by AmyJ
Mr. Darcy never dances the first set!"
Mrs. Hurst put a calming hand on her sister's arm. She was well beyond
worked up, and nearing apoplexy. "Caroline, it was nothing but a
little country assembly. It is not as if anyone in London will know. Besides, it was most likely only the surprise at seeing her that made him behave so out of character. When the novelty of the reunion has worn off, he will resume his attentions to you."
Her sister's insight seemed to placate Miss Bingley a little, but she continued to pace. "Well, I will not let that hoyden ruin my chances. I have waited all these years for him to finally notice me. I will show him how inferior she is, and that I am the perfect Mistress of Pemberley." Her pace slowed to a contemplative walk as she considered her next move. "Excuse me Louisa; I must speak to our brother and the cook. I must revise the menu to ensure we have all of Mr.
Darcy's favourites while we are here."
Unfortunately for her, on her way out, she ran into her brother.
"Caroline," Bingley said with a smile that further irritated his sister. "I wish to host a dinner, or at least a tea."
Playing host to the backwoods hoydens of Hertfordshire was last thing Miss
Bingley wanted to do, especially since there was little doubt the guest list would include the Bennets. She pursed her lips for a moment before
responding. "Must we, Charles? I really can not think of anyone worthy of our notice." Seeing she had incited her brother's disapproval, she added as an afterthought, "Except perhaps Miss Bennet. She is all that is sweet."
Bingley's countenance immediately brightened again. "She is precisely whom I wish you to invite. Perhaps you could also invite her sister, Miss Elizabeth.
Darcy and Miss Darcy seem to get on rather well with her. I think her presence would make Miss Bennet more comfortable."
Miss Bingley simmered. Her brother had the taste of a plebeian. "Of course, Charles. I will invite Miss Bennet for dinner in a few days time." Before her brother had a chance to again mention Miss Elizabeth, she swept past him, bent
on her original errand. Her brother could marry whomever he wished, so long as it was after she was Mrs. Darcy.
While Miss Bingley was contemplating the best method for becoming the next
Mrs. Darcy, Mr. Darcy had absconded to his sitting room, tending to matters of business. He had also spent part of the morning contemplating the situation with Georgiana. She had greatly improved since her meeting with Elizabeth,
but when she was in other company -- namely that of Miss Bingley and Mrs.
Hurst -- she would revert to her old self. The only solution he could think of was to insure more visits with Elizabeth, without Miss Bingley.
He considered having Georgiana stay at Longbourn for a few days while he
went to London, but then recalled the behaviour of Lydia and Kitty, and even Mrs. Bennet. Not for the first time did he wonder how they could be related to Elizabeth, Jane, and Mr. Bennet. With a smirk, he began to understand why Mr.
Bennet had never brought the rest of his family to Pemberley on his visits.
"Family will be family," he muttered.
He was startled by a knock on his door, though pleased when he saw his visitor to be Georgiana. However, upon a second glance, he became alarmed. Her
meek and sullen countenance had returned in full force.
"What is the matter, dearest?" he asked as he led Georgiana to a chair.
Georgiana hesitated for a moment under the guise of taking a seat and
straightening her skirts. "Fitzwilliam, do you think Elizabeth likes me?" she asked finally.
"She has told me she does, very much. What makes you think she does not?"
"She asked me to join her on her morning walks, you know," Georgiana said with a secret smile. At her brother's surprised look, she added. "She said you could join us as well if you were concerned for my safety."
"Perhaps I will for the first one. Miss Elizabeth knows the area well enough. I am certain you would be safe with her."
Georgiana's eyes lit up at the new freedom she had been granted. Then
unexpectedly, her face fell again. "Does she know, Fitzwilliam?"
With such a long face, he knew there was only one thing Georgiana could be
referring to. Filled with a sudden wave of compassion, he creased his brow for a moment. He needed to choose his words carefully. "No, she does not,
Georgiana. That is for you tell her if you choose."
With a sullen nod, Georgiana said, "I suppose I should. She will most likely not want to be acquainted with a fallen woman." Her eyes pooled with tears as she spoke.
"What have I told you?" Darcy asked, as he gently tipped his sister's chin up to him.
Tears were now flowing. "I know you say it was not my fault, but I can not help feeling guilty just the same. Elizabeth should know the truth about with whom she associates. Do you not agree?"
As Darcy battled with himself, he pulled Georgiana into a tight embrace to hide his emotions. He was angry that Georgiana still felt guilty about the events of the last summer. He was even angrier at Wickham. At the same time, his heart sang, knowing Georgiana felt comfortable enough with Elizabeth to tell her
most guarded secret. He did not want to seem over anxious in having
Georgiana confide in Elizabeth, for fear of pushing her too quickly. Yet
Elizabeth had already done so much for her, and he was certain Georgiana
would be whole again after confiding in her. After a moment or two, he
mastered his emotions and released her. "Do you trust Miss Elizabeth enough to tell her?" he asked calmly.
Bewildered, she looked at her brother earnestly. "Should I not? I do not believe she would tell anyone else, would she?" She began to panic, thinking she had blundered once again in trusting someone she should not.
Realizing the distress he had unwittingly caused his sister, Darcy quickly
assured her of Elizabeth's trustworthiness, stopping just shy of telling
Georgiana he had hoped she would confide in Elizabeth. He was grateful when she nodded and said, "If you could arrange for Elizabeth and me to have some time alone, I would like to tell her, so she is not disgraced."
"If you wish to tell her, that is your decision. I am certain Miss Elizabeth will not think any less of you though."
She dried her cheeks with the proffered handkerchief. "I would very much like to remain friends with her. I hope you are right."
With an affectionate hug, Darcy said, "I am certain of it. I will try and arrange something, though it may take a couple days. Is that acceptable?"
Georgiana nodded and kissed her brother on the cheek. "Thank you,
Fitzwilliam."
As Miss Bingley had promised her brother, a few days later, Jane was invited to dinner at Netherfield. The following morning, a missive from Netherfield arrived at Longbourn, informing the family Jane had taken ill and required an extended stay at Netherfield.
Elizabeth was initially angry at her mother; it was her matchmaking scheme
that had caused Jane to become sick. She had sent Jane to Netherfield on
horseback, despite - or rather because of - the signs of impending rain.
Righteous anger soon gave way to feelings of distress over Jane's illness
though. Her concern for Jane's comfort and well being soon left no room for hostility. Perhaps her mother was incapable of showing an ounce of decorum, but she was; and she would not allow her sister to suffer the result. She would
not allow Jane to become a burden to the Netherfield staff. The very thought of Jane suffering needlessly, and under the care of Miss Bingley, prompted her to set out for Netherfield on foot. She did not even bother to ask for the carriage; she knew she would be denied.
So it was, that shortly after reading Bingley's letter, Elizabeth was on her way to Netherfield. When the invitation to dine at Netherfield had first arrived, Elizabet
h was surprised she had not been included. Then, remembering what
Darcy had told her of Miss Bingley's fantasies and jealousy, she was glad she had not been. If Jane was to make headway with Bingley, she also needed to
befriend his sisters. That would have been impossible if Miss Bingley was
distracted by her presence. She sniffed at the irony that she was now on her way to Netherfield, sans invitation. No matter; she would see to Jane and then return home.
She spent the three mile walk reflecting on the past couple weeks. What a
change there had been! Darcy's appearance in Hertfordshire had turned her
mundane life on its head, and she was heartily glad for it. She and Darcy had picked up where they left off, talking and teasing one another; although she did have to admit the absence of practical jokes was a marked improvement.
Over the last few weeks, they had discussed a large number of topics. Darcy told her about the years since his father's death, stopping short of the events of last summer. He shared how he and his cousin Richard had become closer due
to sharing the guardianship of Georgiana. Elizabeth was glad he had found a confidant in his cousin, and her heart went out to him as he told about the first months in which he struggled.
Their discussions were not always sombre though. They spent plenty of time
laughing about the time Darcy spent in town and the women who had thrown
themselves at him. Elizabeth had been shockingly amused as Darcy shared
stories of how women had tried to trap him into marriage, though he was
careful not to betray any names.
He even told her about his mistake in paying attentions to Miss Bingley, though he did not reveal his motivation. It was too early for that. Still, it allowed a new understanding of Miss Bingley, while at the same time confirming Elizabeth's original judgement of her.
She chuckled, and not for the first time, at the thought of Miss Bingley being jealous of her. It was absurd! Not that she had ever entertained thoughts of marrying Darcy; but even if she had, it could never be. Darcy walked amongst the first circles of society. Her father was but a country squire who had never been to court. A marriage between them was unthinkable!
While they were able to jest about it, at the same time, Elizabeth's heart went out to him, knowing he had never wanted any of this. He cared not for the
adoration of the ton. All he really wanted was a quiet peaceful life at
Pemberley with his family.
Through their discussions, Elizabeth noted how correct her father had been in his assessment of Darcy. It was not hard to see how the heavy responsibilities had weighed on him over the years. While his friends and peers were touring the continent, Darcy was tending to matters of an estate, looking after his ill father, and raising a young girl. While other men caroused, drank, and
gambled, Darcy was settling accounts, looking after tenants, and looking for ways to expand his family's fortune.
Having always been shy in nature, and with no one to confide in, the added
burden caused him to become more withdrawn. His taciturn nature had started out as a defence mechanism. One he practiced frequently due to his attention from the ton; and as with most things that are frequently practiced, it had become second nature. Of course, this realization had not stopped Elizabeth from teasing him about his reticence whilst in Hertfordshire, at least a little.
In return for his sharing, Elizabeth told him about the last years in
Hertfordshire. While she found her own tales boring in comparison, she told him about the Gardiners and her cousins and her friendship with Charlotte. She told him about the Gouldings, the Jennings, the Wilmingtons, the Harrises, and the rest of the four and twenty families they visited regularly.
She had also spent some time with Georgiana. His sister had grown to be a
beautiful girl, both physically and in spirit. She had inherited Darcy's natural shyness, but could become quite animated when she was comfortable with the
company. As her comfort level with Elizabeth and Jane increased, she had even been caught teasing Darcy once.
Elizabeth snapped from her ruminations when Netherfield came into view. As
she neared, she noticed Darcy walking in the front gardens. "Fi... Mr. Darcy.
Good morning!" Elizabeth said cheerfully.
Darcy looked up from a letter he was contemplating. He was struck by the
picture in front of him. Instead of finding the girl he always associated with that voice, he saw a pair of sparkling eyes, flushed cheeks, and the beautiful curves of a woman. He felt his pulse quicken, and for a moment or two could only stare at her. Reminding himself that the woman was Li'l Beth, he shook his head and stopped the errant musings. In an attempt to mask his thoughts, he asked, "Did you walk here, Miss Elizabeth?"
His awkwardness did not go unnoticed, and uncertain of the cause, Elizabeth looked down at her gown, thinking something must be askew. She noticed the
mud that encrusted her black ankle boots and had turned the hem of her white petticoat to an ugly brown. Believing this to be the source of his unease, she blushed, deepening the colour of her already pinked cheeks. "I did." There was nothing to do now, so she raised her chin in challenge and said, "I have come to look after Jane. Will you show me to her?"
"Of course," Darcy replied and offered her his arm. "The apothecary was here this morning. Bingley will be better able to fill you in on the particulars." They
paused for a moment near the entrance, so Elizabeth could remove some of the mud from her boots. "We could have sent a carriage. Netherfield is too great a distance to be walking."
"I beg to differ. As you can see for yourself, I am in perfect health after traversing the distance," she rejoined.
Amused, Darcy shook his head slightly and offered her is arm. "Quite right, Miss Elizabeth. Shall we?"
On Darcy's suggestion, the two used the side entrance of the house in an effort to spare Elizabeth the embarrassment of greeting the other residents of the house. They had made it up the stairs unnoticed, and were making their way
towards Jane's room when they encountered Bingley and Miss Bingley.
At the sight of them, Elizabeth blushed once again. Bingley did not seem to notice her clothes, and simply informed her of the apothecary's visit and
diagnosis. Miss Bingley, however, looked her over and curled her lip in
disdain.
When Bingley finished his report, Miss Bingley sneered, "Miss Eliza, did you walk here?" At Elizabeth's clipped affirmation, she said, "You really did not need to scamper about the country because your sister has a cold. We are
perfectly capable of caring for her ourselves."
"It was very thoughtful of you, Miss Elizabeth. I am sure Miss Bennet will be pleased to see you." Bingley interjected, trying to cover for his sister's rudeness. "If there is anything I can do for you or your sister, please do not hesitate to inform me."
"Thank you, Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth said. She nodded politely to Darcy and Miss Bingley, just before entering Jane's room.
Elizabeth entered the indicated room quietly, not wanting to disturb her sister if she was sleeping. She paused for a moment to adjust to the dimness of the
room and take in her surroundings. Struck by its opulence, she breathed a silent 双h.' The curtains were a lovely pale blue silk with lace backings and gold
cords. The large four post bed had a matching blue canopy and curtains. In
front of the fire place were two chairs covered in yellow satin, a small service table, and woven carpet. There was also a dark oak side board next to the bed, displaying a white basin and water pitcher and several glasses. The room itself was nearly twice the size of the room Elizabeth and Jane shared at Longbourn.
Her enjoyment of the plush environment was halted however by a sickly moan
emanating from the bed. Elizabeth quickly made for its side and clasped Jane's hand. The intimate contact c
aused Jane's eyes to flutter open. "Lizzy," Jane murmured weakly. "I am so glad you are here."
"Jane," Elizabeth responded, her voice filled with concern. "How could I not come when my dearest sister is so ill?" After inquiring how Jane felt, changing
the cloth on her sister's head, and ensuring Jane was as comfortable as may be, Elizabeth settled into a nearby chair. Then she pulled out the book she had brought with her and began reading aloud, in hopes that the soothing sound
would lull Jane to sleep.
She had completed only two pages when the chamber door opened, admitting
Bingley and his sisters. "I came to inquire after Miss Bennet," Bingley said in a hushed voice. Though his statement was directed at Elizabeth, his eyes never left the sleeping form in the bed.
Elizabeth took note of this, and the look of genuine compassion she saw in
Bingley. He was they type that wore his heart on his sleeve, and it was
definitely predisposed towards Jane. She sent up a silent prayer that Darcy would be proven wrong, for she could think of no one more deserving of such a kind man than Jane.
"She is resting comfortably," Elizabeth replied with an affectionate smile directed towards her sister.
"I am glad to hear it," Bingley said, stalling for time. Uncertain of what else to say, he quit the room, leaving Elizabeth to return to her book.
Several hours later, the scene replayed itself, though this time Bingley was accompanied by only Miss Bingley. It was not until he inquired after
Elizabeth's dinner preferences that she realized the lateness of the hour.
Remembering her promise to be home for dinner, she said, "If you will excuse me, I should be heading home. Will you send word if she worsens?"
"Of course, Miss Elizabeth. Are you certain you would not like to stay? I am sure your sister finds great comfort in your presence." Bingley inquired.
Elizabeth looked to the Miss Bingley. She had been standing silently next to her brother, but it was not difficult to see she was put out by the idea of hosting another Bennet. Her cold look caused Elizabeth to reconsider accepting the
invitation. She was about to insist on returning home when her attention was drawn to the bed by the rustling of sheets.