“If you are set on this, I will have her brought down to you at once. But first, Darcy, allow me to caution you.”
“On what subject?”
“The subject of your intended marriage. Do not move hastily, Darcy. Many young men have done so and lived to regret their actions. I think it best that you introduce me to your young lady before you enter into an engagement. I have no right tointerfere, of course, but I remain concerned as to your young lady’s character, given her sister’s actions.”
“I shall bear your words in mind, Aunt,” was Mr. Darcy’s noncommittal response.
His aunt frowned at him, but she went to pull the bell cord.
It was just ten minutes before Lydia was standing before him. “Why – why, Mr. Darcy!” she exclaimed.
“Miss Lydia,” he returned. “I cannot tell you how very glad I am to see you!”
“I – I am not certain what to say, Mr. Darcy. I am very confused by all this.”
“I can understand that. Miss Lydia, I am prepared to bring you to the Gardiners this very minute.”
“Oh! I am so very grateful, Mr. Darcy!” Her voice trembled with emotion. “Please, I just need to get my satchel.”
“Of course, Miss Lydia.”
***
The moment Mr. Darcy and Miss Lydia left, the Countess sat down at her desk.
Dear Richard,
I found your girl for you, as it happens. She had been rescued by the Greenfields, and has been serving in their household as a maid all these months, if you can credit it! I saw her at Greenfield House and recognised her. Darcy has come to take her away to some tradesman relatives of hers in London.
Richard, despite my warnings and pleas that he wait, I fear that your cousin is about to make a dreadful mistake. He insists on marrying Elizabeth Bennet. The family isbeneath him, Richard, no matter how charming the young lady may be.
I need you to go to Meryton and stop him at once!
Your loving but determined,
Mother
Chapter Forty-Nine
Mr. Darcy considered sending a messenger to the Gardiners first, but decided that good news need not wait, particularly as it was already evening. He waited while Miss Lydia gathered up her little satchel and then handed her into the Fitzwilliam’s carriage.
As they drove, Lydia stared down at her hands.
“You are concerned, Miss Lydia?”
She looked up at him, uncertainly. “Mr. Darcy, I have done everything wrong. I would not blame my family if they wanted nothing whatever to do with me.”
“I am certain that will have a good deal to say on the subject of your behaviour, Miss Lydia, but surely enduring their censure is a far better alternative than spending the rest of your life as a housemaid.”
“I suppose it is. I have never been very good at being scolded.”
“And I would wager that you were never very good at making beds and emptying bedpans before, either.”
Lydia managed a laugh. “No, but I am now quite proficient.”
“Make up your mind to become proficient at being scolded, and all will be well.”
Lydia took a long breath as the carriage turned onto Gracechurch Street. “Mr. Darcy, you have been most kind to me. I cannot thank you and the Countess enough, truly. I am not quite myself yet, or I should be able to express myself better. Butplease do not tell my family that I am found quite yet, will you? My aunt and uncle must decide what to do with me. They may think it best for me to disappear forever, given my disgraceful conduct.”
