An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  At Elizabeth’s look of intrigue, he simply replied, “I will explain later.” He then quickly launched into an explanation of the doctor’s prognosis of Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  When they arrived at the inn, they found it nearly full with travellers seeking the cool country air. Fortunate for them, however, the innkeeper was more than happy to rent out the small cottage behind the inn, and provide a servant or two

  – for a price.

  After seeing Georgiana settled, Elizabeth and Darcy retired to the only other room in the cottage. It took Darcy but a moment to pull Elizabeth into his arms.

  For several minutes, no words were spoken. Darcy clung to his wife, slowly

  letting the emotions of the previous days seep out of him. “I did not wish to leave you, but…” he murmured into her hair.

  “You need not say anything more.” She looked up at him lovingly. “I know you would not leave of your own accord.”

  He leaned over kissed her deeply. “I love you, my Beth.” He moved them over to the settee and pulled her into his lap. Finally, taking in their surrounding, he shook his head slowly. The room was sparsely furnished; there was a bed, an armoire, an unsteady looking sideboard, the settee upon which they sat and

  another chaise. The wall fabric was faded and the curtains thin. It did not speak well for the rest of the cottage. “I am sorry, dearest,” Darcy said, “You deserve better than this. Tomorrow, I shall…”

  Before he could go on, Elizabeth had silenced him by placing her finger over his lips. “I do not need fancy rooms covered in lace and silk. We have a roof over our heads, and a hearth to keep us warm should we need it. But perhaps, this would be a good time to tell me why we are here and not Rosings.” When Darcy hesitated, she looked to the floor. “It is because of me, is it not?” she said lowly. “She is still angry at you, and will not welcome me.”

  “She is a stubborn old bat, who is still trying to impose her will upon me,”

  Darcy spat. He took a calming breath and pulled his wife close to him again.

  “Her opinion does not matter, dearest. My place is with you. Now and forever.”

  “What of Colonel Fitzwilliam and your family? You should be with them.”

  Her unselfish concern was rewarded with a fervent kiss on the forehead. “I

  shall visit Rosings, and take Georgiana with me. The Fitzwilliams will

  understand.” He smiled down at her. “Perhaps you can visit with Mrs. Collins.

  I know you have missed her company.” Elizabeth smiled up at him and then

  rested her head against him again. He knew her so well.

  “I would like to see her very much, but would not wish to put her in an

  uncomfortable position.”

  Darcy sat back and smiled at her. “Mr. Collins might not object if Georgiana and I were to accompany you the first time?” He chuckled. “Perhaps I might be able to sway his opinion on the matter.”

  “You are too good to me, dearest husband.”

  They engaged themselves as lovers often do for some time. As it was still the middle of the day, however, before their passions grew out of control, they separated and composed themselves in a more presentable manner.

  “Pray, how is Colonel Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth asked, searching for a more

  neutral topic. “And you need not spare me any of the details you spared

  Georgiana.” She walked over to the window and looked, appraising the view.

  Darcy smiled at his observant wife. “It was no place for a lady.” Even now, the memory of the place caused an involuntary shudder. He then relayed the scene at the ports and the details of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s condition.

  Seeing how sullen her husband had become again, she walked over to him and

  placed a comforting hand on his arm. “We must have faith he will be well

  again.” After placing a gentle kiss on his cheek, she said, “Come, Georgiana will be looking for us soon, and I would like a cup of tea.”

  The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, Elizabeth, Darcy, and Georgiana climbed into the carriage. They first stopped at the abode of Mr. and Mrs. Collins.

  “Mr. Darcy!” Mr. Collins greeted with a low bow. “It is a great honour to

  welcome you to Hunsford.”

  “Mr. Collins, Mrs. Collins.” He then turned to assist Georgiana out of the

  carriage. Behind him, Mr. Collins elaborated on how dreadful it was to hear of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s condition, how diligently he and Mrs. Collins were

  praying for his speedy recovery, and that he had instructed his parishioners to do the same. His monologue, however, stopped abruptly when Darcy handed

  down Elizabeth.

  “Cousin Elizabeth!” Mr. Collins gasped. “er, um, Mrs. Darcy.” He looked

  nervously between Elizabeth, Mrs. Collins, and Mr. Darcy. “I… um… Lady

  Ca…”

  “Eliza,” Charlotte Collins greeted. She stepped forward and welcomed her

  friend with a warm embrace. “It is so good to see you.” She then turned to

  Georgiana, and greeted her with a polite curtsey. “Miss Darcy, welcome to

  Hunsford.” Turning to her husband, she added, “Mr. Collins, perhaps our

  guests would like some refreshments.”

  Mr. Collins nodded vigorously and led the way.

  Elizabeth took Mrs. Collins’ arm. “Charlotte, I do not wish to cause you any trouble. I can return to Brandyhatch.”

  “It shall be fine. It is so good to see you.” She led Elizabeth into the house, arm in arm.

  Mr. Collins showed the Darcys into the front parlour, careful to point out all the care he had taken with the house and gardens. “Her ladyship has been very

  generous with her advice and attention to us.” He looked expectantly up at

  Darcy, who returned the much hoped for nod of approval in return.

  The five spoke over tea, though conversation was often stilted. Charlotte

  offered her congratulations to Darcy and Elizabeth on their marriage, causing Mr. Collins a great deal of consternation, thus vetoing all discussion in that corner. There was a little talk on the Lucases, Bennets, and Hertfordshire, but since it had been some time since either Charlotte or Elizabeth had been to the area, that topic, too, soon lost its zeal. Thus, the only seemingly safe topic of conversation was the gardens of Hunsford.

  When that topic was thoroughly exhausted, Darcy stood. “I do not wish to

  break up this happy reunion, but we are expected at Rosings.”

  It took but a look between the two former friends to convey the unsaid words.

  “I do wish you could stay, Eliza,” Charlotte offered sincerely. “Would it be a

  terrible imposition to ask you to delay your visit to the great house? Surely, the Fitzwilliams will understand?”

  Ignoring the stuttering protest of Mr. Collins, Elizabeth gratefully accepted. “I would like that very much, Charlotte. Thank you.”

  With a few more words on the length of their intended visit, Georgiana and

  Darcy left for Rosings, leaving Elizabeth in the company Mr. and Mrs. Collins.

  “So, Fitzwilliam. You have returned.” Lady Catherine said, her nose superiorly pointed in the air. She then took a long, appraising look at Georgiana. “Are you practicing your pianoforte daily, as I have instructed?”

  “Yes, your ladyship.” Georgiana replied with a short curtsey.

  “I am glad to hear of it.” Lady Catherine sniffed. “You shall play for us after dinner this evening.”

  “Has there been any change in Richard’s condition?” Darcy inquired, changing the subject. He had no intention of remaining for dinner, but that bit of

  information could wait.

  “He is much the same, but I expect he will improve shortly. I have seen to

  everything.” She stood silently, as if waiting for thanks.

  “Has there been word from Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam?”r />
  “No, but I expect they shall arrive on the morrow.” Lady Catherine’s comment was followed by something about duty to one’s family, but it went unheard by either of the Darcys, as they were already moving above stairs to the family apartments.

  Upon arriving at Colonel Fitzwilliam’s rooms, they were greeted by Lord and Lady Matlock.

  Lady Matlock embraced them both, and then led them to her son’s bedside.

  “His fever still runs, but I believe he is improving. He mumbles a bit now, but we can not make out the words.” Her voice was ripe with tears and weariness.

  Darcy laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, while his other held his sister’s.

  Together, the family sat speaking in low whispers. Every so often, a nurse

  would come and change the cooling cloths, and occasionally, they were also

  joined by Lady Catherine.

  As the days wore on, the vigil by Colonel Fitzwilliam’s bedside had been

  reduced to just one or two family members at a time. Since his time at Rosings was limited to respectable calling hours, and he had little interest in being in the company of Lady Catherine, Darcy spent most of his time at Rosings in the solitude of his cousin’s room. With no partner for discussion, he passed the time reading. He was therefore startled when he heard a dry, weak voice call to him.

  “Richard!” Darcy exclaimed, nearly jumping from his chair. “You are awake!

  How are you feeling?”

  “Water,” Fitzwilliam rasped, and then licked his lips. Instantly, Darcy moved to the sideboard and poured a small amount into a glass. After a moment of

  consideration on how to best assist the infirmed man to take a sip, he carefully propped up his cousin’s head and assisted him in taking a few sips.

  “Where are we?” Colonel Fitzwilliam breathed, after settling back against the pillows.

  “Rosings,” Darcy answered, retaking his seat. A snicker nearly escaped at the way his cousin’s lip curled in distaste.

  “Might I be fortunate enough to have Lady Catherine away?”

  This time, the snicker could not be held back. “It is good to see your sense of humour remains intact. I am sorry, but your fortune ends there. Lady Catherine is not away, and has taken a rather personal interest in your recovery. Which reminds me; I should inform the rest of the family you are awake. You have

  had us quite worried.”

  “Not yet.” He made a feeble attempt to raise his hand in protest. “I am not ready to see them.”

  “Very well, but only for a moment,” Darcy acquiesced. “The family is very

  concerned.”

  “Who is here?” Fitzwilliam closed his eyes and breathed deeply at the effort it took to speak.

  “Lord and Lady Matlock, Stephen, Lady Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine, Anne,

  Georgiana, and Elizabeth.”

  At the pronouncement of Georgiana’s presence, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s eyes

  flew open. “Georgiana is here?”

  “She is staying with Elizabeth and me.” Darcy then quickly explained the

  separate residences, and promised to bring his sister by tomorrow for a visit.

  “And how does Georgiana like her new sister?” Fitzwilliam asked. The eye that remained uncovered by bandages was filled with mischief.

  “Very much. I can hardly get a word in at dinner.” Though he tried, when

  Fitzwilliam chuckled, he knew he was unsuccessful at hiding his own pride and joy in his union.

  “I would like to see that,” the colonel breathed, as he once again closed his eyes. “How long have I been asleep? I do not remember leaving the ship.”

  Darcy’s demeanour turned grave once again. “Three days. You were feverish

  when you arrived, else we would have been away to Matlock.” Recalling the

  concerned look of his uncle when they had first found the colonel, Darcy knew

  he needed to impart the good news immediately. “Enough of your stalling, I need to inform the doctor and the family you have woken.”

  This time, no protest came. Colonel Fitzwilliam had fallen asleep again, or simply did not have the strength to respond. Either way, Darcy left the room in search of his aunt and uncle.

  After sharing the colonel’s improved condition with those at Rosings, Darcy returned to Brandyhatch to inform his sister and Elizabeth.

  Chapter Forty

  It was mid-afternoon when Darcy arrived at the cottage. Just as he was handing his horse to the groom, he saw a curricle pulling away. Surprised that Elizabeth would be entertaining, he hurried into the house. Looking about and not finding anyone, he cursed. If he were at Arryndale or Pemberley, his housekeeper or butler would have greeted him at the door and informed him of all that had

  occurred that day.

  Unable to find anyone, he hurried to the room he shared with Elizabeth.

  Finding it empty, he muttered an oath under his breath. Then remembering

  Georgiana had been ill that morning and had begged off visiting Rosings, panic took root. In such a state, he barged into Georgiana’s room, startling both of its inhabitants.

  “Fitzwilliam!” they cried in unison. Georgiana’s exclamation was followed by loud sneeze.

  Darcy stared at the two wide-eyed inhabitants. Georgiana was still in a morning dress, reclined in bed with a coverlet neatly over her legs; next to her on the bed, sat Elizabeth. “Are you well?” he asked. He pointed blankly towards the front of the house. “I saw a curricle leaving.”

  The two women giggled, re-focusing his attention. “Georgiana felt a bit

  feverish, so I thought it best to have a doctor examine her,” Elizabeth replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “You must have seen him

  leaving.”

  Shaking himself, Darcy went to his sister’s bedside, sitting on the edge near his wife. “Are you sure you are well?” He looked first to Georgiana, then to

  Elizabeth.

  Georgiana blushed and smiled. “I am fine, Fitzwilliam. It is just a cold. I shall be fine by tomorrow.”

  “And before you barged into the room,” Elizabeth added, with an arch of the brow, “I was telling your sister a story.”

  Darcy let out a visible sigh of relief, and then took his wife’s hand. “Forgive me,” he said solemnly. “I feared the worst.”

  Elizabeth gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I believe your sister and I can find it within our hearts, can we not, Georgiana?”

  Georgiana giggled and nodded before sneezing once again.

  Darcy smiled charmingly. “If you will oblige me a moment longer, I have good news to impart.”

  Georgiana bolted upright, her eyes wide with anticipation. “Is it Richard? Has he woken? Has the fever broken?”

  “He has, Pea Head. I believe the worst is over.”

  Unable to help herself, Georgiana launched herself at her brother, throwing her arms around his neck. After a moment, she pulled back, her face lit with a

  brilliant smile. “I must get dressed! Will you take me to see him?”

  “Perhaps it should wait until tomorrow. You are not well yourself. I do not think Richard would thank us for giving him a cold, just when he is beginning to mend.”

  Georgiana visibly deflated, but conceded to her brother’s wisdom, and began to situate herself under the coverlet again.

  “Perhaps Elizabeth could finish the story I so rudely interrupted.” Darcy

  recommended.

  Elizabeth pursed her lips together for a moment. “I was telling Georgiana of the time you had fallen ill at Pemberley during one of my visits.”

  Darcy laughed aloud, recalling the incident quite well. “It appears my arrival was rather fortuitous then.” He winked at Georgiana before saying, “I should like to clarify any misconceptions that may have been suggested.” He looked pointedly at his wife and then back to his sister. “Did Elizabeth by chance tell you why I asked to see the Reverend?”

  “The re
verend? She had not mentioned that part yet,” the younger girl replied diplomatically, all the while biting her lip to keep from laughing. “Were you very ill?”

  Elizabeth had the grace to blush, but Darcy chuckled. “Not much more so than you are now.” Darcy looked to Elizabeth with a playful admonishment. “Your

  dear sister, however, told me I was dying, and since I could not remember ever being more ill, I believed her.”

  “I only wished for you confess it was your idea to pin my doll to the archery target,” Elizabeth interjected defensively.

  “As I told you then, it was Stephen’s idea.”

  Georgiana listened to the banter between the two, her head moving back and

  forth, and began giggling.

  “But you were the one who took it from my room,” Elizabeth shot back.

  “How do you know it was me? It could have been Richard or Stephen.”

  Elizabeth looked pointedly at her husband, but then turned back to Georgiana, who was burying her laughter in a handkerchief. “That is neither here nor

  there. To finish the story, when I saw the reverend depart from the house, I thought perhaps your brother truly was dying. I ran to his room and confessed it had all been ruse on my part, and pleaded with him to get well again. He did not believe me, and told me I could have his pony.” She turned and smiled at Darcy before resuming. “I was so upset, I skipped dinner that night to stay by your brother; and after my father finally sent me to bed, I snuck back into his room. I was certain Fitzwilliam was going to die in the middle of the night, and it would be my fault. I spent all night hidden under his bed, so I would not be found out, and ended up with a chill myself.”

  By this time, Georgiana was nearly in stitches, laughing heartily between fits of coughs. “What did mother and father say?”

  Unable to help herself, Elizabeth let out a light trill. “Nothing at first. When I was well again, however, my father gave me a stern scolding. It was one of the few times I can recall my father truly angry at me; that was when I learned death was never something to be taken lightly. My father even went so far as to threaten never to bring me back to Pemberley. I also learned much later on, that your parents had figured out what was going on, and had brought the reverend to make things appear graver than they really were. ”