Page 10 of Suddenly Married
Mrs. Clark had noticed her son's dejection and determined to visit her friend Mrs. Gardiner.
Madeline was refined and sophisticated and had always treated her with kindness and respect, despite the considerable differences between them.
Mrs. Clark was a straightforward woman of limited education, whose husband had acquired wealth but never attained the polish or manners of Mr. Gardiner.
"Thank you for visiting me, my dear Rose.
We are passing through a most difficult time in the family, and your company is a welcome distraction.
" "It is a pleasure to spend time with you, my dear.
And I wish you to know that you may always count upon my support whenever it is needed.
" Mrs. Gardiner informed Mrs. Clark that her niece Jane had returned home due to her father's serious accident.
"The doctors are not optimistic," she added gravely.
"They have advised us to prepare for the worst." "What a dreadful tragedy.
Poor Miss Bennet, and all her family." At that moment, Rose understood the cause of her son's altered spirits and felt genuine pity; she disliked seeing him suffer for love.
They conversed pleasantly for several more minutes until it was time for her to depart.
As she rose to take her leave, Jane and Mr. Phillips arrived.
Mrs. Gardiner, though surprised by their appearance, refrained from asking questions at once.
Instead, she introduced Mrs. Clark to Mr. Phillips, while Jane, who had already met her, greeted her warmly.
"Miss Bennet, I have heard of your father's condition, and I wish you to know that I shall pray daily for his swift recovery," Mrs. Clark said with compassion, moved by Jane's pale countenance and sorrowful air.
"Thank you, Mrs. Clark. You are very kind," Jane replied, her voice thick with emotion as tears escaped her eyes.
When Mrs. Clark beheld the gentle beauty and gracious manners of Miss Bennet, she understood entirely her son's attachment.
Yet unwilling to intrude upon the family gathering, she bade them farewell and returned home.
Mr. Phillips then disclosed to Mrs. Gardiner the reason for his visit, recounting in detail the events at Longbourn the previous day involving Lady Catherine.
Mrs. Gardiner immediately sent a message to her husband, urging him to return home without delay.
Half an hour later, Mr. Gardiner arrived, and he and Mr. Phillips withdrew to the study to consider how best to address the matter.
Mr. Phillips further related that Mr. Collins had been spreading tales to anyone who would listen of Mr. Darcy's supposed engagement to Miss de Bourgh, and of Elizabeth's attempts to force him into marriage.
"I cannot fathom how such a man could be a clergyman," said Mr. Gardiner with evident disgust, "possessing so little understanding or compassion.
To attempt the ruin of his dying cousin's daughter is despicable.
" "I agree," Mr. Phillips replied. "It is urgent we clear this matter with Mr. Darcy at once.
" Mr. Gardiner wrote to Mr. Darcy, including every detail Mr. Phillips had provided, and dispatched the message to Darcy House without delay.
In the parlour, Jane explained to her aunt the purpose of her visit.
"Aunt, if all that Lady Catherine claimed about Mr. Darcy is true, and my father dies, what will become of us?
" Lowering her head with some embarrassment, she added softly, "You once told me that Mr. Clark was interested in me, that he was a good man, and…
" "Jane, do not be too hasty in making decisions you might later regret.
Mr. Clark is an excellent, industrious, and honourable gentleman, and he deserves a wife who truly loves him.
" Mrs. Gardiner embraced her niece and brushed away her tears.
"Do not weep, my dear. At present, it is impossible to think clearly, but you will see—everything will be resolved in time.
Tomorrow, we shall go shopping; I wish to send gifts to all my nieces, to bring them a little joy amidst so much sorrow.
" "Thank you, Aunt. I do not know what would become of us without you," Jane said, her voice calmer.
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Lawrence had returned very late the previous evening and had not seen his mother.
He had remained in his office until a late hour, examining new business offers and profitable ventures.
At least such occupation kept him busy and allowed him, for a time, to forget his impossible dream—the beautiful Miss Bennet.
"Good morning, son," his mother greeted him, placing a cup of coffee before him.
"Good morning, Mother. I must take a quick breakfast today, for I have a meeting within the hour with the solicitor of a wealthy and influential gentleman who wishes to enter into business with our firm," Lawrence explained, taking a sip of coffee.
"I understand. I merely wished to tell you that I visited Mrs. Gardiner yesterday, and her niece, Miss Bennet, arrived with her uncle to spend a few days with them.
" Mrs. Clark observed the sudden light in her son's expression and could not help but smile.
"Miss Bennet is enduring a most difficult time; it will do her much good to know she enjoys the support of a friend.
" "Thank you for the information, my dear mother," Lawrence replied, smiling warmly.
He kissed her forehead and departed for his meeting, his heart buoyed by the news.
That afternoon, he determined to call upon the Gardiners, resolved that this time he would display his interest in Jane more openly.
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Elizabeth was in her father's room, speaking with Mrs. Carter, his nurse. She wished to learn how Mr. Bennet had passed the night. Sadly, the news was the same as on the previous day, and the day before that. Her father remained unconscious, showing no sign of improvement.
Mrs. Hill knocked on the door and handed her the letter that Mr. Darcy had sent the day before.
Elizabeth received it and went out into the garden, seeking both fresh air and privacy to read it.
At first, she felt some concern that he should take the liberty of writing to her, but such scruples seemed trifling in light of all that had recently occurred.
She was well aware that she had been placed in situations far more compromising with him than the mere reception of a letter.
Besides, he believed them to be engaged, and she could not deny that it was becoming increasingly impossible to imagine an escape from marriage with him.
She opened the letter and began to read.
It was exceedingly long, and she smiled at the recollection of Miss Bingley's remark upon Mr. Darcy's handwriting.
In it, he spoke of many matters: his business affairs, the family visits he had made to announce their engagement, and the fact that he had already purchased the marriage license.
He also assured her that she need not worry about anything, for he would provide for her should Mr. Bennet fail to recover.
His words were tender, entirely at odds with the image of the severe and implacable gentleman she had once known.
She could not help but acknowledge that his support had been of great importance and was grateful for it.
Yet she still harboured many doubts. Mr. Darcy seemed to possess two distinct natures, and she was uncertain whether she could live with such a man.
Nevertheless, she was acutely aware that her family now depended upon her, and she resolved never to abandon them.
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Mr. Darcy went to Cheapside to speak with Mr. Gardiner.
Having no knowledge of his home address, he went directly to his business premises.
Upon entering the office, he began at once to apologise for all that had occurred at Longbourn and assured Mr. Gardiner that none of his aunt's assertions were true.
"Mr. Gardiner, here is the marriage settlement prepared by my solicitor, as well as the license I have purchased.
I trust these documents will serve to prove my honourable intentions towards your niece.
" "They do indeed, Mr. Darcy, and I thank you sincerely for coming here at once to allay my doubts.
However, I regret to inform you that there are other serious concerns.
" He then related what Mr. Phillips had reported regarding the rumours Mr. Collins had been spreading about Elizabeth and her connection with Mr. Darcy.
"Do not be troubled, Mr. Gardiner. After leaving you, I shall go directly to Kent to set matters right with my aunt.
Believe me when I say that neither she nor the cowardly Mr. Collins will ever again dare to speak improperly of my betrothed.
" "I am glad to hear it, for Lizzy does not deserve to be treated as your aunt treated her.
Had it not been for the intervention of my brother Phillips, both she and Collins would have continued to vex Elizabeth.
" Mr. Gardiner then repeated, word for word, the insults Lady Catherine had hurled at Elizabeth, and the manner in which she had slighted her.
Upon hearing that, Mr. Darcy was deeply ashamed and offered a sincere apology.
"Unfortunately, my aunt cannot govern her temper, and she brings dishonour upon our family's name with such deplorable conduct.
" "Well, now that all is clarified, I believe it best to put the matter behind us," Mr. Gardiner said, perceiving Mr. Darcy's mortification.
"I believe so too," Mr. Darcy replied. After several more minutes of conversation, Mr. Darcy took his leave and set off for Kent, determined that his aunt should regret her interference in his affairs.
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