Mrs. Darcy and the Mistaken Mistress

An Elizabeth Darcy Adventure #9

By: Carrie Mollenkopf

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 4 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

“I have just received a letter from Charles. He has invited us to stay at Netherfield for several weeks. They are hosting a gathering for one of the local young ladies. The daughter of Sir Alvin Bixby. Of him, I cannot say much, having met the gentleman but once, but without a mother there would be no one that can see to such things as her coming out and what not. Jane must be in her element with preparations. But I must say, it has been far too long since the children have seen their grandparents. We really must accept. Are you up to a journey so soon?”

To this, Elizabeth could not suppress her utter surprise. The letter from Jane, still held in her fingers, was posted barely a week ago. Yet, there had been absolutely no mention of any sort of social event, especially one of this magnitude. However, on second thought, was it simply fatigue that had caused the oversight? Perhaps all Jane needed was some solid sisterly company?
Nodding in agreement, she kissed Darcy on the forehead and put aside his reservations.
“I am perfectly well, and how good of you to have read my mind. Of late, I have been missing my family.”
“All of them?” Darcy teased, knowing full well what a boisterous crowd the Bennet women made.
“Well, no…but with everyone now married and away, it will be considerably quieter, and Papa always enjoys your company.”
“Indeed, and I his. If you are quite sure then, I shall write to him immediately, but perhaps suggest we stay at Longbourn. That alone will placate you mother.”
With plans agreed, Elizabeth left her husband to compose her own reply to Jane. With an upcoming visit, to Hertfordshire, it would be difficult to stay with Jane and not give insult to her mother, but Elizabeth could still innocently observe her sister for any distress. The distance between Longbourn and Netherfield was but three miles, and easily crossed should the need arise.
*****
Once alone again, and privacy ensured, Fitzwilliam Darcy re-read his own letter. Although he had been truthful with Elizabeth, for he would do nothing else, he had withheld much of what Charles Bingley had written. The party for Miss Bixby had been just an excuse. Bingley was terribly worried about Jane but had not wished to alarm Elizabeth.

“I realize you have many concerns of your own, but if it is at all possible, I believe Jane would benefit by her sister’s company. What I had thought to be a passing whimsy, now has me deeply distressed. I fear that if something does not happen to alter my dear Jane’s thoughts, she will soon slip into madness. I am at a loss as to what to do and now must seek your counsel, for my marriage may depend upon it.”