Page 57 of Missing
Jane had apologised to Elizabeth for not being the sister she deserved.
She promised never again to allow anyone to interfere in her relationship with her family and those she loved.
She also begged forgiveness for never taking the trouble to know William better and for having judged him so lightly.
Jane felt relieved after casting all those thoughts from her heart, though she was aware that Elizabeth's trust would take time to be regained.
Yet she had not managed to settle all the unfinished matters in her life.
She needed an open and honest conversation with her husband.
She resolved to write him a long letter, and she was ordering her thoughts to express everything she had long kept to herself.
As Violet and Elizabeth had recommended, she was willing to admit her faults and to apologise for whatever was necessary.
"What are you thinking about so intently, my dear Angel?" Mr. Bingley asked a little nervously. "I hope you are thinking of me."
"Charles, what a pleasant surprise!" Jane replied, equally nervous, and she could not help but embrace her husband.
They embraced and kissed for several minutes until Jane recollected all she needed to say. She spoke gently but firmly. "Charles, we must have an earnest conversation."
"I know, my angel. I know I have been a fool and acted worse than a spoiled child," Charles said, caressing his wife's cheeks.
"We have both behaved like children and allowed others to interfere in our lives, Charles." Jane took her husband's hand, and they sat together on the bench beneath the apple tree.
Jane apologised for not being honest with him and for concealing everything Louisa and Caroline were doing behind his back. "I suppose I did so because I hoped they might accept me one day. But now I know that, whatever I do, I shall never be good enough for them."
"And I have neglected my obligations because I have been irresponsible. But I do not wish to continue living in that manner, my dear. Dalton made me see that I was acting like a fool," said Charles, kissing his wife's hand.
Then Charles told Jane that more than ever, he wished to fulfil his father's dream of becoming a landed gentleman.
"We shall remain at Netherfield, where I shall devote myself to learning all that is necessary to manage an estate.
And we shall be away from my sisters and their constant interference in our lives. "
"Yes, my love. We can begin again, and allow ourselves to know each other better and strengthen our relationship." Jane kissed her husband's hand in return.
Mr. Bingley embraced Jane and promised to become a man she could be proud of. Jane, for her part, promised never again to hide her feelings and to trust him always.
While Jane and Mr. Bingley continued their amiable conversation, the situation was rather different inside the house.
Violet and Elizabeth were talking, both concerned.
They had read the article in the newspaper and could not comprehend it.
They knew, however, that William disliked hasty decisions and always preferred to reflect carefully before acting.
They therefore suspected that someone had leaked the information to the press without William's consent.
"Lizzy, you ought to return to London as soon as possible, so that you may help William with all that he must now decide and settle," Violet said, taking her daughter-in-law's hand.
"Mama Violet, my mother still requires much care, and I cannot leave her alone. You know that my sisters are not able to assist her," Elizabeth replied, uncertain what to do.
"You shall not leave! I intend to remain here to accompany your mother and aid her recovery.
I shall take care of everything and promise to keep you informed.
" Violet spoke with all the conviction she could muster, for she was worried about her son.
Yet she knew he was a married man, and it was his wife, not she, who must give him the support he needed.
"When I married, I gained not only a wonderful husband but also a wonderful mother. Thank you for everything, dear Mama Violet," Elizabeth said, embracing her mother-in-law.
"My dear girl, I, too, have gained a daughter," Violet replied with emotion.
Jane and Charles entered the drawing room a few minutes later to announce their decision.
They explained that they would live permanently in Hertfordshire, travelling to the city only when necessary.
Elizabeth was pleased to see her sister smiling once more and sincerely wished that things would indeed be different for Jane this time.
Finally, at dinner, Elizabeth told the family that she must return to the city on the morrow, and all her sisters assured her that they would care for Mrs. Bennet and that she need not worry about her.
Mary, Kitty, and Lydia were overjoyed when they learnt that Violet would remain with them.
They considered Elizabeth's mother-in-law the kindest and most considerate person they had ever met, and they delighted in her company.
She was patient, she taught them new things, and she was also entertaining, full of anecdotes to relate.
With her help, Lydia learnt how to alter old gowns to appear new, by adding lace, a ribbon, or altering the sleeves.
Kitty was learning to paint, and Mary was refining her piano technique.
Before leaving for Netherfield, Jane assured Elizabeth that all would be well.
"Lizzy, I promise to come every day to visit our mother and assist her.
Please, return to your husband's side and do not be anxious about Mama.
" Jane suspected that something of importance had occurred in London, but she refrained from pressing Elizabeth to confide in her; she wished to respect her silence.
"Thank you, Jane. I wish you happiness as well, and I hope that away from Louisa and Caroline, you and Charles may enjoy your time together and resolve your differences."
Elizabeth embraced Jane and thanked her sincerely. Then, as soon as the Bingleys had retired, she withdrew to her room, determined to rise at dawn and reach London by noon the next day.
◆◆◆
William had shut himself in his house for two days; he had no wish to see anyone.
The previous night, he had barely slept, weighed down by anxieties for the future, and he felt weary and desolate.
The newspaper article had compelled him to remain in London two days longer than planned.
Yet on the morrow, without fail, he intended to travel to Longbourn.
He could not endure another day without Elizabeth.
Only in her company could he hope to find peace, clear his mind, and face his fears.
He had already spoken with his coachman and ordered him to have everything prepared; he meant to depart as soon as possible for his father-in-law's estate.
The mere thought of being able to sleep once more with his wife in his arms gave him comfort.
But the tranquillity he had gained from dwelling on his beloved Elizabeth was suddenly broken by the most unexpected of visits.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh had arrived at Darcy House the day before, making all manner of demands. Mr. Darcy, however, had neither patience nor inclination to contend with her, and he sent her to Lord Matlock's house, emphatically declaring that he had nothing to explain.
At her brother's house, Lady Catherine was scarcely more agreeable than she had been with her brother-in-law. Lord Matlock, desiring some peace, therefore provided her with William's address and advised her to speak with him directly.
When Lady Catherine reached Gracechurch Street, she was astonished at the beauty and elegance of the houses.
Yet she could not bring herself to admire them, for to her they belonged merely to families engaged in trade.
At last, she alighted from her carriage with her daughter, resolved to achieve one of her long-nurtured ambitions.
William was in the drawing-room, rereading Elizabeth's latest letter and laughing over the amusing stories she had shared about her mother and sisters. Suddenly, a lady in an ostentatious dress, accompanied by a pale and delicate young woman, entered the room.
"Sir, I beg your pardon… I tried to explain to the lady, but—"
William quickly perceived that the elder lady was not one to heed the suggestions of others, so he signalled to his distressed butler not to trouble himself.
"Fitzwilliam, I am your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and this is your cousin and betrothed, my daughter Anne," Lady Catherine announced. She was gratified to see that her nephew was as handsome and distinguished as his father, and that years among merchants had not diminished his mien.
William was at a loss for words, chiefly because he felt such pity for his cousin. The young lady appeared utterly mortified by her mother's behaviour.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Catherine, Miss de Bourgh. Pray excuse me for not being suitably attired; I had not expected callers. If you will permit me, I shall fetch my coat and return directly."
He withdrew to the hall, ostensibly to collect his coat, but in truth to compose himself. Fitzwilliam had spoken of Lady Catherine, describing her as a most exacting and formidable woman.
Meanwhile, Lady Catherine walked about the room, scrutinising every object, while addressing her daughter.
"Anne, you must be delighted that your future husband has returned to his rightful place. Very soon, you shall marry, and you will assume your role as Mistress of Pemberley. Besides, you are fortunate, for he is exceedingly handsome."
"Yes, mother," Anne murmured, wishing the ground might swallow her. She knew too well that her mother had long cherished an attachment to George Darcy, and that this scheme was but her attempt to realise through her daughter the dream of presiding over Pemberley.
When William returned, having donned his coat, he was ready to make matters clear to his aunt. But as he reached the threshold of the room, he heard a voice.
"William, my love, you cannot know how I have missed you," Elizabeth exclaimed, running to embrace her husband. Unaware that visitors were observing, she kissed him with tenderness and ardour.
William thought Elizabeth had never kissed him with such passion, and in that moment, he conceived a brilliant idea. He held her close and deepened the kiss, certain that Lady Catherine de Bourgh would then comprehend that he was no free man and could not possibly be engaged to her daughter Anne.