Chapter 13
Darcy House, London
Darcy
Darcy perused the letter for the third time, wrestling with the decision of whether to dispatch it or not.
It was a lengthy missive, the product of two evenings' labour and numerous revisions.
It explains everything he knew about Miss Bennet and Bingley.
It elucidated his conduct concerning the couple and the considerations that had guided his actions.
Most significantly, it unveiled the depths of his affection for another lady of the Bennet family, accompanied by a heartfelt plea for his dear friend's assistance in fostering a union between them.
After deciding to make another attempt with Miss Elizabeth, Darcy had also contemplated repairing his friendship with Bingley.
His inquiry had revealed that Bingley had departed London and was staying at his country estate.
Darcy knew of only one such estate in Bingley's possession—the leased property in Netherfield.
However, due to the unresolved matter involving Miss Lydia, he was unable to leave the city at present.
Hence, a letter would suffice for the time being.
He still didn’t know what mistake he had made that caused Bingley to sever their friendship. As far as he knew, it all stemmed from a misunderstanding. By explaining everything from his side, he hoped to alleviate that misunderstanding and get his friend back in his life.
The letter was promptly dispatched.
Thursday, May 7, 1812
Longbourn
Elizabeth
Elizabeth walked as fast as her legs could take her. She was trying hard to restrain her tears.
Why can’t papa tell mama to desist? Doesn’t he know how much it is affecting me?
It was not the first time her mother brought up the topic of Mr. Collins’s proposal. She lost count on how many times she heard her mother telling her that she will never receive another proposal in this life. Yet, it had never affected her so profoundly before.
Elizabeth was uncertain of the reason for the resurgence of that particular topic on this occasion.
Mrs. Goulding had arrived earlier in the morning for a visit.
When Elizabeth descended from her chambers in the morning, she saw her mother and Mrs. Goulding conversing about Jane and Mr. Bingley.
However, on seeing her, her mother quickly changed the topic to Mr. Collins’s proposal and delved into Elizabeth's perceived dearth of prospects.
Even Mrs. Goulding appeared taken aback and affected by the abrupt change in topic.
Elizabeth always liked Mrs. Goulding, for she was a gentle soul. When their eyes met, and Mrs. Goulding silently implored her to seek solace outdoors, Elizabeth swiftly assented. The imminent threat of tears loomed too close.
Why am I so emotional now? It is not the first time mama has insulted me in front of others.
The predicament lay in the fact that this time, her mother was probably right. Another proposal may never come her way, especially with no tidings of Lydia's whereabouts. Ruin stared them in the face.
Yet another source of distress for Elizabeth was that she has started to feel alone in this household.
Jane was always busy since Mr. Bingley visited daily.
Kitty was still walking around unrestrained.
Papa not exercising any control over her.
Elizabeth's respect for her father had waned so much that she is disinclined to spend time with him anymore.
Utterly and entirely alone, she stared at the harrowing prospect of remaining so if Lydia's predicament remained unresolved.
After a few hours, as she made her way back to her home, her gaze beheld the Gardiner carriage stationed at the entrance. With haste, she hurried back inside.
Dear God, let it be that Lydia has been found and is well.
Mr. Gardiner
Mr. Gardiner watched his niece approaching the house, anticipating the inevitable inquiries she would present.
Thank goodness the door is closed; she won't barge in like her mother. She will wait patiently for me in the parlour. I must carefully consider what to reveal to her and Jane.
His brother-in-law, Thomas, sat in a state of shocked disbelief, his vacant gaze fixed on the ceiling.
Mr. Gardiner could only imagine the tumultuous thoughts swirling in his mind.
What father would willingly bear the news that his daughter had been forced upon and then sold into the clutches of a brothel?
"So, you're saying you knew about Lydia's dire situation for nearly twelve days? Why didn't you inform me sooner?" Thomas asked after a long pause.
"To begin with, I didn’t think it was beneficial for you to know this when you are in no position to do anything about it.
You have to face your family every day, and it would have been difficult for you to do that with knowledge of Lydia’s plight at the back of your mind.
Moreover, I could not risk conveying such sensitive information through a written correspondence.
What if the letter fell into the wrong hands?
The only viable means of communication was to journey here myself, which would have wasted a precious day that could have been better spent in the search for her," Mr. Gardiner responded, seeking to justify his actions.
He observed a tacit understanding in his brother-in-law's nod.
"So, what has changed now? What prompted your visit today?"
This is going to be difficult.
"Thomas, I implore you to listen to the entirety of what I have to convey before responding.
Yesterday, Colonel Forster sought an audience with me.
He and his men have diligently searched the streets of London for Lydia for the past twelve days.
Prior to that, they dedicated nearly two weeks to pursue that vile miscreant responsible for her plight.
The colonel has other commitments that demand his attention, and he yearns to return to his young wife awaiting him in Brighton.
So he informed me that unless significant progress is made within the next seven days, they will reluctantly cease their search.
The colonel asked me about our contingency plan in case Lydia remained elusive.
He pledged his cooperation to our cause.
As matters currently stand, our sole recourse is to ensure that Lydia's disgrace does not tarnish the reputation of your remaining daughters.
To achieve this, we must either locate Lydia and secure her a suitable marriage, or…
consider the drastic measure of preserving the family's honour by declaring her as.
. not coming back," Mr. Gardiner paused.
Thomas suddenly looked up, reflecting a mixture of shock and incredulity.
"Thomas, I implore you to withhold your immediate reactions.
This is a dire and precarious situation.
Our paramount concern must be the welfare of your other daughters, for Lydia's actions have brought this calamity upon herself. Let us, at the very least, endeavour to shield the rest of our family from the consequences of Lydia’s mistakes. "
Mr. Gardiner noticed the gradual assimilation of his words into his brother-in-law's consciousness.
"This proposition has been put forth by Colonel Forster himself.
He has pledged to continue the search for Lydia until the forthcoming Wednesday, the 13th of May.
On the following day, the 14th, he and his men shall regrettably return to Brighton.
The next day, an emergency message will be dispatched to you via express, conveying the tidings of Lydia's getting lost at sea.
Such misfortunes, I am told, are not uncommon in the coastal town of Brighton and will undoubtedly find credence," Mr. Gardiner waited for his brother's reaction.
“Don’t they know about Lydia’s elopement in Brighton?” Thomas, visibly in shock, but still posed a crucial question.
"Apart from Mr. and Mrs. Forster and his trusted men who are currently searching for her in London, none are privy to Lydia's escapade. They cunningly spread the rumour of Mr. Wickham’s desertion, thereby diverting attention from Lydia's absence," Mr. Gardiner explained, seeking to allay his brother's concerns.
“And what shall befall us if, by some miraculous turn of events, Lydia were to reappear after we have declared her dead?" Thomas asked.
"You misunderstand, Thomas. We are not proclaiming Lydia dead. We shall only state that she is lost at sea. There have been rare instances of people returning home unscathed after such misadventures," Mr. Gardiner replied.
"What will you tell Lizzy and Jane? I am certain they are waiting for you outside," Thomas inquired.
"I will inform them only that Mr. Wickham has been found and conveyed that he abandoned Lydia in London. I will convey that we are diligently searching for Lydia, withholding the unsavoury details from them," Mr. Gardiner replied.
Thomas's voice wavered with emotion as he raised his final query. "Is this truly our only recourse? Must I feign mourning for my youngest child?"
"No, Thomas. It is not final yet. We still have a week of searching left. The only recourse is to pray. Let us hope that God sends someone to aid her and bring her back to us."
Mr. Gardiner lifted his eyes heavenward in silent supplication.
Netherfield Park
Bingley
Bingley grew more worried as the days passed. His desire to propose to Miss Bennet smouldered within him, convinced of her affection and certain of her acceptance. Yet, the unresolved situation involving Miss Lydia held him back. Countless questions plagued his mind.
What if Miss Lydia is never found? Will Miss Bennet still agree to marry me? Could I, in good conscience, ask for her hand when her family’s reputation is ruined? How would it affect Caroline's marriage prospects?