The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth

Mrs. Bennet also expressed concern about Elizabeth’s appearance and muttered about the Gardiners’ deficient care of their niece. She attempted to explain that none of it was the Gardiners’ fault, but her mother would hear nothing of it. As soon as he was able, Mr. Bennet retreated to his study while the state of Mrs. Bennet’s nerves required her to return to her chambers.

Aunt Gardiner went to her room to rest while Kitty and Mary departed for a visit to Meryton. This left Elizabeth and Jane alone in the drawing room. Elizabeth settled into a chair, happy to be back in familiar surroundings – although, she thought with a pang of regret, she would not be at Longbourn very long.

Elizabeth asked about their father, and Jane confirmed he spent much of his time in his study and even took some meals there. Their mother, Elizabeth learned, mostly stayed in her chamber, attended by the servants and her daughters.

“I am so happy you are returned,” Jane said with a gentle smile. Elizabeth could see dark shadows around her sister’s eyes, but apparently Jane was just as concerned about her. “Are you certain you are completely recovered from your illness?” She asked anxiously.

“Indeed,” Elizabeth replied, attempting to appear hale and hearty. “I am quite well again.” Jane did not look convinced.

Elizabeth was happy she could give Jane one piece of information that would brighten her countenance. “I do have some good news. Mr. Bingley will be returning to Netherfield on Thursday.”

Jane’s face lit with a broad smile which she quickly schooled into her usual serene expression. “

That is good news!” Then she sobered. “But, perhaps I should not tell mother. I do not want to give rise to expectations that might not be satisfied. After all, the circumstances with Lydia taint the whole family and I hardly expect Mr. Bingley to renew his addresses.”

“I do think Mr. Bingley cares about you and that you are the reason he is returning,” Elizabeth assured her with a smile. “I think he departed earlier because of his sister’s persuasion.”

“How did you happen to learn that he is returning to Netherfield?” Jane asked. Although she had retrieved her embroidery, it lay forgotten in her lap. “Did you see Miss Bingley in London?”

Elizabeth realized that she had inadvertently caught herself in a trap that would necessitate revealing more than she had intended. Well, I would do it again to see that expression on Jane’s face.

“I saw Mr. Darcy in town, and he told me.” She admitted with a small smile, anticipating the advent of further questions.

“Mr. Darcy! He visited you? Was he angry about the disagreement you had in Hunsford?” Jane exclaimed. Her countenance demonstrated both surprise and pleasure, for she had always liked Darcy.

“No indeed,” Elizabeth said with a laugh. “He is perfectly amiable and has been a complete gentleman.” She mused that now would be a good time to lay the groundwork for future revelations. “We have seen a great deal of each other in fact.”

“And you are happy about it?” Jane said with a grin. “I am so pleased! Tell me, when did you see him?”

Elizabeth had decided that she could entrust Jane with some details about her travels. While many people would consider their circumstances compromising, her sister never thought ill of anyone and would accept any explanation for their behavior. “I first encountered him accidentally at a ball in Paris. Then, when news of the breakdown of the Treaty reached us, he helped me escape from France.”

“Mr. Darcy helped you!” Jane’s eyes widened with astonishment. “Did he find you passage on a boat?”

“Nay, nothing that simple,” Elizabeth admitted ruefully. “What did Aunt and Uncle Gardiner write home about my departure from France?”

Jane’s expression was thoughtful as she tried to remember details. “It was in the middle of all that tumult about Lydia…But, what I recall is that they said you had gotten separated from them, but that a friend was helping you to return to England. Then a letter came two days later reporting that you had fallen ill and so your return was delayed. I so wished that I could go to you! There are such terrible stories about the treatment of English travelers in France! But the Gardiners assured us that their friend was taking good care of you.” Jane’s face reflected all of the anxiety she had experienced.

Elizabeth was heartily sorry for any worry she had occasioned and silently vowed to reveal their marriage in such a way that did not cause additional anxiety for her family. However, she had to admit, she was unsure of the best way to undertake such a revelation.

“It was Mr. Darcy, Jane. He was the one who cared for me.” Jane gasped, but immediately hid her shock. Elizabeth continued, “He took me to his friend’s house near Montdidier when I was ill. And then he found us to a boat for England. I honestly do not know if I would have survived without him.” Her sister’s face was very grave at this revelation, but Elizabeth felt it was a pleasure to unburden herself of at least this much of the story.

“Oh, Elizabeth! I never realized how much danger you experienced!” Jane exclaimed, completely overcome. “We are forever in his debt! When I think we could have lost you….” Tears welled up in Jane’s eyes and Elizabeth patted her hand reassuringly.

“All’s well that ends well,” she said. “I am well and I am here. See?” She displayed a patently false smile, making Jane laugh.

Then a puzzled expression crossed her face. “But we knew nothing of his role from the Gardiners’ letters.”

“I think our aunt and uncle were trying to protect my reputation.” Jane nodded earnestly in understanding. “And protect Mr. Darcy from Mama,” Elizabeth said with a sly smile.

Jane covered her mouth as she laughed in appreciation. “At ten thousand a year – she would certainly insist that he had to marry you!”

“Precisely!” Elizabeth said. “I would not have his kindness repaid with such treatment.”

“But Elizabeth,” Jane observed, “he must still be violently in love with you to show you such dedication.”

“I believe that he is,” Elizabeth admitted, disliking the necessity of deceiving Jane. Her sister would never reproach her, but that somehow made Elizabeth feel even worse. At least this conversation would mean it was easier to tell Jane the entire story later. “He was most distressed when I was ill. And, Jane, he risked his own life. The French were arresting English men and imprisoning them. I wanted him to leave France without me, but he refused.”

“Oh my!” Jane seemed overwhelmed with this tale of Darcy’s devotion. She took Elizabeth’s hand in hers. “Has your opinion of him changed?”