An Accident at Pemberley, page 39
Darcy and Lady Anne took seats on either side of Elizabeth, each grasping a hand. Elizabeth began with her visit to Longbourn. She glossed over the argument and mentioned only the onset of the headache that had caused her departure. She explained her discovery of the wounded coachman and her attempt to escape the carriage. She stated that Wickham had pressed the gun into her back and struck her when she refused to accompany him.
Though William's expression was the mask he wore when uncomfortable in company, Elizabeth recognized the increase in his distress because of the tightness with which he gripped her hand. She wiggled her fingers as much as his grip would allow, trying to restore the circulation.
Elizabeth continued her tale through the point at which she had brandished the chair at Wickham. "For one brief moment, I considered bashing him over the head with it when he returned. However, his threats made me realize the situation would worsen if I were unable to protect myself. Consequently, I used the chair to keep him at bay for as long as possible. Fortunately, my rescuers arrived shortly thereafter.” Elizabeth, her discomfort apparent in the bright red of her cheeks, told Mr. Coombs of Wickham’s second attempt at assaulting her. "In spite of the fear I felt, a flash of memory proved my salvation. Early in our acquaintance, at my then-cousin's request, Colonel Fitzwilliam taught me to protect myself. It proved very effective. When I kicked my leg up into Mr. Wickham's ah, um, ah . . ." She trailed off, unable to find the right word in mixed company.
"I understand, Mrs. Darcy. Please continue."
"He cried out and clutched himself. While he was off balance, I kicked him again and he fell over backward. I heard a loud thud when he hit the floor. However, I was so distraught by then, I am afraid I do not remember anything after that.”
"Thank you, Mrs. Darcy, that was an excellent recounting. Is there anything else you can think of that you might have missed?"
"I do not believe so, Mr. Coombs."
"One final question, Mrs. Darcy. If you possessed the dagger, why did you not use it on Mr. Wickham?"
"I recalled the colonel's instructions that I should not show the dagger unless I were sure I could use it. He said hesitation would get me killed. I was not sure I would be able to strike Mr. Wickham—or anyone else, for that matter—with it. That might have changed, and I did not wish to give away the fact that I was armed."
Richard smiled at her from across the room and gave Elizabeth a cheeky wink.
"That was wise advice and sound thinking on your part, madam. You are to be commended."
The constable turned to Mr. Darcy. "Sir, where and with whom did you spend the morning?”
Here at Netherfield with my wife, family, and Mr. Bingley until the time came to deliver Mrs. Darcy to Longbourn. I returned here straightaway, and Mr. Bingley and I met with Mr. Moore, the steward for Netherfield. The three of us dined with my mother and returned to our meeting. At half past three, I left here in my carriage to retrieve my wife. Mr. Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanied me on horseback, as they expected to remain with the Bennets for tea."
The constable watched Darcy intently. Nothing in Darcy’s recitation led Mr. Coombs to question his truthfulness. However, at the end of the narration, Mr. Coombs paused to study both Bingley and Fitzwilliam. Nothing in either face caused him concern. "From my observations and the fact we have Wickham's note, I am confident none of you were involved in the events of the previous day. Therefore, Mr. Darcy, would you please tell me what happened after you arrived at Longbourn until the time of my arrival at the shack? Mr. Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, please add any details you believe Mr. Darcy overlooks."
Though Darcy bristled at the thought of anyone doubting his integrity, he agreed to the request. He began his explanation with the conversations that took place at Longbourn, the search of the road and village, the discovery of the first pieces of fabric Elizabeth had dropped, and Elizabeth's screams upon their arrival. "My wife was my main concern; I am afraid I did not pay attention to anything else."
Richard added his observations of the cabin once the door gave way, while Bingley confirmed what the colonel said. "I observed the happenings from the doorway. However, when I returned home to retrieve my horse and additional help, I received the letter Wickham had delivered here for Mr. Darcy. I rushed back to meet Darcy so we could discover the note’s contents."
"Do you know who delivered the note?"
"No, but you can ask my butler, Mr. Dawson, as he was the one to receive it."
The constable acknowledged Mr. Bingley's words before saying, "Can any of you think of anything else pertinent to this investigation?" Mr. Coombs paused, allowing them to answer. When no responses were forthcoming, he said, "Please put your statements in writing. When you complete them, send me word, and I will return to witness your signature. I will take the statements with me for my file."
"Of course, Mr. Coombs." "Certainly, sir." Darcy and Elizabeth answered the question addressed to them. Bingley and the colonel nodded their agreement.
"In that case, I will depart. My thanks for your cooperation, and I will await your statements. Once they are in my possession, I will meet with the magistrate to review the case."
The gentlemen rose and shook hands with the constable before his departure. Mr. Coombs bowed to the ladies before he exited the room. The closed doors muffled the quiet tones of the constable and butler’s conversation.
A Change of Plans Causes More Bad Behavior
Mrs. Bennet, angry with Jane for her unexpectedly harsh words, remained in bed with nerves for the better part of the week following the encounter. On the first day she deigned to rejoin her family downstairs, Mrs. Bennet was shocked at the house’s silence. She called for Mrs. Hill, but received no answer. When no one else responded to her call, Mrs. Bennet marched to the door of her husband's study.
Without knocking, she opened the door and demanded, "Where is everyone? No one is about but Lydia, whose complaints I could hear as I came downstairs. Why is she still confined to her room? Have you kept her on bread and water all this time? You are a cruel father, sir!"
Mr. Bennet simply stared at his wife, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Where is everyone?” Mrs. Bennet repeated. “How we are to be ready for a wedding in just over a week when no one is here working on the final details?" Irritation laced her tone, and her pout left little doubt she felt put upon that no one had done anything without her.
"If you were worried about the arrangements, you should not have sulked in your room for so long. Be that as it may, I believe everything is ready—though you may not like some of the changes made to the original arrangements since you chose to absent yourself," responded Mr. Bennet dryly.
"That does not answer the question of where everyone is."
"Lady Anne and Mrs. Darcy offered their assistance and Mr. Bingley offered the use of Netherfield for the reception. Jane happily accepted." Mrs. Bennet looked about to explode, so Mr. Bennet hurried to continue. “This decision was necessary because of your behavior towards Mrs. Darcy on the day of her abduction. As a guest at Netherfield, Jane hopes you will mind your manners and choose to ignore Mrs. Darcy rather than cause a scene. If the wedding breakfast took place at Longbourn, Jane was not sure you would behave in an acceptable manner."
Mrs. Bennet sniffed and muttered something under her breath, of which Mr. Bennet heard only the word precious Lizzy.
"That is exactly why she made the choice she did," said Mr. Bennet sotto voce.
"As my input was deemed unimportant, perhaps they can also do without my presence."
"That is not an option, Mrs. Bennet. There was a great deal of talk after Lizzy's disappearance. The source of that suspicion was our story and the lack of travel or apparent concern, at which the neighbors cast questioning looks. Additionally, speculation at the Netherfield ball regarded Mrs. Darcy's resemblance to Lizzy and the similarity of her features to Kitty’s. The only reason this did not cause further talk is that we did not acknowledge the woman as our daughter. When we treated her like a stranger, our curious neighbors let the matter drop. Your failure to attend the marriage of our eldest daughter—one whom you always professed to be a favorite—will cause further gossip, and I will not allow that."
Mrs. Bennet made a quick decision. "Then I shall retire to my room again. I am obviously not needed, so I shall appear only when necessary or when I choose to enjoy the society of my neighbors. Also, I demand you release my darling Lydia from her room and allow her to attend her mama. I am lonely and desire the company of my dearest daughter."
"That will not happen, Mrs. Bennet. You never made any attempt to control our youngest daughter. Nothing you say or do now shall make a difference to her. Nor do I expect you would try to improve her now. As you are cross with our other daughters, you would indulge her to an even greater extent."
Mrs. Bennet sniffed at her husband's assertions.
"I will not tolerate her sneaking off to see that scoundrel Wickham. Her ridiculous behavior would create a scene and cause additional speculation about our family. This family's reputation cannot withstand much more.”
With a glare, the family matriarch marched from the room. Mr. Bennet listened to her footsteps on the stairs and the slam of her door. He counted the conversation a success, as Mrs. Bennet had been so insulted she did not argue for long. With a contented sigh, Mr. Bennet returned to his book and the quiet he so enjoyed.
Meanwhile, Netherfield was the scene of another lively party. Mary had accompanied her sisters the first day or two, but she did not approve of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Her dour pronouncements met with looks of anger or disdain, so she did not continue to attend. Instead, she spent her days in the small back parlor her mother designated as not fashionable enough in which to even sit. Enjoying the quiet of the house as much as her father, Mary continued her studies and reflections uninterrupted. It was unfortunate she still could not see the error of her ways.
With Lady Anne's expertise and the assistance of Elizabeth, Jane, and Kitty, the arrangements for the wedding and wedding breakfast were soon reviewed, and anything not yet completed was addressed. The women chose flowers from those available in Netherfield's hothouse. For several days, Mrs. Hill joined in the planning, as she was familiar with Jane's favorite recipes and aware of what Mrs. Bennet planned to serve. Mr. Bingley had kindly put her in charge of the wedding breakfast preparations.
The staff set about making Netherfield Park shine like never before. They bustled about with happiness at the thought of a wedding and the delightful mistress they would obtain. No one missed the difficult-to-please and disagreeable Miss Bingley.
That night would see a dinner at Lucas Lodge, so the Misses Bennet returned home earlier than usual to prepare. Jane and Kitty entered the house arm and arm, laughing at something Mr. Bingley had said before they departed. Pacing the parlor, Mrs. Bennet worried her daughters would not return in time and would be late for the party. Hearing their laughter only increased her annoyance.
"Well, it is about time you returned. Now hurry and prepare or we shall be late.” Since their argument, Mrs. Bennet had left her room only to attend the neighborhood parties in honor of Jane and Mr. Bingley. At each party or dinner, Mrs. Bennet crowed about Jane's success and how Mr. Bingley would not be able to resist her beautiful Jane. Once the family returned home, Mrs. Bennet would disappear to her rooms until the next social event, refusing to speak to anyone. Tonight, however, Mrs. Bennet's act would be tested to its limits.
Upon arriving at Lucas Lodge, Jane and Kitty looked for the Netherfield party. When they did not see them, the sisters made their way to Charlotte and Maria Lucas to catch up on the village news.
"How are the wedding plans coming?" asked Charlotte.
"Everything is ready. Lady Anne and Mrs. Darcy helped a great deal, and I am delighted with the arrangements. Everything will be perfect." Jane's obvious pleasure at the upcoming event shone on her face. Charlotte could not help the brief flicker of envy she felt as she wondered if a wedding and a home of her own were in her future.
At that moment, the look on Jane's face changed and the unmistakable look of love made her glow. Charlotte was unsurprised to hear Mr. Bingley's voice at her back. Jane's expression had given away his presence. The other members of the Netherfield Party, including Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, joined them, and agreeable conversation ensued.
Standing not far away, Mrs. Bennet engaged in conversation with her sister and Lady Lucas. The annoyance she had experienced earlier grew as she watched the close relationship that had developed between two of her daughters and the Darcy family. It was unfortunate Lady Lucas chose that moment to ask about the wedding plans. With anger filling her face, Mrs. Bennet ground out, "I would not know. During a period of illness, Lady Anne and Mrs. Darcy took over. I have been rendered unnecessary."
The bitterness of Mrs. Bennet's tone was apparent, but Lady Lucas chose to overlook it. "How kind of them to offer their assistance when you were unwell. You know Lady Anne is the daughter of an earl and a member of the first circles. How fortunate you are to have the assistance of such elegant ladies. Their knowledge and experience in entertaining will make this wedding an exquisite affair."
"I am sure I could create an equally elegant event. I have been the leading hostess in Meryton for many years." Her red face and aggrieved tone displayed Mrs. Bennet's affront.
As the evening progressed, Mrs. Bennet worked to suppress her anger, though a chance remark she overheard between Mrs. Goulding and Mrs. Long caused her to lose all restraint.
"How fortunate Jane is to gain the assistance of such elegant ladies as Lady Anne and Mrs. Darcy to help with her wedding plans. Imagine attending an event planned by the daughter of an earl! "
"Undoubtedly, it will be the event of the year, though I do not doubt it shall make Mrs. Bennet's incessant self-congratulatory boasting even more intolerable."
In a loud voice, the angry matron addressed the neighbors. "I do not need the assistance of anyone to make my affairs the most notable in Meryton society. As I understand it, Lady Anne remains buried in the country since her husband's death, and the new Mrs. Darcy is nothing more than a lowly orphan who made a fortunate marriage. I am sure I have entertained more frequently than either of those ladies. They could not possibly be as aware of all the latest dishes and trends as I am." Mrs. Bennet glared at the two women, who continued their quiet conversation as though they had not heard her insulting words.
Mrs. Bennet's raised voice had silenced those near her. From across the room, Mr. Darcy and Richard glared at Mrs. Bennet with anger and cold disdain, respectively. Elizabeth focused her attention on Jane and Kitty, who both flushed with mortification at their mother's ungrateful, jealous words. Lady Anne's excellent manners showed as she quickly drew the sisters into conversation and worked to ease their embarrassment at their mother's behavior.
Annoyed at his wife's lack of discretion and poor manners in company, Mr. Bennet walked over to Mr. Bingley and quietly asked, "Would you mind dropping Jane and Kitty off at the conclusion of the evening? My wife is apparently unwell and should depart. Mary shall accompany us."
"Certainly, sir."
Jane smiled at her father and mouthed the words, "Thank you."
Walking to his wife's side, Mr. Bennet took her elbow. "Mrs. Bennet, I fear you must be suffering from a headache. It would be best if we depart." The look he gave his wife warned her to refrain from speaking as he guided her from the room. Mr. Bennet beckoned to Mary where she sat against the wall, indicating she should join them. The muffled sound of raised voices drifted from the hall, where Mrs. Bennet let loose her temper. The noise did not last for long, and the words could not be distinguished above the buzz of conversation—something for which her remaining daughters were grateful.
Upon arriving home from Lucas Lodge that evening, Darcy, Richard, and Bingley sat over a brandy before retiring. Bingley broke the silence. "I was impressed you kept your temper this evening, Darcy."
At the reminder, Darcy's anger at Mrs. Bennet's insults of the two most important women in his life flared again. Biting off the words, he replied, "I assume you will do whatever is necessary to remain on her good side and thus avoid such unpleasantness in the future."
"Actually, I have spoken to Jane about it, and we plan to give up Netherfield. Hopefully, I can find someone to buy out the lease. Residing here for the remainder of the term could be quite uncomfortable."
"That is a wise choice, Charles. Mrs. Bennet's constant presence might be more than even your unflappable good humor could withstand indefinitely."
"What will happen to Miss Kitty?" Concern filled the colonel's voice.
"There is no need for concern, as Jane and I intend to invite her to live with us."
"What will happen to her while you are on your honeymoon, though?" The colonel's brows furrowed as he awaited the answer.
"We would be happy to invite her to stay with us until you arrive at Pemberley, though I doubt Mr. Bennet would permit it,” Darcy said. “I am also sure Mrs. Bennet would complain about her associating with us or demand we take Miss Lydia as well." Bingley and Richard appeared aghast at such a thought.
"You need not worry, Darcy. Mrs. Gardiner intends to request Miss Kitty return to town with them. They will bring her with them to Pemberley for the holidays."
"Did you extend this invitation for the holidays to my parents? If not, I do hope you will not mind my joining you. It has been a while since I spent a Christmas at Pemberley." Richard's expression was casual, but hopeful anticipation gleamed deep in his eyes.
"You know you are always welcome, Richard, and, yes, I did extend the invitation to your parents. This will be the happiest Christmas Pemberley has seen in several years." The other gentlemen raised their glasses in salute and agreement.
Each of the remaining days leading up to the wedding saw another party to celebrate the bride and groom. Though both the Longbourn family and the Netherfield party were always in attendance, no further outbursts occurred. The unfailing courtesy of Lady Anne and Mrs. Darcy never caused a moment of concern. However, the only thing that kept Mrs. Bennet quiet was her husband's threat to withhold her pin money if she embarrassed the family in such a fashion again.
