In regard to Jane Bennet and Bingley, Elizabeth’s accusations were just, based on his observation and estimation during the visit to the Gardiners’. Beyond a doubt, both of them had been miserable after the separation, and their feelings had survived all obstacles. Hopefully, their reunion was the first step in correcting his error.
One more thing needed to be resolved: Wickham. The more he thought about it, the more decided he was that he should not allow that wretch to deceive and hurt any more people. Apparently, with Elizabeth, Wickham had found little success as his deception had no consequences. But others would certainly not be so fortunate.
Darcy began to prepare for dinner, despite not being hungry. Besides Georgiana and Mrs Annesley, Bingley and the colonel were expected to attend. He was not particularly in the mood to entertain, but he could not cancel the engagement either.
He was ready to go downstairs when Porter returned.
“Well? How was it?”
“Very sad, sir. The woman’s happiness when she saw the basket of food was hard to watch. I believe the food helped them even more than the doctor.”
“Good. We shall go together in the morning. You may rest now, Porter. I shall manage without your services tonight.”
“I do not need rest. I am not tired at all. I shall help you prepare for the night, as always.”
“As you wish. Then go to the kitchen now and have some dinner yourself.”
“Sir?”
“Yes, Porter?”
“You are an excellent man, sir. People say that with good reason.”
“Thank you, Porter. Of course, you are partial to me, but I appreciate it nevertheless,” he said with a smile. Then he went down to join his sister and friends for dinner.
***
After breakfast, Darcy informed Georgiana that he had some business to attend to and would likely not return until dinner. Then he and Porter left.
Darcy was curious and somehow anxious to meet Mrs Crawford and her family. He looked out of the carriage window, recognising the area they were travelling towards.
“We should be there shortly, sir.”
They stopped after a ride of no longer than half an hour. It was not a house but a building in a shocking state, revealing the poor living conditions. Children’s cries could be heard from many windows. Porter knocked on a door, and it opened. The woman behind it was a stranger to Darcy, which puzzled him even more.
“Mr Darcy? Thank you, Lord!” she whispered tearfully.
“Mrs Crawford, I assume? Have we met before, ma’am?”
“No, sir. Please, do come in,” she invited them. Inside, Darcy was stunned by a heavy smell, though the room looked as clean as such a place allowed.
“How are your daughter and grandson? I understand they are ill?”
“They are better, I think, sir. My daughter ate a little last night, and she fed the baby. The fever has gone down, I think. The doctor said he would visit again today.”
“Good. Now, Mrs Crawford, before we go any further, you must tell me why you searched for me. I mean, it is obvious you need help, but how do you know me?”
The woman looked about, hesitating.
“You may speak in the presence of Porter, ma’am. I have no secrets from him.”
“My cousin, Martha Rollins, lives in Lambton, Mr Darcy,” she eventually said. “We visited her last year. That is where we met Mr Wickham.”
“Wickham?” Darcy repeated with a pain in his chest. “Do you know Wickham?”
“Yes, sir…he is the father of my grandson, and he is the cause of our tragedy.”
Tears fell down her face, and she sat for a moment, then stood up again in front of Darcy.
