Madeline pressed her niece. “What happened next, Liddie?”
She gave a full account of what had passed and how nothing in his conduct matched his promises. He spoke of balls and parties, yet carried her instead to a wretched brick house in a narrow, filthy street. His manner had altered entirely. He became coarse and disrespectful.
“Aunt, I need a bath and clean clothes.”
Mrs. Gardiner rose. “Come, we shall go upstairs. I will have water brought for a bath. Lizzy, you have no gowns with you either?”
Elizabeth laughed. “No, Aunt. Papa and I left the house in too much haste to pack. Our only concern was to save Lydia.”
“Well then, Lizzy, you and I are nearly of a size, but you, Lydia, are somewhat more stout. None of my gowns will fit you, but we shall make the attempt.”
That evening, seated at the dinner table in borrowed gowns, the two Bennet sisters ate with hearty appetites, and the conversation was lively. Though neither sister knew it, Adams had agreed to accept Lydia for three thousand pounds and considered himself fortunate. He was to join the family for dinner the following evening.
Gardiner had pressed the young man. “James, she is but fifteen, and I think it best she not be told in advance that she must marry. Would you join us at dinner? You may see your intended bride and determine whether you wish to proceed. I believe she would accept the situation more readily if you invited her to join you on a travel adventure. You must make it plain that she must marry you or forfeit her welcome.”
The young man laughed. “I shall attempt a little intrigue, sir, and I am glad to do it. I feel I owe you a vast deal. You have assisted me greatly in securing my position and preparing for my journey, and I must admit, sir, the three thousand pounds is a considerable inducement.”
The family retired early, for the day had been most trying.
“Aunt Maddie, this day is the longest and most dreadful of my life.”
“It has been that for all of us, Lizzy. Though I fear Lydia does not even now comprehend the enormity of what she has done.”
“No, she does not. But why does a grown man take advantage of a young, defenseless girl, Aunt?”
“He must be desperate for money. To sell another person into such a fate is beyond anything I can comprehend.”
“Nor I.”
“She trusted the wrong man.”
“Papa deceived my mother, as must we all. Mamma must have some account of why Lydia does not return with us. We are said to be here attending you, as you are ordered to remain in bed lest you endanger your condition.”
Madeline paled. “God forbid such a thing should occur.”
“I apologize, Aunt Maddie. Papa seized upon the first excuse that came to him.”
“Yes, and it will be readily believed, since I have already lost two. But this time it is different, Elizabeth.”
“I am happy for you, Aunt Maddie. I know how you have longed for a child.”
“Yes, Edward has borne it heavily when I have been brought to bed too soon. He strives to conceal it, yet I have seen him weep, and it only increases my distress. This time, however, it is different.”
Elizabeth embraced her aunt and held her while the older woman wept. After several minutes, Madeline said, “That is enough of me. What are you to do after Lydia is wed?”
“I must remain in London long enough for our neighbors to credit the story. But then what, Aunt Maddie? When I return home, what shall be said of Lydia?”
“Nothing so simple, Lizzy. Your uncle was so grateful for your assistance that he has offered to pay for Lydia’s education at arespectable London school. She will return home after two years, and by then she will have met a suitable gentleman, married him, and gone out to India.”
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive,” Lizzy quoted
“Indeed, my dear. As neither your mother nor Kitty can be trusted with a secret of this gravity, they must be deceived. And, given the enormity of the impropriety your sister has committed, your neighbors must be deceived as well.”
Madeline rose. “I had best retire. The physician has warned me not to overexert myself.”
Chapter 5: Marriage Schemes
Darcy bowed over Lady Isabella’s richly gloved hand, her diamond bracelet catching the candlelight. When his eyes met hers, he allowed himself a moment of anticipation. She was a stunning beauty, as his aunt had assured him. Full-figured with a handsome countenance, any gentleman might have declared her a diamond of the first water, even without her fifty-thousand-pound dowry.
