Chapter 6 Escape
Netherfield (early morning after the ball)
Darcy
Once the last of the guests, unsurprisingly the Bennets, departed in their carriage, Darcy immediately expressed his intention to retire.
First and foremost, he had no desire to endure Miss Bingley's inevitable verbal attack on the Bennets.
Second, two concerns weighed on his conscience, and he needed some solitude to think about them.
His primary concern revolved around Bingley and Miss Bennet's situation.
Darcy was no longer certain about his decision to stay out of it.
What he heard from Mrs. Bennet during dinner, and how the Bennet family behaved later on, forced him to reconsider his choice to distance himself from Bingley's family affairs.
Bingley is my dearest friend. How can I simply stand by when others are attempting to take advantage of him?
He had observed Miss Jane Bennet's interactions with Bingley throughout the evening. He endeavoured to be impartial in his observations as much as possible. However, nothing he had witnessed that day convinced him of Miss Bennet's feelings for Bingley.
She is too serene to be in love. And I now know from her mother that she can be easily manipulated. And Mrs. Bennet is precisely the sort of mother who could manipulate someone like Miss Bennet.
Darcy was not ready to join the force with Miss Bingley though. He would never scheme behind Bingley's back. Such behaviour did not align with his character.
I need to find an appropriate moment to speak to Bingley, when his sisters are absent. I must share my observations with him, ensuring he understands the circumstances. If he chooses to return to Hertfordshire even after that, good on him.
His secondary concern revolved around Wickham.
It had become clear that Wickham hadn't changed for the better.
He remained the same dishonourable, manipulative scoundrel who concocted falsehoods for his personal gain.
And Miss Elizabeth had become his latest target, a troubling fact that Darcy couldn't shake from his mind.
Should any harm befall Miss Elizabeth or her family at Wickham's hands, I shall never know peace. I must find a way to forewarn them. Yet, how can I?
Though Darcy had seen Mr. Bennet during the ball, they didn’t talk.
They were never formally introduced. The visit from Mr. Bennet to Bingley had taken place prior to Darcy's arrival at Meryton.
When they visited Longbourn, Mr. Bennet never made an appearance from his study.
Darcy attempted to recall the gentleman he had witnessed yesterday.
The way Mr. Bennet publicly demeaned Miss Mary did not inspire Darcy with much confidence.
It aligned with the prevailing perception among the people of Meryton regarding the man.
Mr. Bennet was indeed an indolent father.
Out of nowhere, another notion struck him, and a feeling of shame enveloped him.
Why do I focus only on the Bennets? Wickham presents a threat to the whole society.
Tradesmen will face substantial losses when he inevitably disappears without repaying his debts.
Daughters of merchants, servant girls, and even young ladies of genteel families might be left heartbroken or in worse physical conditions.
Am I not already supporting three families in similar predicament near my home?
No, I need to alert everyone in Meryton. But how? If Miss Bingley closes Netherfield and goes to London, I'll have to follow them. And I might never come back. How can I warn the people here before that?
After much contemplation, he decided to write to Sir William Lucas and Colonel Forster.
Sir William, being the magistrate, would be acquainted with everyone and could warn all the important people in Hertfordshire.
Colonel Forster is presently responsible for Mr. Wickham, so he needs to be aware of the kind of man he has under his charge.
Having arrived at his decision, Darcy meticulously prepared his notes, sealed them, and placed them on the table to be dispatched in the morning.
Finally settling onto his bed after an exhausting day, Darcy succumbed to sleep, only to be jolted awake within an hour.
The image of Miss Elizabeth passionately arguing with him about Wickham lingered vividly in his mind, refusing to release its grip.
No, I must warn Mr. Bennet, even if we haven't been formally introduced. I can't hide behind propriety on this.
Immediately sitting up, he grabbed a fresh sheet of paper and began to write. Once the letter was signed and sealed, he lay back on this bed and promptly fell asleep.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth also found it difficult to sleep.
She tossed and turned in her bed for an extended period before finally succumbing to a restless slumber.
Come morning, she awoke feeling fatigued, disoriented, and with a slight headache.
Not one to remain despondent for long, she completed her morning ablutions before descending for breakfast. It was a customary practice among the neighbourhood to gather and engage in lively discussions after a night of dancing.
Elizabeth eagerly anticipated sharing her experiences with Charlotte, Miss Charlotte Lucas, her closest friend.
At the age of eight and twenty, Miss Charlotte Lucas was already considered a spinster, a notion that Elizabeth found incomprehensible.
In Elizabeth's view, there wasn't another sensible and intelligent lady in Hertfordshire who could equal the charm of her dear Charlotte.
It cast a negative light on the gentlemen in her country that such a gem as Charlotte remained unmarried for so long.
As she sat there, awaiting her neighbours to arrive, her thoughts drifted back to the events of the previous day. She would never forget the embarrassment and shame she felt due to her family's behaviour during the ball. It had been a dreadful night in every way.
Today will be better. I can't imagine anything being worse than yesterday.
She was in for a rude shock. Five minutes later, Mr. Collins suddenly stood up and requested a private conversation with her.
Her mother shrieked in delight and gathered all her other daughters before vacating the room.
Elizabeth tried to object, but to no avail.
A minute later, she found herself face to face with Mr. Collins, yet feeling utterly alone.
Colonel Forster
Colonel Forster gazed at the two letters in his hand.
The message from Brighton conveyed that the date for their relocation was set for the end of February.
It was a relief to have a confirmed date to work toward, although he wished it could be sooner.
The other letter, from Mr. Darcy, left him completely bewildered.
Officer Wickham a rake? It is beyond belief. But why should Mr. Darcy lie about this?
Never one to accept things at face value, he summoned Officer Wickham to report to him as soon as possible.
No need to tell him about this warning. Let him share his past and life before the Militia. I can surely tell when someone isn't truthful with me.
Wickham
Wickham found himself utterly puzzled by Colonel Forster's request to narrate his life story, yet he acquiesced. He made sure to recount every detail, emphasising his regret and the pain caused by the denied living. He deliberately avoided mentioning the name of his Godfather, as it would be too risky, especially with Darcy’s presence in Meryton.
Something told him that Colonel Forster was not impressed with his take. He sensed a looming trouble on the horizon. I need to be careful.
Sir William Lucas
Sir William Lucas believed he had fulfilled his responsibility in light of Mr. Darcy's warning regarding Mr. Wickham.
He had already advised his daughters to stay clear of officers in general, without singling out Mr. Wickham.
None of them could be trusted, so why single out one?
He also cautioned a couple of amicable merchants, who would spread the message among their own circles.
It's not my duty to go around warning everyone.
He did ponder whether to caution a few fathers and guardians about Mr. Wickham's inclination to pursue young, innocent girls.
However, with the Militia's impending departure and no forthcoming public gatherings until the New Year, he thought it unlikely that Wickham would have sufficient time to ensnare anyone.
There's no use in warning Thomas Bennet anyway. It would be a surprise if he lifts a finger for anything other than turning a page in his book.
Reclining in his chair, hands clasped behind his head, Sir William relaxed. I have discharged my duty.
Louisa
Louisa sensed that Caroline was concealing something. Why does she look so relieved after dismissing that messenger boy?
She attempted to question Caroline when they found a moment alone after breakfast, but no satisfying answer was forthcoming.
She was also astonished that it was her sister who was the first to prepare for their journey to London.
She couldn’t remember the last time they started a journey on time with Caroline being a member of the party.
She is really eager to get away from here. I wonder why.
Caroline
Caroline held on to her letter to Miss Bennet until the very last moment of their departure. She did not miss the suspicion in Louisa’s eyes. I'll need to tell her about my letter's content eventually. But not just yet.
As they journeyed past the town of Meryton, she finally let herself sink into her seat. Thank God. I wish never to behold this place again in my lifetime.
Well, God did fulfil that particular wish.
Elizabeth