Jane and Mary embraced Elizabeth with kisses, congratulations, and tears of joy. Laughter filled the room as freely as the tears.
Champagne was called for, and many toasts followed.
At last, Darcy tore himself from his betrothed and departed for London.
Chapter 28: Taken
Mary was returning from the parsonage. She had collected her laundry, and unfortunately, Mr. Collins was suffering from a jealous humor.
“I observed Mr. Darcy paying pointed attentions to my cousin. Why does Elizabeth not send him away?”
“I do not understand what you expect her to do, sir. Would you have her give the gentleman the cut direct? My sister conducts herself with perfect propriety toward Mr. Darcy and every member of the family.”
“He pays no such attention to you, does he, Mrs. Collins?”
“No, sir. Mr. Darcy has little to say to me. He is a respectable gentleman, and neither my sisters nor I has anything to fear from him. Now, unless you have further questions, I shall return to Rosings.”
“Very well. I shall call at Rosings in the morning, provided Lady Catherine is still with us. From what I observed today, she stands very near the end of her life.”
Mary curtsied, collected her satchel, and left the house.
She was thinking of her husband's jealousy when her arm was seized with such force that pain shot through her shoulder. Her body slammed against an unknown assailant. Agony exploded through her head, and darkness swallowed her whole.
Elizabeth woke to long shadows stretching across the room and realized it was already late afternoon. She looked about, but saw neither Jane nor Mary.
She pushed herself upright, and a violent fit of coughing overtook her. When it passed, she crossed to the washstand, poured herself a glass of water, and drank deeply. Then she rang for assistance.
Sarah answered the summons.
“Where are my sisters?”
“Mrs. Collins left for the parsonage nearly three hours ago and has not returned. Miss Bennet remains below stairs with the family.”
“Sarah, I wish to see Jane.”
“Yes, miss. I shall send her up.”
When Jane arrived, she admitted she had not seen Mary since her return to the parsonage.
Unease tightened in Elizabeth’s chest.
“Something is wrong, Jane. Mary had no intention of remaining long at the parsonage. I believe a footman ought to be sent to inquire after her.”
“What do you fear, Lizzy?”
“Mary has developed an aversion to Mr. Collins. She claims he is safe, I fear for her. Perhaps she has not told me everything. I only wish for assurance that she remains well and that he has not harmed her.”
“Of course. I shall see to it.”
Elizabeth laid her hand over Jane’s. “Do not go yourself, sister. I do not believe he may be trusted in the company of a beautiful woman.”
Jane appeared alarmed, though she offered no reply. “I shall ring for Sarah.”
Twenty minutes later, the footman returned carrying Mary’s satchel, which he discovered abandoned upon the green. There was no other sign of her.
They sent word to Richard at once, and he rode to the parsonage to question the rector.
Mr. Collins appeared concerned.
