Page 119 of Miss Bennet's Dragon
I was still surprised when Jane joined the conversation. She was as frail as ever, but her eyes were brighter than they had been in weeks. Months.
Mr. Bingley, of course, thought answering questions from Jane was normal. “I was an utter fool,” he said bitterly. “Convinced I had deluded myself and—” He stopped, suddenly aware of his audience of intrigued ladies. “I have not the words to say everything I wish. But my return all came down to Darcy. He sent an extraordinary letter. That was during your visit to Pemberley, I believe, Miss Elizabeth.”
“That cannot be more than five weeks ago,” I said. “I thought the post to America was ten weeks. Each way!”
“By post, perhaps. But this was a ship that sailed from Liverpool with the sole purpose of finding me. An astounding new schooner of an innovative American design. They have not even settled on a name for the class of vessel. I gather it may be called a clipper.”
I was still struggling to believe he was here. “But how did you return so quickly?”
“The same way. The ship was sent to scoop me up and bring me home. The crossing was astounding! If I had not been sick as a dog half the time, I would become a sailor this moment. We flew over the waves, full canvas rigged even in the highest winds.”
“You cannot mean that Mr. Darcy hired aship?” The cost of a crossing was immense.
Mr. Bingley laughed. “You are not thinking like a Darcy! Hepurchaseda ship. The captain had never seen such a transaction. Three hours, done, and Darcy was turning for his carriage. But the captain insisted he rechristen the ship before he left. Some tradition, I gather. These seafarers are all superstition. And you should hear their language! It would make a Londoner blush. Before I knew it, I was shouting the occasional ‘drat!’ myself.”
“Mr. Bingley!” My mother’s brows furrowed. Apparently, a gentleman embracing Jane in our parlor was acceptable, but oaths were another matter.
“I assure you, drat is nothing by their standard.” He gave me an amused smile. “The ship had your name, Miss Elizabeth.”
I was sitting in stunned silence at the idea of Mr. Darcy purchasing a ship and returning to Pemberley, all in less than a day. I had thought he posted a letter.
Mr. Bingley’s words sank in. “Named for a queen, I should think,” I said primly. “Elizabeth is popular for ships.”
“Ah. But the ship was namedLizzy!” My face exploded scarlet as he continued, “The crew enjoyed the name greatly! We were battling through a squall,and they were up in the rigging, shouting, ‘Turn, Lizzy, you sea bit—’?” His lips snapped closed mid-word.
In the pause, Mrs. Hill tried again. “Shall we lay out your clothes, Miss Bennet?”
Jane shook her head, but Mamma stood. “Come, Jane. You must be presentable.” She drew Jane away. “I am sure you can wait, Mr. Bingley. We shall be down promptly.”
“I am at your service,” he said gallantly, and Mamma and Jane vanished toward the stairs.
I rose to follow, but Mr. Bingley said, “Miss Elizabeth. I wonder if we could have a word?”
His tone was serious, and I realized how critical this visit was. Here I was listening to stories and blushing like an idiot when all that mattered was Jane. Her life was at stake.
“Shall we step outside?” I said. That was proper for a private conversation.
We went out the front door. Mr. Bingley did a slow revolution, admiring the scorched earth and trampled flowers.
When he was done, I began. “For Jane’s sake, we must be frank. Your return is remarkable and most welcome. But you did not say why you have come.”
“Darcy wrote that Jane was dangerously unwell. And he expressed great remorse for… a disagreement he and I had before I left. It would embarrass him if I explained. But if it is important, I will do so.”
That would be Mr. Darcy’s false claim that Jane was not in love with Mr. Bingley. “He has told me already. Did he explain the nature of Jane’s illness?”
“He said it was aggravated by my departure. And that I should speak to you and believe every word you said. I confess I have missed Jane desperately since I left. It was wonderful to hold her again. But she is wasted away to nothing.”
They had embraced before, then. That, and the ease with which they called each other Jane and Charles, revealed that more had passed between them than I knew. But that was good.
“I will be extraordinarily blunt,” I said. “If saying this offends you, all is lost in any case. Jane’s health will deteriorate until she marries and binds. Time is short. It may be counted in days.”
He gave a nervous laugh. “I admit I had a hint of what you might say.” He fished in his pocket and drew out an official document. “When we landed, I was met by a message from Darcy. He included this. A special license for marriage.”
Another miracle. English law required calling the banns for three Sundaysbefore the wedding. But the Church could issue a special license to expedite a ceremony. The Bennets had neither the funds nor the influence to acquire one, but a Darcy was another matter.
Mr. Bingley bit his lip and furrowed his brow, becoming quite determined. “Your bluntness is welcome. I wonder if Miss Bennet has returned.”
“Let us see,” I said, and we went in.
