| |
––––––––
Early the next morning, Elizabeth appeared in the dining room. Thankfully, the only person present was Mr. Darcy. He stood at her entrance. “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. How is Miss Bennet this morning?” Though he was concerned for her sister’s illness, Darcy was more concerned for Elizabeth, as dark shadows ringed her lovely eyes.
“Jane’s fever broke a little over an hour ago. She is sleeping peacefully at the moment.”
Darcy moved to hold a chair for her beside his place. “You must have had a difficult night. Please allow me to fix you a plate.”
“You need not wait on me, sir. I–”
Interrupting her, Darcy said, “You cared for your sister throughout the night. Please allow me to take care of you for a moment.”
Too tired to argue, Elizabeth merely said, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
“What may I get you?”
Elizabeth pondered the selection on the sideboard. “A small portion of eggs, a slice of ham, a muffin, and tea, please.”
Darcy fixed her plate and set it before her on the table before returning to prepare a cup of tea. He set down her cup and resumed his seat. “I am pleased that your sister is improving. The note to Miss Foster was delivered at seven this morning. If we receive her reply soon, I would like to accompany you on a brief walk, allowing you to get some fresh air. Then you should rest while Miss Foster tends to your sister.”
“I believe fresh air would do wonders for me. I would enjoy that. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mr. Darcy.”
The two of them enjoyed a pleasant conversation as they broke their fast. It was briefly interrupted by Mrs. Dawson, who announced the arrival of Sally Foster. Before Elizabeth could develop a response, Darcy said, “Mrs. Dawson, will you please review Miss Bennet’s care needs with Sally? I am going to escort Miss Elizabeth on a walk and then insist that she rest. Can you and the new maid handle things for a few hours?”
“Certainly, sir. I believe your suggestions for Miss Elizabeth are just what she needs. We will take good care of Miss Bennet. Don’t you worry, miss.”
Typically, having someone speak for her would annoy Elizabeth, but instead she experienced a warm feeling in the pit of her stomach. At Longbourn, no one except Jane worried over her.
“Oh, Mrs. Dawson. Would you please ask someone to bring down Miss Elizabeth’s pelisse and bonnet so that we may take our walk when we are finished eating?”
“Yes, sir, right away.”
William and Elizabeth were fortunate enough to finish their meal before any of the others arrived in the dining room. They departed through the terrace doors, where Darcy offered his arm to his companion. The morning air was crisp and the dew on the grass sparkled in the sun of a bright new day. They wandered through the formal gardens in silence. When they reached the end of the pathway, they stepped into the meadow. The trees on the border of the field retained some of their leaves, but those that had fallen crunched underfoot. They continued their ramble until they reached the large pond on the garden’s eastern edge.
“Would you care to sit for a moment?” asked Darcy as he gestured to the fallen tree, out of which a bench had been carved.
Elizabeth nodded and took a seat. She tipped her head back and turned her face to the sun. Despite the cold air, she enjoyed the warmth of the golden sun, which heated her cheeks. A soft sigh escaped Elizabeth, causing Darcy to chuckle. Without looking at him, Elizabeth asked, “What causes your laughter, Mr. Darcy?”
“Just a random thought. I would not wish to offend you.”
“I believe we are well-enough acquainted with each other that I will not take offense.”
“Your enjoyment of the outdoors brought to mind a wood nymph. Your size and coloring and the way you basked in the sun made the comparison to those mythical creatures very natural.”
Elizabeth never changed positions, but a broad smile appeared on her face. “I am not offended, Mr. Darcy. Rather, I will thank you for the compliment, as nymphs were considered to be quite beautiful.”
“That is, indeed, why the comparison is very apt,” he agreed. Darcy noted with pleasure the blush that suffused her face. His smile grew.
They sat in silence as Darcy enjoyed the beauty before him. Elizabeth attempted to hide a yawn, but Darcy noticed it. He stood and offered his hand to his companion. “Let us return to the house. You need to rest so that you will be refreshed to return to your sister.”
Elizabeth planned to ask for a few more minutes, but another yawn prevented her from speaking. She opened her eyes to see Mr. Darcy standing before her with his hand outstretched. Smiling up at him, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her to her feet. Darcy then wrapped her arm around his elbow and tucked it close to his side. Together, they strolled back to the house. The hall was empty except for a footman. Darcy escorted Elizabeth up to her room. He bowed over her hand and wished her a pleasant sleep.
After leaving Elizabeth, Darcy went to Bingley’s library and settled himself at the table in the corner. He was not visible from the door, but should Miss Bingley enter, there was a door to the balcony that he could use. From there, steps led to the gardens. When residing with Miss Bingley, be it at Pemberley or there at Netherfield, Darcy made it a point to never enter a room that had only one exit. He did not doubt that Miss Bingley would attempt a compromise should the opportunity present itself.
Darcy was able to work for several hours without interruption. He heard Miss Bingley enter the room and assumed that she gazed about. When she did not see him, he heard her sigh of frustration and the firm tap-tap-tap of her heels as she walked away.
Elizabeth slept through lunch before refreshing herself and returning to Jane. She spent the afternoon with her sister and then joined the family for supper. When Elizabeth entered the drawing room, Miss Bingley frowned and turned away without speaking. Mr. Darcy’s expression gave Elizabeth pause. She wondered what Miss Bingley had done. Caroline, knowing that she had not yet improved Darcy’s opinion of her handling of their ill guest, placed a smile on her face and asked, “How is dear Miss Bennet? Is she much improved?”
Elizabeth knew that Caroline’s interest was insincere, mainly because she kept her eyes on Mr. Darcy, but she answered politely. “Jane’s fever has fortunately subsided, but she is weak and suffering from a sore throat and a headache. It is kind of you to ask.”
“I do hope she will be well enough to return home soon. I am sure she will feel much better when restored to her family.”
The rest had restored Elizabeth’s sense of humor. “I must beg to differ, Miss Bingley. Jane is much better off in the quiet of Netherfield. However, we shall endeavor to not outstay our welcome.”
Caroline’s lips thinned in a frown. Before she could speak, Bingley said, “You are both welcome to stay as long as needed. You are delightful company and I hope to spend some time with Miss Bennet before she departs.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bingley, you are most kind.”
The butler announced dinner and Darcy stepped forward to offer his arm to Elizabeth. Bingley smiled at his friend, but Miss Bingley’s lips nearly disappeared as her frown deepened. Seeing her look, Bingley offered his arm to his sister. He then led the others to the dining room.
Darcy pulled out Elizabeth’s chair and seated her at the table. He took the chair beside hers, which was also next to Miss Bingley. Though his hostess attempted to dominate his conversation, Darcy frequently turned to Elizabeth to speak with her. Miss Bingley raised her voice slightly and spoke of the delights of the London season, knowing this topic would result in Miss Elizabeth’s exclusion from the conversation. When the ladies left the gentlemen to their port, Elizabeth excused herself to check on Jane. She stayed away for thirty minutes to allow time for the men to return. Elizabeth had no desire to spend time alone with Miss Bingley and her sister. No doubt, they would spend their time looking down on her and speaking only to each other.
As the gentlemen crossed the hallway to rejoin the ladies, Darcy caught a flash of color from the corner of his eye. Looking up, he observed Elizabeth poised at the top of the stairs. Whispering something to Bingley, Darcy waited until the other gentlemen had continued on to the drawing room. Darcy moved to the bottom of the stairs and watched as Elizabeth descended. He held out his hand to her as she neared the bottom. Pausing on the last step, Elizabeth looked at her companion wonderingly.
“Is something the matter, Miss Elizabeth? Has Miss Bennet suffered a relapse?”
“No, Jane is well.” She continued to look at him but did not speak further.
“Have I done something to offend you?” Darcy’s confusion was growing.
“Not at all, Mr. Darcy.”
“May I ask why you stare so?”
“I am sorry. I was just curious as to your purpose.”
“My purpose?”
“I am aware that you are not fond of Miss Bingley. However, I cannot help but wonder if you are using my presence to send her a message.”
Darcy studied her searchingly. “Do you find my attentions officious?”
“Not in the least, sir, unless they are only for show.”
“I can assure you that is not the case.”
“I am only concerned, Mr. Darcy, because Miss Bingley’s anger mounts each time she sees your attention to me. I am a guest in her house and I do not wish to antagonize her when she is extending me hospitality.”
“I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, Miss Elizabeth, but I will not pretend an interest in her that is not there, nor will I ignore you to save her feelings. I never gave the woman reason to believe I will offer for her.”
Elizabeth nodded her understanding. “I am very pleased with your friendship, sir, and would welcome the opportunity to know you better. However, despite Miss Bingley’s behavior, I would not wish to cause her unnecessary pain.”
Darcy took Elizabeth by the hand and led her down the hall to Bingley’s study. They stepped inside and stood behind the open door. Taking her other hand in his, Darcy asked, “Do you think we know one another well enough that I might request a courtship?”
“Are you sure you are ready for such a step, sir? Are you prepared to accept my mother as part of your family? If we move forward, will we be able to retain our friendship if things do not work out? I would not wish to lose your friendship, sir, as I have come to value it greatly.” Elizabeth’s cheeks blushed at the forwardness of her words, but she did not wish for any misunderstandings.
“I believe the risk to be more than worth it. You are a remarkable young lady and unlike anyone I have ever met. I believe we would be very happy together if things progress as I hope.”
Elizabeth’s blush deepened and her smile grew. “Then I am willing to accept your offer of courtship. However, sir, it may be best for us to wait until Jane’s health improves, as my father may wish to remove me from Netherfield if we are in a courtship. Perhaps we can use some of the time while I am here to get to know each other better. It will be much easier to talk uninterrupted here than in my mother’s parlor–though we will always have the option of walking out to enjoy some quiet time together when at Longbourn.”
“That is an excellent suggestion. In addition, perhaps we can manage to meet when you take your morning walks.”
“That is also a good idea, Mr. Darcy. Now, we should join the others. If you go now, I will wait several minutes before entering.”
“I do not think that will be necessary, as I told Bingley I would wait to escort you.”
“So, Mr. Bingley is aware that we were alone all this time?” Elizabeth’s face flushed with embarrassment.
“There is no need for embarrassment, Miss Elizabeth.”
“This is exactly the kind of thing I wish to avoid with Miss Bingley.”
“Are you telling me that you cannot deal with the likes of the Miss Bingleys of the world? I was counting on those abilities to help you when you face the ton for the first time.” Darcy did not try to hide the grin that covered his face.
“You should know, Mr. Darcy, that my courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate.”
“In that case.” Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth. They exited the office on their way to the drawing room.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy, there you are. What kept you from joining us. . .” Miss Bingley’s cloying voice trailed off as she noticed Elizabeth on his arm. “Miss Eliza, if you need something, the proper thing to do is ask your hostess. You should not be bothering Mr. Darcy with your petty concerns.”
“I am well aware of that fact, Miss Bingley. However, I saw no need to consult you as to whether I should accept the gentleman’s arm when offered.”
“Tell me, Miss Eliza, do you linger in the hall waiting to jump out at Mr. Darcy to force him to offer his arm?”
“Indeed not, Miss Bingley, but at least I wait for the arm to be offered.”
Caroline’s face turned red. Darcy could practically see the steam escaping her ears. The wheels turned as Miss Bingley attempted to form a scathing reply. Before she could recover, Charles spoke. “She has you there, Caroline. Poor Darcy. You clutch onto his arm the minute he arrives or enters a room and cling like a vine. The polite thing to do is to wait for him to offer.”
“You exaggerate, Charles, as usual. I’m sure our dear friend does not mind my attention.” Though he tried to disguise it, Darcy’s grunt of disgust reached Miss Bingley’s ears. She looked at the gentleman and caught him rolling his eyes. Caroline could not miss his dislike of her actions. Startled by his expression, Caroline blurted out, “Why did you not say something, Mr. Darcy?”
“As Miss Bennet said, it is appropriate to wait until offered. When I attempted to withdraw, you would cling tighter rather than understand my desire. I did not speak because I did not wish to offend Charles by correcting your behavior. He is the head of the family and that is his responsibility.”
Caroline’s voice and posture were rigid when she replied. “You have my apologies, sir. I shall attempt to refrain from such behavior in the future.”
“I am glad this occurred, as I have tried to tell you this before, Caroline. However, you chose not to believe me.” Miss Bingley glared at her brother as he spoke.
Mrs. Hurst felt sorry for her sister and spoke up, changing the subject. “How about some music? Miss Elizabeth, would you please play for us?”
Though Elizabeth knew that Miss Bingley deserved to be corrected, she would not have wished for her to be publically humiliated. Consequently, she agreed to play. Darcy escorted her to the pianoforte and offered to turn the pages for her. Elizabeth looked through the music and selected one with which she was quite familiar. She finished to polite applause, then surrendered her place to Mrs. Hurst. Miss Bingley was the last to play and chose several pieces. It was apparent that she knew them well, for she had no music in front of her. However, the changing expressions on her face made it clear to her audience that she was pondering her previous behavior and the things that had been said.
When Caroline finished playing, she retired for the night. Not long after her disappearance, Elizabeth excused herself, saying she would check on Jane before she retired. Since Mr. Hurst was the only one interested in playing cards, the Hursts soon retired. Darcy and Bingley retired to Bingley’s study to enjoy a brandy before retiring.
“I hope you are not displeased with what I said to your sister,” Darcy said.
“Not at all. I think this is the first time Caroline understood what I have been telling her for years.”
“If it means she will no longer hang on my arm whenever she is near, I will be delighted with the outcome.”
“Only time will tell. However, I imagine a cleared throat or meaningful glare will remind Caroline of the discussion until she learns to change her ways.”
“I can only hope,” replied Darcy. They quietly sipped their brandies before bidding each other goodnight. Thinking of his upcoming courtship and where it might lead, Darcy dreamed of Elizabeth that night for the first time.
