“Now, Lizzy, I wish to know more about this business of you and Mr. Darcy, and his warning to you concerning Mr.Wickham. Did Mr. Darcy tell you anything that would allow us to understand the man’s next move?”
Uncomfortable though she was, Elizabeth endeavored to hide it from her father. Jane, when told a secret, was as silent as the grave, so there was no way her father could know anything about the proposal in Hunsford’s parlor. As she had no information she thought useful, she could tell him a version of events and not risk leaving out something that might prove critical.
“It happened by chance, Papa,” said Elizabeth. “If you recall, my opinion of Mr. Darcy was not the highest when he was in Meryton.”
“That is an understatement, my dear,” replied Mr. Bennet. “We discussed it earlier, as I recall.”
“We did,” agreed Elizabeth. “One afternoon Mr. Darcy and I argued, for I made a few choice accusations, which he took the trouble to refute. I do not remember everything, but I know that Mr. Darcy has paid Mr. Wickham’s debts in several locations and that his opinion of Mr. Wickham was quite poor by the time he entered university. Beyond these things, his gaming, and his womanizing, I am afraid I can offer nothing more of his propensities. As for his next move, I do not think I can guess.”
Mr. Bennet regarded her for a long moment, considering, before he gave her a nod, softened by the smile he directed at her. “Then it appears he exercised enough judgment to refrain from speaking of subjects that might affect your sensibilities. Good. If you can offer nothing more it is unfortunate, but not unexpected.
“Unfortunately, I suspect we may need to endure this situation longer than we might wish.” Mr. Bennet turned to Anne. “Will there be any pursuit?”
“It is guaranteed,” replied Anne. “I left a letter for my mother.”
Mr. Bennet understood the importance of her communication at once. “You were having second thoughts.”
“I was not at all assured of the wisdom of my course,” replied Anne, “even when I gave my agreement. Mr. Wickham insisted I leave no word, but I did so regardless.” Anne shrugged. “Perhaps I was counting on my mother entreating my uncle and cousins, knowing with their support it was likely they would catch us on the road.”
“Then that is fortunate and unfortunate at the same time,” said Mr. Bennet. “With such swift pursuit as I suspect they would mount, the chances of you reaching Scotland were not great. Yet if your family are all traveling in pursuit of you, it may be some time before we can locate them.”
“Unless they discovered news of Anne’s passing,” said Elizabeth.
“That is possible,” conceded Mr. Bennet, his manner thoughtful. “You came through Watford, I presume?”
“We did,” said Miss de Bourgh. She smiled and shrugged. “I know little of the geography of these parts, but I remember Mr. Wickham speaking of it. We made a brief stop there.”
“Then we had best hope there is someone in your family who has some sense, enough to look for clues of your passage.”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam would be familiar with such things, would he not?” asked Elizabeth.
“Yes, I suspect he would,” replied Anne. “I cannot imagine my cousin Darcy will be unfamiliar with the concept.”
“No, it would seem simple enough. Unless I am much mistaken, Mr. Darcy employs men he can dispatch to investigate.”
Anne nodded, not saying anything else.
“Very well,” said Mr. Bennet. “Until your relations appear, you are, of course, welcome to stay with us.” He paused and looked critically at her. “I do not suppose you brought anything with you.”
“What effects I had I left in the coach.” Anne shrugged. “Theywere secured to the top, so I could not exactly bring them with me when I fled.”
“No,” said a bemused Mr. Bennet. “I suppose that was not possible.”
“It is no matter, Papa,” said Jane. “My sisters and I can all share with Anne while she remains with us.”
A chorus of feminine voices agreed with Jane’s assessment, much to Mr. Bennet’s bemusement.
“Very well,” said the gentleman. “Then I shall leave you to it. We usually serve dinner at six o’clock. Is that not correct, Mrs. Bennet?”
“It is.” Mrs. Bennet still appeared shocked by the surprises that had invaded her home that day. “Unless you require sustenance before?”
“I am quite comfortable, Mrs. Bennet,” assured Anne.
“Then let us go above stairs, Anne,” invited Elizabeth. “Perhaps you would like to rest?”
“I do not require rest,” replied Anne. “But I should be happy to become better acquainted with you all if you will allow it.”
“Come,” said Jane, rising and extending a hand, which Anne did not hesitate to accept. “Let us show you our rooms.”
