Section I, Next Section
Posted on Wednesday, 6 February 2002
Elizabeth put on her bonnet and started out the door with her mother trailing after her wailing, "This is foolishness Lizzie, Jane will be well cared for at Netherfield I am sure. You would do better to go to town with Kitty and Lydia to meet some of the soldiers. Who knows, you might meet the younger son of an Earl or even a Duke. You will find no husband at Netherfield. Only Mr. Bingley and that dreadful Mr. Darcy are there and neither of them are interested in you, Miss. Mr. Bingley is in love with Jane and Mr. Darcy cares for no one but himself."
As Lizzie trod over the fields wet from yesterdays rain she grinned thinking how her skirts would be wet and muddy by the time she reached her destination. "How Mama would scold, she thought, she would head for her fainting couch in all haste."
As she rounded the tall hedge near the house at Netherfield Park, she was met by the unwelcome presence of Mr. Darcy, who looked startled at her sudden appearance.
Darcy could naught but smile as he looked into the blushing face of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, noting the state of her skirts.
When he enquired if she had walked from Longbourn she cooling answered, "As you see."
With a cold look in her beautiful dark violet eyes she asked the way to her sisters room.
Darcy grinned as he followed her swift footsteps to the house where he instructed a maid to take her to her sister.
"Miss Eliza Bennet has walked all the way from Longbourn in the wet and the dirt, Miss Bingley sniggered, you should have seen her skirts sister, mud to the knee's."
"Turning her attention to Mr. Darcy she cooed, I am sure you noticed, Mr. Darcy, I am sure you would nor condone such actions in you own dear Georgiana. Did you not think she was a dreadful sight.
"Indeed she was, Caroline, but what else can one expect from these country barbarians," Mrs. Hurst replied.
Caroline, however was interested only in Mr. Darcy's thoughts as she said "What say you Mr. Darcy, you would never want our dear Georgiana to act in such a manner I am sure."
"Why Miss Eliza looked almost wild, her hair awry, her face flushed from her exertions. Perhaps this little escapade has lessened your admiration for, her fine eyes."
"Indeed not, they were brightened by the exercise," Darcy replied, setting his cup down on the sideboard and leaving the room.
"Caroline looked at her sister in dismay, she had not expected this response, she did not like this, she did not like it at all. Mr. Darcy was showing too much interest in Miss Elizabeth Bennet and she meant to put an end to it or her name was not Caroline Bingley.
The first day Jane seemed to be getting on well and it seemed to be just a cold. Elizabeth stayed with her through the day and went to the dining room for dinner.
Mr. Bingley had insisted that she stay until Jane was better and had sent to Longbourn for some clothes for her.
She returned to her room after and encounter with Mr. Darcy. She found his remarks about not knowing a dozen accomplished women food for an argument, which she enjoyed.
The second night she again went down to dinner and after the meal she again had a disagreement with the arrogant Mr. Darcy.
She smiled to herself as she walked down the hall recalling the look of suppressed anger on his face as the conversation progressed from arrogance and pride to her deliberately misunderstanding his statements.
She was alarmed when she entered Jane's room to find her sister gasping for breath.
Catching a maid in the hall she sent her to tell Mr. Bingley to send for the apothecary Mr. Jones at once.
Mr. Jones came in all haste and after doing what he could told Lizzie that he felt Jane need a doctor but he didn't know when Doctor Adams would return from London. He assured her that if she did as he instructed Jane would improve.
A week passed and Jane was no better. Elizabeth had not been downstairs in that time. She was so afraid to leave Jane.
"Well I for one would rather Miss Bennet stayed with her sister and not interrupt the tranquility of our evenings with her impertinence and disrespect. How nice it will be when they are gone and we have the house to ourselves," Caroline sighed, watching Darcy out of the corner of her eye as she walked around the room displaying her finery for his benefit.
"Caroline, Charles, said in a shocked tone, "How can you be so cruel, Miss Bennet is very ill and I for one find her sister's devotion to her quite heart warming."
Caroline walked from the room in a huff, muttering, "I am sick to death of Bennets.
Darcy walked down the hall from his room early the next morning and saw Miss Elizabeth leave her room and start toward her sisters, she staggered and clutched the wall for a moment before straightening her shoulders and starting to go on.
"Miss, Bennet, you are unwell, he exclaimed, you mist send for the doctor, you cannot bear this burden alone. You will become ill yourself and that will be of no help to your sister."
Elizabeth looked at him with tear filled eyes, "The doctor has gone to Kent from London, she replied, he will not be back for at least a week."
As she turned into her sisters room Darcy heard her sob.
Returning to his room with quick strides he instructed his man to go have the carriage made ready in all haste so that he could go to town as quickly as possible.
Grabbing a few muffins and some bacon from the breakfast sideboard he left the house quickly before he could be waylaid.
Urging his driver to get to London as quickly as possible he sat thinking of those beautiful eyes, so weary, so tear-filled. The long dark lashes wet. That wonderful smile no longer there, replaced by worry and fear.
Dr Benchly was startled when Darcy dashed into his office speaking so fast that he had to slow him down in order to understand what he was saying.
After getting the story of two young girls in Herdfordshire who were in dire need of help and no doctor available he wondered why Darcy was so involved.
After the promise of good shooting he agreed to go to Netherfield with the distraught Darcy.
They had to wait for the two women who Darcy insisted must come along to nurse the sick girl so that her sister could get some rest.
Darcy paced the floor impatiently.
"You will find it difficult to make the younger sister leave her sister to rest he said. She is devoted to her and will not leave her. I fear she will become ill herself if she does not get some rest, but you will find her very stubborn, especially where her sisters health is concerned."
"Hmmm, Dr Benchly said, I might need a dash of this, putting a vial in his pocket. Have no fear Darcy, I can assure you the sister will be asleep soon after we arrive.
Mrs. Winston and Mrs. Barch wondered what was afoot as they walked into the house at Netherfield Park.
"This is a curious case, Mrs. Barch whispered, we are sworn to secrecy and rushed out of town to this place to nurse a girl who the doctor has never heard of. This is curious, is it not Marian."
"Let us not pass judgment, Mary, she replied, I want to keep working for Dr Benchly, the pay is good and I will do ask he asks."
"Of course, Marian, I feel the same but it is a puzzle."
Darcy stayed in his room until he heard a disturbance in the hall.
Walking out he say Elizabeth arguing with one of the nurses.
"Now, Miss, the doctor told you to get some rest, you had better do as he says, go to your room now, dear."
"I will not leave her, Elizabeth said stubbornly, Jane needs me. I am fine."
"Well my dear if that is the way it must be at least you can have a cup up my special herbal tea. It is just what you need."
Bringing out a chair for Elizabeth she brewed her tea while Elizabeth sat on the edge of the chair waiting for the doctor to come out to tell her about Jane."
"Oh, this is vile," she said, making a face as she sipped the tea.
"Now you finish that up, Miss Bennet or I will not let you see your sister again today, and I assure you I can keep you form her side, so drink up now, Miss."
"You had better do as she says, Miss Bennet, Darcy said, I do believe her quite capable of barring you from the room."
Elizabeth quickly drained her cup as she saw the doctor coming out of the room.
As she stood up the room turned upside down and she felt herself falling.
Darcy caught her before she could reach the floor and lifted her in his arms.
"This way sir, carry her to her room, I will take care of her after you get her there."
Lying her gently on the bed, Darcy looked at that lovely face for a long moment before turning to Mrs. Larch saying, "Take good care of her madam."
Posted on Saturday, 16 February 2002
Ross looked out of the corner of his eye at his master standing looking out the window while he finished his duties.
Something was afoot with Mr. Darcy but Ross knew not what. He shook his head as he remembered yesterday. As a matter of fact it had started the day before when Mr. Darcy had sent Mr. Ross to London in great haste with a letter to Dr Benchley along with the widows of two of Pemberley estate's farmers telling them that they were needed here at Netherfield.
Dr Benchley had been urged to come to aid in the recovery of Miss Jane Bennet and the ladies to relieve Miss Elizabeth Bennet of the burden of nursing her sister 24 hours a day.
Why had Mr. Darcy taken it upon himself go send for the doctor Mr. Ross could not fathom. was it not Mr. Bingley's place to do so. They were his guest after all.
However even before Dr Benchley could finish his preparations Mr. Darcy had arrived himself saying that the doctors carriage was not large enough to accommodate him and the two ladies and all that they would have to bring for their stay.
The promise of good shooting and a fortnight stay after the Bennet sister was on the mend was all that was needed to put the spur to Dr Benchley and they had arrived back at Netherfield yesterday in the late afternoon.
Mr. Bingley greeted them with great enthusiasm. He was becoming more and more worried about Miss Bennet's condition, and was more than happy to see the doctor and the nurses.
His sister's were less happy to see the entourage with Mr. Darcy.
"Really, Mr. Darcy, I see no reason for this fuss, Miss Bingley snapped. After all these country girls are a hardy sort and I am sure Miss Bennet would recover without the help of a London physician. If her sister chooses to nurse that is her prerogative. I see no reason to bring those two ladies to do the nursing duties."
"This is a great waste of the time of all three, Mr. Darcy, I am sure Mr. Jones can handle this after all he is well acquainted with these country bumpkins and their ailments."
Doctor Benchley with a look at Darcy had followed him up the stairs to Miss Bennets room to examine her and confirmed Mr. Darcy's fears that Miss Bennet was indeed very ill.
"I fear it is pneumonia, Darcy he said, I think we are in time though."
Her sister was in a state of great agitation while waiting for the doctor to minister to her sister.
One of the ladies had brewed her some herbal tea and she had drunk it quickly, but when she was given permission to return to her sister she had collapsed into Mr. Darcy's arms and was carried to her room in the hope that she would get some much needed rest.
As he finished he asked his master if there was anything else he needed.
Mr. Darcy had thanked him and said no and excused him.
As he left the room he took on last look back in worry about Mr. Darcy. He was not himself he seemed so agitated . It was not yet sunrise and here he was dressed for riding and watching out the window as if willing the sun to rise.
Darcy leaned against the cool pane of the window. He must get out of this house and away from her. She had danced through his dreams all night. He must go riding and try to fathom why it was he could not get Miss Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind and his dreams.
Turning from the window he put on his coat and ran down the stairs to the kitchen to grab some cheese and a muffin. Quickly drinking a glass of milk as he headed for the door he thanked the cook and told her to tell Mr. Bingley that he was riding if he should as for him.
Saddling his own horse rather than awaken a stable boy he rode off into the misty dawn.
Posted on Thursday, 11 April 2002
"Master Darcy is about early this morning, even for him," John the stableboy said to Mr. Michaels the Stablemaster.
"Aye, even earlier than yesterday, then he waited for the sun to be up completely before he was of. Seems to me he has something on his mind this morning," he murmured quietly, almost as if talking to himself.
"Get on with ye now, boy, you've duties to get done, be off with you," he said to John while watching Darcy and his big hunter disappear into the morning mist.
Darcy rode slowly up Martin Mount thinking about all that had happened in the last few days.
He dropped the reins to the ground, knowing that his horse was well trained and would stay where he was cropping the grass until the reins were picked up again.
Stepping around a fallen log Darcy walked to the edge of the mount and looked at the peaceful scene before him in the light of the rising sun.
A smile crossed his handsome face as he saw a doe leave the meadow below for the safety of the grove across the way.
Tossing his hat down beside the fallen log he sighed, what was wrong with him, he thought. Why did this country nobody have such an effect on him. She was impertinent, sometimes even uncivil to him, yet he sought her out at every opportunity.
Women had always thrown themselves at him because of his wealth and position in English society, the worst being Miss Caroline Bingley.
Miss Bennet, however, seemed unimpressed with either. She seemed to enjoy any chance to disagree with him and start and argument. An argument which he usually enjoyed immensely.
Sometimes though she went too far though, he thought as he remembered their disagreement three nights before when she had accused him of arrogance and pride.
This time, in his mind, it was not the usual good-natured banter but an assault on his character. He had found himself becoming increasingly angry as their confrontation went on and for the first time he was glad for Miss Bingley's interference, which put and end to things. Miss Bennet, he was sure had realized she had gone too far and bade them all good night and left the room with a gentle, warm smile for Bingley.
Darcy remembered the flash of anger he had felt at his friend. Why did she not look at him with the same soft look and smile. Why Bingley. Even now he scowled at the thought.
Sitting down on the log he ran his fingers through his thick dark hair.
"Darcy, Darcy, he whispered, how could you act like such a cad. How could you do such an ungentlemanly thing."
His mind had traveled from the music room at Netherfield to the last evening.
He had caught her as she started to fall and Mrs. Barch had tucked her head up on his shoulder, under his chin.
Even now he could feel the softness of her hair and the scent of her.
The same scent that wafted up through the windows of Pemberley. The scent his mother had loved so dearly and the vines she had tended so diligently.
Jasmine, the heady scent of jasmine. So soft, so subtle coming from her, enveloping him.
He recalled brushing his lips across her cheek as he placed her down upon the bed.
He was shocked at his actions and quickly left the room, praying that Mrs. Larch had not seen what he had done.
"How could you Darcy, he said aloud, how could you kiss her. She was unconscious, you cad."
"You know that you can trust Mrs. Larch, but, just pray that she didn't not see you. She would be shocked at such actions from the son of Mr. George Darcy, the landlord who she had loved and respected for so many years.
Picking up his hat he took up the reins and put them over Hadrian's head and mounting him turned back toward Netherfield. He wanted to have his breakfast before Miss Bingley and the Hursts came down. He didn't know how much he could stand of Caroline Bingley this morning, especially after their confrontation last night.
Mrs. Barch had seen his kiss, and smiled each time she thought of it.
"So Master Darcy is in love, and such a lovely young woman too."
Mrs. Barch knew what Fitzwilliam Geoffrey, Alexander Darcy had not yet figured out for himself. That he was completely and irrevocably in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Posted on Tuesday, 28 May 2002
Darcy looked at his watch as he started up the stairs.
"Good," he thought, "it is just past seven o'clock, I have plenty of time to have a good bath and write a letter to Fitzwilliam before I go down to breakfast."
Mrs. Hurst was inclined to be a bit snippy if one came into her presence smelling of horse.
As he strode down the hall Mrs. Barch met him outside Miss Bennet's door.
"Please, sir, you know the young lady, Miss Bennet," she inquired,
"Yes, Mrs. Barch, I an acquainted with the young lady," he replied.
"If you please sir, would you come and have a look at her for me. She seems far too pale to me. I fear sir that I might have given her too much of the sleeping draught Dr. Benchley gave me. I would feel right bad, indeed if I have put Miss Bennet in danger."
"But Mrs. Barch, I could not go into the lady's bedchamber. That would be most ungentlemanly."
Mr. Barch was close to tears.
"Please, sir, I beg of you. There is no one about to see and you are the only one I trust to help me."
Darcy looked about the hall and seeing no one he agreed, with great reluctance to take a look at Miss Bennet.
Mrs. Larch was and old and trusted friend whose husband had been one of the tenant farmers at Pemberley and he did not like to see her so distressed.
Approaching the bed he looked at the young lady sleeping there.
He could scarcely breathe, she was so lovely and turning on his heel he rushed into the hall.
Mrs. Larch followed, wringing her hands in dismay.
"Oh, it is as I feared, is it not, I have put the lady in danger."
"No, no, Darcy replied, I can assure you Miss Bennet looks well, very well."
"Oh, bless you sir, Mrs. Larch sighed in relief. Her skin is so fair, I was troubled. I am too accustomed to seeing the ladies in town with all their makeup. I failed to remember that these country girls have such natural fair skin. I thank you sir, from the bottom of my heart. I am much relieved, I can tell you."
"I will never tell anyone that I asked for your help in such a way, not even Mrs. Winston. You are a true gentleman Mr. Darcy, just like your dear father."
As she watched his retreating form she whispered, "You love her, Mr. Darcy, and I don't think you even know it."
As his man prepared his bath Darcy stood looking out the window. He could see the dog running around the lawn. The same dog that he had watched Elizabeth playing with just a few days before. A smile crossed his faced as he remembered.
Garth wondered what had brought such a pleasing look to his master's face as he turned to climb into the steaming tub.
As he settled in Darcy said to the man fussing with his clothes a few feet away.
"Go down and have your breakfast, Garth, he said, I will ring for you when I need you. I shall be here for a while and then I want to write a letter or two. You will have plenty of time."
Darcy laid his head back and closed his eyes. As he did so Elizabeth's face swam before him. Her long dark hair spread out on the pillow an unruly mass of curls, one hand up by her cheek and the other on the comforter. Her eyes closed in peaceful sleep, the long thick lashes curling softly on her high elegant cheekbones.
"Good god she is beautiful, He whispered. I must stop thinking of her. She is a country nobody, I must put her out of my mind."
Standing up abruptly, he toweled himself off and put on his robe.
Striding to the writing desk he prepared to write to his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.
Bingley had asked him if he would like to invite his cousin to come Netherfield, At first he had demurred, but the more he thought about it the more he thought it would be best if indeed Richard could come to Herefordshire. It would be diversion. He had to have someone there who could keep his mind off Elizabeth Bennet and Richard was just the man to do it.
As he tried to write the letter her face keep coming between him and the page.
"Darcy you fool, you are in love with her. It is useless to deny it, he thought. You must find the opportunity to ask for her hand. You will never be happy until she is your wife."
"No, Darcy, you cannot, she is too far beneath you. Your family, your friends, what would they think if you married this girl of whom no one has ever heard. She has no money, no connections, she is entirely wrong for you."
"Fitzwilliam, you must come," he said aloud. "You must help me cast off this spell she has put upon me."
Posted on Wednesday, 12 June 2002
Darcy shook himself awake, slamming his feet to the floor.
Snatching his watch from the nearby table he cursed under his breath as he noted the time.
"Curses," he said, nearly nine o'clock. "I had hoped to have breakfast before Miss Bingley and the Hurst's come down. Perhaps if I hurry I can finish before they are about. Miss Bingley and her sister do not like to rise early."
Hearing his master's feel hit the floor Ross hurried into the bedroom to see Mr. Darcy putting breeches on. Reaching for his shirt he said, "Good Ross, I am glad that you are here. I wish to get to the breakfast room in all haste. If you will help me with the finishing touches here I will be off."
As he hurried down the corridor he saw Dr Benchley exit Miss Bennets Room and start down the hall.
"Benchley," he said, "I am glad to see you. Is Miss Bennet any improved?"
"I believe so, the doctor replied. She is resting well now, so, I thought I would go down and have some breakfast before she awakes. Mrs. Winston will send someone to fetch me if I am needed."
"Mrs. Barch tells me that her sister is still sleeping. I am glad to hear it. I told her to let her sleep as long as she can. The poor girl needs it."
"Yes," Darcy said quietly, "he is very stubborn and refused to let anyone else care for her sister even though we tried to get her to let the maids sit with her. They are very close, it seems."
Darcy breathed a sigh of relief as they entered the breakfast room to find no one there.
Helping themselves from the sideboard they took seats and the table ready to enjoy a good conversation.
"It has been all to long since we have been in each others company," Mark, Darcy smiled; "It looks like we can have a pleasant meal and catch up with each other. It is pleasantly quiet this morning."
Dr Benchley laughed, he knew what Darcy meant. He could never understand what his old friend saw in Bingley's two younger sisters, especially Miss Caroline.
"Such an arrogant overbearing snob," he thought. "She thinks herself far above her station. A most disagreeable young woman, in his opinion."
Their pleasure was short lived however for within ten minutes of their arrival the Bingleys and Mr. Hurst arrived.
Miss Bingley was first to the sideboard taking a muffin and some eggs.
"Mr. Darcy, Dr Bentley," she cooed, "How nice it is to have breakfast with ones peers without any of the locals to abide"
"But, where is Miss Eliza Bennet this morning. She is usually leaving about the time we arrive."
"Dear me, is she out walking already. It must be damp yet, but that doesn't seem to deter our country lass."
"She is still sleeping," Darcy replied.
"Still sleeping, Good heavens, did you hear that Louisa, our early rising guest is still abed. Dear me don't tell me that Miss Eliza Bennet it becoming a slug a bed," she giggled.
"I hope she sleeps for a good long time," Dr Benchley said coldly. "The poor girl was totally exhausted. I understand she has been attending her sister around the clock. That kind of devotion is certainly not found in the families who reside in London."
"Yes," Bingley chimed in, "I find her devotion to her sister very pleasing. It speaks of an unselfish and loving nature."
"Do you remember when you had that dreadful cold last winter, Louisa? Caroline would not come near you until you were completely healed."
Caroline shot her brother a look of anger but was afraid to give the sharp retort that was on the tip of her tongue and give Mr. Darcy the wrong impression about her.
"Louisa did not want me there," she said, testily, "I would have gone if she requested my company."
"If I remember, brother---," she stopped as the maid announced, Miss Charlotte Lucas.
The gentlemen rose and bowed as Charlotte entered.
"I am sorry I did not wish to interrupt your breakfast, I thought you would be finished," she said as she looked at the clock on the mantle.
"I have come to inquire about Miss Bennet. her father tells us she is truly very ill."
"Yes she is," Mr. Bingley replied, "I am sure though that a call from a friend and neighbor will help her considerably."
"May I introduce Dr Benchley, he can tell you more than any of the rest of us."
Dr Benchley smiled as her looked into her clear hazel eyes. "She was no great beauty like the Bennet sisters," he thought, "but she has a beauty of her own. A kindhearted, sensible young woman I think."
"Miss Lucas," Caroline said, "what a surprise, I did not hear a carriage, did you, Sister."
"No," Louisa replied, "perhaps like your friend Miss Bennet you are a great walker and came across the fields," she sneered.
"Yes Mrs. Hurst, exactly, it is such a lovely morning for a walk," Charlotte said, a touch of humor in her voice. She knew the Bingley looked on Elizabeth and herself as being too far beneath them for their notice and she found it quite amusing after listening to Elizabeth's imitations of the sisters.
Rising, Dr Benchley offered his arm to Charlotte saying, "If you would like, Miss Lucas I will take you to Miss Bennet and you can satisfy yourself about her condition."
"Thank heaven, Dr Benchley was here to escort her upstairs," Caroline snapped, "I do not believe I could stand a morning with the likes of Charlotte Lucas. I don not think I could abide any country manners this morning.
Darcy slammed his chair back in disgust and rose to take his leave.
"I find it pleasing that Miss Lucas should take the time to come herself to see how her friends do," he snapped.
As he went through the door Miss Bingley cried, "Mr. Darcy I would have a word with you, it is of great importance."
"Not now Caroline, Bingley," said sharply, "Darcy is I think going for his morning walk."
"OH good, Charles, I shall go with him," she smiled.
"Caroline, Louisa, stopped her, I think it would behoove you to let Mr. Darcy go alone right now, I don't think he wishes any company."
After a few minutes of arguing with her sister and brother Caroline gave up saying, "It is too late now, I wouldn't know where to find him. I shall find time this afternoon."
Elizabeth awoke to find her dear friend Charlotte sitting quietly beside her bed.
"Charlotte, what are you doing here?" she said as she put her feet over the side. "Dear heavens what time is it. I must go to Jane."
"It is 1:20, Lizzie," Charlotte smiled, "and Jane is doing very well. I have talked to her and she is much improved, Dr Benchley, it seems is a miracle worker."
"Oh, dear, how could I have slept so long, how could I not have been there with my sister."
"Lizzie, she is very well taken care of. It would do her more good if she knew that you have eaten and had a good walk. She worried that you had exhausted yourself and she is feeling guilty."
"Mr. Darcy said that you were completely spent and needed their rest before you put your own health in danger."
"Mr. Darcy, when did you talk to him," Lizzie inquired, scowling.
"He walked with me this morning and told me about you exhausting yourself caring for Jane," she said, he was worried about both of you."
"More likely he is thinking he will be glad when we are gone," Elizabeth snorted.
"Lizzie, I think you misunderstand, Mr. Darcy," Charlotte scolded, "He is truly concerned."
Elizabeth shook her head and changed the subject, she did not want to argue with Charlotte.
After her friend departed Elizabeth walked to Jane's room, only to find her asleep and the nurse Mrs. Barch watching over her.
Since Jane seemed well cared for she decided to go to the library and do some reading. She was not there long before she fell asleep on one of the sofas.
She heard voices as she struggled awake.
It was Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy.
"Please Mr. Darcy, I beg of you, You must speak to Charles, I fear he will ask Miss Bennet to marry him as soon as she is well. I know the signs. He thinks he is in love again. Miss Jane is a dear sweet girl, but I cannot abide the thought of her family being united with ours. You know he could do much better. He must marry someone with money and position, he must. He must not be allowed to marry any Herdfordshire nobody."
"You have helped us before, dear, Mr. Darcy, you must do so again. You know he will listen to you more than to me."
"I will consider it Miss Bingley," Darcy replied, as he stalked from the room.
Miss Bingley stood for a few minutes thinking aloud.
"He must not be allowed to marry anyone but Georgiana Darcy," she mused. "She is exactly the one to be our new sister. If this can be made to come about you will be more inclined to look on me with favor Mr. Darcy. I have bent over backwards to ingratiate myself with your sister."
"Mrs. Caroline Darcy, how well that sounds," she purred as she left the room.
Elizabeth sat up, her face white with anger, "How dare they," she hissed, "how dare they plot to break my poor dear Jane's heart."
Posted on Thursday, 18 July 2002
Lizzy started back toward Netherfield. She had walked a good way but she needed to clear her head.
She was still angry with Mr. Darcy and Caroline Bingley. To think that they would plot to keep Mr. Bingley from courting Jane still rankled.
That had been three days ago and it had taken a great deal of strength for her to be civil to them.
She had said nothing to anyone about what she had heard. In Jane's condition she was the last one she could tell.
To make matters worse their mother, trailing Lydia, Mary and Kitty had come calling this morning. Mrs. Bennet had come, she said to see how her dear sweet Jane got on.
"Arrgh," Lizzie cried aloud as she recalled the visit.
Her mother had swept into the room where her daughter lay still very ill.
"Oh, my dear sweet Jane," she cried. Turning to Doctor Benchley she sighed "My dear sweet girl, she is very ill, is she not Doctor, she will have to stay here for some time, I think. Will she not Doctor."
Doctor Benchley agreed that Jane would not be able to return home for many days and started to leave the room thinking to leave her alone with Jane. Mrs. Bennet however, followed him into the hall.
"What is Charlotte Lucas doing her, doctor? I was so surprised to see her."
Doctor Benchley was surprised at her question. "Miss Lucas come to check on Miss Bennet's progress often," he replied. "She is a good companion for Miss Elizabeth and gives her a little diversion, which she badly needs."
"Yes, Miss Lucas is a very nice young woman, though sadly plain," Mrs. Bennet sighed. "She is nothing compared to Lizzie, is she. She is fated to be an old maid, poor dear. At seven and twenty there is little chance of her finding a husband."
"Dear Lizzie so caring of her sister, but then all my family are such thoughtful people, we all care for one another in times like this."
"I am devastated by Jane's illness, Doctor, my heart palpitates, my nerves are at the breaking point, I cannot eat or sleep. You do not know how I suffer."
"Perhaps you can examine me, perhaps you can give me something to calm me and put my heart at ease, I have not been a well woman for many years and Mr. Bennet refuses to let me go to London to see a doctor. Now you are here, I am sure you would be only to happy to help me in this time of trial."
Mrs. Winston and Mrs. Barch looked at each other with raised eyebrows and left the room.
"Who are those women," Mrs. Bennet asked, "why are they here?"
"They are here to nurse Miss Bennet back to health, Mrs. Bennet. It is far too much for her sister to see to her 24 hours a day. Mrs. Winston stays with her during the day and Mrs. Barch stays the night."
"Two nurses, I really think one would be sufficient. With Lizzie here to stay with her through the day only one is need for the night, don't you agree."
"Why that would be just the thing, the other could come to Longbourn and care for me until my dear sweet Jane is able to come safely home to us," she smiled with satisfaction at the doctor and Lizzie.
Doctor Benchley was shocked. This silly woman was supposedly here to see to her daughter's health and all she could think of was herself. He supposed she would expect Darcy to pay for the nurse she seemed to think he was sending home with her.
"I'm afraid I cannot spare either of the ladies," he said coldly. "It is too much to expect Miss Elizabeth to do all the nursing every day. I would not put her health in danger by letting her get overly tired."
"Oh what nonsense, doctor, Mrs. Bennet was incensed, Lizzie is healthy as a horse, and I know she wishes to take care of Jane. I am sure Jane is most happy to have her sister with her when she is awake. I need a nurse much more than she does."
"What if my heart was to beat until it bursts, Jane would be heart broken if she were to find that the very woman who could save her mothers life was sitting here, most likely reading a book or knitting beside her sister while her mother was dying alone and neglected at Longbourn."
Elizabeth blushed in mortification. "Mama, your heart is not going to burst," she stammered
"What do you know, Miss Lizzie, are you now a doctor," Mrs. Bennet snapped, "what do you care about your mother, you never care about what happens to me. When I am in my room feeling ill it is Jane who attends me, while you sit in the library playing chess with your father."
"Oh, doctor do you not see how I suffer, not only from my poor nerves but from the neglect of my family."
"I think, Mrs. Benne, considering the state of your nerves it would be better for both you and your daughters if you were to go home at once. I will give you some powders to help your nerves and make your heart stop fluttering."
"Mrs. Barch send ask one of the servants to fetch Mrs. Bennet's carriage at once, she is to ill to stay any longer."
"Come Mrs. Bennet I will assist you down the stairs."
"But what about my nurse," wailed Mrs. Bennet, "who is to take care of me."
"I will send someone around as soon as I can spare them," Doctor Benchly steered her down the stair and out the door to the carriage as quickly as possible, her three younger daughters trailing behind her.
"All the way down she was saying, "My Lizzie is almost as beautiful as her sister Jane, don't you think doctor. What a wonderful wife she would be. So caring, so lively. Or my Lydia, there is no one livelier than Lydia, or Kitty, so pretty and such a sweet girl."
"Good, heavens, such a woman," Mrs. Barch shook her head. "How could two such wonderful girls come from such as that."
Dr Benchley nodded in agreement as he mounted the stairs to his patient who he could see was very upset, enough so to require a sleeping draught.
After Jane was asleep he went to Lizzie, who apologized over and over for her mother.
Putting up his hand to stop her he said, "Please, Miss Bennet, you need say no more. I fear I must forbid any more visits from your family though. It is too upsetting my patient. She must have quiet. I fear she is going to have a setback from this."
Lizzie agreed saying that she would go home that very afternoon and speak to her father, asking him to keep her mother away.
"Good, I will send some powders home with you at least they will satisfy her."
Posted on Wednesday, 30 October 2002
Elizabeth could not remember a time when she had been so angry. Her mother had long been a source of embarrassment to herself and Jane but today she had been impossible.
It was all she could do to keep from crying again as she walked briskly toward Longbourn, the picture of her dearest Jane coming to her mind with each step.
Jane weeping and gasping for every breath, begging her to keep her mother away from Netherfield.
"Oh Lizzie, she gasped, I am such an ungrateful child but I do not wish to see our mother again until I am better. Please Lizzie you must find a way to keep her away. Please, oh please, sister."
Doctor Benchley had spoken calmly to her assuring her that Her mother would indeed not be allowed into the sickroom until she was up and about.
His powders had at last begun to work and Jane drifted off into a fitful sleep, propped high on pillows in order to breathe.
Lizzie had left for Longbourn as soon as Jane was sleeping in some comfort.
Mr. Bingley had offered her a carriage but she needed to walk. She needed to compose herself and try to think of what she could do to make her father understand that under no circumstance was her mother to be given the use of a carriage for the journey to Netherfield until she or Dr Benchly sent word that Jane could receive visitors.
To her great relief when she arrived at Longbourn she found that only her father was at home. Her mother and sisters had gone to Meryton to visit her sister.
Her father was happy to see her but shocked at her appearance.
"Lizzy, what is it, you look dreadful. Have you been ill to, my dear child."
"No, Father, I am quite well, I am only upset by the chaos Mama left at Netherfield."
"You must stop her from returning, Papa, Jane is so upset by this visit, the doctor has forbidden any visitors but Charlotte and me."
Mr. Bennet looked at her over his glasses, "Lizzie, Lizzie, I am sure your mother and your younger sisters were their usual silly selves but I doubt there is any need to keep them from visiting Jane. I don't know how I can stop your mother from going over there is she sets her mind to it."
"Come, child stop pacing about and sit for a few minutes. I am sure that if you calm yourself you will agree that things are not as bad as you tell me now."
"Indeed they are Father. Doctor Benchley says that another visit such as this could well be the death of my most beloved sister."
"If you had been there to see how Mama threw Kitty, and me at Doctor Benchley. Telling him that I would be a wonderful wife for a doctor or if he was looking for some one of a more lively nature she was sure he would find none livelier than Lydia."
"Lydia fluttering her eyelashes at him and asking if he had ever worn a redcoat as she sidled up to him."
"It was disgusting, Father. Not only did she push Lydia and me at him but she decried Charlotte being there to help. She went on and on about Charlotte's age and lack of beauty."
Mr. Bennet interrupted, "Charlotte was there, why was she there, Lizzie."
"She been there almost every day helping to keep Jane amused, I have blessed her goodness to my sister every day."
"You must forbid Mama the use of the carriage and make sure she cannot use the pony cart, Papa."
"Lizzie, Lizzie, you know how your mother is when she is forbidden anything. My life would be a torment until she gets it."
Lizzie turned on her father.
"Father if anything happens to Jane because you cannot take command of the situation I will never forgive you. If my mother's actions cause Jane's death I shall leave this house and never return. I promise you that," she said so coldly that Mr. Bennet stared at her in astonishment for a few seconds.
When her expression did not soften, indeed it got colder, he cleared his throat.
"Well Lizzie, if it is as bad as you say I shall certainly keep all of them as far from Netherfield as possible."
"You must go to Uncle Phillips and Sir William as a matter of fact you must go to all the neighbors and let them know that under no circumstance should any of them let mama or my sisters use their carriages."
"I know, and I am sure you are too, that she will try to find another way to get there."
Mr. Bennet agreed, for he knew Lizzie meant every word she said. The thought that it was possible for him to lose both his eldest daughters strengthened his will to the point that he told her to go back to Netherfield before her mother returned and he would ride at once to everyone he thought her Mother might apply to and explain things .
All was peace at Netherfield for a fortnight when Mr. Bingley met Lizzie in the hall and informed her that he had sent the carriage to Longbourn to fetch her mother and her sisters.
Beaming at her as he awaited the look of joy her thought would come over her face. Instead she cried, You did what Mr. Bingley. You sent the carriage for my mother. Why did you not ask me before you sent it. Why did you send it?"
Mr. Bingley looked at Elizabeth in shock.
"Your mother sent a note this morning asking me if I could spare a coach. She said no one in the neighborhood would let her use theirs and she was most anxious to see how your sister fares."
"Mr. Bingley, no one will let my mother use their carriages because the last time she came she upset Jane so badly she came near death."
"What am I to do now. I must tell Doctor Benchley at once. We must keep her from Jane. She is so much better that I could not bear to see her plunged back to where she was after Mama's last visit."
Mr. Bingley looked confused and contrite as he tried to apologise but Lizzie ran up the stairs leaving him standing there.
When Lizzie told Dr Benchley and the nurses about her mother's impending visit Mrs. Winston patted her hand saying, "Now dearie, I know how to handle your mother, you just keep her downstairs til I get there."
Elizabeth had barely reached to hallway when her mother and sister burst through the door.
"So there you are Miss Lizzie, her mother scolded. You thought you could keep me away from my dear Jane did you."
"Well, miss, you and your father are not so wise as you think. I outfoxed you, I sent a note to Mr. Bingley asking for the use of his carriage, since no one seems to want to let me come here."
"How could you be so cruel to both you sister and your mother. How my heart beats and my nerves scream at you thoughtlessness. Keeping me from visiting my own sick child."
"Don't try to deny it Miss Elizabeth. Mrs. Hill told me you were home that day and left before I returned. Ashamed to meet me were you, after you had convinced your father to deny me the use of the carriage and sent him to do the same with the neighbors and even my own sister."
She burst into tears, "Ungrateful, cruel girl," she wailed.
"Yes, Lizzie, it was most high handed of you," Lydia put in, "I think you are wanting the doctor to yourself, you fear he might prefer me."
"Well, you needn't worry Lizzie, a regiment of militia has moved into Meryton and I find the soldiers in their red coats much preferable to your doctor."
"Yes, yes Lydia, I am sure she is jealous, I never thought of that," Mrs. Bennet sniffed and wiped her eyes.
"What is this, what is all this noise," Mrs. Winston said as she came down the steps, My patient is sleeping and I do not wish to have her awakened."
"Ohhh, ohh, my poor nerves, Mrs. Bennet, sobbed. You do not know how I suffer, My own daughter betrays me and keeps me from visiting my poor ill Jane."
Mrs. Winston patted her shoulder, "I know, I know, my dear she said soothingly, Children can be so ungrateful."
"You are in no condition to visit now, my dear. Your daughter is asleep but even when she wakes, to see her mother in such a state would upset her and send her into a decline. Now you go out and get into the carriage and I will be their in a trice to go home with you and nurse you until I think you are fit enough to withstand a visit."
"Yes, yes," Mrs. Bennet sighed, "I knew you would understand, I knew you were a kind woman."
"Help me out to the carriage, Lydia, Kitty, we will wait there for my nurse."
Lizzie followed Mrs. Winston into her room where Mrs. Larch was packing a valise.
"I can finish that Anna, Mrs. Winston said, if you would though would you bring me some of the powders. We must settle Mrs. Bennets nerves."
Elizabeth sat watching her pack, "I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, Mrs. Winston, she said. When will you return?"
"It is all I can do, my dear she smiled, I know how to handle your mother. She will enjoy having a nurse to tend her and she will not be back until I say she is well enough, I can assure you Miss Elizabeth."
"I will return when Doctor Benchley sends me word that your sister is well enough to bear a visit from her mother."
"I shall keep her nerves quiet," she smiled to herself as she packed the packets of powder into her case.
Posted on Tuesday, 18 March 2003
Elizabeth turned from watching her sleeping sister to look out the window at the courtyard. A horseman entered and she smiled with pleasure when she saw that it was her father. Dashing past Charlotte, sitting by the bed sewing she asked her friend to keep watch while she went to greet her father. Running down the stairs and out the door with all speed she was able to meet him before he got to the house.
"Good heavens, what is that girl up to now, Miss Bingley snorted. I tell you Louisa these country manners become too much."
"I agree, Caroline," her sister replied, "but we may take comfort in the fact that she is out of the house, and pray that she does not return for some time."
Caroline smirked, "Quite right Louisa, and if you have not noticed Mr. Darcy is still in the library."
The sisters strolled to the drawing room with satisfied smiles on their faces.
"Father," Elizabeth cried as she ran to him, hands outstretched in welcome. "I am so happy to see you."
Mr. Bennet looking at her over the rim of his glasses said, "Well Lizzie, it seems if I am to enjoy any intelligent conversation I must come to Netherfield to find it. How does our dear Jane do, Lizzie? Charlotte said she was some better."
"Does that mean that you will soon be home, my dear. Longbourn is an empty place without my two eldest daughters."
"Come Papa, let us walk to the lea where we cannot be eavesdropped upon. I have noticed as I watch from Jane's window that Mr. Bingley's sisters like to walk the garden listening to private conversations on the other side of hedges. Yes, Father, Jane is showing fast improvement but it will be some time before she can be moved. If things progress as they are now, I should be able to come home for a day or two later in the week."
"Well, Lizzie, it seems that your fears for your sister and your mother's visit were pretty much unfounded."
Lizzie turned on him in an instant.
"They were not unfounded, if you could have seen and heard her."
"Please, gasp, Lizzie, cough, please, gasp, I cannot, cough, gasp, gasp, have Mama, gasp, here, gasp. Cough, cough, gasp. I am, gasp, an ungrateful, cough, cough, gasp, gasp, gasp, daughter, but, Cough, cough, gasp, gasp, gasp, you must keep, cough, gasp, gasp, away., cough, cough, gasp. gasp, gasp."
"I am not sorry for what I said to you, Father. I meant it, all of it."
"Lizzie, Lizzie, calm yourself. I am sorry, daughter. I know better than to doubt your word. It is just that I miss you so much, my love. If you can come home for a day or two as you say. I shall be content, I promise."
"How does Mama do with her nurse. Does she have all the neighbors in to see that she is so ill she must have someone to care for her."
Mr. Bennet laughed. I must say, Lizzie, your sending a nurse home with her was a stroke of genius. I have learned a great deal about handling your mothers nerves and palpitations."
"Whatever do you mean, Father," Elizabeth asked, with a grin.
"Whenever your mother has an attack of nerves or palpitations, Mrs. Winston orders her to her bed for the rest of the day, even if she is to go to tea or to play cards with the neighbors. If her sister or one of her friends is visiting the lady sends them home with all dispatch, when she has an attack of nerves. Your Aunt Phillips, I must admit doth protest a great deal, all the way out the door. But she is no match for Mrs. Winston."
"All you mother's pleas and tears go for naught. Mrs. Winston merely says that these only confirm her actions and she must insist that as her patient your mother must rest until she gives her permission to rise. Poor Mrs. Bennet, she has missed two teas at the Lucas' and three at the Long's to say nothing of her daily visits with her sister. I have noticed in the last few days that when she is invited to go out or she asks guest in, she no longer has any trouble with her nerves or her heart."
"Oh, Papa, perhaps she has provided the solution to my Mother's ills, Elizabeth laughed.
"Mr. Bennet would have the lady removed," Mr. Bennet chuckled, "but I remind her that she must not go until after Jane returns. I have another problem though, Lizzie. A platoon of militia is now encamped outside of Meryton and all Lydia and Kitty can think of is soldiers and red coats. I swear Lizzie I would like to send them to your great aunt Pearl on her island. I swear those two get sillier every day."
Elizabeth giggled as she returned to the house after her father departed.
"Mama, I believe you will be in far better health from now on."
Three days later Elizabeth took her leave of Jane.
"Please do not worry yourself about me Lizzie, Jane smiled weakly, I am sure that news from home will make me feel much, much better."
"Poor Father, I can imagine what goes on with a group of soldiers for Lydia and Kitty to pursue.
Lizzie walked home to Longbourn. Her mother was all smiles and hugs as she wailed, "Lizzie, Lizzie it is an age since I have seen you."
"How is my poor dear Jane, how I have worried myself into a state over her, I tell you Lizzie, my nerves are at an end, I shall not e able to sleep until you and Jane are home for good."
"Come Mrs. Bennet, your daughter's return seems to be a little too much for you. You must go your room until your nerves calm down," Mrs. Winston took her hand and pulled her from her chair.
"No, no Mrs. Winston, I vow, my nerves are even now improved. It is Lizzie's return, you see."
"I must insist, Mrs. Bennet. Miss Bennet says she can stay for two or three days. If you rest now as I say I am sure your nerves will be fine for the rest of her visit."
Elizabeth smiled to herself as she heard her mother insisting that she was quite well as she was taken up the stairs by her nurse.
"I'm sure your father will be home soon Miss Elizabeth, Mrs. Hill said as she came in to collect the tea things.
"Well, since everyone seems to be in Meryton I think I will just walk down there and see if I am welcome at Aunt Phillips' party."
As she walked into her aunt's parlor she was welcomed by her aunt with open arms.
"Lizzie, Lizzy," she heard Lydia shout as she raced across the room, Kitty in tow, to greet her. "Is it not wonderful, Lizzie, all the redcoats. What fun we have had while you were playing nurse at Netherfield. All the soldiers. Are they not a sight to behold."
"See that handsome one speaking to Mary Long. His mane is Wickham, is he not the handsomest man you have ever beheld. He is new to the army but no one does more for a red coat than him."
"Lizzie, Kitty whispered, "he is from Derbyshire and he knows Mr. Darcy."
"They grew up together. Can you believe that, Lizzie."
After an introduction Mr. Wickham sat her down on a sofa and sat down beside her.
"I understand that you are friends with Mr. Darcy," He smiled. "I am acquainted with the gentleman, as I would imagine your sisters have informed you."
"I would hardly call us friends," Elizabeth answered, "we are acquainted though."
Mr. Wickham had heard just what he wanted to and proceeded to tell her of the great wrong Mr. Darcy had done him after the deaths of their fathers. How he had withheld the living His father had willed to him and left him nearly penniless,
Lizzie was aghast, "I am shocked, she said, I know Mr. Darcy to be proud and arrogant, but to do these things in spite of his father's wishes. It is insupportable."
"I am well, do not worry about me. I have my commission, all these fine friends. All in all I would say that I am better off by far than Mr. Darcy."
"But you must have legal recourse," Lizzie answered. "My uncle is an attorney. I am sure he would help you, come let us speak to him."
"No, no," Wickham said quickly, "I could not do that to the memory of my godfather Mr. Darcy, I could not let it be known that his son does not honor his wishes. It would be a stain on the memory of that dear man, who loved me so much. No, Miss Bennet, I am quite content. I must ask you not to say anything of this to your uncle."
"If you wish," Lizzie was indignant, "I must admire your protecting the Darcy name in your love for Mr. Darcy's father."
Wickham smiled at her retreating back. He had planted the seed, as planned. He was sure that as a woman she would never keep this to herself and her could set back and enjoy Darcy's embarrassment.
"Good, show Georgie," he grinned.
Mr. Bennet wondered what was wrong with his favorite daughter. She had come home for a visit but she seemed distracted and inattentive. She assured him that her mood had nothing to do with Jane's illness but she would say nothing more.
Lizzie decided to return to Netherfield to see Jane but she refused the use of the carriage telling her father she needed the walk to think. As she walked across the meadow to Netherfield she was met by the last person in the world she wished to see.
"Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said, "I see you are returning to see how your sister does. Mrs. Barch said only this morning that she is improving every day. If I may have a word with you Miss Bennet, please. It is important, I assure you."
Lizzie sat down on the stile as Mr. Darcy paced back and forth before her, taking deep breaths and looking at her strangely, as she thought.
"It will not do," he said with a deep breath, "In vain I have struggled. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how much I love and admire you."
Elizabeth could only stare in disbelief.
He proceeded to tell her of his struggles with his growing passion for her. He knew his family would be opposed. He then proceeded to tell her that in spite of his feeling of the inferiority of her family and the degradation he felt, he wished to marry her.
Elizabeth took a long deep breath before replying.
"In such cases as this, I believe the established mode is to express a sense of obligation for the sentiment avowed however unequally they may be returned. If I could feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannot-I have never desired your good opinion and you have certainly given it most unwillingly. I am sorry to cause pain to anyone and I hope will be of short duration."
Mr. Darcy stared at her in disbelief. At last after a struggle with his emotions he said: "And this is all the reply I am to have the honor of expecting! I might, with to be informed why, with so little endeavor at civility I am rejected."
"I might inquire, with so evident a design of offending and insulting me, you choose to tell me that you like me against your will and your reason, even against your character. Was this not an excuse for incivility, if I was uncivil. Do you think, sir that any consideration would tempt me to accept a man who means to ruin the happiness of my most beloved sister."
At his look of shock, she went on.
"Yes Mr. Darcy I heard you and Miss Bingley plotting to separate my sister and Mr. Bingley. You cannot deny it."
"You were eavesdropping," Darcy snarled, "I expect that of Mr. Bingley's sister, but I thought better of you, Miss Bennet."
"I had come down to get a book to read and fell asleep there on the sofa," Elizabeth explained. "Your voices awoke me. Miss Bingley does have a rather sharp voice, as you must know. I heard her ask you to intercede and convince her brother that he must not marry Jane. That she does not care for him and is only after his money. I heard her say that you had done this before. I can assure you Mr. Darcy that my sister cares deeply for Mr. Bingley, more that either of you, I would say."
"I have no intention of interfering with Bingley's pursuit of your sister," Darcy answered, "unless he himself asks. It is true I have done so in the past but only at his request, never anyone else's. I have seen Bingley in love so many times. He gets himself involved and then comes to me for help. I most certainly do not do for any of his sisters. I have observed your sister with Mr. Bingley, Miss Bennet, but I have never noticed any feelings for him, though she accepts his attentions with pleasure."
"Jane does not show her feelings any more than you, Mr. Darcy, I am sure that no one would ever believe you have any feelings for me. I have another reason for my dislike of you though Mr. Darcy. I met Mr. Wickham at my Aunt Phillips card party and he told me of your treatment of him."
"I am sure he had quite a tale to tell, knowing Mr. Wickham," Darcy snapped.
"Indeed he has told me of his misfortunes, all of your doing. You have reduced him to a state of poverty and withheld from him the advantages you know were meant for him. You have deprived him of the independence that is his due. Believe me Mr. Darcy after speaking with Mr. Wickham nothing could have made me accept you even if had you acted in a more gentlemanlike manner. You could not have made your offer in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept you."
"From the very beginning of our acquaintance your manners have impressed me with your arrogance, your conceit and a selfish disdain for the feelings of others. I had not known you a month before I knew that you were the last man on earth I should ever wish to marry."
She stepped down from the stile in preparation to leave him there.
"One moment Miss Bennet, I must be allowed to defend myself on the charges laid at my door by you concerning Mr. Wickham."
Elizabeth impatiently sat down again as he paced back and forth before starting.
"You are quite correct Miss Bennet. Mr. Wickham and I are long acquainted. We played together as boys and my father was fond of him and paid for his education. My dear father, like your sister Jane could never see any evil in anyone. But I as the years went by could see Mr. Wickham's growing cruelty and dishonesty. His love of gaming and drink and his insufferable treatment of women."
"He is charming to be sure, but when he gets what he wants they are thrown aside and he moves on to the next one. Five years ago my father died and left him the sum of 1000 pounds and the living at Kempton in the church there. My attorney informed Mr. Wickham of my father's wishes and he sent me a letter saying he had no interest in the church. He asked instead, for 3000 pounds, saying he wished to read for the law instead."
"I granted his wish and gave him a cheque for the 3000 pounds, and he left. Almost three years later he was back at Pemberley demanding the post at Kempton. He demanded that I send the present clergyman away and give him the parish. he cried that I must honor my father's wishes. I knew that he had been gambling a great deal and he was deeply in debt, but I had given him what he wanted and I knew he was not a fit man for the church so I refused his demands."
"He left in a rage. How he lived I know not, but it would seem he has joined the militia. For that I commend him. This Miss Bennet is all I can tell you of my dealings with Mr. Wickham. If you doubt my word you may ask my cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam who is co-executor of my father's will knows all about these transactions. Colonel Fitzwilliam is even now at Netherfield, having arrived whilst you were at Longbourn. I bid you good day Miss Bennet."
Walking to his horse which had been tethered nearby he rode off.
Elizabeth stared after him.
"I must have time to think on this," she said, "I must try to get into the house without any of the Bingleys knowing it. I must go to my room and think on this. Have I been so wrong about Mr. Darcy."
Posted on Tuesday, 20 May 2003
Elizabeth went at once to Jane's room. She found her sister sitting up eating a bowl of gruel and in high spirits.
"Oh Lizzie, I feel so much better," she exclaimed, "I am sure I shall soon be well enough to go home. Come Lizzie, sit here and give me all the news of home. I am so anxious to hear about my dear family. How is Mama, is Father well? Does Mama still enjoy having her own private nurse?
"Are my sisters enjoying the redcoats, I would imagine Kitty and Lydia are, while Mary would find them beneath her notice. Ohh, how I am going on, I'm sorry Lizzie I ask you a question and then give you mo time to answer before I ask another."
Lizzie and Charlotte laughed.
"Jane, Jane dearest Jane how wonderful it is to se you are gaining your strength and can utter a complete sentence without gasping for breath," Elizabeth smiled.
"Mr. Bingley sends me flowers every day and is allowed to stand in the door to give me his good wishes," Jane said gently. "He has been so attentive, Lizzie, it makes me so happy."
"How could he not be attentive," Lizzie laughed, "he is in love with you, sister, of that I am sure."
"What of his sisters," she turned to Charlotte, "do they come to visit too?"
"Only for short periods and infrequently," Charlotte answered grimly, "I think they count the days till they are rid of all of us."
"I have no doubt of that," Elizabeth replied.
"Please, Lizzie, Charlotte," Jane exclaimed, "Louisa and Caroline have been most kind, do not speak so of them, I beg you."
"Mr. Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam has come the day after you returned to Longbourn," Charlotte changed the subject, "he is a very charming man. we have enjoyed his company so very much since his arrival."
"His cousin," Elizabeth exclaimed, "I have heard nothing of a cousin."
"You will enjoy meeting him, I am sure," Charlotte said.
Mrs. Larch entered the room and smiled at Elizabeth. "What do you think of our invalid, Miss Elizabeth, she looks well, does she not."
Lizzie wished Mrs. Larch and Charlotte would go. She wanted very much to talk to Jane. She needed to talk to someone about what had happened when she was on her way back to Netherfield. She knew Jane would be shocked to find that Mr. Darcy had proposed and that she had refused his offer.
What would Jane think? Would she be displeased. Jane as always found Mr. Darcy to have redeeming qualities.
Since it seemed she was not to have any time alone with Jane and it was nearing time to dine she decided to go to her room and change for dinner. She knew it would be unpleasant. She would be uncomfortable with Mr. Darcy there but perhaps the cousin who Charlotte liked so much would ease the tension.
As she went to her room she found that Mrs. Larch had followed her out of the room.
"Your sister is doing so well that she might be able to go home with in ten days, she said, the doctor has been most pleased with her."
"What a good doctor he is. I have seen him perform miracles like this so often. He is the best there is."
"Oh, my," Elizabeth exclaimed, "you and the doctor have been here so long and I have not thought to thank Mr. Bingley for bringing you."
"Mr. Bingley," Mrs. Larch cried, "Mr. Bingley had nothing to do with our coming. It was Mr. Darcy."
"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth gasped, "Mr. Darcy is the one who brought you here. I cannot believe it. Mr. Darcy, who never says anything but to criticize. He is the last person I would have imagined to do such a kindness."
"It seems you know little of Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Larch looked at her with scorn. "He is the kindest most thoughtful man in England, always has been, even as a child. There is not a person in Derbyshire who has not at some time received some kindness from him. "His servants adore him and his tenants would lay down their lives for him. He is the best landlord and Master in all of England.
"Let me tell you about this young man, who has so much laid upon his shoulders at such a young age. Running an estate and raising a sister. These are heavy duties indeed, but he has taken them on and done as well or even better than his dear father. How he does love Miss Georgiana. There is nothing he would not do for her. Even me and the other two ladies her doing the nursing have much to be grateful to him for."
Mrs. Barch had one son. A brilliant young man who had no interest in farming. Instead he had a bent for the law and Mr. Darcy's father paid for his education when he realized that Robert was too intelligent to be wasted on the farm."
"He is a successful attorney in London and married a young woman who considered his family beneath her. When Mr. Barch died of the flux there was no one to take over his farm and Mr. Darcy had to get another tenant to replace him. My sister went to London to stay with Robert but she was very unhappy there. A year after my own husband and Mr. Winston were killed in a carriage turnover. Since neither of us had children we too were left without a home.
"Mr. Darcy, God bless him, came to us after the funeral and said that the Dower House in London was empty and needed a tenant to keep it up. He said that since the two of us and my sister were all three midwives, Mrs. Winston and I delivered Miss Georgiana, he knew a young doctor who could use our services and would be all to happy to have us to do some nursing for him.
"We have been there for the past four years and are as grateful as it is possible to be to this thoughtful kind young man. It has been a happy arrangement for all of us. We can keep in touch with Mr. Darcy and Miss Georgiana and we have full useful lives, thanks to him."
Elizabeth stared in disbelief, could she be so wrong about Mr. Darcy. "Would you know Mr. Wickham," she said barely above a whisper.
"Wickham, what do you know of that ungrateful wretch. After all Mr. Darcy's father did for him, he has done nothing but make trouble for that family. When Mr. Darcy died he left him some money plus the living at the parsonage at Kimpton. He sailed into town saying that he had no intentions of taking vows and wanted money instead.
"Young Mr. Darcy gave him a cheque for 3000 pounds with the understanding that he was going to pursue the law. He spent nearly a month in town waving the cheque in everyone's faces, ordering fine clothes and running up bills at the inn and all about town; promising to send everyone their money when he returned to London and cashed the cheque.
"A year later no one had heard a word from him and they still were waiting to be paid. Mr. Blakewell the blacksmith mentioned it to Mr. Darcy, who tried to find the scoundrel, but he was nowhere to be found. Mr. Darcy paid the bills, since he felt that as Mr. Wickham had been a former resident of Pemberley he, Mr. Darcy was responsible to the people in town.
"Two years ago Wickham returned with no money and no prospects. He had to stay in Kempton since no one in town would have him. He went to Pemberley every day for a week demanding that Mr. Darcy now give him the living promised by his father. Everyone knew he was the last one who should be given such a responsibility including Mr. Darcy, who refused his demands.
He came into town ranting about how Mr. Darcy had no honor and would not give him what was rightly his, promising to have his revenge. How glad everyone was when he was gone.
"How do you know of him, Miss Bennet?"
"He is in Meryton with the militia, he is an officer with them," Elizabeth replied.
"Good Lord help us," Mrs. Larch gasped, "Wickham, a redcoat. You keep your young sisters away from him Miss Bennet. He likes young girls. When he left Kimpton he left the innkeepers 13-year-old daughter with child. He is a seducer of the worst sort."
"Oh, dear," Elizabeth cried, "what happened to that poor girl?"
"She was too young and she died in childbirth," Mrs. Larch replied, "she left a boy for her parents to raise. You look pale Miss, I had better leave you now, you have much to think upon," Mrs. Larch said as she walked out the door.
Elizabeth fell onto the bed and covered her eyes.
"What a fool I have been, she wept, I turned away from the best man and welcomed the attentions of the worst scoundrel in all of England if all that Mrs. Larch has said is true. I have accused Mr. Darcy of pride and vanity when it is my own that has been my undoing. He will despise me forever now, and I find that he is the best of men. Vanity, vanity, Elizabeth it is your bane."
Dressing quickly she stopped by Jane's room to find her alone and wanting to talk. As she poured her story out to Jane. Her sister wept.
"Poor Mr. Darcy, such a good man and so unhappy," she sighed, "You must find a way to let him know that you have changed your feelings, Lizzie. He deserves nothing less."
"How Jane, he will not speak to me after what I said to him and I do not deserve his forgiveness, I have acted in such a dreadful manner."
As she entered the dining room she noticed a tall young man in a redcoat speaking to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.
"Miss Bennet, Mr. Bingley called cheerful you must come and meet our new guest."
As she was introduced to Colonel Fitzwilliam she saw a twinkle in his eye and knew that she was going to like this man very well. She enjoyed the evening in spite of the uncomfortable feeling between her and Mr. Darcy who remained quiet all evening in spite of the Colonel and Miss Bingley's attempts to draw him out.
Colonel Fitzwilliam coaxed all evening to get her to play and sing for them. In spite of her protests he at last succeeded telling her that Mr. Darcy had sung her praises to him since his arrival saying that he had seldom heard anyone who pleased him more.
As she played and sang she could feel Mr. Darcy's eyes on her the entire time. She was so uncomfortable that she told the company that she was tired and wished to go to say goodnight to her sister and was ready to retire. Making her goodnights she hurried away.
Miss Bingley was not happy after hearing Colonel Fitzwilliam say that Mr. Darcy enjoyed Miss Bennet's performing above anyone else.
"Miss Bennet has a nice little voice, she sneered and if she had proper training I suppose she could play the pianoforte reasonably well. She will never achieve the mastery that your dear Georgiana has though Mr. Darcy, I am sure we can all agree on that."
"Excuse me, I believe I shall retire myself," Darcy said rising and leaving the room quickly, while Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley gaped in disbelief.
Colonel Fitzwilliam excused himself and followed his cousin. Going to Darcy's room he knocked and walked in.
"What is the matter with you cousin," he asked, "you scarce spoke a word all evening. You snapped at your hostess more than once. This is not like you Darcy, even though I have to admit Miss Bingley can be trying to be sure.
"It's Miss Elizabeth Bennet, isn't it Darcy, you are in love with her."
Darcy turned to glare at him, "What ever are you talking about, in love, what could make you say that."
"Darcy, you have been singing her praises since I arrived. Her beautiful eyes. Her intelligence, her wit, her skill at chess and cards, her playing and singing. The fact that she can speak of things besides fashion and embroidery, that she knows what is going on in the world. That she is a reader and a walker. Tonight your eyes scarce left her face.
"Not that I can blame you, she is a stunner and she does have remarkable eyes, never before have I seen violet eyes and the lashes so long and thick. They bring one's attention to them perfectly.
"Ask her to marry you Darcy, you will never find another so well suited to you"
"She is country nobody," Darcy turned to the window and pulled the curtain aside. "She has no money and no position. Her father's estate is entailed to that toady that Aunt Catherine has taken as a clergyman."
"What do you need of a woman with money," the Colonel snorted, "you have more than enough for two men. What do you know of her family. She may have a pedigree even greater than your own of you check. Where did her father's estate come from. The family must have some connections, even if it is long past.
"There are far too many miserable men who married because the woman was rich and had a place in society. It does not bring happiness in marriage Darcy, as well you know. Look at Hurst, the man is a miserable drunk but he married money and position. Don't make the same mistake, cousin, ask her for her hand, you will never regret it. Life will never be dull with Miss Elizabeth at your side."
Darcy turned again to the window as he said so quietly his cousin could scarcely hear, "She won't have me."
"What," Richard cried, "what do you mean, she won't have you."
"I asked her to marry me this afternoon," Darcy replied, "she refused me."
Richard stared in disbelief, "She refused, I cannot believe it Darcy. You are the most sought after man in the country."
Darcy sat down and told his cousin all that had been said between himself and Elizabeth at the stile that day.
"Wickham," the Colonel snorted, "he is here. The people here must be warned, Darcy. I shall go and talk his commander tomorrow."
"But enough of Wickham, What did she mean, you are arrogant and vain or that you have a selfish disdain for the feelings of others. I have never know anyone as kind as you, cousin.
"I have not been kind here in Herdfordshire, Richard. I did not want to come but Mrs. Ainsley thought it best that I get away for a time. She felt that I was smothering Georgiana and making her unhappier. When we arrived her we went to a dance at the Assembly Hall.
"As I watched all those young girls laughing and dancing it made me angry that they should be so happy while my dear sweet Georgie was there in London so miserable and unhappy. I know it is stupid of me and not the fault of anyone here but I have been as disagreeable as it is possible to be since I have been here. Looking with disdain on everyone showing no kindness to anyone, critizing all. Speaking as little as possible. She was right in her assessment of me, I do not deserve her, but I think I have saved her from Wickham. I do believe she believed what I told her.
"Please leave me now cousin. I need to think and to try to get some sleep before I decide what to do next."
Posted on Wednesday, 4 June 2003
Colonel Fitzwilliam rose and putting his hand on Darcy's shoulder said, "I'm sorry Darcy, I know this is very painful but I must know, Did you tell her about Geo----?"
Before he could finish the sentence Darcy slapped his hand over his cousin's mouth and pointed to the door.
"What is the matter with you , Darcy, are you daft," Richard snapped as he backed away from him.
"It's Miss Bingley," Darcy whispered, "she loves to eavesdrop. I would wager right now that she is outside the door with her pressed to it. She is the last person I would wish to know about my poor sister."
The Colonel smiled understandingly and moved toward the door quietly saying, "As I was saying Darcy, did you tell her about the new stallion you bought before coming to Herdfordshire?"
"No, she is not a horse lover," Darcy grinned as he watched his cousin reach for the door handle.
As Colonel Fitzwilliam swept open the door to the surprise of neither of them, there stood Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
"Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam I, Uhh, that is we, uhh. Well we were just uhh." She turned to her sister, her eyes desperate.
"We, uh," Mrs. Hurst babbled, "we were just passing by."
"Yes, yes we were just passing by," Caroline added.
"But I thought your rooms were at the other end of the hall," Fitzwilliam answered.
"Uhh, we were walking the hall for some exercise," Louisa stammered.
"Yes, yes," Caroline put in, "we were walking the hall and decided that we would knock on Mr. Darcy's door to see if he is quite well, he seemed out of sorts at dinner. I do hope is not feeling ill."
"Are you quite well, Mr. Darcy, I do hope so, I should hate it if you were to catch Miss Bennet's illness."
Turning to her sister she raised her brows and said, "I was right, Louisa, we should have made arrangements to send that girl home. I knew no good would become of her and that sister of hers being her."
"And the visit from her family, Caroline," Louisa answered. "Her mother and sisters nearly made me ill myself before the were kept from here by Mrs. Winston."
"We have a great deal to thank that woman for, sister."
"You also Colonel, you have been spared the embarrassment of meeting the rest of the Bennet family. I am sure your dear cousin can tell you that."
Darcy turned from the window that he had been facing since his cousin threw the door open.
If Miss Bingley had been more observant she would have seen his shoulders shaking with laughter as he listened to the sisters try to talk themselves out of the situation.
"I am quite will, Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, I thank you for your felicitations, but I am very tired and would only like to get some sleep."
"I will see you in the morning, cousin, we shall ride early."
"Of course, of course, sir," Miss Bingley simpered as Colonel Fitzwilliam forced them out of the door into the hall saying, "I will escort you ladies to your rooms, mine are just past them."
"Why, thank you sir," Caroline cooed, "you are such a gentleman, but who would expect anything less from the son of the Earl of Matlock."
Rolling his eyes up at Darcy, Richard shut the door and proceeded down the hall between the sisters.
Louisa decided to go to her sister's room for a little goodnight chat she said as he left them.
He grinned as he went to his own room where he left the door open a crack just to see if he could hear anything the sisters might say.
"Oh dear, Caroline, do you think they believed us, I nearly died when the door opened so quickly. I was at a loss for words, I thought that you would think quickly enough to spare us the embarrassment of being caught listening outside the door."
"Did you hear anything, Caroline."
"Only a few words from the Colonel wondering if Darcy had told someone about a horse. Whoever it was is not a lover of horses because Mr. Darcy said he didn't say anything to them for that reason."
"I wonder who that could have been, I know of no one except Miss Bennet who dislikes horses."
Caroline snorted, "I doubt very much Louisa if it was Miss Eliza. Why would Mr. Darcy bother to tell her of a new horse."
"I suppose you are right, sister," Louisa answered, "well goodnight, Caroline."
Richard chuckled as he shut his door the rest of the way. "So the sisters were there to eavesdrop, he thought, but you have been doing the same Fitzwilliam, and for good cause."
The next morning Fitzwilliam and Darcy left early for their ride after eating a quick breakfast. As they rode to the top of ---mount they tethered their horses and sat down to talk.
"As I was asking last night, did you tell Miss Bennet about Wickham's attempt to elope with Georgie," Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
"No, I must protect my sister at all costs," Darcy walked to the edge of the mount and stared down.
"Do you not trust her," Fitzwilliam asked, "I thought she seemed most reliable, but them I have not had the pleasure of getting to know her well."
"Yes, I believe she is one of the few people I would trust, but I saw no reason to bring Georgie into this. She has suffered enough."
"You must tell her, Darcy," Richard begged, "It will help your cause if she were to know how very much you have had to suffer at the hands of that man."
"I cannot take the chance of Georgiana suffering anymore pain, even if it means that I might have a chance to make amends and win the hand of the woman I love. No, Fitzwilliam, It will have to be left to Georgie to bear the heir to Pemberley. I know that I can never love again."
Turning to his cousin he said, "She is the only woman I could ever love, Fitz, she is the only one who sees me as a man and not an estate and a place in society. I shall love her till my death Richard."
His cousin was startled by the look of deep pain on Darcy's face. He knew his cousin well, he knew that what Darcy said was true. The Darcy men had always married for love and this one felt so even more than his father, who had loved his Lady Anne so deeply that for all intents and purposes he died with her.
He recalled how his favorite uncle had become a recluse after his beloved wife's death. How Fitzwilliam had had to take over the running to the estate and the raising of his sister. Well, he wasn't going to let that happen here if he could help it. He would find a way to get these two together or his name wasn't Richard Geoffrey Edward Fitzwilliam.
As they entered the house on their return they met Miss Bennet in the hall on her way from the breakfast parlor to the upstairs to her sisters bedside.
"Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam," she greeted them with a glorious smile, "did you have an enjoyable ride."
"Indeed we did Miss Bennet, thank you," Richard grinned, "perhaps we can go for a walk in the garden later when you sister is resting."
"I should be delighted, sir," she smiled with a glance at Darcy who stood rooted to the spot.
Watching his cousin mount the stairs after she had disappeared from view, Richard thought, "She doesn't seem to find Darcy repugnant today, perhaps there is a chance Darcy, perhaps there is a chance."
"Colonel, Fitzwilliam, how divine to find you here. Would you like to come into the breakfast room and dine with me," he heard the voice of Caroline Bingley at his shoulder, "Mr. Darcy seems to be in a hurry to get to his room but he is so fastidious I suppose he wants a bath to get rid of the smells from your ride."
"I thank you Miss Bingley, but I breakfasted early." He answered, hoping to escape.
"Oh dear, I do so hate to dine alone and Louisa and Mr. Hurst have not come down yet and Charles has gone to walk in the garden. Would you not come in and have a cup of tea or coffee so that I am not left alone until my sister and Mr. Hurst arrive, or I could send Markham to ask Mr. Darcy to come to me after his bath."
"That will not be necessary, Miss Bingley, I should like a cup of coffee after our ride."
As she took his arm to walk into the breakfast room he thought, "Someday, Darcy, when you and Elizabeth are man and wife I am going to make sure you pay me for all I have put up with to ensure your happiness."
Posted on Friday, 5 September 2003
Elizabeth spent most of her time in Jane's room in order to avoid the embarrassing meetings with Mr. Darcy. She didn't know what to think or what to do. She knew, after what the nurses had told her about him that she owed him an apology but she was at a loss to know when and how to do it.
He was so cold and silent when she was present, though she could feel his eyes on her most of the time. She had hoped to find him alone in the garden where he walked every day but Miss Bingley was always there either following him or making certain she went with him.
Elizabeth knew from her demeanor that Caroline Bingley was determined to keep herself between Mr. Darcy and the lowly Miss Eliza Bennet. She had enjoyed the walks with Colonel Fitzwilliam though. He laughed at Miss Bingley's pretensions and seemed to enjoy silencing her with his delightful wit. Colonel Fitzwilliam too praised Mr. Darcy for his kindness to his servants and the farmers who worked the land at Pemberley, and their devotion to him.
His contempt for Wickham he did not hide. He had gone to speak to Colonel Foster about he man and informed her that the Colonel had already started to keep a wary eye on his charming officer who had such an eye for the ladies. He had also been approached by several merchants in Meryton about debts owned by Lt Wickham along with rumors about cheating in games of chance.
Jane improved with every passing day and Lizzy hoped that they could soon quit Netherfield for good. She returned home for a sennight to make sure that her mother would not find a way to invade Netherfield and upset Jane again.
Four days after her return home she was overjoyed by the arrival of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. She loved the two of them most of all her relatives. The wit and intelligence of the two of them made Longbourn a much happier place and she could naught but notice how much her father enjoyed having them there.
Her mother on the other hand found four young children in the house too much for her nerves and took to her room most of the time; giving Lizzy and Mrs. Gardiner time to visit Jane at Netherfield.
Jane's health seemed to improve even more rapidly with the visit from her Aunt Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner found himself most of the time with Mr. Darcy, who stayed at Netherfield whilst the Bingley's visited the neighbors.
After the second visit her talked most of the way home about how well he liked the young man and how her enjoyed his company. It seemed they enjoyed a mutual interest in business as well as fishing and Mr. Darcy had invited him to come to Pemberley to fish in his stream and pond whenever he should visit Netherfield.
"Lizzy, I cannot see why the people here find him proud and distant. I find him most amiable," he said as he handed her from the carriage.
They had been there ten days when and Jane had begun to come downstairs every day; much to Mr. Bingley's delight. She had dinner with them two nights before Elizabeth went home to spend the night to quiet her mother who was upset that Mrs. Gardiner could be allowed to visit her daughter while she was forbidden.
When Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield she found Jane in her room her face aglow with joy.
"Oh Lizzy I am so happy," she cried, "what have I done to deserve such happiness. Mr. Bingley has asked for my hand and I have accepted. He goes to Longbourn even now to speak to Father."
Below, things were not so happy. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were as unhappy about the news as Jane was elated. Accosting Mr. Darcy as he prepared to go for a ride both sisters were beside themselves with distress.
"Mr. Darcy, you promised to put a stop to this courtship before it could get this far," Miss Bingley said heatedly, "you have done it before why could you not stop Charles this time."
Elizabeth was at the top of the stairs preparing to go down to the library to return the books she had in her room. She was in a quandary, she certainly could not go down now in the middle of a heated discussion. If she tried to return to her room she was afraid she would make too much noise and the sisters would accuse her of spying; so she stood there frozen in place, hoping that she was out of their sight.
"I made no such promise, Miss Bingley, I said I would think on it. Yes, I have interceded before, but at your brother's request. He asked for no help to get away from Miss Bennet. Indeed, he, I believe is truly in love this time and he certainly could find no one more suited to be his wife than Miss Jane Bennet.
"Why can you not be happy that he has found such a sweet gentile young woman to marry. She is certainly superior to the false faced young women of the ton. Indeed, I can only wish them the best, they are so well suited to one another."
"It is the sister who has influenced you, Mr. Darcy. I have seen how she throws herself before you, hoping to gain your attention. This marriage is a perfect way for her to get into your good graces and enter society where all of the Bennet sisters may find rich husbands.
"Why are you so blinded to her wiles, why are men always blinded by a pretty face. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in you, Mr. Darcy, to condemn your best friend to a life of misery because Miss Eliza Bennet seeks your favor.
"She thinks that if Jane and Charles are wed you will be favorably inclined toward her and she will become Mistress of Pemberley and the Darcy estates. Can you not see this, sir, you cannot be so blind."
Darcy snorted, "How little you know, Miss Bingley," he gave a short sharp laugh and went out the door.
Elizabeth held her breath lest the sisters noticed her above them. They were too upset to even think of looking anywhere but at each other and they soon turned to go into the saloon.
Elizabeth slipped quietly back to her room.
She stood looking out the window at Mr. Darcy who rode off toward the hills as fast as he could go. She slipped from her room to Jane's to find her sister packing.
"Lizzy I have decided to go home," she smiled, "Doctor Benchley has given his permission and I mean to be off with all haste before Mama finds out about my engagement. You know that nothing can stop her from coming here once she knows.
"She will be impossible, Lizzy, she will embarrass both of us with her crowing and fluttering about. We must go off before Mr. Bingley returns. Perhaps Father will not tell her, but she is no fool when it comes to a husband for one of her daughters, and she will figure out why Mr. Bingley has come to Longbourn to speak with our father. Nothing will stop her then . Please go to your room and pack quickly dear Lizzy. Mrs. Barch will be happy to help you I am sure."
Between herself and the nurse Lizzy was packed in no time and the sisters departed after a hasty goodbye and thank you to the sullen Bingley sisters. As they rode home Lizzy looked out the window. She was happy for Jane and as she said never so glad to leave a place.
Her heart was filled with sorrow though as she thought that she had left without making any kind of peace with Mr. Darcy.
Turning to Jane as they entered the courtyard at Longbourn she said to Jane, "Where was Doctor Benchley today, Jane, I just thought of it but he was not present to send us off."
Jane smiled, "He walked Charlotte home, Lizzie, he walks her home every day, didn't you know."
"Charlotte and Doctor Benchley," Elizabeth gasped, "you cannot be serious, Jane, I saw nothing to make me think they were so well acquainted. How delightful, Jane, they are perfect for one another."
Jane took her arm, "Please, Lizzie, not a word about them to anyone, especially Mama."
Elizabeth laughed and put her finger to her lips.
Mr. Bingley joined and his sisters joined them for dinner that night where he informed them that Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had gone to London and no one knew when Mr. Darcy would return.
Miss Bingley looked even more sour at this, Elizabeth thought.
The Gardiners were to depart for town after the dinner for the happy couple. Mrs. Gardiner asked that Lizzie and Jane to accompany them. She knew the best places to find all that was needed for the wedding and she knew that they both would be happy to get away from Mrs. Bennet at this time.
Though it was hard they finally convinced their mother that it would be best if she stayed in Herdfordshire to make arrangements while they were in town.
Mr. Bingley decided to go too so that he might show Jane his house and see if she had anything she wished to change.
Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley decided to return also. Caroline declared that she would never live in a house where Jane Bennet was mistress. Mrs. Hurst had no choice but to give her a suite in the Hurst home in spite of her husband's protests.
They had been in London but three days when the maid came into the living room to announce the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy. They three ladies looked at each other in surprise and arose as the Colonel walked in with a sweet looking young woman who looked frightened to be there.
Elizabeth had known Georgiana Darcy but a few minutes when she knew that she was not proud and haughty as Wickham had told her, merely very, very shy. She was exceedingly surprised therefore when Miss Darcy asked if they could have a few words in private. Walking into the garden with Miss Darcy she was trying with all her might to figure out what this quiet shy girl would wish to speak to her about.
Posted on Thursday, 11 December 2003
Elizabeth walked with Georgiana to the far side of the garden. When she turned to face her she was shocked and surprised to find her shaking and teary eyed. "Miss Bingley, are you unwell. Please sit down," she gasped as she indicated the bench before them.
"No, no, I am quite unwell, I am just a little nervous, I am not very good at conversing with strangers, but I must have my say," Georgiana whispered.
She paced back and forth for a few minutes while Elizabeth sat quietly watching her thinking, "How much like Mr. Darcy to pace about trying to find the words."
Finally she turned and said abruptly, "Miss Bennet I know that my brother is very much in love with you and that you refused his offer of marriage. It is my fault, it is all my doing."
Elizabeth tried to calm her saying, "It has nothing to do with you Miss Darcy. It is my own vanity and prejudice. I listened to the lies the Mr. Wickham told me about your brother. I believed him when he said that your brother had refused to honor your father's wishes and left him penniless and alone in the world when he would not give him the living at Kympton."
"But William did not refuse him the living. Mr. Wickham refused the living and asked for money instead and my brother paid him. I know this to be true because I saw the cheque. I was there the day he came to collect it."
"I know that now, Miss Darcy, but I was angry at your brother because he refused to dance with me at the Assembly ball and I was all too eager to believe the worst of him because he had injured my pride."
"I know about that and as I have said this is all my fault. Fitzwilliam was angry and upset when he saw all of you dancing and laughing and having a wonderful time. You see, last summer he sent me to Ramsgate in the charge of one of the ladies at the school I was attending.
"Mrs. Young showed a great affection for me and we both trusted her, so Fitzwilliam allowed me to go to Ramsgate with her for a few weeks. He thought I might meet some people my own age and have an enjoyable summer.
"We had not been there but three days when we met Mr. Wickham walking on the beach. He seemed surprised and delighted to see me and acknowledged my introduction of Mrs. Young with great courtesy and charm. We walked every day for ten days when he told me that he had fallen in love with me and wished to marry me.
"How silly and foolish I was. I believed him. I should have been wary when he was nervous about my wanting to write to Fitzwilliam to let him enjoy my happiness. He told me that I should wait for a time to make sure of my feelings before telling my brother.
"A sennight later I again approached the subject and he convinced me that it would be a jolly joke on my brother if we should elope and return to Pemberley from Scotland. It had been nearly three weeks that I had not written to Fitzwilliam so he became alarmed and to our surprise he showed up one day on the beach. I rushed to him almost knocking him down in my excitement and blurted out my happy news.
"He was indeed shocked and surprised and of course said he would have to talk to all of us about this marriage. When I turned to Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Young the looks of shock on their faces made me laugh, but they both recovered quickly and agreed to go to our suite and discuss the marriage.
"Fitzwilliam, my dearest brother, he is so wise. He knew that if he refused adamantly to allow us to marry Mr. Wickham would try to turn me against him, and run away to Gretna Green with him. Mr. Wickham too was surprised at my brother's agreement to the wedding and looked at Mrs. Young with a smile and a wink. I was too silly and too stupid to understand what he was thinking.
"The smile faded quickly when Fitzwilliam informed them that he and cousin Richard would maintain control of my money until I reached the age of 30. Father had stated in his will if they thought that the man I married was a gambler or a drinker and would abuse me or take the money and run away.
"He said he would find a small house in London for us and Mrs. Young could act as housekeeper and general factotum if she wished. He would provide a cook and a kitchen maid as well as a housemaid. He would allow me to have a personal maid but if Mr. Wickham wished to have a man he would have to pay for it himself. He would allow me a clothing allowance and would make arrangement for food and all other household needs so that I would not have to worry about paying any bills.
"It sounded so wonderful to me but as he went on I could see that both Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Young were getting more and more angry and upset. I could not understand why. It seemed to me that it was an ideal arrangement. We would never have to worry about anything. Mr. Wickham disagreed, he insisted that he wanted control of the money and if not he would not go through with the marriage.
"I became alarmed and tried to reassure him but he turned on me saying that he could never love such a silly fool as I, that the only woman he loved was Mrs. Young. He stormed from the room taking her with him saying it was time for them to leave, that their plan had come to nothing.
"I was devastated. I cried for a fortnight day and night. My brother happily found Mr. Ainsley, who has been my companion since. She has been such a blessing to me. She understands so well what it is to have you heart broken and has saved me from myself. She convinced Fitzwilliam to go to Herdfordshire with the Bingleys. She felt that it would do both of us good to be apart for a time. My brother of course did not want to leave me, but I assured him that I would like to see him go. I agreed with Mrs. Ainsley, we needed some time apart.
"He finally agreed and went in spite of his trepidation about spending too much time with Miss Bingley, especially in the same house. That is why he was so angry that night at the assembly, he was, as always thinking of me.
"He felt that he could trust you of all people with my secret, he said, but he just had to protect me, even if it meant his own happiness."
Elizabeth sat looking at her hands for a few minutes.
Finally she raised her head and said quietly and sadly, "You have a truly remarkable and loving brother Miss Darcy, but it is not anything that you have done or said that has put this breech between me and Mr. Darcy. It is my own pride and vanity that has made such a terrible chasm between us. You do not know what dreadful things I said to him.
"A man with your brother's pride could never forget or forgive that."
"But he says that you were entirely correct in what you said to him. He said that he had indeed been prideful and arrogant, without a thought to the feelings of the people in your family or the town of Merryton. He had been no gentleman, he says.
"He loves you still, Miss Bennet, I can see it and hear it when he tells me how much he loves to hear you play and sing because you truly love the music, as I do. He says it was so refreshing to find a woman with whom he could have an intelligent conversation. Who knows what is going on in the world and can speak of something other than lace and beads or feathers. Who can make conversation without abusing and making sport of everyone in the room.
"You love him too, don't you," she cried, " can see it in your face."
"I do, I love him dearly, but it is all too late I fear Miss Darcy."
"Lizzie, Lizzie," they heard Mrs. Gardiner call, "Colonel Fitzwilliam wishes to go, whatever you and Miss Darcy are speaking of will have to wait, I fear."
Georgiana skipped along the path to the house, a smile on her face. She was forming a plan and all she needed was a yes from Mrs. Gardiner.
As Miss Darcy and the Colonel readied to depart Georgiana turned to Mrs. Gardiner and said, "My brother and I would like to have a dinner for the engaged couple. Would tomorrow night be too soon?"
Mrs. Gardiner was surprised and pleased as she answered, "Tomorrow night would be fine, we have no plans for then."