Darce,
Depending on when you arrive back here, I may not be returned from delivering my younger sister to her new home yet.
It is my intention to depart the estate with a drugged Caroline (it was the only choice to have her be calm enough for transport) and have her seen by a group of London physicians on the morrow. As I am sure they will judge her insane, seeing that there is no other explanation, I will deliver her to St Mary Bethlehem Hospital. (It sounds better than Bedlam does it not?)
As I discussed with you and my family, she will be housed in the side of the hospital, which is not open to the public, and where, for a fee, she will be humanely and well cared for.
You had mentioned your thoughts about Miss Darcy coming to visit us at Netherfield Park once my younger sister was no longer in residence. If that is still your desire, take this as an official invitation foryour sister, and if he is available, Fitzwilliam, to join us. I understood why you never wanted my younger sister to meet yours. She would have fawned over her, and knowing how shy Miss Darcy is, my sister’s false friendship would have been difficult for her.
I hope to be back by the end of this week or, at the very latest, the beginning of next.
Your friend,
Bingley
It was sad that Miss Caroline had descended into insanity, much like his Aunt Catherine had, but there was nothing to do other than what Bingley was doing. Darcy gave thanks to God above that other than Anna’s lapse in judgement in Ramsgate, his sister never gave him trouble.
That thought reminded him that he needed to call at Matlock House. First, he would ask his aunt and Richard’s opinions, and if they agreed it was a good idea, he planned to invite Anna and Mrs Annesley to join him the next day when he returned to Hertfordshire. Darcy admitted to himself that there was an ulterior motive. He wanted Anna and Richard to meet Miss Elizabeth. For the former, he wanted to see how she interacted with the lady, and for the latter, he desired Richard’s opinion. He trusted his cousin’s judgement above all others.
Darcy knew it was very early, and he was aware that nothing may ever occur between him and Miss Elizabeth. Even so, he felt that Anna being among the Misses Bennet would be advantageous to her. He was certain they would be able to draw her out some, and since they were much closer in age to her—the youngest two especially—Anna would make friends with genteel girls of her own age.
Understanding that he was putting the cart before the horse; first, he needed to see those at Matlock House. To that end, he left his study and then his house without his greatcoat.It was a cold day, but given the short distance, Darcy did not worry about the temperature. He strode across the green with long strides and was knocking on his aunt and uncle’s door a minute or two later.
The butler opened the door and stood aside to let Mr Darcy enter. “Lady Matlock and Master Richard are in the family sitting room,” the long-time retainer revealed before being asked.
After thanking the butler who had been employed in the house since before Darcy was born, he climbed the marble stairs two at a time until he reached the second floor. He marched down the hallway at speed until he arrived at the relevant door where he stopped and knocked.
“Enter,” Lady Matlock called out.
“William, what brings you here?” Fitzwilliam enquired. “Are you missing my stimulating company already?”
“So stimulating you put me to sleep,” Darcy riposted with a grin.
“Boys!” Lady Matlock admonished. “William, I am sure you are not here to banter with your cousin, and I certainly need not be present for that. Was there a particular reason you wanted to see us, or are you here to see Anna?”
“I do need to speak to Richard, but before I do, I need both of your opinions,” Darcy revealed. Seeing Aunt Elaine and Richard looking at him expectantly, Darcy proceeded. “I was thinking of asking Anna if she would like to join me in Hertfordshire, and I wanted to hear your thoughts on the matter. Before you reply, the shrew is no longer present, and she willneverreturn. I would not have suggested Anna join me had Miss Caroline still been resident at the estate.”
“Has that harpy finally worn out her welcome in her brother’s household?” Lady Elaine queried.
“You may say that,” Darcy replied. “In fact …” He told Aunt Elaine and Richard about Miss Caroline’s behaviour and her eventual descent into madness. He ended with the news that she would soon be Lady Catherine’s neighbour in the hospital.
“With the tales I have heard about the younger Miss Bingley, it does not shock me that she has ended up as she has.” Lady Matlock looked from her son to her nephew. “As far as Anna accompanying you into Hertfordshire, I think it will be good for her, especially as she believes you do not want her company.” She held up her hand to stem the protests. “William, I know you spoke to her before you left. Mrs Annesley and I believe that this feeling of hers is part of her way of addressing the guilt she feels.”
“I have no objection as long as it is what Anna desires,” Fitzwilliam added.
“Rich, do you have available leave?” Darcy asked.
“Yes, I do. After all of my time on the Peninsula, I have some months’ worth due to me,” Fitzwilliam replied. “Why do you ask?”
“Bingley invited you to come to Netherfield Park to be hosted for as long as you chuse to stay. And, I am sure that Anna will feel even more comfortable if she knows that both of us will be there with her,” Darcy explained. “Did I fail to mention that there is a family with five beautiful daughters at the neighbouring estate? Two are not out and are very close to Anna in age.”
Mother and son looked at one another. Neither of them had heard William speak so positively about any young ladies who were not his sister. And he wanted Anna to know them!
“If Anna agrees to accompany you, I will as well,” Fitzwilliam decided.
Hearing the very pleasant chords of pianoforte music emanating from the first floor where the music room was located, Darcy knew where he would find his sister. He stood and made his way down to where his sister and her companion were.
“William!” Anna exclaimed excitedly.
