Chapter 17
Sleep evaded Darcy all night; at dawn, Bingley and Mr. Gardiner left for Surrey, as planned.
His life had utterly changed in the last week, and he felt caught up in a storm of happy sorrow and painful exultation, torn between gratitude that Elizabeth had returned to his life and grief for everything she had been forced to endure.
And guilt—a deep, burdening guilt and self-blame for causing the circumstances that left Elizabeth with no support and no choice.
For six months he had pined after her, struggling to conceal his growing love, and cowardly distancing himself from her.
Then he met her again in Kent and finally ended the inner battle that had tormented him for so long.
He proposed to her and, while he was certain that day would be the blissful beginning of a new life, it turned into a nightmare after she rejected him most harshly.
His wounded heart had found only slight palliation before he returned to London and learned she was already married to another man.
He remembered being stunned, doubtful, angry and offended.
She had rejected him but had readily accepted another man with whom she was barely acquainted.
A man who he—Darcy—knew well enough to despise.
A man with shallow character, little honour and an apparent inclination towards dissipation and extravagance.
She could not possibly love Barrington—she had no time to have grown true feelings—and still, she preferred him.
Resentment and fury had defeated his reason for days and nights until he unexpectedly encountered her.
He was with Georgiana and they barely spoke at all, but those few words Elizabeth tentatively addressed to him revealed the misery and the sadness hidden behind her new position as Lady Barrington.
He understood that, once again, he had been selfish and thoughtless, caring only for his own distress.
Fortunately, he had been able to remedy his ungenerous interference between Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet. He was relieved and content seeing his friend reunited with the woman he loved and who returned his affection.
Reports and gossip about Barrington’s hasty marriage and his new wife ran around the town, as she had not been introduced in society before the couple moved to the Barrington estate.
The only certainty was Barrington's connection with the Countess of Sedgewick, whose charities were renowned amongst the ton.
The rumours were painful and tormenting for Darcy, reminding him that he had lost her forever and, even worse, that she had little chance of happiness with that rascal.
During restless nights, dark images of Elizabeth sharing her life with an unworthy man who could not appreciate, admire and love her as she deserved, haunted him.
Helpless and distressed, he tried to gather news from Bingley, who was happily married and living in the comfort of Netherfield. Although now part of the Bennet family, Bingley knew little of his titled sister-in-law, except for several letters written by her at the beginning of her marriage.
Then one day, the Bingleys arrived in town, frightened and apprehensive about their sister’s well being, devastated that Barrington would not allow them to see her and begging Darcy to help them draw up a plan for Elizabeth’s recovery.
Only a week had passed since then—a week as long as a year—and just four days since Elizabeth found shelter in his house, hiding from the dreadful memories of her short marriage.
What they discovered was worse than he had imagined and his darkest thoughts were insignificant compared to the reality Elizabeth had been forced to endure.
Fortunately, Barrington was dead, otherwise Darcy would have killed him with his bare hands, with no hesitation and no remorse.
The door opened suddenly and hasty steps followed by a loud, excited voice interrupted Darcy’s reflections.
“Cousin! I hope I am not disturbing you—the footman told me you were awake. I knew I would find you in the library.”
“Robert. You never disturb me. How are you? When did you arrive from your regiment?”
“Last night. I came to see you immediately. My mother told me the most extraordinary news. I could hardly believe that Miss Bennet was involved in such a tragedy. I mean Lady Barrington. Is she still here? And Bingley? Is he here too?”
“Calm yourself, Cousin. Have you had breakfast? Would you like anything?”
“Only some coffee; it was too early for breakfast, my parents have not left their apartment yet. But I am not hungry. So? Tell me!”
“It is a long story and yes, quite extraordinary—in the worst possible way. Lady Barrington is here with her sister—Mrs. Bingley. Her uncle, Mr. Gardiner, and Bingley are engaged in a journey towards Surrey. They just left.”
“Why?”
“They are searching for a young lady—the Countess of Sedgewick’s protégée—who was thrown out of the house by Barrington. I will explain it to you.”
Darcy began to relate to the colonel the horrifying tale. He carefully revealed only those facts that were publicly known. His private conversations with Elizabeth were protected from any indiscretion inside his mind and his heart.
“So Bingley and Mr. Gardiner were there and Barrington refused to let them in? Upon my word, I would have barged in and strangled the bastard with my bare hands!” the colonel shouted angrily.
“I imagine they were tempted to, but they wisely decided against it. Barrington could have easily claimed he was being attacked and shot them in retaliation. No court would condemn an earl for protecting himself in his own house.”
“True...”
“This is why, when they asked for my advice, I applied to the solicitors and trustees to accompany us. We needed reliable witnesses. Just imagine—if that accident had occurred and the trustees were not there, Lady Augusta could have accused us—or Lady Barrington—of planning to murder her son and steal his fortune!”
“Yes, yes, very likely...Darcy, I have always admired your self-control in such a distressing situation. Your reason always keeps your temper under good regulation. If I were in your place, I would have strangled Wickham and now Barrington long ago.”
“Believe me, I would have done it if necessary...Beside Lady Barrington’s situation, there was a young maid...she is probably Georgiana’s age. She was so badly injured...I would have killed Barrington for that girl alone.”
“He harmed her? You mean...?”
“He abused her. But she was also beaten. Hurt. Lady Barrington said the girl had taken her side, trying to protect her. I imagine they tried to protect each other.”
“Dear Lord! I am utterly dismayed!”
“So was I, Robert. When we arrived in town, both Lady Barrington and the maid were wounded, their appearance was frightening, they needed a doctor’s assistance.
We were all together—Bingley, his wife, and the Gardiners—so we had to decide where they could go, all together.
At Bingley’s there were his sisters, Gardiner’s house is rather small and they have young children...
So I had to convince them to remain here for the time being. ”
“Yes, yes, it was a good choice. But Darcy, I am sure there were many others hurt by Barrington.”
“Most likely. Apparently, he used young servants who were forced to support their families, paid them well, but kept them somehow imprisoned. St. Claire and Lambert—and likely many others—were no strangers to his habits. Nor was Lady Augusta, since that habit persisted both at their country estate and at the townhouse.”
“This is madness,” the colonel said, dumbfounded, pacing the room. “And what happened to the girl? Where is she?”
“Here, in the house, of course. She has been taken care of since then. Lady Barrington is very fond of her. She also offered all the servants in both houses the chance to move to other properties, and take similar positions. More than ten accepted, four others returned to their families. It is hard to conceive the sort of abuse that happened there.”
“Dear Lord...”
“You know Robert, Lady Barrington’s marriage was a painful nightmare for her, but it actually saved many others.
She could have lived quite comfortably if she accepted her husband's depraved, vicious behaviour. If she allowed him to hurt others and to defraud the terms of the fortune that he unjustly acquired. Lady Augusta reproached her as much. She said it was her fault for being hurt since she confronted her husband...”
“That is true. It is fortunate for many that Barrington married her...Though I wonder how he was so stupid as to not realise Miss Bennet was not the sort of woman to accept his miserable character.”
“He was in a hurry. He needed to marry someone that the Countess of Sedgewick approved before the lady passed away.”
“Yes, I know. My mother told me something of it...And I remember the rumours from a few months ago. I know Barrington was suddenly eager to marry. But surely no one aware of his vices and debauchery would agree to bind themselves to him, despite the prospect of his enormous wealth. I cannot believe that Miss Bennet agreed to marry him after such a brief acquaintance.”
“We should not blame her, Robert. She found herself in dreadful circumstances, with her family’s future ruined, with the fear of losing their home, and no means to support themselves.”
“I do not blame her, I was just stunned. I did not expect the Miss Bennet I knew would accept such a proposal. I am also surprised that Lady Sedgewick accepted her so readily.”
“I understand her ladyship had become quite fond of Miss Bennet, so there was nothing standing in the way of the union.”
“There was likely a bit of selfishness on Lady Sedgewick’s part too. She needed a worthy woman, capable of continuing her charities, and was happy to find Miss Bennet. Therefore, she neglected to provide her with a proper warning about the real circumstances.”
“Robert, we should not blame her ladyship either. I doubt she suspected the extent of Barrington's real character and infamous behaviour. If she had, she would have disinherited him entirely, I am sure.”
“You are probably correct and I am judging her too harshly. I feel Miss Bennet has been deceived and I cannot but sympathise with her. So what is to be done now?”
“We hope Bingley and Mr. Gardiner will find Miss Cecilia, then I expect things will be settled step by step. Lady Barrington will move into Lady Sedgewick’s house, she said.
She has significant responsibilities on her shoulders, but I am sure she will quickly learn to manage them.
She is determined and eager to begin her duties.
Hopefully, she will allow herself time to improve her health first.”
“And you? How will this alter your schedule for this summer? Will you return to Pemberley?”
Darcy hesitated for a moment. “I am not certain, but I doubt it. The entire Bennet family—including Bingley, the Gardiners as well as Lady Barrington—are still in a difficult situation. Lady Barrington has asked for my support with the legal matters. I would not feel comfortable leaving them. I hope Georgiana will not mind—I still have to speak to her.”
“And I agree—the circumstances are overwhelming. I would be anxious if I found myself in Lady Barrington’s position. And I would ask for your help too.”
“I appreciate your trust, cousin,” Darcy said in jest.
“You should be frightened—we have all become accustomed to asking for your help,” the colonel replied in the same tone. “I am glad that you and Lady Barrington have improved your acquaintance. You were on rather harsh terms in Kent.”
Darcy averted his eyes. “It might have appeared so, but even if we had some disagreements, I have always admired Miss Bennet. And I hope her opinion of me has changed for the better lately.”
“Darcy, I have long wished to confess something. Several months ago you told me about a friend that you saved from an inappropriate relationship. Was that friend Bingley?”
“Yes,” Darcy admitted after a moment of hesitation.
“And the lady was Miss Bennet’s sister? The present Mrs. Bingley?”
“Yes.”
The colonel filled himself a glass of brandy, under Darcy’s reproachful glare. It was not even breakfast time.
“You see...when we were in Kent, one day I joined Miss Bennet for a walk. And we spoke of you somehow...I cannot remember why, but I mentioned to her that you congratulated yourself on having saved a friend from the inconvenience of a most imprudent marriage. I noticed immediately that her countenance had changed, as she probably guessed who I meant. And I remember she did not join the Collinses at Rosings that afternoon. Then the following day we returned to town.”
Darcy stared at his cousin, his chest suddenly feeling unbearably tight. The incident most certainly occurred on the day of his proposal. The confirmation of his interference between Jane and Bingley surely had added to her previous anger and induced her fierce accusations.
“I am truly sorry,” the colonel added.
“It is all over now,” Darcy responded. There was nothing else to be said or done.
“I have not yet congratulated Bingley and his wife. Perhaps I will meet them tonight? May I join you for dinner?”
Darcy hesitated again, pondering his answer.
“Cousin, you are always welcome in my house, no invitation is ever needed. I know Bingley would be happy to see you. But please allow me to speak to Lady Barrington first. She is not comfortable with her appearance yet...I do not wish to trouble her further. I am certain she would be pleased to see you too, at a convenient time. I hope you do not mind.”
“Not at all. I do not want to impose—send me a note later regarding dinner. And please assure Lady Barrington of my consideration and my support.”
“I will.”
The colonel departed and Darcy remained lost in his thoughts for a while.
The knowledge of Robert’s indiscretion brought back painful memories of his failed proposal.
Perhaps if the colonel had not spoken so unguardedly, if Elizabeth was not so furious, if he had chosen his words more carefully and not offended her and her family, things might have been different.
It was unlikely that she would have accepted him anyway, but perhaps they would have been able to talk more reasonably.
He might have admitted his intervention and promised to make amends.
They would have separated on more civil terms, and perhaps then she would not have been desperate enough to accept Barrington to save her family.
Yes, they all shared a significant part of the blame, just as Bingley had said.