by Zoë Burton
“You are never to be alone with Mr. Collins. Until we know what kind of lady Mrs. Collins is, you are not to be alone with her, either. Kitty and Lydia, I am going to restrict you to your chambers for the duration of the man’s visit. Jane and Mary, the two of you and Lizzy are all ‘out,’ so I cannot and will not do the same to you. However, my warning must be heeded. Mr. Collins’ father was a lecherous and debauched man, and from the tone of the son’s letter, he is much the same. I do not trust him, and you are not to, either.”
Bennet noted with satisfaction the looks of alarm and fear in the ladies’ eyes. “If you find yourself alone with the man, you are to immediately ring the bell for a servant. I will be meeting with Mrs. Hill and the maids in a few minutes, and will include Mr. Hill. If you witness Mr. Collins importuning a maid, you are to call me, or Mr. Hill if I am unavailable. I do not intend to leave the house while that man is here, but neither can I predict the future. Do you have any questions?” He looked over his wife and daughters once more, noting the hands covering mouths and the ones clutched together.
Jane and Mary glanced at each other, their hands tightly gripped together. They looked back at their father and Jane voiced their mutual concern. “Do we have to allow him in? Can we not bar the door?”
“Unfortunately, no, we cannot. He is the heir and we must allow him to extend whatever olive branch he wishes to, within reason, of course. Frankly, I expect from his letter to find him an amusing character.”
“I hardly think being a threat to our girls amusing, Mr. Bennet.” Longbourn’s mistress resumed fanning herself. “We must protect ourselves from him; that makes him dangerous.” She pressed her hand to her chest. “Oh, my nerves. I need my salts. Jane, quickly, ring for Hill.” She collapsed backwards into her chair.
As Jane did what her mother bid, her father spoke again. “Do not fear, Wife. Between you and me and the Hills, all the women in this home will be safe. I expect you to be cordial to my cousin, but no more. We must appear to be willing to accept him and his wife. Under no circumstances are any of you to speak disparagingly to either of them. We must not allow them to see our disdain. If he can be appeased with our appearance of welcome, we may be able to stave off anything untoward on his part. We need only to survive the week and they will be gone.”
“Yes, Papa.” The Bennet daughters answered their father with one voice.
“I expect you to share with Lizzy what I have said.” Bennet looked at each daughter individually again, then waved a hand. “Go on up and tell her. I have said all I planned to.”
“Yes, sir.” Kitty and her sisters curtseyed to their father before filing out of the room and up to Elizabeth’s.
~~~***~~~
While her father was gone into town, Elizabeth rested. Jane and Mary remained at her side, joined now and again by Kitty and Lydia. She had finally arisen, her body demanding movement, when Mr. Bennet returned. With the assistance of her sisters, she washed and put on a clean nightgown when one of the maids knocked on the door, informing them that all but Elizabeth were wanted in the parlour. The girls tucked her back in bed, and she watched as her siblings left. When the door shut, she sank back into her pillows and slept again.
~~~***~~~
At Netherfield, Darcy paced the library. He had slept through dinner the night before, which was, in his opinion, abominably rude. He had apologized profusely to his host, who had waved it away, assuring him it was unnecessary.
Bingley had said, “You had a long and strenuous day, and then you remained belowstairs with me and Hurst instead of immediately resting. No one can blame you for falling asleep.”
“I thank you for your understanding. My valet told me he was unable to wake me and so covered me up and left me where I was.” Darcy had rubbed his neck. “I believe it was the discomfort in my neck that woke me early this morning. That, and the chill in the air. The fire was nothing but coals.”
Shaking his head, Bingley had replied, “You must have been exhausted. Did you rest well?”
“Surprisingly, I did. I feel much better about everything that happened, as well.”
Bingley had expressed his happiness at his friend’s improved outlook and encouraged him to fill his plate from the bounty on the sideboard.
Now Darcy was alone and in Netherfield’s pitifully bare library, contemplating the consequences of his impulsive rescue of Miss Elizabeth Bennet the day before. Uppermost in his mind were the feelings that had nearly overwhelmed him when she rested in his arms.
“What was that about? I have never felt so for any female outside of family.” Darcy pitched his voice low, not wishing to be overheard. He knew he should either not speak at all or write his feelings out, but he always solved problems better when he spoke them out loud.
“Her father.” Darcy snorted in disgust but within moments conceded he would have done the exact same thing had it been his sister, Georgiana, who had been rescued in such a manner. “Regardless of how I feel about his reaction, the honourable thing for me to do is to offer for her. Still, I would like to see what manner of girl she is. It would not do to be tied to a simpering fool for the rest of my life.” Darcy stopped and pulled on his waistcoat. He straightened his posture. “I will send a letter to Mr. Bennet, inquiring about his daughter’s welfare and when I can call. If she is not well enough to leave her bed today, I will request a visit later in the week.”
Having decided on his course, Darcy sat down and composed his message, ringing the bell to call a servant to take it to Longbourn. Then, he searched out Bingley.
~~~***~~~
An hour after sending his note to the neighboring estate, Darcy received a reply. He opened the missive in the presence of Bingley and Hurst as they sat in Bingley’s study.
“Miss Elizabeth has been out of bed and moving around in her chamber.” Darcy relieved the suspense for his friends. “However, Mr. Bennet is not certain she is up to having visitors. She is suffering from headaches and memory loss.”
“Not surprising if she hit her head.” Hurst sipped from his cup of tea.
“True.” Darcy folded the missive and tapped it on his knee, which was crossed over his other leg.
“What will you do?” Bingley tilted his head as he watched Darcy think. “Will you visit this afternoon, or give her another day or so to recover? If you are willing to wait, I will be able to go with you. I have not seen Miss Bennet in days, and that needs to be rectified.”
Hurst snorted and coughed. “Excuse me.” He wiped his mouth with his kerchief. When he looked up and noticed the smirk on Darcy’s face and confusion on Bingley’s, he winked and grinned. “I apologize, Bingley. It is just that you are clearly enamoured of the lady. I am surprised you have not been over there already, offering comfort.”
Bingley blushed and ducked his head with a sheepish grin. “She is the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld.” He looked up. “I have had reasons for not visiting before yesterday, as you well know, and I did not feel it appropriate to visit when Miss Elizabeth is injured. You know how close she and her sisters are. I could not in good conscience draw Miss Bennet’s attention from her ill sister.”
Darcy and Hurst laughed but conceded his point. Darcy stood. “I will put off a visit until tomorrow, then, if you can accompany me, Bingley.” He turned toward the table a few feet away, intent on replying to Mr. Bennet’s note.
“I can. I look forward to visiting Longbourn with you.” Bingley grinned as his friends teased him a little longer.
Chapter 6
The next day, Elizabeth awoke feeling a little better than she had the day before. The pain in her head remained a dull throb most of the time, but she was able to use the chamber pot unaided and without tiring overmuch. She remained confused about many things, including what happened to her. She repeatedly requested her sisters to share the tale. She could not seem to retain the memory of it, or of previously asking for clarification.
One of the things that frightened Elizabeth the most is that sh
e had forgotten how to do some very basic things. She attempted to dress herself, but for the life of her could not work out what one particular item was, or how to put it on. She turned the stays inside out and outside right, and gazed in confusion at the laces in the back. She knew the garment was required, though she could not say how she knew. She simply could neither identify it nor decipher how to wear it. In the end, the task made her head hurt, so she gave up and waited for her sisters to help her dress.
“Papa said you are to stay home from church today, Lizzy.” Mary sounded slightly scandalized by the idea. She was devout, and Elizabeth knew she was probably torn between understanding that her sister needed to rest and knowing church attendance was vital.
“Tell him I thank him. I do not know if I would make it through an entire service.” Elizabeth paused. “It will be well, Mary. God will understand I am not able to sit up that long.”
Mary looked both relieved and doubtful. “I hope so.” She glanced around the room. “What can we do to assist you this morning?”
“I should like to dress.” Elizabeth blushed. “I tried, but got confused.”
Jane walked over, a chemise and stay in her hand. “What do you mean, confused?”
Elizabeth’s face turned a deeper shade of red. Her brow creased as she looked at her hands which were twisting in her lap. “I did not know what one of the pieces was called or how to put it on.”
Jane’s eyes widened, as did Mary’s. “Oh.” Jane cleared her throat. She looked worriedly at her next youngest sister, a crease forming between her eyes. She licked her lips. “Which one? I shall show it to you and explain it.” She hesitated. “Perhaps Mr. Jones should visit today. I will tell Papa to send for him.”
“I am not insane.” Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears. She clutched at Jane’s arm.
Mary rubbed her next elder sister’s back. “No, you are not. Your head was injured. I am sure your confusion is only a temporary thing. Calm yourself. All will be well.” She threw a concerned glance at Jane. “We will teach you and will remind you whenever you require it, will we not, Jane?”
“Of course we will!” Jane tossed the garments onto the bed and took Elizabeth’s hands in her own. “Do not fear. I promise all will be well.”
Elizabeth sniffed, tears clogging her eyes and nose. Her headache intensified, but she wished to dress, so she wiped her eyes and watched carefully as her sisters explained the stay and how it was to be put on. When they were done, she rested and they headed to the church, which was just on the other side of the paddock.
When her sisters and mother arrived home after services, the girls immediately went up to Elizabeth’s room.
“Lizzy?” Jane called her sister in a soft voice as the four gathered around Elizabeth’s bed.
Lydia, being the youngest and most impulsive, dropped onto the side of the mattress, causing her elder sister to bounce and roll, and startling her. “Are you awake?”
“I am now.” Elizabeth grumbled at being so roughly awakened.
“Good. Do you feel well enough to come downstairs? We have a few more days of freedom before Mr. Collins arrives, and I thought we could entertain you with charades or something.”
Elizabeth had pushed herself up so she leaned back against the headboard. “I believe I do feel well enough to go down for a bit.” She smiled at her youngest sisters. “Help me up?”
As before, the four young ladies surrounded Elizabeth as she descended the stairs and entered the drawing room. They got her settled on a sofa and ordered tea, then set about forming teams. Their plan was thwarted, however, when horses were heard entering the paddock, over which the windows in the room looked out. Kitty rushed to see who had come to visit on a Sunday.
“It is a fancy carriage. I do not think I know who it is.” Kitty paused. “Wait. That is Mr. Bingley, and he has another fellow with him. A tall one.”
“Ring the bell for Hill, please, Lydia, and tell her to alert Mama that we have visitors.” Jane’s eyes darted around the parlour. She wiped her hands down the front of her gown. “At least the room is clean this time.”
“Help me up.” Elizabeth had remained as still as possible while the others had been stirred into action. Now she begged assistance. She was only up for a minute when she realized she should have remained on the sofa. “I fear I am not as well as I wish to be. The room spins precariously.”
Mary looked with concern at Elizabeth’s face. “Are you going to be sick?” She held her sister’s arm, supporting the other girl’s weight.
“No, I do not think so. I need to sit, though.”
Mary quickly helped her sister down before her attention was drawn to her mother bustling into the room from one side while Mrs. Hill did so from the other.
“Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, ma’am.” Hill stepped aside to allow the gentlemen to enter, then curtseyed and backed out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
The gentlemen bowed, and Elizabeth noted Darcy’s eyes roving from person to person before finally settling on her.
“Oh, Mr. Bingley! How wonderful of you to come visit us today! Jane has been longing for just such a thing. Is she not looking well today?” Mrs. Bennet immediately pushed her eldest forward.
“She is.” Bingley bowed to Jane. “You look very well, Miss Bennet.” The tips of his ears turned red.
Jane curtseyed, blushing to match Bingley. “You do, as well.”
Mrs. Bennet had been focused on her eldest, making plans in her head for the girl’s wedding to their guest, when she suddenly realized Bingley had brought someone with him. She blinked and turned her attention back to her role as hostess. “How kind of you to bring your friend, as well. Will you introduce us?”
“Of course!” Bingley jumped a bit, his eyes wide. “Mrs. Bennet, this is my friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pemberley in Derbyshire and Darcy House in London.” He angled his body toward his friend. “Darcy, this is Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia.”
Darcy bowed. “I am happy to be formally introduced to you and your daughters, Madam.”
Mrs. Bennet blinked up at Darcy, seemingly confused at first as to his unusual wording. “I am happy to meet you, as well. Oh!” Suddenly it hit her that she had seen the gentleman before. “You brought my Lizzy home when she was injured!”
“I did.” Darcy bowed again. “I am happy to see she is up and around?” He tilted his head toward Elizabeth.
“She is.” Mrs. Bennet eyed Darcy as though assessing his worth through his clothing. “There is a seat beside her empty, if you would like to speak to her.”
Darcy nodded. “I would. Thank you, madam.” He strode toward Elizabeth, noting the paleness of her face and the way she held her arm over her stomach. His brow creased as his lips pressed briefly together. When he arrived in front of her, he bowed, not noticing that both sisters had moved away. “Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth smiled wanly. She inclined her head. “Mr. Darcy. Please forgive me for not rising and greeting you properly. My head starts to whirl when I move about too much, and I fear I may embarrass myself more than if I simply remain still.” She gestured to the seat beside her. “Please, do be seated.” Something tickled the back of her mind, and she frowned.
Darcy noted the downward turning of her lips and the confused look on Elizabeth’s face. “Have I displeased you in some manner?” He moved so that he faced her, with his knee resting on the sofa.
Elizabeth shook her head. “Not at all. I feel as though something has been said about you to me that I cannot remember. There is something very important surrounding your presence here.” She shrugged. “I have been rather forgetful the last day or two.”
“Do not be concerned. It will come to your mind when you least expect it. I hit my head once falling off a roof. I was confused for weeks, but eventually retrieved my memories.”
Elizabeth was both relieved and curious. “Thank you for telling me about it. I do feel better knowi
ng it will probably only last a short time.” She paused. “How did you fall off a roof?”
Darcy smirked and told her a story of an escapade he and his cousins had been involved in the summer before they went to Eton. When Elizabeth laughed, Darcy’s heart skipped a beat. He was entranced by the warm, welcoming sound.
Across the room, Mrs. Bennet had kept a close eye on the interactions between her second daughter and the gentleman. It had occurred to her that this was the man who had rescued Elizabeth and carried her into the house two days ago. She determined to show off the girl’s skills as a hostess and allow Elizabeth to pour out the tea. When Hill brought the tray in, Mrs. Bennet quickly rose and hurried over to the door to whisper in the housekeeper’s ear.
Elizabeth looked up when she heard her mother call her name. Her eyes widened when Mrs. Hill stopped in front of her and laid out the teapot, cups, cakes, and other items. She stared at the tea service, her brain a total blank.
Darcy and Mary noticed the confusion on Elizabeth’s face at the same time. Mary rose to go to her sister, but Darcy, being seated next to her, was able to lean over and whisper something to her that cleared some of the bewilderment from her expression.
Slowly and carefully, Elizabeth prepared and poured the tea, following Darcy’s whispered instructions. Mary had stepped up to hand around the cups and plates, and her smile of encouragement boosted Elizabeth’s confidence.
When the task was complete, Elizabeth leaned back with a sigh, a cup and saucer in her hand. She looked at Darcy and thanked him. “I apologize for appearing as a total dunce, but I could not recall what to do.”
Darcy was impressed with Elizabeth’s calmness in the midst of her confusion. “No apologies are necessary, I assure you. It is part and parcel of your injury; the skills will return to you when your mind is healed enough for it to happen.”
“I wish it would happen soon.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “It is humiliating to forget everything.”
