miss Elizabeth?"

"Near Meryton in Hertfordshire."

"Why were you travelling to town?"

"My father died, leaving a wife, five daughters, no sons, no savings and an entailed estate. My father's cousin and heir wanted to marry Jane. Jane did not want to marry him. In the end leaving was our only option."

"You left to avoid a marriage with a cousin only to be immediately involved in a similar plot!"

"Ironical, isn't it? Such is the life of ladies, at the mercy of the men in their lives."

"True."

"My father cared nothing for our future. His cousin is a repulsive individual and yet Jane was expected to sacrifice her life and happiness to allow her mother and her sisters to remain in their family home. Poor Jane suffered for months with that dilemma - whether to put herself or her family first."

"You couldn't remain in the home if your sister refused to marry?"

"No. Collins did not care what became of us. Our only option was to impose on our Meryton aunt and uncle. Jane and I thought that solution unbearable as well as totally unfair for the Phillips. Jane was close to agreeing to marry Collins, but I managed to persuade her to leave."

"You left for London and ran straight into danger and adventure!"

"Yes, we did, but we were lucky and have made new friends, although I do worry about imposing on Georgiana and Anne."

"Miss Elizabeth, I have had some hard times. I would not have survived without friends. I had to learn it was all right to rely on others for a while."

"How can we repay their hospitality?"

"By being a good friend. You and your sisters kindly helped Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh when you all were strangers. Allow them to help you in return. That is true friendship."

"I didn't think of it like that."

"You can be very good friends to those ladies. Miss de Bourgh has had a real struggle with her health and Miss Darcy was orphaned very young."

"She has her brother."

"Yes, she does."

"It seems he is a bit of a disappointment to her."

"He doesn't pay her as much attention as he should."

"He is your friend, so he can't be all bad, can he?"

"He can be amusing."

"Amusing. Hmm. Would you say Mr Darcy is trustworthy…truthful in what he says?"

"Not necessarily" Avery smiled "It would depend on the topic."

Elizabeth hesitated, should she ask?

Avery said "You were talking to him before dinner. Was he…flirting with you?"

She laughed. What a ridiculous notion! "Men don't flirt with me, Mr Avery. I am not Jane."

"What does that have to do with it?"

"My mother always says I should have been the son as I am not at all attractive or ladylike."

"Wait a moment? You, unladylike? Unattractive?"

He looked so incredulous; Elizabeth couldn't help laughing.

"My mother says…"

"Does your mother have problems with her sight, perhaps?"

"No, not at all."

"Then she has a problem with her logic and opinions."

"Mama is not very clever and is ruled by her emotions. Jane and Lydia are like her in looks, Mary and I are not. Kitty is somewhere in between."

"You are certainly different to your sister but just as attractive, some would say even more attractive."

"No!"

"You don't believe me?"

"Are you flirting with me?"

"I always tell the truth."

"Do you?"

"You don't believe me. I am devastated. Tell me, what did Darce say to you?"

Elizabeth stared at him for a moment. Her curiosity won. She had to know "He said that the earl is a killer. Is that true?"

Whatever Avery expected, it was not that. He answered without thought. "Yes, it is."

Late Wednesday, Darcy House, Jane and Elizabeth's room

Jane was exhilarated. She flopped on the bed in a most un-Jane-like way and smiled at Elizabeth."

Elizabeth thought, "The strain is gone from her eyes. She is free."

"Happy, Jane?"

"Oh yes Lizzy. You have no idea…"

"Enlighten me…"

"We are courting…courting!"

"Oh Jane that's wonderful!"

"I cannot believe it, when only this morning.."

"I know. We have come a long way since this morning."

"Much more than the distance from Meryton to London. Mr Bingley told me about his family. They are from the north, prosperous merchants. He has two sisters, one of whom is married."

"I was supposed to save you, Jane but it looks like Mr Bingley has"

"No it was you Lizzy, you did it. I am here because of you. I cannot thank you enough for deciding to insult Mr Collins."

Elizabeth smiled. Jane was no fool. "Will Mr Bingley call tomorrow?"

"He may, although I mentioned we may be calling on the Graingers tomorrow morning. We also talked about walking in the park, which I think you would like."

"Yes, we must visit the Graingers and I will definitely need a walk soon."

"We also need to make an appointment with Aunt Madeleine's dressmaker."

"Yes we will. Jane, I am sorry to bring you down to reality but I must tell you about my conversation with Mr Darcy" said Elizabeth and did so.

"Mr Darcy believes the Earl is a killer? A killer?"

"It was more than that, Jane. It was like he knows the Earl has arranged killings in the past, and would do so again."

Jane said "You don't think he was exaggerating, or joking?"

"I thought he was serious when he said it. Then I wondered, so I asked Mr Avery."

"What did he say?"

"I don't think he meant to, but he was so surprised he just said it was true!"

"Did Mr Avery say who the earl might have had killed?"

"No, he wouldn't tell me, he said there was no proof so it was best not to talk about it."

"Earls can be powerful men, I suppose. They can get what they want."

"This Earl has been powerful but is running out of resources fast. He is desperate for money, almost bankrupt. Hence the kidnap and marriage plot."

"Oh Lizzy, we were so lucky to be rescued, this morning."

"I hope we were not in that much danger, Jane, but who knows?"

"Poor Anne and Georgie. They will need to be very careful."

"They will."

Elizabeth was awake long after Jane had fallen asleep. Her mind would not calm down. So many possibilities. She was determined to find out what it all meant or at least get ideas for her next story.