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“But what is this?” asked Bingley in confusion.
Clearly there was no use being discreet about the situation now that Caroline was in possession of the facts.
“Mrs Bennet has demanded I marry Miss Elizabeth because we fell off the balcony last night,” said Darcy tersely.
“Well, I can think of worse fates!” laughed Bingley before perceiving his friend was in no mood for humour.
“She claims there is gossip that I was trying to take advantage of Miss Elizabeth when it occurred.”
“Well, that is preposterous! All your friends know you are the last man who would take advantage of a lady, Darcy!”
“But see!” exclaimed Caroline with glee. “It is just as I warned you! The mother is a harpy! She will have you next in her claws, Charles! Mark my words!”
Charles shifted uncomfortably. He hated it when his sister was right.
“What are you going to do?” Charles asked Darcy uncertainly.
“I will not deign to reply,” said Darcy firmly. “Had Mr Bennet made the same demands I might have felt it necessary to explain the situation in writing, but he has not. I intend to return to London as soon as I may.”
“And you will go with Mr Darcy and attend to your business as you should, Charles!” added Caroline.
Charles sighed. Perhaps today was not the best day to propose to Miss Bennet after all. He would go to visit her alone once he returned from London.
“Very well, Caroline,” he agreed. “Come Darcy, sit down and have some breakfast, and we will depart as soon as our valets are ready.”
Caroline gave her brother a peck on the cheek: “I shall inform your valet Crimplesham myself and make sure Mrs Nicolls packs something tasty for your saddlebag, Charles.”
“Thank you, Caroline,” Charles said glumly.
An hour later, the gentlemen mounted their horses and headed out the gate for London, followed by Darcy’s carriage with their valets inside.
The dust had barely settled in the drive when Caroline summoned Mrs Nicolls to inform her that the rest of the Netherfield party would follow as soon as the Hursts’ carriage could be readied.
“But Mr and Mrs Hurst have only just sat down to breakfast, Miss Bingley,” said the housekeeper, flabbergasted; “and the staff are still cleaning up from last night!”
The muscle in Caroline’s right cheek ticked with annoyance. “They will prepare for the departure first and clean up second. Is that clear?”
Properly humbled, Mrs Nicolls curtsied.
“And I need a footman,” said Caroline, “to take a note to Longbourn upon our departure.”
“Yes, ma’am,” acknowledged Mrs Nicolls, curtseying again and hurrying away.
Chapter 7: Half-sick of shadows
At Longbourn, Jane waited for the arrival of her swain with a mixture of hope and anxiety. The death of her father had rocked her composure and left its mark on her normally serene countenance; but, for both her mother and Lizzy, she knew she had to be strong. While she could not approve of the letter her mother had sent to Mr Darcy, Jane’s only regret was that she had not risen earlier to calm her mother’s nerves and take preventative action. As for Lizzy, Jane knew that of all the Bennet sisters, Lizzy would miss their father most keenly, being closest to him in intelligence and temperament. Although Mr Bennet had been fond of declaring all his daughters silly, he had known that Elizabeth was very quick, and had she been a son, he would have moved heaven and earth to ensure she had received a university education. Lizzy had been Mr Bennet’s favourite daughter, and Jane did not begrudge her sister that, because Lizzy had never quite pleased their mother.
In response to Mrs Bennet’s letter apprising her of Mr Bennet’s death, Aunt Philips arrived before lunch to support her sister. Jane was grateful that her aunt could now occupy her mother, but her timely appearance stood in stark contrast to the non-arrival of the tenant of Netherfield following the delivery of Mrs Bennet’s other letter.
As the afternoon wore on and Mr Bingley still did not appear, Jane’s anxiety increased until she felt she might almost scream. When the long clock struck three, she could stand it no more and looking around surreptitiously, Jane stepped into the coat cupboard under the stairs, put her handkerchief up to her mouth, and inhaled the lavender scent deeply. That seemed to help a little and taking another deep breath, she stood up tall and let herself out of the cupboard, almost hitting Mr Hill with the door.
“Oh!” she gasped.
“There you are, Miss Bennet! Is there aught amiss?”
“Ah… no! I caught my gown in the door as I closed it and was trying to set it free!”
Jane mentally winced. She knew she was a terrible liar.
