Chapter 29 #2
“You have all heard, no doubt, of the discovery made upon land bordering Longbourn and the common,” Mr. Bennet continued.
“Permit me to clarify, at least in part, the truth of the matter. The initial discovery was made by my daughter, Elizabeth, during one of her habitual walks. She brought it to my attention at once, and together we made certain that nothing more remained undiscovered.” He paused and raised his brows.
“As more objects were discovered, it is clear we missed some.” Laughter trickled through the crowd again.
Elizabeth felt heat rush to her cheeks as heads turned in her direction. She resisted the urge to shrink back, instead inclining her head politely.
“The items,” Mr. Bennet went on smoothly, “are of considerable antiquity and interest. Once the nature of the find was clear, appropriate authorities were notified. You may rest assured that everything has proceeded in accordance with the law.”
He did not say when. Nor did he say how long. Elizabeth recognized the careful omissions and silently thanked him for them.
Sir William leaned forward eagerly. “Most thrilling, Mr. Bennet! Positively thrilling! Why, one might say your daughter has a knack for uncovering history itself.”
Mr. Bennet smiled thinly. “She has always had a talent for finding trouble, Sir William. This is merely the most lucrative instance.”
Laughter again, warmer this time.
“And now,” Mrs. Bennet interjected brightly, sensing her moment, “supper awaits! Pray, do not allow Roman emperors to distract you from roast fowl.”
The company obligingly moved toward the dining room, the buzz of conversation swelling as speculation resumed in earnest. Elizabeth found herself guided to her seat with little difficulty—beside Mr. Darcy, who had arrived just before her father’s speech.
She immediately felt at home next to her suitor and granted him a warm smile.
Jane was placed beside Colonel Fitzwilliam, much to her delight.
Elizabeth leaned toward Darcy as they settled. “My sister appears very well attended.”
Darcy’s mouth curved. “She does indeed. I imagine the prospect of two weddings in the future must be quite thrilling for Mrs. Bennet.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “I do not know of even one wedding taking place in Meryton in the near future.”
He leaned closer, his voice barely a breath against her ear. “Yet.”
She shot him a warning look, though she could not suppress a smile.
Across the table, Colonel Fitzwilliam listened intently as Jane spoke, his expression open and engaged. Elizabeth had seen many gentlemen attend Jane; few listened so completely. It eased something tight in her chest.
Supper passed in a blur of courses and conversation.
Mrs. Bennet glowed beneath the attention, Sir William recounted—yet again—the moment he had found his own small brooch, and Lady Lucas nodded as though every word were new.
Elizabeth found herself oddly steady. The anxiety that had gnawed at her for weeks felt distant now, replaced by a quiet sense of inevitability.
The truth was out and the hoard would soon be gone, and with it, much of the danger.
When the ladies rose and withdrew, Elizabeth followed Jane and the others through the familiar corridor.
They passed the large drawing room, where two armed guards stood at attention outside closed doors.
The sight sent a shiver through her—not fear, exactly, but awe. The reality of it pressed in again.
In the adjacent music room, the ladies gathered, settling into softer conversation as they waited for the gentlemen to rejoin them. Miss Bingley found herself beside Elizabeth, and to Elizabeth’s mild surprise, the moment was not awkward.
“I should like to ask you,” Miss Bingley said, lowering her voice, “whether you have a favorite among the items.”
Elizabeth considered. “It is difficult to choose. But I am particularly fond of the garnet pendant. There is something…personal about it.”
Miss Bingley nodded thoughtfully. “I should like to sketch it, if you permit me. Only a quick study. I find the workmanship fascinating.”
“I should be honored,” Elizabeth replied sincerely.
Their conversation continued easily—about music, about London exhibitions, about the peculiar enthusiasm of Meryton society. Elizabeth marveled at the change. Whether it was resignation, reflection, or relief, Miss Bingley seemed genuinely content to set rivalry aside.
The gentlemen soon joined them, Mr. Bennet at their head. “My ladies,” he announced, “it is time.”
They filed into the larger drawing room. The guards stepped aside, and the doors were opened. Lord Seeley waited to greet them, having opted to remain with the treasure rather than join the others at supper. He stepped forward, composed and authoritative.
“You are welcome to observe,” he said clearly. “But I must insist—no touching.”
Elizabeth’s breath caught, though she had seen it all before.
The treasure lay displayed upon velvet, glowing softly beneath the candlelight—gold and silver, history made tangible.
A murmur swept through the room. Awe, envy, wonder.
Elizabeth stood quietly beside Darcy, watching her neighbors confront the reality of what had consumed them for weeks.
For the first time, she felt certain—this chapter—this strange, perilous chapter—was finally drawing to a close.