Page 53 of Moments Frozen in Time (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
Mrs. Hurst’s expression twisted, a mix of shock and dawning fury.
“And all that time,” she murmured, “she insisted that I could do better, that Mr. Hurst was beneath me. She criticised everything—from his lack of title to his family connexions. And like a fool, I listened to her and to my mother and allowed it to poison my relationship with my husband.” She looked to her mother now, her voice rising.
“You told me I was obligated to help Caroline navigate society—but I never understood why you refused to enter society yourself. Was it shame? Or fear that someone would discover the truth? Are there more secrets that my family has failed to tell me?”
Neither mother nor daughter said anything. Instead, Mrs. Hurst turned to her brother. “Did you know about this, Charles?”
“I knew about it after the fact,” he replied, his head hanging in shame.
“Father mentioned it once when he was unwell and encouraged me to keep it a secret and to find someone for Caroline to marry who would not object. Even then, I knew Darcy would never marry her and have told her so, but did not do enough to discourage her.”
“Did you know she had sent Elizabeth to this place?” I asked .
“I did not, not at first,” he replied. “At the beginning, Caroline was truly unwell. After Jane… Miss Bennet confronted first Caroline and then me about my sister’s illness, I asked some questions and discovered the truth.
Miss Bennet had stopped calling on Netherfield by then, so I could not tell her, but I knew that Miss Elizabeth was, at least, safe and well in that cottage. ”
“Would you have ever told anyone what you knew?” Elizabeth demanded, her voice sharp with anger.
I squeezed her hand; she was no longer holding onto my arm, but somehow, our hands had found each other, and we were unconsciously holding hands as we spoke.
“If Fitzwilliam had not found me when he did, would you have ever spoken? Or would you have let him continue searching endlessly, wondering if I were dead or lost forever? Or perhaps you hoped he would give up and…and marry your sister instead?”
“I… I—” Bingley stammered, clearly shaken. His gaze dropped to the table, his voice barely above a whisper. “I do not know. I told myself there was no need to speak—after all, I believed you were safe and well cared for. I thought Darcy might eventually give up searching….”
He trailed off, then lifted his head slightly, shame flickering in his expression, but anger apparent in his voice, surprising me in its vehemence. “But he found you before I had to make that decision. So what does it matter now?”
I had heard enough. Drawing myself up to my full height, I turned to take one last look at my former friend and his family.
“Earlier in our conversation, Miss Bingley alluded to the rumours currently circulating in town.
The only conceivable source of such speculation must be this household.
Elizabeth and I have spoken to no one in a manner that could be misinterpreted as anything like what is being insinuated.
Therefore, I can only conclude that these falsehoods originated here.
“At one time, I believed I wanted revenge for what had been done to separate me from my wife—but I find I can no longer care.
However, consider our friendship at an end, Bingley.
Neither you nor any member of your family will ever again benefit from a connexion to me.
No longer will you or anyone in your family use my name to obtain an invitation, nor will I acknowledge you in society.
Should you, your sister, or your mother attempt to approach me or any member of my family, I will deliver the cut direct.
I advise you not to test my resolve on this matter.
“If I hear of any further rumours that I suspect originated here, I will not hesitate to reveal all that I know. My aunt, the Countess of Matlock, fully intends to support Elizabeth’s introduction into society, and together we will put a swift and final end to any scandalous speculation regarding our marriage or our character. ”
I lifted Elizabeth’s hand then and placed it on my arm before turning to depart.
“Oh, and my protection extends to Miss Bennet. She will be joining my wife and me in London. You will be pleased to know that, while she might have liked you at one time, your weakness in this matter has made it abundantly clear that you would make a terrible husband. Good day.”
Not bothering to close the door behind us, Elizabeth and I walked out of the house the same way we entered.
Mrs. Nicholls was nearby and surprised me with a wink, but a few other servants gave me a knowing nod, and one even subtly raised his hand in a cheer.
I struggled to restrain the laughter that bubbled up in me at this.
To my surprise, the servants I had searched for to give me information about Elizabeth were standing outside my carriage.
“We would like your help,” the young lady stated as I approached.