by Head, Gail
“It is my duty as a clergyman and as your cousin to assist you. My excellent powers of deduction, cultivated through constant study and application, have led me to the conclusion that Miss Elizabeth has not written at all. Very strange, I must say, for I know her to be a great letter writer. Indeed, she wrote many letters when she was lately with us at Hunsford.”
“Yes – yes, she did! She wrote several excellent letters describing the beauty of Kent and the grandeur of Rosings Park.” Seeing her cousin swell with self-importance, she hurried on in her attempt to distract him. “I have not yet inquired about the health of your esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Is she well?”
“Why, she is in excellent health. And you have called to mind an admirable idea, cousin! I shall apply to Lady Catherine for her advice at once. She will know exactly how to trace Miss Elizabeth. Her ladyship is excessively attentive in matters such as this.”
“But Mr. Collins,” cried Jane in horror, “surely we cannot impose – ”
Mary's sudden entrance into the room forced Jane to swallow the remaining words. It was now impossible to pursue the conversation with her sister in the room. Unhappily, Jane saw her chances of discouraging Mr. Collins fade completely away as Mary revealed the purpose of her coming.
“Oh, Mr. Collins, I did not know you were here,” she observed with an abrupt curtsey. “I am sorry to interrupt, Jane, but Mama is asking for you. She says I do not read to her as well as you and begs you come at once.”
“I see that you are needed,” Mr. Collins said, rising to take his leave. “I shall not detain you any longer; however, please know that I am most obligingly always at your service. I flatter myself that I am particularly attentive to the sensitivity of all matters regarding familial responsibilities. Thus, as to the matter of your sister, you may be assured that I will proceed with the utmost discretion.”
Anxiously, Jane followed him out to his carriage, desperate to convince him that he need not concern himself with finding Elizabeth; but the man stubbornly avowed his obligation to assist. His final condescending farewell left her standing in the drive, thoroughly frustrated and afraid. This is horrible! His interference is sure to cause trouble. If I cannot find a way to stop him, there will be a dreadful scandal, I know it! She moaned softly to herself. And Lady Catherine! Who is to say what will happen if she is informed of our troubles?
Turning back into the house, she paused at the foot of the stairs, unable to make herself climb the steps to her mother's room. Tears flooded her eyes and the crushing weight of her situation made it nearly impossible to breathe. The sustaining thread of hope that Lizzy would come home soon had been cruelly severed with Mr. Collins' visit. Never in her life had she felt so utterly alone. Her beloved Lizzy, the only one she could truly count on in such difficult times, was missing – and under very mysterious circumstances. There was no address, no proper names, nothing that could be used to find her! What could have happened and how had their father come to be so dreadfully mistaken about his own relatives?
Lydia and Kitty's animated voices, shattered the solitude of the house as they entered, snapping Jane back from her dismal reverie. Quickly wiping away her tears, she willed her feet to carry her up the stairs. There was no one to help her now; she could only pray that Uncle Gardiner would have some useful counsel when he arrived. In the meantime, she had to find a way to keep Mr. Collins' unwelcome meddling from destroying their family’s reputation!
Chapter 12
Netherfield's creamy façade fairly glistened in the bright afternoon sun as the carriage from Longbourn slowed its pace and gradually came to a halt. Jane Bennet's heart fluttered anxiously at the prospect of what she was about to do and she offered up a silent prayer that the brief note she had sent ahead would not be rejected out of hand. Murmuring softly to herself, she rehearsed one last time the words she had prepared.
Before she had any time to reconsider, she was out of the carriage and following Wilson to the morning room. There was no turning back now. Jane drew an uneasy breath and forced a smile that looked far better than she actually felt. Stepping into the room, she cast a quick glance around and was relieved to see only one other person present. Even so, it was difficult to maintain her composure as Miss Darcy came to greet her.
“Miss Bennet, I am so glad to see you. I was pleasantly surprised to get your note. How is your father?”
“He is still very ill, but makes a little improvement each day,” Jane replied tentatively. Seeing her report was met with genuine concern, she could only hope the kindness would continue once she revealed the true purpose of her visit. “Miss Darcy, I apologize for my forward manners, but I have little time and must come directly to the point of my visit. I realize what I am about to say is quite presumptuous, particularly since our acquaintance is so newly formed; however I find myself in desperate circumstances and am in great need of your particular help.”
Georgiana's initial bewilderment gave way to a kind and gentle smile as she listened to Jane's impassioned plea. “I shall be happy to assist you, if I can. How I may help?”
A faint pink colored Jane's cheeks and her eyes glanced nervously at the door. She prayed that any report of her arrival would not reach beyond this room. The risk of encountering Mr. Bingley had made the whole endeavor nearly unbearable; but since Miss Darcy was a guest at Netherfield and she was Jane's only hope, there was no other way. She could only plead her case and leave as quickly as possible.
“Are you acquainted with Mr. Collins, Miss Darcy? I believe your aunt, Lady Catherine, granted him the living at Hunsford last year.”
“I have not had much occasion to be in his company; but, yes, I do know him. Has he done something wrong?”
“Not exactly. Not yet, at least,” Jane answered carefully. “First, I must tell you that he is also my cousin and will one day inherit Longbourn. He called on me this morning, and in the course of his visit decided the circumstances of my sister Elizabeth's absence was not to his liking. He has now taken it upon himself to investigate the matter; an event which I fear will invite gossip and speculation of the worst kind. If he is allowed to proceed, my sister's reputation and that of my family will be called into question and perhaps even ruined!”
“Oh, dear, that is a problem indeed; but I am at a loss as to what I can do. I do not think it is in my power to influence the man. My limited experience with him tells me he would hardly listen to a girl of sixteen.”
Jane sighed miserably. “Nor to one of three and twenty, I am afraid. I have begged him not to trouble himself, but it is apparent he listens to no one except Lady Catherine and…” Steeling herself for disappointment, she faltered and then resolutely finished what she came to do. “…and perhaps your brother.”
“My brother?” Georgiana's eyebrows rose. “What has he to do with Mr. Collins?”
“Mr. Darcy is a man of considerable standing, as well as nephew to Lady Catherine. I was hoping I could persuade you to speak to him on my behalf; that he might speak to Mr. Collins. Perhaps Mr. Darcy would succeed where I have not.”
“Of course!” Georgiana cried with sudden understanding. “My brother is just the person to assist you! Wait here one moment and I shall fetch him.”
“No!” The panicked cry was out before Jane could stop it. “Forgive me, Miss Darcy. I only meant that…well, I had hoped you would speak with your brother after I am gone.”
“Miss Bennet, you would do much better speaking directly to him. He is sure to have questions only you can answer.” Georgiana reached out a comforting hand. “I know this is very difficult for you, but please do not distress yourself. My brother seems a bit severe to those who do not know him well, but he is very kind and I am certain he will be happy to do what he can for you.”
Before any further argument could be made, Georgiana hurried away giving every assurance that she would return with her brother directly.
Jane began fretting at once. She had not anticipated having to face Mr. Darcy
in person! Exposing her family's troubles and seeking Miss Darcy's help had taken every bit of courage she could muster. How could she now explain her difficulties to an unrelated gentleman, especially one as imposing and severe as Mr. Darcy? The only thing keeping Jane from abandoning her plan and fleeing at once was the certain knowledge that Mr. Darcy was the one person who could have any effect on Mr. Collins; the only one who could save Lizzy and her whole family from certain ruin.
At the sound of Georgiana's return, Jane rose with a trembling determination. She would do whatever it took to safeguard her family's reputation. Her resolve, however, was completely swept away at the sight of Mr. Bingley entering the room close on Mr. Darcy's heels. All color drained from her face, bringing her as close to fainting as she had ever been in her life. She sank back into her chair, quite unable to stand.
“Miss Bennet!” Darcy started in alarm, “I had not thought things as bad as this. What exactly has Mr. Collins done?”
“Mr. Collins? Oh, yes…He…I am not sure I…” her words stumbled to an awkward halt as a deep shade of pink quickly replaced the whiteness in her cheeks. She stared mutely at Mr. Darcy, struggling not to look in Mr. Bingley's direction. This was dreadful! There was no possible way to explain her troubles without exposing her family to further censure in front of Mr. Bingley. After their conversation in the garden she had hoped to at least retain his good opinion, but now he would surely congratulate himself on his narrow escape from such a family as hers.
Mr. Darcy looked searchingly into Jane's face and she felt as if he could read her mind. He did glance at Bingley, and for a moment she thought he would address him; but after a short hesitation, he turned back to her with a compassionate smile. “Can I get you something, Miss Bennet – some tea, or a glass of wine, perhaps?”
“No, I will be fine, thank you. I just…I had not thought it would be so difficult, and I am uncertain of where to begin.” She felt the weight of Mr. Bingley's eyes on her and was powerless to keep her blush from deepening.
“Perhaps you can you start with Mr. Collins,” suggested Darcy. “Georgiana has told me he is being troublesome. What exactly has he done to cause you so much distress?”
“As I told Miss Darcy, he is intent upon pursuing a matter regarding one of my sisters. If he is allowed to do so, the undertaking could very well damage our family's reputation and respectability. I have implored him not to; however, he esteems it his duty, and will not oblige me. If you are at all acquainted with my cousin's eccentric nature, Mr. Darcy, you will understand the distress I feel at this moment.”
“Yes, unfortunately I do know him,” Darcy muttered distastefully. “May I ask what it is that has excited his interest?”
Casting a furtive glance in Mr. Bingley's direction, Jane took a deep breath and began, forcing the words out quickly before her courage could fail her.
“It is all a terrible misunderstanding, really. A little more than a month ago, my sister Elizabeth was asked to be traveling companion to a distant relative, a woman by the name of Mrs. Augusta Whitestone, who we supposed to be a relation of Mr. Collins as well. We have not heard from Lizzy since she left Longbourn and I wanted to write telling her of our father’s condition. Thinking it a simple thing, I sought Mr. Collins' assistance. He informed me he has no such relation and my confusion at his reply was enough to stir his imagination. Although I told him nothing of my own concerns – for it is highly unusual that Lizzy has not written a word to us since her leaving – Mr. Collins begins to suspect her situation may not be entirely respectable. He declares he will not rest until he has discovered every detail.”
Hearing herself tell the tale, Jane could not help the tears that welled in her eyes as she thought of her sister and how desperate it all seemed. “He says he will consult Lady Catherine de Bourgh on the matter, and then who knows what will happen? Do you see how desperate I am, Mr. Darcy?”
“Indeed I do, Miss Bennet; but I beg you, do not be distressed. I will pay a visit to Mr. Collins as soon as we are finished here.”
“Do you think he may be dissuaded?” she asked hopefully, brushing the anxious tears from her cheeks.
“I can assure you, he will not speak of this to anyone.”
The relief in Jane's face was evident. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy! I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your help.”
“I am honored to be of assistance,” he assured her calmly, “and if you will permit me, I should also like to assist in finding your sister and bringing her home.”
It took all the discipline Darcy possessed to maintain an unruffled exterior as he battled the turmoil churning within him. An ominous fear had gripped his heart the moment he heard Elizabeth's name, and increased manifestly as the details were revealed. He would never permit that odious little man to breathe even a hint of scandal regarding Elizabeth!
At the same time his mind was racing to solidify a plan to protect Elizabeth's reputation from Collins' bungling efforts, Darcy was desperate to know why her family had not had any word from her. Was it really a simple misunderstanding? Was she in good hands and out of harm's way? He was not going wait to find out. He would begin a search at once regardless of Elizabeth's opinion of him. He would happily endure her disapproval so long as she was safe. Without waiting for Jane's response, he pressed for more details.
“What can you tell me about your sister's departure? Did you see the woman with whom she was traveling?”
“I cannot possibly impose upon you so,” Jane objected uneasily, “I only came to ask for your help with Mr. Collins. That is more than enough.”
“You do not impose at all. Mr. Collins is but a part of your problem and I cannot leave you in distress as to your sister's circumstances. I am happy to assist.”
“Again I thank you, Mr. Darcy, but my uncle will be coming soon. He will know what to do.”
For some minutes now, Bingley had exerted great restraint in keeping his distance, even as his own heart was fractured by Jane's anguished tears. He wanted very much to gather her into his arms and comfort her, to wipe away her tears; but sighing wretchedly, he knew he could not. He had no right, for she had deemed his affection unsteady, unacceptable.
Disheartened by his exiled status, he hovered in the background, saying nothing. Then a flash of inspiration lit his face with unrestrained joy. Of course! He had been seeking a chance to prove himself, and was this not the perfect opportunity to do just that? If he could show his usefulness, in such an hour of need, and return Jane's sister to her, he would prove himself steadfast, a man upon whom she could depend in any circumstance!
“Allow me to be of service, Miss Bennet!” Bingley blurted out, startling everyone in the room. “You may be assured that I shall leave no stone unturned. I shall begin immediately and have your sister back to you in no time!”
“Mr. Bingley, that would be impossible!” Jane declared firmly. “She is likely far from Hertfordshire, and as I said, my Uncle Gardiner is soon to come. He will know what is to be done.”
“Surely you would not want to wait another day, and I should like to be of service,” Bingley came near to pleading. “You may rely upon me, Miss Bennet - I shall be steadfast. I shall not fail you!”
“Sir,” said Jane, dropping her eyes at his reference to her previous criticism of him, “you must see that I cannot accept anything from you, considering...considering all that has occurred.”
“That may be, Miss Bennet, but there can be no such objection to accepting my offer,” Darcy argued. “I shall be happy to find Miss Elizabeth and bring her safely home. If you would tell me how the invitation to travel came about, I can – ”
“I say, Darcy,” objected Bingley, “I have already offered my services!”
“And I had already offered mine, when you did so.”
“Gentlemen!” cried Jane, holding her hands up in protest. “This is too much! I cannot accept such an offer from either of you!”
“I beg you would reconsider, Miss Bennet,” replied Darcy
unwaveringly. “As we have an acquaintance of nearly a year and you are obviously in distress, I would consider it an honor if you will allow me to see to the recovery of your sister.”
Bingley would not be outdone. “I believe I can claim the acquaintance as well – and more. Please do accept my assistance in this matter, Miss Bennet! I am steady in my purpose and will not yield! Darcy, you have already given yourself to the matter of Mr. Collins.”
“I am confident Mr. Collins will be no trouble at all,” Darcy countered easily. “And as for finding Miss Elizabeth, I have the advantage of many resources at my disposal.”
“Yes, resources tied to responsibility, I dare say. I believe you will be needed at Pemberley for the upcoming quarter-day. A dispatch about it came this very morning, did it not?”
“It is nothing urgent, I assure you,” snapped Darcy. “My steward can see to it. He has long experience in handling such matters. However, you do not have that advantage in Mr. Hodgkins, do you, Bingley? He is quite new and far more likely to need help with Netherfield's quarter-day accounts. You had best put your attentions on your estate.”
“Mr. Hodgkins is very capable!” Bingley responded hotly. “He can handle a trifling matter such as a quarter-day without me! Miss Bennet's peace of mind is far more important!”
“I am grateful for your offer, both of you,” Jane rose from her chair quickly, effectively separating the two men who were now glaring at each other, “but it is out of the question, truly! I cannot trouble you so much.”
“It is no trouble at all, Miss Bennet,” Bingley insisted. “I will not stand by and see you suffer this alone. Again I say, nothing shall dissuade me! I shall be steadfast!”
“Miss Elizabeth must be found quickly!” Darcy's tone was beginning to betray him. “My position and connections allow me to offer assistance that you cannot!”