“Do not worry about a bonnet,” Darcy told her as they walked to the entrance hall. “We will go just as we are. The most important thing right now is that we get on our way as soon as possible.”
“Of course,” she said.
When they reached the entrance hall, Bingley was there waiting for them. Mr. Oliver stood quietly to the side.
“I just looked out the door. The wind has not abated at all. I hope the ladies are not out in this,” Bingley said.
“I hope they are not either,” Darcy said.
“If they did go to visit tenants as planned and got caught out in this weather, perhaps we will find that Mr. Bennet went out to collect them,” Bingley said.
Darcy shook his head. “Mr. Bennet is not at Longbourn. He is in London.”
“London?” Bingley asked, surprised.
“He was to escort his wife and youngest daughters to London this morning. They are to remain there for a week. I believe he will return in a day or two,” Darcy said, looking Bingley in the eye. He could see that Bingley now fully appreciated his urgency to confirm the well-being of Miss Elizabeth and her sisters.
Bingley turned his head to the window, then back at Darcy. “The carriage is pulling up.”
“Georgiana, shield your eyes as you walk to the carriage. There may be dirt blowing around out there,” Darcy cautioned.
Bingley threw open the door. Darcy held his sister’s arm and hurried her down the steps and into the carriage. Bingley followed and climbed into the carriage. Darcy gave his driver instructions, and they were quickly on their way to Longbourn.
When they arrived, the Bennet's butler admitted them into the entrance hall. “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, welcome. May I help you, gentlemen?”
“Is Miss Elizabeth or one of her sisters at home?” Darcy asked.
“I am afraid not, sir, and we have grown concerned for them since the weather turned.”
“Miss Elizabeth informed me of her plans to visit tenants today. May I ask, is that where you suppose them to be?”
“Yes, sir,” the butler replied with a worried expression.
“Knowing that Mr. Bennet is in London, we came immediately to ensure the safety of the ladies,” Darcy said. Pointing behind him to the carriage outside, he continued, “I have brought my sister as well to also ensure their comfort. Can you tell me where we might find them, or where we should start looking?”
“Yes, sir, give me a moment.”
He sent a servant to fetch the stable master, who came promptly. The butler then asked him to provide Darcy and Bingley with suggestions on where the ladies could be found. After just a few minutes, they were armed with Mr. Anderson’s directions and insight into the area. He had also given the namesof tenant families that might have offered the ladies shelter. They departed without delay.
After driving for about ten to fifteen minutes, Darcy saw white fabric blowing in the wind behind a tree. As the carriage continued to move forward, he could see it was a woman. It was Miss Elizabeth! She had her back to him, but he knew it was her. She turned around and looked at the carriage. Darcy hit the ceiling with his walking stick, and the carriage halted. He jumped out and ran towards her.
“Are you well?” he asked, raising his voice so she could hear him over the wind.
She nodded. “Yes!”
He gave a quick nod in response. “Come!”
He put his arm around her and began leading her to the carriage. He quickly looked back to Bingley, who had his arms around her sisters, leading them to the carriage as well.
Darcy helped Miss Elizabeth inside. She sat on the empty seat and moved over to the opposite end. Wanting to sit across from her, he walked around the carriage, opened the other door, and climbed in beside Georgiana and across from Miss Elizabeth. Georgiana had hold of Miss Elizabeth’s right hand, asking her if she was well. Darcy grabbed her left hand and squeezed it. She looked at him, and he felt her squeeze his hand back.
“Are you sure you are not injured?” Darcy asked her as her sisters and Bingley settled into the carriage.
“Yes, I am well, thanks to you,” she said, squeezing his hand again. She then let go of it.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, are either of you injured?” Darcy asked.
Miss Mary shook her head.
