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“Well, if that is not the outside of enough,” Lizzy protested. “‘You have departed the care of Harriet’ she complains, as if Harriet cared a tuppence for me, and my parents assume I meekly put myself into the hands of an uncle who has never bothered to meet any of us! My parents assume I was dropped at an address in Cheapside, with my only introduction a letter demanding that uncle find me something to do. My parents could care less where I am now!”
For the first time in two days, Mr Darcy touched her, cautiously laying a hand upon her shoulder, his dark eyes full of compassion. He said nothing, but she knew he wished to be a support, a true friend. She pushed her anger back into the small home in her soul she allowed it, managing a rueful smile as she continued reading.
Bingley assures me that Lady Catherine was more than enough chaperonage for you and Miss Darcy, and thus I do not doubt it. And yet, I could hardly rest, knowing Miss Darcy’s fears for her brother’s health and the delicate nature of his illness.
“At least she did not outright accuse you of madness,” Lizzy interjected, grinning up at him impishly.
His soft smile nearly undid her, and she hurriedly returned to Jane’s letter.
We arrived at Darcy House mere minutes after Colonel Fitzwilliam and but a few hours after your departure with Mr Darcy—although we did not, of course, know you accompanied him at the time.
“Oh, did you hear that? Georgiana, Mrs Taylor, even Bertie and the stable boys fooled them all, if they believed us to have had a three-hour start on them. You owe Mr Frost and James apologies—they told you they would inform no one.”
He nodded in agreement.
Of course, we discovered at once you were not there, and, Lizzy, I do not quite understand how the confusion arose, but Lady Catherine and the housekeeper believed you to have returned to Hertfordshire! On the post! Miss Darcy did not like to correct her aunt, but she knew all along that you had not. I would tell this to no one but you, but I cannot feel any fondness for Lady Catherine, though she is sister to an earl. I believe her to have been understandably distressed by Mr Darcy’s departure, but she was not polite. However, I digress.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was terribly concerned for Mr Darcy and also for Miss Darcy. It seems that the earl wished to promote a match between them—between Miss Darcy and the colonel, I mean. Both oppose the idea most strenuously, although I am not quite certain why, as it would serve quite well. However, having married Bingley for love, I am the last person to object to the notion in others. Nevertheless, Colonel Fitzwilliam had an additional motive for speedily wishing a resolution to Mr Darcy’s troubles, for in an effort to thwart his father’s matrimonial designs, he accepted a military assignment taking him out of England. He expects to be away for several months, at least.
“Fitz,” Darcy muttered, shaking his head. “Bloody sneak.”
Without ever checking upon his cousin. Such neglect had to have hurt him, if they were close. But she tried to paint his actions in the best possible light. “Clever, I suppose. And we shall be charitable and assume that he only promotes your sister’s welfare. I still believe we fled just in time, however. I cannot trust Lady Catherine’s reason.”
“Mammering madwoman,” he muttered.
Lizzy turned back to the letter.
The colonel wished to return Miss Darcy to her companion in Ramsgate, but Lizzy, she was adamant that she would not and that if he tried to take her to that ‘horrid woman’ she would run away! I was appalled at her outburst, but what else could we say except that we would take her back with us to Netherfield? (As Mr Bingley believed the cottage leased in Brighton unsuitable—we never were able to go.) Fortunately, Miss Darcy has been most agreeable—although she failed to tell us that we would not find you awaiting us in Hertfordshire until we were nearly home.
Lord Matlock came to us last week in a most dreadful humour. I suppose I can understand it, for he is doubtless worried about whatever assignment the colonel has undertaken as well as Mr Darcy’s health. We could tell him nothing, further upsetting him. He wished to take Miss Darcy away with him, but she once again objected most strenuously until he conceded. I swear she has not been much in company with Lydia, but the resemblance was marked.
Lizzy met Darcy’s gaze again with raised brow; he looked sheepish.
Sadly, Lydia and Kitty do little except traipse after the officers, while Mary has taken to praying aloud for their souls every time there is a pause in conversation. We used to bicker, but now we can hardly bear to be in each other’s company. Your good humour and sweet spirit are sorely missed.
I suppose you feared coming to us without warning, but, Lizzy, I ought to have assured you before my wedding that you would always be welcome. I have often reread the letter you sent from Ramsgate, and I grieve that you ever felt the need to write it. I was so terribly anxious just before my marriage and regarding the reception of my new sisters. I was not myself. It is my fault, I think, that you hide away from us now. Please come home, Lizzy.
Yours ever,
Jane Bingley
