Chapter 11
Hunsford Parsonage, Kent
Elizabeth
In the preceding week, Elizabeth had endeavoured to avoid company whenever possible. To that end, she had selected a voluminous tome from Mr. Collins's meagre collection and had been pretending to read it for the entirety of her time. In truth, she had not even perused a single page thus far.
Her ruminations lingered on that fateful evening, a week ago, when Mr. Darcy had presented her with an astonishing proposal, the most remarkable one she would ever encounter in this lifetime.
Thus far, she had kept the events of that evening to herself, not even disclosing them to her dearest friend Charlotte.
She wished to prevent Charlotte from possessing knowledge that her husband and his influential patroness would undoubtedly find interesting.
As she sat there, book in hand, she observed a carriage approaching through the front gates. She readily recognized the carriage—it belonged to her Uncle Gardiner.
Why is Uncle coming here now? Dear God, has something occurred at home?
She hurriedly descended the stairs, hastening to the front of the house.
To her astonishment, she discovered her twelve-year-old cousin, Matthew, beaming at her from within the carriage.
Her aunt and Jane were also seated inside, along with two of her younger cousins.
She also saw the imposing figures of two of the most stalwart footmen positioned at the front of the carriage.
Where is Uncle Gardiner? Has he travelled directly to Longbourn? Are Papa and Mama well?
Jane
Jane had no confidence in her ability to pretend.
Foolish, foolish Lydia. How can I pretend that everything is fine at home?
Things were going so well. Jane was eagerly awaiting the passing of this week, anticipating Mr. Bingley's arrival.
However, the course of events took an unexpected turn on Monday evening when she saw the entrance of her father into the parlour.
Instantly, a sense of unease settled upon her.
Her father seldom ventured beyond the confines of his study, thus his appearance in London held significant meaning.
Within the span of an hour, Jane was apprised of the dire circumstances.
Lydia had eloped with Mr. Wickham, and Colonel Forster bore a conviction that Wickham harboured no genuine intent to marry her.
The consequences loomed grimly over their family, for if they were unable to apprehend the wayward couple and secure their union, everything would be lost.
The only silver lining in this dark cloud was that Lydia's disgrace remained unknown to her mother.
The astute express rider dispatched by Colonel Forster had managed to discreetly deliver the news to their father at an opportune moment.
Hence, apart from uncle, father, aunt, and herself, no one else had yet been privy to Lydia's transgressions.
Father had remained in London for two days, until Uncle Gardiner implored him to return to Longbourn.
His prolonged absence from Longbourn would undoubtedly attract attention and Uncle Gardiner believed it wiser to maintain an illusion of normalcy.
Father left for Longbourn on Wednesday. Uncle Gardiner and Colonel Forster went out every morning in search, only to return fatigued by day's end, their tireless pursuit for any semblance of the wayward duo thus far proving fruitless.
Yesterday, it was decided that it would be preferable for Jane and Elizabeth to return to Longbourn.
In the event that any rumours regarding Lydia's escapade emerged in Meryton, it was imperative to have someone present to manage their mother's delicate state.
Aunt Gardiner proposed that she will join her nieces in Longbourn.
This enabled them to pretend that their uncle had to go away on business unexpectedly, therefore had to send his wife and nieces back to Longbourn.
It was planned to travel through Kent, a considerable detour, but it allowed them to pick up Elizabeth.
The hard part lay ahead, retrieving Elizabeth without arousing suspicion in Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Jane understood that she must maintain an air of composure, though she harboured doubts about her ability to do so convincingly.
Thankfully for her, their astute Aunt handled the situation impeccably.
Mrs. Gardiner
Mrs. Gardiner, fully aware of the necessity for Jane to remain silent for as much as possible, chose to take on the responsibility on her shoulders. Embracing her niece, she turned her attention towards Mrs. Collins, assuming a composed demeanour.
"I beg your pardon for this sudden visit, Mrs. Collins," Mrs. Gardiner began, her voice gentle and poised.
"My husband found himself compelled to embark on an urgent business trip, prompting us to alter our plans.
Consequently, it was decided that we should make our way to Longbourn a week earlier than anticipated.
As Elizabeth had intended to join us in London next week, we deemed it prudent to pick her up.
We shall depart as soon as Elizabeth has gathered her belongings," she concluded, her words carefully chosen.
"No apology is necessary, Mrs. Gardiner," Mrs. Collins graciously responded, welcoming them inside.
"Please, do come in and partake in some refreshment.
My husband is currently absent, and I am uncertain of his return.
He would have been overjoyed to learn of your visit," she added, displaying her customary hospitality.
Though Mrs. Gardiner had never met Mr. Collins in person, she possessed a reasonable understanding of his character. Inwardly, she considered it a fortunate circumstance that the gentleman was away during their arrival.
While directing Elizabeth to proceed to her chamber and gather her belongings, Mrs. Gardiner conveyed a subtle warning, cautioning her against posing any inquiries at present. As anticipated, Lizzy, endowed with remarkable perceptiveness, silently made her way towards her chamber.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth was keenly aware that something was amiss. The subterfuge she had witnessed downstairs told her that the matter is concerned with their reputation. Suddenly, realisation struck her.
God! Lydia. What has she done now?
She swiftly packed her belongings and descended the stairs with remarkable haste.
It was only upon entering the carriage that she sought answers from her aunt, casting an inquisitive glance her way.
However, her aunt subtly redirected her attention to the presence of the children in the carriage, conveying the need for discretion.
Ah, it is a matter that cannot be discussed in front of the children. I shall have to wait until we reach Longbourn.
The remainder of the journey was spent engaging in lively conversation with her cousins, diverting her thoughts from the pressing issue at hand.
Only upon their arrival at Longbourn did her focus return to the gravity of the situation.
As she stepped inside, her eyes immediately fell upon her father.
A single glance at his countenance conveyed the seriousness of the matter.
"Papa, where is Mama?" she inquired anxiously.
"I believe she is currently at your Uncle Phillips's residence. I did not inform her of your arrival today. Come, there is something I must discuss with you," her father replied.
Elizabeth eagerly followed her father into the study.
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
Mr. Bennet
Mr. Bennet had dreaded this conversation ever since he became aware of Lydia's elopement. If there was a single individual in this world whose esteem he desired to preserve, it was Elizabeth, his dearest daughter.
"Lizzy, there has been an incident. As of now, your mother and the residents of Meryton remain unaware of it. Only Jane, your aunt and uncle in London, and myself are privy to this information," Mr. Bennet began his explanation.
"Papa, what has happened with Lydia?" his perceptive daughter inquired.
"She eloped with Lieutenant Wickham last Friday. Despite the diligent efforts of Uncle Gardiner and Colonel Forster, their whereabouts remain unknown."
Instead of shock or surprise, he only saw anger in her countenance.
"Exactly the news I was expecting to hear. Oh, Papa, why did you send her alone to Brighton? Mrs. Forster is a sixteen-year-old girl. She was never going to be a good chaperone," though the words were accusatory, there was an air of acceptance in her tone, which surprised him.
"What did you say? Why did you expect this news? You used the word 'exactly,'" he inquired.
He saw his daughter contemplating something. What does she know?
Elizabeth
Elizabeth pondered how much she should divulge. She had no intention of disclosing Mr. Darcy’s proposal to her father. However, she recognized the necessity of sharing her knowledge regarding Mr. Wickham.
"Papa, you know I was initially inclined to believe Mr. Wickham's narrative when he resided in Hertfordshire. His account aligned with my perception of Mr. Darcy, and I foolishly allowed myself to be deceived," she confessed with a hint of remorse.
“In Kent, I encountered Mr. Darcy, who happens to be Lady Catherine's nephew.
During one of his visits to the parsonage, I confronted him regarding his treatment of Mr. Wickham.
No, that is not accurate. I argued vehemently with him that day, consumed by my despair upon receiving Jane's letter mentioning her continued despondency over Mr. Bingley.
Mr. Darcy revealed to me that Mr. Wickham is a man who should not be trusted and warned me to maintain my distance.
He also mentioned that he had previously warned you about Mr. Wickham's true character. Yet, despite this knowledge...”
Elizabeth's voice trailed off as she noticed her father's profoundly shocked expression.
"What is the matter, papa?" she quickly rose from her seat in concern.