by Kara Louise
During the course of the morning, Bingley asked my master for some advice on Netherfield and whether he ought to go ahead and place an offer of purchase. I did not understand all the details the men discussed, but in the end, my master advised Bingley to continue to let the place whilst he and Miss Bennet settled in once they married. Then he advised that they consider carefully where they might wish to establish themselves before seeking out a permanent more suitable estate.
As I watched my master give his friend counsel, I was prodigiously proud of him. I could see that Bingley appreciated his wealth of knowledge and to his credit, Bingley’s open nature made it clear that he had not lost respect for him. He listened to my master, eager to avail himself of his wisdom and willingness to help.
I also detected in my master’s comportment a peaceful serenity that I never before had occasion to note. He was a gentleman who had always kept himself under control and good regulation, but now I sensed he was far more relaxed and at peace with himself. It was quite a pleasure to watch.
In surprised delight, I listened as my master inquired of Bingley what it was that he himself wished to do and gave him the advice he needed, but assured his friend that the final decision was his to make. Not more than a year ago, my master would not have hesitated in telling Bingley the exact proper course, never accounting that his friend’s point of view may not be what he wished. Before me now stood a man so softened by love that he encouraged his friend to make the consideration himself.
As the time neared for the two men to depart, they began discussing how they could best extricate themselves away from the rest of the Bennet family and enjoy the company of the two eldest sisters once they arrived at Longbourn.
My master eyed his friend curiously. “Do you always find yourself in the midst of the entire Bennet family?”
“Oh, yes! Especially now that there are wedding details to prepare. Mrs. Bennet wishes to discuss everything with me, whilst I would just as soon leave that to Jane. I would prefer that she spend her time planning when I am away so I can spend some time alone with her when I am there. To own the truth, I care very little about all the details. I care only that at the conclusion of the ceremony we are married!”
My master nodded and I could sense his discomfiture rising. It caused me similar uneasiness at just the thought of Mrs. Bennet being continually in our company.
“I think I may have devised a way for us to assure you of that opportunity.”
“Yes? What do you have in mind?” asked Bingley.
“It is a rather fine day.” My master nodded at the bright expanse of park just outside the window. “Perhaps you might suggest a walk as being most beneficial. I doubt that Mrs. Bennet would wish to accompany us. I trust that such a scheme would be most agreeable to Miss Elizabeth and I would like to ensure that it is she that shares the chaperoning duties with me!”
“Truly, Darcy. Miss Elizabeth?”
I watched as a look -- more of confusion than comprehension -- swept across Bingley’s features but then just as quickly disappeared. “But how are we to do that?”
My master shook his head for a brief moment as if he was not quite sure how. I let out a frustrated bark and he looked down at me. “Reggie!”
“Reggie?”
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth was always fond of Reggie. I shall inform her that he is outside and invite her to step outside to see him!”
“Splendid idea.”
With that decided, the two men went their separate ways to prepare for the visit.
As we entered his chambers, my master looked down at me. “I fully comprehend, Reggie, that you are still not well enough to accompany us on a walk, as much as you would wish to.” Ruffling the fur on my forehead he added, “At least you shall have the pleasure of seeing Miss Elizabeth. I promise I will do everything in my power to bring her outside to you.”
Although I was pleased he was going to bring her out to me, I was disappointed that I would not be accompanying them. Knowing his and Miss Elizabeth’s proclivity for walking, I knew they could likely travel a good distance; far too great for me to endure in my present condition. How I wished I felt more improved than I did!
Saddened by the betrayal of my own infirm body prohibiting me from assisting my master as I should have liked, I clung to his pledge to bring Miss Elizabeth to me. We then set out for Longbourn; all three of us in eager expectation.
As the carriage slowed, I was anxious for my first glimpse. The door was opened and my master assisted as I eagerly stepped out.
“Remain here, Reggie. We shall hopefully return directly.”
I could not sit down and rest. I discerned Miss Elizabeth’s scent so very strongly and wished above anything to go to her. Why dogs are not allowed the same privileges that people are is a question beyond my comprehension. I pride myself on being remarkably well behaved and took umbrage at the fact that I was not allowed entrance into the home along with the gentlemen.
I knew not whether to sit idly and hope to diminish the pain through respite or to walk about, hoping to loosen my muscles and work out the pain. I chose the former, knowing that if I were given the opportunity to walk, I would wish to be as rested as possible. I was well aware, however, that even in taking but a few steps, I was still plagued by a noticeable and painful limp.
After waiting patiently for Miss Elizabeth, I heard the door open. Looking up, I forgot every aching rib and painful muscle as I watched Miss Bennet, one of the younger Misses Bennet, and finally, Miss Elizabeth step through the open entry. My tail wagged with increasing joy as I watched my master walk up beside her and wave his hand in the direction of the carriage by which I was dutifully waiting.
I saw her eyes light up and a delighted smile cross her face, taking that as a sign that I could walk toward her. With a determined effort, I slowly made my way toward her. I sat down when I came to her and lifted up my paw to her. Her bright eyes clouded with concern as she leaned down and gently grasped my paw in her hand.
“Reggie, it is good to see you!”
She tilted her head at me and ran her other hand back over the top of my head. She then looked up to my master with grave concern. I did not miss her questioning look. It was one I beheld often, as people noticed a difference in me since my injury. I had hoped that my display of enthusiasm would hide from her any sign of my weakened and wounded state, but apparently it did not.
She turned her attention back to me and caressed her hand over my head several times. “We are to walk, Reggie. Will you be joining us?”
My tail wagged in willing eagerness, but my master spoilt my hopes. “I fear not. He was injured recently and his recovery has been slow.”
“I am so sorry to hear that. Your presence will be sorely missed, Reggie.”
I gazed at my master in earnest and kept my tail moving, wishing to convince him otherwise, but from the looks upon both of their faces, I knew they would hold firm.
My master looked at me sternly, knowing my wishes. “Reggie, it is no good. You know that you are still not well enough for such exertion.”
He looked over at his friend and Miss Bennet, who had already begun heading down the lanes towards the woods, and then to the younger sister who seemed to be waiting rather impatiently for my master and Miss Elizabeth.
“Shall we go, Miss Elizabeth?” He held out his hand and she turned to me and whispered, “Unfortunately, Reggie, I am needed by my sister, but I give you my word that I will spend some time with you upon our return.”
She reached out and placed her small hand in my master’s and he helped her up. I know it was with great reluctance that he released her hand. I was quite disappointed that he did for more than one reason, as he then picked me up and returned me to the confines of the carriage. “Wait in here, Reggie, where you will be more comfortable.”
I sat upon the seat with my nose pressed firmly against the window watching them depart and let out a huff. I was even more dismayed as my breath obscured the glass and thu
s, my vision. I could not pull myself away, however, and remained fixed in that place until I could see them no longer.
As they disappeared around a bend, a sense of determination overtook me that I would prove my usefulness to them! I looked over at the door, which I had witnessed my master on occasion open himself and wondered whether I could do the same. It was merely a lever; certainly I could do it!
I walked over to it and scrutinized it. Pawing at it gently, it did not appear to be inclined to budge. I reached up underneath it with my nose and tried to give it a push, but it was just as immobile. Not wishing for them to put too great distance between us, I reviewed by options once more.
Pushing and pulling, nudging and poking, I tried everything. Occasionally, I jumped back upon the seat to look out, hoping to see them returning. With each failed attempt, the pain I felt increased greatly, but I became more resolute to open the door!
At length, after trying everything I could imagine several times, the door quite unexpectedly swung open. I know not what I had done differently, but apparently whatever it was worked. I stood there, disbelieving at first, and finally realized I had better set out. Looking down at the ground, I readied myself for the pain of the impact and leapt.
With a thud I landed and my legs practically collapsed underneath me. It was excruciating and I was momentarily rendered motionless. I truly had not realized how my master had taken such prodigious care of me by lifting and carrying me and ensuring that I did not do anything that would unduly aggravate my pain. Now I understood why and my gratitude was manifold.
It took a great amount of fortitude to take each step and I wondered how far I would be able to walk in this condition. I set myself in the direction I had last seen them, confident that my great sense of smell would alert me to any deviation to their path.
My progress was slow and I was forced to confront the fact that there was the strong likelihood that they would walk so briskly that I would not be able to reach them and my attempt would be futile. But I could not remain where I was, so I pressed on.
Each step became more gruelling and just when I thought I could barely proceed any further, I espied them up ahead. Though a heartening sight, all was not as encouraging as I would wish. They were walking, in my humble opinion, at a far too respectable distance from each other. They both had their arms regimentally held to their side and from the looks of the posture of each, I doubted that they had come to any understanding.
As I slowly approached, I watched as Miss Elizabeth’s younger sister turned and set off down a side path. I did not see Bingley and Miss Bennet and wondered what had become of them. The answer soon came upon me as I found them standing off the path in intimate conversation as they gazed in each other’s eyes, completely oblivious to my passing them by.
I slowly approached my master and Miss Elizabeth and heard them discussing Miss Lydia’s wedding and my master’s involvement in it. Miss Elizabeth seemed to be explaining to him how she had come to know of it. With my last final surge of strength, I overtook them, garnering their attention by letting out a whine. Elizabeth responded with a cry of surprise.
“Reggie! How did you manage to come all this way?”
I saw her look to my master with concern.
“You are a determined little fellow. You ought never to have come!” my master spoke sternly, however I could see his deep regard for me in his eyes.
“Yes. He is determined. I like that about him.” Elizabeth looked back down at me. “And you know what you want. You came all this way, Reggie, despite your pain and discomfort.”
She looked to my master with gratitude; her eyes sparkling as she tilted her head and softly spoke. “He is truly devoted to you, Mr. Darcy. He is an excellent dog and you are… you are an admirable master.”
He looked down at me and met my gaze. If there was ever a time to proclaim his feelings it was now and I let out a soft bark to encourage him, but instead, Miss Elizabeth continued.
“Mr. Darcy, let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering my sister and Mr. Wickham.”
I know my master felt grieved that she had come to learn of his actions and I could only hope he would not allow that to prevent his declaration.
“If you will thank me,” he replied, “let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you, might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe, I thought only of you.
We both anxiously looked to Miss Elizabeth. Her eyes were turned to the ground and I could sense she was deeply touched and somewhat embarrassed by my master’s words.
I did not believe her to be feeling awkward because he was professing esteem unrequited. I nudged him with my nose to encourage him to continue.
After a brief pause, my master took in a deep breath, looked down at me, and then back to Miss Elizabeth.
“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
I knew that my master’s heart was pounding mercilessly. I could see from the sweat on his brow as he earnestly awaited her response, but the look of admiration and tender regard in his eyes was unmistakable and if I surmised correctly, quite persuasive.
It was silent for a moment as we awaited her words. Even the woods around us seemed to be holding its breath in anticipation of Miss Elizabeth’s reply.
Though I noted she was unable to meet his gaze, Miss Elizabeth finally stumbled through her answer. “Mr. Darcy, I… my sentiments… I cannot… my sentiments have undergone quite a material change.” As a most becoming blush coloured her cheeks, she added, “I own that I am very pleased to hear your present assurances.”
A great sense of happiness radiated from my master. I had never quite before been witness to a more notable transformation of his features.
“Miss Elizabeth, believe me when I say that I am most delighted to hear those words.”
My master reached for Miss Elizabeth’s hand and held it in his as one would the most precious treasure. Turning it over, he clasped his other hand over it.
Miss Elizabeth was finally able to meet my master’s gaze and I beheld the love and admiration in her eyes. All the trials of the past year were swept away as the liveliness and spark that I had witnessed at Netherfield between the two erased all the misunderstandings, replacing it with mutual love and respect. My master told her of his aunt’s visit and how her words had given him much hope.
They playfully quarrelled over whose behaviour that day at Rosings was the most reprehensible. They talked of the letter that my master had written in the early hours of the morning and delivered to her. He inquired whether it had accomplished what he had hoped and helped her to see some things in the true light. Then my master confessed to the pride he had developed as a child growing up and gave credit to Miss Elizabeth for helping him see it.
“Such I was, from eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but for you,” he brought her hands to his lips, “dearest, loveliest Elizabeth!” He kissed her hand and then her fingers. “What do I not owe you? You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous.”
I contentedly watched as he then took her hand and placed it against his heart. “By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.”
The two then slowly turned and began walking as they continued to talk, insensible of their surroundings and caring little where they went.
I watched as my master placed Miss Elizabeth’s hand atop his extended arm. Instead of leaving it resting there, she slid it around his arm, gently wrapping it with her s
lender fingers. My heart pounded as I saw the joy in both their faces. They had each declared their feelings, there was no other care in the world except the two of them, and everything was as it should be.
Except for me. I could not take one more step. Unfortunately, my aching body decided to betray me and spoil the perfection of the moment. I could do nothing but lie down in the path. As they continued to walk, I dared not utter a sound and disturb their bliss.
Their ardent conversation came to an abrupt halt when Miss Elizabeth looked down and discovered I was not accompanying them. Turning her head and looking back at me, the joyful look in her eyes clouded over. She tugged at my master’s arm, bringing him around.
“Reggie!” my master called out to me.
The last thing I wished to do was bring this perfectly grouped and very touching picture to a halt, but they both quickly returned to me.
My master reached down and picked me up. The pain shot through me and I whimpered.
Miss Elizabeth asked with concern reflecting in her eyes, “What is the matter?”
“He has unfortunately exerted himself far too much. He is likely in much pain. I fear I shall have to carry him.”
I was quite dismayed that with my master carrying me, his arm was no longer available for Miss Bennet. But a few moments later, I felt her hand slip in around his arm, despite the fact that there was little room for it. She then brought her other hand over and stroked my head.
We walked a short distance and then my master inquired of Miss Elizabeth, “Is there some place nearby where we may go and sit? A bench? A rock?”
Miss Elizabeth nodded. “There is a fallen log just off the road up ahead. But I fear we will lose Jane and Mr. Bingley.”
My master turned and not seeing them, he smiled and shook his head. “I fear that they have already lost us.”
She looked back as well and returned his smile. “It appears they have.”
We walked the short distance to where Miss Elizabeth indicated we needed to veer from the path. When we came upon the log, my master set me down on the ground and offered a seat to Miss Elizabeth. He then sat beside her, taking her hand in his.