Miss Bingley looked offended. She placed her hands on the couch and was about to stand up when she thought better of it. She pulled in a deep breath and put a sweet smile on her slender face. “Oh, do forgive me, Mr. Darcy. I’ve been foolish. I’ve acted like a child. Do forgive me.”
Darcy gave her a look that implied he was trying very hard not to roll his eyes. “You’re forgiven. You speak in the presence of my wife at this very moment, when her sister still lies in the bed upstairs.”
“Jane is faring much better now. She’s been here for several days and we’ve taken good care of her.”
Darcy nodded “Yes, you’ve taken good care. It’s appreciated by all.”
In truth, Miss Bingley had had very little to do with the progression of Jane’s recovery. She was at the point where she was taking in nutrition in the form of soups and other liquids and was able to keep from vomiting. Her breathing had cleared almost completely. It was the only reason Elizabeth had allowed herself to leave the room. She had slept on the couch in the room for several days, keeping a close eye on Jane.
During that time she had seen Miss Bingley and the rest of the Bingley family caring for Jane, and it had renewed her faith in them. They didn’t seem as ridiculous as she had first thought them. She had always respected Charles Bingley, from the moment he purchased Netherfield, but she had never considered him for more than a friend. From the moment they saw the Bingleys at the first ball they attended in Hertfordshire, Jane had captured and held his interest. It seemed almost a happy circumstance that Jane had taken ill while visiting Netherfield. She was close to Mr. Bingley even while she was sleeping. Soon she would be speaking again and more alert. When she realized how the Bingleys had cared for her, she would be very pleased.
“Ah, Jane,” Mrs. Hurst said in a soft voice. Elizabeth looked at the woman to see if she was being sarcastic. It didn’t appear she was. She had leaned over the side of the couch and was staring wistfully through the window. “She is a sweet girl, despite her circumstances. That being the circumstance of being ill, not her situation in life.”
“Her situation?” Elizabeth asked in a cold tone. Her eyes moved from Mrs. Hurst to Darcy, who was looking at her and shaking his head. She dropped her head and pressed a needle through the fabric, barely missing her finger on the other side. She reacted as though she had been stabbed before realizing she hadn’t. Her hands were shaking slightly so she set the needlepoint to the side and stood up. She went to the window, knowing that she was blocking Miss Bingley’s view when she did so.
“Oh, Elizabeth,” Mrs. Hurst said. “It appears we can say nothing without causing irritation. Do accept my apology.”
“Perhaps instead of apologizing after you have insulted, you can simply refrain from insulting,” Darcy said. Elizabeth, whose back was turned to them, allowed herself to smile and to feel a modicum of pride in her husband. The thought that he was her husband made her heart jump in her chest. She wondered how long it would be before she was used to the fact. She turned to look back at them. Darcy’s sneer was plain on his face as he looked at Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, who flanked him on the couch.
Elizabeth knew that Miss Bingley had been set on establishing a relationship with Darcy at one point. She pondered flaunting her marriage to him in front of the other young woman, but it seemed to her that doing so would only cause Miss Bingley to react in a way that would shame her. She would press even further the point that Elizabeth came from a family not nearly as wealthy as the Bingleys or even Darcy’s. It might change her behavior toward Jane, as well, which would hurt Elizabeth more than anything else. Jane was very much in love with Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth didn’t want to get in the way of what that might become. She didn’t want to cause more problems for her sister or for her husband.
“Shall we play cards, Mr. Darcy?” Bingley questioned, standing up and moving to the table. “You must be tiring of writing that letter, with so much commotion going on around you.”
Darcy set the tablet aside, nodding. “Yes, I would much prefer to play. Elizabeth, would you care to join us?”
Elizabeth shook her head, moving instead toward a table where books were stacked high.
“I’ll find a book to read. You go ahead and enjoy yourself, Darcy.” She enjoyed the familiar tone they were using with each other, even more so because it was obviously irritating to Miss Bingley.
“I’ll play,” both Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst said, standing up from the couch at the same time as Darcy and crossing quickly to the table to take chairs opposite one another.
“I do so enjoy a good game of cards with my brother and you, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley said. “It will be like when you were staying with us not so long ago.” She cast a snide glance toward Elizabeth.
Bingley clucked his tongue at her, but dealt her in nevertheless. Before seating himself at the table, Darcy crossed to where Elizabeth was and touched her elbow. “You’re sure reading is preferable to a game with friends?”
Elizabeth kept her voice low when she responded, “These are your friends, Darcy. I have little in common with them.”
Darcy dropped his voice so that it was equally low. “I do not desire for you to feel left out.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I don’t feel left out. I declined the invitation. Mr. Bingley is quite courteous toward me, a fact that I appreciate more than he knows.”
“I won’t allow you to be disrespected, Lizzy, any more than I would allow you to show disrespect for my friends. Don’t let the words of these women annoy you to a great extent. We don’t have to live with them. Feel sympathy for Charles.”
Elizabeth had to bite her bottom lip to keep from laughing. A spark of love lit softly in her heart and she blinked at him, nodding. He gave her a small grin before turning back to the card table.
“Come along, Mr. Darcy, we don’t have all day,” Miss Bingley called out.
“I beg to differ, young lady,” Darcy said as he moved to the table. “We don’t have plans to leave until Jane is quite well. That, so far, has not yet happened. Therefore, we have all day to do as we please.”
Miss Bingley flapped one hand in a gesture for him to hurry. “I tire of waiting. Come and take your cards. I want to play.”
Darcy turned to give Elizabeth one more pleasant look before joining his friends at the card table. Elizabeth pulled in a satisfied breath and began to peruse the titles of the books, eventually choosing one that would prove most interesting to her.
Chapter 8
Several days later, Elizabeth was looking forward to leaving Netherfield more than ever. Jane was faring better, but was still bound to her bed. Instead of holding a vigil next to her sister Elizabeth was wandering the grounds, going for walks, speaking with the family, and spending time with Darcy. As the days passed she found herself growing more and more fond of her husband, something that pleased her more than anything else.
“My dear Elizabeth,” she heard Mrs. Hurst behind her and turned to face her, raising her eyebrows.
“Yes, Mrs. Hurst?”
“Have you seen Mr. Darcy or Miss Bingley?”
“I believe they’ve gone for a walk in the garden,” Elizabeth answered.
“Oh? And why would they be doing such a thing alone, without you present?”
“I declined the invitation.” Truth be told, taking a walk with Miss Bingley was the last thing she wanted to do. She was waiting for Jane to recover so that she could take her leave of the place. She longed for Longbourn, though it was no longer her home, and the beauty of Pemberley House would suffice, as long as she didn’t have to stay at Netherfield for much longer. It was a magnificent house, there could be no doubt. It was the presence of the snobbish Bingley sisters that irked her so.
Mrs. Hurst looked surprised by Elizabeth’s response. “Don’t you want to be by your husband’s side?”
Elizabeth heard the implication in the woman’s voice. If the marriage didn’t work between Elizabeth and Darcy, there could be a chanc
e for Miss Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth felt her temper rising but pressed it down with all her might.
“I’m by his side most of the time. There’s no need to be attached at all times. We both must have our space.”
Mrs. Hurst gave her a thoughtful look. “Would you like to walk with me instead? There’s a new planting of flowers and shrubs on the south side that you might find pleasant.”
Elizabeth nodded. “All right.”
Mrs. Hurst looked pleased. As they stepped out onto the veranda to move toward the south side of the garden, she propped her open parasol above her head and pushed her arm through Elizabeth’s. They walked slowly down the path, admiring the beauty of the flowers around them.
“This is my favorite part of the garden,” Mrs. Hurst said. “Look at the variety of colors. I would say the gardener did an excellent job and continues to amaze us.”
“Yes, it’s quite beautiful.”
“Tell me, Elizabeth, what do you think of this romance between my brother and your sister? Do you think it will become a relationship that can be counted on?”
Elizabeth hesitated before answering. “I don’t see why it shouldn’t be.”
“My sister objects,” Mrs. Hurst spoke bluntly.
Elizabeth nodded. “I’m aware of this. I’ve heard her saying words that imply she’s not happy with any kind of arrangement between Jane and Mr. Bingley.”
“You must understand, it’s not Caroline’s fault that she feels the way she does. We were brought up surrounded by the wealthiest men and women of society. It’s natural for us to desire the same for our brother.”
“Wealth isn’t always what is needed, Mrs. Hurst. It can be deceiving, in fact, and one should not be judged by the money in his accounts. Does what’s in the heart not matter to Miss Bingley or to you? I mean you no offense, as I’m merely asking the question.”
“I don’t take offense, Elizabeth. How are you to know the answer without asking the question?”
Elizabeth nodded, and waited for a moment for Mrs. Hurst to answer. It appeared the woman was thinking about it. “I do believe that the heart has a great deal to do with what happens in the development of a relationship. But I’m unsure that Jane will… satisfy our brother.”
“Oh?” Elizabeth was forced once again to suppress her temper. “And what is it that she’s lacking?”
“Oh dear, this is exceedingly difficult. I don’t intend to insult you, your sister, or your family. Jane is a sweet, dear girl. But we’ve been brought up differently than you and your sisters. I must wonder how long Charles will handle the differences in our backgrounds before he does something that might harm your sister’s spirit.”
“Are you now saying that your brother is the one who will hurt Jane?” Elizabeth cried in alarm. “That cannot happen. Jane is deeply in love with your brother. It would be devastating to her if he were to tire of her and discard her.”
Mrs. Hurst nodded, looking down at the ground as they continued to walk, passing the beautiful flowers without as much as a glance toward them. “That’s what I fear. Alas, let us talk about something different. Please, tell me how you’re faring in your marriage to Mr. Darcy. You must know that it irritates my sister to no end.”
Elizabeth was surprised by the sudden change of topic. It seemed abrupt. Mrs. Hurst seemed strangely amused that her marriage irritated Miss Bingley, her own sister.
“We’re adjusting to married life as best we can,” Elizabeth responded. It occurred to her that Mrs. Hurst was the first person close to her age who was also married.
“My sister was vying for his affections at one point, I’m sure you’re aware.”
“Yes, I was aware.”
“I’m happy for you that you’re the one who captured his heart.”
Elizabeth doubted that statement in two-fold. She didn’t fancy that she had captured Darcy’s heart. That, she felt, would come in time. It seemed it was progressing in that direction. The other part of the statement she doubted was Mrs. Hurst’s happiness at her marriage. It was apparent from the behavior of both sisters that they wished for the status and wealth that came from being wed to a gentleman such as Mr. Darcy, and neither sister believed the Bennet sisters to be worthy of such a man. She didn’t speak these thoughts aloud, however. She would keep her doubts to herself, so as to be respectful to her family and to Darcy.
“Thank you,” she said simply.
“Have you, by chance, made acquaintance with Mr. Darcy’s sister, Georgiana?”
“I’ve met her, yes. I haven’t had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time in her presence. I can’t say that I know her well. I suppose you have?”
“I have. She’s a lovely woman, filled with grace and elegance. We’ve become good friends with her. She’s spent some time with Charles and we’re ever so pleased when she visits. She’ll be spending several weeks with us in the near future. Perhaps you’ll be afforded the opportunity to visit during that time. You should get to know her well, since you’re now relatives.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I’m sure she will be visiting Pemberley House, as well.”
“When she does, you must oblige her to play the pianoforte!” Mrs. Hurst gushed. “She’s astoundingly proficient and makes beautiful music!”
“All right, I will.”
Mrs. Hurst fell quiet. Elizabeth felt slightly uncomfortable, wondering why Mrs. Hurst had mentioned Georgiana so spontaneously. When she suspected Mrs. Hurst might not speak again, the woman said, “I’m pleased that Jane is feeling better every day. Soon you’ll be ready to depart for your home in Hertfordshire, will you not?”
“I suspect so, yes.”
“Perhaps she’ll travel with you and Mr. Darcy back home.”
“I know she’ll be unhappy to leave immediately after feeling better,” Elizabeth said. “She was unable to spend any time with your brother and sister. She speaks highly of both you and Miss Bingley. You’ve shown her great kindness, letting her stay here while she’s ill. She would have enjoyed playing cards and croquet, and dining with the family.”
“I’m sure she misses her family though, yes, she would have had a grand time with us had she not fallen ill. She’s always enjoyed her time here at Netherfield.”
“Perhaps Mr. Bingley will pay her a visit at Longbourn in the near future. He’s quite taken with her, is he not?”
When Mrs. Hurst replied, Elizabeth heard a note of regret in her voice. “Charles does seem taken with her. I cannot say what’s in his heart, but he does seem to show great concern for her well-being. Since she has been ill and staying here, he has thought and spoken of little else. Even during our games, he seems distracted and often asks the servants if she’s awake or asleep, if she’s eating or not.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed that as well.”
“It was kind of you to come and visit to help take care of her. You didn’t have to do so after just being wed so recently. I suppose Mr. Darcy objected to traveling so soon after the wedding?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “He didn’t object. He was perfectly willing to come. He does enjoy the company of your brother.”
This time when Mrs. Hurst fell quiet she didn’t speak again, and Elizabeth soon ended their walk by saying she had tired herself out and was going inside to rest.
Chapter 9
Elizabeth entered Jane’s room to see her sister sitting up in bed, sipping a cup of hot tea. Jane smiled at her.
“Lizzy, come sit with me. It’s so good to see you.”
Elizabeth felt a strong warmth flow through her, and she reached out to hug her sister as soon as she got to the bedside. It felt good to have Jane’s arms around her, though she was thinner and the hug was weak.
“You’re looking so much better, Jane,” she said quietly. “I’m so glad to see you recovering well. What a strange and terrible few weeks it’s been.”
“Don’t fret anymore, dear sister,” Jane said. “I become stronger day by day.”
“Have you spoken to Mr
. Bingley today?”
Jane’s smile lit up her tired face. Elizabeth felt another flow of love mixed with leftover concern for her sister. “I have,” Jane responded. “He was in here a short time ago to check on my well-being. He and his sisters have taken good care of me while I was ill. I was told this,” Jane laughed. “by his sisters, of course. They do so like to speak well of themselves, the dear girls.”
Elizabeth didn’t speak the thoughts that immediately came to her mind.
Jane continued, “Mr. Bingley also mentioned that you’ve been here for the duration. You didn’t have to be here, Lizzy. You just got married. You should be spending time getting to know Mr. Darcy better.”
“I grow to know more about Darcy inside and out as the days pass, regardless of where we’re residing or what we’re doing, Jane.”
“And has your opinion of him changed?” Jane looked hopeful.
“It’s a process and it’s progressing. We’re friends, that I can say positively.”
“It’s a good foundation for a marriage. Mother and Father are friends. It’s doubtful that they would be good for each other if they weren’t. Father does like to irritate Mother so, doesn’t he?”
Both girls laughed.
“I miss them,” Jane admitted. “I long to go home to Longbourn. I’ll miss having you there. It seems the moment you were married, I visited here and became ill. Mother and Father must be grieving for the absence of both of us. It can’t be the same there without us. Have you been corresponding with them?”
“I did send several letters to Mother to let her know of your health. After the visit from the apothecary last week, I wrote to her that you had caught a violent cold and would be recovering here at Netherfield.”
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