“I suppose you have a marriage license?” the lady asked, comforting. “Surely, you could produce proof.”
Elizabeth crumpled into her hands, gasping in between sobs. “My uncle failed to find the reverend. The registry page was missing, and… and it seems someone wanted to remove all evidence.”
“Who would have tampered with the parish books?” Lady Eleanor asked in amazement. “Perhaps the reverend neglected to record it, or he was called away…”
“I know how this sounds,” Elizabeth pleaded. “But please believe me. God help me, it happened, and I have been living in hell ever since he disappeared.”
Lady Eleanor handed Elizabeth a delicate lace handkerchief. “You ask me to believe you, and yet, I have never met you. There’sbeen talk of your family. How is it you ended up alone at a coaching inn?”
“Your nephew is the most honorable of all men. He saw a lady abandoned by her maid and footman. Alone. The innkeeper wanted me removed. A storm had come in. My reticule was taken. The hired coach gone.”
“Say no more.” Lady Eleanor sighed deeply. “Fitzwilliam, indeed, would have come to your aid. He is a true gentleman, and given the circumstances, he would have done his duty and married you. However…”
“I understand if you cannot acknowledge me,” Elizabeth said, waiting with her eyes closed, begging God that this one woman, Darcy’s mother’s twin, would have compassion. “But there might be a child.”
“I gathered as much.” Lady Eleanor rose and moved to the window, looking out at the busy street beyond. When she spoke again, her voice was thoughtful.
“We must be discreet. I have not yet heard rumors about your family. Other than general censure from my sister. A hubbub about a daughter who removed herself to London to escape marriage to a clergyman. I suppose I have just met that daughter.”
“Yes, I am sorry. I don’t ask for consideration or acknowledgment. I only wanted news of Mr. Darcy’s condition, and perhaps… perhaps someday, when he recovers, you might tell him that Elizabeth Bennet asked after his health.”
“Elizabeth Bennet,” Lady Eleanor repeated slowly. “Or Elizabeth Darcy?”
“I shall always be Elizabeth Darcy in my heart, whatever name the world chooses to give me.”
Eleanor returned from the window, her expression gentle. “When you spoke of my nephew, your first plea was not for your rights, nor your fortune, but for his health. That tells me more of your heart than any license or document ever could.”
“I truly care for him,” Elizabeth acknowledged. “As for his things,I have his traveling writing desk, correspondence and bills, a silk handkerchief with his initials, his shaving brush, and…”
“Incidental items,” Lady Eleanor cut her off. “What’s important now is to maintain your reputation absent official documents. With Darcy incapacitated and unable to defend you, you and his child will be subject to scandal. I shall make arrangements, however, you are to repeat nothing of our conversation to anyone.”
“I promise.”
“Very good. There is a place,” she said slowly, “in Yorkshire. A sheep farm called Bellfield Grange. It belongs to me and my twin sister. No one else, and it is managed by dear friends of my mother’s, the Dowager Matlock.”
Elizabeth waited while Eleanor’s eyes misted. After she recomposed herself, she continued, “Albert and Beatrice Honywood. I believe they are staying nearby through the coldest months. Getting on in years…”
“I’ve met them,” Elizabeth said, her heart leaping. “They were the respectable couple who brought me safely to London. How extraordinary that they should be connected to your family.”
“Indeed.” Lady Eleanor turned back to face her, and Elizabeth saw something like decision in her expression. “It appears Providence has already intervened twice in your story, Miss Bennet, or Mrs. Darcy. Perhaps it is time for a third intervention.”
“I do not understand.”
“You are clearly in delicate health,” Lady Eleanor said gently, her eyes taking in Elizabeth’s pale complexion and the way she held herself. “The winter air of London cannot be beneficial to your recovery. A stay in the Yorkshire countryside might be just what you require.”
Elizabeth stared at her, hardly daring to hope. “You would offer me sanctuary?”
“I would offer you a place to recover your strength, away from the gossips and speculation of London society. The Honywoods are excellent people who ask few questions and offer unconditionalkindness. And Bellfield Grange is large enough to accommodate companions, should any of your sisters wish to join you.”
“My sister Mary,” Elizabeth said, her voice thick with emotion. “She is staying with my aunt and uncle. She too has been…” She hesitated, unwilling to speak ill of her parents.
“Say no more,” Lady Eleanor said with a wave of her hand. “She is welcome as well.”
“Lady Eleanor, I—” Elizabeth began, struggling to find words adequate to express her gratitude.
“There is no need,” Lady Eleanor interrupted gently. “Now, we should return to the drawing room before your absence becomes remarked upon. Not a word of this to anyone, not even your sister Jane. I shall make the arrangements through your uncle, Mr. Gardiner.”
Elizabeth nodded, composing herself as Lady Eleanor helped her to her feet. “Of course. I understand the need for discretion.”
