Page 24 of Until My Last Breath

In her blind fury, she had also disregarded his declaration of love, even despised it as a simple expression of his personal whim, offending his feelings and honour, suggesting he would be unfaithful.

How foolish she had been. Had anyone tried to tell her how much Mr Darcy loved her, that he was capable of risking his own life for her, she would have laughed.

Mr Darcy had his flaws, like any other creature of God, but lack of honour and love were not among them. His love for his sister and his need to protect her, and now this declaration of his own feelings, were enough proof of it. He did not lack love or honour, nor was he selfish, as she so harshly accused him of being. No. He was the kindest and most honourable man she could ever meet.

If regret could kill, she would be a pile of ashes.

She looked back at him. Swallowing her pride, she forced herself toadmit the truth; she also loved him.

And God help her if she was not going to live every single day of the rest of her life proving that to him.

She only hoped that this end would not come too soon.

Moving back to his side, she took his hand again. For now, this was the only place where she could find peace for her troubled heart.

~ ♥ ~

Mr Bennet was in his study sorting through his ledgers and letters. It was late in the morning and he was about to finish all his tasks before his midday meal, when an agitated Mrs Hill, the housekeeper, came with a letter in hand, saying it was from an express, and that the messenger was instructed to wait for a reply.

Mr Bennet frowned and took the letter. He did not like expresses, especially those coming at the end of the morning to disturb his meals.

“Send the good man to the stables and give him a meal and some tea while I read my letter, will you, Mrs Hill?”

Curiously, the letter was from Charlotte Collins. He wondered what that could mean. Why would Elizabeth not write instead? A shadow of concern came over Mr Bennet as he looked at the letter. Whatever was in there, he knew he would not like it.

He broke the seal and started reading it.

11th April 1816.

My dear Mr Bennet,

I am very sorry to inform you that a sad event took place early this morning here in Kent. I know not any other way to inform you about it, so I beg you to keep your courage and faith.

This morning, my dear Lizzy and Mr Darcy, Lady Catherine’snephew, were kidnapped from our neighbourhood by some unknown men. We do not know any details, so I am sorry I cannot tell you more. Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr Darcy’s cousin, is committed to investigate what happened. He asked me to send you this letter informing you of what has occurred, and to put himself at your service.

I do not know what else to say. You are very welcome to come and stay with us, if you so wish. Our house is open to you. Please, let us know your decision.

Yours sincerely,

Charlotte Collins

“Oh, dear God! My dear, dear Lizzy,” Mr Bennet burst out.

Collapsing in the nearest armchair, Mr Bennet felt a tightness in his chest as he reread the letter. This news was much worse than anything he could possibly imagine. His beloved child, abducted. Who would do such a thing? And why?

A deeper concern grabbed his heart, as he remembered those news reports about ladies being taken from the south of England. Could his Lizzy have been taken by those same men?

Good God. No.

Jane entered the room. “Papa, is everything all right? I heard you shouting.” The pale face of her father frightened her. “Papa, what is the matter? Was the news so bad? Mrs Hill told us about the express. Please, Papa, talk to me.”

“Come here, my child,” Mr Bennet said, rubbing his hands over his face. “I need to share this dreadful, dreadful news with someone with good sense. Please read it.”

Jane took the letter and after reading it, she slowly sat on the other armchair, unable to contain her own tears. “Oh Papa. What shall we do? Will you go to Kent?”

It took Mr Bennet some time to react to what his daughter was saying. “Yes, yes, my dear. I think I must. I am going to Kent and I beg you to come with me. I do not believe I can cope with this pain on my own. Call Mrs Hill and ask the messenger to come in. I have my reply to send.”

After Mr Bennet had written his response and ordered his luggage to be prepared, he gathered his family in the drawing room. The general reaction did not surprise him. Mrs Bennet felt ill and had to be helped to her room. Despite her careless country manners, she loved all her daughters. Lydia and Kitty were speechless for some seconds and then broke down in tears.

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