Page 6 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Miss, forgive me for troubling you; is this Longbourn—the property of a Mr. Bennet?”

The voice was hoarse and as sharp as the wind that struck Elizabeth’s face; his blue eyes were dark and cold, and his right eyebrow and temple were crossed by a scar that made Elizabeth shiver. She struggled to smile politely.

“Yes, sir. I am Elizabeth Bennet; Mr. Bennet is my father. May I be of any help to you?”

“Indeed. I apologise for my impromptu appearance; I do not want to intrude, but I would be grateful to know if a Madeleine Wilson is staying here.”

“I am afraid not, sir. And I do not know anyone by that name in the neighbourhood.”

He appeared disconcerted and incredulous, struggling to keep his temper.

“Are you certain? Please forgive my rude question, but I was told that I might find her here.”

“I can see your distress, sir, but I assure you I am positive. There is a lady named Madeleine here, but she is my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner.”

“Oh yes, I am such a fool. Mrs. Gardiner, of course. Would you be so kind as to ask her if I may have only a moment of her time? I shall wait outside. I do not wish to disturb your family.”

She hesitated a moment. “Of course, sir. I am also a fool; I should have remembered that my aunt’s maiden name was Wilson. I shall announce you to her and my uncle—Mr. Gardiner—in a moment. But please come inside. ” He followed her reluctantly, and Elizabeth fought her desire to stare at him one more time. Who could this man be and what business did he have with her aunt? His interest in speaking to her was obviously pressing, as was his disappointment when he feared he was wrong. He looked much older than Mrs. Gardiner—and even Mr. Gardiner and probably her father too. Or was it just the scar and his severity that added years to his countenance?

The family were gathered in the drawing room, and Elizabeth ignored her mother’s reproachful voice asking where she had been in such weather.

She smiled then whispered to her aunt, “A gentleman is asking to talk to you. I never saw him before. I believe you should bring uncle too.”

“A gentleman? To speak to me? Here, at Longbourn?”

“Yes.”

“How odd. I know nobody in the county except your family.”

“I know, but he insisted and seemed to have important reasons for doing so. What do you wish me to do? Where is Uncle?”

“If it seems important, I shall see him of course. Your uncle is with your father in the library.”

“I shall fetch him. Shall we meet in the hall in few moments?”

“Very well, Lizzy. But do not be so secretive; you are frightening me,” Mrs. Gardiner mocked her. “I am sure it must be a mistake. No gentleman can have any private business with me.”

Elizabeth smiled nervously then hurried to the library. Only then did she realise that she never asked the stranger’s name.

Mr. Gardiner received the information with reluctance and uneasiness. It was rare for a man to arrive in the midst of a snowstorm and ask to speak to one’s wife.

Mr. Bennet—overcome by curiosity—followed them. At the drawing-room door, Mrs. Gardiner waited, and she took her husband’s arm, growing worried as she saw the gentlemen’s stern expressions.

In the main hall, the stranger waited. He had removed only his hat. His clothes were wet, as was his grey hair —longer than was fashionable and tied in a queue. He looked at them intently and bowed, moving from one foot to the other in apparent distress.

He bowed clumsily in opposition to his stature and severe features.

“Mrs. Madeleine Gardiner?”

“Yes… this is my husband, Mr. Gardiner, and my brother Mr. Bennet. Would you be so kind as to tell us your name and your business with me?”

He approached, and his face lit with an unexpected smile. His blue eyes suddenly narrowed and sparkled with mirth.

He bowed again and said warmly, “Madeleine, it is I, Gilbert.”

“Gilbert?” Mr. Gardiner asked severely. “Why do you address my wife by her given name?”

“I apologize, Mr. Gardiner. I am Gilbert Drake Wilson. I just returned to England a week ago, and I have done everything in my power to discover Madeleine’s whereabouts. I have not seen her for a lifetime, and I could wait no longer. Forgive my intrusion, I shall leave now and return whenever it is convenient for you.”