The Disappearance of Lizzie Bennet by Elizabeth Hopkins

Author:Elizabeth Hopkins [Hopkins, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Elizabeth Hopkins
Published: 2019-09-29T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

The Darcys and Fitzwilliam presented themselves at Gracechurch Street the next day. After giving their cards to the butler, they were escorted to a sitting room where Miss Bennet and her two younger sisters, Mary and Kitty were sitting with another lady. The gentlemen bowed and the ladies curtseyed to one another.

Miss Bennet spoke, “Mr. Darcy, may I introduce you to my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner?”

Darcy noted that she was older than he but dressed in the latest fashion. He then introduced his sister and cousin.

“Welcome to our home. Please be seated and I will call for refreshments” said Mrs. Gardiner.

“Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner,” said Darcy, “we have come to offer our condolences upon the loss of Mr. Bennet and your niece Miss Lydia. I was away at my estate in Derbyshire and only just learned of their passing. I also learned of the disappearance of Miss Elizabeth and want to assure you that I will do all in my power to recover her.”

Mrs. Gardiner was surprised at this statement, but Miss Bennet silently nodded her head. Miss Bennet is aware of our courtship thought Darcy.

“Mr. Darcy, we are all grateful for any assistance you might offer, but I have to ask why someone so wholly unconnected to our family would do so?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.

“It was not announced as yet, but the morning of the Netherfield ball I applied to Mr. Bennet and received his consent and blessing to court Miss Elizabeth. My hope and wishes were that she would consent to be my wife. I told Mr. Bennet as such and we were in agreement. We were to share the third dance together at the ball as her cousin had already claimed the first two sets. But it was not to be. I received an urgent express forcing my immediate return to my estate as my sister was gravely ill and not expected to survive. The missive was a ruse so that I would immediately vacate the neighborhood.”

Miss Bennet gasped “Oh Mr. Darcy who would contrive such an evil deed?”

“At present Miss Bennet, I do not know but Colonel Fitzwilliam and myself do have some suspicions. When your sister is recovered, and she will be recovered, we will have our answers. How is Mrs. Bennet? I note that she is not amongst you. Is she in good health?”

“Our mother is not in good health sir. Since the tragic events, she has taken to her bed and is unwell at this time to receive visitors. The shock of forcing her to leave her home also weighs heavily on her mind.”

“It grieves me to hear of her distress” Darcy replied. “If there is anything I can do to bring her relief Miss Bennet, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Jane Bennet lowered her eyes and spoke softly “You are too kind sir.”

Darcy handed her his card with his direction. “We shall remain in London for the time being, so please send word to Darcy House if I can be of any assistance to your family.

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