Chapter 1.8 #5
“Miss Bennet, forgive my boldness, but I must say your entire reasoning is incorrect. I doubt very much that Darcy will accept the news of your sudden departure calmly. Please do not presume how he will react. Of course, your sister’s elopement will raise a scandal, especially if they do not marry soon, but this is not the first or the last situation of its kind.
It has happened to more illustrious families, and every time, people gossiped for awhile and soon put everything behind them. ”
“Can you not understand, your ladyship? It is not only about elopement; it is so much more than that! If my sister had eloped with any other man, I might agree with you. Even more, perhaps I would have been selfish enough to put my desires and my happiness above anything else. In such a situation, I would have been pleased to have Mr Darcy keep his word, and I may have even asked for his help. But considering it is Mr Wickham, how can I put Mr Darcy and Georgiana in such a horrible situation? Only yesterday, they could not stand even to hear Mr Wickham’s name.
How can I torture them by forcing them to be part of this disgraceful calamity?
I cannot do that to them, not after all they have gone through in the last months.
They will not suffer again because of me; I will not allow that, no matter the price I have to pay. ”
Suddenly, her countenance froze and her eyes fixed on her ladyship. “Lady Cassandra, you must help me with this. You must promise you will not tell anybody the reason for our departure.”
“Miss Bennet, you are not being reasonable. You surely know that such a thing cannot be kept secret; besides, Mr Bingley is settled to return to Netherfield in a short while. Surely you cannot forbid him to do that—
“No…no…Mr Bingley…the situation is different in his case. This scandal would not affect him as much; he will not be harmed as much as Mr Darcy and Georgiana…and when he returns—well, we shall see…But you must promise not to tell anyone for now.”
Her eyes had lost all their brightness, and the lady could feel the burden of her grief; it was not the time for an argument, so Lady Cassandra decided to do anything to calm her. “Very well, Miss Bennet, I promise I shall keep the secret as long as possible.”
“Thank you, your ladyship.”
Lady Cassandra remained silent for a moment while her eyes searched Elizabeth’s with the greatest care.
She then put her arm around her shoulders and gently pulled her close until Elizabeth began crying on her shoulder, continually whispering, “Thank you.” The Gardiners and Georgiana found them thus a few moments later.
“Elizabeth, what has happened? Mr Gardiner said no one died—thank God—and no one has fallen ill but that some events require your immediate return home.”
“Yes…yes, my uncle is right. We must leave immediately.”
“Oh, I am so sorry! Mr Gardiner told me it was an urgent family matter. Is there nothing I can do to help you? Can you not stay a little longer until William returns?”
“No, we cannot delay; please understand me, Georgiana. It is very likely that the rain will begin any moment, and we need to leave as soon as possible and travel as fast as we can.”
The sadness and disappointment brought tears to Miss Darcy’s eyes, and she did not fight to hold them back.
“Very well then, if you need to go, so be it, but please, write me to inform us as soon as you can. I shall not find rest until I have news from you, nor shall William either.”
“I…I shall try…if the situation will allow me…but…” Her tears stopped her from speaking further.
“Oh, Elizabeth, something very bad has happened; you are suffering so much, yet you will not allow me to help you and do not want to wait a little longer until my brother returns. Did we do something to offend you? Are you upset with us? Is that why you want to leave so quickly?”
“Oh no, no, dearest, please do not say that…” She took the girl’s hands and held them tightly while looking deeply into her eyes.
“My dearest friend, please believe me that these last days here at Pemberley have been the happiest in my life. I will treasure their memories as long as I live, and my affection for you will ever remain unchanged, please remember that.”
“Elizabeth, we must leave now,” interrupted Mr Gardiner, and she obeyed.
When she rose to move to the door, Georgiana was still holding her hands tightly.
She embraced her quickly; then she ran and did not stop until she was in the carriage.
She could bear it no longer; her heart was broken, and she knew parts of it would remain at Pemberley. Her heart would never be the same.
The Gardiners joined her shortly, and they were about to leave when Lady Cassandra detained them. “Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Miss. Bennet, I want all of you to promise me something.”
“What could that be, Lady Cassandra?” asked Mr Gardiner
“This searching will be a daunting task, and you may need support in matters you cannot even imagine now. I want you to promise me you will not hesitate to ask my help in anything. You know my location in London; send word there, and my servants will direct it to me as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, your ladyship, your kindness is— Mrs Gardiner tried to express her gratitude.
“Oh please, enough of this nonsense! This is no time for politeness. I hope you find Mr Wickham in time.” She paused and looked at them all before adding, “I shall not take a serious good-bye of you, because I dare say we shall meet again soon. Have a safe journey.”
The carriage left a moment later, and almost instantly, the rain began; Pemberley remained behind with Elizabeth’s weeping heart.
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