by APRIL FLOYD
“I am merely being polite, Caro. I suggest you follow my lead or risk your brother's anger. Mr. Darcy is a gentleman with land and money. 'Tis true his wealth is nothing compared to my father, but he is not in Trade.”
Elizabeth words stung her friend and Caroline stomped her way to the drawing room door. She turned and pointed a finger at Elizabeth. “I have never been so insulted Eliza. I have a mind to leave for London this night.”
Elizabeth awoke the next morning to the sound of rain beating against her windows. She sighed as she dearly wished to be outside for a time in order to avoid her friend’s wrath. She had not spoken with Caroline again after their words in the parlor the night before.
When she entered the breakfast room, Bingley and Mr. Darcy were there with Miss Darcy and the newspapers that Bingley had brought from London.
The man from Longbourn smiled at her. “Miss Bennet, you are up early. I thought that ladies who prefer Town slept much later than country folks.”
Mr. Darcy’s greeting was meant to get a rise from her, but Elizabeth would not give him the satisfaction. “I wished to go out and enjoy the countryside this morning, but it seems the rain has only worsened since yesterday.”
Miss Darcy smiled at Elizabeth. “I do so love to walk about the fields between home and Netherfield Park. It is a pity the rain will keep us inside.”
Bingley turned to the young lady he professed to love. “I would take you on a carriage ride if you like, Miss Darcy. I am certain Miss Bennet would join us.”
“I would not leave my cousin for so long, Mr. Bingley, but you are so kind to offer. Perhaps when my cousin is well, we will all go along,” Miss Darcy said, casting her lashes down and blushing.
Elizabeth considered the young lady. She did not seem the type for gamboling across the country on foot. “How is Miss de Bourgh this morning? Mr. Jones seemed most concerned yesterday.”
Mr. Darcy lowered his eyes to his papers and gave them a shake. Elizabeth caught the movement from the corner of her eye.
Her father often did the same when her mother made a point he could not argue. She hid the smile that would be inappropriate as she listened for Miss Darcy’s report of their patient.
“She is the same, I fear. Aunt Catherine must be so worried. I know she would come if the roads were passable,” Miss Darcy said. She seemed genuinely upset.
Elizabeth offered a reassuring reply. “I am certain if you were to write of all that is being done for your cousin, your aunt will have some relief. There are any number of footmen who would take the letter to Longbourn.”
Miss Darcy brightened at this idea. “We are only three miles from home. The fields must be better for walking than the roads!”
Bingley graced Elizabeth with a bright smile and encouraged Miss Darcy. “I assure you any one of my footmen is equal to the task. Why, I should take it myself! I would love to be the first to tell your aunt that I shall throw a ball once your cousin is well.”
Miss Darcy gasped. “Mr. Bingley, how wonderful you are to think of such a thing! My aunt has said you are the best sort of man and I do agree with her.”
Bingley beamed at this praise as he stood and offered his arm to the young lady. “There is paper aplenty and a writing desk in the parlor. If it gives you ease, make use of it to write to your aunt. If you like, I am certain Elizabeth would sit with your cousin for a time while you compose your letter.”
Mr. Darcy looked to Elizabeth and seemed as surprised as she at Bingley’s offer. He stared across the table at her as she began to speak. “Yes, Miss Darcy, you must go with Bingley. Your aunt would be pleased to know you have considered her distress in this unfortunate situation.”
Mr. Darcy spoke up before his sister could leave the room with their host. “I will go with Miss Bennet and watch over Anne so that you may not worry for her.”
Elizabeth meant to say she could manage the task alone, but she could think of worse diversions than sitting by a sickbed in the company of a handsome gentleman. Arguing with Caroline came immediately to mind.
She rose from her seat and waited for Mr. Darcy to come to her side of the table and offer his arm.
Miss Darcy smiled up at Bingley as the pair quit the breakfast room. Mr. Darcy stood and Elizabeth encouraged him to bring his newspapers. “If Miss de Bourgh is able, perhaps you might read to us the news of the day.”
“You surprise me with your interests, Miss Bennet. I would not think many ladies cared for the contents of a newspaper. I do enjoy a lady of wit and intellect, there are so few in Hertfordshire,” he said and Elizabeth thought he must be teasing her.
“My father taught me to read his papers, Mr. Darcy. I assure you I am far more than a spoilt young lady who thinks only of ribbons and lace.”
Offering his arm, Mr. Darcy nodded. “I find not many ladies are so inclined. I cannot think of one in all my acquaintance.”
Elizabeth knew he could never find her equal in the country, nor in Town. It was not false pride that made her certain, but the knowledge that very few fathers taught their daughters to read and manage an estate.
Placing a hand upon her chest, she smiled at him. “There is one for you to think of now. Let us see whether you may impress her as greatly as she has impressed you.”
Mr. Darcy laughed. It was a deep and infectious sound that Elizabeth knew was not given to mock her. She almost dreaded the day she would leave Netherfield Park.
Chapter 4
The next evening after dinner, Mr. Darcy joined the Bingleys and Elizabeth in the parlor. Miss Darcy would not leave Miss de Bourgh, for she was still feeling very poorly.
The trio was busy with Loo when he came in, but Mr. Darcy was invited to join them. He declined and sought a book for his entertainment. Elizabeth admired the man for his choice and frowned when Caroline teased him.
“Mr. Darcy despises cards. He is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else.”
He kept his eyes on his book but answered her censure. “I take such pleasure in reading as I do in a good many things.”
Elizabeth left the Bingleys at their card table. “I take great pleasure in books myself. They are wonderful for the knowledge they hold and adventures not often afforded a young lady.”
Bingley rose to follow after Elizabeth. He looked to Mr. Darcy. “Do not mind Caroline. The country air does not agree with her.”
Mr. Darcy had seen for himself that Bingley spoke the truth. “I imagine a lady as accomplished as your sister would find our society difficult. Denizens of London often think country life beneath them for its lack of frivolous entertainment.”
“Caroline is a dear once you know her better for she is a most accomplished young lady,” Elizabeth said as she sat at the writing desk.
Mr. Darcy’s words of disdain for Town left her irritated but she would not quarrel with him as he was a guest of her friends.
Caroline eyed them all with suspicion for she could not tell whether they teased her or were serious in their conversation.
She left the card table and stopped near where Mr. Darcy was seated. “To be accomplished, a lady must have thorough knowledge of music and painting, dancing, and the modern languages. She must possess a certain something in her air and manner."
Her guest agreed. “There is much truth to your words Miss Bingley. To all that, I say a lady must yet add something more substantial in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.”
Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth as he finished his speech. Caroline did not know how to answer this for she abhorred reading and avoided it unless there was a fashion magazine at hand.
They all were interrupted when Miss Darcy came into the room, her countenance one of great concern.
Mr. Darcy went to her, as did Bingley. “What has happened Georgie? Is it Anne?”
She nodded, tears blurring her vision. “She is much worse, William. I fear for her with night upon us.”
Bingley looked as though he wished to hold Miss Darcy’s hand and
assure her that her cousin would be well, but Elizabeth knew he had not yet taken an opportunity to speak with Mr. Darcy about courting his sister.
Caroline, fearing the look on her brother’s face, would hear of nothing less than sending to Town for one of the most eminent physicians. She wished for Miss de Bourgh to be well again so she might leave Netherfield Park with her relations.
Mr. Darcy would not hear of it. “I shall fetch Mr. Jones and bring my Aunt Catherine to attend her daughter. She would never forgive me if I did not.”
Caroline looked to Elizabeth, her exasperation plain. The Darcys quit the parlor with Bingley close behind.
“If this blasted rain would cease, Miss de Bourgh might recover. It is so cold I feel I may also fall ill.” Caroline wrapped her beaded shawl tighter and shivered.
Elizabeth shook her head at this exaggeration. “You are only ill at the thought of having Mrs. de Bourgh under your brother's roof, my dear. I cannot fault you for that. She is most imperious and might parlay her daughter’s illness into a proposal from your brother. I cannot believe Charles wishes to align himself with that family."
When Mr. Darcy returned to Netherfield with Mr. Jones, another man had joined them and now stood in the entry with Mrs. de Bourgh on his arm. He was of the same height as Mr. Darcy, but dressed in the red coat of His Majesty’s finest.
Caroline hardly knew what to say. Elizabeth watched from the parlor door as Bingley welcomed the new arrival along with the apothecary and Mrs. de Bourgh.
It seemed the soldier was a cousin of Mr. Darcy by the name of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. His easy smile and manner was much like Bingley and Elizabeth thought he would be a better match for Miss Darcy.
No sooner had the thought occurred than Miss Darcy flew down the stairs to join them. She went right into the arms of the colonel and wept on his broad shoulder. “Oh, Richard, I had not known you were to visit! Our poor Anne is most ill, you see. I have been by her side night and day.”
The colonel smoothed her hair and whispered comforting words as Bingley stood watching, his countenance revealing the depths of his despair for Miss Darcy’s tears, and his jealousy at the presence of the dashing colonel.
Elizabeth glanced at Caroline as Mrs. de Bourgh demanded to be taken to her daughter’s sickroom with Mr. Jones. “We have not the time to stand about moaning and crying. Let us go to my Anne and see what might be done.”
Miss Darcy and the colonel were led to the parlor by Bingley while Caroline ushered Mrs. de Bourgh and Mr. Darcy upstairs with Mr. Jones.
Elizabeth stood beside Bingley as introductions were made. The colonel gave a bow and took her hand exclaiming over his good fortune in making her acquaintance. “It is my pleasure, Miss Bennet. I had not thought to meet such a lovely young lady only hours after my arrival in Hertfordshire. I am to be quartered here for the winter. I hope we shall meet again before I must leave.”
Elizabeth smiled at him, for he was charming, amiable, and almost as handsome as his cousin, but without the pride she noted in the latter. “I had not planned to remain at Netherfield for such a time, Colonel Fitzwilliam, but if my plans change it would be a pleasure to know you better.”
Bingley took Miss Darcy’s hand and led her to the chairs before the fireplace, his eyes on the colonel. He spoke of how Mr. Jones would surely cure her cousin. Miss Darcy glanced back at the colonel and he nodded to show he was not far should she require his support.
Elizabeth asked if the colonel would like to sit but he declined. “I have been in the saddle for so many hours, I prefer to stand and stretch my legs a bit. The rain has ceased, Miss Bennet, would you care to walk along the lane with me?”
She wanted to walk most desperately. “If it would not be a bother to have me along. We have only just met.”
He smiled. “You may have a footman accompany us, but I assure you I shall make no untoward advances.”
Elizabeth laughed. He was a breath of fresh air amongst the current occupants and visitors to Netherfield Park, but she wished for Bingley to see him with Miss Darcy.
She hoped to find whether their interaction might place a seed of doubt in her friend’s mind about the young lady’s affections. “I have a capital solution, Colonel. Miss Darcy mentioned how dearly she wished to walk just the other day.”
She called to the young lady before Colonel Fitzwilliam might reply. “Miss Darcy, I know you wished to walk outside. I do not think the colonel would mind if two more were to join our party.”
Bingley attempted to hide his disappointment when Miss Darcy went to her cousin and took his arm in her enthusiasm. “How kind of you to remember, Miss Bennet,” she said, “I would love to visit with my handsome cousin before returning to poor Anne’s side.”
Elizabeth smiled as Bingley reluctantly offered his arm. She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and leaned in close and asked innocently, “They seem quite the pair, do they not?”
Later, after Mr. Jones had gone, Mrs. de Bourgh began ordering the maids about as though she was the mistress of Netherfield Park.
“You, girl,” she called to one of them, “tend the fireplace.” To the other, she motioned with her hand for the servant to leave them. “Too many people hanging about is not good for my daughter’s comfort. She cannot rest for all the coming and going.”
She prattled on as she arranged her daughters pillows. “We must be certain my Anne does not catch a chill. Mr. Jones is capable, I suppose, but I must speak with Mr. Bingley about a physician from Town.”
Georgiana had come upstairs after her walk with Colonel Fitzwillam. She stepped quietly into the room as Mr. Darcy waited by the door. “Aunt Catherine, Anne has been well cared for these past few days. Mr. Jones did say the fever may break soon and all will be well again.”
Mrs. de Bourgh turned and waved her niece out of the room. “I shall see that she is cared for now. You may return home with your brother.”
Anne, still awake after the doctor's examination, objected most fervently. “Please Mother, I must have Georgie by my side. She has kept my spirits up all this time.”
Georgiana meant to soothe her worries. “I would not leave you, Anne. The Bingleys have said I must stay if it brings you relief.”
Mr. Darcy interrupted them, his speech clipped and his eyes dark. “We have much to discuss, Aunt Catherine. Come, leave the maids to do their work. Georgie can look after Anne for a time.”
Catherine de Bourgh eyed her nephew but joined him in the hallway. “Pray, what might be more important than my daughter’s health?”
Mr. Darcy saw through her use of his cousin. He inclined his head toward the room where she lay ill. “Sending her out into the rain was a terrible decision given her poor health. Why would you allow Anne to do such a thing? Was not the invitation for Georgiana alone?”
“Why? Why indeed! You know Georgiana will marry well, for her beauty and good health assure it will be so. But my Anne has neither and Mr. Bingley may be her only hope of catching a wealthy man.”
Mr. Darcy had known his aunt’s wishes for her daughter since Netherfield had been let, but this was outrageous even by her standards. “If Anne perishes, she will catch only the undertaker.”
With that, he turned on his heel and left his aunt to do as she pleased. Mr. Darcy called for his sister and they went downstairs to collect Colonel Fitzwilliam. The party quit Netherfield Park after thanking the Bingleys for their hospitality.
Bingley was most worried when he saw Miss Darcy was to leave with her brother and cousin. He called after the young lady he as she gained the front doors of his home. “Surely Miss de Bourgh wishes for you to remain, Miss Darcy.”
Mr. Darcy answered for his sister though her countenance was one of deep regret for the situation. He would not have her angling for a man. “Aunt Catherine shall see to her daughter. There is no need to burden your family with more of mine.”
Caroline smiled at the retreating backs of the Darcys and the colonel. She turned to Elizabeth an
d whispered. “I wish the de Bourghs were leaving as well.”
Chapter 5
When Miss de Bourgh had recovered and returned home, Mr. Bingley spent a great deal of time visiting Longbourn. He had begun to praise Mr. Darcy and his standing in the neighborhood as well.
One afternoon, in the library, he regaled Elizabeth with the news that Mr. Darcy dined often with the officers of the militia and told her his study held more books than Netherfield’s library.
“That is not a difficult thing, Charles,” Elizabeth said as she glanced at the bare shelves around them. She did not wish to hear more of Mr. Darcy’s best qualities and instead tried again to make Bingley see that Mr. Darcy’s sister did not return his feelings.
Bingley did not take her warning kindly. “You know Eliza, I have always held you in the greatest esteem, but I do wonder why you are set against Miss Darcy. I do love her. Does that knowledge cause jealousy to grow as thorns in your heart?”
Elizabeth was astonished. “It does not! I have always cared for you as though you were my brother, Charles. I saw her smile and laugh with the colonel as much as she did with you, but I will not speak of my reservations again since they offend you. I shall be off to London the day after your ball.”
Caroline had joined come in while they were arguing and promptly gave her opinion. “I shall go with Eliza for I cannot abide this country society a moment longer. Charles, if you truly wish to marry Miss Darcy, I would not interfere for I am dependent upon your good will in all things. I do see what Eliza sees and as a woman, if I were in love with a man, he would have no doubt as to my feelings.”
Bingley looked from one lady to the other and shook his head. “I wish you both would stay but if you leave, I will go too. Do you truly think she cares so little for me Eliza?”
Elizabeth stood and went to her friend’s side. “I wish the young lady did return your devotion for I believe you do love her. How terrible it would be for you to propose and find her heart belonged to the colonel instead.”