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“No, your father is well, at least as regards his health. But I fear there has been a recent event that threatens not only your father’s well-being, but rather the well-being of our entire family.” His voice serious, Collins continued, “My news, I fear, is dreadful. You may wish to have a seat.”

At that instant, Charles Bingley sauntered into the room. He seemed genuinely surprised to see the three of them standing there. “Oh, pardon my interruption.”

“You are not interrupting, Bingley. In fact, I am glad you have come. What I have to discuss with the Darcys concerns you just as much as it does them … in a manner of speaking.”

Elizabeth did not like the sound of that at all. She placed her hand on Darcy’s arm. Placing his hand over hers, Darcy said, “Shall we all have a seat and hear what Collins has to say?”

When they were all seated, Collins began. “There is no easy way to say this.” He ran his fingers through his dark hair. “Lydia … has run away. She has thrown herself into the power of Mr. Wickham.”

Elizabeth gasped. How can this be? Her eyes followed the same path as her husband’s—straight to Bingley’s. Before any of them could speak, Collins shot Bingley an apologetic glance and continued to tell them all he had learned about Lydia’s shameful behaviour.

After a period of starts and stops, struggling with the words to express his disappointment, Collins turned to Darcy. “You more than anyone know this man. I need your help.”

“Of course, I shall do everything in my power to be of service.”

“I was hoping you would say that. Lydia and Wickham were said to be off to London. Between the two of us, we ought to be able to recover her before it is too late.”

“Indeed. We shall set off for London immediately.” Both gentlemen stood.

Bingley said, “I believe I ought to go with the two of you.”

The door crashed open and in waltzed Caroline Bingley. As if oblivious to the fact that her brother was not alone, she blurted out, “Charles, I have the most astounding news. It seems my prayers have been answered. Our family is saved.”

He coloured. “Caroline, are you completely unaware that we have guests?”

Her face bore none of the contrition that one might expect in such a circumstance as this. “Mr. Collins! I was unaware you were here. I suppose you have come to convey the scandalous turn of events to Mr. Darcy and his dear wife.”

Charles ran his fingers through his hair. “You know what has happened?”

“My God, Charles, all of Meryton likely knows by now. I knew that little tramp was unworthy of you, and now everyone else knows it too.”

“Caroline! How can you be so unfeeling? You will apologise to our guests.”

In a tone that belied her true sentiments, she said, “Yes—yes, of course. I do apologise for the shame your youngest sister has brought to your family. Now, if you all will pardon me, I must be away.”

“No doubt to spread word of what has befallen the Bennets to everyone else in the county.”

“Oh—no! On the contrary, dear brother. I am off to arrange for my return to London as soon as can be. My purpose in remaining in this wretched place for as long as I did was to prevent you from ruining your life. It seems my work is done.”

Oh, how Elizabeth was pleased by that bit of information. Once Caroline was gone, she turned to Darcy. Her eyes beaming with unshed tears, she said, “I must be off to Longbourn. My family needs me.”

“Of course, my love. I shall come to Longbourn to say goodbye before taking my leave for town.”

Collins said, “Elizabeth, you are welcome to join me in the carriage.”

“Thank you, Geoffrey.”

The decision was then made that Darcy would make arrangements for his and Collins’s trip to town. When Collins and Elizabeth had gone, Bingley said, “Darcy, my offer to join in the search for Miss Lydia stands. Despite what this means for me, I really do believe it is the thing to do.”

“Charles, I will not try to change your mind. This is a most wretched situation for the family. However, I will understand if you find yourself rejoicing at the outcome. Heaven knows it is a blessing in disguise that young Lydia revealed her true nature before you and she headed to the altar.”

When Darcy set off in search of his man in order to arrange his swift departure from Hertfordshire, Bingley took a moment to reflect upon what this twisted turn of events truly meant to him.

How was he meant to feel? The jilted lover? Fodder for the county’s derision? In truth, he welcomed any manner of ridicule so long as he did not have to marry that foolish Lydia. If only I could persuade her to retract the malicious accusations staining my character. Bingley sauntered to the side table and poured himself a drink. He swallowed the amber liquid in one swift gulp. “What does it matter? I am free!”

Triumphant sentiments subsided as the irony of his situation crept into his mind. It might well have been Bingley himself breaking the devastating news to everyone instead of Geoffrey Collins. I should have gladly traded places with him, for it would mean that Jane was my wife. How ironic indeed. Bingley now knew what he must do, for the thought of pining away for what would never be was doing him more harm than good. He was a young man with his whole life ahead of him, and he had been given a second chance.

It is time I start acting like it. He cast a nostalgic view around the room. Its greatest ties lay in the fact that it was in this house that he first realised how much he was in love with Jane. I cannot go on this way. Jane has found love and happiness with another. It is time I do the same. As long as I remain tied to Netherfield, I shall remain tied to Jane.