“Yes, Uncle.”
Mr. Gardiner’s Study
After speaking with Elizabeth, Mr. Gardiner requested Mrs. Bennet and her younger daughters to join him and Mrs. Gardiner in his study for a private conversation. He informed the three women of all he had related to Elizabeth concerning the scandal and reiterated his sentiments about their involvement.
“A compromise is never something to be taken lightly, whether it involves a man of Colonel Foster’s status or a man of thetonsuch as Mr. Darcy. The repercussions must be faced and weathered by all parties which unfortunately include extended relations.
“I care not who first came forth with the idea of a compromise since it is now far too late to remedy this situation. And as for you, Kitty, while your name has not been specifically mentioned, I believe you were fully aware of what your mother, Lydia and Eliza had planned for Colonel Forester. In my opinion, all four of you are equally guilty.
“I have notified Mr. Bennet by express of everything which has taken place, and my first inclination is to send the three of you back to Longbourn without further discussion. For the time being, however, you may remain here while I wait to settle this business with Mr. Darcy. As you know we have been invited for a luncheon following services on Sunday with the Williams family. And though Peter Williams is one of our relations, there will be no excuse for objectionable behaviour while his family is entertaining us. I shall expect the three of you to comportyourselves with better regulation than you have displayed in the past few days. Moreover, regardless of how long I allow you to stay, there will be no further outings, assemblies or shopping. Do I make myself clear?”
The women demurely responded in the affirmative for fear of angering Mr. Gardiner any further.
“Now, it would be best if all of you returned to your quarters until it is time for Lady Deming and Eliza to visit.”
The Parlour
A few hours later, Elizabeth insisted on leaving her room in anticipation of Lady Deming’s arrival with Eliza and Jane. As much as her foot pained her, she was determined not to remain apart when it came to discussing the predicament she found herself in. With the help of Sophia and her aunt, she made her way down the stairs and was situated in the front parlour with her foot propped up by the time the women arrived. Mrs. Gardiner gave her consent for Kitty and Lydia to join the women, providing they remained respectful and did not try to dominate the conversation. Mr. Gardiner would not be available, as he had some important business which needed his attention at one of his warehouses. Mrs. Bennet insisted on remaining upstairs, too upset to leave her chambers. On entering the parlour, Jane rushed to Elizabeth’s side and took her hands. Lady Deming and Eliza sat on the sofa near Mrs. Gardiner, who had ordered tea and biscuits to be served.
“Oh, Lizzy,” Jane said with compassion. “I am so sorry I did not come to you last night before you left the ball. I was unaware of what took place until after the rumours began to spread.”
“Jane, was it quite awful?”
“I am afraid so. The dancing had not yet resumed, and everyone was preoccupied with wanting to know what took place out in the garden. The countess had rushed through the ballroom, refusing to speak with anyone, and went directly to her rooms. By the time the musicians resumed playing, many were no longer interested in dancing. I was speaking with Mr. Bingley and his sisters, and when Miss Bingley heard the news, she nearly swooned, insisting that she be taken home at once. Mr. Bingley apologised, and I have not heard from any of them since that time. From what I gather, Miss Bingley had her hopes set on Mr. Darcy.”
“I had thought as much. I fear my misfortune will discourage Mr. Bingley’s attentions towards you.”
“That may be, but I am still hopeful he will call in the next few days, once everything is sorted out,” she quietly said.
“Oh, Jane. It is all so dreadful. None of this need have happened but for Mama and Eliza.”
“Yes, I know,” Jane said, looking over at Eliza and her mother. “Eliza confessed it all once we returned to Deming House.”
At that moment a solemn Eliza rose from the sofa and approached the sisters. “Cousin Elizabeth, please forgive me. I promise you, I was only trying to help. I realise now that my part in forcing a compromise between you and Mr. Darcy was terribly wrong. But when I overheard Mr. Darcy speaking with Lady Eleanor in the courtyard, I thought that something needed to be done or you would lose your chance to secure him.”
“You overheard Mr. Darcy speaking with his aunt?” Elizabeth questioned with apprehension.
“Yes, I … I did. I am so sorry to have to repeat it, but maybe you will understand why I did what I did when I tell you.” She paused, looking back at her mother who motioned for her to continue.
“Please go on, Eliza,” Elizabeth said. “I must hear everything.”
“Very well. I was on my way from the garden to find Aunt Bennet. We were to meet Lydia and Colonel Forster so that we might facilitate a compromise between the two of them.” Again she paused, hanging her head in remorse.
“Eliza, I beg of you to continue. What is it you heard?”
“As I passed Mr. Darcy and Her Ladyship, I overheard Mr. Darcy telling his aunt that meeting your Hertfordshire relations had given him pause, and that his sense of obligation required him to walk away and forget he had ever met you.”
Elizabeth gasped with this revelation. She could not believe it. William had decided against her before the incident in the garden took place. And now, because of what her relations did, he was being forced into a marriage he did not desire. The reality of what Eliza said made her feel suddenly ill. “Thank you for telling me.”
“I hope you can someday forgive me. I am so sorry.”
Too stunned to say more, Elizabeth merely watched as Eliza continued to hang her head and walked to where Kitty and Lydia were sitting. Though her cousins took her hands and attempted to engage her in conversation, Eliza refused to say another word.
“Jane, I must go to my room,” Elizabeth barely choked out. “I have a sudden headache and my foot is throbbing. Could you please ask for Sophia to come and assist me?”
“Yes, of course.” Then addressing Mrs. Gardiner she said, “Aunt, Lizzy is not feeling well. I shall ask Daniels to get Sophia, and we will see her safely to her room.” Jane immediately rose and quietly asked the footman to alert the maid.
“Lizzy?” Mrs. Gardiner questioned.
