Mary inquired after Georgiana and began describing the progress she had made with her new sheet music.
Perhaps it would be best to pull him aside to tell him so that there are not so many eyes on him. With a measure of privacy, he will not have to be so guarded in his response.
"What do you think, Elizabeth?" Aunt Madeleine asked.
Elizabeth's focus snapped back to her aunt. A quick glance at her sisters told her they knew she was not paying attention. "Forgive me, Aunt. I was not attending."
"The first young lady who performed at the pianoforte last evening, did you notice how nervous she was?" Aunt Madeleine asked patiently.
"Yes, I did, but I thought she acquitted herself quite nicely. She was very talented."
As Mary added her opinion, Fitzwilliam placed his hand on top of Elizabeth's and leaned close to whisper. "Is all well?"
She hesitated for a moment. "There are some things that I must tell you."
He looked closely at her, then nodded.
"Mary, perhaps you and Miss Darcy could play for us," Aunt Madeleine said. "Mr. Darcy, would you and—"
"Forgive me, my dear," Uncle Edward interrupted as he entered the room. "We have a problem. Hello, Darcy."
"Gardiner," Fitzwilliam said as he stood.
"It is probably just as well that you are here to learn of it now rather than later. Besides, I would appreciate your input."
"Of course, how may I help?"
"What has happened, Edward?" Aunt Madeleine asked.
"I received an express from Kent. Bennet listed me as an emergency contact with Lydia's school. It appears she has run away."
"Run away?" Aunt Madeleine exclaimed. "Oh no, Edward!"
Elizabeth was thoroughly shocked.How could this happen?She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself. When she opened them, she looked at her sisters and saw they were looking at her with similar expressions of shock and horror. However, Elizabeth's shock was soon replaced with anger.Why must that girl always be so reckless and selfish?Later, the three of them could vent their feelings in private. Right now, Lydia's safety was, of course, the primary concern. Elizabeth hoped no harm would come to her sister. She had foolishly put herself in a very dangerous situation.
"I was not aware that Miss Lydia attended school," Fitzwilliam said, looking first at her uncle, then at Elizabeth.
"It is a recent development," Elizabeth said, meeting his gaze. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. "I had planned to tell you of the circumstances today."
"Before you do that, Lizzy, allow me to begin making plans," Uncle Edward said. "Darcy, how familiar are you with Kent?"
"I am very familiar."
"Have you heard of the Ragland School?"
"Yes, I know exactly where that is."
"Good. I would welcome any suggestions you have on where I should focus my search."
"Of course, and I would be happy to help in the search as well," Fitzwilliam offered.
"Thank you, I appreciate your assistance. Since you have met my niece and will recognize her, we should split up so that we may cover more ground more quickly."
"Good idea."
"Madeleine, I have sent an express to Bennet," Uncle Edward said. "I suspect you shall see him within a few hours."
She nodded. "I will go have Cook prepare baskets for both your carriages so you will not have to stop for food."
