Chapter 18
Elizabeth listened for a time until she heard the door of her mother’s room closing and Hill’s heavy steps moving down the stairs. If they would only go to bed and fall asleep quickly! Darcy had promised to come in no more than an hour's time after they left Netherfield. She would not consider allowing him to leave for London before she saw him again as planned. She knew she should be embarrassed by her childish behavior, yet she was not. She could not control the sensation of utter happiness which enveloped her and made her feel as though she were still dancing – or flying. It was the first night of her “official engagement.”
She threw herself on the bed and laughed heartily, remembering the facial expressions on the people in attendance the moment her father made the announcement. Never before had Elizabeth witnessed eyes and mouths widened into such perfect “O’s” as those of Miss Cardington and Miss Bingley. She knew she should feel sorrow and understanding for their hurt feelings, but she honestly felt nothing but delight, as she was certain neither lady held any genuine regard or affection for Mr. Darcy.
With a mixture of embarrassment and amusement, Elizabeth remembered her mother’s faint and everybody’s reaction at witnessing it. Together with Jane, Elizabeth had actually run toward their mother, frightened that she was ill, and then both sisters – deeply worried – escorted the servants who carried an unconscious Mrs. Bennet to the nearest room. However, when their mother recovered a few minutes later, her cries of utter happiness and her loudly expressed admiration and gratitude for Mr. Darcy – such a tall, handsome gentleman – made Elizabeth’s worry turn into complete mortification; she felt deeply grateful that such effusion was heard only by herself.
Taking advantage of the privacy of the room, Elizabeth had answered a few questions and tried to calm not only her mother’s nerves but also her desire to leave and find Mr. Darcy that instant. To Elizabeth’s relief, Mrs. Gardiner had arrived a moment later and sent her niece to reunite with her fiancé while she offered to remain and care for her sister Bennet.
When they had at length rejoined the others, Mrs. Bennet was somewhat calmer and her behavior astonishingly proper. She did offer her congratulations and expressed her approval to Mr. Darcy, but she did so in such a low, discreet way that nobody could have found any fault in her manners. Mr. Darcy was more then gentleman-like in his elegant bow to her and his brief but eloquent words; no one in the ballroom actually heard what the gentleman and his future mother-in-law spoke of, but it was clear to everyone that it was an amiable conversation.
The rest of the night had passed as expected: a very cold reception of the news from Mr. Bingley’s relatives, and much curiosity and speculation whispered around the room from the inhabitants of Meryton. The latter could not decide if they should envy the Bennets for their fortune or pity Elizabeth for having to spend the rest of her life with such a severe, aloof gentleman as Mr. Darcy. There was also the early retirement from the ball of Miss Cardington; a sudden headache forced her to prefer the solitude of her bedchamber to the din of the supper room.
Eventually, Mrs. Hurst remembered her duties and addressed Elizabeth with brief words of congratulation, but Miss Bingley was too engrossed in comforting her headachy friend to meet Elizabeth face-to-face. Jane had been ashamed and suffered greatly because of the very cold attitude of her future sisters toward her beloved Lizzy, and Mr. Bingley could not have been more upset and angry with his relatives’ lack of propriety. As for Elizabeth, as long as she was able to be with Mr. Darcy, enjoy his company during supper, and stand up with him for another set afterward, she was able to bear the disdain of Miss Bingley and her ilk remarkably well.
By the end of the ball, the Meryton population in attendance shared the opinion that Mr. Darcy was not quite so disagreeable – especially when he smiled – and perhaps Elizabeth Bennet would not be wholly miserable married to him. In any case, it was universally admitted that Mrs. Bennet had every reason to be satisfied with her elder daughters’ success in securing good husbands. Lady Lucas was nothing compared to her.
~/~/~/~ Elizabeth opened the door silently and slipped out; the coldness surrounded her instantly and she shivered, wrapping the pelisse around her, struggling to see anything through the darkness.
The next moment she gasped in shock and fear as two strong arms imprisoned her, giving her no chance to escape. In less than an instant her senses and her heart told her she had no reason to be afraid. She knew it was Darcy long before her eyes discerned his beloved face and his low, gentle voice apologized for frightening her.
He directed her toward the garden, holding her tightly in his embrace. “You are freezing,” he whispered. “You must return to the house immediately.”
“I will certainly do no such thing, sir,” she answered. “At least, not immediately.”
“Then let us sit, and I will keep you warm,” he said with a husky voice.
Before she had time to inquire where precisely to sit, he was already on the cold ground, wet from the autumn frost, and his hand, still holding hers, pulled her down. To her astonishment, Elizabeth found herself sitting in his lap, crushed to his chest, while his left arm encircled her back. He unbuttoned his coat and enclosed them both, nestling her even closer to him.
“You will ruin your clothes completely,” she said, still not recovered from being in such an intimate embrace. She felt her cheeks burning as she struggled to do something with her hands, their faces so close that she could almost feel his mouth. The sensation of their bodies so intimately touching, the warmth of his thighs beneath her, their faces at the same level, and his lips lowering to touch hers made her quiver.
His free hand found its way to meet hers and directed them to encircle his waist, and then his fingers moved up to brush along the line of her jaw and stopped to tantalize her earlobe while his palm cupped her cheek.
“I daresay my income affords me the ability to procure as many new clothes as needed,” he replied teasingly as their lips met.
Only that moment did Elizabeth realize how much she missed being alone with him and how much she longed for his kisses, his closeness, his taste, his scent – for him.
She knew he longed for her in equal measure, and she had positive proof when his kisses became more demanding and his lips more hungry.
His hand traveled down, caressing her neck, her shoulder, her waist, until she felt his fingers stroking her thigh. She tensed and he stopped, their mouths separated by the space of a breath. He attempted to say something, but after a moment of hesitation, she resumed the kiss and her hands encircled his neck, resting at his nape. When his fingers started to move again – each of his caresses more determined, more daring, more breathtaking – she abandoned herself to the exquisite pleasure he was giving her.
She was wearing her nightgown, robe and pelisse, but all those garments were insufficient to protect her skin from his burning touch, and she wished for nothing more than to feel his fingers on her without the impediment of fabric.
She completely lost track of time; but, apparently, he did not. His assault on her mouth changed from fierce to gentle and became small kisses exploring her face. Once her mouth was free again, she struggled for air, but kept her eyes closed. She could not suppress her regret when his caresses ceased.
“Elizabeth, I must leave now,” he said, and her heart sank.
“I know. Will you not stay just a few more minutes?”
“Of course I will,” he replied. “I could not possibly separate from you so abruptly after having you so close.” She knew that he was forcing himself to smile and make light of the situation.
Elizabeth nestled her head on the warm spot between his neck and shoulder, and cuddled close to his chest. She felt his fingers playing in her hair, and thought she would swoon.
“We shall be married in a month,” she said, wondering what possessed her to say that.
He laughed. “Indeed – a month can be a very long time.”
She felt her cheeks flushing and lifted her face to him. “Oh, I did not mean that.”
“Then what did you mean?”
“I…” she considered her answer for a few moments but did not know what to reply. Indeed, what did she mean?
“I would be happy to know you wish for this month to be much shorter,” he said. “I would be happy to know you share my impatience to finally be married.”
She breathed deeply and cupped his face with her palms, pulling him as close as she could to see his eyes in the darkness. “Then you may be happy, sir,” she said as she placed a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth.
He instantly turned his head so his lips could join hers, but she withdrew from him. “And you must leave now, as you have a very long journey to London and must return as soon as possible. I have your word for that, sir.”
“Indeed you have. You may rest assured, Miss Bennet, that I have not the slightest intention of delaying a moment longer than necessary.”
They rose; and, the moment their bodies separated, Elizabeth wished nothing more than to be in his arms again. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around his waist and crushed herself against him. His arms embraced her in the same instant, so forcefully that neither of them could breathe. His lips rested upon the top of her head, and then he lifted her face to place soft kisses upon each of her eyes.
“When I return, I shall ask Mrs. Bennet’s help to secure as much time with you as possible,” he said, hoping laughter would hide the emotions which made his voice tremble. “Private, unchaperoned time.”
Tearfully, she fought the lump in her throat which hindered her words.
“You must know my mother would refuse you nothing.”
“Yes, I do know that; in fact, I confess, I depend upon it.”
He knew she was crying; his lips tasted her tears as his fingers brushed against her face. “You promised me you would not cry.”
“I promised no such a thing…” Her voice was a hoarse whisper.
“No, you did not,” he admitted. “But I want you to promise me now.”
“Oh, but I am not crying.” His challenge prompted a lighter tone. “Please do not worry about me; I am only being silly and childish. I will be fine… But please leave now, it is already dawn, and you said you needed to be in London in the morning.”
“Very well…but you must leave first, Elizabeth. Please return to the house. I will stay here until you have closed the door behind you; I want to see you safely inside.”
“As you wish.” She was unable to argue with him and unwilling to burden him further with tears she could no longer control. “Will you send me a note when you arrive?”
“Of course I will.” He lifted her hands and placed a kiss in each of her palms. She turned to leave, but he held her a moment longer.
“Elizabeth?”
“Yes?”
“I want to tell you how ardently I love and admire you…”
She burst out in a nervous laugh, and then impulsively rose on her toes to reach his ear and whispered, ashamed of her own boldness, “I do know that you love me. But I must confess I am not entirely certain what ‘ardently’ implies. I have always had some difficulty understanding the true meaning of that expression.”
He laughed back in delight, recollecting their flirtatious conversation during the waltz. “Then I shall be more than happy to teach you the complexity of its meaning…as soon as I return.”
“I depend upon that, sir.”
A quick brush of her lips upon his, their faces touching one last time, briefly, and she was gone; his mouth remained dry and thirsty for her sweet flavor, while his cheeks were wet with her tears.
~/~/~/~ Darcy had been on his way to London for several hours, but Elizabeth still could not sleep. She had tried, but all of her thoughts, senses, and memories were so vivid that it was impossible to find rest. She tried to keep her eyes closed beneath the warm bed covers – hoping sleep would come – but the cozy warmth only reminded her of his embrace and her worry about his journey to London.
Now that he was gone, she grew angry with herself for being weak and not inquiring more persistently about his business in Town. She was frightened about a particular possibility and struggled to force it from her mind. After all, Darcy said he would not go after Markham, and she must trust his word.
Elizabeth suddenly pulled the covers away and sat up; no, in truth he did not say he would not go after Markham. He said his business was in London, and he would not travel in that part of the country where Markham was. That should be reassuring – yet she felt heavyhearted and troubled. A small palliation for her distress was the fact that the Colonel was accompanying him. At least he was not alone.
She wondered when they would arrive in Town and how long it would take an express to reach Longbourn with a message from him. She wanted proof that he was well and safe – and then she could bear the separation as long as necessary. She did understand very well that a man in his position had business to attend to which would likely require his presence away from home even after their marriage. She would be contented to know he was well.
After another restless hour, she abandoned any hope of finding comfort in a deep sleep. The room suddenly seemed too small for her torment; she needed fresh air; she needed the openness of the outdoors; she needed to walk along the paths they had walked together.
It was full daylight by now, but the house was still silent as the entire family was deeply asleep after such an animated evening. She dressed properly for a long walk, fixed her hair with two hairpins, hid it under her bonnet, and left the house.
*** After walking in the brisk air of the autumn morning for a while, Elizabeth almost reached the grove where she had met Darcy the morning he proposed to her. So deeply was she in her own thoughts that she did not notice the sound of a horse approaching. She startled and almost lost her balance on the muddy grass the moment she heard Lady Cassandra’s insistent voice calling her name.
“Elizabeth, what on earth are you doing? Are you walking in your sleep, or are you daydreaming?” She dismounted and approached Elizabeth, who greeted her with a smile of embarrassment.
“Good morning, Cassandra. No, I am definitely not sleeping; in fact I did not sleep at all after the ball and needed a long morning walk. Hopefully, that will calm me, and I will be able to find rest later.”
“No wonder you are so distressed, after such an animated night as the center of attention.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Center of attention, indeed… I have had enough attention to last a few years at least! What about you? What are you doing here at such an early hour?”
“I needed a long morning ride to calm my nerves before I could meet the Netherfield inhabitants for breakfast. I can only imagine Louisa’s and Caroline’s faces, not to mention Miss Cardington’s. And it is entirely your fault, you know,” she said, her eyebrow rising in mocking reproach.
“I am very sorry to cause such a difficult situation for you,” Elizabeth replied in the same manner.
“So, are you walking alone or are you expecting company?” Cassandra asked slyly.
Elizabeth blushed but did not avert her eyes from her companion. “This time I am walking alone,” she answered daringly. “In fact, this is my favorite path. I used to walk along it almost every day.”
“I see… Well, you absolutely must learn to ride, my dear. You could not possibly continue to walk all around Pemberley.”
“Oh, I do know how to ride, but I would rather walk; I am not very fond of horses. And speaking of that, I should warn you not to ride on this path; it is too abrupt and there are too many trees and bushes. Your horse might slip and fall at any time!”
“Oh, do not worry about me; I have ridden on far worse paths. And you should be fond of horses; They are wonderful creatures! You will love them if you become better acquainted with them.”
“Well then, maybe, once at Pemberley, you will help me choose a nice, gentle mare and perhaps I will improve my riding skills.”
“I am not sure that will be possible.”
“Why not?”
“Well, my dear – first, because I am not sure when or for how long I will be at Pemberley in the future. You and Darcy and Georgiana will be a family now and will not need any intrusion on your time together.”
“Cassandra…”
“And second,” she continued, ignoring Elizabeth’s interruption, “once you are at Pemberley, I doubt Darcy will allow anybody to help you choose anything, except for himself! In fact, I wonder if he will allow anybody to even see you or talk to you at all; I daresay he will lock you in your chambers for some time,” she laughed.
Elizabeth’s smile failed, and her face turned crimson with mortification.
“Oh dear…Elizabeth, please forgive me for this very improper and stupid joke. I did not mean…please do not feel bad; I only wanted to tease you. I must apologize for my manners; this is not the kind of humor to share with a young, unmarried lady. I should not have said it.”
“Cassandra, stop, please. There is no need to apologize. I do know what you meant. I am just not accustomed to talking about such things or making jokes about it. But I am not feeling bad – only deeply embarrassed.” Elizabeth tried to make fun of her own uneasiness and regain her wit.
“You are too kind, Elizabeth. But perhaps I should leave now and rest; I am surely not in the disposition for a proper conversation.”
Cassandra took a few steps away, but Elizabeth stopped her. Elizabeth’s countenance was a mix of embarrassment and boldness as she spoke with a jesting, mocking voice which attempted to dissipate the seriousness of her words.
“Cassandra, when – hopefully – Mr. Darcy unlocks my chambers and finally allows me to see and talk to other people, I hope with all my heart that those people will be you and Georgiana. If you presume that I would consider your presence at Pemberley an intrusion, please believe me, you could not be farther from the truth. I do cherish your friendship, and I depend on your help to learn my duties as Mrs. Darcy.”
Cassandra’s face darkened, and her tone became grave. “Elizabeth, not for a moment did I presume you would not want me at Pemberley; do not distress yourself. But for some time I have been considering leaving the country again once you and Darcy are married. There are some circumstances which have led me to believe my departure would be the best solution for everyone involved.”
“The same circumstances that made you so different, so sad, and so tormented lately?”
Cassandra hesitated a moment before answering. “Yes…the same circumstances I previously told you I did not want to talk about; do you remember?”
“I do remember,” replied Elizabeth, purposely ignoring the implied reproach. “However, as you did not allow William to remain silent and hidden in his sadness in a time of great difficulties, neither will I stop insisting upon this subject. I will not force your confidence, nor will I insist on discovering a secret you do not want to share, but I will insist on finding a way to offer you help or at least comfort. And I will most surely not remain calm and tranquil, rejoicing in my own felicity, while you exile yourself away from your closest friends and your home. And I doubt very much that
William would allow you to simply leave, no matter how preoccupied he might be in keeping me locked in my apartments!”
Her speech became increasingly animated, and her voice showed determination that would brook no opposition. For the first time in their acquaintance, it was Elizabeth who demanded Cassandra’s obedience and acceptance without argument. And, for the first time, Cassandra remained silent and lowered her eyes.
“Upon my word, you are truly irritating, Elizabeth, do you know that?” she finally said, attempting a joke.
“No more than yourself, your ladyship.”
“Very well, we shall talk about this again sometime soon. However, we shall also talk about your riding skills. You cannot expect to ride bareback on the same horse with Darcy forever, no matter how much you enjoy that,” Cassandra said with a triumphant voice and a mischievous smile, taking a small revenge upon Elizabeth.
Elizabeth’s cheeks colored and her embarrassment was obvious at the recollection of their ride in the rain. However, it was Elizabeth who had the last word in their debate. Her voice was witty and teasing as her eyes sparkled with boldness and amusement.
“Well, I am not sure you are correct, your ladyship. As the future mistress of Pemberley, I am quite certain I will be allowed to ride in any manner I wish, as often as I wish, and to share anything with my husband – including a bareback horse.”
Cassandra remained still, her eyes opened in surprise as if she were still trying to understand the reply. Elizabeth burst out in peals of laughter, and Cassandra looked at her, speechless, in mocking disapproval.
“Miss Bennet – I have no reply to this statement. I should best be leaving now as it seems my wit cannot surpass yours this morning; you are simply in too lively a mood for me. I will go and have a most unpleasant morning with Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Cardington – that is all I can hope for.”
She sounded so serious in her pretended disappointment that Elizabeth laughed even louder.
“I would be happy to invite you to Longbourn to have breakfast with us. I cannot bear to know that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst will ruin your appetite.”
“Oh, that sounds very tempting indeed, but I cannot possibly accept. I cannot abandon dearest Georgiana and especially poor Darcy; they will never forgive me.” She turned toward her horse and prepared to mount.
“But Cassandra…is William not gone? I imagined he must have reached London by now; he left very early.”
“Darcy is gone? Where?”
“Where?! To London!”
“To London? What on Earth is he doing in London again? And why did he not tell me?”
“He had some unfinished business; he did not have time to complete everything when he returned in haste. It is something about settlements and other things… He mostly spoke to my father about it. I imagine he simply did not find the proper time to mention it to you. But do not worry; he will return in a few days.”
“What a coward! I am sure he simply tried to get away from Miss Bingley and Miss Cardington after they found he was engaged to be married to you! Otherwise I cannot understand why he left in such a hurry after the ball without resting at all.”
Despite her obvious mockery, Elizabeth did not fail to notice Cassandra’s displeasure for not being informed sooner.
“Oh, do not be so harsh on him!” Elizabeth smiled, struggling not to allow her own concerns to overwhelm her again. “I suggested he wait and rest a day or two, but he seemed very determined to leave today. I imagine he wanted to take advantage of the Colonel’s company, as they traveled together. However, I am quite sure he did not run from any lady. He is a very brave and honorable gentleman and can handle Miss Bingley quite skillfully.”
Elizabeth expected Cassandra would laugh and was prepared to join her; but, to her utter shock, Cassandra’s countenance darkened instantly, and Elizabeth was sure her friend forgot to breathe. She took a few steps closer and could see Cassandra’s hands shaking the reins and her eyes blinking nervously as she tried – with little success – to mount her horse. She seemed unable to control her movements, as though she were a beginner riding for the first time.
“Cassandra, what is the matter? What has happened? You cannot ride in such a state…”
“Elizabeth, forgive me; I must go. I do not have a moment to lose… I must return to Netherfield this instant.”
“Cassandra, wait! I will accompany you to Netherfield. Let us walk together. You cannot…”
But Cassandra did not listen nor turn toward Elizabeth as she rode away.
Elizabeth felt her knees become too weak to support herself and searched for support against a tree.
Cassandra’s reaction frightened her beyond description, and many minutes passed before she dared to contemplate what had caused it. Eventually, she understood it was the mention of the Colonel’s name which affected Cassandra so powerfully.
After more than half an hour, she found the strength to walk back to Longbourn and reached home with her head still spinning with confusion, worries and unanswered questions.
She retired to the seclusion of her room and, for the next hour, pretended she was tired and tried to rest to avoid any company, even Jane’s kind presence.
Later in the afternoon, Mr. Bennet received a letter from London with a note for Elizabeth inside it. With her heart beating wildly, almost not daring to read it as she was dreading its content, Elizabeth took the envelope and ran back to her chamber. Once inside, she finally opened it and burst out in tears of sheer happiness and gratitude when she recognized his handwriting. Both he and the Colonel had arrived safely, and she could not wish and pray for more.
But there was more – much more: almost two pages speaking of his love and longing for her. After reading it several times, Elizabeth finally lay down on her bed, exhausted, holding the paper tightly to her heart – and she fell asleep.
~/~/~/~ The horse was galloping through the trees and then sliding down the hill, but Cassandra was still pushing him; each moment seemed an eternity and Netherfield still appeared so far away in the valley, as though she were not getting any closer.
For a moment she wondered why she was hurrying to Netherfield. There was nothing left there, but she felt dizzy, and sensible thoughts had vanished from her mind. There was nothing but anger, rage, helpless fury, disappointment – and more rage.
All she did, all she tried, all she fought for was to no avail. They did only what they wanted with no consideration for her or Elizabeth; they cared for nothing except their stupid rules.
Elizabeth had said that Darcy was an honorable man, that he was no coward. She had spoken in jest, but her words brought to Cassandra’s mind the most painful recollection: her fight with David that very morning after they had spent the night together. His words sounded so vivid as if he were speaking to her that very moment. “A gentleman must defend his honor and the honor of those whom he cares for; this is how things are, Cassandra, whether you like it or not. I will always protect you and Georgiana; you must know that. I will always do what is right for you, and so will Darcy for Miss Bennet.”
That was where Darcy had gone, Cassandra was certain of it.
He had gone to defend Elizabeth’s honor and did not even confess the reason for his journey. It proved that he presumed Elizabeth would not agree and would care only about his safety and not about his stupid sense of honor. He must have known she would not allow him to leave, so he had lied even to his fiancée.
What rules of honor compelled you to lie to the very person you loved and wanted to protect? What sorts of rules were governing the life and behavior of those stupid men?
Both Darcy and David were well aware of what had happened four years ago. Both knew how much she had fought to avoid a confrontation between Darcy and Markham. Both Darcy and David pretended they cared for her – for Cassandra – yet neither gave any consideration to her deepest fear, her deepest nightmare; neither seemed to care how much she would suffer if anything should happen to either of them.
And Darcy’s situation was even worse. If anything happened to him, it would ruin Elizabeth’s happiness forever. Did he care about her feelings? Did he care about his sister? No indeed! Only about his stupid honor!
It was the same nightmare happening again, and she could do nothing to prevent it!
Or maybe she could. Was it possible that Darcy would fight Markham that very day? Probably not; that kind of arrangement needed preparation. If only she could speedily reach Netherfield and leave for London without delay. Maybe there was still time.
She became annoyed and impatient with all the trees which prevented her riding as fast as she wished. Fortunately, she had almost reached the open field where nothing would delay her. Netherfield looked closer now.
*** At Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet could not decide if she was utterly happy or deeply distressed.
She has just been told that Mr. Darcy could not join them for dinner – as she had hoped– because he had left for London. That was the most disturbing news; why did he leave in such a hurry? Would he ever return? Would he still marry Lizzy? Oh, and if he did, what was that madness about having a double wedding?
That must have been Lizzy’s crazy idea; that girl always delighted in vexing her poor mother! How could she even consider forcing Mr. Darcy – whose worth was ten thousand a year – to share his wedding day with Mr. Bingley whose income was only five thousand a year? Ten thousand a year – and probably more! And he wanted to marry Lizzy! Oh, if he would only return!
Her sister Gardiner said he would certainly return, as he was a man of his word. But could her sister be implicitly trusted? After all, how well did she know Mr. Darcy? The only relief for Mrs. Bennet’s poor nerves was the fact that Miss Darcy remained at Netherfield – surely he would take his sister with him if he planned to leave forever.
As Mr. Darcy’s presence for dinner was not to be expected, Mrs. Bennet lost interest in choosing the dishes and the courses – Hill knew very well what to prepare. So she spent the day talking with Mrs. Gardiner and Jane; Lizzy did not join them, as she was still sleeping, and Mrs. Bennet heartily approved: Lizzy must look as rested and beautiful as possible when Mr. Darcy returned.
It was almost dinner time when a servant announced the arrival of Mr. Bingley. Normally, Mrs. Bennet would have hurried to greet her future son-in-law, but this time she was too deep in conversation with Lizzy – who had recently joined them – about Mr. Darcy’s favorite dish.
Jane, however, did not hide her pleasure in seeing her betrothed, and their warm greetings and tender glances brought a smile and a shadow of regret to Elizabeth’s face.
Mrs. Gardiner inquired about Mr. Bingley’s family and his guests, while Jane invited him to sit and expressed her hope that he would stay for dinner, but the gentleman rejected any polite conversation; only then did Elizabeth notice the poor state of his clothes and the stern expression on his face.
“I am afraid the reason for this visit is not a pleasant one, and remaining for dinner is completely out of question. In fact, I will leave in a moment, my men are waiting for me to continue our search. I only stopped by to ask if by any chance you have seen Lady Cassandra today, I…”
“I met Cassandra earlier today,” answered Elizabeth, moving closer to him. “Why do you ask, Mr. Bingley? Did anything happen? Is Cassandra well?”
“I am afraid I cannot answer you, Miss Bennet, as I have not seen her at all since the ball. I was only told she went riding early this morning and has not been seen since. Her horse returned to the stables some hours ago, but Lady Cassandra is nowhere to be found.