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M r. Darcy shook himself as if to awaken from a dream. How was this possible? He re-read the message he had just received.

Darcy,

Your Miss Lydia is here at my house. You must come and decide what should next be done. She asks that you not yet tell her family that she is found.

Your loving,

Aunt Eleanor

He raced downstairs to speak with Mr. Bingley and Georgiana.

“Just one day?” Georgiana asked.

“Possibly two.”

“But why?”

“My man of business needs me to sign some letters.” He did not like to lie to his sister, but the situation required it.

***

“Darcy, how is it that you are here already? I did not expect you until tomorrow!”

“I could not wait, Aunt, and it is not a long journey on horseback. Her absence has caused so many difficulties for the Bennets that I had to come at once, so that we might decide what to do.”

“She says she wishes to be with her relatives, the Gardiners, but she does not know the address. Perhaps the Earl’s man of business – or yours, for that matter – can discover it.”

“No need; I am quite familiar with the Gardiners.”

“I do not know the family,” the Countess said, her eyes narrowing.

“No, I suspect not; they are merchants.”

“I see; and you are familiar with them?” Her tone was tart.

“Yes, I like them very much.”

“I shall not comment upon your taste, Darcy, other than to say that you must be wary of harming Georgiana’s chances in any way.”

“I think I may be trusted to take care of my own sister. Where is Miss Lydia?”

“Upstairs in one of the guest rooms; might you not leave her there until tomorrow? It is quite late.”

“No, I think she is right; she should be with her relatives. Aunt, is she…” and here Mr. Darcy hesitated, uncertain how to pose such an indelicate question.

“With child? No, I think not.”

Mr. Darcy blew out the breath he had been holding.

“If you are set on this, I will have her brought down to you at once. But first, Darcy, allow me to caution you.”

“On what subject?”

“The subject of your intended marriage. Do not move hastily, Darcy. Many young men have done so and lived to regret their actions. I think it best that you introduce me to your young lady before you enter into an engagement. I have no right to interfere, of course, but I remain concerned as to your young lady’s character, given her sister’s actions. ”

“I shall bear your words in mind, Aunt,” was Mr. Darcy’s noncommittal response.

His aunt frowned at him, but she went to pull the bell cord.

It was just ten minutes before Lydia was standing before him. “Why – why, Mr. Darcy!” she exclaimed.

“Miss Lydia,” he returned. “I cannot tell you how very glad I am to see you!”

“I – I am not certain what to say, Mr. Darcy. I am very confused by all this.”

“I can understand that. Miss Lydia, I am prepared to bring you to the Gardiners this very minute.”

“Oh! I am so very grateful, Mr. Darcy!” Her voice trembled with emotion. “Please, I just need to get my satchel.”

“Of course, Miss Lydia.”

***

The moment Mr. Darcy and Miss Lydia left, the Countess sat down at her desk.

Dear Richard,

I found your girl for you, as it happens.

She had been rescued by the Greenfields, and has been serving in their household as a maid all these months, if you can credit it!

I saw her at Greenfield House and recognised her.

Darcy has come to take her away to some tradesman relatives of hers in London.

Richard, despite my warnings and pleas that he wait, I fear that your cousin is about to make a dreadful mistake. He insists on marrying Elizabeth Bennet. The family is beneath him, Richard, no matter how charming the young lady may be.

I need you to go to Meryton and stop him at once!

Your loving but determined,

Mother