Chapter 21 #2
Laura, John, and Mrs Gardiner joined them a few minutes later, and together they continued arranging the small baskets of flowers that would decorate the church.
"Can you see, Matthew, what a man must endure when he is surrounded by women? Here you and I are, arranging flower baskets!" John said.
"I only see one man here, my cousin Matthew. You, John, are merely a boy," Laura replied, throwing a few flowers at her brother.
"What do you know, Laura? Besides, I was speaking to Matthew, not to you," John replied indignantly, tossing the flowers Laura had thrown at him back in her direction.
Everyone laughed at the children's playful banter, but Mrs Gardiner had to restore order before matters grew more serious and the room descended into a flower battle.
"My dear John, I believe I am beginning to understand what your life has been like," Matthew said at last, laughing as he selected the flowers Jane requested.
"Thank you, Matthew. It is good to know that at least someone understands me," John replied, casting a triumphant glance at his sister, who promptly stuck out her tongue at him.
"John, Laura," said Mrs Gardiner seriously, letting the children know she wanted no further argument.
Mrs Gardiner invited Matthew to stay for luncheon, and he gladly accepted.
Afterwards, he took his leave. Jane had told him that she, her aunt Mary, and Kitty would be going to Lady Campbell's house to help with the final preparations for the wedding breakfast. He, however, had to return to the office because he had a meeting with his father.
"I shall see you tomorrow at the wedding, my love," Jane said as she kissed his cheek.
"I shall be there without fail, my dear Jane," Matthew replied, kissing her forehead.
He left the Gardiners' house in high spirits, not only because he had spent time with Jane, but also because he had enjoyed being with the rest of the family. He adored John and Laura. They were delightful children, every bit as lovable as their parents.
As he was about to step into his carriage, he realised that someone was watching him, and he immediately grew uneasy.
‘It cannot be, madam. So now you are sending your servants to spy on me. I shall not allow you to interfere in my life.’
When he arrived at his office, his father and another gentleman were waiting for him.
"Matthew, my son, I have unfortunate news for you.
Ever since we returned from Liverpool, I have noticed suspicious people lingering near our house, so I engaged Mr King to investigate.
My son, they have been following you wherever you go for several days.
By now, they must know your every movement. "
Matthew was furious, but he listened in silence as Mr King presented his report.
"I would advise you to alter your routine as much as possible, sir," Mr King said.
"Do not leave or return by the same entrance every day.
Whenever it is convenient, use the servants' entrance or another door to make your movements less predictable.
If you travel by carriage, instruct your coachman not to wait directly outside your residence.
Have him wait a few streets away and walk there by a different route.
Likewise, avoid following the same streets whenever possible, and never allow strangers to become accustomed to your habits. "
Mr King paused before continuing.
"I understand how unpleasant it must be, sir, to conceal your movements as though you had done something dishonourable. No gentleman likes to live under such circumstances. Unfortunately, it is the wisest course available to us."
Matthew nodded gravely. Every recommendation confirmed that the situation was far more serious than he had first imagined.
As soon as the investigator had left the office, James turned to his son.
"I believe it is time for you to speak to Jane, my son."
"No," Matthew replied firmly.
"You are making a grave mistake. I only hope you will not come to regret it," James said anxiously.
Whatever his son's decision, James was determined to support him and stand by him.
◆◆◆
Marcus had also fallen asleep for part of the journey.
The day before, he had scarcely slept thinking of his daughter, and he had risen at dawn in order to make the journey in a single day.
When he awoke, he found Elizabeth nestled in his arms. Feeling her embrace and hearing her soft breathing, he could no longer contain his emotion, and tears began to fall despite every effort to restrain them.
He had never imagined that a man could be so happy with so little; his little angel, whom he had believed dead for twenty years, was now a beautiful young lady, and he prayed that he might be granted a long life to protect and care for her.
A few months earlier, he had not cared whether he lived or died.
Now, he wished to live many years for his daughter.
Once he had composed himself, he decided to wake Elizabeth. “My dear girl, we have arrived. It is time for you to wake.”
Elizabeth had slept through much of the journey, waking only when they stopped to eat and refresh themselves. “I am sorry, General. I have been the worst travelling companion; I have done nothing but sleep the whole way.”
“Do not trouble yourself, my dear. I slept a great deal too; it is the best way to pass the time during a long and tedious journey. Well, we have arrived. I shall help you settle at Eleanor’s house and then take my leave, for I must rise early tomorrow.
Please tell Eleanor that I love her very much. ”
“Before you go, may I ask you one last question?” Elizabeth asked at the entrance to her aunt’s house.
“Yes, of course.”
“Why do you call me my dear girl?”
“Does it trouble you? Do you dislike it? I hope it does not sound overly familiar.”
“No; indeed, I like it very much. I think because it is so very familiar.”
“Well, I call you that because it is how I feel I ought to address you. I hope that answers your question, my dear curious girl.”
“No, not entirely; but it does not matter very much either. So, truly, you may call me anything you wish! I will enjoy any endearing pet names you have for me. Good evening, my dear uncle,” said Elizabeth, smiling.
“Good night, my dear girl,” replied her proud father.
When Elizabeth arrived at her aunt’s house, Mary and Kitty had already retired to their chambers. She went to her bedroom and changed into her nightgown, but before going to bed, she went to her aunt’s room. She knew Eleanor was still awake, for she could see the light beneath her door.
Eleanor had heard Elizabeth arrive but did not wish to disturb her. She knew she had endured a long journey and supposed that Elizabeth would wish to rest. Yet she was longing to see her daughter. Thus, when she heard a gentle knock at the door, she immediately rose to open it.
“Good evening, Aunt. May we talk for a few minutes? I know you must rise early tomorrow, so I shall be brief, I promise.”
Eleanor beckoned Elizabeth inside and embraced her tightly as soon as she entered the room. “You cannot imagine how much I have missed you, my dear Lizzy.”
“I have missed you very much too, Aunt. The general asked me to tell you that he loves you dearly. You cannot imagine how surprised I was when he told me you were to be married tomorrow. I must add, it was the happiest of surprises.”
“Forgive me. I am such a fool; I have become terribly emotional over this wedding, my Lizzy,” Eleanor said, wiping away her tears.
“Aunt, do not cry. Your eyes will be swollen, and tomorrow is such an important day. You must look beautiful on your special day.” Elizabeth gently helped her wipe away her tears before adding, “The general told me that you have known one another for many years. I hope that one day you will tell me your story.”
“You know, I am scarcely sleepy because I had a very long nap this afternoon. If you are not too tired, I shall tell it to you now.”
“Aunt, I slept almost the entire way. Poor General; I believe I used him as a pillow for nearly the whole journey,” Elizabeth said with a laugh.
“I am quite certain he did not mind in the least,” Eleanor replied. “Come, let us sit upon my bed, and I shall tell you the whole story.”
Once they were both seated upon Eleanor’s bed, she began.
“Lizzy, my love story with Marcus is a sad one, and it will require me to reveal certain things my father and Thomas once did. However, I know how dearly you love your… father, and if you would rather I passed over those parts, I shall respect your wishes.”
“No, Aunt, please tell me everything. I know very well that Mr Bennet is not a perfect man.”
Elizabeth needed to know the truth. Something continued to trouble her, even though she was delighted to be with her aunt and to know her better.
Besides, she did not wish to think about what had passed between herself, Mr Darcy, and Lady Catherine, nor did she wish to retire to her own room and dwell upon it.
“Very well. I shall tell you all that I can tonight.”
Eleanor began by telling Elizabeth how she had first met Marcus at Mr Fleming’s bookshop and how he had repeatedly tried to strike up a conversation with her.
“Poor General! He must have believed you hated him if you crossed the street every time you saw him,” Elizabeth said, laughing.
“I was very shy, Lizzy—just like Mary,” Eleanor explained.
She then told Elizabeth how they had gradually become friends, and how the handsome young captain had eventually won her heart.
“Aunt, it is such a romantic story. Why did you tell me it was a sad one?” Elizabeth asked curiously.
“Because my father and my brother had other plans for me,” Eleanor answered sadly.
Eleanor told her that Thomas Bennet had always been irresponsible and had never wished to learn how to manage an estate. She explained that her dowry had been used to pay the debts he had accumulated at Oxford.
“My father had taught me everything about Longbourn, for he wished me to remain there for the rest of my life to assist my brother,” Ella explained.