Chapter 2 Realisation #2
Darcy first proceeded to the nursery to collect Hurst’s child, George, and then took both boys directly to the back attic at Pemberley, where childhood treasures of him and Georgiana were stored.
Two full bags of toys awaited them, bringing immense joy to the boys.
Subsequently, Darcy had the bags transferred to the nursery before returning to his study.
It was possibly the most enjoyable time he had in this house for a long time.
As he settled in his chair, a fatigued Bingley walked in. Did he not sleep?
"Bingley, you are in need of either a bath or some rest, probably both" Darcy remarked.
"A bath would be heavenly, but sleep must come first. However, before that, I wish to speak with you, if you are available," Bingley sat on the chair opposite.
"Speak, Bingley. I am all ears," Darcy leaned back in his chair.
"It's about Jane, Darce. I can tell that her condition is deteriorating.
Her fever is higher, and her sleep is fitful.
It seems she struggles to breathe, an ailment I have never seen in her.
I know that Mr. Ashton has served around here for years, but do you know of any other nearby physician we could consult?
I cannot bear the thought of losing her, Darce.
I would not survive such a loss. I know you do not approve of her, but I want you to help me in this matter. "
Why on earth does he persist in thinking I disapprove of Mrs. Bingley?
"Bingley, Mr. Ashton has served us for years and is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable apothecary in these parts. As for a physician, there is one in Sheffield. But, travelling to Sheffield in this weather is nearly impossible," Darcy replied, choosing his words carefully.
He could discern that this was not the response Bingley had hoped for, but it was the plain truth.
Mr. Ashton's expertise was unparalleled, and Sheffield's inaccessibility was a challenging reality.
Consulting any other apothecaries in the vicinity seemed futile when they already possessed Mr. Ashton's aid.
"Bingley, I understand your concern, and I share in your apprehension. Mrs. Bingley appeared to be struggling yesterday. However, this is a time when you must maintain your faith. We shall exhaust every possibility to save her. Pray to God and hope for the best.
As for your notion that I disapprove of Mrs. Bingley, you are entirely mistaken.
I have never disapproved of her. If I ever discussed this matter with you, it was out of concern for your well-being.
I can now see that my concern was unwarranted, and I am pleased that you possessed the strength of character to follow your heart.
Know that I shall always approve of anyone whom you choose as your wife," he concluded with sincerity.
"Very well, Darcy. Let me get some rest then," Bingley rose from his chair, preparing to depart.
"Bingley, wait a moment. There is something that has been troubling me. I, er, why were you travelling in these parts in such treacherous weather?" Darcy inquired.
Darcy had a different question in mind, yet his courage failed him at this crucial juncture.
He desired to inquire about Mr. Goulding and the rationale behind his exclusion from their touring party.
The protracted nature of their journey was unmistakable.
Why would Elizabeth undertake such an extended expedition with her sister's family?
Did she not have her own family and children to tend to?
Could it be that she no longer had a family of her own?
"I journeyed to Hull, Darce. Caroline is residing there now.
She married a Mr. Elliot from there. There was an accident.
Caroline had a two-year-old son, her only son.
He tragically fell down the stairs and lost his life around two months ago.
I visited her, and on the return journey, we became stranded.
I must confess, I made a mistake in bringing ladies and the children along.
I should have travelled with Hurst alone," Bingley explained.
Indeed, it was a grave misjudgment, Bingley. You were fortunate that Jonny happened to visit his home. Otherwise, the consequences could have been dire, not only for you but for your family as well, and for her, Oh no!
It was a distressing thought—thoughts of her possible demise. However, Bingley didn’t let him continue with that thought.
"Darce, I forgot to ask. Is there a way to send word beyond Derbyshire in this weather? I must somehow inform Mr. Goulding and his mother that Elizabeth is safe. They will be worried if we don’t reach there in a week.
Poor Elizabeth, she only travelled with us at Jane's behest and was hesitant to leave the children behind.
Now, she is marooned here with no definite date for her return," Bingley inquired.
Darcy concealed the anguish he felt. Bingley had unwittingly answered all the questions that had been weighing on his mind.
So she has a family and children. But why does Bingley call his brother Mr. Goulding? Aren’t they close? By the way, when did I become such a selfish and unfeeling person, secretly desiring her to be without family?
"I'm afraid sending a letter is implausible in this climate, Bingley. But you can compose it and place it with my other letters. Whenever there is relief from this weather, Mrs. Reynolds will dispatch it immediately," Darcy replied, concealing the pain in his heart.
"I will ask Elizabeth to write to her family and give you the letter," Bingley replied and walked out, leaving Darcy to wage the lone battle in his mind.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth entered the chamber to behold Lady Catherine tending to Jane with exceptional care, delicately replacing the damp cloth upon her forehead. Had she not seen it with her own eyes, she would scarcely have credited such a scene.
"Lady Catherine, it is delightful to see you again," she curtsied.
"Ah, Miss Bennet, Er, Mrs. Goulding, I was apprised of your presence. Though I would have preferred to see you under more auspicious circumstances," Lady Catherine responded.
Elizabeth remained silent, noticing how Lady Catherine, like the master of the house, appeared leaner. Her demeanour had softened, showing an unexpected gentleness.
"I wish to extend my condolences for the loss of Miss Anne De Bourgh. May she rest in peace," Elizabeth spoke softly.
"Gone too soon, Mrs. Goulding, gone too soon.
The fault lies with me; I must bear the burden of it," Lady Catherine's words caught Elizabeth by surprise.
It was not the response she anticipated from the formidable lady.
This entire journey had been filled with unexpected revelations.
Mrs. Elliot, former Miss Bingley, now appeared a mere shadow of her former vain self.
Merely moments ago, Elizabeth had witnessed Mr. Darcy engaging in play with a five-year-old boy, and now Lady Catherine was tenderly caring for someone whom she might once have summarily dismissed.
“Tell me about your life, Mrs. Goulding. I hardly hear anything from Mrs. Collins nowadays. Now I realize that the poor woman cared for me all those years ago only at the behest of her husband.”
Mrs. Collins, Charlotte, now resides in Lucas Lodge.
Approximately six months after Elizabeth's marriage, Charlotte gave birth to a daughter.
Unfortunately, just two weeks later, Mr. Collins succumbed to a severe fever.
Even in his final moments, he yearned for Lady Catherine's presence at Rosings, hoping for her healing touch.
Mr. Fitzwilliam, the former Colonel, kindly permitted Charlotte to remain at Hunsford for an additional three months, sparing her the arduous journey to Hertfordshire with her newborn child.
After that period elapsed, he personally escorted Charlotte to Hertfordshire and generously bestowed upon her a quarterly pension.
Following Mr. Collins’s demise, and his child being born a girl, Longbourn ceased to be entailed.
Elizabeth's mother could hardly contain her delight at the demise of the sole heir to her home.
She expressed this joy so inconsiderately in front of everyone that visitors from Lucas Lodge no longer graced Longbourn with their presence.
In fact, her untimely display not only distanced Lady Lucas but also prompted her other friends in Meryton to keep their distance.
Even her dear sister, Aunt Phillips, openly rebuked her for the improper expression of delight.
"I am still residing in Hertfordshire, merely four miles from the home of my birth. I am content, Lady Catherine. I have my nieces and nephews to keep me company," Elizabeth replied.
Lady Catherine gazed at her for a moment. "Your husband, Mrs. Goulding. How is he?"
Elizabeth kept eyes locked when she replied in a low voice.
"My husband passed away five years ago, Lady Catherine."