Page 44 of Mr. Darcy and the Mysterious "Miss B"
Lydia seized the papers with undisguised eagerness, scanning the pages with the dedication of a scholar. “Oh la. Listen: ‘Wedding preparations for Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss B are said to be proceeding with all haste. Sources close to the Earl of Matlock suggest an announcement is imminent.’”
Elizabeth felt her breath catch. “Wedding preparations?”
“They are making it sound as though the engagement is practically settled.” Lydia’s voice held wonder and glee in equal measure. “Poor Mr Darcy must be beside himself.”
But Elizabeth was no longer listening to her sister’s commentary. Her mind was racing, pieces of a complex puzzle falling into place with startling clarity.
Darcy was trapped. The scandal sheets were backing him into a corner from which there seemed no escape. Every day the rumours grew stronger, Caroline Bingley’s position more secure. Soon, social pressure would make their marriage inevitable.
And meanwhile, Jane grew paler each day, resigned to her fate with James Morton.
Two problems. Two families facing ruin. And perhaps… perhaps one solution that could save them both.
Elizabeth rose abruptly, pacing to the window where she could see the busy London street below. Carriages rattled past, pedestrians hurried about their business, the world continued its normal rhythm whilst two families faced potential ruin.
But maybe there was another way?
“Lizzy?” Lydia’s voice held concern. “You look as though you have seen a ghost.”
Elizabeth turned from the window, her mind crystallising around a plan so audacious it took her breath away.
“I have an idea.”
Miss B.
Bingley. It would make sense. Perhaps it had been her plan all along, perhaps she had placed the notice to make herself Mrs Darcy…. Even though she knew Mr Darcy did not want her. How desperate.
And yet, not the worst a lady had ever done to set her cap on a man.
Darcy would indeed be miserable. And desperate himself.
“You look as though you are about to draw up a plan to storm the Tower.”
Elizabeth sat back down, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The plan forming in her mind was indeed magnificent and mad—and potentially ruinous for everyone involved.
But it might also save them all.
“I need to write to Mama immediately.”
“Mama? Whatever for?”
“I need her to delay any arrangements with James Morton. He is to be at Longbourn tomorrow. She wrote to me just yesterday, saying he had sent another letter announcing his visit. He has business in Brighton but wished to call on Jane. Undoubtedly to ensure he can elicit an answer from her. Wehave delayed him once already when he demanded an earlier answer.”
“So he wants to pressure her?” Lydia asked.
“That is what I think. Mama needs to delay him again somehow. I must write to her. She and Jane need to join us also, and I must send word. If I send it with express, it will get there in time.”
“Get there in time for what?” Lydia asked.
“To tell her that she needs to find a way to appease him, to get more time for Jane. She must tell him Jane requires more time to consider, or that she has taken ill again—whatever excuse will buy us a few more days.”
Lydia stared at her with growing alarm. “Lizzy, what are you planning?”
Elizabeth paused at the door, turning back to her sister with a smile that felt both terrifying and exhilarating.
“I am planning to solve two problems at once,” she said. “And if I am very lucky, I might even manage it without ruining us all in the process. Has Uncle Morton settled at his townhouse yet?”
Lydia nodded. “Yes, he sent word this morning to let us know he is in London now and wishes to meet us for a luncheon soon.”
