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W hen Mr. Bingley returned to Netherfield, Caroline was waiting for him in the entryway. “Well?” she demanded at once.

“Well what , Caroline?” Mr. Bingley was in no humour to talk with his younger sister just now.

“Did she accept?”

Mr. Bingley sighed. “Mrs. Bennet passed away quite recently, and the family is now in mourning. But Mr. Bennet agreed that I may visit Miss Bennet three times a week.”

“In mourning? Then Jane Bennet cannot marry you for at least six months!” Caroline’s tone was triumphant.

Mr. Bingley surveyed her with considerable distaste. “Only you, Caroline, would find the death of Mrs. Bennet a cause for rejoicing.”

“I am no hypocrite,” Caroline tossed over her shoulder as she left the room.

Mr. Bingley climbed the stairs to his room, thinking about Darcy in London, chasing after that silly child, Miss Lydia. Oh, but Darcy did not know that Mrs. Bennet was dead! Mr. Bingley turned about and all but ran back downstairs to send a message to Darcy House.

Darcy,

You will be surprised to learn that Mrs. Bennet passed from this life while we were at Pemberley. The family is in deep mourning, of course. I do not know if this alters your plans to remain in London, but you are always welcome here at Netherfield.

Bingley

***

Mr. Darcy was shocked speechless by the message he received from Mr. Bingley.

Miss Elizabeth’s mother dead? Two dreadful tragedies for the Bennets, one on top of the other!

Miss Elizabeth must be utterly distraught.

He wanted to go to her immediately, to assure her of his undying love and beg her – on bended knee – to accept him.

But a cooler head soon prevailed. While he did not much care what became of Miss Lydia, the fact remained that doubtless everyone in Meryton was aware that she had eloped.

Until the chit was found and married off to someone, the Bennet family was ruined.

Did Bingley understand this? He had to word his letter carefully, lest Miss Bingley happen to see it.

He did not doubt that she did her best to read her brother’s mail.

Bingley,

I think now that the task I have set myself in London is a hopeless one; that being the case, there may be a problem in terms of reputation. I advise you to proceed with care.

Darcy

***

Mr. Bingley had evidently understood both the message and the need for secrecy, as he responded thusly:

Darcy,

Poor Lydia Bennet is ill in Brighton and could not even attend her mother’s funeral!

Is reputation more important than lifelong happiness? You do surprise me.

Bingley

Mr. Bingley was cleverly telling him that the story being put about was that Lydia was ill in Brighton!

Hmm. So evidently the news of the elopement had been suppressed, and this story was being circulated in its place.

It was an excellent tale to tell, Darcy thought, but it could not keep forever; at some point, Lydia Bennet would have to either reappear – or conveniently die.

As for Mr. Bingley’s question, what would he do if the Bennet girls truly were ruined?

He imagined Elizabeth working as a governess, head bowed, taking orders from some matron!

Or perhaps worse, married to some dull tradesman who could not possibly appreciate what a jewel she was!

No, he would not let anything stop him. He would marry her, come what may, but he would also do everything in his power to repair the situation.

If only he had told everyone in Meryton what he had known about Wickham!