Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

23. Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Because of the support of the staff, who had been outraged at Elizabeth’s mistreatment, Elizabeth could go sit in the garden in the morning, even if she still could not walk around because of her injured feet. Mr. Darcy had been kind enough to either carry her himself or arrange for one of the groomsmen in the know to help her. Despite not being atop Oakham mount, she still found solace in immersing herself in the beauty of the sunrise.

“How are your feet feeling this morning?” asked Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth glanced at him sitting next to her and smiled. Mr. Darcy was always so attentive to her and her care. He even made sure a maid was available to accompany her outside for propriety’s sake. It was a welcome change from what she had experienced at home. “They are very much improved, Mr. Darcy. I believe I could make my way around with little pain.”

Clearing his throat in a way that Elizabeth suspected he was repressing laughter at her comment, Mr. Darcy said, “Ah, but I would hate for you to set back your healing.”

Nodding in understanding, Elizabeth turned her attention back to the riot of colors painting the frosty morning sky. Pulling the warm blanket closer about her shoulders, Elizabeth asked, “How did you enjoy the evening at Lucas Lodge?”

Leaning back, Mr. Darcy braced himself on his hands and looked straight up at the sky above them that was still dark and dotted with the fading light of stars. After a moment’s contemplation he began, “I have never felt comfortable in crowds of people I do not know, but Sir William was very welcoming and on the whole the evening was enjoyable.”

“That is good. Sir William has always been welcoming. It was, in part, the reason he was knighted,” commented Elizabeth. “Besides Sir William, who did you talk to?”

Still speaking towards the sky, Mr. Darcy said, “Being hesitant to join conversations, I lingered on the outskirts, catching fragments of various conversations.”

There was something about what Mr. Darcy said that made Elizabeth truly sad. What kind of existence was that to never being comfortable to reach out and speak with people, always on the outside and watching others socialize and enjoy himself? She asked, “Did you overhear anything interesting?”

Turning to face Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy said, “Actually, I overheard your younger sisters talking with Maria Lucas and I was quite surprised by what they said.”

“What did you overhear that surprised you?” asked Elizabeth.

“Your mother is spreading the story that you and Mr. Collins have an understanding but are not engaged because you are in London helping your aunt with her lying in. Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty are likewise spreading the tale that you would never have an understanding with a fool like Mr. Collins and that you had vowed to leave Longbourn before being forced to take part in such a misalliance.” Stopping, he rubbed at his forehead before continuing, “I had never realized how well reasoned your youngest sister is. She has always struck me as… as well, somehow not very mature.”

Shaking her head, Elizabeth sighed, saying, “Do not be upset by your wrong assumptions. You fell into the trap that my sister created to counter my mother’s plans.”

His head flinching back slightly, Darcy asked, “Trap?”

Looking back at the ever-brightening sky, Elizabeth explained, “Mrs. Bennet insisted Lydia come out in Meryton at fifteen. She is convinced that Lydia is pretty enough to catch a very rich husband. Though at fifteen, Lydia is far too young to be getting married, which is why she behaves immaturely whenever there is a chance of attracting a potential suitor. She cannot stop Mrs. Bennet from dressing her up in mostly inappropriate dresses, but she can make people think she is foolish and not worthy of their attention.”

“But what of her chances of a good match once she is old enough? Won’t everyone think poorly of her by the time that she wants to marry?” questioned Darcy.

Shaking her head, Elizabeth explained, “Everyone in town understands it is an act. They can see how she acts when she is not at an assembly. They know she is too young to be out, but that she really has no choice to be there.” Pausing, Elizabeth smoothed out a wrinkle in her dress before adding, “If she continues to act the same after she is, say eighteen, they may react badly, but for now, her youth protects Lydia. I am glad that she and Kitty explained everything to Maria Lucas. She is almost as good at spreading gossip as her parents. Hopefully, it will protect my reputation if people doubt Mrs. Bennet’s blathering.”

Nodding, Mr. Darcy said, “Your mother is trying to back you into a corner. If it is common knowledge that you have an understanding, with Mr. Collins even should you return after you are twenty-one, you may still encounter some difficulty. Despite that, your sisters are trying to thwart your mother’s plans. They are quite clever to do so.”

“Sadly, my sisters and I learned the power of gossip at a young age by watching our mother use it against those in our community. Had my parents acted against another one of my sisters, I would do something similar.” Elizabeth could imagine the information she would spread to protect one of her sisters. She would not stop until her parents could no longer hold their heads up in town.

Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth, his eyes searching, before he said, “I believe if your parents hurt one of your sisters in such a way, you would do more than spread gossip to protect them. You would take decisive action to protect them, ensuring their safety and emotional wellbeing.”

Blushing, Elizabeth had to agree with Mr. Darcy. “Yes, I am rather protective of those I care for, as well as slightly vindictive.”

“Your sisters are lucky to have you,” commented Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth smiled warmly and spoke words of gratitude. “We are truly blessed to have each other. I will miss them when we leave the day after tomorrow.”

“So, you will stay here at Netherfield and continue your courting of the eldest Miss Bennet and monitor things while I return to London escorting my sister and her companions,” stated Darcy. They were to leave in the morning, and Darcy wanted to make sure that nothing would disrupt his plans to protect Elizabeth.

Sitting across from him, in front of the fire, and enjoying his coffee, Bingley reassured him, saying, “Do not worry about it, Darcy. No one will suspect that Miss Elizabeth is leaving with you. You will leave early and travel through Meryton with the curtains drawn. Miss Elizabeth’s escape is all but accomplished. While I remain here, I will keep my ear to the ground and watch Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. If anything seems amiss, I will write to you and send it by express.”

Staring into the fire, Darcy mused out loud, “I know we have everything arranged, but I cannot help but worry. The memory of that morning when she arrived, her body battered and her eyes filled with pain, keeps replaying in my mind. I want to make sure that her family cannot hurt her like that again.”

“Your passion for justice has always been a defining characteristic, drawing you in and fueling your actions. Even in Cambridge, you could not abide the mistreatment of the boys from less spectacular backgrounds. It is part of the reason our friendship bound us together so firmly,” responded Bingley. Taking another sip of his coffee, he added, “I fear that there will be many here who will regret Miss Elizabeth’s parting. Her sisters will miss her, of course, but so will all the tenants that she sees to in her parents’ stead. I know her sisters will attempt to fill in the gaps, but they are not all as equally skilled at what is required.”

In agreement, Darcy stated, “She takes on the responsibility of balancing the books for both the household and the estate, while also making sure that all necessary supplies for planting and harvesting the crops are secured. Beyond doing what her father should, she helps her sisters do what her mother should do by helping to run the household and providing aid to the tenants. I know heirs of grand estates who do not work half as hard.”

Bingley smiled as he watched his friend’s enthusiastic recital of Elizabeth’s accomplishments. He commented, “It sounds as if you are almost in awe of Miss Elizabeth. At the very least, you respect her a great deal.”

“She is a remarkable young lady, unlike any I have ever met before. I am truly glad that my sister met her.” Darcy averted his eyes from Bingley and fixated on the dancing flames of the fire. After a moment of silence, he broke it by saying, “It’s remarkable how much she has already altered our lives, and yet it seems like there is an even greater transformation on the horizon.” Darcy could feel the strength of Bingley’s stare but did not look back at him. He knew Bingley would want more of an explanation and he did not have one. All he knew was that things were going to change somehow and though he was normally one for pattern and routine, he looked forward to what was coming.

Elizabeth looked at her sisters with misty eyes. They had all come presumably to take tea with Miss Darcy before she returned to London, and this would be the last time she would see them presumably for at least six months. Of all of them, she was the most concerned for Jane, who appeared paler than usual.

Jane’s inability to handle discord made it especially difficult for her to cope, knowing that Elizabeth would leave because of her parents’ actions, and the strain was taking a toll on her. Elizabeth knew than Jane wished Elizabeth would simply return home and overlook her mistreatment, but it was not something that she could do. Not after that horrid morning that she had seen the people that her parents truly were. While Jane held onto hope that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet regretted their actions, Elizabeth saw their indifference to her all too clearly.

“Thank you, Georgianna,” said Mary, as she accepted a cup of tea and a few biscuits. Elizabeth smiled at her next youngest sister as she stirred her tea and putting her teaspoon aside. She took a sip with a smile. Mary, in contrast to Jane, had stepped up into the breach, showing her strength and resilience. Elizabeth was proud of how far Mary had come. She suspected that realizing that their mother’s opinions were obviously flawed had helped Mary to relax slightly. Mary had even started to dress however she wished and not to spite their mother’s comments about being plain.

Turning to Kitty and Lydia, Georgianna asked, “You will have to forgive me. I do not know how either of you take your tea.”

Giggling, Lydia replied, “Do not worry, Miss Darcy. We haven’t had the chance to have tea together enough for you to learn our habits. We both take our tea with cream and sugar and as many biscuits as we can get away with.” Sitting beside Lydia, Kitty nodded vigorously with a broad smile. Kitty might never be as bold as her younger sister, but Elizabeth was glad that her shyness did not keep her from responding all together.

As Georgianna set about preparing the last two cups of tea, Mary drew Elizabeth into a conversation when she said, “Mrs. Hill helped me to secret a trunk of your things away from Longbourn this morning. I know you have made do with borrowed dresses and those few items we could sneak to you.”

Elizabeth leaned forward, saying, “I would hate for you to be caught doing something so risky.”

Shaking her head, Mary pat her sister’s hand. “Do not worry, Mrs. Hill is our stanch supporter and, sadly, our mother is quite foolish. The day before yesterday, mother must have realized that one of us might become suspicious if we realized you did not take anything and directed Mrs. Hill to pack up your belongings saying that you would need them sent to you as you had only taken a few items with you. Then she told her to put the trunk out of the way and our father would see that it got sent to you.” Pausing, Mary tilted her head, saying, “We both know they cannot send it to you, but regardless, Mrs. Hill used the opportunity to back two trunks and we are sending one with you. She will keep the other on hand in case mother and father remember they need to send it to you.”

Elizabeth did not know if she should be happy to hear of Mrs. Hill’s forethought and concern for her or disappointed by her mother’s underhanded tactics. Shaking her head, Elizabeth focused on the goodness of Longbourn’s longtime housekeeper, saying, “Mrs. Hill has always been rather clever and has shown much concern for us all. Please thank her for me when you can.”

“I will,” Mary assured Elizabeth. Then, pulling a small book out of her reticule, Mary handed it to Elizabeth, saying, “I did not want you to leave without a gift from me to remember me by. It is a book of Psalms, and I have marked several passages that you might find encouraging if you are finding your situation difficult.”

Elizabeth looked at Mary and her slight blush in gratitude, exclaiming, “Thank you! I will cherish it.” With a bittersweet feeling, Elizabeth leaned over and embraced her sister in a tight hug. The weight of their impending separation hung heavy in the air. More than missing her sister, Elizabeth worried about what Mary would face when she left Meryton behind.

As if sensing Elizabeth’s concern, Mary murmured, “Do not worry about us while you are gone. You have handled so much nearly on your own, we four should be able to manage for a few months. If we should truly need help, we have systems in place to get aid.” With a smile, she leaned back and remarked, “Let’s not dwell on these sad thoughts. We still have tea to relish and conversation to enjoy before we depart.”

Elizabeth smiled back at her before she shifted her gaze back to Lydia and Kitty, who were chatting with Georgianna about what she enjoyed doing in London. It was nice to watch the younger girls just be girls for the moment and not have to worry about anything more serious than modistes, Hyde park and Hatchards. Lydia exclaimed with a giggle, “While I would love to experience the elegance of a fancy dress fitting in London or take a leisurely stroll in Hyde Park during the fashionable hour, I don’t mind waiting a few more years.”

“Truly?” Georgianna asked, her eyes wide. “That is all anyone at the school I attended would talk about. Though, to be honest, I would prefer a trip to the symphony over Hyde Park. I dislike the idea of people just there to look at me.”

Nodding, Kitty, her voice soft and introspective, confessed, “I’ve never been comfortable with too much attention. I prefer to blend into the background and watch everyone else.”

“Maybe one day several years in the future we shall all go to Hyde Park and sit and watch everyone else, or should you both still dislike the idea, we shall go together to the symphony,” laughed Lydia.

Smile widening into a grin, Georgianna declared, “I say it is a plan.” Looking back and forth between Lydia and Kitty, she continued, “Let’s make a plan to visit London together in two years and do all the things we’ve been talking about.”

Looking at one another, Kitty and Lydia turned in unison and said, “It is a plan!”

They spent a considerable amount of time chatting about different subjects, but eventually ran out of tea and biscuits. They all knew that it was time for the Bennet sisters to return to Longbourn, except for Elizabeth, who would stay behind. After hesitating, Elizabeth straightened her shoulders and said, “I believe it is time for you to go home. Now come and give me a hug and do not fret. I will see you all before you know it.”

Everyone stood and, after walking silently to the entryway, the last of the hugs begun. It would, after all, be months before Elizabeth saw any of her sisters again. Though they had thought of a way to pass letters back and forth as long as they were careful. Georgianna was about to become a regular correspondent with the Bennet ladies.

Kitty and Lydia embraced her first and at the same time making Elizabeth chuckle. Lydia looked at her sister and said, “Do not let what is going on make you forget to have fun while you are in London. I want you to promise to visit Hatchards and go to go shopping for a new bonnet at least once.”

Resolved not to cry, Elizabeth instead smiled while responding, “I promise, I might even find a way to get you a bonnet, though it might just take a while for me to get it to you.”

Next, Mary gave her a hug, but no words were said, just a look of love and acknowledgment. They had already said what needed to be said. Besides, they would write to one another. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the chaos in her life had brought her and Mary closer together, which she found to be a wonderful benefit despite the remaining sadness.

Lastly, Jane stepped forward and Elizabeth could not help but worry for her older sister. Jane had always been the serene one, smiling and kind. It hadn’t occurred to Elizabeth just how much Jane’s serenity had relied on the blinders she wore to shield herself from the troubles of the world. Elizabeth held onto faith that Jane would stand strong and not allow what she had learned to overpower her.

Chin wobbling, Jane gasped, “I do not know how I might carry on knowing what I do about your situation and what our parents have done. However, I do know I love you and I will miss you.”

“I love you too, Janey.” Taking her sister by the shoulders, Elizabeth looked deeply into her eyes and said, “I do not want you to let this destroy you. While there is darkness in the world and in our parents, it’s crucial to remember that there is still light to be found. Besides, I will not be gone from your life forever.”

Jane embraced Elizabeth in a hug that was almost bruising in its strength before stepping back and being shepherded away by Mary. Elizabeth’s heart sank as she peered through a tiny crack in the curtains, witnessing the departure of her beloved sisters from Netherfield and their ascent into the awaiting carriage. Elizabeth could not even wave goodbye in case someone they did not trust should see her and tell tales.

Despite the difficulty of being separated from her sisters for the next six months, Elizabeth recognized the necessity of the situation. Though she was uncertain about the specifics, she held onto the belief that the events to come would somehow shape her future happiness. Certainly staying behind would only lead to her destruction.