“Yes. She calls them the gossips of Meryton. She urges her daughter to leave Netherfield at once, lest she be recognised by one of them.”
“Which is precisely what happened.”
“I meant to destroy the letter for that reason, but then I set it aside to make a decision later. I am happy I did not, for now it is proof.”
“It is a trap,” Elizabeth said gravely. “A trap laid for Colonel Fitzwilliam—and no harmless one.”
“Yes. And with what we now know, it may be that Mr and Mrs Henry seek to obtain something through him, using their daughter.”
Elizabeth breathed heavily as if she wanted to dissipate the cloud that engulfed her spirit. The colonel had been a true friend, perhaps the only male friend she had in her life. Horrible thoughts were passing through her mind rapidly. Suppose the colonel was involved in the plot. But then, why make a plan to entrap him if he would do the deed willingly? No, they—the Fitzwilliams—might be proud, haughty, or conceited, and they might have other flaws, but they loved their country; they were patriotic and honest. But then, she thought, can you really know a person after a few strolls and dinner parties?
“I choose to believe Colonel Fitzwilliam is innocent,” Elizabeth said at last.
“I understand—but if he is not, uncovering the truth may be dangerous,” Mary said quietly, glancing about.
“We cannot manage this alone. And we cannot speak of what was said of Mama and Aunt Phillips.”
Elizabeth smiled, despite everything. “My dear, the whole county knows Mama is a gossip. As for Aunt Phillips, it is less just—but still, who is not a gossip, in some manner? It is hardly a crime. But treason is.”
“You truly believe it could be treason?”
Elizabeth looked at her and smiled again. “It wasyouridea, your conclusion.”
“Yes, I know. But since last night, my thoughts have been so many, I scarcely remember all of them.”
“This is your best. And for me, the best end would be the colonel’s innocence.”
“He is innocent,” Mary said firmly. “But what can we do to help him?”
A good question. They were two young women, and it was doubtful anyone would credit their tale.
“We have the letter,” said Mary.
“Yes, but it could be seen as a simple plan to catch a husband. The colonel, even if he is not wealthy, is from nobility, well-connected, and received at the best homes in London. A woman with a good income who comes from a lower-ranked family might think that he could give her a place in society in exchange for the fortune she brings. It may not seem nice, but it is a common story and not a vicious plot.”
“Then we say nothing?”
Elizabeth considered, as they resumed their walk. The family carriage had passed them not long ago; only then did they realise how long they had sat talking.
“I think we must consult someone less involved. Papa and Uncle Gardiner would be of use, but perhaps Uncle Phillips is best. He knew Mr Henry personally.”
“Anri,” Mary said with a small smile. It had been good to speak so long and so openly with the sister she most admired.
“But we say nothing to Mama or our sisters—not even Aunt Gardiner. This secret is not ours to share. Tomorrow, after breakfast, we shall tell Papa and Uncle Gardiner everything.”
Chapter 10
Throughout the morning, Elizabeth had succeeded in turning her thoughts away from Mr Darcy. Yet once returned to her chamber, she found herself unable to imagine any course of action that did not somehow lead back to him. Indeed, the most prudent solution to the difficulty at hand would be to inform Mr Darcy as soon as possible. Unfortunately, such a course might result in a grievous loss of time. A letter sent to Pemberley and an answer returned to London would require not fewer than four days, and she had no knowledge of when the colonel’s marriage was to take place. It might already have occurred. She recollected that the Matlocks had intended to leave Pemberley shortly after the Bennets’ own departure; if they had not already reached London, they were doubtless on the road. Still, she was persuaded that Mr Darcy would attend his cousin’s wedding. The connection between the two was too strong for him to absent himself from so significant an occasion. Though Lady Matlock had mentioned that no formal engagement had been announced, Elizabeth was well aware that many marriages took place without a prolonged period of betrothal.
Just before dinner, she found her father in the library. He was alone, reading, and received her with his customary warmth, but the look upon her countenance made him lay aside his book at once.
“Sit down, my dear—what has occurred?”
Elizabeth had made no effort to conceal her agitation upon entering the room, and her father’s question was not unexpected.
“Come, we are quite alone. Brother Gardiner desired a little rest before dinner.”
“Papa, I must speak with you and Uncle Gardiner. And I believe Uncle Phillips must be present also.”
