Page 49 of Suddenly Married

Charlotte knew from personal experience that life was exceedingly unfair to women.

Had she not taken that course, everyone would have judged Elizabeth harshly, saying she had contrived the entire situation to secure a handsome and wealthy husband.

Yet, at that moment, she was no longer certain she had done the right thing.

◆◆◆

Lydia and Maria Lucas were practising a duet while Kitty played the piano.

Mrs. Robinson was pleased with the girls' progress.

When Mr. Clark had engaged her, Mrs. Bennet's two younger daughters had been ill-mannered.

It was evident that their parents had been negligent and had not taken the trouble to educate them as was proper for the daughters of a gentleman.

Upon meeting Mrs. Bennet, she understood the sisters' behaviour more clearly.

Fortunately, they were both eager to learn, which made her work much easier.

"Thank you, Maria, for joining me in this song. It is challenging to sing it alone. I hope we may perform it at your father's house at the next gathering." Lydia loved to sing and could practise the entire day without noticing the time.

"Since Mary married, we have had no one to play the piano. I am only just learning and need more time before I dare play in public," added Kitty.

While the girls talked and sang in the small music room, Mr. Darcy approached the house.

He had indeed inquired in the town and obtained the address.

He was satisfied with what he saw. His solicitor had done excellent work in finding a pleasant house for the Bennets—handsome enough and of good size for Mrs. Bennet to live with her four unmarried daughters.

He hoped Elizabeth would appreciate his efforts in financially supporting her family.

Mr. Darcy knocked on the door, and this time Mr. Hill opened it. The butler was stunned to see Miss Lizzy's husband but maintained a neutral expression. He had never liked that solemn gentleman, so different from Miss Jane's husband.

"Good afternoon; I wish to see Mrs. Bennet and my wife," Mr. Darcy said.

"Please, follow me, sir." Mr. Hill, though surprised, merely conducted him to the drawing room, where Mrs. Bennet sat with her companion and nurse, Mrs. Carter.

When Mr. Hill announced the visitor, Mrs. Bennet was astonished. She was the only one in the family who was unaware of Mr. Darcy's restrictions.

Upon entering, Mr. Darcy was struck by Mrs. Bennet's altered appearance. She had lost weight, and the effects of the apoplexy were plain upon her face and part of her body. After a short, awkward silence, he spoke.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Bennet."

Mrs. Bennet tried to stand but could not, and Mrs. Carter told her it was better not to exert herself.

"Please, madam, do not trouble yourself," said Mr. Darcy, attempting to assist her.

"Excuse me, Mr. Darcy, but I still cannot move this leg well.

Yet each day I am more recovered; Mrs. Carter has been a great help.

But please, sit down. I shall ask Hill to bring a tray of tea.

I am sorry, but where is my Lizzy? Did she not come with you?

My dear girl, I miss her so much. I am sure she has been a good wife. "

"She has been a wonderful wife, Mrs. Bennet."

"You do not know how glad I am to hear it," Mrs. Bennet replied, taking out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

Mr. Darcy realised that his wife was not there. He explained briefly to his mother-in-law that he was travelling to the city to attend to some business and had stopped to pay his respects. "Unfortunately, I must leave soon."

"My dear Mr. Darcy, I am very sorry this is such a short visit and that my Lizzy did not come with you. If she is in London, tell her to visit me." Mrs. Bennet, though it was difficult for her to speak due to her ailment, was delighted to receive company and would not cease talking.

"I promise that Elizabeth and I shall visit you the next time we travel to London."

"I am very excited to see my daughter, though she must be delighted in her new home.

Mr. Darcy, did you like the embroidered handkerchiefs I sent you with Lizzy?

Even though I had only a few days to make them, I tried very hard.

I know a rich and important gentleman like you ought to have only the best quality things.

By the by, I shall try at last to travel to see your estate as soon as I feel better.

I imagine your house must be very luxurious and have many rooms. Very soon I shall be able to travel; in fact, my dear Lawrence told me that—"

Mr. Darcy was petrified. It seemed Elizabeth had not told her mother about the foolish rule he had imposed.

Yet, deep down, he was grateful. He understood that, upon seeing her ill mother, Elizabeth would not wish to distress her by revealing how cruel her husband had been.

Furthermore, he now understood why Elizabeth had concealed the handkerchiefs.

Despite her physical difficulties, Mrs. Bennet had embroidered them and taken the time to send a gift to one so undeserving as he.

And in return, he had done nothing but despise her.

However, when Mr. Darcy heard the name Lawrence, his attention was caught. He could at last learn who that man was.

"Mrs. Bennet, who is—?"

"Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy," Lydia said, as Kitty murmured something to Mr. Hill, who had brought tea for the caller. Mr. Hill immediately left the room, and Kitty stood beside her sister.

"Miss Lydia, Miss Catherine," Mr. Darcy acknowledged.

"Mother, it is time for you to rest. Dr. Miller was insistent that you should not overexert yourself," Lydia said.

"We shall take care of your guest," added Kitty.

"Your daughters are correct, Mrs. Bennet," said Mrs. Carter.

"But I cannot leave Mr. Darcy here… He was so kind to come…" Mrs. Bennet was so fatigued that she could scarcely speak.

"Mrs. Bennet, I understand. Please, do not concern yourself about me," Mr. Darcy said, feeling great compassion at seeing her so agitated.

Mrs. Carter reminded Mrs. Bennet that Dr. Miller had said she must rest, especially if she intended to spend part of the evening socialising with family and friends.

Thus, Mrs. Bennet affectionately took her leave of Mr. Darcy. When he attempted to help her rise, Lydia and Kitty hastened to assist their mother, preventing him from approaching her.

Once Mrs. Bennet had left the room, Lydia said coldly, "If you fear my mother will visit your wonderful estate or elegant London home, you need not worry. We shall never allow it."

"Our mother has many faults, but she has suffered enough. We shall not expose her to your contempt," Kitty added.

"Rest assured, I would never show your mother any disrespect."

Mr. Darcy felt humiliated; he knew he did not deserve to be treated as a welcome guest. Yet it troubled him that Elizabeth's sisters were so unjust, especially since they lived in a house he owned and for which he paid all their expenses.

"I came merely to pay my respects. I imagine Elizabeth is in London with Mr. Gardiner?

" he asked casually, hoping to obtain some information.

At that moment, a male voice interrupted the conversation. "Mr. Darcy! Dear nieces, I shall accompany your visitor to his carriage."

Lydia and Kitty left the room to attend their mother, while Mr. Phillips escorted Mr. Darcy to the door, taking the opportunity to say a few words.

"I hope you will not disturb my sister-in-law again. You were very clear when you said you did not want us to set foot in any of your properties, and we have complied. We hope you will return the courtesy."

Mr. Darcy was astonished at the man's incivility, yet he endeavoured to respond calmly. "Do not worry; I shall not visit Mrs. Bennet unless she invites me. I came because I thought my wife was here. I imagine she is in London with Mr. Gardiner."

"Lizzy is well. Good evening, Mr. Darcy."

"Why can you not tell me where my wife is?"

"You wished us out of your lives, and we agreed to your terms for Lizzy's sake. Do you not think it a little presumptuous to come here and act as if we were family and nothing had happened? Good evening, Mr. Darcy."

"Good evening," Mr. Darcy replied. He was frustrated, yet Mr. Phillips had given him arguments he could not refute.

After that brief exchange, he entered his carriage and set off for London, full of doubts and disheartened.

He wondered where Elizabeth might be. He also realised that his wife's family resented him, which could become a considerable impediment to any future reconciliation.

He resolved to speak to his solicitor and instruct him to increase his mother-in-law and sisters-in-law's pin money.

Surely that would help them forget his faults and appreciate more what he had done for them.

Mr. Darcy felt increasingly guilty. He remembered how often he had seen Elizabeth receive letters and run with her dog to read them—perhaps news of her mother's health—and how, in those moments, she had found neither support nor understanding in her husband.

He also reflected on the changes in Kitty and Lydia; they seemed much more controlled and mature. He wondered, too, where Miss Bennet and Miss Mary might be.

'Elizabeth must be in London at the Gardiners' with her two sisters. I shall go there tomorrow,'he thought.

That filled him with hope, for there could be no other place where his wife might be.

◆◆◆

Upon learning that his cousin was in London, Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately went to Darcy House.

Two days earlier, he had received a letter from Georgiana, in which she wrote that Elizabeth had left Pemberley and was very concerned about her brother.

However, she had not given details of what had occurred between her brother and sister-in-law, so he wished to speak with Darcy directly.