Page 10 of Missing

William was astonished by the revelation.

He had assumed that Elizabeth was socially superior to him, but never to such an extent.

He did not know if she was aware of his own family circumstances, and before seeking her permission to court her, he had intended to confess the truth of his origin.

Yet now, how could he reveal to a gentleman's daughter that an orphan, adopted out of charity by a benevolent family, aspired to become her husband?

Most likely, Mr. Bennet would never consent, and any attachment between them might create discord between Elizabeth and her family.

William had little experience with the fairer sex, but he had perceived that Elizabeth was as interested in him as he was in her. All the more reason why he must end their growing intimacy before it was too late.

"Miss Bennet, the temperature has dropped; you and the children ought to return home," William said, avoiding her gaze.

"Yes, it is indeed too cold to remain outdoors, Mr. Dalton.

Matthew has been unwell for the past few days, and it is best to keep Luke and Emily from catching an illness as well.

" Elizabeth, noticing his altered disposition, supposed that perhaps he recalled some business difficulty and was preoccupied.

She called the children, and they walked home together.

Luke and Emily chattered merrily, while William and Elizabeth remained silent.

At length, when they reached the Gardiners' house, Elizabeth said kindly, "Mr. Dalton, will you join us for tea?

The cook prepared delicious fruit biscuits this morning. "

"Yes, Mr. Dalton, and we also have apple tart, which is my favourite," Emily added eagerly.

"I thank you very much for the invitation, Miss Bennet, but I have important business to attend," William excused himself.

"Do not worry, Mr. Dalton. When I grow up, I shall also be a busy businessman," Luke declared.

"You certainly will, my dear Luke. When you have your own company, you will find that you are not always master of your time. Miss Bennet, it has been a pleasure to spend the afternoon with you and your little cousins. Now, if you will excuse me, I must return home. Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Dalton," Elizabeth and the children replied together.

Elizabeth felt relieved by his explanation. For a moment, she had feared she had spoken amiss and offended him, causing his sudden change of manner.

William, on his part, entered his house and went straight to his study, where he locked himself for several hours.

He endeavoured to occupy his mind with work, but his thoughts returned constantly to his disappointment.

He feared he had fallen in love for the first time, only to discover that everything between them was impossible.

That evening, Violet observed her son's absent air and the sadness in his eyes. She was not greatly troubled, supposing he and Elizabeth might have had a minor disagreement. She believed his mood would soon pass.

But that night, as always when sorrow weighed upon him, William was visited by the nightmare that had haunted him since childhood.

He stood on the bank of a beautiful river, and a woman cast him into the water, declaring she hated him.

He had never known whether it was a memory or a dream, and he had never confided it to his parents nor anyone else, for fear of discovering a truth too dreadful to endure.

◆◆◆

"I am so glad, my dear Angel, that we are together again here in our future home," Mr. Bingley said, kissing Jane's hand.

"I also missed you very much on the days I did not see you, my dear Charles. But we are now together, and in a fortnight I shall at last fulfil the dream of becoming your wife," Jane replied with equal delight.

"I hope you purchased all the beautiful things you deserve in London.

I received several notes from the modiste and other shops in the city, and judging by what you spent, I assume you will lack nothing.

" Mr. Bingley pressed another kiss upon the hand of his beloved betrothed.

He was so in love with Jane that he could not imagine life without her.

Jane smiled uneasily. She did not wish to deceive Charles, yet she could not explain the truth.

Most of the gowns and accessories for her trousseau had been gifts from the Gardiners.

When she went shopping with Caroline and Louisa, most of the items they bought were for themselves.

Caroline's modiste had agreed to make only two gowns for Jane, so she suspected that the considerable account must have included her sisters-in-law's orders as well.

"My dear, I would not have you think that material things matter to me. I am a woman of simple tastes, and with all the items I have acquired, I shall not need anything for a long time. I do not require new gowns every month to be content, my love."

"No, my dearest, do not say so. Do not imagine I wish to limit your spending. Mrs. Bingley must have all that is finest. Do not forget that your future husband is wealthy and longs to please you in everything."

"Charles, I need only your affection. At times, I feel I do not deserve you. I want you to understand that the only thing I truly require from you is your love."

Taking advantage of their solitude in the music room at Netherfield, Mr. Bingley kissed Jane softly upon her lips.

The kiss was brief but tender, and Jane closed her eyes, surrendering to the sweetness of the moment.

Yet the scene was abruptly interrupted when Caroline entered the room with two footmen.

"You may put that vase there, and that tapestry upon this wall," Caroline commanded in a firm tone. She enjoyed reminding the servants that she was the mistress of the house.

"And all this, Caroline?" Mr. Bingley asked in surprise, pointing to the vase.

"They are part of what we purchased with my dear Jane in London to decorate our home. Are they not beautiful, Jane?"

"Yes, we bought many fine articles a few days ago," Jane answered.

"And do you like all this, my dear?" Mr. Bingley asked, somewhat uncertain.

"Yes, everything is very pretty and quite necessary," Jane replied, though without much conviction. The truth was that she preferred far simpler decorations.

Mr. Bingley sensed that Jane was not much pleased with the ornaments, but he disliked quarrelling with Caroline, who could be exceedingly vexing when she chose. "If you like them, then I like them too," he concluded.

Jane and Charles remained holding hands, quietly watching as Caroline directed the servants, moving objects from one place to another until everything was arranged to her satisfaction.

◆◆◆

Three days had passed since William's conversation with Elizabeth in the park. He was at one of the most exclusive gentlemen's clubs in London, yet his thoughts were entirely occupied with her. William was waiting for Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had asked to meet him there.

William had slept very little during the last few nights. He was at once sad and angry. For a few weeks, he had believed that perhaps he had finally discovered love, only to lose it immediately.

"Dalton, why are you so grave? Do not tell me you have troubles with a lady," Colonel Fitzwilliam said. But noticing his friend's discomfort, he quickly apologized. "I beg your pardon; I did not mean to intrude."

"Hello, Fitzwilliam; it is a pleasure to see you. Please, do not worry, and do not take offence so easily."

"I am glad to hear it, for I like to jest, and not everyone understands my humour. But I imagine you are curious to know why I asked you to come, so I shall explain at once."

Richard then told William that, after reviewing the documents with his solicitor, he had decided to invest an additional sum of money.

William thanked him for his trust and explained in detail all he had accomplished in recent days, assuring him that the business was operating well. "If nothing unforeseen occurs, in twelve months you shall begin to see profits," William concluded.

"I am pleased to hear it, for I do not know how long I can continue my military career."

"You surprise me. I thought your profession was of great importance to you."

"It is, Dalton, but my family is far more so." Although Richard had not known William long, he already felt he could trust him. He therefore confided that his dear uncle, George Darcy, was unwell, and that should he die, Richard would be obliged to retire from the army to care for his cousin.

"And your cousin has no other family?" William asked.

"Yes, but no one would protect her as I am willing to do,"

Richard explained that Georgiana was a timid young girl who had been raised in isolation. "She is very young, and she is also an heiress with a dowry of thirty thousand pounds. I know too well that many scoundrels will attempt to take advantage of her, and I cannot allow it."

"You are right, Fitzwilliam. From what you have told me, your cousin is unprepared to manage her life, still less the fortune and responsibilities that await her."

Richard spoke a little more about his family, and William listened attentively. It made him value his new friend, who judged people by their character rather than by their wealth. Although he was the son of an earl, it was clear Richard's life had not been without trials.

For reasons he could not quite explain, William decided to confide in him.

"Fitzwilliam, you were correct when you guessed I was thinking of a lady," William admitted with a smile.

He had once had a close friend, but that friend had emigrated in search of a better life, and now their only contact was by letter.

For that reason, he was deeply grateful for Colonel Fitzwilliam's friendship.

"I knew it! Nothing makes life more miserable than a woman," Richard said, attempting to cheer him. "Tell me, is she a spoiled lady who trifled with your affections? If so, she is not worth another moment of thought."