Page 30 of Missing

"An urgent matter? Bingley, my wife and I have just returned from our honeymoon," William said, his voice balanced between surprise and annoyance.

"Besides, I wished to see Lizzy. I am sorry, we did not intend to trouble you," Jane added, attempting to soothe her husband's impropriety.

She had advised him to wait a few days before calling on the Daltons, but Charles insisted he needed to consult his friend, certain that Dalton would not object.

"Of course, we are delighted to see you," Elizabeth interposed, hastily adjusting her hair and dress before turning to her mother-in-law. "Mrs. Dalton, it is a pleasure to see you again."

Violet embraced both her son and Elizabeth with affectionate warmth. Looking at her daughter-in-law, she said tenderly, "My dear, now that you are also Mrs. Dalton, I believe it would be better if you call me Violet, and perhaps, one day, you might call me Mother."

Elizabeth kissed her cheek and replied with a radiant smile, "Then I shall call you Mama Violet."

William's heart swelled as he embraced his mother. To see the two women he loved most united in such affection made him feel his happiness was complete, as though nothing could disturb his joy.

"If you will excuse us, my wife and I should like to freshen up and change. Bingley, perhaps we might discuss the matter troubling you tomorrow afternoon in my office," William said with studied politeness, attempting to defer the intrusion.

"Do not worry, Dalton. Your mother has invited us to dinner, and we can speak later," Bingley replied cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to the impropriety of his timing.

"Go change, son. I shall entertain our guests," Violet interjected, perceiving her son's irritation and wishing to prevent him from saying more than he ought. She was mindful that Jane was dear to Elizabeth and wished to avoid discord between the two young couples.

"Thank you, Mother," William replied. He took Elizabeth's hand and led her upstairs.

Jane, meanwhile, sat in visible discomfort.

She observed her sister's confusion, William's annoyance, and Violet's affectionate attentions toward Elizabeth.

Without doubt, Lizzy was fortunate to have a mother-in-law who adored her, while Jane had inherited two sisters-in-law in whom she could place little trust.

William ushered Elizabeth into her bedroom.

"I hope you like it, my love. My mother asked the servants to arrange all your things exactly as you wished.

My room is at the front. When I bought this house, I never imagined anyone but my mother and I would reside here.

That is why… Well, I hope you like it. If you need anything, only ask my mother or me. "

"Everything is exactly as I desired. Thank you, my love."

"As I told you, once my business in London is firmly established, I shall purchase a larger house. Now, I shall change my clothes… unless you need something?"

"William, do you wish to tell me something?" Elizabeth asked gently, her smile encouraging him. She had learned how difficult it was for him to express his deeper feelings.

"Yes, dearest… Look, I do not want to offend you, but…"

"William, speak plainly. I promise I shall not be offended." She folded her arms and looked at him intently.

Unable to meet her eyes, William turned to the window. "Elizabeth, my father and mother always shared a room. I would like to know if I may sleep here with you, rather than come only as a visitor when…"

"This bed is enormous, and I, too, wish to spend as much time with you as possible, my love." She crossed the room, embraced him, and kissed his cheek. "Now go and change, for they are waiting for us."

"I had half a mind to tell my mother we were tired and to dine here together, but I suppose there is no point in protesting," William said with a sigh, kissing her forehead before withdrawing.

At dinner, Violet maintained her patience. Though she liked Mr. Bingley, she could not comprehend why he had chosen such an inopportune moment to visit. Jane's silence and unease impressed her even more.

Elizabeth soon enlivened the table with descriptions of the sea and their days by the coast, while Mr. Bingley and Violet listened with interest. William, however, spoke little, absorbed in gazing at his wife's radiant smile and the charm with which she captivated the company.

Jane observed him and could not help noticing the intensity of his admiration.

After dinner, the ladies and gentlemen parted. Violet encouraged Elizabeth to show Jane the house, providing the sisters some privacy. Meanwhile, William invited Bingley into his study and poured him a brandy.

"This is my bedroom, Jane. William says that as soon as his business prospers, he wishes to buy a larger house. But compared with Longbourn, this chamber feels vast," Elizabeth said with a smile.

"It is very elegant. I imagine you arranged it yourself. It shows in the colours and order," Jane replied, recalling she had never been permitted such freedom, her mother and sisters-in-law having overseen all her decorations.

"You know me well, Jane. Yes, I chose everything. While I was away, my maid and a footman put it in order."

"And are you comfortable living with your mother-in-law? I know you are independent, and perhaps you would dislike someone always directing you."

"Mama Violet is delightful. If ever we differ, I am sure we shall resolve it by speaking." Elizabeth noticed Jane's despondent manner and asked gently, "Dearest Jane, are you well?"

"Yes, Lizzy. My husband is wonderful, and our life is full of diversions. My bedroom is twice the size of this, furnished with the finest taste." Jane's words carried a faint edge, as if eager to prove her greater luxuries.

"I am very glad for you," Elizabeth replied quietly, choosing not to pursue the matter further. Jane's tone, sadly, reminded her more of Caroline than of the sister she had always cherished.

Meanwhile, in the study, Bingley explained his urgent matter.

"Dalton, they have offered me an excellent investment, with profits of fifty percent within six months.

Hurst advised me to consult Mr. Darcy, but as he has been ill, I thought you could guide me.

You were always first in your class, and after you resolved my Netherfield difficulties, I trust your judgment. "

"Bingley, I have just returned from my honeymoon. It is late, and I would need to examine the documents before offering a sound opinion. But from what you describe, I am suspicious. Who proposed this scheme?"

"My solicitor, Mr. Randall. He said it was a limited opportunity, reserved for his best clients. The difficulty is that I must decide by week's end."

"And how long have you known him?"

"Almost two years."

"What became of your father's solicitors?"

"They charged higher commissions. A friend from Cambridge recommended Randall Elizabeth was now far more thoughtful and less impulsive.

Their happiness reminded Mrs. Gardiner of her own early years of marriage, when she and Mr. Gardiner had been newlyweds.

Yet she could not fail to notice the contrast between the two couples.

Jane and Mr. Bingley seemed like children, uncertain how to order their lives, while Elizabeth and William grew ever more confident and content.

Since her marriage, Jane had grown withdrawn and melancholy, while Elizabeth blossomed more each day, her smile brighter and more contagious than ever.

"I am so glad you came, dear Jane. You know how much I delight in your company, and the children love when you read to them," Mrs. Gardiner said as she poured tea.

"Thank you, Aunt. I was very busy at first in London, but now I have more time, and I promise to visit more often," Jane replied with a smile, though one that struck Mrs. Gardiner as tinged with sadness.

The truth was that Caroline's and Louisa's friends admired Jane for her beauty and elegance.

But their admiration only heightened her sisters-in-law's jealousy, and soon they ceased inviting her.

Thus Jane remained alone in that large house until her husband returned from his afternoons at his club or fencing with his friends.

"Jane, dearest, are you quite well? Are you happy in your new life?" Mrs. Gardiner asked with sincere concern.

"Of course, I am well, Aunt. I caught a little cold, but I am recovered now," Jane answered quickly. She could not admit that, though she loved her husband and knew he loved her, she often felt lonely and neglected.

"I am glad you are better, my dear." Mrs. Gardiner did not press further, perceiving Jane's unwillingness to confide.

"And the children, Aunt—where are they? I should like to see them."

"Matthew is asleep, and Luke and Emily are at the Daltons'. It is too cold for the park, so Elizabeth invited them to play charades with her and Violet. William has been much occupied these days, and Elizabeth keeps the children amused."

"I see. Lizzy has always been fond of that game. I suppose Mr. Dalton is busy with his work."

"Oh yes. He is establishing his business in London, and some days he scarcely has a moment for his family."

"But do you not think it is important for him to spend time with his wife as well?"

"Jane, when a woman marries a successful businessman, she must understand that his work often demands his time. I have had to do so with your uncle on many occasions. People in trade do not have the leisure of landed gentlemen like your father or Charles. Elizabeth understands that perfectly."

"I see, Aunt," Jane said softly. She could not help reflecting that though her father and her husband had ample leisure, neither seemed eager to spend it with his family.

"Matthew will wake in a few minutes. I shall ask Mrs. Peters to dress him, and then we can all go to the Daltons' to join in the game."

"Aunt, I do not wish to intrude."

"Only yesterday, Elizabeth told me she missed you dearly. She will be glad to see you."

"I miss her too. Very well, let us go."

At the Daltons' house, Elizabeth and Violet received them warmly.

The afternoon was spent in laughter and games, and at tea, they enjoyed a delicious apple tart.

Jane forgot her sorrows and returned home with her heart lighter.

Before leaving, Elizabeth and Violet arranged an outing to the museum to see a new exhibition and invited Jane to accompany them.

That night, as Elizabeth was nearly asleep, she felt her husband lie beside her, gather her into his arms, and whisper, "I am sorry, my love, but I had many problems to resolve at the port. I missed you so much."

"William, you are frozen. Have you eaten?" Elizabeth asked anxiously.

"My dear, do not trouble yourself—"

"William, you have been working all day, you come home cold as ice, and you have not eaten," Elizabeth interrupted with affectionate reproach. She wrapped herself in a shawl and went to the kitchen to ask the cook for a light supper.

Half an hour later, a servant brought soup, bread, cheese, and some apple tart left from the afternoon. William ate gratefully at the small table while recounting his day.

When they returned to bed, he clasped her hand. "I must admit, dearest, I was starving. But I longed to be with you, so I came straight here."

"You need both food and love, William," Elizabeth said, kissing his cheek. "Good night, my love." She extinguished her candle.

William blew out his as well, but instead of sleeping, he drew near and kissed her neck, provoking her giggles.

"William, you tickle me," Elizabeth said, trying to pull away.

"My apologies," he answered, feigning drowsiness. But then Elizabeth turned and kissed his neck.

"I am afraid, Mrs. Dalton, you must now endure the consequences of disturbing your husband's sleep," William murmured. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her ardently, and made love to her tenderly.

"I love you, William."

"And I love you, my beautiful Elizabeth."

"William, are you asleep?"

"No, though I am exhausted."

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course, dearest. What is it?"

"My love, what do you think of Charles? I cannot help but feel Jane is not as happy as she pretends."

William did not like his wife to be troubled by a sister who had grown distant, yet he answered gently.

"I think he is a good man and loves your sister.

But he is still immature and makes rash decisions.

In time, their marriage will mature as well.

Give them patience." He refrained from adding that, without his intervention, Bingley might already have lost a considerable sum of money.

"I understand. Thank you, my love. Now let us sleep. Good night."

"Good night, my love," William replied, kissing her cheek. Soon he was asleep, his dreams unusually serene.

That night, he dreamt once more of the lady who resembled Miss Darcy. But instead of fear, he felt peace. He was a child again in a grand house, surrounded by affection.

'My son, you and your father are the most important people in my life. Never doubt how much your mother loves you.'

'Are you my mother?'

'Yes, my son. You are truly a Fitzwilliam.'

'I love you, Mama.'

'And I love you, my dear Fitzwilliam.'