Page 64 of First Impressions
“You would love her though; she’s perfect, just like you,” Beth teased as she put her cup in the sink, trying to steer their conversation towards a lighter note.
Jane rolled her eyes at her sister, about to respond when the doorbell rang. Beth saw her eyes light up with hope and excitement, knowing that it was probably Charles at the door. She gave her a sheepish smile and rushed out of the kitchen to let him in.
Beth gave them a minute alone in the hall before following her sister out to see if Charles could give them any more details about finding Lydia.
“Hey, Charles,” Beth said awkwardly, still unsure how much he knew about her relationship with Darcy. “So what happened this morning? Was Ben sure that they went to the Hamptons?”
“Well he wasn’t sure if that was their final destination, but I guess George was there this morning, packing a bag when Lydia showed up. Ben seemed to think that George hadn’t planned on Lydia being there; he looked like he was just packing an overnight bag and then was surprised by Lydia’s arrival,” Charles revealed. “Your dad and I think that George probably planned on disappearing before Lydia or her family could force him into marrying her or some sort of commitment.”
“What a lowlife,” Beth said in disgust.
“Yeah. So, when she showed up at their place, it took him by surprise, but he told her that they would go visit some people in the Hamptons for a few days. Maybe he didn’t want to create a scene? Or he changed his mind? We’re not sure,” he continued. “I have a feeling he’s going to take her to the Hamptons, get her settled, and then disappear. By the time she realizes he left her and contacts either friends or family to come and get her, he will be long gone.”
“How terrible,” Jane gasped. “Poor Lydia, she will be heartbroken.”
“Well, I think your dad and Phil will find them both before it gets to that point. Hopefully, they can resolve everything amicably.”
“Did they just leave for the Hamptons?” Beth asked.
“Oh no, they left Ben’s place by nine-thirty this morning. I had to take care of a couple things for a friendbefore I could get over here. So, they’ve definitely made it there by now. Hopefully, they’ve found her.”
“Oh, I see.”Darcy.
“I know your dad only wants to call once everything has been fixed; he doesn’t want to take your mom on an emotional rollercoaster with every step.” Jane’s concern for their mother washed over her face and seeing it, Charles gave her a smile as he gave her hand a comforting squeeze.
Beth nodded her head in agreement; it was probably for the best to only update her mom once Lydia was found.
Suddenly, a piercing scream came from the second floor.
“JANE! BETH!” their names followed the scream that came from their mother and they both rushed up the stairs, fearing the worst.
Chapter Forty-One
“Mom! What happened? Are you ok?”Jane yelled as they ran down the hall into their mother’s room.
She was no longer lying down but standing in the middle of the room, her phone in her hand with the biggest smile on her face.
Jane rushed over to her, “Mom, sit. What happened? What’s wrong?”
“Sit! Why would I sit! I want to jump and dance for joy!” Their mom grabbed Jane’s hands in excitement, “I’ve just heard from your father.”
“Did they find Lydia?” Beth interjected, wishing her mom would stop drawing it out and just tell them what happened.
“Yes!”
“Oh, thank God!” Jane exclaimed in relief and hugged her mom.
“Beth, go get Mary and Kat, I want to tell them the good news!”
Beth returned with her younger sisters a moment later.
“So when will she be home? What about George? What’s going to happen with the baby?” Beth asked now that the rest of the family was present.
“Girls, your father and Uncle Phil have found your sister,” her mother began, completely ignoring her questions. “But that’s not the best part,” she squealed with glee, “Lydia and George are getting married!”
“What?” “When?” Jane and Beth asked simultaneously.
“Right now! Of course, we will have to look into throwing them some sort of party when they return, but your father called and they were at the courthouse as we spoke signing their marriage certificate! Isn’t this wonderful?!” her mother was in heaven. “Just think, my darling little Lydia, a married woman with a baby on the way. Yes, we will definitely have to have something here. Now, who should I call first…” she trailed off in thoughts to herself, leaving the remaining Bennet sisters staring blankly at each other.
