Mary laughed. “I said, ‘Mamma, if you contract the illness and give it to Papa, and he should die of the influenza, what then?’ She did not answer. She turned about and said she must change her gown, for she must go to Meryton to purchase bed linens for the heir.”
The sisters laughed.
“Mary,” Elizabeth said, “you should write a novel. I believe you would excel. Now, I must contrive some means of persuading Mamma to permit Lydia and me to travel to London.”
“Nothing so easy,” Mary replied. “Appeal to her fears for Lydia’s health. You must remember little Emmeline Cluett, who died of influenza three years ago? Though she was only a child, in Mamma’s eyes, Lydia would be considered just as vulnerable.”
“I shall do so,” Elizabeth said.
She kissed Jane’s cheek. “I must go.”
An hour later, Elizabeth set out for Oakham Mount. When she returned, a flash of red caught her eye. She hid among the hedges and watched. Mr. Wickham approached the very place where she had found him with Lydia the day before. He paused, looked about him, removed a stone from the fence, and placed a folded paper within before restoring it to its place. He then turned and walked back toward Meryton.
Elizabeth remained hidden until he was gone. She approached the fence and retrieved the note.
My dear girl,
Forgive my impertinence yesterday. When a man is in love, as I am, he does not always think clearly. I lost my head over your charms and your beauty. Meet me here tonight at seven. I must leave the militia and go to London on an urgent family matter. I cannot bear to be without you. Say that you will come with me. Bring nothing. I will purchase gowns for you in London. I depend upon your affection for me.
Yours, with all my love,
G. W.
Elizabeth stood as one paralyzed, stunned by his effrontery. What child could resist such declarations of devotion? She replaced the stone, tucked the note into her pocket, and returned at once to the house.
The three sisters stood together in silence, Jane still holding the paper. At last, she spoke. “It is as you feared, Lizzy. That man intends no good towards our sister. Her ruin signifies nothing to him.”
Mary added, “Her angel must be working tirelessly to preserve her.”
Elizabeth replied, “I am going to begin packing. Even if Mamma does not believe Lydia vulnerable, I shall contrive to take her from the house and escort her myself. I have a little pin money, and if you will both add to it, I will purchase the tickets and see her safely there. We must be ready to leave by the time the mail coach sets out this evening.”
She leaned in and embraced Jane. “I shall most likely have no opportunity to see you again today. Farewell, and remain strong.”
Turning to Mary, she said, “Take care, my dear. I doubt Mamma will permit me near you either, since you have been attending the sickbed.”
Elizabeth walked to the door, then turned back. “I shall see you again in about a week. I hope to remain in London with Lydia until the day before Mr. Collins is expected to arrive.”
An hour later, Frances Bennet bustled into the front entry. “Hill, how does my poor Jane go on?”
“She ate only a few spoonfuls of gruel, mistress. Cook is preparing barley water now, and chicken broth is on the fire. It may tempt her.”
Mrs. Bennet handed her shawl and bonnet to the housekeeper. “And Elizabeth. Where is she?”
“Miss Lizzy is in the drawing room, mistress, and Miss Mary is at her sister’s bedside.”
Mrs. Bennet moved to the doorway of the drawing room, cast a searching glance over her second daughter, and then turned her attention to Kitty. “Where is Lydia?”
“She has run to the hermitage. She says she left something there yesterday.”
Elizabeth frowned. The deceitful little baggage. She was no doubt already searching for a note from the lieutenant, proof that the child could not be left to herself.
“Kitty, go up to your room and remain there until luncheon is served.”
Kitty withdrew to her room, and Hill set about picking up the bonnet and wrap. Mrs. Bennet addressed the housekeeper.
“Have you seen Mr. Bennet? How does he go on?”
“The master is well, mistress. He ate breakfast and is reading in his study.”
