Page 50 of Suddenly Married

He had been in London for a few days, attending to business with Anne's solicitor and the bank where her dowry was deposited.

Anne wanted access to that money to begin the recovery plan for Rosings.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had also been charged with finding a new steward, a capable man loyal to them, and not to Lady Catherine.

When he arrived at Darcy House, his cousin was in his study, looking much distressed.

Richard perceived that he had endured a restless night and perhaps had drunk more than he ought.

In truth, Mr. Darcy had hardly slept. He missed Elizabeth so much that he thought he would lose his reason.

He felt she needed him, and all he desired was to have her before him, to beg her forgiveness and tell her how much he loved her.

"Darcy, you look dreadful," Richard observed.

"I am not in the mood for your antics, Fitzwilliam," replied Mr. Darcy.

"I understand. Why do you not tell me what is wrong with you? I received a letter from Georgiana; she said Elizabeth no longer lives at Pemberley. What happened?"

"We have had some difficulties, but nothing we cannot resolve after an honest conversation." Mr. Darcy hesitated but gave his cousin a brief account of events, omitting particulars.

"Did you seriously forbid your wife, who was in full mourning, to invite her family?"

"I do not need you to rub it in my face. Trust me, I am truly sorry and realize I was wrong." After a pause, he added, "I shall call on Elizabeth's uncle, for she must be with him. Can you come with me? Perhaps your affable manner will help me face her uncle and sisters."

"I would rather stay out of your personal troubles."

"I ask it as a special favour, Fitzwilliam."

At first, Richard refused, but seeing his cousin so desperate, he relented. "Very well."

Almost an hour later, the Gardiners' butler ushered them into the parlour, where an elegantly dressed woman greeted them with a gracious smile.

Mr. Darcy recognized her at once: Madeline Hall, the daughter of one of the most honourable men he had ever known.

He realized that, though they had met twice before, he had scarcely looked at her; otherwise, he would have recognized her.

Mr. Darcy paid his respects and introduced his cousin. Mrs. Gardiner invited them to be seated, and they conversed civilly about Pemberley and Hertfordshire. The more Mr. Darcy listened to Mrs. Gardiner, the smaller he felt.

"If I had seen you on the street, I should never have recognized you, Mr. Darcy.

You could not have been more than ten years old when I last saw you," Mrs. Gardiner remarked as she served tea.

She was concerned for Elizabeth and wished only that matters between her and her husband might be reconciled.

After conversing with Jane, she had concluded that Elizabeth was with child.

"You are unchanged; you have not altered at all," replied Mr. Darcy politely.

"Good morning," said Mr. Gardiner curtly, as his wife introduced him to Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mrs. Gardiner had sent a message to her husband's warehouse to inform him of their visitors. "Mr. Darcy, Colonel, please accompany me to my study."

As soon as he closed the door, Mr. Gardiner demanded, "Mr. Darcy, I shall be brief. Why have you come to my house?"

"I shall be equally concise, sir. I wish to speak with my wife. I believe she is here."

"No, she is not here," Mr. Gardiner replied.

"Do you know where she is? Is she well?" asked Mr. Darcy in agitation.

Richard remained silent, sensing that Mr. Gardiner would not be easily persuaded.

"Yes, I know where she is, and yes, she is well—far better than she was when she lived with an unfeeling husband who permitted his friend's sister to humiliate her before him.

" Then, turning to Richard, he added, "You know, Colonel, that my niece was obliged to meet her family in the street and to walk ten miles with her dog to see us in Lambton?

Since her father's death, she has had no home to call her own.

My poor Lizzy— I still remember the day I had to take her to Pemberley in my carriage because the rain was torrential.

That day, Mr. Darcy, I swore that if I ever had the opportunity, I would tell you exactly what I thought of you.

My niece travelled by mail coach from Derbyshire to London with a broken heart, only so that her husband would not accuse her of having married for money.

The best thing that could happen now is for this farce of a marriage to be annulled.

Then you may marry Miss Bingley, for it is clear you have much in common.

We want Elizabeth to be happy, and for that, you must be out of her life. "

Richard was speechless, and Mr. Darcy could not reply. He knew he deserved such reproaches and more. Above all, he was ashamed of having judged so many without ever troubling to know them better.

"I understand perfectly, sir. All I can say in my defence is that I was unaware my wife was visiting you in Lambton.

My actions created that situation, but believe me, I would never have permitted it had I known.

You cannot imagine how truly sorry I am.

I only beg that Elizabeth and her family may forgive me one day.

I entreat you, at least, to tell me where my wife is, or allow me to speak to Miss Bennet.

I know they are very close, and through her, I may help Elizabeth see how penitent I am. "

"Mr. Darcy, I have nothing more to say. My wife and I have extended the courtesy of receiving you into our home, a courtesy you have never shown us. My butler will see you to the door. Good day, Mr. Darcy, Colonel."

"I understand," replied Mr. Darcy.

As they prepared to leave, Mrs. Gardiner approached them. "Mr. Darcy, my niece requires time. Be patient." With that, the cousins departed.

On their way, Richard reproached his cousin vehemently.

"How could you, Darcy, allow that social climber to torment your wife in her own home? You admit those vulgar people into Pemberley, while forbidding Elizabeth to invite a lady like Mrs. Gardiner. You deserve everything you now suffer for being such a pompous fool."

"I know," was all Mr. Darcy said.

Richard went to his parents' house, deeply angry with his cousin. Mr. Darcy could do nothing to ease his remorse.

Back at Darcy House, the butler informed him that his solicitor awaited him in the study. Mr. Darcy immediately went to see if there was any news that might help him discover Elizabeth's whereabouts.

"Mr. Abbot, I wish to hear everything regarding the property I bought in Meryton, and I want you to increase the monthly allowance for my mother-in-law and her daughters."

"Excuse me, sir, but I do not understand. You have not bought any house in that town, nor do you provide any allowance to your wife's family."

"What? I gave you express instructions to see to them."

"Sir, you told me that Mr. Gardiner would contact me when he had found a suitable property.

He never did, nor did he collect any allowance for Mrs. Bennet.

You also said you did not wish to be troubled with the particulars, so I assumed it had been resolved by other means.

I have only paid Mr. Collins for the lease of a property called Longbourn. "

"I see." Mr. Darcy was confused and distressed, though he attempted to conceal his unease and turned to other business.

The solicitor had also brought documents for him to sign. When he withdrew, Mr. Darcy fell again into bitter reflection.

His business with Mr. Clark had yielded more profit than anticipated, but none of it brought him contentment.

Neither wealth nor status had ever made him as happy as his Elizabeth.

Clearly, she had never needed to say she loved him merely out of duty to her family.

Evidently, they had another protector. Perhaps Mr. Gardiner was more prosperous than he had imagined.

He had so misjudged them all that nothing could astonish him now.

That night, once more, he drank beyond measure. In his intoxication, he fancied that Elizabeth was calling him, that she needed him.

'My love, where are you?' were the last words Mr. Darcy uttered before falling upon his bed, overwhelmed and inebriated.