Jane was filled with foreboding, as she was the last time this had happened. She was not a young girl. There was no reason anyone should be interested inher,but one heard whispers of terrible fates that happened to gentlewomen of all ages who fell into the clutches of evil men. She took a deep breath.
Mrs Bingley stepped in before Jane could speak. “Miss Jane, I must inform you that I have seen your terror each time someone arrives to identify you. I only want to promise you that you are safe here, and I must ask you, are you certain that you are not hiding from an abusive husband, or someone who wishes to bring harm to you? For we cannot help but comprehend your apprehension, and do not wish to place you in the position of being taken away by someone who might hurt you. You may tell us; Mr Bingley and I will help you.”
Jane gave Mrs Bingley a weak smile. “I assure you, I amnotin hiding, and I have no idea how to find my family, truly. You are well within your rights to ask such a question. I fear I only have a deep foreboding each time someone arrives. Well, I cannot recall exactly where I heard such tales, but you must know, Mrs Bingley, as well as I, the stories of wicked men who use gentlewomen of many ages for all sorts of evil deeds. I only fear being taken away by someone I do not recognise.”
“I assure you, Miss Jane, nothing like that will happen to you,” Bingley promised. “If you do not recognise them, or even if youdo,but do not wish to leave with them, we will protect you. You have my word. My wife is a reserved lady, Miss Jane, and does not always show her regard, but I assure you that you have come to be valued by everyone here at Netherfield, including Mrs Bingley, and myself.”
“I thank you, Mr Bingley.” Jane was overwhelmed by the kindness of her two characters.Just the way I wrote them.
Mr Bingley had shown the man to a small parlour at the back of the house, and sent him a tray of breakfast and coffee, then sent for Sir William, who wished to be present to inspect anyone who came looking for Miss Jane. A footman was on duty in the hall, and Sir William was already within, sipping a cup of coffee as well, when the Bingleys entered, followed by Jane.
“Sister!” The man jumped up from an armchair and hurried to embrace her rather too closely when she entered the room. He held her out at arm’s length. “I am sorelievedto see you unharmed!”
Jane had obviously never seen the man before. If this man had been one of her actual brothers, she would have swooned instantly, for it was odd enough forherto turn up in Meryton, but she drew the line at Edward or Henry’s arrival. Who knows what drama and confusiontheywould cause?
The man was tall, and had longish, greasy red hair combed over a balding pate. His clothes were that of a gentleman, but fit him ill, and Jane wondered if they were even his own. He did not stand like a gentleman, but rather hunched over in a subservient manner. Like a clerk who had bowed before a master for decades. He appeared to be in his thirties, but carried a distinctly uncomfortable air about him. Jane felt immediately on her guard, and saw that Mr and Mrs Bingley felt the same. They both looked at her inquiringly, and she shook her head imperceptibly.
“Bingley! So glad you have joined us. Mrs Bingley, Miss Jane, charming, as always!” Sir William was as good-natured as ever, yet visibly relieved as they entered, so he must have had the same sense about the man, Jane observed.
“Mr Eddy of Manchester, may I introduce my wife, Mrs Bingley, and our guest, Miss Jane, as she is called.” He paused. “I see you have already met our magistrate, Sir William Lucas.”
“Thank you, Mr Bingley.” The awkward man bowed low, then turned to Jane and said, “Are you ready to depart, Sister? It is a long journey back to Manchester. You should thank your new friends, and we shall get you out of their way.”
“Now just a minute!” Sir William objected, as Mrs Bingley cried, “Oh, Charles,dosomething!”
“Mr Eddy, I fear you must satisfy myself and Sir William of yoursand Miss Jane’s identity, before we will allow you to leave with her.” Bingley turned to Jane and said, “Miss Jane, do you know this man?”
“I do not know this man,” Jane said worriedly.
“Ofcourse,you do not, you have amnesia, you poor dear!” Mr Eddy exclaimed. “You will remember everything once you are safe in your own home, I am certain of it. Do you not miss dear Jemima?”
He turned to Mr and Mrs Bingley. “Jemima is my young daughter, named for my dear sister, forJemima Janeis her proper name. NotMiss Jane,butJemima Jane Eddy.”
“Does any of this sound familiar to you, Miss Jane? Sir William asked kindly.
“No.” Jane was firm. “None of this feels right.”
Sir William turned to Mr Eddy. “Is she married?”
“No, sadly my sister never received an offer. She is a spinster, sir, and lives on my goodwill, helping me in my home and with my child, since the loss of my dear wife.”
Jane did not know how anyone might ever believe a word this man said. She did not know what he wanted with a strange gentlewoman, but it was certainly not to look after his home and child.
“And how old is your sister, sir?” Sir William pressed.
“She is my elder, just passed forty last spring,” Eddy answered.
“Oh! I amnotforty!” Jane objected, perhaps a bit too strenuously.
“All right, Miss Jane, All right.” Sir William patted her hand. “Sir, Miss Jane says she does not know you, nor does she wish to leave with you. Since you have told us that she is past her majority, and not your wife, we will not compel her to leave with you, nor allow you to take her without her consent.”
“You cannot do that!” Mr Eddy bellowed, shedding his patronising manner and becoming strangely menacing. “What do you care what happens to her? She is a nobody!”
“Charles!” Jane whimpered, clutching at her husband’s arm in fear, then rushed to the door, which she wrenched open and called for the footman.
“Mr Eddy, I do not know what your interest is in our guest, but I must ask you to leave Netherfield and not return.”Bingley drew himself up to his full height. “I have your card. If Miss Jane remembers something, and changes her mind, I will write to you.”
“And since you have no other business in the village, I will have some men escort you to the edge of Meryton.” Sir William stood with Mr Bingley. “I will not have you here causing mischief, Mr Eddy, not for Miss Jane, nor for anyone else in Meryton. If you have some other business in Meryton in the future, I expect to receive advance notice of your visit, or I shall have you detained for criminal mischief.”
