Page 11 of To Love And To Cherish
Mrs. Gardiner glanced at Elizabeth after the letter was read. The girl’s expression was difficult to read, half amusement, half worry.
“Do not fret, Lizzy,” she said. “He is surrounded by good men, and Professor Elliot is no fool.”
“I know,” Elizabeth murmured. “But the war is closer now. Even here, there is more military presence.”
The third letter arrived in early February. Snow still lingered in the shadows of the streets, and Elizabeth’s hands were perpetually cold from her early morning hours in the stillroom. She waited eagerly for the letter to be opened, but this time Mr. Gardiner’s expression grew grave as he read.
February 16, 1806
My dear friends,
The victory at Austerlitz has turned the tide in ways we could not have foreseen. Travel on the Continent has grown too perilous, and our party must now adjust our plans. We intend to make our way south, perhaps to Greece or the eastern Mediterranean, though nothing is certain.
Should you not hear from me again for some time, I pray you will not be alarmed. The postal service is increasingly disrupted. I will write again upon my return to England, so that you will not fear for my health or safety.
Until then, remain well. And please give my fondest regards to Elizabeth.
Yours most truly,
F. Darcy
That was the last letter they received.
Weeks passed. Then a month.
And in late April, it was not Fitzwilliam’s hand but that ofMr. George Darcywhose writing appeared on a letter addressed to Mr. Gardiner.
It was brief and businesslike. Mr. Darcy senior acknowledged the investment Edward Gardiner managed on his son's behalf and requested that future quarterly reports be sent directly to Pemberley, rather than through the London solicitor. Of Fitzwilliam, he wrote only this:
He is well and intends to remain abroad for some years yet. He will write to you himself when he returns to England, likely within three or four years’ time.
There was no mention of where he was, nor how he fared.
Elizabeth said nothing when Mrs. Gardiner folded the letter and placed it on the sideboard. But the next morning, she lingered a little longer in the stillroom, gazing into the quiet space where Will had spent so many contented hours beside them.
“Aunt,” Elizabeth asked softly, “may I keep Mr. Darcy’s letters? I promise to hide them carefully, in a place where there will be no risk of discovery. They’re addressed to all of us, and if they’re ever found, I can say I borrowed them or they were mistakenly tucked in with my things. I... I’m so worried about him. Somehow, keeping the letters close brings me comfort.”
Mrs. Gardiner studied her niece a moment, then gave a quiet nod. Without a word, she went to her husband’s study, retrieved the three letters, and placed them into Elizabeth’s hand.
“Keep them well hidden, Lizzy,” she said. “Your mother could cause Mr. Darcy a great deal of trouble if she ever laid eyes on them.”
“Yes, Aunt,” Elizabeth whispered. “I will.”
Letter from Mrs. Frances Bennet to Elizabeth Bennet
March 05, 1806
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
Lizzy,
I write to inform you that you are not to return home to Longbourn. Your presence is disruptive, and I will not have your obstinate, headstrong influence undoing all my efforts with your sister.
Jane hasrefuseda most advantageous offer from Mr. Bailey, a man of considerable means, and I am convinced it is the result of your rebellious ideas.
You are not to write to your sisters. I shall have your father’s word on that. Any further interference on your part, and I will hold you solely responsible for the ruination of this family.
Do not return until I say otherwise.
