Chapter 1.18 #3
Elizabeth expected Cassandra would laugh and was prepared to join her, but to her utter shock, Cassandra’s countenance darkened instantly, and Elizabeth was sure her friend forgot to breathe.
The reins were trembling in her hands, and her eyes blinked nervously as she tried—with little success—to mount her horse.
She seemed unable to control her movements, as though she were a beginner riding for the first time.
“Cassandra, what is the matter? Wait, you cannot ride in such a state—
“Elizabeth, I must go. I have not a moment to lose. I must return to Netherfield this instant.”
“Cassandra, wait! I will accompany you to Netherfield. Let us walk together. You cannot—
However, Cassandra did not listen or turn toward Elizabeth as she rode away.
Elizabeth felt her knees become too weak to remain upright, and she found support against a tree.
Cassandra’s reaction frightened her beyond description, and many minutes passed before she dared contemplate what had caused it.
Eventually, she understood it was the mention of the colonel’s name that had affected Cassandra so powerfully.
Later that afternoon, Mr Bennet received a letter from London with a note for Elizabeth inside it. Elizabeth took the envelope and ran to her chamber; as she opened it, she burst into tears of sheer happiness. They had arrived safely, and she could not wish or pray for more.
But there was more: almost two pages speaking of his love and longing for her. After reading it several times, Elizabeth finally lay down on her bed, exhausted, holding the paper tightly to her heart—and fell asleep.
∞∞∞
Her horse was hurtling through the trees and then sliding down a hill, but Cassandra pushed him further. All she did, all she tried, all she fought for was to no avail. They did only what they wanted with no consideration for her or Elizabeth; they cared for nothing except their stupid rules.
Elizabeth had said that Darcy was an honourable man—that he was no coward.
She had spoken in jest, but her words brought to Cassandra’s mind the most painful recollection: her fight with David the morning after they spent the night together.
His words resounded as if he were speaking to her that moment.
“A gentleman must defend his honour and the honour of those for whom he cares; that is how things are, Cassandra, whether you like it or not. I will always protect you and Georgiana; you must know that. I will always do what is right for you, and so will Darcy for Miss Elizabeth.”
That was where Darcy had gone; Cassandra was certain of it.
He had gone to defend Elizabeth’s honour and did not confess the reason for his journey. It proved that he presumed Elizabeth would not agree. He must have known she would not allow him to leave, so he had lied.
What rule of honour compels a man to lie to the person he loves and wants to protect? What sorts of rules were governing the life and behaviour of these brainless men? It was the same nightmare happening again, and she could do nothing to prevent it!
Or maybe she could. Was it possible that Darcy would fight Markham that very day? Probably not—that kind of arrangement needed preparation. If only she could speedily reach Netherfield and leave for London without delay. Maybe there was still time.
She became annoyed and impatient with the trees that prevented her riding as fast as she wished. Fortunately, she had almost reached the open field where nothing would delay her. Netherfield was in sight.
∞∞∞
Mrs Bennet could not decide whether she was utterly happy or deeply distressed. What was this madness of having a double wedding?
It must have been Lizzy’s wild idea; that girl always delighted in vexing her poor mother!
How could she even consider forcing Mr Darcy—whose worth was ten thousand a year—to share his wedding day with Mr Bingley whose income was only five thousand a year?
Ten thousand a year—and probably more! And he wanted to marry Lizzy!
As Mr Darcy’s presence for dinner was not to be expected, Mrs Bennet lost interest in choosing the dishes for the courses, so she spent the day talking with Mrs Gardiner and Jane.
Lizzy did not join them as she was still sleeping, and Mrs Bennet heartily approved; Lizzy must look as rested and beautiful as possible when Mr Darcy returned.
It was almost dinnertime when a servant announced the arrival of Mr Bingley. Normally, Mrs Bennet would have hurried to greet her future son-in-law, but this time she was too deep in conversation with Lizzy—who had recently joined them—about Mr Darcy’s favourite dish.
Jane invited him to sit, but the gentleman rejected any polite conversation.
“I am afraid the reason for this visit is not a pleasant one, and remaining for dinner is completely out of the question. I only stopped by to ask if by any chance you have seen Lady Cassandra today. I—
“I met Cassandra earlier today,” answered Elizabeth, moving closer to him. “Why do you ask, Mr Bingley? Did anything happen? Is Cassandra well?”
“I am afraid I cannot answer you, Miss Elizabeth, as I have not seen her at all since the ball. I was only told she went riding early this morning, and she has not been seen since. Her horse returned to the stables some hours ago, but Lady Cassandra is nowhere to be found.”