Chapter 26 #3
“Aunt, before you go, may I ask you something?”
Jane hesitated, unsure how to express herself, but she needed the advice of someone like Eleanor.
“Of course, my dear niece. Tell me how I may help you.”
“I feel that my husband is keeping something from me. What ought I to do?”
Seeing Jane so distressed, Eleanor took her hand and replied gently, “Speak to him openly, and tell him how you feel.”
“Sometimes it is so difficult, Aunt.”
“Men keep their troubles to themselves,” Eleanor continued gently. “They believe they must be strong and resolve everything on their own. They often think that sharing their burdens would only trouble the people they love.”
“I understand,” Jane replied thoughtfully. “Thank you, Aunt Eleanor. Your advice has been most helpful.”
“I hope the two of you can speak openly. A happy marriage is built upon trust.”
“So do I,” Jane said with a grateful smile.
That evening, as soon as Matthew returned from work, Jane took advantage of the fact that her father-in-law was out of town.
“Matthew,” she said after dinner, “I wish to speak with you, and I need you to be honest with me.”
Thinking it was a matter of little consequence, Matthew replied casually, “Of course, my dear.”
Jane took a deep breath before she began to speak.
“Matthew, I want you to tell me why, on some nights, you wake up shouting words in Spanish. Why do you suffer these nightmares so often?”
“Are you suggesting that there is something wrong with me? Or do you regret having married a defective man?”
Matthew felt cornered and deeply hurt. Jane had discovered what he considered his greatest weakness. The woman he loved now saw him as a man who could not even control his own dreams.
Jane began to cry, but she was determined not to end the conversation.
“I shall pretend you never said that. I love you, Matthew, and I know that something is causing you great suffering. When Lizzy was little and learning to ride, she fell from her horse and broke her leg. For a long time afterwards, she was terrified of horses, until Dr Miller, a friend of my Uncle Gardiner, told her that she must not allow fear to govern her life. He encouraged Lizzy to speak about her fears and to understand that the accident had happened only once and should not be allowed to overshadow the rest of her life. After that, Lizzy never wished to ride again, but she was no longer afraid of horses, nor did she ever suffer nightmares about the accident. What happened to you, Matthew? Did something terrible happen to you when you were a child? Please allow me to help you.”
Matthew avoided Jane’s gaze.
“My dear, I have a great deal of work to attend to this evening. If you will excuse me, we can speak another time.”
Without waiting for her reply, he withdrew to his study and remained there for several hours.
However, when he entered their bedchamber later that evening, he heard Jane quietly weeping. At that moment, he resolved to speak of what had happened to him for the first time in his life. It was becoming increasingly clear that keeping such a secret could destroy their marriage.
“Jane, my love, please do not cry… What I am about to tell you is one of the saddest episodes of my life—one that I do not like to speak about. I hope you will understand why and not judge me too harshly.”
Jane looked at him with quiet concern but remained silent, allowing him to unburden himself of what he had apparently carried within him for many years.
“When I was a child, my maternal grandparents abducted me and kept me with them against my will for six months. They would not allow me to speak English or even mention my parents…”
Matthew finally released everything he had kept buried inside him. He even wept in his wife’s arms as though he were once again the frightened little boy he had been. He was so overcome by emotion that he did not tell Jane who his maternal family was or reveal their rank.
“Do not worry, my love. I shall remain by your side and help you through all of this,” Jane said, gently stroking his hair.
“Jane, you have brought more happiness into my life than I ever believed possible.”
For the first time in many years, Matthew fell asleep in his wife’s arms, relaxed and free from fear. Confiding in Jane had given him a sense of peace he had not known for a very long time.
◆◆◆
Marcus was reading a letter his brother had sent him, together with the documents the family solicitor had gathered.
Although there was no significant news, he now possessed information that might persuade Mr Bennet to abandon the threats by which he sought to control Eleanor.
He was also somewhat displeased that he would have to attend the ball in honour of Christian Campbell that evening.
He did not wish to feign a happiness he did not feel, but he knew how important it was that they should attend, lest their sudden marriage give rise to speculation.
In a way, his wife was still part of the Campbell family, and he knew it was his duty to stand beside her and support her.
“General, there is a gentleman who wishes to speak with you,” the butler announced.
“I am sorry, Davis, but I am not receiving visitors,” Marcus replied.
“I informed the gentleman, sir, but he insisted that he must speak with you.”
The butler handed Marcus the gentleman’s card, and, upon reading the name, he became curious and instructed Davis to show him in.
“Mr Darcy, forgive me for being so direct, but I have only five minutes to spare.”
Marcus was eager to discover what matter could be so urgent as to bring Mr Darcy to his house.
“I understand, General. I shall come straight to the point. I have come to ask your permission to court your daughter, Miss Elizabeth, and to offer my assistance in whatever way I may be of service to prevent Mr Bennet from harming her or your family.”
Marcus was speechless. He invited Mr Darcy to be seated, offered him some refreshment, and they began to talk.
Mr Darcy gave him a brief account of everything that had passed between Elizabeth and himself since they had first met: how they had misunderstood one another because of their pride and prejudice, and how they had finally overcome those faults and given themselves a second chance.
“Miss Elizabeth placed her trust in me, and I wish you to know that I am prepared to defend and protect her whenever it may be necessary.”
Marcus could see that Mr Darcy was sincere, yet he was not prepared to lose his daughter so soon.
“If my daughter has placed her trust in you, I must suppose she has good reason to do so, and I appreciate your offer. As for your request to court her, I will provide my answer once I have spoken with Elizabeth. I wish to satisfy myself that she is entirely certain she wishes to give you another chance. I know your former opinion of her and of her family very well. Let me make one thing perfectly clear: I shall never allow anyone to treat my daughter with disrespect.”
“That is quite understandable, sir. Miss Elizabeth has granted me a second chance. I do not intend to waste it.”
Marcus nodded, unconvinced, but chose not to voice his opinion. At that moment, he had far more pressing matters to occupy his thoughts.
Mr Darcy was eager to learn more about what Marcus and Eleanor intended to do to help Elizabeth, but he knew it would not be prudent to ask. Therefore, after conversing with the general for a few more minutes, he decided it was prudent to leave.
“General, I promised I would be brief, and I shall be as good as my word and not take up any more of your valuable time. If there is any new development concerning Miss Elizabeth or your plans, I beg you not to hesitate to send for me. I shall come at once.”
“I appreciate your offer and your diligence, Mr Darcy,” Marcus replied. “If the need arises, I shall let you know.”
Mr Darcy reached into the inner pocket of his coat and drew out a sealed letter.
“There is one last favour I should like to ask of you, if I may.” He handed the letter to Marcus. “I wrote this for Miss Elizabeth. Would you be so kind as to read it first? If, after doing so, you believe it proper, I should be grateful if you would see that it reaches her.”
Marcus accepted the letter and looked thoughtfully at the young gentleman before him.
“I shall read it, and if I find nothing in it that might distress my daughter, I shall make certain she receives it.”
“Thank you, General. You have my sincere gratitude.”
Mr Darcy bowed respectfully, “I wish you a very good afternoon.”
“And to you, Mr Darcy. Good afternoon.”
Mr Darcy withdrew, leaving Marcus alone in the study.
For several moments, Marcus remained standing with the letter in his hand. His eyes rested upon the sealed envelope as he wondered whether the young man truly deserved the trust Elizabeth had placed in him.
Mr Darcy had also been invited to the Westcliff ball and, although he had little desire to attend, his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, had earnestly begged him to accompany him.
Richard did not wish to face his father, mother, and aunt alone, particularly as he intended to spend most of the evening with his betrothed, Lady Claire.
◆◆◆
Caroline Bingley had been waiting impatiently for the day of the ball to arrive.
It was her last opportunity to make a grand entrance into the first circle.
Her brother had gone to Scarborough, and she was staying with Louisa and her brother-in-law.
She did not enjoy living with them, but, for the present, she had no alternative.
She hoped to meet new and influential people, and the ball provided the perfect opportunity.
Lady Westcliff was delighted to host one of the most important social events of the season. Elegantly dressed, she stood beside her husband and son, welcoming their guests.
“Lord Matlock, Lady Matlock, Lady Samantha, how very nice to see you. I am delighted that you are joining us this evening,” Lilian said with a practised smile.