Page 68 of Roses from Pemberley
“Listen, Lizzy,” said Mrs. Bennet more seriously, “I am aware of what may await us at Longbourn…and that our lives may change in unexpected - and perhaps unhappy - ways some time in the near future. I do worry for us…and have not thought of anything else since that express arrived at Rosings. But for now - for just tonight - I truly appreciate the rest and comfort that Mr. Darcy’s home affords us. Do you understand, Lizzy?”
“Yes, Mamma,” said Elizabeth, giving her mother a quick embrace, “of course I understand. And I hope you have a very restful night.” A pause, then, “However, Uncle Gardiner will likely come tonight. Shall you meet with him?”
“Yes, dear,” said Mrs. Bennet sleepily, “just wake me when he gets here.” She looked around the room appreciatively. “Such an excellent idea Mr. Darcy had of having us stay here, and such a sweet sister he has. Promise me you shall invite me often when you are married.”
Mrs. Bennet crawled into bed and closed her eyes.
“Yes, Mamma,” said Elizabeth softly, as she blew out the candles and quitted the room, “I shall certainly do that.”
Elizabeth went to Jane’s room to check on her sister, then they went together downstairs to find their betrotheds.
Her Uncle Gardiner was already in the study with Darcy and Bingley when she and Jane arrived.
“Lizzy, Jane, are you well?” he asked, embracing each of them.
“Yes, Uncle,” she said, “we are well. Mamma is sleeping and, though she wished to see you, I thought it best to allow her to sleep.”
“Yes, of course, Lizzy. It is best that Fanny sleeps. Furthermore, your Aunt Madeleine considered going to Meryton to assist Mary and Kitty but decided to remain, thinking that she might be of more use to Lydia once she is recovered. And I have begun to discuss our plans with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.”
She and Jane sat on a settee side by side and tea was brought in by a footman. Once they were settled, Darcy outlined his plan to find Wickham through Mrs. Younge, Wickham’s longtime friend and accomplice.
“I have had her watched over the past year and know that she runs a boarding house in Camden Town. It is there that I shall go tomorrow and attempt to obtain Wickham’s whereabouts. Once I have obtained it, your uncle and I - and hopefully Colonel Fitzwilliam whom I expect will arrive tomorrow - shall meet with him and see what can be done about Miss Lydia.”
“Do you think they are together, Mr. Darcy?” asked Jane.
“I sincerely hope they are,” said Darcy gravely.
Elizabeth realised that Wickham may already have abandoned Lydia and, when she thought about it, understood that it would be better if they were together, despite her abhorrence of that man. For at least there would still be a way of obtaining some respectability for Lydia.
After another half hour of working out the particulars, Elizabeth and Jane expressed their intent to retire while Mr. Gardiner and Bingley departed.
However, before she left, Darcy asked if he might speak to her in private for a few moments. Jane threw her one final glance before saying, “Do not tarry too long, Lizzy.”
Once alone with Darcy in the study, Elizabeth found herself suddenly ensconced in his arms. “I really did not have anything in particular to say,” he admitted.
She sighed into his chest and closed her eyes. “I have nothing to say either.”
They remained in that position, taking comfort in one another’s proximity. At length Elizabeth pulled back and said, “I thank you for having us here tonight. You were correct about my mother. It seems that her nerves have been quite taxed and she greatly appreciates having such fine and luxurious accommodations. I believe she will rest quite well tonight.”
“I am glad to hear it,” he murmured.
She stepped back but still held his hand. “I suppose I had better go.”
He gave her hand a lingering kiss then let go of it completely. “Goodnight, Elizabeth.”
CHAPTER 29 To Longbourn
They stood at the curb before dawn the following morning. Jane and Mrs. Bennet were already in the carriage and Bingley was standing off to the side seeing to the loading of their trunks. He would ride in the carriage today with the ladies, in order to lend both conversation and support.
“I shall write to you,” Darcy told Elizabeth, “as soon as I have news.”
She did not wish to leave him, not knowing what the future held. What if he could not find Lydia and Wickham at all? What if her family’s subsequent ruin was more than he could stomach? What if her father was no longer alive when they reached Longbourn? Or what if Darcy met with Wickham, fought him in a duel and was killed?
“I do not wish to leave you,” she said.
He put his arms around her and held her close, pressing his lips to the side of her head. Then he pulled back and gave her a soft smile. “Do not worry so, Elizabeth. I shall make everything right…you may depend upon it.”
At these words, Elizabeth felt even more miserable, scarce able to bear her impending separation from this man she had come to love more than anything. But her courage soon roseup and she was able to nod and give him a bracing smile of her own. “Promise me you shall take care of yourself, Fitzwilliam.”
