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She read again, hoping she had misunderstood, but the meaning was clear, as were the consequences for them all. Instead of news of her eldest sister’s engagement, she had received an account of her youngest sister’s elopement with a man whose character she knew too well. She could not believe he loved Lydia or intended to marry her, as Jane hoped. They would not go to Scotland merely because Lydia expected it. Far more likely, he would leave her in misery and disgrace.

But why Lydia? What could Wickham gain from it? Her sister had no fortune or connections to tempt him, and Elizabeth found no answer as she continued reading.

My dearest Lizzy,

I beg you to return to Longbourn as soon as you can. Our father has already left for Town with Mr Bingley. Oh, Lizzy, he has been so kind! He offered his help at once. How shall we ever repay him? I fear they may not find Lydia and Mr Wickham in time. Colonel Forster has spoken unfavourably of Mr Wickham and offered to assist in the search. Our uncle’s presence would help most.

My dear, even amidst this dreadful trouble, I have some happy news to give you. Mr Bingley came yesterday and asked me to marry him, then spoke with Papa. He was so determined that we announced our engagement before they left for London. I have never seen him so decided. He assured me again and again that Lydia’s conduct could not alter his wish to marry me, and he wanted us all to know it before he went away. Mama is in tears, and I scarcely know how to account for my own feelings. I am so afraid for Lydia, yet Mr Bingley has made me happier than I can describe.

Elizabeth let the letter fall and looked about her in bewilderment. Everything was lost, for herself and her family. She must leave Pemberley at once, perhaps never to return. Darcy would not marry her now, no matter what Mr Bingley might be willing to accept for Jane’s sake. Such a scandal would be unbearable to a family as proud as his.

Only a few moments before, she had been thinking of her wedding, and now she could see nothing beyond Lydia’s disgrace. She was angry with her sister and her parents for giving her so much freedom. Yet Lydia was in danger, and their father must be suffering terribly. They needed her, and she ought to think of nothing else.

She rose abruptly and gathered the letters from the carpet, pressing them together. Then she hesitated, uncertain what to do first. She must find her aunt and uncle.

Hurrying towards their rooms, she nearly collided with Darcy. Her face was pale, and tears rose before she could restrain them. He took her into his arms, thinking only of her distress.

“My love, what has happened? Good God, are you ill? Come and sit down. You cannot walk about in such a state!”

She tried to continue, but he gently drew her into the drawing room and seated her beside him on the sofa, still holding her arm.

“I must speak to my uncle and aunt. We must leave for London at once. There is no time to lose.”

“London? Now? What is the matter, Elizabeth? You frighten me. Is someone ill?”

She struggled to hold back her tears, and his concern grew. “I shall send for Mr Gardiner, but please remain here. I shall have something brought for you to drink. Georgiana can come—”

“No! Not Georgiana!” she exclaimed, unconsciously tightening her hold on his hand. He closed his fingers around hers and sat back, looking at her closely.

“What has happened?” he asked again, more gently. “There must be something we can do…”

“There is nothing,” she answered faintly, scarcely able to breathe.

“Lydia…she has left Brighton with Mr Wickham…she has eloped with him…”

The words faltered as Darcy stared at her in disbelief. He released her hands, and she felt suddenly alone. Already, a distance seemed to lie between them.

“Jane has asked for our uncle. My father and Mr Bingley have gone to Town. But what can they do? I fear he has deceived her. She is so young and thoughtless…she must believe herself in love with him.”

Darcy, as pale as she was, remained silent while she struggled to continue.

“It is my fault…I knew what he was…I should have told my father. If only I had warned him…”

“No, the fault is mine,” Darcy interrupted. “I should have exposed him long ago. My pride kept me silent, and left him free to deceive another young woman.”

“Darcy, please do not say so. No one could blame you—”

He shook his head, unwilling to be comforted, and spoke firmly.

“I shall fetch your uncle. Tell him what has happened and prepare to leave. You are right that we must lose no time. I must speak to my sister.”

He gave instructions and hurried away. Elizabeth wished he had stayed a moment longer, but she must tell her uncle what had happened and prepare to leave.

Elizabeth tried to compose herself. A maid brought tea, but she declined it and accepted only a glass of water.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner soon arrived, shocked to find their niece in such distress after the happiness of breakfast. Her aunt embraced her, then gave the letters to Mr Gardiner. Elizabeth spoke as if in a dream, hardly able to repeat the news. Her uncle tried to appear calm, although he was deeply troubled.

“Lizzy, my dear, try to be calm. This is dreadful news, but we must not assume the worst before we know more. Lydia has a family who will protect her. Surely he would not dare abandon her. She is a gentleman’s daughter, and he is an educated officer. We shall find some way to help her, even if I cannot yet tell you how.”