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The ladies from Rosings Park did not stay long. Indeed, Elizabeth wondered if Mrs Jenkinson had come only to gloat and tease Charlotte about her predicament, for she continually mentioned the hunt for the poisoner and the hope for an imminent arrest, and smiled to see Charlotte’s discomfiture.
Elizabeth did not escape her interest either, for Mrs Jenkinson was full of eager questions for the scene she had witnessed. She dared not ask Darcy the reason for his presence, but as soon as he had taken his leave the lady’s companion was quick to quiz Elizabeth about her whereabouts that evening and why she and Darcy were together in the graveyard. Even Anne looked wide-eyed with curiosity and Elizabeth wondered with a sinking heart if such gossip would arise as to cause a scandal.
She had no intention of revealing the real reason of her expedition, nor any inclination to explain the encounter with Darcy at the Widow Mags’s cottage. She hoped that with the graveyard being attached to the parsonage, any excursion there would be accepted as similar to a sojourn to the gardens and therefore excite little further interest. Thus she said that she had encountered Darcy by the church while she was taking a turn about the graveyard.
“A turn about the graveyard?” said Mrs Jenkinson incredulously. “What attraction can there be walking amongst the gravestones?”
“Perhaps it is not to popular taste, but it is a pleasure of mine,” retorted Elizabeth. “And I have no fear of ghosts and ghouls to stop me from enjoying the evening atmosphere. Indeed, I find the engravings on the tombstones fascinating. They provide a glimpse into the rich history of the lives of those before us.”
Mrs Jenkinson still looked sceptical, but she let the subject drop. Elizabeth was relieved when they took their leave soon after. She was pleased, however, to see Anne de Bourgh, and when the latter pressed Elizabeth’s hand as they were leaving and invited her to a tour of the park together the next day, Elizabeth gladly accepted. With polite farewells, the ladies at last departed.
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In spite of Mrs Jenkinson’s dampening presence, Elizabeth was looking forward to the walk with Anne the next morning. An unexpected pleasure awaited her, however, when she came downstairs to break her fast with the family: a new letter from London and more news from Jane. Elizabeth could scarce eat her breakfast fast enough to enable her to return to her room and read the letter.
My dearest Lizzy,
I cannot wait any longer to write to you and impart my news. I hope I am not premature in my happiness, but I know you will not laugh at me, Lizzy, for sharing these confidences. I have seen much of Mr Bingley since I last wrote to you—indeed, he has been waiting upon us with flattering frequency and rarely a day goes by without some engagement that involves his society. It is such joy to attend events with Mr Bingley as my escort. His ease and cheerfulness renders him the most agreeable addition to any evening party.
His attentions to me have been particularly pronounced and charming, so much so that I have dared to let myself hope that he may as yet care for me. We attended a small assembly yesterday and Mr Bingley went so far as to offend the host by standing up with me for two dances and neglecting his duties to the other ladies. He has made me so happy by telling me that he was totally ignorant of my being in town until we had met at the recent recital and that, had he known, he would have found a way to renew our acquaintance sooner.
His sisters certainly do not perceive his behaviour towards me with any approval. They are no friends to his acquaintance with me which I cannot wonder at since he can choose so much more advantageously in many respects. But though I am loath to give pain to anyone, I would not welcome their interference. I am resolved to put my own happiness before theirs.
I must say no more—indeed, I may be premature in my tender speculations. Oh, Lizzy—do I hope too much? But I will hold on to the wish that I may write again soon and with even happier news.
Your affectionate sister,
Jane
Postscript. You may be interested to hear that I had a letter from Longbourn today and it appears that George Wickham has been sighted on the roads leading to the Northern counties. There is some speculation that his destination may be Derbyshire, where it is rumoured that he spent his childhood. Kitty and Lydia are still unable to relinquish their romantic notions of the highwayman, though I have counselled them to remember his criminal status. It is to be hoped that with his departure from Hertfordshire, their energies will be directed elsewhere.
Elizabeth put the letter down, her mind whirling with a mix of thoughts and emotions. The news of Bingley’s renewed courtship she received with great happiness and little surprise. She was confident that all would be speedily concluded to the satisfaction of all parties, so long as no other persons sought to obstruct the couple’s courtship. The contrivances of Bingley’s sisters gave her a little concern, for she understood Bingley’s easy temperament well enough now to know that he was particularly susceptible to the malicious persuasion of others. But the fact that he had defied their good opinion in order to renew his suit of Jane gave hope that he could withstand their meddling. She could only hope that an engagement would be speedily announced before further obstacles arose to hinder Jane’s happiness.
The other news she received with some perturbation. She was still embarrassed by her previous good opinion of George Wickham and for having been taken in by his easy charm and smooth manners. Indeed, he had caused her to almost become an accomplice to crime at the Netherfield ball, and her mistake had almost cost Jane not only her reputation but her freedom and her life. Though it had been months now since that event, Elizabeth still thought of that episode with shame and horror. She rejoiced now at the news of Wickham departing for the Northern counties; the farther he was away from Meryton, the better for all concerned. She wished heartily that their paths need never cross again.
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The letter was still very much on Elizabeth’s mind as she made her way across to Rosings Park to keep her engagement with Anne de Bourgh. She found the other girl eagerly awaiting her arrival on the front steps of the great house.
“I have managed to escape Mrs Jenkinson’s supervision,” said Anne excitedly on greeting. “She is busy tending Mother and we are free to make a tour of the park alone.”
It was exactly the news that Elizabeth had wished to hear and she congratulated the other girl on her liberation. Then she noticed that there was an unusual amount of activity around the great house—servants rushing inwards and outwards, their faces tense and grave. She asked Anne what the commotion was about.
“My cousin, Mr Darcy, has ordered a search to be conducted of the entire house,” Anne explained. “He wants every cupboard emptied, every shelf examined, every corner explored. He believes that there may be a bottle of the syrup of colchicum concealed amongst someone’s possessions.”
Elizabeth wondered if Mrs Poole and Mrs Jenkinson were anxious about the search, but not wishing to alarm Anne, she did not pursue the subject. They set off together, walking slowly and holding their bonnets tightly against the strong wind. It was not the most auspicious day for a walk, the weather having continued grey and blustery, though at least there was no sign of rain on the horizon. Elizabeth wondered fleetingly if being out in such elements was wise for one of Anne’s delicate constitution, but the other girl was wrapped up warmly in a fur-lined pelisse and cashmere scarf, and the pinch of the wind seemed to be bringing a bit of colour to her cheeks.
Elizabeth found Anne a delightful companion. Though shy and unused to expressing her own opinions, she was intelligent and well bred, and keen to contribute to the conversation. Elizabeth enjoyed teaching her the art of banter and the joys of the ridiculous. There had been much severity in Anne’s life and the girl embraced lightness and frivolity with the fervour of a plant starved of water in a desert. After a while, the conversation turned to more serious topics and Anne expressed great sorrow over Charlotte’s plight.
“Do not worry—I intend to clear her name. I shall not rest until a full investigation has been conducted and the real culprit found,” said Elizabeth grimly.
“Mother will soon be well. I wish this could all be forgot,” said Anne hesitantly. “Why must there be a continued investigation?”
Elizabeth looked at her in surprise. “Well, aside from the issue of Charlotte’s good name and the concern that the poisoner may make another attempt on your mother’s life, it is important that justice is done,” she said. “Such wickedness deserves punishment and imprisonment, do you not agree?”
Anne dropped her eyes. “Y-yes, I suppose. Though... perhaps the poisoner is regretful now of his actions and wishing to make amends. I mean... Mother does say the most unkind things sometimes and one cannot help but feel sorry for those... well, who have been humiliated by her.”
Elizabeth glanced sharply at the other girl. She wondered suddenly if Anne knew more about the affair than she had disclosed. But who was she trying to protect? Mrs Jenkinson? It seemed strange that the girl should hold the older woman in such regard, given Mrs Jenkinson’s acerbity, but years of living together must have bred some affection. Moreover, with Anne’s isolation and lack of access to society, Mrs Jenkinson would constitute one of her few friends.
“Miss De Bourgh... if you know anything which may help solve the mystery of the poisoner’s identity, you must not keep it to yourself,” Elizabeth said gently. “I know you do not wish to bring pain to those close to you, but you must do what is right and not shield those who do not deserve your protection.”
“I... I... I do not know anything,” Anne stammered. “I... I spoke of generalities, not particulars.”
Seeing that the girl was becoming distressed, Elizabeth let the matter rest. They were walking through the groves on the south side of the park now and she noticed that Anne’s face was flushed with exertion.
“Would you like to return?” she asked. “I hate to sound like Mrs Jenkinson, but it would not do to overexert yourself and make yourself ill.”
Anne looked wistfully ahead to where the land sloped upwards to a small hill. At the top of the hill stood an old folly—a stone tower which resembled a lone castle turret, complete with medieval ramparts and wrought iron door.
“That used to be my favourite place when I was younger,” she said. “There are the most wonderful vistas of the park from the top of the tower.”
Elizabeth followed her gaze. “Can one access the tower easily?”
Anne shook her head. “In point of fact, it had been locked up and never used since my father’s time. When Edwin—I mean, Mr Hargreaves—used to come and visit, we would try to gain entry to the folly, but Mother always forbade it.” She glanced at Elizabeth and gave a slightly mischievous smile. “Then on his last day during one visit, Mr Hargreaves urged me to make one more attempt. We knew that old Peters the gardener kept the key to the folly door... and luck was on our side! We managed to pilfer the key, but Mrs Jenkinson caught us before we could make our way to the folly. Mr Hargreaves left with his parents the next day and that was the last time I saw him for many years. But the key had remained in my possession and when I next found an opportunity, I made my way to the folly and let myself in...” She sighed at the memory. “It was so wonderful to finally have a quiet place of my own, away from the strictures of Mother and Mrs Jenkinson. No one knew of my secret hideaway. It was my greatest pleasure to spend a few hours daydreaming there as I gazed upon the landscape.”
“It does sound wonderful,” agreed Elizabeth. “Do you go there often still?”
Anne shook her head sadly. “It has been many years now that I have not been able to visit the folly. Mrs Jenkinson keeps a close watch on me and does not allow me to take long walks alone anymore—nor am I permitted to be alone with Mr Hargreaves. I cannot take my phaeton there; aside from the lack of roads, any request at the stables would surely reach my mother’s ears and that of Mrs Jenkinson as well—and I would forfeit my solitude.” She gave a wistful little smile. “I had been hoping that today we might have been able to visit together.”
“There will be other opportunities,” said Elizabeth encouragingly. “If you but take a walk every day, you will soon find that you cover distances more easily. It is how I began and I am now a great walker, rambling well across the countryside back in Hertfordshire. I am sure that the benefits of daily exercise, fresh air, and sunshine will do wonders for your strength and vitality.”
Anne looked slightly more hopeful and nodded. “Yes, I have been enjoying much greater independence in the past few days as Mrs Jenkinson has been preoccupied with tending to Mother. I had not realised how much she dictated my daily activities until this recent release from her supervision. Perhaps my successful autonomy this week will convince Mother and Mrs Jenkinson that I can have greater control over my own time and interests.”
Elizabeth was of a more cynical bent and she strongly doubted that Mrs Jenkinson would be quick to relinquish her charge. However, she had no wish to discourage Anne so she agreed with the other girl’s sentiments as they turned back and began their return to the main house.
