Page 57 of Suddenly Married

"First, I wish to ask you if you are the person who has taken financial care of my mother-in-law and her daughters," Mr. Darcy began, fervently hoping Mr. Clark was not involved with Elizabeth's family.

"Yes," Lawrence replied defiantly. "I am the one in charge of Mrs. Bennet and her daughters. I purchased the house in Meryton where they live, and I provide for all their expenses."

"May I ask why you are doing so? Mr. Gardiner knew he ought to contact my solicitor, and I would have assumed the responsibility," Mr. Darcy pressed, his irritation growing.

Still, he resolved not to be carried away by his emotions, though in truth he longed to strike the scoundrel before him, who seemed to take pleasure in mocking him.

"I am doing it because Jane told me that she and her sisters were ashamed that their sister's husband—who despised them—should be the one to support them.

They disliked being regarded as the poor relations of an arrogant gentleman who wished to have no connexion with them," Lawrence explained coolly.

"And why would Miss Bennet confide such intimate matters to you?" asked Mr. Darcy, bewildered.

"Mrs. Clark," Roland corrected firmly.

Mr. Darcy turned sharply, only then perceiving Roland's presence in the room. "What did you say?" he demanded.

Lawrence smiled defiantly. "My wife, Jane Clark, told me that, and much more, because she trusts me. There are no secrets between us."

"Jane Clark?" Mr. Darcy repeated, scarcely able to comprehend. "And what are you doing here?" he asked Roland.

"I was conversing with my best friend when a fool interrupted us," Roland replied, evidently relishing Mr. Darcy's confusion.

"So, you know one another? You are married to Miss Bennet, and you to Miss Mary," Mr. Darcy muttered, more to himself than to them, as the truth began to dawn.

"You are very slow to understand, Darcy," Roland said impatiently. "Miss Bennet and Miss Mary no longer exist. They are Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Walker. I hope this is the last time I must tell you so."

Finding the situation absurd, Lawrence interposed.

"Mr. Darcy, I have known uncle Gardiner since I was fourteen.

Months ago, I met Jane, and we fell in love.

We married scarcely a month after you and Lizzy.

At my wedding, my friend Roland met Mary, and two months later, they, too, were married.

All this, and much more besides, you would have known had you been a dog named Dante. "

"What?" Mr. Darcy exclaimed, at a loss.

"A few months at sea would do you no harm, Darcy," Roland said with biting humour.

"Perhaps it would cure your grievous problem of comprehension.

Allow me to explain. My wife, Mrs. Walker, confides in me; she shares all her joys and sorrows.

Jane, Mrs. Clark, does the same with her husband, my friend Lawrence. You see how it is."

"Everything you are now learning from your wife's brothers-in-law, Lizzy has always known," Lawrence continued.

"For months, her sisters and mother have corresponded with her.

She jested that she read their letters aloud to her dog upon a bench by a lake, but in truth, she did so because she could not share news of her family with her husband or her sister-in-law. And you know very well why."

Roland added, "At least you allowed her to attend my wedding, since she could not attend Jane's. Believe me, we did not miss you in the least."

Mr. Darcy was speechless. At last, he understood so many things.

To his deepest shame, everything they said was true.

Elizabeth had been forced to protect her family from his contempt.

Unlike those men, he had never given her mother or sisters a chance.

He had assumed the worst of them, and now it was plain they were worthy women who desired neither his money nor his connexions.

He had despised them, while they had matured and proved themselves independent of his scorn.

Lawrence added gravely, "And there is no need to speak further of your friend's sisters and their appalling treatment of Lizzy in what ought to have been her home.

I believe uncle Gardiner already conveyed the family's opinion.

At least your wife told us that Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley defended her honour. "

Mr. Darcy, overwhelmed with shame, could only whisper, "And what of the book you sent my wife?"

Lawrence explained gently. "It was Mr. Bennet's favourite book. Jane believed Elizabeth would wish to have it. That is why she named her dog Dante. And as for the necklaces—Jane and I purchased five gold hearts, one for each sister, as tokens of their sisterly bond."

Once more, Mr. Darcy felt the sting of humiliation. Those simple jewels, symbols of affection, were more precious to Elizabeth than any costly ornament he had bestowed.

"Thank you, Mr. Clark, for clarifying everything," he said at last. "I feel nothing but shame for my past actions.

I have been a pompous fool, exalting myself above others.

In my arrogance, I have wounded the woman I love, her family, and myself.

Though I cannot alter the past, I promise you, Mr. Clark—and you, Captain Walker—that if my wife grants me a second chance, I shall strive to repair, in some measure, the harm I have done. "

Lawrence regarded him steadily. "I am glad you begin to understand the extent of your errors. But before we conclude, I must tell you of Mr. Wickham's fate." He described Wickham's deceit and his assurances that Mr. Darcy would secure his release from Marshalsea.

"Nothing you have told me surprises me," Mr. Darcy replied coldly.

"But let me be clear: I would never help that scoundrel.

For too long, I concealed his immorality for fear of scandal, but no longer.

I shall instruct my solicitor to transfer the debts I purchased to the Magistrate, making his release even more difficult. "

Seeing Mr. Darcy so humbled, Lawrence and Roland softened. Generous by nature, they resolved to allow him the chance of redemption.

"Then let your solicitor contact mine," Lawrence said.

"Of course. I shall write today," Mr. Darcy agreed.

Lawrence poured them each a glass of brandy, though the hour was early, to ease the tension. Conversation turned to lighter matters until Mr. Darcy rose. "Thank you, Mr. Clark, for welcoming, hosting, and protecting my wife beneath your roof."

"Before you go," Lawrence added, handing him a slip of paper, "Lizzy intended to send you a note today, for she wishes to speak with you. Here is my address. I believe she must be waiting for you now. Good luck."

Roland leaned back with a grin. "This time, we shall be watching you, Darcy. Treat Lizzy well, or you shall answer to me."

"Do not worry, Captain Walker," Mr. Darcy replied. "You shall have no cause to put your theory to the test."

The brothers-in-law took their leave, and Mr. Darcy departed at once for Clark House, his heart racing at the thought of seeing Elizabeth again.

"What do you think, Lawrence?" Roland asked when he was gone.

"It is Lizzy who must decide, Roland, and we must support her. Darcy knows we are vigilant. If he truly loves her, he will be far more careful this time. Only time will tell whether he has indeed changed."

◆◆◆

It took Elizabeth more than an hour to compose the message she wished to send to her husband.

She did not know what to say, felt insecure, and was somewhat afraid of deceiving herself.

Perhaps Mr. Darcy had changed his mind since he had spoken with Mary, or perhaps he still did not forgive that she had married without loving him.

At last, Elizabeth wrote a brief note, telling her husband that she was at Jane's home and would receive him if he wished to speak with her.

She had been so nervous all morning that her head began to ache.

She had always enjoyed good health, but lately, everything seemed to affect her in one way or another.

After sending the message, she resolved to rest in her room and soon fell asleep.

Jane was in the parlour, reviewing what she would send the following day with Mary to her mother's house.

She had bought some gifts for her sister and some fabrics for her mother.

She was distracted with these matters when the butler announced a caller.

It was Mr. Darcy. Jane grew somewhat uneasy, recalling her resentment toward that gentleman only a few months earlier.

Nevertheless, she was a good-hearted woman who wished that everyone might be as happy as she.

"Mrs. Clark, thank you for welcoming me into your home. I know I do not deserve your hospitality, and for that reason, I value it all the more." He bowed with sincere gratitude.

"You are welcome in this home, Mr. Darcy.

I imagine you came to speak with Lizzy. Unfortunately, she has not been feeling well and has retired to her room to rest. If you will excuse me for a few minutes, I shall inform her that you are waiting.

" Jane asked the housekeeper to prepare a tray of tea for the drawing room, and then she went in search of Elizabeth.

Jane gently touched Elizabeth's shoulder and told her Mr. Darcy awaited her below. Elizabeth woke with great surprise. She had sent the note less than an hour ago and never thought he would respond so swiftly. She rose, adjusted her hair as best she could, and went to see him.