Chapter 15

“B rother, please let me know when I can speak to you for a few minutes. It is quite urgent, but I do not want to disturb you,” Georgiana said timidly.

“Whenever you wish, dearest.”

“I shall let you talk privately now,” the colonel offered.

“In fact, you may stay, Richard,” Georgiana said in a small voice. She sat, looking at them with a shadow on her face that betrayed her torment, and Darcy worried instantly.

“Yesterday, when I went to Longbourn with Miss Elizabeth, I noticed someone I thought I recognised as we passed through Meryton. Miss Elizabeth told me it was Mrs Harriet Forster, the colonel’s wife.”

“I believe they married a month or two ago,” Darcy replied, puzzled.

“Yes, but I met her in Ramsgate… George introduced her to me… Her name was Harriet Gibbon, and she was there with her husband, Mr Martin Gibbon.”

“What?” Darcy and the colonel cried at the same time.

Georgiana nodded. “I do not know what happened. I told Miss Elizabeth… I mentioned I met the woman in Ramsgate but nothing more.”

“I see,” Darcy uttered, exchanging glances with Colonel Fitzwilliam.

“Miss Elizabeth asked me to tell you. She was very kind, and she said I should tell you and that you would know what to do with the knowledge.”

“Miss Elizabeth is clever and wise,” Darcy whispered.

“It certainly seems so. Much cleverer than Colonel Forster,” the colonel murmured, taking another sip.

“Thank you so much for telling me, dearest,” Darcy said. “I shall thank Miss Elizabeth too, at the first opportunity.”

“Oh, you should not do that,” Georgiana responded, and Darcy frowned, confused.

“Why not?”

“She seems to dislike thanks. She told me as much.”

“Ah, I see. Then we must find another way to repay her.”

“Perhaps she would agree to come to London, after all.”

Darcy held his breath, his heart racing. “Come to London?” he enquired.

“Yes. I told her I would very much like for her and her sisters to come to London as my guests.”

Darcy’s amazement was now complete.

“I hope you do not mind me inviting them, Brother?”

“No, of course not. And what did she say?” he asked, his heart pounding as if he were a young boy waiting for a surprise.

“She said not to make any travelling plans yet, since the main concern now should be your complete recovery.”

“Did she?” Darcy repeated, thoughtful.

“You seem to be very much at ease with the Bennets, my dear,” the colonel said.

“I am. They are very easy to speak to, and they were kind to me from the beginning. And Miss Elizabeth is always attentive and considerate.”

“I agree,” Darcy added.

“Besides, she saved your life — what else do I need? But I fear Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley do not like her at all. And they do not approve of Mr Bingley’s engagement. They said so.”

“Bingley’s sisters like few people and only those whose situation in life is above them. Do not let them affect you — your judgment is superior to theirs.”

“Bingley should be grateful that he secured himself such a beautiful woman, the daughter of a gentleman. He could not hope for a better choice,” the colonel interjected. “As for Miss Elizabeth, we have barely spoken two words to each other, but I already like her.”

“So do I, Cousin,” Georgiana approved.

“So do I,” Darcy whispered, causing an enquiring glance from the colonel.

Fortunately, soon after, dinner was announced, and he remained alone with his thoughts and with Elizabeth’s image in his mind.

While the pain in his chest was still intense, Darcy’s mind became calmer, clearer, and brighter, as the shadows vanished.

Georgiana’s disclosure was puzzling and probably of great importance, leading him to believe something bigger and potentially dangerous was afoot.

Wickham and this Harriet were undoubtedly well acquainted. Three months ago, Wickham had been in Ramsgate, trying to pursue Darcy’s sister. He had befriended Mrs Younge and also introduced Georgiana to Harriet — a young, pretty woman who was supposedly married. That was probably a ruse to avoid suspicion and to gain his sister’s trust.

When their plot failed in regard to Georgiana, they must have moved on to a different target. It could not be a coincidence that Harriet married a colonel, then a month later, Wickham happened to join his regiment. Whether Harriet was truly married to another man and whether Mr Denny was involved or not still needed clarification.

But Wickham and that woman were surely part of an elaborate scheme, in which Colonel Forster must be a victim, just like Georgiana.

Fortunately, Georgiana was clever, with a stronger will and an even stronger conscience, so she had revealed the elopement scheme. Colonel Forster, a man of at least forty, charmed by a pretty young woman half his age, did not stand a chance.

On further consideration, Dary recollected that Colonel Forster had mentioned he had married in haste due to some particular circumstances. At the time, Darcy had disregarded that information, but now it seemed important. Wickham’s whereabouts must be urgently discovered, as he was probably in hiding.

Yes, everything was taking shape like a drawing, answering the question Darcy and Elizabeth had debated a few days ago: Why would Wickham try to harm Darcy, threatening his life?

It was all clear now; Darcy’s arrival and attempt to warn Colonel Forster about Wickham must have frightened him. The panic of being discovered, along with his accomplice Harriet, was probably so strong — stronger than reason or any trace of decency — that he had decided to get rid of Darcy by any means necessary.

He might have succeeded if the Bennet ladies had not happened to be there and had ruined his plans.

∞∞∞

Longbourn returned to its usual rhythm, but the agitation remained, partially due to Jane’s engagement — which kept Mrs Bennet and consequently the entire family in lively spirits.

Against her expectations, once she returned to her own bed, Elizabeth slept poorly. She spent the night thinking of Mr Darcy, then Miss Darcy, wondering whether seeing the sister the next day would mean she might see the brother too. At Longbourn, she had entered Mr Darcy’s chamber a few times; at Netherfield, such liberties were forbidden, unless Miss Darcy joined her.

From the two Darcys, her mind jumped to their enemy. What would Mr Wickham do next? Elizabeth also tried to question Lydia about Mrs Forster, but she found out nothing further. Colonel Forster had married his wife six weeks before the regiment came to Meryton — that fact was public knowledge. Miss Darcy’s assertions could not be doubted, so there must be something suspicious linking Mrs Forster to Mr Wickham.

The next morning, even before breakfast, Mr Collins unexpectedly announced that urgent business required his immediate return to Kent. Mrs Bennet was too tired to express her disappointment and her daughters too joyful to conceal their relief.

Mr Bennet wished him a safe journey; Mr Collins thanked his host and handed him a letter, then hurried to the hired carriage.

“Mr Collins left because he was upset with Lizzy, I am sure!” Mrs Bennet uttered. “She is too wild to know what is best for her. I fear she will now become a spinster and will beg Jane to offer her shelter.”

“Mama, I am sure Lizzy will not be a spinster. Regardless, I would be grateful to have her by my side for as long as possible. And Mr Bingley is very fond of her too.”

“Well then, I am glad all is settled,” Mrs Bennet concluded resentfully, while Elizabeth struggled to conceal her laughter.

“You may mock, Lizzy, but we are all fortunate that Mr Bingley proposed to Jane. He is a good man, and he will not let us starve on the streets when your father dies. Though it would break my heart to see another master and mistress at Longbourn.”

“Mama, I shall not let you be homeless! By then, I shall have married a handsome officer,” Lydia declared.

“And by then I shall have married a handsome and rich man — either an officer or not,” Kitty added.

“Fortunately, I shall be dead by then, according to your plans,” Mr Bennet said, rolling his eyes, then he withdrew to his library.

Elizabeth hoped for a note from Miss Darcy, but one did not arrive. At noon, Mr Bingley called, and Miss Darcy accompanied him, much to everyone’s pleasure. The gentleman took a seat next to Jane, and Miss Darcy sat with Elizabeth and Mary.

“Is Mr Darcy in good health?” Elizabeth enquired.

“Yes, his improvement is very encouraging, Dr Bates said,” Mr Bingley replied.

“And Colonel Fitzwilliam? Does he enjoy Hertfordshire?” Mrs Bennet asked.

“I believe so. He has been quite busy dealing with some personal business, as well as some tasks for Darcy. Even now, he is speaking to Colonel Forster.”

“I hope Colonel Forster will keep his officers under better regulation. I expect to be informed which of them abandoned Mr Darcy — and us! — there in the rain.”

“Mrs Bennet, to my knowledge, it was Wickham — as you rightfully said. There is no doubt of his identity. The only question is how he dared lie with so much audacity and so little remorse,” Mr Bingley responded.

“Oh, I am sure Mr Wickham is not as bad as you accuse him of being!” Lydia cried.

“Sadly, I must disagree utterly and completely, Miss Lydia. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have informed me about that man’s character, and I trust their words.”

“As you should, sir!” Mrs Bennet interjected. “And you, Lydia, stop arguing with Mr Bingley! He surely knows better than you, just as I know what I saw and when I am being lied to!”

Elizabeth noticed Miss Darcy’s discomfort, and she gently touched her arm in a gesture of support.

“So, Mr Bingley, did you have in mind a certain date? For the wedding?” Mrs Bennet changed the subject, causing Jane to blush violently.

“Not yet, madam. I was about to ask your permission to discuss it with Miss Bennet. Darcy said he will help me to purchase a licence, so we can marry whenever Miss Bennet wishes to.”

“Oh, how lovely of you! And how kind of Mr Darcy! Upon my word, my good impression of the gentleman grows every day. I would save him again whenever he needs it!”

“Mama!” Elizabeth interjected with no success, as her mother continued.

“Did you hear, Jane? Yes, yes, of course you may discuss it privately. You may go to the dining room. Or perhaps take a stroll in the garden? No, no, the weather is bad, and you will only dirty your clothes.”

“I have no objections to whatever you suggest, Mr Bingley, as long as Mama and Papa approve of it,” Jane whispered to her overjoyed betrothed.

“We could marry shortly before Christmas, maybe, if it is not too early? Darcy will be confined here for another month, and I would like to have him by my side. And Miss Darcy, of course. If you approve.”

Jane looked slightly uneasy, blushed again, and looked at Elizabeth for a long enough moment for Mrs Bennet to respond.

“Of course we approve! Before Christmas? So soon? Is it not wonderful, Jane?”

“It is…” Jane whispered, a little bit lost, glancing from her betrothed to her mother then to Elizabeth. She needed a moment to compose herself, then she smiled and repeated, “It is wonderful, indeed.”

Mr Bingley’s delight was clear before his words confirmed it.

For some strange reason, Elizabeth’s heart was pounding too, and thrills ran along her skin. The date of the wedding should not affect her — but it did, and she even felt her cheeks colouring.

“So, you and Mr Darcy will remain at Netherfield until after Christmas?” she asked Miss Darcy.

“Yes. Dr Bates has insisted my brother cannot travel for another month. And I shall stay with him.”

Those few words gave Elizabeth so much joy that she could hardly reply.

“It is good Mr Darcy is following the doctor’s orders. We shall be happy to have you here. Both of you,” she mumbled, annoyed by her silly response, while Miss Darcy smiled.

Mr Bennet soon joined the happy gathering, and they chatted for another half an hour before they were interrupted by Colonel Fitzwilliam’s impromptu appearance.

The colonel’s frown was a clear sign of his distress, and silence immediately fell over the group. Miss Darcy became instantly distracted, whilst Mr Bingley enquired, “Colonel, what has happened? Is Darcy well?”

“Forgive me for intruding. Darcy should be well — I have not been at Netherfield since early this morning. I stopped here to bring some unsettling news. George Wickham has left the regiment with no intention of returning, and he has taken some of Colonel Forster’s possessions.”

“Left? And what possessions?” Mrs Bennet asked, dumbfounded.

“An important sum of money and some jewels. The colonel has organised a search. The situation is unclear as yet, but apparently, the report has already spread around Meryton. I must inform Darcy, but I have come to fetch Georgiana. Darcy might need her presence.”

Pale and biting her lips, the girl stood, and Mr Bingley followed her.

“I shall come too — the matter seems to be of great importance. I shall visit again tomorrow. Please excuse me…”

“Of course,” Jane replied.

“May I be of any assistance?” Mr Bennet enquired.

“Thank you, sir, but I am not sure yet. I must discuss it with Darcy and decide further. We shall provide you with more details as soon as we have them.”

The three guests left before the hosts had time to recover fully from their amazement. Even when her parents and sisters began to chatter loudly, Elizabeth was still speechless, trying to guess the meaning of Mr Wickham’s latest act of betrayal.