Elizabeth nodded. Mr. Darcy said, “Knowing the thieves are about, I should not think it safe for the ladies to travel with only a groom. I will come in the morning to escort you there. I would caution any lady from being out just now without significant protection.”
Elizabeth was grateful for Mr. Darcy’s consideration, and embarrassed that he alluded to her habit of riding alone at dawn. There would not be any of that now. Her rides may have been on the reckless side, but she would never dare to encounter an individual who had risked so much. Warpole, whether he was cut out for such a life or no, must be a rather desperate man by now.
Mr. Bingley’s face underwent several changes, from reddening to paling. “But surely,” he said, “I must come and escort the ladies. After all, it was I who took the house and now cause the ladies to travel. I insist I come.”
Jane smiled prettily. Mr. Darcy said, “Nonsense. You have a household to arrange—your time will be much taken up with it.”
Mr. Bingley’s mouth moved in several directions, as if it struggled to find the words that ought to come out of it.
“It is settled, then,” Mr. Darcy said.
That evening the Bennet household felt rather bereft. They had grown used to having so many people in the house that, now they had gone, it seemed rather lonely. The conversation at dinner was desultory and peppered with long sighs from Mrs. Bennet.
“I do not see why everybody is so full of frowns,” Lydia said. “The ball is on the morrow. Had you forgotten?”
Elizabeth started. In truth, she had forgotten. It seemed an odd thing to have a ball in the midst of everything they had discovered and everything they must discover going forward. Warpole was out there somewhere, and they were to have a ball?
She wondered if Lady Castlereagh wished to go forward with it. The lady had devised the scheme to pass the time and find some amusement, but in the face of recent discoveries she might find she was not up to it.
“I shouldn’t wonder if it is called off,” Elizabeth said. “I cannot imagine that Lady Castlereagh is interested in attending a ball. She has been deeply struck with the discovery that her servant, who she had always viewed as faithful, has brought this calamity upon her head.”
Lydia was momentarily frozen by the suggestion. Once she was able to articulate, she began a harangue against Elizabeth such that nobody in the family had ever heard. Lizzy was cruel to even suggest it and had better not suggest the same to Lady Castlereagh and they were going to a ball and Mr. Bingley had better be ready for them and all the best officers were coming and wanted to dance with her and she would slap the person who stopped it.
At that point, Mr. Bennet held his hand up to silence her. “Remove yourself, Lydia,” he said. “I do not wish to hear one more word from you this evening.”
Lydia appeared to gird herself for more threats and then thought better of it. She trounced from the dining room and howled up the stairs, because apparently Mr. Bennet had forgotten to forbid her to howl.
The rest of the meal passed in near silence. Elizabeth began to feel her nerves on edge and found herself glancing at the darkened windows. Warpole was out there somewhere, waiting and watching. But for what? As his confession did not make any rational sense, could it be that the man had gone mad?
That thought disturbed her more than any. One could not reason with or predict the actions of a person gone mad.
She realized that the house did not only feel lonely. It felt less safe. Mr. Darcy might hold ridiculous opinions and condemn her for her behavior but were he in the house she knew she would feel as if nothing could befall her. She knew she should feel perfectly protected with her papa at home, and yet she would feel more confident if Mr. Darcy were still here.
Elizabeth pinched herself. She was being entirely silly and allowing her imagination to get the better of her.
Darcy had retired early, leaving Georgiana to read to Lady Castlereagh while Bingley stared out the drawing room window in the direction of Longbourn.
There were times when he found it necessary to be alone, away from the voices surrounding him. Often, he would encounter an uncomfortable, unnamed feeling and only by closing his door behind him would the thing that bothered him present itself to his conscious mind. It was like a fog that would not clear until the sunshine of silence burned it away.
This night, he poured a small glass of brandy and sat in his dressing room. The thing that bothered him at present had to do with Warpole. And Miss Bennet. He had said he would ride to Longbourn in the morning to escort the ladies to Netherfield. It had felt entirely sufficient when he’d said it. But now, he had the uncomfortable feeling that he had abandoned the Bennet household. What if Warpole were to do something desperate? What if he had placed Elizabeth Bennet in danger by his lack of forethought? What if she were injured, or worse?
It did not escape him that he wondered if he had placed Miss Bennet in danger, but had not given much thought to her sisters or anybody else in the house. Cantering away from Longbourn he’d felt some feeling he could not quite pin down. He had assured himself that Miss Bennet meant nothing to him, because she should not mean anything to him. Upon leaving, however, he realized that he did not much want to go.
It was well that he had gone, though. Whatever this feeling, it must be dismissed immediately. In any case, he assured himself, it was likely only his concern over the family’s safety that perturbed him.
Not liking to consider a problem without devising a solution, Darcy rose and found a sheet of paper. He would write to his solicitor in London and have a dozen men sent down to guard both houses. Then, he could congratulate himself that he’d done his duty and refrain from thinking about Elizabeth Bennet further.
Chapter Nine
Elizabeth had come down to the breakfast room earlier than her usual time and found only Mr. Bennet and Lydia at table. Lydia sullenly buttered her toast while Mr. Bennet perused a letter.
As Elizabeth sat down and poured tea, Mr. Bennet suddenly guffawed.
“Papa,” Elizabeth said, “what amuses you so early in the morning?”
“It is probably the ball called off,” Lydia said. “The world is always amused when I am vexed.”
“While that would amuse me, Lydia, as you have been such an unpleasant creature concerning it, this is far more delightful,” Mr. Bennet said. “Mr. Collins, that scoundrel who will take everything from you, including my carriage which he will use to drop you at the poor house, intends to visit.”
“Mama shall murder him before he crosses the threshold,” Lydia said. “She has said so many times.”
“Your mother will have a change of heart when she understands that Mr. Collins wishes to court one of my daughters. In the most ridiculous terms, he has indicated that he sees it as only practical, as he worries that you might all become spinsters and he will know not what to do with you.”
“Heavens,” Elizabeth said, “does he say which of us he is to court, or is he to arrive and have a look about him first?”
“I will only look at him if he is devilishly handsome and dashing and brave,” Lydia said.
“He had better be all of that,” Mr. Bennet said, “to make up for this atrocious letter. I suspect our Mr. Collins of being a consummate fool, and I look forward to whatever mayhem and amusement he may bring.”
“May I, papa?” Elizabeth asked.
Mr. Bennet passed her the letter and then leaned back with a satisfied expression. There was little he liked better than sharing a joke with Lizzy, as they had the same understanding of the absurd.
Elizabeth read through the letter, her face flushing for Mr. Collins.
Dear Sir,
As my father was, shall we say, out of sorts last you met, I am a person wholly unknown to you. I wish to correct that sir! I have been in deep consultation with my patroness, the illustrious Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and she has counseled me to re-establish relations with my relations. She has further advised that I marry, but only to a particular sort
of lady. She must be elegant, yet humble, well-read but not squinty from it, a lady with a sharp eye on household doings and yet one who can happily take advice regarding the placement of closets, and she must be excellent at economy as my living leans a little on the thin side. (This sir, is the exact list from Lady Catherine, whose judgment is unparalleled in England)
Elizabeth snorted and quickly covered her mouth.
“You have got to the list, I see,” Mr. Bennet said.
Elizabeth nodded and read on.
It is my view, sir, that you, being in possession of five daughters, may have such a lady in your house. This would be ideal, as it would leave me with only four to consider what I ought to do about if they all end as spinsters.
“Goodness,” Elizabeth murmured.
In conclusion, I would propose to arrive on Wednesday for a fortnight. I very much look forward to re-establishing cordial relations with my cordial relations and perhaps marrying one of them.
Faithfully Yours,
William Collins
Elizabeth handed back the letter. “He arrives today? How extraordinary.”
“Does he say if he is handsome or not?” Lydia asked.
“He does not mention it,” Elizabeth said, “though I am rather surprised he does not, considering what he does mention.”
“And he comes without knowing if we should bar the door against him,” her father said. “What do you think of that, Lizzy? You might not be so eager to go off to Netherfield when you have been apprised of this entertainment to occur in our own house.”
“I must go,” Elizabeth said. “I have given my word to Lady Castlereagh, and Mr. Darcy comes to escort us there this morning.”
“Very well,” Mr. Bennet said. “I presume your mother is to go with you, and so Lydia and Kitty must stay home. I do not quite understand why a thief would remain in the area, but if it is so we must be vigilant.”
Lydia appeared on the verge of another explosion, but Mr. Bennet stared her down and said, “If you ruin my breakfast with one unpleasant word, you will not attend the ball this evening.”
With that threat hanging over her head, Lydia turned away and attacked her toast.
Though the Bennet’s carriage could conveniently carry all three Bennets departing for Netherfield, that carriage was currently inconveniently in London with Mr. Quinn. Lady Castlereagh’s carriage had been re-equipped with horses and had taken her to Netherfield the day before. That meant Mrs. Bennet would ride in the curricle though it was not an ideal season for that vehicle, it being open to the weather. The lady had ordered it piled high with blankets and poor Matthew barely had room to sit. Elizabeth and Jane would go on horseback and Elizabeth was not sorry for it. Mercury was not the sort of horse one simply turned out to a field every day. He fell into a sulk if too much time passed without seeing his mistress and when Mercury fell into a sulk, he could be downright unruly.
Mr. Darcy had arrived and stayed on his horse, so she and Jane hurried to mount. Mrs. Bennet had just sailed out of the house, issuing orders to Hill regarding the dinner.
Elizabeth walked Mercury in circles to keep him occupied as Mrs. Bennet said, “It must be one of our best dinners, Hill. Mr. Collins’ patroness is Lady Catherine de Bourgh and so I am certain he is used to very elegant dinners.”
Elizabeth noticed that Mr. Darcy turned and stared at Mrs. Bennet.
“Do you know Mr. Collins, Mr. Darcy?” she asked.
“I do not,” he answered. “Though Lady Catherine is my aunt. I presume him to be her new clergyman.”
“He is, indeed,” Elizabeth said. “Oh, I see. So that is where Miss Darcy was meant to go before she determined to come here.”
“Yes,” Mr. Darcy said.
“What an extraordinary coincidence,” Elizabeth said. “Though perhaps not, after all. We are a small island and I find if one inquires long enough, one generally stumbles upon a mutual acquaintance.”
Mr. Darcy merely nodded and they set off.
The morning was fine, though with a distinct chill in the air. The frost had cleared from the road, but still clung sparkling to the grass. Elizabeth thought Mr. Darcy even more serious and silent than usual. It annoyed her and she had a very great urge to ask him what she could have possibly done so early in the day. She did not, and would not, ask such a question, but it relieved her feelings to think of it.
They rode side by side, Jane’s horse hanging back and always preferring the company of the carriage horses.
“Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said, “I spent some time last evening thinking seriously upon a matter.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together. This was rich, indeed. She was to receive a scolding before she had even dismounted and set foot in the house.
“While our departure from Longbourn was warranted,” Mr. Darcy continued, “as we really did impose too much, I could not help but feel that I had left you unprotected. What I mean to say is, I had left your household unprotected.”
Elizabeth’s breath caught. She was instantly ashamed of herself for assuming Mr. Darcy was determined to say something unpleasant. She had told herself time and again not to assume what was not laid out for her, and time and again she would do it.
“That is not to say that your father is not capable of protecting his family,” Mr. Darcy continued. “It is not at all to say that. It is just that there is a material difference between having one man in the house as opposed to three or four.”
Elizabeth looked away, as she remembered her own feelings about safety the evening before. How she felt she would be safe with Mr. Darcy in the house. That confounded feeling of wishing a person to stay and go away at the same time.
“I was ashamed of my own lack of foresight,” Mr. Darcy went on, “and determined to correct it.”
Correct it? Was he moving back into Longbourn?
“I have sent a man to London who is to return in all haste with a dozen capable men. I will set six around Longbourn and six around Netherfield.”
Elizabeth was struck by this. To take such care of her own house when he need only care for Netherfield. It was the sort of consideration that she had noted when Mr. Darcy made arrangements for Miss Darcy.
She flushed, it having just occurred to her that these efforts were for her particular benefit. He had as good as said as much. What were his words? ‘I could not help but feel that I had left you unprotected. What I mean to say is, your household unprotected.’
“I hope I do not presume too much in making such arrangements,” Mr. Darcy said. “I pray Mr. Bennet will not feel that I have overstepped.”
Elizabeth knew she must say something. Saying something had ever been her strong suit, though she was not certain how to answer now. Quietly, she said, “My father will thank you for your efforts, Mr. Darcy.”
Mr. Darcy nodded and they rode the rest of the way in silence. Elizabeth wished they had not been so silent, as Mrs. Bennet talked to Jane about the impending arrival of Mr. Collins for the rest of the trip. Mr. Collins, her mother noted several times, had a very great patroness, which must speak to his good character. Further, Mr. Collins wished to marry, which decidedly spoke to his good character. Any young man not in pursuit of marriage must be wondered at, in her opinion.
If her own silly assumptions or the cold of the morning had not brought Elizabeth’s cheeks red, her mother’s words certainly had.
As they approached the house, Elizabeth saw two carriages standing. One she recognized as coming from Lucas Lodge and one she recognized as their own.
Mr. Quinn stood by the carriage from Lucas Lodge. That carriage usually only had one driver, young Charlie Bannon, but on this day farmhand Big John sat next to him. Elizabeth approached and Charlotte said, “I am glad to see you, Lizzy. My mama made me promise that I would not set foot out of the carriage until your mama had arrived to chaperone.”
Elizabeth smiled and said, “I see she has also sent Big John to ensure your safety.”
Big John, a man known to
parcel out words as if each might cost him a fortune, merely tipped his hat.
“Miss Lucas cannot be too careful, after what Mr. Darcy apprised me of in his letter,” Mr. Quinn said. “Warpole admits the crime and stays in the area. We have much to consider this morning.”
Elizabeth nodded and worked hard to keep a smile from her face, as she had just noticed Mr. Quinn’s waistcoat. This was one she had not seen before and she assumed he had stayed at his own house while in town and gathered more up. She supposed she should not be surprised to find him wearing porcupines at a Maypole.
Grooms had coming running from all directions, speedily helping the ladies down and taking the horses and carriages away. It was more efficiently done than anything that would occur at Longbourn and not one groom had an opinion on anything. She would not like to lose Jimmy for the world, but she could see the attraction of such speedy and silent disposition.
The party made their way into the house, and Mr. Bingley met them and showed them into the new war room. The breakfast room at Netherfield was twice the size of the Bennets’ drawing room with a long table capable of seating thirty running down the center. Miss Darcy was already in attendance and looking over the tea things. The box of notes stood at the ready and Charlotte began to unpack them and put them in order.
They placed themselves around the table, while Mr. Quinn stood at the head. “First,” he said, “I will apprise you of my discoveries in London, though they may have been made moot by recent events. I was able to confirm that Lady Castlereagh’s maid and her butler did indeed sail on the day I saw them on the wharf, so they are absolved of all involvement in the crime, though they remain two of the most foolhardy people alive. Second, and this one felt more problematic, I could not locate Mr. Cratchet. I went to the Proud Peacock and was informed that he had left the premises with no forwarding address.”
“Lord Castlereagh’s secretary might have gone anywhere for any reason,” Elizabeth said. “What was he to do when he came to the house and found it shut?”
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