I think now that the task I have set myself in London is a hopeless one; that being the case, there may be a problem in terms of reputation. I advise you to proceed with care.
Darcy
***
Mr. Bingley had evidently understood both the message and the need for secrecy, as he responded thusly:
Darcy,
Poor Lydia Bennet is ill in Brighton and could not even attend her mother’s funeral!
Is reputation more important than lifelong happiness? You do surprise me.
Bingley
Mr. Bingley was cleverly telling him that the story being put about was that Lydia was ill in Brighton! Hmm. So evidently the news of the elopement had been suppressed, and this story was being circulated in its place. It was an excellent tale to tell, Darcy thought, but it could not keep forever; at some point, Lydia Bennet would have to either reappear – or conveniently die.
As for Mr. Bingley’s question, what would he do if the Bennet girls truly were ruined? He imagined Elizabeth working as a governess, head bowed, taking orders from some matron! Or perhaps worse, married to some dull tradesman who could not possibly appreciate what a jewel she was! No, he would not let anything stop him. He would marry her, come what may, but he would also do everything in his power to repair the situation.
If only he had told everyone in Meryton what he had known about Wickham!
Chapter Fifteen
Mid-August 1812
The Bennets continued to receive condolence calls. Lady Lucas had come shortly after Mrs. Bennet’s death, sincerely mourning the loss of her friend and occasional rival. She was followed by Mrs. Goulding, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Chatham, and all the other ladies of the village.
The callers very sincerely expressed their sorrow at the passing of Mrs. Bennet, who had been well-liked by everyone, but the conversations soon turned to Miss Lydia. She had not come home for her mother’s funeral; that was odd, was it not? And what, exactly, had been the purpose of Colonel Forster’s visit? Was it not passing strange for him to have come to Longbourn simply to say that Lydia was ill? Surely a message would have performed such a service.
The Bennet girls did their best to stem the gossip, saying that Lydia had fallenveryill and Colonel Forster had come to inform the Bennets of it.
“But her mother’s funeral! How could she not attend that?” was the next inevitable question.
The answer they agreed upon was this: “Still quite ill, as well as prostrate with grief, you understand; after all, she was her mother’s favourite.” In this manner, they hoped to allay any suspicion that all was not well with the Bennet family.
***
Mr. Bingley returned to Longbourn once three days had passed. He was fortunate to find the parlour empty of other visitors, and the Bennet girls conversing quietly amongst themselves. Mrs. Hill announced him, and the girls all rose and curtsied. Jane kept her eyes on her embroidery.
Mr. Bingley began, “Miss Bennet, I hope you and your sisters are doing well. I know from my own experience that the loss of a parent is a terrible thing.”
At this, Jane’s tender heart was touched. She looked up. “Oh, Mr. Bingley! I had forgotten that you yourself have lost not just one, but both your parents. How very dreadful!”
“It was, indeed, and I miss them still.” Mr. Bingley spoke solemnly, but he was elated to have caught Miss Bennet’s attention.
“They say time heals all wounds,” Mary said, though she sounded uncertain. “Did you find it so, Mr. Bingley?”
“In many ways, yes, but even after several years, a word, an event, brings the memories back. But it is a good thing, truly, for you would not want to ever forget the people you have lost, would you?”
“No, of course not!” Jane said. “If only it did not hurt so!” A tear rolled down her cheek.
“Oh, Miss Bennet! I am so sorry – look, here –“ Mr. Bingley rushed to Jane’s side and proffered his handkerchief.
“Thank you, Mr. Bingley. I thought I had done crying,” Jane sniffed.
“It is early days, Miss Bennet; I promise you that it will get better.”
Mrs. Hill announced the arrival of Lady Lucas and Maria Lucas. Upon entering the room, Lady Lucas stopped and stared at Mr.Bingley. “I had heard you were back, Mr. Bingley; I wonder that you have the nerve!”
