Mr. Gardiner completed the incoherent explanation. “Lizzy my dear, a few month ago, your father decided to invest with a group of apparently honourable men; two of them are lawyers and the other two have successful businesses. It was I who made their acquaintance last year, but I was not aware that one of the lawyers—Mr. Graham—had approached your father last spring with a business proposal that was as attractive as it was dangerous. A couple of months ago, rumours spread about the failure of the business and the disappearance of Mr. Graham and his partner, Mr. Talbot. The other two partners, and the investors—several honourable gentlemen who were willing to increase their earnings—remained to bear the consequences without their money. A complaint was filed, and a trial will soon begin, and it will establish, beyond any doubt, where the truth lies. However, this will incur significant expense, and it might be years—if ever—before the loss is compensated.”
Elizabeth listened in disbelief, barely comprehending her uncle’s explanations. Surely, that could not happen to her father. He never knew anyone in Town. He never showed any interest in business. He never even discussed business or investments. It must be a ridiculous mistake or a cruel joke. It could be nothing else.
Mr. Bennet continued with an unsteady voice, leaning back in an armchair and resting his head in his palms. “The worst part, Lizzy dear, is that I lost everything and more. I borrowed one thousand pounds from your uncle without telling him why I needed such a sum, and I added the funds that belonged to your mother and all the little savings I had. I thought I would return the investment in a couple of months. I thought I might gain a little something to ensure you a little dowry. When I saw you and Jane discussing a possible marriage to Mr. Collins and your mother’s endless complaints about my not doing anything to help improve our family situation, I suddenly realised that my lack of interest and care in managing the estate could easily ruin my daughters’ futures. I thought I could do something. So when Mr. Graham came to visit and informed me about this opportunity, I thought it was the answer to my prayers. Of course, it was only a scheme to trick an old fool…”
“It was not quite a scheme, and your error was understandable.” Mr. Gardiner attempted to calm him. “The money was invested to purchase some special merchandise from India, but the ships never arrived at their destination, and it is still not certain what occurred. We will find the truth, and we will solve this problem somehow. It does no good for you to make yourself ill with self-blame and worry. You know that you and your family can count of me, Brother.”
“Yes, I know that,” Mr. Bennet responded with a low, trembling voice. “With your help, my family will be better taken care of after my death than it was during my lifetime.”
“Papa!” Elizabeth cried tearfully. “How can you say that? Dear Lord, how can you even think it?” She moved closer and put her arms around her father. She was still confused about the situation and its consequences—which appeared to be tragic for the Bennets—but to her, there was nothing more important than her father.
“Do you hate me, Lizzy?”
“Hate you, Papa? Never!”
“I have lost everything, Lizzy!” he uttered in a trembling voice.
“What is done, is done, Papa. We shall see what we can do to make things better. I only care that you are strong and healthy. All the rest—we will find a way. I am sure that it cannot all be bad.”
“I am afraid it is. You are truly left with nothing. You shall have no chance of getting married; there is no money left for your dowry.”
“Papa, let us not worry about something that had no chance to happen anyway. We never had a dowry to induce anyone to marry us for it, so the damage is not as great as you fear. You should go and rest now; you look truly ill, and you have drunk too much, Papa…”
“I cannot possibly sleep, Lizzy. If there was only a way to solve all this. How can I return to Longbourn? What shall I tell your mother?”
In the middle of their painful conversation, the door to the library opened widely, and a servant bowed ceremoniously.
“Master, there is a Mr. Darcy to see you and Mr. Bennet. You told me to invite him in as soon as he arrived, so…”
In utter despair, Elizabeth turned her tormented face towards the door and met Darcy’s blue gaze, smiling at her then suddenly turning dark with concern. The gentleman stopped in the doorway, disconcerted, while the four of them tried to regain their composure.
“Forgive me, I did not mean to intrude; the servant brought me to the library. Is this a bad time? I would not wish to impose my presence if the time is inconvenient for you,” Darcy said, looking from one to another.
“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet answered, stepping forward and shaking his hand. “I am content to see you. Indeed, it is a bad moment for a visit, but I am content to see you nevertheless. Do come in! You are one of the smartest men I have ever met, and I might be lucky enough to catch some of your brightness to compensate for my stupidity.”
Mr. Bennet—under the influence of too many glasses of brandy—took Darcy’s arm and invited him in. The guest glanced around, held Elizabeth’s eyes, and addressed a silent question to her. But Elizabeth was too sad, too ashamed, and too desperate to say a word or make a sign. Worry for her father and the concern of having to face a situation much worse than before were increased by the embarrassment of having Darcy as a witness and by the fear of what her father might tell him.
“Mr. Darcy, we are honoured to have you in our house,” Mr. Gardiner intervened. “We were in the middle of a family discussion, but we are grateful for your visit. Is Colonel Fitzwilliam with you?”
Darcy looked uneasy, either by the question or by the improper timing of his appearance.
“No, my cousin had an urgent commitment this morning with his steward. He asked me to convey his apologises, But he will most surely call upon you later today or tomorrow. I thought I should come and greet you by myself, as I promised last night.” He paused and glanced at Elizabeth again. Since no one seemed able to utter a single word—and with Mr. Bennet pouring himself yet another glass of brandy—Mr. Darcy continued.
“I hope everybody is in good health. Is there any way I can be of help to you?”
“Everybody is in good health—we thank you for your care,” Mrs. Gardiner answered politely while Mr. Gardiner looked preoccupied at Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth felt tears filling her eyes, something her aunt noticed instantly, as she went on, “Lizzy and I shall leave you gentlemen to talk alone. I shall send you some refreshments right away.”
The lady of the house gently pulled Elizabeth’s arm and led her out of the library, the door closing behind them. With one last look, Elizabeth’s eyes met Darcy’s again, and she wondered whether she would ever see him again. Elizabeth leaned against the wall and breathed deeply several times to stem the tears that were stinging her eyes.
Mrs. Gardiner whispered to her, “Lizzy dear, let us go to your room. I took you away from the library because you truly look ill; it would not do for Mr. Darcy to see you in such a state.”
Elizabeth nodded in silence and followed her aunt to the safety of her room.
“Aunt, please go back and see what Papa is saying to Mr. Darcy. It is like a nightmare happening again. Mama’s unguarded behaviour drove Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy away from Longbourn; now Papa is acting improperly.
“Is that what worries you? That Mr. Darcy will go away because of your father…”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks burning red as though she had been caught wishing something terrible.
“Yes—no —Aunt, Papa is troubled, and he has had too much brandy, and I do not believe he should speak to Mr. Darcy about our troubles. Mr. Darcy cannot know about that. This situation is terrible as it is without adding him to this unfortunate—”
“Lizzy, please do not think of it anymore! Go wash your face and arrange your appearance. Your uncle is in the library; he will take care that everything is under good regulation. I am going to send them some refreshments, and I shall
meet you downstairs.”
Alone in her chamber, Elizabeth allowed her tears to flow freely once again. The torment was too deep to be defeated. The beautiful night, her joy, and her dreams had all turned into the worst nightmare.
Mr. Darcy had come, just as he promised; even more, he came alone, careful to keep his word and—no doubt—anxious to see her. But once again, he found a disaster. It was as though her family—although unwillingly—conspired to repeatedly ruin her happiness. She was ashamed, sad, and desperate about the entire situation, by her father’s distress, and by the conversation she feared might take place in the library. She could not blame her father entirely for his mistake, but she was abashed by the notion that Mr. Darcy was exposed to the problems of her family so soon after the renewal of their acquaintance.
She slowly regained enough calmness to fix her hair and clean her face; her eyes were still read and swollen, but there was little she could do about it. She returned to the drawing room and met Mrs. Gardiner, who was busy with her needlework.
“The gentlemen are fine, dear. They are engaged in serious conversation, and I believe we should not disturb them. Let us have some tea, shall we?”
Another tormenting half an hour passed; Elizabeth’s tea turned cold without her taking a single sip. She kept glancing towards the door and struggling to hear the sound of voices. Finally, the gentlemen left, still talking, and Mr. Darcy entered to greet the ladies.
“Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, I thank you for your hospitality. It was a pleasure to see you both again, but I must leave now. I am afraid I have stayed too long.”
He looked at Elizabeth with unreadable seriousness—during which Elizabeth felt she could barely breathe—then offered a small, polite smile to Mrs. Gardiner, bowed, and left without another word.
Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet said little before they returned to the library. Mrs. Gardiner turned to her niece, but Elizabeth could not stand the distress any longer and ran to her room. From there, she gazed through the window long enough to see Darcy enter his carriage and leave in some hurry. She remembered the touch of his hand from the previous night, his smile directed only to her, and her fingers lingering in his palm.
She lost any hope that she would feel such sweet sensations again—or that she would have any chance to dance with him, speak to him, or even see him. There was no reason left for her to even cry.
***
After all the torment and despair, guilt overwhelmed Elizabeth. She felt selfish to allow her romantic fantasies—which might have never happen anyway—to overwhelm her when her father needed her support and strength. Mr. Darcy had been there, likely discovered the new painful situation of her family, and decided to leave.
There was nothing she could do to change his mind, but she could change her clothes and tidy her hair. She was ready to return downstairs when her aunt knocked then entered.
Mrs. Gardiner looked at her intently. “Lizzy, what on Earth is wrong with you, my dear? You behaved unreasonably. Thank God, I could put your father at ease and send him to rest, as he was deeply troubled by your disappearance. And your uncle kept asking me whether you are ill. You are not being yourself. Now, I understand why the latest news is tormenting you. Is there something I can to do help you?”
“No, I am fine, Aunt. I beg your forgiveness for being such a burden. I am so grateful for your kind understanding. I shall be fine, I promise…”
“I hope so. I have to tell you that, from what Mr. Gardiner told me, Mr. Darcy was informed about the unfortunate situation of your father. Your uncle said he attempted to stop your father’s confession, but he could not do it without an awkward argument.”
“Mr. Darcy must have been appalled. That might be the reason he left in such a hurry.”
“Hurry? Not at all, he stayed over an hour, which is more than the reasonable length of a call for a mere acquaintance.”
Elizabeth felt—knew—that this time her aunt was wrong, so she ceased the discussion and only nodded silently.
“Please keep in mind that the colonel might call upon us later. I would like for him at least to find us in a proper state of mind.”
The gentle reproach did not go unnoticed, and Elizabeth nodded silently. It was time for her to show that her family could rely on her.
However, Colonel Fitzwilliam did not come that day. Perhaps, Elizabeth’s dark thoughts and fears kept him away or perhaps his cousin; Mr. Darcy has warned him against a connection with the Bennets.
“Lizzy, I shall return home the day after tomorrow. There is nothing I can do here, and I surely do not enjoy wasting more time in London,” Mr. Bennet said during the dinner. He had been resting for a couple of hours and still fighting a terrible headache that banished his appetite and his disposition.
“I shall join you, Papa. I am sorry to leave my uncle and aunt so soon, but I know you need me at Longbourn.”
“To be honest,” Mr. Bennet continued without really listening to his daughter, “I would rather leave tomorrow, but Mr. Darcy invited me to visit his library tomorrow, so I cannot miss that opportunity. Besides, even if I had no interest in his books, I could not refuse him anything. He is the sort of man whose company I enjoy, but he also intimidates me.”
Elizabeth dropped her fork and stared at her father in disbelief. She swallowed the lump in her throat before she could reply.
“Mr. Darcy invited you to visit his library? When did he do that?”
“Today, when else?”
“But…does he know about your dealings and your problems?”
Mr. Bennet threw her a puzzled look. “Yes. I told him what happened—I believe the brandy spoke more than I did—and he was generous enough not to laugh at my stupidity. He said it is not uncommon to either win or lose in that kind of deal. How very nice of him. I know quite well that those with judgment as poor as mine lose, and those who make wise decisions—like him—win. But that is another matter. What does this have to do with his library?”
The question, coming from her father, left Elizabeth disconcerted. She was certain Darcy had left to never return; instead, he invited her father to visit his home. She rubbed her temples with trembling fingers. Again, it seemed that she had misjudged him and assumed the worst. Of course, it would also be silly of her to assume too much. The invitation meant nothing more than a return of politeness or, perhaps, a cold formality.
“Mr. Darcy was kind enough to offer to make some inquiries of his own. He said he has all sorts of connections that might be helpful in solving this problem in a reasonable time. I wonder why we did not think to ask for his help,” Mr. Gardiner finished, rather satisfied with the way things unfolded.
“No,” Mr. Bennet announced sternly. “Mr. Darcy will not intervene in this.”
“But, brother…”
“I never considered sharing such a problem with him. Our acquaintance was rather brief, and it is better that Mr. Darcy left in a hurry without any promise or solicitation of help. Upon my word, if I did not have one too many glasses of brandy, I would not have said a word to him,” Mr. Bennet declared, putting an end to the conversation with Mr. Gardiner.
Elizabeth remained silent, overwhelmed by all the torment of the day. She knew her father was right. Mr. Darcy should not be involved in any of the unfortunate things that happened to their family. She could not bear the thought of his disappointed look when he understood the full extent of her father’s error. At least, she was spared that humiliation. She tried not to think about it; it hurt too much. Instead, she only wished to retire to her room as soon as possible and find some rest. Then, once calm was established in her mind, she would start packing her belongings and pray for the best. There was nothing else she could do to keep her sanity.
***
Dawn and breakfast found Elizabeth in the same state as when she retired for the night. The lack of sleep and the torment brought paleness to her cheeks and dark circles under her eyes.
Around noon, her father and uncle took the carriage t
o visit Mr. Darcy, and their eagerness matched Elizabeth’s worry. Neither of them knew what to expect regarding Mr. Darcy’s house or—more importantly—any news he might have for them.
Elizabeth struggled to appear cheerful to her aunt; it was the last day they could spend together, and she knew she owed Mrs. Gardiner that much. But her thoughts roamed around Town to the place where Mr. Darcy lived. She wondered what he was doing, what his house looked like, how he behaved in the solitude of his home, and most of all, she whether she would ever have the opportunity to witness all those things.
The hours passed painfully slowly, and when she heard the carriage in front of the house, Elizabeth hurried to the window. She froze, her knees suddenly weak, when she observed two carriages instead of one and both Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam joining her father and uncle.
She looked around, whispered the news to her aunt, and then quickly brushed her hair and her dress with hasty fingers. She was aware that she looked poorly; she was in no way prepared to take social calls like this one. But she had no time to change, so she took a step behind Mrs. Gardiner and waited.
The door opened wide, and Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet barged in while the other two gentlemen remained a few steps behind.
Elizabeth felt Darcy’s gaze upon her face and looked at him tentatively; he seemed preoccupied and as restrained as ever. His expression appeared severe and haughty, but a glimmer of joy was shining in his eyes. So she smiled shyly at him, and his lips narrowed in response.
However, it was the colonel who hurried to Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner, greeting them happily. “I apologise for not coming yesterday. I had an urgent commitment; I trust Darcy has told you how very distraught I was at not seeing you.”
“We are delighted to see you today, sir, just as we would have been yesterday,” Mrs. Gardiner replied warmly.
We heard that Miss Bennet will leave tomorrow, and we came to take our farewell.”
Elizabeth smiled shyly as Mrs. Gardiner continued. “Please take a sit. May I offer you something?”
“I doubt that very much,” Mr. Bennet interfered. “We took advantage of Mr. Darcy’s cook and his collection of brandy. I, for one, will not need anything else for a few days at least.”
Meant to Be: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 27