Page 42 of Suddenly Married

"My dear, promise me you will tell us if you need anything. Do not forget that your family loves you."

"Thank you, Aunt."

Elizabeth left the inn, while Mrs. Gardiner remained, awaiting her husband's return. Elizabeth and Dante entered her uncle's carriage, and they set out for Pemberley.

"Despite the darkness, it is plain that your husband's husband's estate is vast," Mr. Gardiner observed. During the four-mile journey, he held his niece close and gazed out of the window, though the night revealed little. Perceiving her silent despair, he preferred to respect her quiet.

"We have arrived, Uncle. Could you please ask your coachman to enter by the service gate? It is at the back of the mansion, following this path." Elizabeth wished to avoid attracting notice, and still less did she want her husband to see her.

"Thank you so much for everything, Uncle."

"You have nothing to thank me for, my dear Lizzy."

Elizabeth kissed her uncle on the cheek and stepped down from the carriage.

' The next time I see you, Mr. Darcy, I shall tell you exactly what I think of you,' Mr. Gardiner vowed inwardly, unable to contain his indignation.

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy was greatly concerned. It was raining heavily, and no one knew where Elizabeth was. Moreover, it was nearly time for dinner, and she was nowhere to be found. He had changed his clothes and shut himself in his study, unwilling to speak to anyone.

When Mrs. Reynolds entered, he asked, "Is Mrs. Darcy here?"

"No, sir, I am very sorry. But do not worry—she knows Pemberley very well, and she is with her dog. They are surely sheltered somewhere, waiting for the rain to pass."

"I believe it is best if I go to find her myself," Mr. Darcy said, moving towards the door.

"Mr. Stevens and Jackson are already looking for her. Your guests are in the drawing room awaiting you. I promise I shall inform you as soon as she returns."

"Very well. But if she is not here within half an hour, tell Norton to organise a search party, which I shall lead myself."

Caroline looked about, seeking something to criticise, but silly Eliza had not altered a single thing. She had a very wealthy husband and had not spent a penny to redecorate the house.

Caroline had dressed with the utmost care that evening, hoping Mr. Darcy would draw comparisons and perceive her immense superiority to the present Mrs. Darcy.

Lady Isabella had taught her a few tricks, and she intended to use them.

Her only desire was to humiliate Elizabeth—to make her realise that her husband would never love or respect her, and that, sooner or later, he would seek affection in the arms of a woman of his own class.

The moment Mr. Darcy entered the room alone, Caroline felt a thrill of excitement. She believed he had already tired of Eliza and could no longer bear her company. He looked even more handsome than she remembered, and she longed to be in his arms.

"Mr. Darcy, how very nice to see you. Allow me to congratulate you on your recent marriage." Then, with a flirtatious smile, she added, "Pray excuse me, but where is Eliza?"

It required effort for Mr. Darcy not to reply sharply. He could not comprehend why that woman persisted in trying to gain his attention when he was a married man. Moreover, he disliked intensely her use of Eliza .

"She is indisposed at present," he explained, and then invited the party into the dining room.

Caroline was delighted; everything she had imagined was confirmed.

Mr. Darcy had either locked Eliza away somewhere or sent her back to her family.

She stepped closer and took his arm possessively, wishing him to escort her to the dining room as though she were the mistress of the house.

As they walked, she chattered incessantly, though he scarcely heard a word.

"It has been a wonderful season. You ought to take part in the pleasures the city offers and delegate the estate's work to your servants."

"I very much enjoy my time at Pemberley, Miss Bingley."

At that moment, Elizabeth entered the house through a side door.

Though she had run from the carriage to the house, she could not avoid becoming wet.

The service staircase was under repair, so she was obliged to go around to reach her bedchamber by the main stairs.

As she was about to ascend, she found herself face to face with her husband, who was approaching with Caroline Bingley on his arm, followed by Mr. Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst.

Mr. Darcy froze. He was both alarmed and angered by the situation. Without doubt, Elizabeth would have to explain what had happened to her.

Seeing Elizabeth wet and muddy, Caroline could not help but smile. She whispered something in Mr. Darcy's ear and then mockingly said, "Eliza, I see you have not changed your bad habits."

Then, noticing Mrs. Reynolds approaching, Caroline added, "Please send a maid to assist the lady, and be sure everything is ready in the dining room. Eliza, I trust you do not expect us to wait for you to dine."

"Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, I beg your pardon, but I must change my clothes. If you will excuse me," Elizabeth said, with all the dignity she could summon, without once looking at her husband. Then she ran upstairs.