An Accident at Pemberley, page 13
"My name is Mrs. Dawson. Please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything." The housekeeper curtseyed and left the ladies. Pausing at the doorway, she turned to Mr. Darcy. "Sir, your room is beside Lady Anne's. Do you require me to show you the way to the master's study?"
"That is kind of you; give me just a moment, if you will." Turning to the ladies, Darcy said, "I shall meet you here a few minutes before seven and escort you to dinner."
"Thank you, William. Enjoy your visit with your friend; we will expect you later."
Darcy bowed to the ladies and exited the sitting room, closing the door behind him. The housekeeper pointed to his chamber as they passed it.
Glasses in hand, Darcy and Bingley settled in the chairs before the fire in Bingley’s study. "I am sorry about Caroline. She thought she would have your undivided attention while you stayed at Netherfield and was very annoyed when I told her Miss Chamberlayne would accompany you. Since the arrival of your acceptance, she has endlessly questioned me about the young lady. My inability to answer any of her questions only made her ask more," said Charles, giving Darcy a knowing look.
"Miss Bingley's blatant rudeness to Beth began upon our arrival. Please speak with her and let her know we will not tolerate her poor treatment of a family member. Impress upon her that she will not enjoy hearing my opinions if her rude treatment of my cousin continues. Beth's presence has been a godsend, and she is very dear to my mother and me."
"As promised, I already asked her to leave you be and allow you to relax during your visit, but I shall try again," said Bingley. "However, as she never listens to anything I tell her, feel free to speak up if you find it necessary."
"Are the Hursts also in residence? I was surprised they did not join in our welcome."
"They are currently visiting with Hurst's family. I expect them in a sennight. They promised to attend the ball I am holding for my neighbors."
Darcy looked somewhat distressed at the mention of the ball, and Bingley chuckled at his friend's reaction.
"No need to be so panicky, Darcy, for you brought your dance partners with you." Continuing to chuckle, Bingley was shocked to see a smile appear on his friend’s face. He could not know it was the moment Darcy thought about how enjoyable it would be to dance with Elizabeth.
"Well, I shall retire to my room until dinner. It is good to see you, Bingley, and we thank you for the invitation."
Dinner was as uncomfortable as tea had been. Protocol dictated that Darcy escort Miss Bingley. Refusing to leave Elizabeth to walk alone, Darcy offered her his other arm, much to Miss Bingley's irritation. Of course, he found himself seated to Miss Bingley's right. At the other end of the table, Lady Anne sat at Mr. Bingley's left. Caroline placed Elizabeth on the opposite side of the table in the middle of its long length, thereby ensuring she could not participate in the others’ conversations. Though Elizabeth did not take joy in William's discomfort, Miss Bingley's obvious attempts to capture Mr. Darcy's attention were comical. Choosing to ignore propriety in this small group, Darcy continually addressed comments to Elizabeth to prevent her exclusion.
When they removed to the drawing room after the meal, Miss Bingley asked Lady Anne to play for them. "It is kind of you to ask, Miss Bingley, but I am a bit tired. Beth plays very well, if you wish for some music."
"Oh, but I have always heard how wonderfully talented you are at the pianoforte," gushed Miss Bingley. "It would be a privilege to hear you."
"I do not think you will be disappointed with Beth's playing. She is very talented," said Lady Anne as Elizabeth blushed. Darcy offered his arm to escort Elizabeth to the instrument. She looked through the music and selected a piece she felt comfortable playing. Elizabeth seated herself at the pianoforte and ran her fingers lightly over the keys, getting a feel for the instrument. Darcy remained standing nearby, where he could observe Elizabeth’s face as she performed. She played two pieces, raising her voice in song on her second selection. As the last notes faded away, most of her listeners were generous with their applause. Offering her his arm, Darcy escorted her back to her seat beside Lady Anne.
Barely concealing her annoyance, Miss Bingley took her place at the instrument. She began an intricate piece that, though performed with technical proficiency, showed little understanding of the music. After finishing a final cup of tea, Lady Anne and Elizabeth excused themselves to retire for the night.
Lost to a fevered sleep, Jane Bennet suddenly opened her eyes. The sound of a vaguely familiar voice raised in song floated on the air. She looked around the room and saw her younger sister, Kitty, asleep in a chaise near the bed. As the voice faded away, Jane drifted into sleep again. About thirty minutes later, she again woke to the familiar voice, though this time it was louder and easier to discern.
"Could Miss Bingley have been more obvious?" asked Lady Anne. A delighted giggle met her words.
"Lizzy?" Jane breathed the word.
"Had I not met her, I would wonder why such an attractive and well-dowered young lady was yet unmarried."
The words caused Elizabeth to giggle again, and Lady Anne joined her.
Dragging herself to the door of her room, Jane opened it and stepped into the hallway. She paused dizzily and clutched the doorframe for a moment.
Looking in the direction of the sound of an opening door, Elizabeth and Lady Anne saw a pale young woman in a nightdress step into the hall, a long blonde braid over her shoulder. Appearing to waver on her feet, she flew down the hallway a second later and threw herself into Elizabeth’s arms. "Oh, Lizzy, you have returned to us. I have missed you so, dear sister!" Her weak voice was not loud, but the words had a profound effect on the two women staring at her.
Elizabeth and Lady Anne stared at the obviously ill young woman who hung upon Elizabeth’s neck. Taking Jane gently by the shoulders, Elizabeth eased her back to look at her. "I am sorry, but do you know me?"
Looking at her sister in confusion, Jane demanded, "Lizzy, what game are you playing? After so many months, I am delighted and relieved to see you—” Before Jane could say more, she went limp. The other ladies each grabbed an arm to prevent her from sinking to the floor. Elizabeth and Lady Anne each wrapped an arm around the unknown young lady. The two of them led her back into the room from which she had come. They eased her on the bed and lifted her head to offer her some water.
The noise woke Kitty, who sat up, rubbing her eyes. Seeing the lady on the bed beside Jane, she, too, threw herself into Elizabeth's arms and asked in a dazed voice, "Lizzy, when did you get here?"
Elizabeth’s face was a picture of confusion. Doubt filled her tone. "Excuse me, but do you know me?"
"Of course, you are my elder sister, Elizabeth, who went missing more than six months ago." Staring at Elizabeth, Kitty cried, "What is wrong, Lizzy? You are not acting like yourself."
After a quick glance at Lady Anne, Elizabeth returned her attention to the young women before her. The shock of their words left Elizabeth speechless.
Lady Anne said, "Due to the lateness of the hour and the fact we traveled most of the day, might we meet in the morning after breakfast to discuss this further?"
Finally, Elizabeth replied, almost speaking over Lady Anne. "Several months ago, I was involved in an accident. The injury to my head was severe, and I was unconscious for several weeks. When I woke, I could not remember anything about myself or my life."
Lady Anne took charge. “Excuse me, Miss—,”
Kitty supplied her name.
"Miss Bennet, again, might I suggest we talk more about this in the morning? However, I would ask that you not say a word to anyone until we have had a chance to discuss this matter further. If we were to join you after breaking our fast tomorrow morning, would that be acceptable?"
"Yes," said Kitty, "though it shall be difficult for Jane to wait, as she and Lizzy have always been very close. Jane has been sick with worry and heartbroken since Elizabeth went missing.”
A moan from Jane directed everyone's attention to the bed.
"That is an excellent idea, for I must attend to Jane now,” Kitty continued.
Putting her arm around Elizabeth’s waist, Lady Anne guided her to the door. Before they could leave, she again heard the girl named Jane speak. "Kitty, Lizzy is here! I saw her!" Looking about, Jane did not see her dearest sister and began to weep. The young woman's tears masked the sound of the door quietly opening and closing as Lady Anne removed Elizabeth from the room.
Entering their sitting room, Lady Anne continued to lead Elizabeth to a small settee and took the seat beside her. "Are you well, Beth?"
Momentarily unable to reply as tears filled her eyes and spilled over on her cheeks, Elizabeth shook her head. Lady Anne wrapped her arms around the young woman, pulled her close, and pressed Elizabeth's head to her shoulder. She spoke words of comfort and reassurance as she rubbed small circles on Elizabeth's back. "There is nothing to be learned tonight, so put it from your mind. Try to get a good night's sleep so you are prepared for our conversation tomorrow with the Bennet sisters."
Lady Anne eased Elizabeth back against the settee and stepped to the bedchamber’s door. As expected, Nancy was there, waiting to attend her mistress.
"Nancy, please locate Mr. Darcy's valet and ask him to bring a glass of brandy to Miss Beth's room forthwith.” Then, returning to her seat beside the distraught young lady she had come to love, Lady Anne pulled her back into the comfort of her embrace. Murmuring soft words, she held her there as they awaited the maid's return.
When a knock came on the sitting room door, Lady Anne called for the person to enter. The surprising sight of William entering the room with the requested beverage in hand greeted her eyes.
"What has happened, Mother? Nancy said Beth was upset and in need of brandy to calm her. Did Miss Bingley's words cause this upset? I shall speak to Charles immediately, and we will leave if Miss Bingley cannot behave politely to Beth."
Smiling at William's affront, Lady Anne reassured her son. "Calm yourself, William, Beth and I were laughing about Miss Bingley's ridiculous behavior as we retired. That was not the cause of her distress.”
"Then what could have happened in the short distance between the drawing room and Beth's bedchamber?" By this time, Darcy had seated himself on Elizabeth's other side and was holding one of her cold, trembling hands between his large, warm ones.
"It appears the young ladies whom Miss Bingley mentioned recognized Beth. The ill sister apparently heard our voices in the hallway. She staggered from the room and threw herself into Beth's arm's, calling her 'Lizzy.'"
Incredulity and shock registered on Darcy's face. "Beth's family is from Hertfordshire, and her sisters are staying here?"
"So it would appear. The young woman almost collapsed in Beth's arms, so we returned her to her room, whereupon we woke the other sister, who was dozing in a chair beside the bed. Upon seeing Beth, she reacted in precisely the same manner."
Turning his concerned gaze upon Elizabeth, Darcy asked, "Why does finding your family distress you so?"
Lady Anne answered for her. "It has simply been a shock, William. Give Beth some time, and she will be well. So much time passed with no clue as to her identity. I believe we have all come to think we might never find them. We have made arrangements to speak with the ladies in the morning, but until we get more information, I have asked them to not mention the matter to anyone."
"That was wise, Mother. Do not worry, Beth. Mother and I will support you through all this. We will not abandon you, even if you choose to return to your family.” Giving her hand a comforting squeeze, Darcy held out the glass of brandy to her. "Take small sips; this will calm you and help you sleep.” After she did as he requested, Darcy kissed her forehead. Moving to exit the room, he paused and turned back to look at Elizabeth. Thinking of her leaving them caused his heart to break. Giving a brief bow, he added, "Good night, sweet Beth. Sleep well."
After encouraging Elizabeth to take a few more sips of the brandy, Lady Anne removed it from her hand. Walking Elizabeth to the door of her bedchamber, Lady Anne assisted Nancy in preparing the girl for the night. As the maid picked up the clothes and turned down the bed, Lady Anne stood to brush out Elizabeth’s beautiful curls. Soon, the soothing effect of her actions, as well as those of the brandy, had noticeably relaxed Elizabeth. Setting down the brush, Lady Anne led Elizabeth to the bed, tucking the covers about her. Finally, she kissed Elizabeth's head and softly whispered, "Sweet dreams, darling girl. I will see you in the morning.”
The Shocking Truth
Elizabeth awoke the next morning, somewhat later than usual. Though she had fallen asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow, her dreams had been unsettling. The thought that she had found her family had been a great shock, but more distressing had been the idea of leaving Lady Anne and William. How would she manage to live in a house full of strangers? What if she never remembered them? How would she find her place in the family if she knew nothing about them?
Nancy entered the room carrying a breakfast tray. Elizabeth sat up in bed and moved some of the pillows behind her back. "This is a surprise," she said.
"Lady Anne thought you might need a little extra rest after our travels yesterday. She instructed me to let you sleep for a bit and then bring you some breakfast."
"That was very thoughtful of her," said Elizabeth with a smile.
Nancy settled the tray across her lap and poured a cup of tea. Elizabeth looked at the assortment of breads and pastries on her tray. Lady Anne had thoughtfully provided something light, knowing Elizabeth might find her appetite lacking.
"Where is Lady Anne?"
"She went down to dine with the master and your hosts but asked that I notify her when you are awake. She would like to see you as soon as you feel up to it."
"If she is finished dining, please tell her I am awake and she may visit. Otherwise, tell her I will meet her in the sitting room in forty-five minutes and return to help me dress for the day."
"Yes, miss." Nancy curtsied and left through the dressing room.
A few minutes later, Lady Anne knocked at the door to Elizabeth's bedchamber. "May I enter, Beth dear?"
"Of course."
Lady Anne opened the door from the sitting room and paused in the doorway as she looked Elizabeth over from head to toe. "It does not appear you rested as well as I hoped you would."
"You are correct; I did not."
"How are you this morning? Are you well?"
"It is a lot to take in at one time, but I will be when I recover from the shock. So many months passed that I believed I would never find my birth family."
"It is indeed surprising that our holiday would find us in their neighborhood."
In a barely audible voice, Elizabeth admitted, "I am frightened."
"Of what, dear?"
"I can recall no memories of these people. Even seeing my sisters did not unlock anything new. It will be difficult to be part of a family I cannot remember, nor do I wish to lose what I have found. You and William made me feel so welcome. My newly discovered family is an unknown, but I do not think I would find a better family than I have with you if I searched the world over."
"Oh, dear girl, you will always be a part of our family. In fact, you made us a family again. After our terrible loss, we were broken; you brought life and laughter back into our world. Now, if you are through eating, I will wait for you in our sitting room while you dress. William would like to check on you. He was concerned when you did not come down to breakfast, so I shall ask him to wait with me." Lady Anne leaned over and kissed Elizabeth’s forehead before returning to the connecting room.
The gentle kiss recalled to mind something Elizabeth thought she had only dreamed. But William had sat with her the previous night, holding her hand and reassuring her. Then he had kissed her forehead, like Lady Anne had just done, and called her “sweet Beth” when wishing her good night.
William was pacing the sitting room floor when Elizabeth hesitantly entered. He rushed to her and took both her hands in his, giving her one of his intense looks. "You look as though you had a difficult night. The brandy did not work as I had hoped. Can I get you anything for your comfort?"
Attempting to tease him from his concern, she said, "How you flatter me, William!" A small smile, all she could manage, took the sting from her words. "Do not worry! It is not as if I am ill. Strange dreams prevented me from sleeping well. When I am accustomed to this new situation, I shall be back to myself in no time." She tried to give him her usual bright smile, but it did not quite reach her eyes.
"Do you wish me to join you when you meet with the Misses Bennet? You know I would be happy to give you my support should you need it."
Elizabeth's smile was genuine this time as she replied, "I thank you for the offer, but I assume Miss Bennet's father might not be happy to discover your presence in her bedchamber."
"Mr. Bingley might not like it much either," teased Lady Anne.
Anxious to be of use to his Beth, Darcy asked, "Then in what way can I assist you?"
"There is something you can do, but it is very hazardous." Elizabeth managed to keep her expression neutral as she spoke.
"Anything," came the fervent reply.
"You may regret those words, for I know I am asking a great sacrifice of you. Would you please keep Mr. and Miss Bingley distracted? Miss Bingley spoke of their other visitors in a very condescending tone. Having heard how she speaks of the Misses Bennet, I do not wish her to find out I am a part of that family until I have learned more of the situation myself. What I discover will force me to make some very difficult decisions regarding my future. I would prefer to avoid her snide remarks about the matter, if possible."
Darcy's face paled when Elizabeth spoke of decisions about the future. The thought that she might leave had crossed his mind the previous evening, but he determinedly pushed it away. A future without his Beth in it was unbearable. Then, suddenly, her words sank in and Darcy's face fell as he realized he would have to endure Miss Bingley's fawning attentions until Elizabeth and the others finished their discussion.
