Page 13 of Mr. Darcy’s Forgotten Heir (Pride and Prejudice Variations #1)
Mary’s hands shook as she accepted a cup of tea from Mrs. Gardiner. “After you left, everything changed. Mother was triumphant at first, convinced you would come crawling back within days. When you didn’t…”
She paused, taking a shuddering breath.
“She began to blame your ‘scandalous behavior’ for every misfortune that befell the family. When Mr. Bingley’s party departed Netherfield without explanation, it was because of the shame you had brought upon us.
When Mr. Collins’s attentions turned more persistent toward the remaining daughters, it was because your rejection had wounded his pride and he required compensation from the family. ”
“Compensation?” Elizabeth’s voice was dangerously quiet.
“He has made it clear that one of us must accept his suit,” Mary continued miserably. “Mother and Father have encouraged him to consider his options among the remaining daughters. They seem to believe that any of us should be grateful for his continued interest after your… insult.”
“Is that why you’re here?” Elizabeth was truly alarmed. “And what of Lydia and Kitty? Jane?”
“Mr. Collins has been paying particular attention to Jane, although Mother still holds out hope for Mr. Bingley. Lydia and Kitty have escaped to Aunt Philips’s house, and I… I have not been well.” Mary wiped her eyes.
“Mary has been made to suffer for your supposed transgressions,” Mr. Gardiner explained, his expression darkening. “Her books have been taken away, her piano practice curtailed. She’s been forced into domestic duties far beyond what would normally be expected.”
“They said my reading and music showed unseemly pride,” Mary elaborated. “That I should focus on developing practical skills to make myself useful as a wife, since I lack beauty and fortune.”
Elizabeth gasped at the cruelty. Mary had always found comfort in her books and music, compensation for being overlooked among her more vivacious sisters.
“I endured it as long as I could,” Mary continued. “But when Mother suggested that Mr. Collins might make an offer for me, I had to leave.”
“Fortunately, I had already consulted Mr. Philips on guardianship,” Mr. Gardiner said. “Jane was the exception as she is already of age. Mr. Philips said he’d already discussed this with his wife. Lydia and Kitty wanted to stay with them, and I immediately took Mary under my protection.”
“And Mr. Bennet was agreeable?” Elizabeth’s disappointment at her father was so heavy she couldn’t breathe. No matter what hysterics her mother threw at them, she thought her father would counter her. Apparently not this time.
“Yes, I have the signed papers for you and Mary,” Mr. Gardiner confirmed. “And I’ve already filed permission for your marriage to Mr. Darcy, in case any question arises. Your father has ceded authority to me quite readily. I’ve also offered Jane sanctuary whenever she chooses to accept.”
“Then why isn’t she here?” Elizabeth’s stomach clenched with new worry for her dear, sweet sister. “What if Mr. Collins were to?—”
“Jane has always possessed a quiet strength,” Mr. Gardiner said.
“She is staying at Longbourn to care for Mrs. Bennet who has taken to her bed due to her outrageous nerves. Your sister is of age and must decide her own course, but we have extended our invitation should she wish to remove to London.”
“I hope she will come soon,” Elizabeth declared. “Although we hate putting such a burden on you, Uncle, Aunt.”
“We are glad to give you sanctuary here.” Mrs. Gardiner said, then turning to her husband. “Does Mrs. Bennet know anything of Lizzy’s marriage or any of the details?”
“Thankfully, no,” Mr. Gardiner said. “Only Mary here. She was with me when I called at Darcy House. I’ve managed to adjust the wild speculations circulating Meryton.”
Elizabeth gave a hollow laugh. “I can well imagine. What explanation have you provided?”
“We have maintained that you were rescued from your predicament at the Red Lion by the Honywoods, who are respectable acquaintances of mine through my wool trade. Nothing more, nothing less.” Mr. Gardiner adjusted his spectacles.
“It preserves your reputation while explaining your arrival in London.”
“At the expense of erasing Mr. Darcy entirely,” Elizabeth observed, a fresh wave of grief washing over her.
“For now,” Mrs. Gardiner said gently. “Until we have more information or Mr. Darcy himself appears to confirm your account.”
“But I have proof.” Elizabeth withdrew the signet ring from the ribbon. “He gave me his ring. He left his business correspondence. I have his clothes in my trunk. We must find the Reverend and the registration. It’s out there somewhere.”
Mary stared at the ring and the Darcy crest on the travel desk. “A man like Darcy does not give away his signet ring lightly.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Elizabeth whispered. “Nothing Mr. Darcy does is light or frivolous. If Fitzwilliam Darcy is able, he will move heaven and earth to find me. And if he cannot… then we will face that future together.”
“Yes, we will.” Mary nodded. “I’m glad you’re here. Even if everything else is terrible, I’m glad we’re together.”
Elizabeth smiled, the first she had managed in days. “As am I.”