Page 88 of New World Tea Company
“Lizzy and Wickham? But Lizzy…” Jane began to reply but fell silent. Mr Bennet nodded his head to acknowledge his daughter’s unspoken statement.
Mr Bingley did not finish reading the strange letter before handing it to his wife, who seemed to parse her way through it quickly. Jane frowned and said, “I cannot believe that Charlotte has not spoken to her husband about improving his grammar and composition of sentences!”
Mr Bennet said, “I think the man is addled and poorly educated.”
“What will you do, sir?” asked Charles.
“This afternoon, I shall take the carriage and go to London. Tomorrow, I shall appear at Hunsford and bring my daughter home, where she will be safe from Collins and Wickham.”
Charles appeared lost in thought for a moment before he took his wife’s hand and said, “Mr Bennet, perhaps my wife and I can be of service.”
Then Bingley shared his idea to remove Elizabeth from the parsonage in Hunsford. “We shall say that Jane and I were sent to fetch Elizabeth because Kitty and Lydia have fallen ill, and their mother wishes Lizzy’s aid to nurse them back to health.”
Immediately agreeing to her husband’s idea, Jane did not hesitate to suggest a change. “Yes, an illness at Longbourn is the perfect foil to bring Lizzy out of Hunsford unexpectedly. But rather than saying that Kitty and Lydia have fallen ill, we shall say that Mamma is ill. We shall assure Mr Collins that you are not ill, but you want Lizzy at Longbourn to care for Mamma.”
When Mr Bennet was not quick to endorse this plan, Charles added, “The plan will prevent any hint of scandal attachingitself to Elizabeth, Mr Bennet. If you appeared, Wickham and Collins could spread rumours of inappropriate meetings with Mr Wickham or a compromised young lady.”
Mr Bennet frowned, imagining a letter from Mr Collins to Sir William Lucas, and gossip spreading through Meryton as Lady Lucas visited and exchanged remarks with their common neighbours.
Charles added, “And we can leave today as well.”
“Where will you stay in London?” Mr Bennet asked, accepting Bingley’s proposal.
“With the Gardiners in Cheapside,” Charles replied. “An unexpected visit to Olive Street would only excite gossip, and I prefer not to deal with my younger sister until Louisa and Geoffrey are present.”
Without any fuss, Mr Bennet departed for Longbourn while Charles and Jane prepared for an immediate departure for London. Only an hour after Mr Bennet knocked on the door, the Bingley carriage departed Netherfield with Bingley’s coachman and young Mr Hill in the box, while Bingley and his bride were the only passengers. A single trunk was tied to the roof, and few persons in Meryton gave the coach more than a glance as it passed.
Mr Bennet said nothing to his family when they gathered for tea in the afternoon. Mary inquired about the business he had ridden to attend to, and her father replied, “It will require a few days to resolve. I shall tell you all once it is settled.”
~~~
Chapter 40.A Sudden Departure
The morning had passed quickly as Elizabeth completed her work in the parsonage kitchen. At Charlotte’s request, she had taught her friend how to bake the bread served by the Bennet family at Longbourn. The freshly baked loaves sat on the table, cooling while the two women folded the last of the laundry. The maid would carry the baskets above stairs to each bedroom. Watching the servant go about her chores, Elizabeth resolved to tell Mrs Hill and the maids how much she appreciated their work when she returned home.
Charlotte planned to bake some shortbreads to have fresh biscuits when Mr Wickham called this afternoon. While Charlotte enjoyed the gentleman’s visits, Elizabeth felt uncomfortable around the man, and when the hostess went to the kitchen during his calls, Eliza always accompanied her friend.
Seeing Charlotte set about the task of baking, Elizabeth glanced out the window to find the sunshining. She debated reading until time for luncheon but argued with herself,‘Should I walk out? With Mr Darcy leaving Rosings Park, I should not curtail my exercise.’
Her internal argument continued,‘I might meet Wickham on the road to Hunsford. And I would not feel comfortable walking with him…he does not strike me as trustworthy as Mr Darcy. Perhaps a walk to the farms and back. I would not be out of sight of the farmers in the field along that path.’
Her decision made, Elizabeth spoke with Charlotte, who readily agreed to her friend’s decision. Then the visitor hurried above stairs to gather her bonnet, shawl, and gloves. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, the sounds of a coach stoppingoutside the parsonage caught the attention of both women. This drew Charlotte from the kitchen and Elizabeth down the stairs to the door. Setting her bonnet and things on a nearby table, Elizabeth waited while Charlotte opened the door.
While it was early, the women anticipated seeing Mr George Wickham at the door. However, it was not Wickham but a pair of familiar faces.
“Jane? Mr Bingley?” asked Charlotte, the man standing at her door with Jane at his side.
From beside Charlotte, Elizabeth was equally surprised and declared, “Jane? Charles? Why are you here?”
Remembering her manners, Charlotte encouraged, “Mr and Mrs Bingley, come in. Please come in.”
As soon as the couple were inside the parsonage, their hostess offered them tea. But Charles replied immediately, “Thank you, no, Mrs Collins. I fear we cannot remain.”
As she hugged Elizabeth and held onto her sister, Jane revealed the reason for their unannounced visit. “Lizzy, I must tell you that Mamma has fallen ill. Father sent us to fetch you. We must retire to your room and pack your trunk this instant.”
“Ill? How long has Mamma been ill?” asked Elizabeth, her pleasure at seeing her sister transformed into concern for her mother.
Charles played his part in the subterfuge, saying, “Mrs Bennet has been ill only a few days. And we shall leave as soon as your trunk is secured to the top of our carriage.”
