Page 44 of Missing

The day after concluding the contracts with his new investors, William resolved to return immediately to London.

He missed Elizabeth exceedingly and could not bear to be long parted from her.

Moreover, he planned to take several days of leisure, either to travel with his wife wherever she wished, or simply to remain at home, sharing a good book or playing chess — for with Elizabeth, every occupation became a delight.

Yet he could not rid his mind of those troubling images which returned most vividly in his dreams. For that reason, on his way back to London, he determined to stop at the inn where his parents had once stayed when they first found him more than twenty years earlier.

To his relief, the place still stood, and Mr. Moss, the innkeeper, proved a most obliging man, willing to answer all his questions.

William intended to remain a day, to walk about the surrounding country, and to discover whether, by revisiting the scene, he might recall something to unravel the mystery of his life — that secret which haunted him still, and which so often prevented his full enjoyment of the blessings he now possessed.

Mr. Moss informed him that the only river near the town lay but ten minutes along the eastern road.

Following that path, William soon came upon a small stream, which he pursued for several minutes along its banks.

Yet the sight puzzled him: the water was shallow, no more than a narrow brook, while in his memory there was a mighty river.

Confused, he began to doubt whether this could indeed be the place he sought.

On returning to the inn, he questioned the innkeeper further.

"Mr. Moss, I was under the impression that the little creek near here was once a far mightier river — or at least, so I recall."

"The flow of that creek is quite variable, Mr. Dalton.

For the last two years, we have had only moderate rains, and so the stream has been small.

But three years past, when the rains were heavy, the great river that feeds it overflowed, and this brook, along with two others to the north, rose so high as to flood the fields. "

"I understand," William replied thoughtfully. "And where does the main river that feeds this one come from?"

"It comes from Derbyshire, sir. Let me show you a map, so you may see how the rivers connect."

Mr. Moss produced a map and explained the geography of the district. As William traced the rivers with his eyes, his attention was fixed on a certain place some fifty miles distant.

"Do you know this place, Mr. Moss?" he asked.

The innkeeper studied the map for a moment before nodding. "That, sir, must be Pemberley. It is one of the largest estates in Derbyshire."

"I understand," said William gravely. "Thank you, Mr. Moss, for your time and assistance. I shall retire to rest, for I must resume my journey at dawn."

"Will you not dine, Mr. Dalton?"

"I am not hungry, thank you."

"I shall send you some soup and fresh bread in an hour, so that you do not go to bed on an empty stomach."

William inclined his head. "Thank you, Mr. Moss."

Alone in his chamber, he considered all he had learned that day and at last made a resolution.

'I shall tell Elizabeth everything. I must know whether my thoughts are founded in truth, or merely the fancy of a troubled imagination.'

The knowledge that he could confide in his wife and share with her both his suspicions and his fears brought him comfort and renewed hope. He would not be alone in facing whatever fate awaited him. And that night, he dreamed only of Elizabeth and of the great love he bore her.

◆◆◆

Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley had been with Elizabeth and Violet for several days, and both felt safe and content.

Without a doubt, it had been an excellent decision to seek refuge with the Daltons.

They had found in them not only generous hostesses but also true friends, who contrived to keep them agreeably occupied with a variety of diversions.

Violet, now fully recovered, at last rose from her bed, eager to enjoy the company of her visitors. Mrs. Gardiner and her children also spent much of their time at the Daltons', so that the days passed swiftly and pleasantly.

For Georgiana, the experience was altogether novel, for she had never before stayed several nights at a friend's house.

She was accustomed to travelling only with her father, who rarely visited acquaintances.

The Dalton household, though less grand than her own, was filled with warmth and activity.

The evening before, the four ladies had played the piano, sung, and enjoyed cards until late, with such cheerfulness that Georgiana hardly felt the want of sleep.

When Elizabeth invited her afterwards to her chamber, she gladly accepted; they conversed for nearly two hours, until Georgiana, without even perceiving it, fell asleep in her friend's bed.

She was so much at ease in this affectionate household that, though she missed her father, she almost wished his stay in Kent might be prolonged, so she could continue to enjoy Elizabeth's company.

On the third morning after their arrival, when breakfast was over, the three women repaired to the drawing-room to sew garments which Violet intended to donate to the orphanage she and Mrs. Gardiner supported.

"You do not know how much I appreciate your help with these clothes. Yet I must repeat, you are our guests and should not feel obliged to work," Violet said warmly.

"Dear Mrs. Dalton, I am pleased indeed to assist in so noble a cause as supporting the children of the orphanage," replied Georgiana, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I should like to continue contributing even after I return home."

"I shall speak with your father, Georgiana, and explain that we both desire to continue our support of the orphanage," Mrs. Annesley added.

Elizabeth, mending a shirt, smiled. "I think we had better forgo cards this evening."

"And I suppose you mean to avoid playing because you lost nearly every hand last night, am I right, Lizzy?" Violet teased with a mischievous smile.

"Perhaps," Elizabeth replied, laughing, "but let us not speak of that, Mama Violet. Tonight I prefer that we pursue something more intellectual, such as reading." She winked at Georgiana.

"I agree with Violet," said Mrs. Annesley playfully. "You are simply unwilling to endure another defeat."

Elizabeth shook her head in mock resignation. "It is quite impossible to be amongst intelligent women; one cannot even tell a harmless falsehood, for they see through it at once."

The ladies continued their work, conversing on various subjects, when Georgiana made a remark that greatly surprised Elizabeth and Violet.

"I know I have already thanked you many times for your hospitality, but my gratitude is not merely for receiving me when I most needed shelter.

It is also because I have spent here such delightful days, and for a while, I have forgotten my troubles.

I often feel very lonely, and if it were not for Mrs. Annesley and for you, I fear I should have no one in whom to confide. " Her eyes filled with tears.

"Dear Georgiana, we are the ones honoured by your presence, and glad to be able to protect you," Elizabeth said sincerely.

"Yes, my dear child, you honour us with your affection and trust," Violet added with equal emotion.

"If my dear brother had lived, I am sure Mr. Wickham would not dare to harass me, for he would have defended me."

"I did not know you had a brother, Georgiana," Elizabeth said gently. "I imagine you must miss him greatly."

"He died when he was five years old, long before I was born.

I never met him; I have only seen his portraits as a child.

Perhaps what I say will sound foolish, but since meeting your husband, Lizzy, I have imagined that my brother would have resembled him, for everyone says he looked very much like my father.

"Perhaps I have not told you, Mama Violet, but when I went to Darcy House, I saw two portraits in the library — of Mr. Darcy and his father when they were young — and both bore a remarkable likeness to William."

"What a curious coincidence," Violet said, with a forced smile, though her heart beat anxiously.

"I believe we need more white yarn for these socks," Elizabeth interposed quickly. She and Mrs. Annesley left the room to fetch it, leaving Violet alone with Georgiana.

"My dear, forgive me if this is too forward," Violet asked softly, her hands trembling, "but did your brother die of illness?"

"No, Mrs. Dalton. He drowned in a river near my father's estate."

"And what was your little brother's name?" Violet's voice faltered as she grew pale.

"His name was Fitzwilliam Darcy. It was my mother's maiden name," Georgiana replied.

At that moment, Elizabeth and Mrs. Annesley returned with a sack of clothing and yarn. Violet pressed a hand to her forehead.

"Excuse me, my head aches. I shall go to my room to rest," she murmured faintly.

"Of course, Mrs. Dalton," Mrs. Annesley and Georgiana said together.

"Mama Violet, you do not look well. Shall I accompany you?" Elizabeth asked anxiously.

"No, my dear, it is but a little headache," Violet insisted, and she left the room.

Once in her chamber, she opened the small trunk where she kept her most treasured memories. Taking out the little gold medal with the letter F engraved upon it, she lay upon her bed, gazing at it through a flood of tears.

'It cannot be… it cannot be…' she whispered again and again, unable to quell her despair.