Page 34 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“You said he was shot attempting to take the dear girl? Oh, Heaven forefend. What must she be suffering?” Mrs. Bennet was aghast.
“Jane and I stayed with her through the night, Charlotte, too, so she could talk and then sleep. Today, she has Charlotte, her cousins, brother, and her aunt and uncle, though the earl has escorted us home. I could not, in good conscience, deny herany comfort when she asked us to keep her company the night through.”
“Well, of course, you had to stay with her, the poor girl.” Mrs. Bennet felt ill at the thought of Miss Darcy suffering such a thing.
“Though the Countess of Matlock and Miss de Bourgh did accompany Lord Matlock to Netherfield, we are closer to her in age. I regret our delay, but Miss Darcy and Charlotte had the greater need.”
“You are all such good girls, and here again prove your judgment is sound,” Mrs. Bennet said, discounting the apology with a flutter of her handkerchief.
Her other daughters despaired of the news. Mrs. Bennet was relieved when her eldest daughters assured them that, with a whole night’s rest and the support of her family and friends, Miss Darcy was of a happier constitution when she awoke this morning.
“Who shot him? Was it Captain Carter? He is ever so dashing,” Lydia said, her hand pressed to her chest and looking desperate to swoon.
“No, he was shot by those who would protect Miss Darcy. She knows two guardians, one being a colonel in the regulars. The other? Our Charlotte, in defense, when Lieutenant Wickham picked up a gun.”
“Charlotte? No!”
“You cannot say it does not sound like Charlotte. She would do anything to protect those she cares for,” Mary said in her practical way.
“True. But poor Charlotte. What is to become of her?” Mrs. Bennet had never experienced such contrary emotions. The fear for Miss Darcy, the understanding that the man who had tried to abduct her had been shot. That Charlotte, beloved friend of her daughters, had taken such a defense of a girl unknown?What must Lady Lucas feel at the loss of her eldest daughter, now more friend than child?
“She did no wrong. She only acted in defense of the earl’s family. Miss de Bourgh intends that Charlotte go to Kent with her. She is to be at Rosings Park—yes, that Rosings Park”—nodding toward her father’s bookroom. “Miss de Bourgh intends to see that she is quite settled in an excellent situation.”
“Lizzy speaks true. The Matlocks and the Darcys are grateful, but I believe Miss de Bourgh also hopes to make a friend of Charlotte. Perhaps she is in want of company with no sisters or brothers, younger or older,” Jane said, kissing Kitty’s brow.
“Oh, to know such a situation in a great house with no noisy sisters to bother me,” Elizabeth said with feigned wistfulness.
“La! How dull would be your days without us, Lizzy,” Lydia said, rolling her eyes.
“Lizzy, you would not have heard, but a soldier is missing. You did not happen upon one as you returned? It seems he has run up debts and is both a thief and a liar. A runner from Bow Street has come to claim him,” Kitty said, thrilled with the drama occurring in their small hamlet. “The runner is fearsome handsome, and soserious.”
“I suspect that is the man who attempted to harm our friend and was killed,” Jane said, patting her younger sister’s hand in an effort to calm her.
“Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have known the man most of their lives. Mr. Darcy posited that Lieutenant Wickham had run from debts,” Elizabeth said.
“My goodness!” Mrs. Bennet fanned herself, near to being overwhelmed with such tidings.
“I would impart some happy news, Mama. Mr. Bingley and I are to be betrothed. He intends to come within the next hour to seek Papa’s permission.”
“Oh, happy day!” Mrs. Bennet thought her heart might well burst from her chest. “Oh, my dear Jane. I am sorry your betrothal has such unpleasantness surrounding it. Perhaps Mr. Bingley would like an invitation to tea? He and Miss Darcy might come with Mr. Darcy?”
“Fear not, Mother. He is soon to arrive. I can promise you he will not delay,” Jane said, looking out the window.
Mrs. Bennet struggled against the urge to flutter about, and for far greater causes than an entail or how to marry off five daughters.
Anearlwas in her house. That missing soldier hunted by the Bow Street runner had attempted toabscondwith the sweet Miss Darcy. In consideration of her nerves, her husband tried to silence his cousin. That by itself was an unprecedented event.
Now to know her dearest Jane might be officially betrothed before the day’s end… Feeling herself giddy at such thoughts, she required diversion. Then Jane laid a gentle hand on her arm, and Mrs. Bennet recalled to herself the revelations concerning her behavior. Yes, shemustcalm. “Oh, I am so happy for you, dear, sweet Jane. This is the loveliest news. Thank you, child. And how does your friend Mr. Darcy fare, Lizzy? Beyond the fear for his sister, of course.”
“Mr. Darcy has declared it a rare thing to find a woman who puts compatibility above materialistic hopes and pays us a compliment, and you, Mama. We have asserted that he and I will remain friends even after he returns to Town. We both regretted our not meeting earlier in the spring at Aunt Gardiner’s dinner.” Elizabeth leant to kiss her hand.
Mrs. Bennet couldn’t help wondering if Lizzy had made a conquest of the rich gentleman but thought better of asking.Mrs. Bennet saw relief in all her daughters that she had not pressed for more than was offered, given that an earl was in her house. It was proven when Mary, staid Mary, squeezed her wrist in approval.
“Though we all learned much at the assembly, understanding makes way for our betterment, Lizzy. I choose Jane’s way, to be grateful for what is good,” Mrs. Bennet said, patting Elizabeth’s hand.
The ladies in the drawing room stood when the earl returned. He bowed his head to acknowledge them, then assured the ladies they need never suffer any foolishness from Mr. Collins.
When Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins joined them, Mr. Bennet informed his wife that he and the earl would see Mr. Philips.
