He shook his head, “Say nothing of it. I still think if I had spoken of Wickham early on, when he first arrived in Meryton a lot of this could have been avoided. The whole neighbourhood would have been wary of the Militia men and so they would not have had so much influence over the young ladies of the community.
“Nevertheless Mr Darcy, you must not blame yourself for my sister’s wretched behaviour. I daresay she was ready for anadventure like this whether she knew of the type of men the Militia represented or not.”
He nodded, “thank you Miss Bennet. But now there is no time to lose, for your sister’s letter took so long to get here that we are already starting a few days too many behind them.”
Reluctantly she let go of his hand. In spite of the dreadful situation they now found themselves in, they still shared a smile, each caressing the other’s face with the warm gaze.
After consulting with the Gardiners, Darcy immediately wrote to his man of business, engaging him to hire Bow Street runners to locate the couple, launching an investigation about the Dennys, where they lived, their condition in life and anything useful they could use against the young man.
Darcy left instructions for all correspondence to be redirected to Netherfield Park, where he intended to dwell while he assisted the Bennets and the Gardiners.
Within an hour the reduced group of Darcy, the Gardiners and Elizabeth was on the road to London. Mr Darcy had convinced the Gardiners to use his carriage and team as it was larger and more comfortable.
Elizabeth was sorry to leave Georgiana and the Matlocks behind for they were truly delightful company.
While the troubled group left for London and Hertfordshire the Matlocks took Georgiana back to the Matlock estate, with the promise that they would all see each other again in the near future.
Lady Matlock and Mrs Gardiner had become friends and had delighted in each other’s company as did Lord Matlock and Mr Gardiner. Edward Gardiner would miss the excellent fishing and the intelligent and boisterous company of the Earl.
Chapter 24
Darcy suffered tremendously on their way south.
Being so near to Elizabeth in the confined space of the carriage enabled him to offer her more comfort but tortured him with the idea that he could be courting or even engaged to her by now, had he only asked her. He knew that, unlike in Kent, where he first decided to propose to her, now he was confident that she favoured him. And that was no longer out of arrogance or an over estimation of his own consequence, but true, impartial observation. He felt the clear impression that should he ask her, she would now accept him.
He saw real affection in her eyes, for every time their gazes crossed a faint smile coloured her cheeks.
After two and a half days of lumpy beds, second rate inns and substandard food they arrived at Meryton.
Jane received the mixed group with renewed hope, but sadly explained that Colonel Forster had already returned to Brighton without discovering any news of Lydia.
Mrs Gardiner went immediately to see and comfort her sister-in-law while her husband and Elizabeth went to see Mr Bennet.
While they visited the sick man he opened his eyes and focused on Elizabeth. “Lizzy, my beloved daughter,” He said with difficulty, “How ashamed I am.”
“Oh Papa, do not exert yourself. You see Uncle Gardiner is here and he will find Lydia. Do not worry.”
“Oh Lizzy, I should have listened to you. I knew you were right but I dismissed your concerns because I did not wish to over exert myself... I never did, you know.” He said starting to look more and more agitated.
“Calm yourself Brother.” Mr Gardiner said, grabbing hold of his brother-in-law’s hand, “Mr Darcy and I will find Lydia. Do not worry, everything will be well.”
“Mr Darcy?” Mr Bennet asked confused.
“Yes Father, we met Mr Darcy in Derbyshire and he insisted on accompanying us to help locate Lydia.”
For a moment Mr Bennet looked like his old self; he raised an eyebrow and smirked, “Did he?”
Elizabeth blushed as she realised her father could still read her like a book, even on his death bed, “Yes Papa, he is a very good man. I am now ashamed to say how much I wronged him when he was in Meryton.”
“I need to speak to Mr Darcy,” Mr Bennet said, trying to sit up in bed. “Send for him please, there is not much time left.”
Mr Gardiner pushed him back onto the pillows gently but firmly, “He is still here Brother. I will ask him to come and see you.”
Elizabeth felt a sense of panic rising within her, “Why do you wish to see Mr Darcy, Papa?”
“Never mind that Lizzy, send for him.” He was a lot firmer and stronger than he had seemed only a few moments earlier.
Elizabeth and her uncle looked at each other confusedly and Mr Gardiner shrugged his shoulders.
