Page 34 of Wedding at Pemberley

∞∞∞

The following morning brought no news. Everyone seemed more tired and worried, scarcely speaking to one another.

At last, Elizabeth received a letter from Darcy, asking them to remain at home until they heard from him. He intended to search for Wickham with Bingley and promised to keep them informed. Elizabeth tried to suppress a smile when she reached his final words.

My beloved, I cannot exist without you!

They followed his advice and remained at home, with little to occupy them. The gentlemen withdrew to the library, leaving Mrs Gardiner to speak privately with her niece.

“Lizzy, my dear, you have always been like a daughter to me, but lately I have begun to think of you more as a friend. I hope you feel the same.”

It was an unusual beginning. Elizabeth nodded, knowing she could speak more freely to her aunt than to her mother, but suspecting that what followed would not be pleasant.

“I grieve for Lydia, but I worry most about you and Jane. Her recklessness threatens so much of your happiness. My dear, I hope you will marry Mr Darcy, but you must keep your hopes within reason.”

Elizabeth looked at her aunt in despair. That fear had troubled her too. Despite their preparations and Darcy’s determination, she worried that his family might persuade him to end their engagement.

She could no longer hold back her tears. “I judged him so wrongly…all those unkind things I said of him, when he has been so kind to me…to us…and yes, I want to be his wife. He wants it too. But Lydia’s elopement has changed everything. I can only pray that Mr Bingley will not abandon Jane.”

“Do not worry about that, my dear. You heard your father last night. Mr Bingley is determined to marry Jane, and his family cannot oppose him as Mr Darcy’s may. He will not leave Netherfield and Jane again.”

“I hope you are right, Aunt.”

“I am certain of it. As for Mr Darcy, we have reason to hope, Lizzy, but try to think calmly and do not let yourself dream too much for now.”

“I know! It is not only the elopement. It is Wickham himself. Mr Darcy’s family despise him. His ingratitude and his conduct have hurt both Mr and Miss Darcy. Mr Darcy will never accept him as a relation.”

“My dear, let us not say ‘never’ too readily. I do not ask you to give up hope, only to be cautious. We must wait and see what happens. Now you ought to rest, and so shall I.”

Elizabeth went to her chamber, still distressed. Her aunt had warned her against hoping too much for the marriage, but had not asked her to abandon hope.

The hours passed slowly, and no news came.

At last, that evening, Darcy and Bingley arrived and were eagerly welcomed.

“Have you learnt anything?” Mr Gardiner asked.

“Not yet,” Darcy replied with some hesitation. “I have information that may help us, but I would rather say no more until I know whether anything will come of it.”

“But do you believe you can find them? Could we not search too? We might divide the town between us and look even in the less…respectable streets,” Elizabeth suggested anxiously.

Darcy frowned at her. He wished to comfort her and tell her how much he loved her, but their present difficulties left little opportunity.

“Miss Bennet, I understand your concern, but you must not go looking for them where I suspect they are hiding. Those streets are no place for you. Please do not put yourself in danger.”

The exchange was entirely proper, but their concern for each other caught Mr Bennet’s attention. He worried that Lizzy had accepted too hastily. How had her opinion changed so much? He had even feared she might consider marrying for her family’s sake, but the looks they exchanged suggested otherwise. Darcy plainly loved her, and his proud daughter appeared to return his affection. They must discuss it when Lydia no longer occupied all their thoughts.

“But is there nothing we can do?” Elizabeth persisted.

“For now, Bingley and I will make enquiries using the information we have. I shall let your father and uncle know as soon as they can help.”

“But I cannot sit at home while you deal with the consequences of my neglect,” Mr Bennet said.

Darcy grew more serious. “Mr Bennet, forgive me if I have appeared to interfere. I did not mean to disregard your wishes concerning your daughter. I merely know something that may help us find them sooner.”

Mr Bennet shook his head. “Please do not take my words as a complaint. I did not mean them so. I am more grateful than I can say for your help.”

“Do not mention it, sir,” Darcy replied with relief, glancing towards Elizabeth. “Wickham is my responsibility, and I have failed.”