Page 53 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)

Darcy was anxious to see Elizabeth. From Scotland, he sent an express to his friend Bingley, advising that he would pass through Netherfield on his way to London within a fortnight. He wrote nothing of Lady Catherine or Anne, nor of their retreat northward. Their safety depended upon silence.

He had mounted Ares and turned south once more, his mind fixed on two matters alone: the smugglers and Elizabeth Bennet. He resolved that when next he spoke to her, he would mention no obstacles, no family pride, no connections. He would speak only of love.

At Longbourn, Elizabeth was pouring tea when Jane spoke.

“Lizzy, will you come to Netherfield for a time? Caroline is restless. She would not remain with the Hursts in London, but begged to stay here, claiming that the country air would do her good. Charles agreed, of course, yet she is wretchedly cross. She declares herself buried alive. If you are with me, perhaps she will behave with more civility.”

Elizabeth smiled wryly. “Do you mean I am to keep Miss Bingley in check when she forgets herself?”

Jane colored. “Yes, I suppose that is what I mean. Please remain here instead of returning to the Gardiners or to Kent.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Very well, dear sister. I will come. It will do me good to cross swords with Caroline. I need a good distraction.”

It was the day before Christmas, grey and wet, when Elizabeth moved to Netherfield for her visit to Jane. She walked in the manicured gardens and unexpectedly encountered Miss Bingley.

Elizabeth curtsied. “Caroline. Would you join me?”

Caroline’s lip curled. “I would never choose to walk with you anywhere.” She glared at Elizabeth and walked away.

Elizabeth noticed that Caroline had gained weight on her face and back, and when the woman dropped her shawl, she saw that her abdomen was swollen.

Elizabeth searched out her sister and found her in a small saloon, bent over her embroidery. She entered and sat beside her.

“Jane, have you noticed that Caroline has gained weight?”

Jane shook her head. “I avoid Caroline, Lizzy. I stay out of her way during the day because she despises me.”

Elizabeth whispered. “Her body has changed. I saw her belly today, and it is swollen. Do you suppose she is with child?”

Jane’s needle stilled. “Lizzy! That is a horrible thing to say. If a servant heard such words, it would be all over Hertfordshire by morning.”

Elizabeth clasped her hands. “Think, Jane. Perhaps that is why she left London, to be hidden. If it is true, her presence here could endanger your good name and Charles’s. Your children would be affected by a scandal that would live long into the future.”

Jane paled. “What should I do?”

Elizabeth was firm. “Ask Charles to send for Mrs. Hurst. She must question Caroline. If anything is to be done, it must be done quickly.”

Jane whispered, “She complained about the kippers this morning and left the table without eating. Charles defended her, and I walked out, hurt by his desertion. If her complaints spring from pregnancy, then it explains much.”

“You must speak to Charles at once,” Elizabeth urged.

Jane nodded. “I shall. We will tell him together.”

She rang the bell, and when the maid appeared, she said, “Pray ask Mr. Bingley to come to me in the yellow saloon.”

Moments later, Bingley entered, contrition plain upon his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but Jane took his hand. “Charles, Lizzy has something to say to you.”

Elizabeth closed the door after him and then spoke gravely.

“Charles, when I walked in the garden this morning, I met Miss Bingley. When she turned to speak, I saw that her abdomen was swollen. She appears to be expecting a child. She has always been slim, yet her figure has altered. Do you think it is possible?”

Color rose to Bingley’s cheeks. “You believe my sister may be expecting a child?” He began to pace.

Jane added. “This morning, she became angry with me because I served kippers and your favorite cheese. Expectant women can become ill with certain odors.”

Elizabeth said, “Perhaps Mrs. Hurst can ask your sister about her condition.”

Bingley sighed. “Yes. Louisa will need to question Caroline. I will send for her at once.” He looked to Jane.

“Darling, I am sorry that Caroline’s indiscretion is going to disrupt your Christmas dinner party, but Louisa likes you, and Hurst is a quiet man.

At least their presence will not be disruptive, and they may even keep Caroline restrained. ”