Page 48 of Suddenly Married

Lawrence was much intrigued. The previous evening, he had attended a gathering where he was to meet an influential gentleman who wished to conduct business with him.

Unfortunately, Jane had not accompanied him, as Elizabeth had been unwell throughout the day, and she preferred to remain with her sister.

Such meetings were usually rather dull. Upon Lawrence's arrival, his host would introduce him to new acquaintances, with whom he would converse for a short while.

Then they would dine. Later, he would join the gentlemen in the host's study or library, where the business discussions would at last take place.

Afterward, the gentlemen would rejoin the ladies, who would sing or play the piano.

Finally, after half an hour, he would excuse himself and return home.

However, on the previous evening, he had been unable to depart early, for a group of ladies approached him almost as soon as he entered the drawing room.

The entire evening passed in a similar fashion; it seemed that all the ladies, from the youngest to the most senior, were eager to make his acquaintance.

He even received more than one invitation to future gatherings and balls.

Moreover, the hostess herself remained by his side the whole evening and would not permit him to leave when he attempted to excuse himself.

What Lawrence did not know was that the ladies were eager to meet the man who had left Lady Isabella.

Most of them detested that dreadful woman—some because she had carried on an affair with their husbands, and others simply because they had been the objects of her malicious remarks.

Lawrence had thus become a sort of hero whom everyone wished to meet.

"Good morning, Lawrence. You were very late last night; I believe I was fast asleep, for I did not notice you when you lay beside me."

"I know; that allowed me to give you more than one kiss without your knowing it," Lawrence replied, laughing. He went on to tell his wife that he had been unable to slip away, as on other occasions, because his host had engaged him in conversation the entire evening.

"Lawrence, you are far too modest. Mrs. Moore was probably quite entertained in conversing with you."

"Perhaps, though I doubt it. But that is of no importance. My dear, tell me, how is Lizzy today?"

"I believe she is better, although she still sleeps soundly, and I prefer not to wake her. She needs rest. She has been so melancholy these last few days; Lizzy has always been so full of life, and to see her subdued breaks my heart."

Jane was deeply anxious about Elizabeth.

She suspected that her sister's indisposition was due to some other cause, yet she wished not to trouble her further for the present.

She could not forget the day Elizabeth had arrived at her home seeking refuge; she had been but a shadow of the lively young woman Jane had known.

Patient and generous as she was, Jane could not help feeling resentment towards Mr. Darcy.

Her feelings had only deepened upon learning from Mrs. Gardiner that Elizabeth had walked nearly ten miles each day to visit her family, while her husband had permitted Caroline Bingley to treat her with disdain.

Lawrence, too, was concerned for his sister-in-law, though for different reasons.

He wished Elizabeth to remain with them indefinitely and would not allow Mr. Darcy near her again.

In that, he enjoyed the full support of his uncle Gardiner.

The difficulty lay in the fact that, legally, she belonged to her husband, and for the present, he preferred not to interfere.

He would wait until Elizabeth was somewhat recovered before engaging a capable solicitor to secure the annulment she desired.

After hearing all Jane had recounted of Mr. Darcy's conduct towards her sister, Lawrence entertained no doubt that he did not love her and was, in all likelihood, equally desirous of dissolving the marriage.

"Well, my love, I must go to the warehouse today to take inventory of the new merchandise that arrived yesterday. Then I shall fetch Roland and Mary, who are expected at the port this afternoon. I shall see you at dinner." Lawrence kissed his wife affectionately and departed for his work.

Jane went to speak with the housekeeper about preparing additional rooms, as Mary and Roland would be staying with them for several days. She then intended to go to Elizabeth's room to see if she required anything.

◆◆◆

Elizabeth had woken up later than usual.

She had always been a morning person, but in the last few days, she had always woken up after nine.

She was still tired because the mail coach trip had been exhausting.

She also missed Dante, Georgiana, but more than anyone, her husband.

Although she had often told herself that she was well, she thought of him every night before falling asleep.

She remembered when they walked and talked for hours in the park around Pemberley, when they read together in the library, and the long nights of infinite love they had spent together.

Unfortunately, she also remembered how proud he was, how he had forbidden her to invite her family to his homes, and how he had spoken about her mother and sisters in front of the Bingleys.

Elizabeth felt she needed her husband more than ever for reasons she could not comprehend.

When she left Pemberley, she had thought it would be much easier, but she knew she could do nothing about it.

Her husband was straightforward when he told her he did not want to see her.

He was trying to forget her in Scotland, and she would do the same in London.

'Well, Lizzy, it is time to start living your new life. Mr. Darcy and Pemberley are now part of your past.'

After saying that, she got up to go to breakfast and help Jane with whatever she needed. She was eager to see Mary and share a little more with Roland.

◆◆◆

Charlotte was in the kitchen making a list of the things she would need to purchase for the coming month.

Money was scarce because, years ago, Mr. Bennet had abandoned the administration of the estate and spent not only all it produced, but more besides.

The estate was burdened with debt, and her husband lacked the knowledge to manage the land or communicate effectively with the tenants.

In addition, several tenants had recently left Longbourn, and Charlotte wondered whether they might easily find new ones.

Fortunately, Mr. Darcy had continued to pay the rent, and that money had been a true lifesaver.

For that reason, when the maid handed her his card, Charlotte knew their good fortune was about to end.

"I am sorry, but Mrs. Bennet does not live here, Mr. Darcy.

" Choosing her words carefully, Charlotte added, "But I suppose you already knew that.

" She did not know the full particulars of Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Darcy, but her friend had told her enough to understand why he might not possess that information.

Nevertheless, she sensed that something was amiss and wished not to speak more than necessary.

Mr. Darcy was deeply ashamed that he had no knowledge of his mother-in-law's whereabouts. In that moment, he perceived the hideousness of his own conduct. "I have been occupied these last few days," was all he dared to reply.

"Mrs. Bennet and her daughters have not lived in Longbourn for more than four months," Charlotte explained, intending to make him uncomfortable.

"Mr. Darcy, I would like to speak to you about the money from the lease payment.

I know we have continued to receive those funds even though the Bennet family no longer resides here.

However, when we assumed control of the estate, we found many problems and used that money to balance our budget.

Of course, we shall return it to you, but I would ask that you allow us some time until—"

"Mr. Darcy, what a pleasure to have you in our home! It is a great honour to receive a gentleman of your importance, and the nephew of so exceptional lady as Lady Catherine de Bourgh…"

Mr. Collins continued his stream of compliments for several minutes until Mr. Darcy could bear it no longer and interrupted him. "Mr. Collins, I have little time and must visit Mrs. Bennet, but your wife has informed me that she no longer resides here," concluded Mr. Darcy.

"Of course, she does not live here, for she now resides in Meryton. That man—"

Before her husband could say more than was prudent, Charlotte interjected. "My dear, I have explained to Mr. Darcy that we had to use the money from the lease. I have asked him to grant us time to repay what we owe him."

That caused Mr. Collins to drop the subject of Jane's husband and resume praising Mr. Darcy for his kindness, which he supposed must have been inherited from his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. "Mr. Darcy, you are as generous as your distinguished aunt."

"Please, do not be concerned, Mr. Collins. Contact my solicitor so that you may come to an agreement with him."

Mr. Darcy now possessed the information he needed. Mrs. Bennet lived in Meryton, which was a relatively small town. He could inquire at any shop there and surely obtain her address. Therefore, after thanking the Collinses for their time, he took his leave and set out for the town.

Charlotte felt somewhat concerned. She resolved to let a few days pass before contacting Elizabeth to inform her of what had happened.

She had always endeavoured to assist her friend; indeed, she had urged her mother to begin the gossip that Mr. Darcy had compromised Elizabeth in order to force him to marry her.