Chapter 13 #4
"Furthermore," he continued, his voice tinged with frustration, "once I am gone, I implore you to make preparations to close this house. I shall not be returning. In fact, I shall promptly correspond with the owner to terminate my lease on this house."
As Mrs. Nicholls stood there in confusion, his master hastily opened the drawer on his table only to stare at it in shock. She saw his anger turning into outright fury as he retrieved a sizable envelope from within its depths. Looking up at her, he spoke with an air of urgency.
"Mrs. Nicholls, would you mind procuring a larger envelope capable of holding this letter?"
With haste, Mrs. Nicholls promptly retrieved a suitable envelope. She watched in curiosity as her master penned a brief note and enclosed it along with the unopened letter within the larger envelope. Once the package was sealed, he handed it to her.
"Dispatch this without delay and return to me thereafter," he instructed.
As she departed, carrying the weighty envelope in her hands, Mrs. Nicholls saw that the letter was addressed to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, her master's kind yet reserved friend.
Why is he sending it back without even opening it?
Longbourn
Elizabeth
Elizabeth clung tightly to Jane's hand as they stood outside their father's study. Nearly ten minutes had elapsed since the departure of the express rider, who had delivered a letter into their father's hands.
What could be the plan? How would papa deliver this news?
After waiting for another five minutes, Elizabeth’s patience ran out.
Taking charge, she dragged Jane along with her and gently tapped on the study door.
Upon hearing her father's voice granting them entry, she pushed the door open, revealing her father perched atop the table, clutching a letter in his hand.
To her surprise, instead of anguish and pain, she detected a mixture of shock and elation etched upon his countenance.
"What is it, Papa? Is that the express from Colonel Forster?" she inquired in haste.
Her father shook his head. "No, Lizzy. This is from your uncle Gardiner," he replied.
Uncle and Aunt Gardiner had departed for London the previous afternoon, so why would they send an express afterwards?
"Papa, what does it say?" she inquired.
“Ah Lizzy, go back and close the door, will you,” he handed the letter to her. “Read it aloud for I hardly know myself what it is about.”
It was Jane who went back and locked the door. Elizabeth noticed her father closing his eyes, seemingly concentrating, as she took hold of the letter and read it aloud in a voice intended only for the three of them to hear.
Dear Brother,
I will dispatch this via express with the utmost urgency. I apologise if the words in this letter appear disjointed. I am still in a state of shock, and only my burning desire to bring you relief a moment sooner compels me to write this.
Yesterday, upon our return to London, we were taken aback to find Lydia awaiting us in the parlour.
Colonel Forster was also there, along with a maid he hired for propriety.
Then there was another gentleman, a soldier named Mr. Thomas Weston, someone Colonel Forster knew from their time together in the regulars years back, someone who wants to marry Lydia.
Can you believe this turn of events? Colonel Forster miraculously located Lydia on the very last evening before his intended departure for Brighton. Madeline is so overwhelmed with relief that she offers her gratitude to the Almighty every passing minute.
The express rider awaits, and I believe haste takes precedence over a comprehensive account in this letter.
Rest assured, Lydia is presently safe in my custody.
I have invited the young man to visit us on Saturday morning.
Therefore, anticipate the arrival of myself, Lydia, Madeline, and the aforementioned young man at your doorstep on Saturday afternoon.
Gardiner
Elizabeth had to read this letter for a second time to fully comprehend its contents.
What could possibly be transpiring? Who is this mysterious young man who sought to marry Lydia? Are we really safe from ruin? Why don’t I feel any elation?
After a moment of silence, Elizabeth gathered her thoughts and directed her inquiry towards her father.
“Who is this man, papa? Why does he want to marry Lydia?”
“I am at a loss, child. I truly am. The entire situation perplexes me.
It could be that this suitor seeks financial gain.
We may be forced to offer him a considerable sum in order to secure Lydia's future. Aside from these assumptions, I am utterly clueless. Let us await the arrival of your uncle and his party tomorrow.”
Elizabeth realized her father's assessment was likely correct.
They would have to procure a significant sum of money.
Yet, amidst the tumultuous storm of uncertainty, she began to discern a faint glimmer of hope, a silver lining in the enveloping grey cloud.
Perhaps, just perhaps, her sister's heartfelt desires could be fulfilled.
Turning around to face Jane, Elizabeth discovered that her sister was no longer by her side.
Jane
Jane was merely thirteen years of age when her mother, in her customary manner, reproved her for engaging in a display of youthful exuberance—running.
"Young ladies never run," her mother had admonished.
Henceforth, Jane, ever the dutiful daughter, adhered to this dictum throughout her life, faithfully abiding by it in every instance.
Yet, in this extraordinary moment, as she heard her sister reading the words informing about Lydia’s rescue, Jane quickly retraced her steps and unlocked the door.
Without even verifying if anyone occupied the front parlour, she hastened out of the house, fully cognizant that her Mr. Bingley would soon depart Hertfordshire.
She moved as swiftly as her feet could carry her in the direction of Netherfield.
As she approached Netherfield, she saw him walking out of the house. Ignoring all demands of decorum and heedless of the presence of any onlookers, she ran straight into his arms.
Bingley
Bingley was striding towards his horse when the lady he cherished with all his heart rushed into his arms. He held her tightly, pressing her close to his heart, and gently kissed the top of her head as she sought solace in his embrace.
In a moment of profound clarity, he understood his course of action.
There was no way he would let her go now, no matter the obstacles, whether it was her tarnished reputation or the threat of utter ruin.
He was resolved to stand by her side in this life.
Carefully disentangling himself, he gazed directly into her eyes and posed the most important question he would ever ask.
"Miss Bennet, Jane," he began, his voice filled with sincerity and determination. "I would much prefer to face life's challenges alongside you rather than flee from them. Will you grant me the opportunity to do so? Will you allow me the privilege of marrying you?"
Instead of speaking, she leaned in, and their lips met in a soft, affectionate kiss.
Overjoyed, he embraced her once more, savouring the taste of her sweet lips against his own.
They remained locked in an embrace, cherishing their newfound happiness before either felt the need for words.
After some time, they separated and strolled slowly toward the house.
Jane then shared with him the contents of the letter from her uncle—the news of Lydia's safety and the possibility of her marriage.
They both expressed profound gratitude to everyone who had worked tirelessly to locate and rescue Lydia, sparing them a lifetime of anguish.
Unbeknownst to them, a letter that could have brought similar solace and redemption to another gentleman, who was their true saviour—a letter that had remained unopened and unread—commenced its solitary journey back to the sender.