Bingley talked all through breakfast the next morning about his intention of courting Miss Darcy. “I believe she must feel the same attraction and in time, she will become my wife.”
Elizabeth had watched the quiet young lady at the Lucas party. “Charles, I do not think she returns your feelings. Not once did I see her behave as though she preferred you over any other gentleman in attendance.”
Bingley appeared hurt by Elizabeth's estimation of Miss Darcy’s attachment or the lack thereof. “She is merely a reserved young lady, quite different from the set you prefer in Town.”
Elizabeth bit her tongue. She had not wanted to hurt her friend but his plan to seek Miss Darcy's hand left her little choice in the matter.
“Charles, you fall in love at least four times a year, as the seasons change,” Caroline teased before Elizabeth might speak on the matter again.
Bingley placed his napkin on the table. “I know the two of you want the best for me, but I will be the judge of that. I will meet Sir William in an hour's time at Lucas Lodge to dine with Colonel Forster and his senior officers.”
Caroline stood. “Eliza and I will have tea with Miss Darcy today. Did you forget?”
Bingley appeared crestfallen. “I suppose I did. Perhaps she might be persuaded to stay until I have returned?”
Caroline did not bother arguing. She knew her brother would not be turned away from yet another romantic pursuit. He loved falling in love. “Eliza and I will do our best.”
The rain fell harder than it had in the morning and Georgiana Darcy began to fret. “Aunt Catherine, I must have the carriage, but William has taken it today. How will I get to Netherfield in this rain?”
Mrs. de Bourgh dismissed her niece's worries. “Do you not see, child? 'Tis perfect luck that you shall go in the rain. Take the horses. If I am right, the rain will only become heavier this afternoon. You girls will have to stay the night at Netherfield, you see.”
Anne did not see the sense of remaining overnight as a guest of the Bingleys. She hardly knew them. “But Mother, I would not like to impose upon their hospitality so soon after making their acquaintance. The invitation was for Georgiana, not me.”
Her mother sneered. “Nonsense child! Miss Bingley simply forgot to add your name. If you are ever to marry, you must do as I say.”
Anne knew better than to challenge her mother’s schemes. The woman always managed to get her way, but she knew her mother only wanted the best for her.
She hurried upstairs with her cousin to dress carefully to impress their new friends. Georgiana mumbled about catching a cold in the rain but Anne reassured her. “It would be a small price to pay if you win Mr. Bingley's affections. I wish he had a brother instead of a sister. I do so admire Miss Bingley and her friend Miss Bennet. They are wonderfully fashionable. Do you not agree?”
Georgiana wrinkled her nose. “Miss Bingley is aloof and her friend is no better. Money does not compensate for a lack of civility.”
Anne appeared to ponder her response. “I think Miss Bennet is merely a quiet lady. The gossip over her dowry was as whispered over as Mr. Bingley's fortune at the Assembly. It cannot be comfortable having people discuss your worth in such a manner. As for Miss Bingley, she has likely seen many young ladies attracted to her brother for the wrong reason.”
Georgiana went to stand before her cousin. “Help me with these tiny buttons please. You are just like Mr. Bingley; determined to like everyone.”
Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh sat with Caroline and Elizabeth in the drawing-room of Netherfield Park and enjoyed a tea that was most decadent when compared to the practical country offerings of their neighbors.
Caroline questioned Miss Darcy about her home and brother before deciding to include Miss de Bourgh in the conversation. Elizabeth watched as the shy young lady seemed to struggle. Caroline was most unkind to her. “We overheard that Mr. Darcy saved you from the hedgerows.”
But Miss de Bourgh was not too shy to admit the truth. “Mother and I came to Hertfordshire after Father died in a fire. There was very little money when his will was read, only enough for my dowry. My cousin was most kind to take us in.”
Caroline glanced at her friend. Elizabeth gave her a warning look and sipped her tea to disguise the sound of disapproval that rose in her throat.
“Mr. Darcy has done well by you, I declare. Your mother must find it difficult to be in such a pitiable state.” Caroline’s voice was laced with concern and Miss de Bourgh was eager to accept the commiseration.
“Mother wishes for our old home and for Father. I admit I am homesick as well.” No sooner had the words left the girl than she fainted.
Elizabeth and Caroline jumped from their seats in dismay. Caroline tiptoed around the poor girl, but Elizabeth went to her side with Miss Darcy. “Caro, she is burning up with fever. Send for a footman to fetch the local doctor.”
In an hour's time, Miss de Bourgh was resting in a bedroom of Netherfield Park and Caroline was complaining in the drawing room. “It is a pity she has fallen ill, but how bothersome to have a guest when none was expected.”
Elizabeth sighed deeply, her irritation plain. “Surely you might have more consideration for the poor dear, Caro. It is not as if she came here seeking to fall ill and become a burden.”
Caroline snorted and pointed a finger at Elizabeth. “She came on horseback in the rain, Eliza. What kind of woman sends her frail daughter and niece out in such weather without the use of a carriage? I'll tell you! The kind obsessed with my brother and his fortune.”
Elizabeth went to stand by the row of windows that looked out over the gardens. “Charles will be thrilled, you know. At least someone in this house will be pleased.”
No sooner were the words spoken than the butler entered the drawing room with Mr. Darcy on his heels. Elizabeth noticed how the raindrops trapped in his dark curls caught the candlelight.
Caroline glanced at Elizabeth as she welcomed Mr. Darcy. “We have seen to your cousin's well-being, sir. Mr. Jones, your apothecary, has said she must remain abed for a few days and cannot return home in this terrible weather.”
Elizabeth held her tongue. She felt terribly ill-mannered to behave in such a way, but Mr. Darcy’s attention remained on her friend.
“I would not wish to inconvenience your household, Miss Bingley. Surely I might take her home in my carriage?”
Bingley entered the parlor and shook Mr. Darcy's hand. “It is no trouble for your cousin to recover here with us, Mr. Darcy. In fact, Miss Darcy may stay if she wishes. To see to your cousin's comfort, of course.”
Caroline’s smile was strained as she went to stand beside her brother. Elizabeth turned away. She did not wish to laugh at her friend, but the woman was often ridiculous and unkind.
The stark difference in the Bingleys still puzzled her after all this time though she loved them both. When they were younger, Caroline’s snide comments had amused Elizabeth but more and more, she found them irritating when she noticed the subjects of Caroline’s meanness did not deserve it.
Mr. Darcy's voice caused Elizabeth to turn and face the trio once again. “I am grateful for your kindness, Miss Bingley. Mr. Bingley, I would very much like to repay your generosity when my cousin is well. You must all come for dinner at your convenience.”
Elizabeth saw how Bingley stood taller and glowed at the idea of becoming better acquainted with the Darcy family. She also thought perhaps Caroline might be correct in her accusation against Mrs. de Bourgh. Only time would tell.
Georgiana brushed aside the damp hair from her cousin's heated brow. “My dear Anne, why must you be the one to fall ill? Aunt Catherine will be most displeased.”
Anne lay still and silent but the girl's eyes flitted underneath their pale lids. A knock upon the door startled Georgiana from her observations.
Miss Bingley entered and called to her. The woman would not come near Anne's bedside. “Mr. Darcy has come. He wishes to speak with you and to see Miss de Bourgh.”
Georgiana stood and followed Miss Bingley from the room. Their hostess left her in the hallway with her brother and an admonition. “Please do send for me if her condition worsens.”
Mr. Darcy took his sister's hands. “The Bingleys say you must stay with Anne if you wish. I will have Hill send a footman with a small trunk of clothes for you. How is she?”
Georgiana led her brother into the room where Anne rested. “How kind of them! I wish I were ill instead of poor Anne. We tried to convince Aunt Catherine the weather was too terrible for us to come on horseback, but she hoped we might be stranded for the night.”
Mr. Darcy was irritated by his aunt's machinations but he would not speak of them to his sister. “I shall deal with her directly. Let me see our Anne. She is so often unwell. It is a pity.”
In the hallway from her position by the door where she stood eavesdropping, Miss Bingley covered her mouth before she might call out in anger. She had rightly judged Mrs. de Bourgh.
In the drawing room, Caroline paced and fussed at her brother. “I know what I heard, Charles. The woman has thrown those girls before you without a care for the inconvenience to our household nor the danger to their health.”
Bingley sat leisurely before the fire, the grin he wore winding his sister tighter in her objections. “I care not, Caro. I expect she wishes for her daughter to win me, but Miss Darcy has already claimed my heart.”
Elizabeth snorted from her seat across the room by the window. “Today it is Miss Darcy. When we return to town, it shall be Miss Cole. Do not make yourself ill, Caro. Your brother will do as he pleases no matter how many lovely shades of purple your face displays.”
Caroline could not reply as Mr. Darcy entered the parlor with a footman who stood dripping water on the polished floor. The poor servant shivered but held tightly to a small trunk as though it were a prized treasure.
“My footman has brought clothing for my sister and cousin. He says the roads are impassable and that I would not make it the three miles home with my carriage. My driver has taken the conveyance and horses to your stables.”
Elizabeth was breathless awaiting Bingley’s reply. It seemed Netherfield would soon host the entire Darcy family for the night. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from smiling like a silly girl.
Bingley had stood when Mr. Darcy entered and he went to clap the man on the back. “Of course you must stay with us, sir. Come, join me in the library for port and cigars. Your footman may find dry clothing downstairs with our servants.”
Mr. Darcy gave a small bow to Caroline and Elizabeth moved to her side as the mistress of Netherfield was, for once, beyond words.
She glanced at Mr. Darcy as he waited by the door. Bingley called for one of his own footmen to take the trunk upstairs while sending Mr. Darcy’s footman downstairs.
As if he felt her eyes upon him, Mr. Darcy turned and caught Elizabeth in her examination of his person. He nodded at her with a smile that deepened the dimple in his left cheek. Elizabeth's countenance grew from rosy pink to crimson but she would not look away.
She lifted her chin and smiled back. Caroline moved to block her friend's view of the man. She hissed her censure under her breath. “Eliza, what is wrong with you? Your mother would be most angry to know you flirt with such a man!”
“I am merely being polite, Caro. I suggest you follow my lead or risk your brother's anger. Mr. Darcy is a gentleman with land and money. 'Tis true his wealth is nothing compared to my father, but he is not in Trade.”
Elizabeth words stung her friend and Caroline stomped her way to the drawing room door. She turned and pointed a finger at Elizabeth. “I have never been so insulted Eliza. I have a mind to leave for London this night.”
Elizabeth awoke the next morning to the sound of rain beating against her windows. She sighed as she dearly wished to be outside for a time in order to avoid her friend’s wrath. She had not spoken with Caroline again after their words in the parlor the night before.
When she entered the breakfast room, Bingley and Mr. Darcy were there with Miss Darcy and the newspapers that Bingley had brought from London.
The man from Longbourn smiled at her. “Miss Bennet, you are up early. I thought that ladies who prefer Town slept much later than country folks.”
Mr. Darcy’s greeting was meant to get a rise from her, but Elizabeth would not give him the satisfaction. “I wished to go out and enjoy the countryside this morning, but it seems the rain has only worsened since yesterday.”
Miss Darcy smiled at Elizabeth. “I do so love to walk about the fields between home and Netherfield Park. It is a pity the rain will keep us inside.”
Bingley turned to the young lady he professed to love. “I would take you on a carriage ride if you like, Miss Darcy. I am certain Miss Bennet would join us.”
“I would not leave my cousin for so long, Mr. Bingley, but you are so kind to offer. Perhaps when my cousin is well, we will all go along,” Miss Darcy said, casting her lashes down and blushing.
Elizabeth considered the young lady. She did not seem the type for gamboling across the country on foot. “How is Miss de Bourgh this morning? Mr. Jones seemed most concerned yesterday.”
Mr. Darcy lowered his eyes to his papers and gave them a shake. Elizabeth caught the movement from the corner of her eye.
Her father often did the same when her mother made a point he could not argue. She hid the smile that would be inappropriate as she listened for Miss Darcy’s report of their patient.
“She is the same, I fear. Aunt Catherine must be so worried. I know she would come if the roads were passable,” Miss Darcy said. She seemed genuinely upset.
Elizabeth offered a reassuring reply. “I am certain if you were to write of all that is being done for your cousin, your aunt will have some relief. There are any number of footmen who would take the letter to Longbourn.”
Miss Darcy brightened at this idea. “We are only three miles from home. The fields must be better for walking than the roads!”
Bingley graced Elizabeth with a bright smile and encouraged Miss Darcy. “I assure you any one of my footmen is equal to the task. Why, I should take it myself! I would love to be the first to tell your aunt that I shall throw a ball once your cousin is well.”
Miss Darcy gasped. “Mr. Bingley, how wonderful you are to think of such a thing! My aunt has said you are the best sort of man and I do agree with her.”
Bingley beamed at this praise as he stood and offered his arm to the young lady. “There is paper aplenty and a writing desk in the parlor. If it gives you ease, make use of it to write to your aunt. If you like, I am certain Elizabeth would sit with your cousin for a time while you compose your letter.”
Mr. Darcy looked to Elizabeth and seemed as surprised as she at Bingley’s offer. He stared across the table at her as she began to speak. “Yes, Miss Darcy, you must go with Bingley. Your aunt would be pleased to know you have considered her distress in this unfortunate situation.”
Mr. Darcy spoke up before his sister could leave the room with their host. “I will go with Miss Bennet and watch over Anne so that you may not worry for her.”
Elizabeth meant to say she could manage the task alone, but she could think of worse diversions than sitting by a sickbed in the company of a handsome gentleman. Arguing with Caroline came immediately to mind.
She rose from her seat and waited for Mr. Darcy to come to her side of the table and offer his arm.
Miss Darcy smiled up at Bingley as the pair quit the breakfast room. Mr. Darcy stood and Elizabeth encouraged him to bring his newspapers. “If Miss de Bourgh is able, perhaps you might read to us the news of the day.”
“You surprise me with your interests, Miss Bennet. I would not think many ladies cared for the contents of a newspaper. I do enjoy a lady of wit and intellect, there are so few in Hertfordshire,” he said and Elizabeth thought he must be teasing her.
“My father taught me to read his papers, Mr. Darcy. I assure you I am far more than a spoilt young lady who thinks only of ribbons and lace.”
Offering his arm, Mr. Darcy nodded. “I find not many ladies are so inclined. I cannot think of one in all my acquaintance.”
Elizabeth knew he could never find her equal in the country, nor in Town. It was not false pride that made her certain, but the knowledge that very few fathers taught their daughters to read and manage an estate.
Placing a hand upon her chest, she smiled at him. “There is one for you to think of now. Let us see whether you may impress her as greatly as she has impressed you.”
Mr. Darcy laughed. It was a deep and infectious sound that Elizabeth knew was not given to mock her. She almost dreaded the day she would leave Netherfield Park.