Dearest Friends

by Pamela Lynne

  Darcy, who had taken a seat next to Elizabeth, instantly rose and summoned the footman. “Have my carriage brought around immediately and then come back and hear what Miss Mary has to say.”

  After Remy had left, Darcy turned to Mary. “Do you know when they left Hertfordshire?”

  Bingley stepped to Darcy and grasped his shoulder before he could start pacing.

  “Darcy, I believe we have some time before they arrive. You need to hear the entire story. Please sit.” Remy came in and stood by the door while Darcy sat close to Elizabeth and took her hand.

  “Darcy, Mr. Bennet has gone quite mad. I returned to Netherfield yesterday and dined at Longbourn. You will have to forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. I spoke of your engagement. I did not know. Mr. Bennet was livid, and I am afraid he released his anger on Mrs. Bennet.”

  Elizabeth and her aunt both gasped. Darcy was the only one who could find his voice. “He struck her?”

  “Yes, and apparently not for the first time.” Bingley looked at Jane, who had lowered her head.

  “After Mr. Bennet told Mr. Collins to be ready at dawn to come here, I removed the Bennet ladies to Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia are there now.” Bingley shook his head then stood up and paced slowly.

  “I am afraid that other than removing the ladies from Longbourn, I was quite useless. It was Miss Mary who came up with our plan of action.”

  Mrs. Gardiner, who had been sitting on the other side of Elizabeth, moved to sit with Mary and placed an arm around her shoulders.

  “What happened, dear?”

  Mary’s voice was soft, showing her obvious fatigue. “We knew we had to warn you that he was coming before he could get to you first. I suggested we take Papa’s carriage to Netherfield and then travel here before the sun rose. Mr. Bingley followed in his. When Papa comes, he will have to do so by post, which will slow him a bit.” She turned to Elizabeth. “You should still hurry, Lizzy. Mr. Bingley is right; Papa is dangerous now. I do not know what has happened, but he has changed.”

  “He is ill.” Jane finally joined the conversation. “I wrote to you about it and his plans to come for you. He is determined in this, Lizzy. We must get you away from here.”

  Darcy, who had been forming a plan while he listened to Elizabeth’s sisters, looked sharply at Jane when she finished. “That is certainly a change from your previous assertions, Miss Bennet, but we can discuss that at another time.” He rose and brought Elizabeth with him, walking with her to the corner of the room.

  “Fitzwilliam,” her voice cracked.

  “Shh.” Darcy gripped her hands firmly and placed a kiss on her forehead. “I told you I would protect you, and I will. We can still travel to Pemberley. I can keep you safe there or . . .”

  “We could go to Scotland?”

  Darcy nodded. “We can go to our estate, dearest, and marry as soon as possible. Our families can come with us, so it is not really an elopement. We can still have a ceremony with the people we love there with us.” He drew her closer. “Are you prepared to marry me sooner, Elizabeth? I will not pressure you if it is not what you want. We can still go to Pemberley.”

  Elizabeth looked into his eyes and lifted her hand to caress his face. “I thought you would never ask. Let us make for Scotland, my love.”

  ********

  Within minutes, a message was sent to Mr. Gardiner and the children gathered with Mrs. Gardiner and Bingley in his carriage. They would stay at Darcy House until Mr. Bennet was gone from London. Darcy and the Bennet sisters rode in his with Remy riding in the front with the driver. As soon as the carriage door closed, Darcy abandoned all sense of propriety and pulled Elizabeth close to him. He was organizing his thoughts into a plan that would be implemented when they arrived at Darcy House, but he knew she needed comfort and reassurance, and he acted accordingly.

  When Elizabeth felt Darcy’s strong arm around her, she calmed enough to be able to address her sisters.

  “How is Mama?” she asked Jane.

  “Oh, it is hard to tell. She was quiet when we left Longbourn and retired immediately when we arrived at Netherfield. We did not see her this morning before we left. I suspect she is very tired.”

  “She is humiliated,” Mary corrected her sister. She wanted to say more but stopped when she saw Darcy looking at her. She blushed and lowered her head, allowing Jane to continue the conversation.

  “How is she physically?” asked Darcy. “Has she seen a doctor or the apothecary?”

  “She did not want us to call for him. Her face was swollen, and the bruises were starting to form.” Jane stopped talking as she choked down a sob.

  “It must have been very hard for you to witness our father behaving so abhorrently. How long has he been this way?”

  “Looking back, I can see how his behavior began to change in the autumn. I found him one day collapsed in his study, and he swore me to secrecy. It was not long after that his mood became erratic. I did write to you, Lizzy. I do not know why you did not receive it, but I sent a letter explaining the situation at Longbourn as well as an apology.” With those last words, she looked down, unable to meet her sister’s eye. They arrived at Darcy House, ending the conversation for the time.

  ********

  All the current guests of Darcy House were in the same drawing room as the previous evening, but this time, they were much more subdued. Richard and Sebastian each contemplated Georgiana’s admonishment while she and Lady Catherine tended to Anne’s headache. The patient was trying to wave off the unnecessary attention when the sound of a child’s cry drew Georgiana’s notice.

  She arrived in the hall in time to see Darcy hand a sleepy John over to the nanny and give the housekeeper instructions to see to the children’s rooms. She moved to greet him and his guests as Mrs. Gardiner and the children followed the housekeeper upstairs.

  “Brother?”

  “Georgie, are Richard and Sebastian still here?”

  “Yes, they are in the drawing room with Aunt Catherine and Anne. What is the matter?” Seeing Elizabeth’s pale completion, she went to her side and embraced her.

  “Lizzy?”

  “Come, Georgie. Let us go to the others so I can explain the situation to everyone.” He turned to Bingley and the ladies, “Follow me, please.”

  Darcy maintained a firm grasp on Elizabeth’s hand as he led them into the drawing room. After brief introductions, Darcy explained the situation, causing the ladies to immediately surround Elizabeth in a protective stance. Jane took the gesture for what it was: they were claiming her sister as their own, leaving her on the outside.

  “If we are to leave quickly, I will need help making the arrangements.”

  Sebastian was the first to come forward. “We will need at least one more carriage, I believe, in order to transport everyone. I will go home and see to it now as well as send an express rider ahead to the inns.”

  Darcy nodded and as Sebastian was leaving, he turned to a surprised Georgiana and winked. She smiled slightly then turned to her brother.

  “What can I do, Fitzwilliam?”

  “I need you to write an express to Mrs. Reynolds asking her and Mr. Grimes to travel to the estate in Scotland. I would like him to perform the ceremony, and she would never forgive me if I got married without her. I will also need her to oversee the accommodations and prepare for our arrival. We do not have room to transport many servants from here, so ask her to bring maids and at least one man to act as valet as well as another carriage to bring Elizabeth and me back after everyone else has departed. Can you remember everything?”

  “I believe so. I will bring it to you when I am done.” After giving Elizabeth another quick embrace, she was off to her study to complete her task.

  “Richard, will you see to the equipage and have everything arranged quickly. Bingley, do we have use of your carriage?”

  “Yes. I sent it to exchange the horses. They should be back soon.” Seeing Darcy’s concerned expression, he quickly added
, “I instructed the driver not to alert Caroline. She will have no knowledge of our travels. I will help the colonel.”

  Relieved, Darcy turned to Lady Catherine. Knowing she would not respond well to being given orders, he softened his voice.

  “Aunt Catherine, will you organize the servants and the packing. Remember, we must travel light.”

  “You know there will be talk, Darcy.”

  Darcy held back a biting remark. Gossip was the last thing he was concerned with, but he tried to be patient.

  “What do you suggest, my lady?”

  “Send the engagement announcement to the paper. I will send a note to Susan to arrange a ball as well as put the word out that this trip was made by choice, not necessity.”

  Darcy understood what she was implying. People would assume Elizabeth was with child, therefore, a speedy wedding was required.

  “Whatever you think is best, Aunt. I need one more thing from you, and I will find you later. Thank you.”

  She patted his cheek and smiled at Elizabeth as she left the room.

  “Anne, will you please take Miss Bennet and Miss Mary upstairs to refresh themselves. They could probably use some tea as well.”

  “Of course, Cousin. Ladies.” As Anne led the Bennets out of the room, Darcy pulled Elizabeth into a tight embrace. She watched him while he handled the situation and was in awe of how his mind worked. He had thought of everything, including seeing to the comfort of her sisters and little cousins. All the activity, as well as seeing Darcy in such control, left her longing for the relative privacy of her aunt’s foyer.

  “Thank you,” she murmured from his chest. “I feel quite useless. Everyone has a task except me.”

  He smiled then released her and took her hand. “Come with me to my study. I have letters of my own to write. You should rest while you can. The travels will be very taxing, especially given the company.”

  “So everyone is milling about seeing to my rescue while I lie on the settee and stare at you? I feel like royalty.”

  “Well, my queen, if you feel guilty, you can always choose a less comfortable seat.” He sat behind his desk and pulled her into his lap. “Now be still, or you will cause me to blot my letters.”

  Elizabeth curled up into him and hid her face in his neck. Her father had gone insane, her mother was injured, and the sister who broke her heart was just upstairs, but she was secure and safe in the arms of her man. She let out a sigh and whispered, “I love you.”

  ********

  Sebastian returned to the drawing room less than an hour later and studied the scene in front of him. Richard and Bingley had returned from the carriage house and were attending the lovely Miss Bennet. Bingley poured more tea while Richard filled her plate and Anne scowled. Sitting apart from the rest was Mary, looking down into her folded hands. Sebastian bowed and offered a short greeting then walked over and sat next to her.

  “Miss Mary, how are you?”

  “I am well, my lord, just fatigued from traveling this morning.”

  “Please forgive me for saying so, but you still seem a little out of sorts. I would offer to fetch a brandy for you, but I believe Georgiana has hidden the decanters.”

  Her back stiffened as she sat up to her full height. “I would refuse it if offered. I know of no ladies who drink brandy, except medicinally, of course. Why would Miss Darcy hide the decanters? Is there cause to fear overindulgence?” She asked accusingly.

  “Yes,” he answered plainly. “Except for Darcy, of course. He is perfect.”

  She relaxed a little. “Then it is well he is marrying my sister. She is perfect, too.” They shared a tentative smile.

  Georgiana entered and engaged the Misses Bennet, giving Sebastian the opportunity to question Richard.

  “What are you about, Brother, acting that way with Miss Bennet. You are not one to go soft over a pretty face.”

  “No, but did you see Bingley’s when I was talking to her? I thought he would strike me!”

  “Annoying Bingley is great fun, Richard, but should you toy with the girl in that way? She is to be Darcy’s sister, and he will protect her.”

  “Only if Elizabeth asks him to. She has wounded Elizabeth deeply, and Darcy is not one to forgive easily. Besides, the way her eyes bulged when she was looking around the place tells me she will not fall for the charms of a second son.”

  Sebastian nodded. “That may be, but hers are not the only feelings to consider.” He nodded toward Anne. “She has not stopped staring at you since she arrived in town. You will do well to consider her. She is not as weak as we have been led to believe all these years, and she is very sweet. She would care for you. You could leave your post and have a nice quiet life in the countryside.”

  That last point was what was playing most heavily on Sebastian’s mind as he tried to convince his brother. After his actions with Barrymore, he feared a return to battle would be Richard’s end.

  “Aunt Catherine would never allow it.”

  “Anne is well over the age of consent. Catherine would not be happy, but she would have no choice but to accept it. Consider it, Richard.”

  All conversation halted as Darcy and Elizabeth entered with Lady Catherine and Mrs. Gardiner trailing behind. He released Elizabeth just long enough to whisper something to his aunt then returned to her and brought her to where Richard and Sebastian were standing.

  “Cousins, I thank you for your assistance in arranging our travel, but I must ask one more thing of you. I need you to see Elizabeth safely to the first stop. I will meet you there after I see to some business.”

  Elizabeth was alarmed. “Where are you going? What is so important that you would leave me in the care of your cousins?”

  Darcy once again took both her hands and looked at her. His eyes begged her to accept what he was about to say.

  “I am going to Gracechurch Street.”

  Elizabeth’s alarm turned to panic. “Why? There is no need. We are going to Scotland; you have no reason to see my father, especially if he is as mad as my sisters say.”

  “Elizabeth, another man has laid claim to you. I must address that. I confess I know nothing of Miss Mary, but I do know that I cannot trust either Miss Bennet or Bingley’s word. I need to see your father myself.” He looked at Georgiana then back to her. “You must understand that I need to at least try to gain his consent.”

  Elizabeth was now in tears. She knew she could not ask him to be less than who he was. He needed to do this, and she would have to let him go. “If your damned honor gets you hurt, I will never forgive you.”

  He let out a breath and captured her face in his hands. Ignoring the fact they had an audience, he leaned down and kissed her. “I love you. I will see you tonight.”

  He exited the drawing room but stopped just outside the door to address the man standing guard. “Do not leave her.” Remy did not acknowledge his command, but Darcy accepted it as fact and left the townhouse for Gracechurch Street. A few minutes later, Remy took a step into the drawing room to catch the eye of his charge. Her look answered his silent question, and he too removed himself, leaving her solely in the care of the Fitzwilliams.

  Chapter Eighteen

  * * *

  Jane leaned her head against the carriage seat and closed her eyes in an attempt to focus on her thoughts rather than the prattle of her companions. They had talked continuously since their last stop, and Jane tried not to let her annoyance show. She attempted to enter the conversation a few times in order to draw attention away from her sister. This was a protective move on her part, thinking the viscount must be making fun of her. Why else would such a man want to talk to Mary?

  Her thoughts about her other sister were no less bothersome. She desperately wanted to speak with Elizabeth, but there was always a Darcy, Fitzwilliam, or de Bourgh in the way, guarding Lizzy as if they felt she would do her actual harm. She resented all of them for their officious interference, but deep in a place she was not yet ready to acknowledge, she knew
she resented Elizabeth the most.

  She did not hesitate to come to London to warn her sister. It was the right thing to do, and it was as if she was acting on instinct rather than reason when she followed Mary’s direction after witnessing her father’s horrifying behavior. It was a scene that Lizzy never had to witness because she had been rescued. While Jane watched her life and the lives of those around her fall into ruin, her sister was safe in London being courted by one of the richest men in the country.

  Jane was captivated when she entered the Darcy townhouse earlier that morning. It was the most elegant home she had ever seen, even more so than Netherfield, and it was to be Elizabeth’s. The man who came with it was just as impressive.

  Watching Darcy was what she imagined a general at war would look like. He gave every order with confidence and authority, as if it were something he did every day. His actions laid in stark contrast to Bingley’s, who had happily deferred to Mary, an inexperienced girl of eighteen, to determine their fate.

  She wondered what the next step was after this trip to Scotland. Lizzy would be married and living in luxury with a man who obviously adored her, but what would she do? Would she be sent back to Longbourn to care for a mad man? It was obvious she would not be welcomed be her sister’s new family, and she was unsure if she had a place with the Gardiners. Bingley had made no overtures. Although Miss Darcy had treated him rather coldly, he quickly grasped the opportunity to travel in the carriage with her and Lady Catherine, leaving Jane in the company of the most beautiful man she had ever laid eyes on, who was currently discussing marriage with Mary.

  “You give your opinion decidedly for one so young.”

  “Forgive me, my lord I do not mean to give offense. I assumed since you began such a topic in front of ladies it was because you wanted honest advice.”

  Sebastian crossed his arms and looked at the girl across from him with great curiosity and amusement.