Meanwhile Lydia, who had been in the garden with Colonel Forster when the incident took place, appeared at Elizabeth’s side, a broad smirk on her face.
“La, Lizzy! What has happened here?”
“‘Tis nothing, Lydia. I twisted my ankle on the stairs and there is little more to be said.”
Mrs. Bennet, doing her best to command a small audience of guests who remained behind declared, “Oh Lydia, I have been ill used this evening. Your sister has been compromised by Mr. Darcy, and I fear we shall all be ruined if he does not step forward and do his duty. My dear, please, help me with my salts. I must sit down.”
Lydia laughed with abandon as she helped her mother sit next to Elizabeth and handed her the smelling salts. “What a good joke! Seeing that Mr. Darcy is in such a mood, it would have been far better to have been compromised by an officer like my dear colonel.” She winked at her mother. “La, to be stuck with someone as droll as Mr. Darcy! Why, I would rather die!”
“ENOUGH!” William boomed. “With the exception of Miss Elizabeth’s mother, I will thank all of you to leave the garden this instant and allow the young lady a few moments of privacy. NOW!”
With that, everyone else left the area. Moments later the Gardiners descended the stairs and joined the others. As soon as Elizabeth saw her aunt and uncle, she could no longer control her tears. What might have been a beautiful evening had metaphorically turned into a bad dream; and one which she feared she might never awaken.
“Aunt Maddie,” Elizabeth sobbed when Mrs. Gardiner sat beside her and reached for her hand.
“There, there, my dear.” She gave Elizabeth her handkerchief. “You need not fear; your uncle will sort it all out.”
“Mr. Darcy,” said Gardiner. “I appreciate you assisting my niece. Hopefully we can defuse the rumours which have started circulating inside.”
“You are kind to offer.” His face was grim. “Considering Mrs. Bennet’s protests, I doubt anything can be done.”
“Brother,” Mrs. Bennet wailed. “I saw everything, and believe me….”
“Fanny!” Mr. Gardiner immediately interrupted her ranting. “Considering what has just taken place, it would be best if you went inside and collected Kitty and Lydia. I have already sent for the carriage.”
“But Brother,” she pleaded, “what about Lydia and Colonel Forster? And there is Jane and Mr. Bingley to consider.”
“Fanny, there will be no discussion. Elizabeth is not well, and we are leaving.”
“Oh, bother.” Mrs. Bennet dejectedly rose, grumbling to herself as she left her relations and went inside.
“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said with more tears in her eyes. “I am so sorry for everything. I never meant to put you in such an unthinkable position.”
“Miss Elizabeth,” he kindly answered, unable to comfort her as he might have wished. “None of this was your fault. Others are to blame.”
“Uncle, it is as Mr. Darcy says. There was no compromise. One moment I was standing on the stairs, and had not Eliza bumped into me, this never would have happened. Mr. Darcy did everything within his power to protect me from a terrible fall.”
“Eliza?” Gardiner frowned. “That is not the way she has been telling it inside. Good God, what has that girl done now!?”
Turning to William, he continued, “Mr. Darcy, forgive me. Although I have attempted to curb my relations, it appears I have failed miserably. We had best leave now. Since I would rather not carry my niece through a crowded ballroom, would you please direct us towards the street?”
“Of course. There is a side entrance just over here which you may use.”
“Madeline, perhaps it would be best if you went back inside and retrieved Lizzy’s reticule and shawl. Should you see Jane, please tell her that we are leaving. I am sure Lizzy would appreciate it if she came by the house on the morrow.”
“Yes, Edward, right away.” Mrs. Gardiner gave Elizabeth a tender look, and then did as she was bid.
It was agreed that the two gentlemen would meet on the following afternoon to discuss the situation. William directed Mr. Gardiner to the exit and watched as he carried his niece andleft the garden area. Not wanting to return to the ballroom, he sent a footman inside to retrieve his belongings and immediately left for Darcy House.
CHAPTER FIVE
UNCERTAINTY
The Gardiners’ Residence
Saturday, Early Morning
Elizabeth’s Room
