~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Caroline Bingley was growing more agitated by the minute. She could not understand why the men and that horrid Lady Catherine had not returned from the assembly.Surely after their hostess departed, they would have followed suit?
She had claimed worry and been strident enough that her weak-willed brother had sent a man from the stables to look along the route of their return trip and to make enquiries at the ball. Miss Bingley could not conceive of a reason why they would still be among all of the country nobodies, but she had to have the man check.
The butler entered the drawing room where she was pacing back and forth. “The footman reports Lady Catherine and her nephews departed not long after the Bingleys.” Mr Nichols had been told they had left with the owners of this estate and returned to Longbourn with them, but that was not what the gauche, ill-mannered lady had asked him; hence, he had not volunteered that information.
Her reply was to storm out of the drawing room and stomp up to her chambers. Miss Bingley had much to plan.
Chapter 13
Bennet read the missive very quickly. All eyes were on him. “We were not the only ones to discover Lizzy’s birth family,” Bennet revealed. “I will read Jane’s letter aloud.” He cleared his throat.
30 September 1811
Fitzwilliam House, London
“Your daughter sent this from my house. The Wendells are in residence there. They must have met somehow. As I said earlier, Wendell does invest with Gardiner,” Richard puzzled.
“If you allow me to read a little more, all will become clear,” Bennet said.
Mama, Papa, and Lizzy,
Be not alarmed at receiving an express from me this night. No one is ill, and it is not a bad reason! I have met Lizzy’s birth parents, Mr and Mrs Joseph Wendell! She has 2 brothers, the eldest, Mr David Wendell (more about him later), and the younger Mr Barnabas Wendell; everyone calls him Barney. You remember Lizzy used to speak about ‘Dawy’ and ‘Bawny?’ (10 and 6 years older than Lizzy.) The name she refused to use, Ellie, is the one by which her birth family knows her.
How I came to be in their company does concern David. I met him at Aunt Maddie’s and Uncle Edward’s house the day after I arrived in London. We had an instant connection, and he was soon callingon me. After the events of tonight, I think we will be engaged sooner rather than later.
I did relate his calling on me to Lizzy in my letter to her, but I did not write to Mama and Papa yet; I intended to do so after today.
On Saturday, Mrs Wendell issued an invitation to Aunt, Uncle, and me to join them for dinner at the above address this evening. Also to be present were Lord and Lady Matlock. The latter is Mrs Wendell’s older sister. When we arrived and Mr Wendell led us into the drawing room, I saw my aunt and uncle frozen and staring. I walked forward worried for them, and then I saw 2 older ladies with Lizzy’s face and promptly fainted.
“I am glad I am not the only one who fainted tonight,” Elizabeth said wryly. “How strange that we both discovered my birth family on the same night.”
David caught me before I fell to the floor and held me until I was able to stand on my own. Even then, he would not move from my side. This is why I said what I said earlier in this letter.
There is much to tell. I will be returning to Longbourn on the morrow with Uncle Edward, Mr Wendell, David, and Lord Matlock.
Mrs Wendell wanted to come with us to see Ellie (Lizzy) more than anything, but I told her how Lizzy does not do well with sudden change, so she will wait until her husband and brother-in-law summon her.
She will not wait very long. She and the Countess never stopped believing Lizzy was alive, and it has been her fervent dream for more than 17 years that she be reunited with her ‘darling daughter’. I suggest agreement is reached soon because wild horsespulling against her will not keep Mrs Wendell from Lizzy for too many more days.
Lizzy, I will be at your side in but a few short hours.
With love,
Jane
“It seems that Ellie will keep being your eldest daughter’s sister no matter what,” Lady Catherine observed. “Not that anyone would ever try and convince you to give up the Bennets; of that I am certain. You have nothing to fear.”
“Just like the unexpected events which led us to finding Ellie tonight, it seems God decided that the ties between the Bennets and Wendells should be even stronger,” Darcy observed. He looked at his aunt and cousin. “I think we have imposed on the Bennets for long enough tonight. There is no doubt we will see you on the morrow.”
“Catherine, you and your nephews are more than welcome to return to break your fasts with us on the morrow. That way you will be here when those from Town arrive,” Fanny invited. “At the same time, you can meet our other three children who remained at home tonight.”
Lady Catherine looked from Richard to William; both nodded. “Thank you, Fanny, we will attend. After Miss Bingley’s performance at the assembly tonight, I assume it will be far more pleasant than having to suffer her company at Netherfield Park. Will you object if we bring Giana and her companion? Giana is fourteen.”
“Not in the least. I am sure Mary would love to meet her,” Fanny agreed.
Hill was summoned and told to let the Darcy coachman know it was time to depart.
