Elizabeth looked at her father with raised brows and then stood. “Very well Charlotte. I will go with you.”
They had only been walking for five minutes when Charlotte asked, “Eliza, why aren’t you married to Mr. Warwick? If he had a choice he would have chosen you.”
Elizabeth stopped walking and stared at her friend.
Charlotte continued. “It is too late for you and Alexander. Mother will not allow it. I see how you have kept my brother on a string. He has followed you around this entire afternoon. You must let him go, Elizabeth. Think of what is best for him.”
Tears stung Elizabeth’s eyes. “Charlotte, did Alexander send you to warn me away?”
“No, Alexander is hopelessly in love with you still. Mother sent me. Face it, Elizabeth, you are the fly in the ointment.”
Elizabeth took in a deep breath. “I see. Never fear, my friend. I will return to London soon, and you will not have to worry about me anymore.”
Charlotte took Elizabeth’s forearm. “Elizabeth, this is the most difficult thing I have had to do. Mother was going to speak to you, but I volunteered. You know how appalling she can be.”
Elizabeth could not help but laugh. “Yes, she would be exactly like my mother. I will not hold this against you. I know you only want what is best for your brother, but Charlotte, the best is not always money.”
The two women turned back to the house in silence.
Elizabeth returned to her father’s side, and he gave her hand a gentle pat. “I’m sorry, Elizabeth. He is a fine boy, but he is very young and does not have the strength to stand up to his mother.”
Chapter 48: Secrets at Netherfield
Darcy was anxious to see Elizabeth. From Scotland, he sent an express to his friend Bingley, advising that he would pass through Netherfield on his way to London within a fortnight. He wrote nothing of Lady Catherine or Anne, nor of their retreat northward. Their safety depended upon silence.
He had mounted Ares and turned south once more, his mind fixed on two matters alone: the smugglers and Elizabeth Bennet. He resolved that when next he spoke to her, he would mention no obstacles, no family pride, no connections. He would speak only of love.
At Longbourn, Elizabeth was pouring tea when Jane spoke.
“Lizzy, will you come to Netherfield for a time? Caroline is restless. She would not remain with the Hursts in London, but begged to stay here, claiming that the country air would do her good. Charles agreed, of course, yet she is wretchedly cross. She declares herself buried alive. If you are with me, perhaps she will behave with more civility.”
Elizabeth smiled wryly. “Do you mean I am to keep Miss Bingley in check when she forgets herself?”
Jane colored. “Yes, I suppose that is what I mean. Please remain here instead of returning to the Gardiners or to Kent.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Very well, dear sister. I will come. It will do me good to cross swords with Caroline. I need a good distraction.”
It was the day before Christmas, grey and wet, when Elizabeth moved to Netherfield for her visit to Jane. She walked in the manicured gardens and unexpectedly encountered Miss Bingley.
Elizabeth curtsied. “Caroline. Would you join me?”
Caroline’s lip curled. “I would never choose to walk with you anywhere.” She glared at Elizabeth and walked away.
Elizabeth noticed that Caroline had gained weight on her face and back, and when the woman dropped her shawl, she saw that her abdomen was swollen.
Elizabeth searched out her sister and found her in a small saloon, bent over her embroidery. She entered and sat beside her.
“Jane, have you noticed that Caroline has gained weight?”
Jane shook her head. “I avoid Caroline, Lizzy. I stay out of her way during the day because she despises me.”
Elizabeth whispered. “Her body has changed. I saw her belly today, and it is swollen. Do you suppose she is with child?”
Jane’s needle stilled. “Lizzy! That is a horrible thing to say. If a servant heard such words, it would be all over Hertfordshire by morning.”
Elizabeth clasped her hands. “Think, Jane. Perhaps that is why she left London, to be hidden. If it is true, her presence here could endanger your good name and Charles’s. Your children would be affected by a scandal that would live long into the future.”
Jane paled. “What should I do?”
