Page 38 of Missing
"Mama Violet is right, William. We should go, if only to return Georgiana's thoughtfulness. Besides, I am sure you will like Mr. Darcy once you know him better."
"Very well, we shall go then. At least Fitzwilliam will be there, and I shall have someone interesting with whom to converse."
"Tomorrow, Lizzy and I shall go to the dressmaker to order new gowns, and afterwards we shall take you to the tailor for a new suit, William."
"I do not need—" Elizabeth and William began at the same time.
"Of course, we need new attire," Violet insisted. "We shall be in company with people of the first circle, and we must look the part. Besides—" She broke off suddenly, overcome with sneezing.
"Are you well, mother?" William asked, alarmed.
"Yes, son, I am well," Violet assured him.
But William exchanged a glance with Elizabeth and knew she was not as well as she claimed. Once dinner ended, he and Elizabeth persuaded Violet to rest, for it was clear that after tending the Gardiners, she had herself caught a severe cold.
After ensuring that Violet was settled, William and Elizabeth retired to her chamber. Once alone, he asked whether anything troubled her, for he had noticed her quietness at dinner.
Elizabeth then confided in him everything Jane had said, though she refrained from repeating the harsher words her sister had used concerning his character.
"I cannot believe your sister thinks I am the one meddling in Bingley's affairs, when we both know the opposite is true.
" William had never liked Jane, and her conduct only confirmed his opinion.
To him, she appeared cold, self-absorbed, and jealous of Elizabeth, whose talents and charms so far exceeded her own.
"I am sure Jane has been persuaded by her sisters-in-law that you—" Elizabeth began, but William interrupted her.
"My dear, your sister is a grown woman and must be held accountable for her own decisions.
If she allows Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley to govern her judgment, it is because she chooses to.
But do not concern yourself; the next time Bingley seeks my advice, I shall tell him I prefer to stay out of his affairs, to avoid problems with his wife. "
"Thank you, my love, for understanding." Elizabeth embraced him gratefully.
"Well, my dear, we have dwelt too long on matters unworthy of our attention." William kissed her and spoke of his day.
He did not like to see Elizabeth troubled on account of a sister who, in his view, did not deserve her affection or concern.
Later that night, after much tender conversation and shared affection, they retired to bed, made love, and slept in each other's arms. William, exhausted, slept soundly; for the first time in many weeks, he dreamed neither dreams nor nightmares.
◆◆◆
Mr. Hill handed the correspondence to Mrs. Bennet, who examined it three times to be certain she was not mistaken. She found letters from her sister-in-law, Madeline, from her friend Violet, and from Elizabeth, but once again, there was none from Jane.
Since her beautiful daughter had gone to London, Jane had written only once, and Mrs. Bennet was growing anxious.
She wondered whether all was truly well with her daughter's life.
She did not trust Mr. Bingley's sisters and feared they might be taking advantage of her poor child.
What disturbed her most, however, was that Elizabeth's letters made no mention of Jane either.
Apparently, the two sisters—once inseparable—were now little in contact.
Mrs. Bennet had even tried to glean information from Mrs. Gardiner, but Madeline was too discreet to reveal much.
From the letters she received, Mrs. Bennet gathered only that Jane occasionally visited both the Gardiners and Elizabeth, but that she had never once invited them to her own home.
If such neglect continued, Mrs. Bennet resolved that she would have no choice but to travel to London herself and ensure all was well.
Mr. Bennet, for his part, read Elizabeth's letter with concern, though he was not entirely surprised.
He replied at once, writing to his daughter about Jane's character.
He reminded Elizabeth that Jane had always been shy, preferring to adapt herself to circumstances and accept any situation rather than risk a quarrel.
He also observed that Jane had been excessively indulged by her mother, who, captivated by her beauty, had taught her to expect the best of everything.
Finally, Mr. Bennet advised Elizabeth to be patient with her sister, assuring her that in time Jane would see for herself how mistaken she had been.
"Mr. Bennet, did you receive a letter from Jane?" Mrs. Bennet demanded in her shrillest tone.
"No, my dear. I received letters only from Elizabeth and from Bingley," he answered without lifting his eyes from the page.
"A letter from Charles! Did he mention Jane? Did he tell you how she is? Is she ill, or in some sort of difficulty?"
"No, Mrs. Bennet. Bingley merely wrote that they have been too busy with the events of the season to come to Hertfordshire."
"Is that all he told you? Are you quite certain?" she pressed anxiously.
"No, Mrs. Bennet. He also requested that I take charge of certain matters with his tenants. Apparently, he is too much occupied attending balls and playing cards." Mr. Bennet's voice carried its usual irony.
He was, in truth, incensed. Because of his careless son-in-law, he would be obliged to rise early the next morning to consult with the Netherfield steward and perhaps visit several tenants himself.
"Well, if Jane is engaged in the season, I am somewhat easier. But if I do not hear from her soon, I warn you, Mr. Bennet, I shall go to London myself to make sure all is well."
"If you wish to travel alone or with your daughters, I have no objection. But as for me, I have no intention of going to London, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Bennet replied, and then, resuming Elizabeth's letter, pointedly ignored his wife.
◆◆◆
"You look so handsome," Violet said with delight.
"Mother, you should be in bed," William replied anxiously.
"I shall not grow worse by rising for five minutes to see you before you leave for Darcy House. I doubt there is a more elegant, distinguished, or beautiful couple than you."
"Thank you, Mama Violet. But please, return to bed," Elizabeth urged with genuine concern.
After admiring her son and daughter-in-law, Violet allowed herself to be persuaded back to her chamber.
She regretted she could not accompany them, but that very morning she had sent Georgiana a note of apology.
She felt unwell for several days and needed complete rest. The physician had prescribed absolute repose, and she had no choice but to obey.
With Mrs. Gardiner's assistance, Violet had nonetheless ensured that a new gown was made for Elizabeth and a suit for William, using the finest fabrics.
For her son, she even purchased a white silk cravat of particular quality, which contrasted strikingly with the black of his trousers and tailcoat.
Elizabeth wore a cream-coloured gown that enhanced the richness of her dark hair and eyes. That evening, she adorned herself with the jewels William had presented to her, while her maid arranged her hair in a graceful style that perfectly framed the delicacy of her features.
During the carriage ride, William could not cease admiring his wife. Pride filled his heart; he wanted the world to know that such beauty, intelligence, and grace belonged to him.
When they arrived at Darcy House, William was so astonished that he remained silent for several moments.
"My dear, you seem surprised at the grandeur of the mansion. But wait until you see the great hall or the library; I promise you will be speechless," Elizabeth said with a smile.
"It is not that, my love. I have seen many great and luxurious houses before. Indeed, our home in Manchester is nearly as large as this one."
"Then why are you so surprised?"
"I cannot explain it. I am certain I have never been here, and yet it feels strangely familiar," William confessed. Then, taking her hand, he added more lightly, "Do not be concerned, my dear. It is unimportant." He kissed her hand tenderly.
Offering his arm, William escorted Elizabeth up the three steps to the entrance. A footman received them and took their coats. Then the old butler appeared, greeting them and leading them towards the drawing-room, where Mr. Darcy awaited his guests.
"Mrs. Dalton, it is a pleasure to see you again…" Gibson began, but his words faltered when his eyes fell upon William. He almost froze in place.
"Good evening, Mr. Gibson. This is my husband, Mr. Dalton," Elizabeth said, observing the butler's startled expression.
"Good evening, Mr. Gibson," William said, equally unsettled.
"Good evening, Mr. Dar—excuse me, Mr. Dalton. Please, follow me." Gibson was deeply shaken; he could scarcely believe how much this young gentleman resembled Mr. Darcy and his late father.
When William and Elizabeth entered the drawing-room, silence fell entirely. All eyes turned toward the young couple, though most were fixed upon the tall, handsome gentleman whose countenance bore such a strikingly familiar mien.