“I know it; but I must do something. It occurred to me, though, that I would have better success had I a drawing of Miss Lydia.” He paused and looked at Mrs. Gardiner expectantly.
But Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. “I have no artistic skill whatsoever, Mr. Darcy. My niece, Kitty, is a fair artist, however. She may be able to make drawings for you. I can write and ask her, if you like.”
“I think I will travel to Meryton and speak to her myself, Mrs. Gardiner.”
“And perhaps visit Elizabeth while you are there?”
He could not mistake the twinkle in her eye. “I hope so, yes; do you think she would be amenable to a visit from me?”
“I think she would be delighted, Mr. Darcy.”
“My cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, will continue the search for Miss Lydia in my absence.”
“You know, I imagine, that the story being told is that Lydia is quite ill in Brighton.”
“Mr. Bingley so informed me, yes.”
“Of course, the fiction cannot be maintained indefinitely.”
“I understand that; at some point, Miss Lydia must return to Longbourn, which can only happen if she is found. If she is not –“ he stopped.
“Yes, we are well aware of the difficulties inherent in the situation. And, on that note, I believe I can speak for the entire family when I say that we are grateful for your efforts, regardlessof the outcome. No one could blame you if you simply washed your hands of the entire mess.”
He shook his head. “It is a mess I helped to create, but I have another motivation.”
“Elizabeth, of course.”
“Yes. I am willing to marry her regardless of her reputation, but I cannot deny that my family would disapprove quite strongly if she was considered ruined as a result of Miss Lydia’s actions.”
“You are related to the Earl and Countess of Matlock, I believe.”
“They are my aunt and uncle.”
“Their disapproval would be a difficult burden for Elizabeth, were she to attempt to enter London society. Ah, and you are concerned for Miss Darcy, of course. I see that you are strongly motivated indeed, Mr. Darcy. If there is anything I can do to help, you have but to ask.”
“If you see Miss Lydia, hear from her, anything at all, I beg you to send word to me. I may be at Netherfield for the next few weeks, possibly longer, but any message you send to Darcy House will be forwarded to me at once.”
With that, he bowed respectfully, asked that his condolences be passed on to Mr. Gardiner, and took his leave.
Chapter Twenty
Mr. Bingley did not come that day, as he was still bound to the rule of coming only once every three days, but they had a surprise visitor in his place.
“Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Hill announced.
Elizabeth, Jane and Mary were in the drawing room, attending to their workbaskets; Kitty was in the garden, gathering blooms. Elizabeth gasped upon hearing that name; Jane looked at her quickly, concern on her face. Mary simply looked surprised.
The three girls rose and curtsied; Elizabeth kept her eyes on the ground, her heart pounding furiously. Mr. Darcy here at Longbourn! What could it mean?
Jane said, quietly, “You are most welcome, Mr. Darcy. May we offer refreshments?”
“Thank you, Miss Bennet, that would be very kind.”
“You are staying at Netherfield?” Jane continued, hoping to give Lizzy some time to compose herself.
“I am, though, I have not yet been there. I chose to come to Longbourn first.” Mr. Darcy glanced at Miss Elizabeth, hoping she would speak.
“I am certain Mr. Bingley will be glad to see you,” Jane went on.
