Page 13 of Missing

“I quite understand how you must feel about your aunt, Caroline. Sometimes I feel deeply embarrassed by my mother’s behaviour,” Jane admitted, blushing.

“For that reason, and though we love our Aunt, we keep as far away from her as possible,” Louisa added, hoping to plant doubt in Jane’s mind.

The sisters continued recounting tales of inappropriate relatives to deepen Jane’s insecurities. Then, seizing the moment, Caroline directed the conversation toward Elizabeth.

“Jane, where is Eliza? Is she still in London?”

“Yes, but she returns tomorrow,” Jane replied.

“I had thought you two were very close. With your wedding so near, I imagined she would wish to be here, helping you with every detail,” Louisa said, glancing at Caroline, who immediately understood to press the point.

“We are indeed very close. Lizzy even asked whether I required her presence, saying she would return at once, but I have been so occupied that I had no time to reply,” Jane explained.

“I understand. But when Louisa married, I did not need to ask her if she required my help, for I already knew the answer. Besides, I would never have missed being with her at such an important moment,” Caroline said pointedly.

“And for that reason, I am so fortunate to have such a good sister who loves me so dearly,” Louisa concluded.

Then she exchanged a look with Caroline, and they both had to bite their tongues to keep from laughing.

In reality, Caroline had detested spending even a single day with Louisa during her wedding preparations. Louisa had been insufferable, and Caroline disliked nothing more than enduring the company of Mr. Hurst’s mother.

Yet Caroline and Louisa went on telling stories of their supposed closeness, while Jane sat in silence, reflecting on their words and unable to prevent a certain sadness. She did not like to think that Elizabeth had left her alone at a time when she needed her most.

Fortunately, Mr. Bingley returned earlier than expected from a meeting with his steward.

His cheerful disposition and tender attentions distracted Jane from her unhappy thoughts.

He frequently assured her of his love and told her how beautiful she was.

Thanks to his kindness, Jane was able, at least for the moment, to set aside her doubts.

◆◆◆

William had passed a terrible night; as always, when he was restless, he dreamed of that woman and the river.

Elizabeth would soon return to her home, and he would never see her again.

What wounded him most was the memory that she had been in tears the last time they met.

He knew he had made the correct decision, yet it did not lessen his despair.

Fortunately, the cook had prepared his coffee just as he liked it, and after two cups, he felt his headache had somewhat abated.

“Good morning, William,” Violet said as she entered the dining room.

She knew her son well and supposed that Elizabeth’s departure must have saddened him.

What she could not comprehend was why the friendship between them had ended so abruptly.

She knew there was little point in asking William, for he would hardly wish to discuss the matter with her.

“Good morning, Mother. You rose very early today,” William replied. He had intended to finish breakfast, go to the port, and remain there the entire day so as not to think of Elizabeth.

“My dear, remember that Madeline, Edward, Lizzy, and the children are travelling to Hertfordshire today. I rose earlier than usual to wish them a good journey and to bid Elizabeth farewell. I do not know when we shall see her again.”

“I understand, Mother. Well, I am sorry I cannot breakfast with you… I must go to the port. I have urgent business to resolve there.”

“Son, I know you are responsible and have many matters to manage. But this time I must insist that you postpone your plans for half an hour and accompany me to bid the family farewell.”

“I am sorry, Mother, but I cannot.”

“William Aaron Dalton, although you are not a child, I am still your mother, and I shall not permit you to behave like a gentleman without heart or manners. Of course, business and money are important, but nothing is more important than family. I trust you remember your father always told you so,” Violet said briskly.

“You are right, Mother; forgive me,” William replied at once. He could deny her nothing, especially when she spoke the truth. He therefore steeled himself to see Elizabeth one last time. Fortunately, others would be present, so there would be no chance for private conversation.

Elizabeth, too, had wept before sleeping the previous night. Her conversation with William had made her reflect upon many things, all of which filled her with sadness. She now believed she would never marry, for men were such strange creatures she could never hope to understand them.

Yet before returning to Longbourn, she had a few words she wished to say to William.

She resolved she could only do so by writing him a letter.

Once she had finished it, she felt calmer and was able at last to rest. The only thing she did not know was how to deliver it, but if William and his mother came to bid them farewell, she would find the opportunity.

Otherwise, she must throw it into the fire.

“How amusing! I shall attend Jane’s wedding,” Emily said excitedly.

“I do not see what is so amusing about a wedding,” Luke replied.

“At a wedding, there is always much delicious food and sweets,” Mr. Gardiner reminded his son.

“Then I suppose it is not so bad to attend,” Luke said more resignedly.

“Besides, Luke, we can climb to the top of Oakham Mount and play with my father’s dogs when the weather is not so cold,” Elizabeth added.

“I want to play with the dogs and go up the mountain too,” Emily exclaimed.

“Excellent! The three of us shall walk to Oakham Mount and play with the dogs,” Elizabeth said as she helped her cousin into her coat.

Just as everyone was nearly ready to depart and board the carriage, the Daltons arrived to bid farewell.

Madeline and Edward greeted them warmly and expressed their gratitude for such consideration.

“We do not wish to delay your departure, so we shall be brief. Dear Lizzy, it was a delight to see you again after so many years, and please remember that whenever you travel to London, you have not only your uncle’s house but ours as well,” Violet said, embracing her warmly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Dalton. It was likewise a pleasure for me to see you again.”

Aunt Violet embraced her niece Madeline, while the children eagerly recounted their plans with Elizabeth.

William said farewell to the children and the Gardiners.

Then he approached Elizabeth and said very solemnly, “I hope you have a safe journey, Miss Bennet, and that you enjoy being with your family after so many days apart.”

“Thank you, Mr. Dalton,” Elizabeth replied. When she saw that the family had gone into the hall, she seized the moment to give him her letter. “Mr. Dalton, I would ask you the favour of reading this letter.”

William was stunned, yet he accepted it and placed it in his coat pocket. Once the letter was in his possession, Elizabeth rejoined the family. After a few more embraces and Violet’s good wishes, the Gardiners and Elizabeth entered the carriage and set off for Longbourn.

William and his mother stood watching the carriage until it was out of sight. Then they returned home, for the morning air was bitterly cold.

“Thank you for coming with me, son. Now you have the remainder of the day to work at the port. I am sorry if I caused you trouble and delayed your plans.”

“It is quite alright, Mother,” William replied, though he scarcely knew what he said. His mind was fixed on Elizabeth’s letter.

“Son, are you well?”

“Yes, Mother, I am well.”

“At what hour do you intend to go to the port?”

“The port?”

“Yes, to the port.”

“Ah… later. Excuse me, Mother, but I have something urgent to attend to.” William kissed her forehead and went directly to his study.

Violet was astonished to see her son so uneasy, but she supposed he was merely sad.

She resolved to travel to Hertfordshire after the New Year to invite Elizabeth formally to stay with her, so that William might have the opportunity to court her.

She would not allow her son to abandon the love he deserved.

William entered his study, seated himself in an armchair, opened the letter, and began to read at once.

Dear Mr. Dalton,

I have taken the liberty of writing this letter to express my feelings toward you freely and honestly…