by Wendi Sotis
If so, why would she warn me he is coming to Meryton?
That thought made him restless, and he again paced the room. Several minutes passed before he stopped at a south-facing window.
I should take Georgiana far away from here and forbid her from corresponding with the Bennets ever again!
A desperate need to protect Elizabeth overcame all other emotions. He sighed heavily, releasing a long, shaky breath.
Elizabeth’s motives are of no consequence when I care too much to leave her open to Wickham’s persuasions. He shook his head. I cannot leave her.
Staring out the window towards Longbourn, a mere three miles away, he said aloud, “You were correct, Elizabeth. Logic does not dictate the yearnings of the heart.”
~%~
October 14, 1811~ Netherfield Park
“Oh, Caroline! Do not tell me you have invited them yet again!” Louisa whined. “After your last plan ended in failure, I thought you would not attempt it another time.”
“Now, now, Louisa,” said Caroline, holding very still while her maid refreshed her coiffeur. “This is why I did not tell you sooner. You agreed that exposing the Bennets was a good scheme. How was I to guess that their aunt grew up in that little village near Pemberley and Mr. Darcy was already aware of the Bennets’ connexions? One would think if he knew, he would have nothing to do with them!” Caroline sighed. “Miss Darcy asked specifically that I invite them to dine today.”
“But must you give in to all of Miss Darcy’s whims? I would rather be alone than to spend another afternoon with the Misses Bennet in such a manner. It is bad enough that Miss Darcy barely opens her mouth except to speak of them—why encourage her by inviting them here?”
“Only for now, dear. She needs to see them with us without the distraction of other company so that she can compare their behaviour to our own.” Caroline smiled at herself in her dressing table mirror. “And once I am her brother’s wife, she will have to follow all my whims.”
“At least you had the decency to invite them when the gentlemen will be dining at Colonel Forster’s. I do not think I could stand another evening of watching Charles fawn over Miss Bennet,” Louisa replied. “Do you think it is worse this time?”
“What is worse, Louisa?”
“The way Charles behaves towards Miss Bennet—his attentions seem more serious than I have seen with other ladies in the past.”
“The words Charles and serious should never be used in the same sentence, especially when referring to a lady.” Caroline sniggered. In response to her sister’s worried expression, she continued, “Of course not! Do not be silly. He always seems serious in the beginning, but then another pretty lady catches his eye and the former is forgotten. Charles’s infatuation only adds to our list of reasons to get far away from Hertfordshire as quickly as possible. As soon as we are in London, someone else will cause his mind to stray away from Jane Bennet—someone much more suitable, I am sure.”
The maid indicated she was finished. Caroline turned her head, examining her hair from several angles in the mirror. Satisfied, she rose. “We should go down now. There is no sense in being late and risk leaving Georgiana alone with the Bennets—even for a moment!”
~%~
“Poor Mama!” Elizabeth exclaimed as the Bennet carriage pulled away from Longbourn. “Did you see her disappointment when she realized the invitation was addressed to us both?”
Jane’s only answer was a deep blush.
“I do believe that if Papa had two horses suitable for ladies, Mama would have forced us both to ride. The choice seemed quite difficult for her to make, but the notion of what my gown would look like after walking alongside as you rode for three miles was too disturbing to her.” Elizabeth chuckled then looked up at the dark clouds gathering. She cringed as she thought that her mother’s original, unfulfilled plan would probably have been successful in that, most likely, they would have been required to stay the night. “It is a good thing she did change her mind, or we would have been soaked through. Even travelling by carriage, I am not at all certain we will arrive at Netherfield before the rain begins.”
The two were quiet for a time before Jane said hesitantly, “Lizzy... I am sorry that Mama continues to speak of Mr. Darcy in such a manner.”
Elizabeth did not remove her gaze from the window on her side of the carriage in an attempt to hide her discomfort at the reminder of their mother’s almost constant prattle. “Yes, she is quite determined that you should have Mr. Darcy for your husband.”
~%~
I cannot believe the Bingley sisters persist in this rude way! Elizabeth muffled a sigh and looked away from Caroline, who was cheerfully grilling Jane about Mr. Gardiner’s business concerns—again.
Elizabeth glanced across the table at Georgiana, who sat between Miss Bingley and Jane, and across from Mrs. Hurst. She wondered if anyone else in attendance had noticed that Georgiana had spoken only once all afternoon, to praise Mrs. Gardiner. The remainder of the day, the poor girl’s countenance had alternated between trying to hide her wide-eyed shock, directed at Mr. Bingley’s sisters, and her apologetic looks were directed at Elizabeth herself. Just now, as she caught Elizabeth’s gaze, Georgiana wore the latter expression.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded slightly.
I am grateful that Georgiana sees the reason behind their efforts, as today’s performance seems to be entirely for Georgie’s benefit. Even Jane must not mistake their intentions this time; she has been in high colour since shortly after we arrived.
Elizabeth turned to her right to gauge Mrs. Younge’s opinion of this interrogation, but, as was more usual than not, the features of Georgiana’s companion betrayed no emotion. Elizabeth returned her attention to her meal in an attempt to keep her promise to Jane and remain civil.
A few moments later, Georgiana exclaimed, “Jane, are you well?”
Elizabeth looked up to find Jane drooping over her plate, her head in her hands. Georgiana slipped her arm around Jane’s shoulders to steady her.
“Jane!” Elizabeth sprang from her chair and rushed around the long table.
“She is burning up!” Georgiana declared, just as Elizabeth reached them.
Jane seemed barely aware of what was going on around her. “Lizzy?” Jane whispered.
“I am here, dear.” Elizabeth could feel her sister’s fever through the material of her dress as she wilted further, leaning into Elizabeth.
“Oh, poor, dear Jane,” Caroline drawled. “Is there anything we may do?”
“Perhaps you should call for their carriage, Caroline,” Mrs. Hurst answered.
As Elizabeth opened her mouth to request that Jane be brought into another room so that she could recline on a sofa, Georgiana responded more sharply than Elizabeth had ever before heard her speak, “You would send Miss Bennet out in this pouring rain?” The young lady then turned to Caroline. “When Mrs. Withersfield fell ill at Darcy House, my brother felt she would catch her death if she stepped out into only the damp night air. He insisted she stay with us until she was well enough to be moved.”
Mrs. Hurst huffed audibly.
Elizabeth caught a scowl of displeasure cross Mrs. Younge’s face. Furrowing her brow, Elizabeth dipped a napkin into Jane’s glass, then dabbed at Jane’s temples. Does she disapprove Mrs. Hurst’s reaction or Georgiana’s speaking up? Or does she suspect Jane of acting a part?
Glancing at Caroline, Elizabeth found a storm brewing behind those pale blue eyes. However reluctant she may have been to have Jane as a guest at Netherfield, Elizabeth felt confident that Caroline would do the right thing in order to impress the Darcys.
Caroline lifted a small bell from the table, and a high-pitched tinkling rang out. The footman stationed behind Caroline’s chair took a step forward in answer to the call. Had Elizabeth’s concern for Jane not been paramount, she would have laughed at the absurdity of the display.
“Miss Bennet is ill. Have a room readied to receive her.”
~%~
“I wish only to be of assistance, Lizzy,” Georgiana said, glancing at Mrs. Younge’s stern visage.
Elizabeth stood by the half-open doorway of Jane’s chamber. “I am sorry, Georgiana, but Mrs. Younge is correct. We cannot allow you to enter unless Mr. Darcy gives his permission. From all that I have heard, even now you are not fully recovered from the influenza of last winter. I will not risk your health by exposing you further to Jane’s illness.” Elizabeth took Georgiana’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I promise to send word of Jane’s condition after the apothecary sees her.”
Georgiana stepped slightly to the left and looked over Elizabeth’s shoulder to where Jane lay in bed. Bowing her head in defeat, Georgiana turned and walked away.
Elizabeth closed the door and approached the bed where Hanna, a maid who had been summoned to assist with Jane’s care, was wiping Jane’s brow with cool water. Hanna said, “I think Miss Bennet’s fever’s still risin’, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “Will you continue to sit with Jane for a few minutes? I should write a note to my family. They might be alarmed if they hear that we have sent for Mr. Jones.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Hanna, it is strange hearing you call me Miss Elizabeth or ma’am—you can call me Lizzy when we are alone. We have known each other forever!”
Hanna’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. “No, ma’am, I can’t. Once I turned old enough to work, my Ma says I always have ta’ talk proper, no matter what!”
Elizabeth smiled. “All right, but I would not take offense if you slipped up from time to time.” Jane moaned, and Elizabeth’s smile disappeared. “I know you will take good care of Jane, Hanna, but I would not feel comfortable leaving her like this.” She walked over to a small table where Hanna had placed the writing supplies and began her letter.
~%~
“I apologize for the time it took me to get here, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Jones laid opened his bag of supplies on the table Elizabeth had been using as a writing desk earlier in the day. “The entire Long family is ill.”
“I hope it is nothing serious?” Elizabeth’s statement came out more like a question.
“We shall see.”
“Mr. Jones, Jane accompanied my mother to see Mrs. Long two days ago.”
The apothecary’s frown was his only reply.
Jane was only partially aware during Mr. Jones’s examination. As Jane had not mentioned feeling ill before she swooned, there was very little Elizabeth was able to say in answer to his questions.
While returning his supplies to his bag, Mr. Jones declared, “Miss Bennet seems to be suffering from the same malady as the Long family.” After donning his coat, he reached into a pocket. He removed a vial containing dried herbs from his pocket and handed it to Elizabeth. “Steep this mixture twice as long as you normally would for tea. Miss Bennet should sip a little at a time, four times a day. I’m afraid I have no more with me now; I will inform Netherfield’s housekeeper to expect a boy to come ’round with a package for you later this evening. Included in the parcel will be a blend that you, Hanna, and any other caretakers should take instead of tea until Miss Bennet’s fever has broken. I will also enclose laudanum should Miss Bennet become too uncomfortable to sleep.”
“Mr. Jones, as I have not been invited to stay at Netherfield, I will inform Hanna of your instructions.”
His eyebrows rose high on his forehead. “Your sister will be more comfortable with you here. I will see to it.”
Elizabeth smiled gratefully. “Thank you, sir.”
He lifted his bag and took a step towards the door, then hesitated and turned to face Elizabeth. “You say Mrs. Bennet called on the Longs along with your sister?”
She nodded.
“I shall stop at Longbourn to check on Mrs. Bennet on my way home and return here in the morning.” He looked at Jane, sleeping fitfully, and then returned his gaze to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, I trust your opinion. If you feel your sister’s condition requires my presence, you need only to send for me. I will come as soon as I’m able.”
His grave tone concerned Elizabeth further.
Mr. Jones added, “But do not worry, Miss Elizabeth. Miss Bennet is young and strong.”
With that, Mr. Jones quitted the room.
~%~
October 16, 1811
The night was long. Hanna never left the Bennet sisters’ room except to fetch hot water for the medicinal teas and cold water for Elizabeth to use to cool her sister’s fever. Jane finally fell into a sound sleep about the time dawn broke. With much coaxing, Hanna made certain that Elizabeth had taken something to eat before Hanna retreated to her own room for some rest.
Elizabeth lay down beside Jane and dozed lightly until a noise woke her. After finding Jane still sleeping, she sat up to look around the room.
“Sorry ta’ wake ye, ma’am,” whispered a maid Elizabeth recognized from the day before as she curtsied slightly, her arms full of fresh linens and a tea service. “Mr. Jones sent more tea for Miss Bennet. Mrs. Robinson says I can help Miss Bennet so’s ye can get some sleep. I always nursed me father an’ three brothers, Miss Elizabeth.” She put down her load and stoked the fire.
Elizabeth slipped from the bed and answered quietly, “Thank you, Agnes, but if you help, you must take the same tea as I do.”
“Yes’m. Mr. Jones said so. If ye’d like, there’s fresh water in the basin in the dressin’ room. I made up the bedchamber beyond for ye’ and laid out a night shift. A man brought gowns, too.”
Elizabeth laid her hand on Jane’s cheek and forehead and moved away. “Her fever is lower, I think.” Elizabeth pulled the pins from her hair, shook it out, and began to plait it. “Please, wake me when Mr. Jones arrives. Can you help me with the top buttons of my gown? I can get the rest myself.”
Agnes did as she was asked, and Elizabeth was about to walk through the door connecting the two bedchambers when there was a tapping on the door to the hallway. Elizabeth gestured that she would answer it herself. She rushed into her bedchamber, opened the door to the hallway, and peeked out. When she saw it was Georgiana, she waved her friend into her chamber.
~%~
Darcy and Bingley stood as Georgiana and Mrs. Younge entered the breakfast room. Darcy moved to help his sister and her companion with their chairs.
Once everyone was settled, Bingley asked anxiously, “Do you know how Miss Bennet fares?”
“Miss Elizabeth reports that Miss Bennet is feeling a little better this morning and is resting more comfortably,” Georgiana answered.
“And Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy asked and then wished he had not. Neither Georgiana nor Bingley seemed to recognize his interest in that lady, though he was unsure about Mrs. Younge, who always seemed to try to blend into the background whenever in company. He was certain that had Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst been present, his question would not have gone without comment.
“She said that she is only tired, but she does not look well, Fitzwilliam. I am concerned that Lizzy will fall ill, as well.”
Darcy frowned. “What was her answer as to whether or not I should send for our London physician?”
“When Mr. Jones comes this morning, she will ask if he thinks it is necessary.”
“I have heard only the best about Mr. Jones,” Bingley said, “but if Miss Elizabeth feels a doctor necessary to ensure Miss Bennet’s well-being, one will be sent for directly.”
~%~
“Come, now, Jane. Mr. Jones said you should try to take some nourishment.” Elizabeth assisted her sister with taking another spoonful of broth. She knew very well that Jane was forcing herself to eat in order to please her.
Jane closed her eyes and rested her head back on the mountain of pillows Elizabeth had piled behind her. Having delayed the inevitable for as long as was possible, Jane swallowed and grimaced.
“Perhaps you should take some laudanum for the pain in your throat and head?”
Jane a
nswered hoarsely, “It makes me sleepy. I do not want to leave you alone.”
“Well then, perhaps I will leave you with Agnes or Hanna and dine with the others instead of having a tray brought up here. Would you rest then?”
Jane smiled as well as she could, which was not much at all.
~%~
Elizabeth dressed for dinner and, after seeing Jane was well situated, slipped into the hall to make her way to the dining room.
As she approached a footman stationed in the hallway, she hesitated. “Roger, is that you?”
The footman’s eyes shifted to search the corridor. Finding no one else present, he smiled. “Yes, Miss Elizabeth.”
“I heard you were working as a footman, but in Sussex.”
Roger nodded. “I was, ma’am, but the house were closed when the master passed on. On my ways ta’ London lookin’ fer work, I stopped to see me family. Me sista’ tol’ me there was jobs at Netherfield, wit’ the new master and all, so I took a chance. ’Tis nice bein’ close ta’ home.”
~
As Darcy approached his chamber door leading to the hallway, he could hear Elizabeth’s voice beyond it. The well-oiled hinges made no noise as he opened the door and stepped out into the corridor. He was not prepared for what he found.
Elizabeth stood before a tall, handsome footman, who was smiling from ear to ear under the lady’s attention.
Elizabeth said, “That livery makes you look almost distinguished, Roger.”
The footman replied, though Darcy could not hear what he said. Elizabeth’s musical laughter echoed down the corridor in response.
Is she flirting with a servant? Darcy’s nostrils flared as he walked quickly towards the stairs, which happened to take him closer to them. My attraction has certainly blinded me—I am finally seeing her true character.
Elizabeth turned towards the sound of his footfalls. Though the footman paled, his mien changed to one more fitting his duties.
~
“Good evening, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said. If Mr. Darcy’s eyes were daggers, Roger and I would certainly not survive the hour! “Jane is sleeping, so I thought I would accept Mr. Bingley’s invitation to dine downstairs this evening.”