Page 20

REVELATIONS

D ejection and worry filled each of the young men as they entered the house. Fitzwilliam and Darcy were surprised when Elizabeth and Catherine spotted them and rushed down the stairs, throwing themselves into the arms of the men they loved. The dried tear stains on their cheeks were the only witnesses of the distress they both felt. “Who’s with Jane?” Darcy asked.

“Mary refused to leave her,” Elizabeth’s muffled voice answered. “Lydia is finally resting, though.”

The two couples turned and walked sadly up the stairs, as though the sad vigil called to them.

“You were unsuccessful with papa!” Catherine sighed, as they wended their way upstairs.

“We were!” Bingley angrily declared. “The man knows exactly what he is doing! I am sorry, Mrs Darcy, Miss Bennet, he deserves to be flogged!”

“Life will give him what he deserves,” Elizabeth declared. “He will be alone when he dies. My mother’s nerves may be imaginary, but I suspect there is a sickness beneath those nerves that is very real. I am sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you to go over there.”

“Do not be silly, Elizabeth!” Darcy told her. “Of course, you should have. If it were Georgiana who was sick, I would have wanted my parents to know — were they still with us.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I simply do not understand my father’s behaviour. I don’t understand why he has changed so much towards all of us.” They made their sad way to Jane’s room, where Mary sat next to her sleeping sister. “Go get some rest, Mary.”

Mary shook her head. “I cannot rest while Jane is like this.”

“You need to rest,” Darcy firmly told her. “We do not know how long Jane will be like this. You will be no good to your sister if you do not rest.”

Mary sighed and stood up. “Very well. Call me if there is a change.” She left the room, quietly and dignified.

Darcy sat down in the armchair Mary had vacated and pulled his wife down to sit on his lap, so that she could tend her sister if needed. Bingley quietly took the armchair on the other side of the bed. Catherine and Fitzwilliam also withdrew to get some much-needed rest. It was not long before the Darcys were snoozing in the chair next to the bed, leaving Bingley to attend to Jane’s needs.

Darcy woke with a start the next morning. A heavy hand on his shoulder had woken him. His sleeping wife in his arms made it difficult to move and his legs had gone to sleep. Looking up at the person who had woken him, he realised that Bingley was standing up.

“I’m heading to bed for an hour or two,” Bingley yawned. “She’s slept through the night, but someone ought to be awake with her.”

Darcy nodded. “What time is it?”

Elizabeth stirred and sat up. Embarrassed, she looked at the two gentlemen.

“It’s around five,” Bingley whispered. “I should have gone before this, but you both needed your sleep.”

“Thank you, Bingley,” Darcy answered. “We’ll take our turn from here.”

Bingley nodded and left the room, yawning loudly.

Elizabeth stretched and stood up. Kissing her husband, she said, “I need to freshen up.” She disappeared to their room for a few moments.

Darcy stretched and looked at his pale sister-in-law. He shuddered as he took note of the pallor of death that adorned her features. He had not spent much time with Jane due to everything else that had taken place. However, he was grieved that his wife needed to shoulder the burden of leading the family while their parents were still alive. He took a deep breath. It was Jane’s right as the eldest to lead them, but Elizabeth’s as the married sister. Darcy almost growled in frustration as he realised that this was yet one more responsibility that they would have on their shoulders — yet another thing to give their attention to. They were all close in age too. That meant balls, parties, and other social events to enable the single sisters to attract their own husbands.

Jane stirred uncomfortably in her sleep, but did not wake.

Elizabeth returned promptly and as she did so, Darcy rose and left the room himself, promising to return quickly.

Darcy strode across the hallway and into his room. Taking the chance to refresh himself and change his clothing, he decided to forgo the formality of waistcoat and jacket, preferring the freedom of wearing breeches and shirt only. Usually with the likes of Miss Bingley in the house, such an informal attire would run against his better judgement. However, with his wife’s sister sick Darcy felt that he would prefer to be more relaxed and aid where he could – whether it be in practical matters such as collecting firewood or simply supporting his wife in whatever it was that she needed.

Exiting their rooms, Darcy was surprised to see Mary talking rather earnestly with Miss Bingley. It was a pairing that surprised him. What they could have in common, Darcy was not sure. However, he shrugged and returned to the sick room where Elizabeth was tending to her sister. Jane had woken during his absence. “How are you doing, Jane?” Darcy asked.

Jane gave him a weak smile. “As well as I can right now,” she softly said.

Darcy almost laughed as Jane struggled to even change position in the bed. “You do not need to minimise your discomfort, Jane.”

“It is true that I am doing as well as I can right now. It is not much, I know, but I am grateful for the care that I am receiving,” she told him. She took a deep breath. “I know that I am going to be a burden to everyone around me.”

Darcy shook his head. “Do not worry about that, right now. I am going to hire a nurse to help you with your needs.”

“Thank you. I am sorry to be a burden.” Jane looked so weak and small in the bed, that anyone seeing her would have to be cold indeed to not pity her.

Darcy waved Jane’s thanks away. “I will leave you with your sister. If you need anything, just ask Elizabeth. I am sure that Elizabeth will happily fulfil anything you need.”

Elizabeth giggled at her husband’s behaviour and pushed him out of the room. “Enough! I will see you at breakfast.”

Darcy turned in the doorway and kissed his wife before leaving Elizabeth and Jane together.

* * *

F itzwilliam woke early. Lying on his back, he stared up at the canopy covering his bed. Miss Bingley’s love of ostentatiousness had resulted in some of the most uncomfortable beds that he had ever slept in. That was the least of his troubles. There was an express from his commanding officer that lay on the bedside table. Anxiety flooded him. Such an express would mean one of two things. Either he could let Catherine take the time that she needed or he would have to take drastic action. Lacing his hands behind his head, Fitzwilliam took a deep breath and tried to make plans for the day. The situation with the eldest Miss Bennet was such that while nobody was excluded from taking part in local society, none felt at liberty to do so. The prospect of doing nothing all day with no relief from the tedium made him feel anxious and cross. Miss Bennet was well looked after by her sisters! With Darcy hovering like a mother hen over the girls, Fitzwilliam knew there would be little chance of spending quality time alone with Catherine.

Rolling onto his side, Fitzwilliam punched the pillow. He was not suited to the life of a gentleman! That was why he had never done more than take control of his estate, before leaving it in the hands of his steward. For Georgiana and Catherine, he would try and get used to it. However, that would not be easy and he despaired if he would ever truly acclimate to life as a gentleman. Unable to return to sleep, he decided to get up and go for a very long ride to clear his head.

Seeing Darcy leave Jane’s room, Fitzwilliam crossed the corridor and asked if his cousin wished to ride. However, before Darcy could answer a surprisingly deep laugh came from further along the corridor. Fitzwilliam and Darcy turned to look at the source of that laugh. They were surprised to notice that the only other occupants of the hallway were Mary and Miss Bingley. “Ladies,” Fitzwilliam called. “We are going to have a very long ride this morning. Would either of you wish to join us?”

Miss Bingley wrinkled her nose. “The roads and grounds will still be a muddy mess. No thank you, I won’t be joining you.”

Mary shook her head too. “I’m sorry. I do not feel much like riding right now. I also do not have access to a horse at the moment.”

“You have access to Bingley’s horses and to mine!” Darcy declared. “However, we will honour your need to nurse your sister.”

A strange look crossed Mary’s face for a moment. Though fleeting that look spoke to a discomfort that did not fit the situation. “Thank you for the assurances, but another day.”

Darcy disappeared into his room to change into his riding attire. Fitzwilliam shook his head and retired to the shadows to wait for Darcy. Netherfield was rather more apt to provide places to hide. There was something about Mary that seemed different, strange, and frankly unladylike at times. Now as he watched her, he thought his imagination was playing tricks on him. Was she flirting with Miss Bingley?! What in heaven's name could be going on there? Fitzwilliam blinked his eyes. It was impossible. He shifted. No that is not true. He knew of other women who found their own sex more attractive to them, but was Mary one of them? Fitzwilliam shrugged. It was none of his business. However, they would need to be careful. Very few would accept them if that was true. However, he continued to watch them. He had never seen Mary so relaxed and enjoying herself so much.

Darcy was not long and Fitzwilliam was surprised when Darcy appeared. Placing his finger on his lips he pulled Darcy into the shadows, where they would not be discovered. Darcy was about to object when he was surprised by his cousin covering his mouth. “Watch them,” Fitzwilliam hissed.

Darcy did as he had been told and his surprise at Fitzwilliam’s behaviour turned to shock and then to outright indignation. Eventually, the two women disappeared into Mary’s room and the cousins made their way to the stables. They would both need to ride their second-choice horses. The exertion of the previous day and night meant that Darcy’s horse needed to rest, while Fitzwilliam’s horse had thrown a shoe the previous day.

Saddling and caring for their horses, Darcy turned to Fitzwilliam. “If I didn’t know better….”

Fitzwilliam chuckled. “They gave that appearance to you too, then!”

“It couldn’t be missed,” Darcy grumbled. “I wonder what it all means.”

“You’ll be housing Miss Bingley in one of your cottages,” Fitzwilliam sniggered.

“Over my dead body!” Darcy exclaimed.

“If our suspicions are correct then neither of them will marry and it’ll be a close friendship for the rest of their lives,” Fitzwilliam pointed out. “Did you not say that each girl would have a cottage to do with as she pleased?”

Darcy groaned. “I can do nothing else!”

“Then cheer up! At least she can’t marry Miss Bingley,” Fitzwilliam teased his cousin.

“At least if Miss Bingley were my sister-in-law then I wouldn’t have to house her!” Darcy laughed.

“Maybe Bingley will give them somewhere to stay. You know somewhere he can hide the disgrace and scandal.” Fitzwilliam shrugged. “At least we know now why Mary always seemed so silent and sullen. She has an aversion to our sex!”

Darcy shook his head. He was confused about Mary. They quickly had the horses saddled and were soon making their way to the fields where they would race their horses. For a little while the exercise kept them and their horses busy, but they knew they could not race the horses for too long, so they slowed their pace to a slow trot as they entered the outskirts of Meryton.

“Ah, gentlemen,” Mr Jones greeted them jovially. “I was about to go over to Netherfield and to deliver these medicines for Miss Bennet. Would you mind taking them for me? The instructions are inside the parcel.”

Darcy nodded and took the parcel handed to him and placed it in one of his saddle bags. “It will be our pleasure.”

“How is my patient doing this morning?” Mr Jones enquired.

“Not good, sir. She tries to hide it, but she is in a good amount of discomfort,” Darcy told him.

“That is to be expected. As her condition progresses, she will only get weaker. The best you can do is to keep her comfortable. She may improve for a time, but it is only going to be a temporary improvement,” Mr Jones informed them.

“Can I move her? I should prefer to take her to my estate. My friend is only leasing Netherfield and could therefore leave the estate at any time,” Darcy asked.

Mr Jones frowned. “In my estimation, no she should not be moved. The shock of the change would be too much for her.”

“Thank you,” Darcy answered. A plan had already formed in his head. It was a plan his friend could hate him for, but he would take Bingley’s wrath over the alternative.”

“What are you going to do?” Fitzwilliam asked as the apothecary rode off on his way to his next patient.

“The only thing I can do to make Jane secure,” Darcy growled. “Bingley is too easily manipulated by Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley.” Darcy kicked his horse a bit too sharply and was greeted by the horse throwing his head back and whinnying. Darcy leant forward and patted the horse's neck. “I’m sorry, friend. I should not have hurt you like that.” Slowly the horse calmed and Darcy was able to get him to move on.

The cousins rode on in silence for a while, each greeting their neighbours. However, Darcy eventually stopped at a rather weather-worn place and throwing his reins to Fitzwilliam declared, “Wait for me, Christopher.”

Confused Fitzwilliam lounged in his saddle. Years of fighting had meant days in the saddle and so he was able to doze slightly while he waited.

* * *

B reakfast had come and gone before Lydia made her way sleepily back to Jane’s room. Elizabeth wanted to chastise her sister, but something stopped her. “What is it, Lydia?”

Lydia yawned. “I’m not sure. I feel as though I haven’t slept in years.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at her sister. “Oh?”

Lydia slumped into the seat opposite. “You never knew. Jane knew, but you didn’t. Papa could at times be quite cruel. Are you sure that you and Fitzwilliam want the responsibility that we will be?”

Elizabeth almost laughed. “There is no need for you to even ask that question, Lydia! I’m sure that you would happily have returned the favour were you in such a position.”

“I would never have been able to. Even had things not worked out the way they did!” Lydia whispered.

Elizabeth wondered why Lydia would say that and arched her eyebrow enquiringly.

“Leave it, Lizzy,” Jane firmly intervened. “Papa would have stopped Lydia from helping us. He would have stopped me, too. It is because of who Fitz is that papa is not stopping you.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “There’s nothing special about us, Jane.”

Jane tried to laugh, but ended up coughing instead. “Oh Lizzy! Are you truly ignorant about the family you have married into?”

Elizabeth glared at Jane. “If you are referring to his income, I know how much my husband is worth – to the last ha’penny! If you are referring to his relatives, I am well aware that he’s the grandson of an earl and nephew to the current one.”

“And do you know, Lizzy, who those earls are?” Jane asked.

“It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that he married me for love and wants to help my sisters,” Elizabeth argued.

“Papa doesn’t dare to cross your husband. The simple reason is that your husband’s uncle is an advisor to the King! Your husband is related to one of the most important men in England, “Jane stated.

Elizabeth laughed. “Fitz doesn’t go around telling anyone that! I knew it before we married. While it elevates us socially, it is something that we prefer to ignore. We are just the same as anyone else.”

Jane sighed. “Have it your way, Lizzy. However, please know that I am right about why papa has not stopped you from helping us.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “The fact is we are helping you. That is all that matters.”

Jane rolled her eyes and went back to sleep.

Lydia shrugged and the conversation was dropped.

“Lydia, I am going to go down to socialise with our hosts for a while. Please look after Jane and call me if there are any further changes,” Elizabeth instructed.

Lydia nodded. “Go, Lizzy. I will call both you and Mary should there be a problem.”

Elizabeth rose from her chair and exited the room. It was interesting that Mary had not yet returned to Jane’s room. Elizabeth made her way down to the parlour and was surprised to find her mother sitting with the Bingleys and Mary. “Have you come to see Jane?” Elizabeth asked, frostily.

“I deserve your coldness, Lizzy,” Mrs Bennet told her. “However, I would ask you to listen to what I have to say.”

Elizabeth crossed her arms. “There’s nothing you can say that would justify the way that you and papa have treated my sisters and me — that is not to mention the insult delivered to Fitz and me yesterday.”

“You are both right and very wrong,” Mrs Bennet informed her. “Listen to my story and then make your mind up.”

“Very well.” Elizabeth took her seat.

Mrs Bennet looked at her hands. “Lizzy, before I tell you everything, you have to understand something. Jane was not my first child. I married your father six years before Jane was born. However, I was foolishly taken in by your father. In the first three years, your father nearly killed me several times. Two of those times were when I carried two of your brothers. Each time I lost the child. Your father convinced himself that I would never bear a live child. Indeed, he made sure that the following two sons I conceived died.” Mrs Bennet told them. “I was and am afraid of him. When I conceived Jane, I fled to my brother Phillips. I don’t know everything that happened, but your father convinced himself that Jane was the result of my being unfaithful. He was wrong. I have never betrayed your father. However, your father would not listen. For me, the important thing was that Jane survived. After Jane’s birth, I returned to Longbourn in the vain hope that your father had changed. He had not. He was worse. Over the next year, he claimed he could not look at me and would find a way to punish me for what he considered to be my bastard child. I could not take it. I spent all of my time in the nursery tending to Jane. Your father thought he was punishing me when he insisted that he would not hire a wet nurse or a governess for Jane. Instead, he did me a favour. It meant that I was able to keep you girls under closer supervision and protect you. Your father barely stirred from his study and would not help in the daily care of any of you. When I conceived you, Lizzy, your father’s cruelty took a new turn. He decided that he would find new ways to torment me. His father had suggested an entailment at our engagement. Throughout the time of what should have been happy expectation for us, he plotted how to implement the entailment. On your birth, he coldly told me that he had signed the entailment that morning. He also told me that had you been a boy, he would have made sure you did not live to see another day. I did not know if he was serious about that threat, but when Mary was born I could not take the chance. Your father had to believe he had another daughter. I had planned to go to my sister Mrs Gardiner, but Mary was too impatient. I again gave birth at my sister Phillips as that was as far as I could get safely. I had to bribe the midwife and the vicar handsomely not to reveal the truth. Mary is the name I gave her to protect her.” She turned to Mary. “I’m sorry, I have called you my daughter for too long.”

Mary shook her head, dismissively.

Mrs Bennet continued, “Mary is actually your brother, Mark. I convinced your father that Mark was another daughter. As I said, to protect Mark I had to bribe the midwife who delivered him and also the Longbourn vicar who christened him so that they would not betray my secret. However, they knew the situation and agreed to help me. Mark became Mary. I had accepted my situation by the time Lydia was born and I was grateful that complications with her birth meant that I would not bear more children. Lizzy, you were your father’s favourite, so you did not experience too much of the harsh side of your father. Mary managed to keep a low profile, including managing to hide the changes that would show that she was not a young lady.”

“That was not easy,” Mary interrupted.

Elizabeth turned to look at Mary in shock. “Y.your voice.”

Mary chuckled deeply. “It was not easy to hide how deep my voice became.”

Mrs Bennet ignored the shock that Elizabeth’s face showed. “Lizzy, you have to understand. Your father would have killed Mary if he found out the truth. I have done what I can to protect all of you! However, it is time for the truth to be told. This will be the last time I can escape Longbourn. I came here to encourage Mary to tell the world the truth and to claim her inheritance. Once your father realises that he has a son, I will not live out the week! His punishment for this will be severe. I cannot survive another of your father’s punishments. He has become crueller as the years progressed.”

“I. I cannot believe what I am hearing,” Elizabeth exclaimed. “It seems impossible that Mary is not Mary.” She shook her head. “I do not understand how you could keep such a secret. As for papa….” Her voice trailed away. “I was not privileged to be his favourite.” She tugged at the sleeves of her dress, eventually pulling the sleeves up to expose a long deep scar that went from her wrist to her elbow.

Mrs Bennet gasped. “When?”

“The right arm was two years ago when I broke an ashtray in his room turning quickly around after choosing a book to read. The left arm….” Elizabeth blushed. “Was the night I met Fitz. You were both so angry about Fitz kissing me that night. However, papa came to my room an hour after I had left his study.”

“I never knew. I am sorry, Lizzy,” Mrs Bennet said. “I thought I was protecting you. I thought you were safe. The fact that you were not proves that I should have done more.” Mrs Bennet took a deep breath. “Take me to Jane, there is one more revelation that I must make and she needs to know that truth. I will not have her die without knowing what her father did!”

Elizabeth looked at her mother dumbfounded.

Mary rose and guided their mother upstairs, with Elizabeth following dumbly.