Love Never Fails

by Jennifer Joy

  Bingley pulled on his sideburns, having done sufficient damage to his hair. "He did not, but he has his own responsibilities. He cannot watch my aunt too. I would not ask it of him though sometimes I think she would prefer him as a protector over me."

  Darcy leaned forward. "This effectively settles your doubts about staying in Hertfordshire." If the Bingleys left, he would to. And he knew exactly where he would go.

  "Yes, I cannot leave her again. She has proved herself to be untrustworthy and I could never forgive myself if she suffered another accident or brought harm to anyone else. I must return to London where I will stay for the foreseeable future." He looked downcast. All of his illusions of being a property owner, marrying a country beauty, and settling into his own estate surrounded by a small army of children were shattered. Darcy could see it as plainly as writing on his face.

  "I am sorry, Bingley. What can I do to lighten your load?"

  Bingley considered. "My plan is to have Caroline stay with Aunt until we can find her a more suitable companion."

  "What sort of companion do you think best?" he asked, trying to imagine the intrepid sort of valor a lady would need to fill the role of companion to Lady Lavinia Rutledge.

  "She would need to be fairly young. My aunt has enough energy to tire even me. She would have to be strong-willed. Aunt thinks of the craziest schemes and will need someone of an equally strong mind to talk her out of them." Bingley slumped in his chair and threw his arms up into the air. "What I seek is the impossible! Ladies are bred to be docile and agreeable. Where in all of England will I find someone who could last more than a couple days with my aunt?"

  The image of a young lady with soft brown hair and a devilish curl at the corner of her lips which no amount of sadness could erase hopping to the carriage one-footed came to mind. Her stubborn determination had been endearing, though quite inappropriate under the circumstances.

  “I do not see anything to smile about,” grumbled Bingley.

  Darcy wiped his face of all expression. “I apologize, Bingley. Who you seek is a rare find. You should only be so fortunate as to find a lady with the qualities you describe. I will make some inquiries on arriving in town.”

  By all appearances, Miss Elizabeth Bennet would soon find herself in London against her own will. She would not take the decision, made for her by another, calmly. What awaited her in London? Would she be happy? There were too many unanswered questions, and though Darcy imagined that Miss Elizabeth would rather keep herself occupied than accept the charity of her relations— no matter how well-meaning and kind they may be— Darcy could not foresee a situation where she would allow others to continue to make decisions for her.

  As a gentleman’s daughter, he did not expect her to look for work, but perhaps she would benefit from an acquaintance with Lady Rutledge. He would see her more often if she became friends with the elderly lady.

  "Please make no mention to Mother of Mr. Darcy, Uncle. I will never get answers from her if it is known that a single gentleman of fortune touched my ankle and lifted me up onto his horse."

  Uncle looked down at Elizabeth. He held her in his arms, making her feel like she was a little girl again. Before she could protest or resume hopping to the front door after sliding ungracefully out of the carriage, he had scooped her up and carried her toward the front door.

  Aunt's face lit up and she squeezed Elizabeth's shoulder. "He touched your ankle?" She gasped like a girl in knee skirts. "Do tell!"

  Elizabeth looked nervously around her. Mother had an incredible sense of hearing and sight where single gentlemen were involved.

  "I will tell you later in great detail, but let me assure you that it was necessary and Mr. Darcy behaved like a true gentleman would in a potentially compromising circumstance."

  "I would assume so. I do not know much about Mr. Darcy, but I know enough to respect his caution. He has not allowed himself to be caught in some silly scheme by the conniving mothers of single daughters in search of fortune and position in society. Oh, Lizzy, if only you could see Pemberley. I visited the estate when I was a little girl and I remember thinking that it seemed more like a palace than a home. He is not what I would consider the most handsome man I have ever seen," Aunt said with a loving look at Uncle, "but he is much sought after by the members of the ton."

  Uncle’s arms shook, suppressing a laugh. "I love you, Madeline, but even I can see that Mr. Darcy has been blessed, not only in fortune, but in good looks. What say you, Lizzy? Do you think him handsome?"

  Elizabeth felt hot all of a sudden and wished to be inside where she could sit near Mother and her ever-present fan.

  It was impossible to hide being held so close to his face. "There is no denying it." Dearly wanting to change the subject before they entered the house, she added, "There is something so sympathizing and melancholy in his manners. For all that Mr. Darcy may have been blessed, he has suffered greatly."

  Aunt’s arched eyebrows and scheming expression unnerved Elizabeth. "Tis a pity he is here when you are to travel so soon to London with us. Your sprained ankle may turn out to be a blessing, dear. We would never expect you to travel while injured. We can put off our return for another week... give Mr. Darcy a chance to call?" She looked at Uncle, who agreed readily.

  The last thing— and the only thing— Elizabeth wanted was for Mr. Darcy to call at Longbourn. Mother had no tact where her daughters were concerned, and she would ask him outright if he would marry her. She would pry the story out of them and would do her level best to see a compromise from which he ought to protect her reputation by making an offer.

  On the other hand, Elizabeth would be lying to herself if she denied her wish for Mr. Darcy to call. His presence calmed her. And he was undeniably handsome. Were she ever to fall in love, she would hope to fall for someone similar to him. But what was she doing thinking of love? She ought not allow herself to feel such exalted emotions when she must concern herself with the security of her mother and sisters.

  Feeling guilty, she winced as she realized that she had been smiling. Pain was much easier to handle right now than happiness.

  "I am sorry, Lizzy," Uncle said as Hill opened the door for them to enter. "Let me set you in here," he said as he continued into the drawing room and set her down gently on a blanket on the couch.

  Alerted to their arrival, footsteps were heard descending the stairs at a rapid pace.

  Jane was the last to enter after Mother.

  Hugs and greetings were exchanged by all— except for Jane, who immediately noticed Elizabeth sitting with her leg extended over the couch and her boot off.

  Lydia made to slap Elizabeth's foot down from off the pillow she had arranged it on. "Oy, Lizzy, move your leg so that I may sit. You look like Cleopatra lounging on her couch. Shall I bring you some grapes and fan you while you eat them, your highness?" she teased.

  Jane moved to block her blow. "Lydia, choose somewhere else to sit. Can you not see that she is hurt?"

  Mother rushed over and moved Jane out of the way to inspect the sprain. Elizabeth flinched when she poked the puffy skin where her ankle bone should have been.

  Mother shooed Uncle out of the room.

  "Take off your stocking, Lizzy. I want to see how bad it is," she insisted.

  Elizabeth had hoped to avoid looking at her ankle. From the pounding, she knew it would not look pretty… and she was right. Already, she could see the stringy trails of blood vessels covering her inflamed skin. She would have an impressive bruise on the morrow.

  Mother's hands flew to her face. "Oh, my dear. Whatever did you do to twist your ankle so badly?"

  Elizabeth looked at Aunt, who pursed her lips and looked away. Reassured of her silence, Elizabeth chose to give Mother the truth. Well, most of it anyway. "I was walking heedlessly into Meryton and made a misstep. Fortunately, Aunt and Uncle drove by in their carriage and saw me safely home."

  "That is all? One would think that a sprain this bad deserves a more glorious story!
" said Lydia, clearly disappointed.

  "How romantic it would have been had an officer of the regiment chanced upon you. He would have been duty bound to assist you home," said Kitty in a dreamy voice.

  Elizabeth did not much like this turn in conversation. Jane already stared at her in such a way as convinced her that her story was not entirely believable. It was time to change the subject.

  "Mother, Uncle tells me that the reason for their trip here is to convey Jane and me with them to London…" she let her words trail off, knowing that Mother would not let her finish her sentence anyway.

  "That is so. I wrote to them the day Mr. Collins left here for Lucas Lodge. I had hoped that I could trust you to make better decisions, Lizzy, but after your complete disinterest in our future, I felt it best to take matters into my own hands."

  Jane interrupted. "Mother!" She clasped her hands and looked down at the floor, embarrassed when all eyes turned to her.

  Aunt Gardiner pulled the blanket gently around Elizabeth’s foot and called Uncle in to join them. She sat by her in the small space remaining on the end of the couch, patting Jane's hands and smiling weakly at Elizabeth.

  Uncle asked, “Is it as bad as that then?” He looked at Elizabeth.

  “My ankle will heal. It is only that this news of leaving Longbourn so soon… I always enjoy your company and I am not surprised at your generous offer to take us in, Uncle, but… I have not yet left and I miss my home already.”

  Uncle's brow furled and he pinched his chin between his thumb and forefinger. "Fanny, how could you take it upon yourself to make these arrangements without first consulting with your girls?"

  Mother looked shocked. "Did I not just give my reason? I could not trust Lizzy to put the needs of her family first after her refusal of Mr. Collins. Her choice meant the loss of our home! Now, I am not the sort to wallow in my misery. So, I wrote to you. If she and Jane are put in the way of more gentlemen in town, then perhaps she will find someone more to her liking. That is all I want— for my daughters to marry and be happy."

  It was always about marriage with Mother. How many times had Father said, "… you have a mother who will make the best of it…" whenever a difficult situation occurred. He had been right. Her intentions were kind, if not misdirected and poorly executed.

  Aunt Gardiner spoke. "Lizzy cannot travel in her condition. I suggest we stay for a week before journeying back to London. She will be more comfortable that way." She looked at Elizabeth, a knowing glint in her eye.

  Elizabeth smiled at her. She dreaded leaving Longbourn and an extra week was welcome. She had no reason to believe Mr. Darcy would call, so felt only a small amount of anticipation and anxiety that he might.

  Mother nodded. "It is unfortunate, but it cannot be helped. I had so hoped to see my eldest girls settled before Lydia and I followed. Were you able to make the final arrangements for me, Edward?"

  "Yes. The apartment is small, but it is furnished and it is affordable. It has a front room large enough to receive callers just as you requested."

  Elizabeth looked between Mother and Uncle. What would Mother and Lydia need with an apartment? Surely, they would stay at Gracechurch Street with Aunt and Uncle…. Would they not?

  Afraid to ask lest she be dealt another blow, she was relieved when Uncle noticed her confused expression.

  Bunching up his cheeks and sighing deeply, he said, "Let me guess, Fanny. You have not told them your plans, have you?" It was more an accusation than a question.

  Mother's face reddened. “I only look to do what is best for my girls. I have positioned them so that they might find the greatest success. Kitty will marry a regimental officer in Meryton. Mary will marry a clerk or a clergyman through the acquaintances of Mr. Phillips. Jane shall marry a gentleman of means in town. She cannot be that beautiful for nothing. Lizzy shall marry whomsoever she pleases, so long as she marries. With her being so fussy, I thought it best for her to have a wide selection from whom to choose.”

  “Thank you for your consideration,” Elizabeth said sarcastically.

  Mother slapped her fan in her hand. “That leaves Lydia and myself to settle in a small apartment until such a time as our circumstances change.”

  Uncle stared at her with his mouth wide open. “You do have it all planned out, I see.”

  Elizabeth’s chest felt heavy and it became difficult to breathe. “… until such a time as our circumstances change,” Mother had said. What change did she seek? A sinking feeling threatened to leave her light-headed. She had to ask. “Mother, you have arranged our futures to the greatest advantage for what you consider success. What, pray, do you plan to do whilst in town?”

  Mother fidgeted in her chair and vigorously fanned her face. “That does not concern you. Really, Lizzy, I have enough problems as it is without attempting to convince you to agree with me on every point. There are some things which I choose to keep to myself.”

  What was Mother up to? Uncle shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, as clueless as she was.

  Chapter 10

  Mr. Darcy did not call. She had worn the same long-sleeved dress to better conceal his handkerchief for naught.

  Elizabeth spent the following three days rotating between her bed, a couch in the drawing room, and Father’s chair in the study. She propped her foot up on his desk, imagined Mother’s clutter out of the room and the books on the shelves where they belonged, and she would hear his voice in her memory until it faded. Would she forget Father more easily when she left Longbourn? The thought turned her cold.

  She wandered through each room she limped to, memorizing every scratch on the wood floors where she and her sisters played as children; every peel in the wallpaper that Mother disguised behind cleverly placed pictures drawn inexpertly by her daughters; every stain on the rugs and furniture tapestry from a careless placing of a wine glass or saucer with coffee. Memories of happier times kept her company and filled her with gratitude and misery.

  Jane, as Elizabeth expected, accepted her new fate with a cheerful resignation which ought to have pleased her more.

  Mary and Kitty were already gone; their rooms empty and awaiting their next residents. They called every day full of news from Meryton and the latest gossip from Aunt Phillips. It was Mary who told them that Netherfield Park was empty once again. It did soothe Elizabeth’s vanity to know that the gentleman was not present and therefore could not have called.

  Kitty spoke of the regimental officers in their stylish red coats. She was pleased to bask in the many compliments she had received from multiple officers— much to the chagrin of Lydia, who could not imagine a world where Kitty deserved more compliments than she. Then, Lydia would remember that she was to go to London at the height of the Season where she would be flooded with far more compliments than Kitty— who would be stuck in the country. Poor thing.

  Elizabeth stood in front of the couch in the drawing room, testing her weight on her ankle cautiously.

  “My dear, what are you doing? You will make your injury worse.” Uncle Gardiner entered the room wearing his greatcoat and hat. Wherever he was going, Elizabeth wished she could go with him.

  “I am much improved, Uncle. I was only testing to see when I might be able to move more.” She took a step, favoring her right foot. It was uncomfortable, but not unbearable.

  “Please sit down, Lizzy. You make me nervous.”

  With a deep sigh, Elizabeth took a step back and sunk into the couch behind her. The cushions molded to her in the familiar way they had developed over the past few days. “I have been sitting too much lately. I wish I could go with you,” she grumbled.

  Uncle smiled. “I really ought to visit Esther today, and I am curious to see how Mary has settled, as well as Kitty. I have yet to see them in their new home as they have been so good to visit us here.”

  “Aunt Esther is happier than I have ever seen her. She feels that she has gained two daughters. I am happy she treats them thus….” A lump in Elizabeth’s throa
t choked her words.

  Uncle nodded in understanding. “But you miss them. It is to be expected, my dear. I prayed that your father would be able to live long enough to see his daughters happily settled. Of all of my nieces, I knew you would be the most affected by his loss.”

  Elizabeth nodded, still unable to speak.

  Squeezing her shoulder, he said, “It will get easier as time passes. Maybe it will be good for you leave this place.” Mr. Darcy had said as much three days ago.

  Uncle took his gloves out of his coat pocket and slapped them against his open palm. “I must go. I want to post these letters before the carriage leaves for London.” Pulling a blanket down from the back of the couch, he tucked it around Elizabeth. With a kiss on the top of her head, he left the room.

  Elizabeth tried to read to pass the time. Thanks to Mother there were no books in the house, but Aunt had brought a novel with her and Elizabeth was grateful for the distraction.

  What felt like hours had passed when she heard a horse’s hooves speeding up the drive.

  Hill was quick to open the door. It was a message for Aunt and Uncle.

  Immediately searching for Aunt, who was helping Mother direct the packing of their remaining belongings, Hill went upstairs. Elizabeth strained her ears, but only heard silence. The longer the silence grew, the greater her worry intensified. Flinging the blanket off her legs, she limped over to the doorway in time to see Aunt Gardiner come downstairs. There was a flush in her cheeks and a sheen over her eyes. She acknowledged Elizabeth on her way to the door to send a returning message with the man waiting outside.

  Her business done, she turned to Elizabeth. “I am so sorry, Lizzy, but we must leave today. Emma has a fever. Fanny and Jane are already packing your trunk. The rest of your things can come later as we had planned. We must leave as soon as Edward returns.”

  She left to make the necessary arrangements, and Elizabeth hopped up the stairs to help as much as she could.