Chapter 7 Uncertainty
“Uncle Edward!”
Jane fell upon her uncle’s neck, weeping. He embraced her before looking to Elizabeth.
“Lizzy, I received your express and met with three separate investigators. They all told me the same thing. It is impossible to trace a child sold into prostitution. Since Lydia is a gentlewoman, young and beautiful, she will most likely become the mistress of a wealthy gentleman. She will be kept in a private residence. Your sister is as surely lost to us as if she had died. I fear we shall never see her again.”
The three sisters stood in silence as he spoke of Lydia's fate.
“I should like to see my sister. Where is she laid?” Gardiner asked.
“Mamma is laid out in her bedchambers, sir,” Jane replied. “I will take you to her, Uncle Edward.”
Mr. Gardiner looked about the room and asked, “Where is Kitty?”
Jane answered, “She has taken to her bed, Uncle. She has taken the losses in our family very hard.”
“Does she know what became of Lydia?”
The three sisters looked at one another before Elizabeth replied, “I do not believe so, sir. She has remained shut away in her room. She does not yet know Lydia's fate.”
Mr. Gardiner's brow furrowed.
“I think it best that she not be told. She is very like my sister. Neither are known for their discretion. I do not believe we should entrust her with a secret that could bring ruin upon all of you. Do you all agree?”
Jane glanced at her sisters before answering, “Yes, sir.”
Mary, though usually quiet, spoke.
“Uncle Edward, we thought we could make it generally known that at first we knew nothing of Lydia's whereabouts.
Then, when you arrived, you traveled to Harpenden and learned that our sister had also been shot.
Because no one knew her identity, she was buried in a pauper's grave. What do you think of such a plan, sir?”
“I believe we can do no better. It is a most unfortunate business, nieces. It is entirely plausible that your coachman, in his desperation to get his master home before he expired, forgot about the daughter.”
He went to climb the stair, and when they reached Frances Bennet's bedchamber, Edward paused in the doorway and looked in. At length, he said, “She is as beautiful as ever, and so young. Only one and forty.”
He entered the room quietly and took the chair that had been drawn beside the bed. Taking his sister's hand in his own, he sat in silence. The three Bennet sisters settled into the chairs that had been brought into the room and kept vigil with him.
After an hour, he rose and quietly withdrew. They followed him downstairs to the drawing room.
Mr. Gardiner took a seat, and Mrs. Hill brought in the tea tray. As Jane poured, he looked to Elizabeth.
“Lizzy, tell me what has been done.”
“Uncle Phillips is with the cabinetmaker, arranging for the coffins.”
Elizabeth then turned troubled eyes on the man. “Uncle Edward, Papa asked that notification of his death be delayed for as long as possible before Mr. Collins is informed.”
Jane handed Mr. Gardiner some papers. “Uncle Phillips is minded to do it. I asked to read the will, and he sent it to us by the hand of his clerk. He will come as soon as he is able.”
His eyes moved down the short missive and then over the other documents.
Excerpt of Mr. Phillips note:
Nieces, be assured, I shall do as your father has requested.
I will wait one week before sending a letter to Mr. Collins, but I can delay no longer.
I have enclosed a copy of your father's will relating to the personal property he bequeathed to you.
Of those items, his books and your mother's jewels are the most valuable.
There is also a painting of considerable worth that does not form part of the estate.
You may keep your parents' personal belongings that hold sentimental value.
I shall send trunks to Longbourn for your father's books.
Lizzy, pack them and have them transported back to me as soon as you can.
There are several rare editions among them, and for that reason, you will not receive any of your mother's jewels or the proceeds from the sale of the painting. Do not delay; begin packing.
Your aunt and I will come to you as soon as I am able, so that I may answer all your questions.
Mr. Gardiner raised his eyes from the short note.
“Have you girls had an opportunity to read your father's will?”
“Yes, sir,” Jane replied.
“Do you have any questions?”
“No, sir. We understand. Though we have little inclination to begin packing, we have already started, for Mr. Collins may arrive only hours after receiving Uncle Phillips's letter. We have but one week to prepare.”
“One week will be sufficient. I shall remain here for the week, and as you fill the trunks, I will carry them into Meryton and store them in your uncle's attic.”
He looked to Jane and Elizabeth.
“When Mr. Collins arrives, you girls will come to London with us. I shall introduce you to my friends, both gentlemen and those engaged in the professions.” Then with a faint smile, he added for Jane’s benefit, “As your mother was always fond of saying, with your beauty, I have no doubt we shall find you a husband.”
Jane lowered her eyes.
“Thank you, Uncle Edward, but what of Lydia? Has not her ruin become the ruin of all her sisters?”
“Yes, if it became generally known. As matters stand, however, very few know the truth. I believe we can keep the matter quiet. There is always the possibility that the truth may come out through the abductor, but it is in his interest to put as much distance as possible between himself and this affair. Jane, my dear, I believe you shall all be spared from ruin.”