You must know at once, however, that Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins are gone from Longbourn. I was not able to talk to Miss Bennet alone; Mrs. Bennet and the other sisters were in the room and the conversation did not turn to either Miss Elizabeth Bennet or the gentlemen.
I fear however, that they are gone to London and may attempt to waylay Miss Elizabeth Bennet before she can reach the sanctuary of her aunt and uncle.
I attempted to signal to Miss Bennet by my expression that her sister was safe, but I am not sure that she was able to understand the import of what I tried to convey.
I have returned here to send the news to you as soon as possible. Tomorrow I intend to call there again in the hope that I might walk in the gardens with Miss Bennet. If I am unsuccessful, I may call on Sir William Lucas. I understand that Miss Lucas was an intimate friend of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She might know something of the affairs at Longbourn.
The only other way I can think of seeing Miss Bennet is to have my sisters return to Netherfield and invite Miss Bennet for dinner. But I will wait to hear from you as to the best way forward.
I am thinking of you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet and hope the situation reaches a satisfactory conclusion very soon.
Your friend,
Charles Bingley
Mr. Darcy smiled tightly. The only satisfactory conclusion to him would be that Elizabeth would marry him. He wondered if it would be satisfactory to her.
He glanced at the letter again. He smiled and handed it to Georgiana. She acknowledged his implicit consent with a dip of her head and read it swiftly, before handing it back to him with an enquiring expression.
He indicated a chair and they sat down. “Georgiana, I thought to leave Miss Bennet to tell you whatever she is happy to share, but I will tell you briefly the important facts, because I would not wish you to feel in any sense that she has tried to trap me into being obliged to her.”
He stood up and turned to the window. It was easier to talk when he wasn’t looking at her. “The Bennet family live at Longbourn House in Hertfordshire. The estate is entailed away from the female line and Mr. Collins is the beneficiary of it. There are five daughters, and little settled upon them. Mr. Collins arrived and the family somehow forced Miss Elizabeth Bennet to accept an offer from him as they attempt to secure the future of the family.” He heard Georgiana’s gasp behind him.
He swung round and looked at her grimly. “Mr. Collins is a most odious young man, and I am dismayed that Miss Bennet was forced into an arrangement so repugnant to her. She obviously felt she had no other alternative but to leave the home at dead of night, dressed in a farmhand’s clothes to try and reach a relative in London to help her obtain a position of employment.” He went and sat down again.
“At no point was I involved by her in any way at all. It was my own unease as to her situation that took me there yesterday and to search for her when I discovered her absence.” He suppressed a shudder. “She tried several times to relieve me of my responsibility towards her but had some poor fortune. The world is a dangerous place for ladies alone.”
Georgiana put out her hand to him. “Thank you for telling me, Fitzwilliam. I understand and I will listen to whatever she wishes to tell me with much compassion.”
She smiled as she went towards the hall. “If she is to be my sister-in-law, I am disposed to be fast friends with her.”
“I am by no means sure that I will be so fortunate as to gain her hand, my sister. But I want her to be happy and safe.”
He watched as she went up the stairs. Then he turned back to his library.
“Another whisky, if you please.”
Chapter 22
The sun was shining brightly through the windows as the maid opened the heavy curtains. Elizabeth stared at the unfamiliar room, her eyes stinging and watering.
“Good morning, ma’am.” The strange maid was now pouring water into the washbowl from the pitcher. “I have a selection of gowns for you to choose from,” the maid continued. “Miss Darcy wanted you to have the choice of several.”
Elizabeth realised where she was. “That is very kind of her.” She sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. The next moment she regretted moving so quickly, because it started her coughing.
The coughing fit lasted several minutes, great racking coughs that took away all awareness of anything other than trying to draw breath.
Slowly she became sensible of the fact that the maid was beside her, holding a glass of water, and a young woman, beautifully dressed, was also beside her, looking most concerned.
“Miss Bennet, should I ask my brother to summon the physician?”
She shook her head slightly, not wishing to start coughing again.
“Thank you, no.” She looked at the lady, still almost a girl. “You must be Miss Darcy. I am sorry if you were anxious about me.” She pulled the shawl around her shoulders, conscious of her dishevelled undergarment, which was all she’d had to sleep in, and smiled ruefully.
“I’m sorry to meet you for the first time so unprepared to give a good impression, but I hope you will forgive me.”
Miss Darcy straightened up, her expression still anxious. “I will leave you and perhaps we may meet more formally later on, if you are sure you are in good health?”
“I suppose that will be for the best.” Elizabeth smiled at her. “I am dismayed to be imposing on you at your home so unexpectedly.” She glanced at the gowns laid out on the bed. “But, please do not leave all these gowns. Perhaps just give me the oldest, that you might not need. For I have no way to repay you at present.”
The girl smiled at her. “I want you to choose the one you like the best. And you will need several, until we can get some made up for you.” She went to the door. “I will call the seamstress to come to the house later, when you feel better.”
“No, please. I must only …”
But Miss Darcy had left the room and Elizabeth felt her throat constrict. She took the glass of water and made herself breathe steadily and sip at it slowly until the urge to cough was gone.
The maid bustled about the room. “I have the bath all ready to bring in, ma’am. Perhaps the steam will ease your throat.”
Elizabeth had never heard words so pleasing as that. “That would be most welcome. Thank you.” She stood and went over to the window seat and watched quietly as many steaming jugs of water were carried up from the kitchens. The large copper bath took quite a while to fill, and Elizabeth looked forward to being able to bathe in more luxury than she had ever got at home.
It was a long time before she could bear to leave the utter relaxation of the water, but as it cooled, she finally stepped out, feeling much restored.
Finally, dressed completely in Miss Darcy’s clothes, in a silk gown that she could never have aspired to, and feeling clean and fresh, she descended the stairs. It was an enormous, imposing house, with a huge, galleried hallway, and she gazed at all the portraits with awe.
As she reached the hall, a footman bowed. “Miss Darcy is waiting in the drawing room for you, Miss Bennet.”
“Thank you.” She followed him and he led her to the large, gracious room.
Georgiana Darcy rose to her feet. “Miss Bennet, I am so happy to see you are well enough to come downstairs.”
Elizabeth curtsied. “I am well.” Elizabeth smiled. “I’m sorry I worried you earlier, Miss Darcy.”
“Come and sit down. I have a favourite place to sit here, where we can see the gardens.”
Elizabeth followed the young woman over to the great windows, where tea was set.
She sat on the thickly upholstered sofa and sighed contentedly.
Miss Darcy smiled. “I am very glad to meet you, Miss Bennet. My brother tells me you have had a difficult few days.”
Elizabeth glanced at her sharply. The other girl didn’t seem to be holding her responsible for what had happened, but perhaps she didn’t know that Mr. Darcy had risked his reputation for her.
She felt her
heart twist. She would not have forced his obligation for anything. This new, protective Mr. Darcy had taken her completely by surprise.
The first evening she met him at the Meryton assembly had convinced her he was proud and disdainful. Later, Mr. Wickham had set her mind against him. But Mr. Wickham had also said that Miss Darcy was as proud as her brother.
She had believed him absolutely, feeling exceedingly angry on his behalf.
But during the ball at Netherfield, she’d found herself surprised at his assistance, even to the extent of being willing to dance with her twice. He had been most observant and warned her against what had, in fact, later transpired.
He had searched for her — and she needed to think about that later. How had he known where to look? Or even that she was gone from home?
He had risked everything to help her when he found her, and he’d become obliged to her, which would mean his whole life might be forfeit to marrying her.
She stared out of the window, shocked at her thoughts. He was willing to be obliged to her when he hardly knew her, but he had uttered no word of rebuke that she had not been willing to marry to secure her family’s situation.
How had that not occurred to her before this moment?
Slowly she became aware that Miss Darcy was speaking. “I am most concerned, Miss Bennet. Are you sure you should not rest in bed for a day or so?” She sounded anxious.
She shook her head, both in negative response to the question, but also to clear her mind of her thoughts. “I am very sorry, Miss Darcy. I was thinking of — something I must not.” She smiled. “But, do you think you could call me Elizabeth? Miss Bennet seems so formal, and I would like to be friends.”
“And you must call me Georgiana.” The young woman was sitting on the edge of her chair. “I think you must have been through a dreadful time.” She bit her lip. “Your cough …?”
Elizabeth tried to keep smiling. “I do not wish you to be concerned. I was …” she hesitated. “I was fortunate to escape a building on fire, but I was caught in the smoke for longer than seems to be good for me.”
Georgiana’s shocked expression made her shake her head.
“Your brother has been most kind to assist me, but I do not want to inconvenience him any further, so I pray you do not make too much of my perceived ill-health. It will all be resolved directly.”
The girl smiled and poured the tea. “If you do not wish to inconvenience my brother, you will remain quietly here until you are fully well and have somewhere safe to go to.” She handed over the cup and saucer, still smiling.
“If you don’t, he will have to go to the trouble of searching for you again to satisfy himself that you are safe.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth wasn’t sure she liked hearing that, it made her almost bound to stay.
“My sister is correct, Miss Bennet.” Mr. Darcy’s voice from the doorway was a surprise to her, but she held her breath as she rose to her feet and turned to the door. It worked and she didn’t cough.
He strode the length of the room towards them, and bowed. “I am delighted to see you looking so much better, Miss Bennet.” His eyes studied her face and she looked away hastily. What was that in his gaze?
She must turn the mood. “I think I could hardly look as disreputable as yesterday, sir.”
His chuckle turned her senses over, and she looked down.
He sat down with them and Georgiana poured him some tea. “I was hoping to ask the seamstress to come, Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth will need new gowns.”
“Of course. Please let there be no delay, Georgiana.”
Elizabeth felt the need to break in, she did not wish to be talked about as if she were not able to make her own decisions. “I am most grateful to you, sir, but I cannot consent to that. A seamstress such as you are referring to will make gowns much finer than I am used to wearing. They would be unsuitable perhaps, for the position I will be searching for.”
She saw Georgiana turning a startled gaze to her brother. Goodness, what had her told her?
He settled back in the chair and took a sip of tea, seemingly relaxed.
“Georgiana,” he said to his sister. “Do you think you could play for us for a while? Something relaxing?”
“Of course I will.” She rose gracefully to her feet, and went to the pianoforte in the main part of the room.
Elizabeth felt her heart begin to pound.
Chapter 23
She sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap, hoping her inner turmoil was not on show.
“Please do not be anxious, Miss Bennet.” His voice was low and she knew that her emotions were on show to him today, as they had been at Netherfield. She also knew that their conversation was as private as he could make it, while not compromising her position any further.
Her heart warmed a little more towards him. She had to believe what she found. This man was good and true. There was no possibility remaining in her mind that what Mr. Wickham had told her could possibly be right.
She looked at him, and smiled slightly. “You seem to know my feelings very well, Mr. Darcy.”
He smiled very slightly.
“I hope you feel more rested than yesterday, Miss Bennet.”
She nodded. “Thank you, I do.”
There was a slight silence. Then Mr. Darcy shifted slightly in his seat, and she perceived that he was, perhaps, a little anxious as to how to proceed. She smiled.
“Mr. Darcy, please allow me to tell you how very grateful I am for all you did to help me yesterday.” She thought of the man’s fingers digging into her arm as he dragged her away, and gasped.
“I — cannot imagine what condition I might be in now if you hadn’t found me.”
“Please do not distress yourself, Miss Bennet, please try not to think of it.”
She glanced up, his eyes were anguished despite his usual impassive exterior.
She made herself breathe slowly, pushed away the fear. Here she could feel secure.
“Miss Bennet, I know that it is too early to talk about your future. I do not wish you to do anything for a few days, except allow yourself time to rest and recover.” Mr. Darcy hesitated again.
“But I would ask one thing. Will you promise to remain here, to stay in this house as a friend of my sister? I would be desolated if you feel you cannot confide in me, and you felt you must leave here without telling me to my face.”
She stared out of the window. She owed him that, she knew. But what if her father came here? Surely he would not dare to do that?
She raised her eyes to his. “What if my father suspects I am here, that you are harbouring me?”
His expression tightened. “I do not think that will be possible, Miss Bennet. Even if he did, he will not call, and you could not be compelled to see him.”
He thought for a moment. “Would you feel safer if you and Georgiana were at Pemberley? No one could think you had reached there.”
She shook her head. “Sir, I would not wish to put you to any further inconvenience. I am profoundly indebted to you. If it is what you wish, I will not leave this house unless I have told you I will.”
She could feel his relief.
“Thank you, Miss Bennet. It will ease my mind considerably if I think you are safe here. And I will be able to assist Mr. Bingley at Netherfield, as he assisted me.”
Elizabeth looked carefully at him. “I must confess I am curious as to how you knew I was gone from home, sir, and why you felt obliged to follow me — to risk everything your station in life holds — to follow me.”
He sat impassively in the chair, but his eyes burned into her. He did not answer at once, and she thought for a moment he would not. Then he stirred a little.
“I am not going to explain it all to you today. It is not the right time.” His gaze was serious. “But I will say that I felt great concern for you after the ball. I had the impression that considerable pressure would be placed upon you to accept an offer from Mr. Collins and I could not but feel that you might
have to take excessive risks in order to avoid being married to someone you so obviously found odious.”
Elizabeth dropped her head, it was easier to listen that way.
“I prevailed upon Mr. Bingley and we drove out to Longbourn to see what state of affairs we would find.”
Her head jerked up. “You went to Longbourn?”
But of course they must have gone there. How else would he have known what he did?
He nodded. “Mr. Bingley returned yesterday afternoon as soon as you were safe, for we are both concerned for your elder sister.”
Elizabeth bit her lip. It was as she had feared.
“Mr. Collins was denying you had left a note, so he was saying he was still engaged to you. Although the family declined to say you had left, we had heard your mother’s voice as we approached. We judged your sister was safe from him for the time being while we searched for you.”
He leaned forward. “Miss Bennet, are you well with hearing this? I would not overwhelm you with too much information too soon. I do feel, however, that I may be able to assist my friend in ensuring your sister’s safety. It is a matter of great concern to him, as it must be to you.”
“Oh, yes, sir. I need to hear it. If you do not feel it is too much for me to ask, then I would be most grateful at your intervention to save Jane. I fear Mr. Collins might set his sights on her.”
He stood up. “Well, at least we know he was here in London yesterday so I hope that she has had some peace.”
Elizabeth stood up too. “I hope that they do not enquire here for me while they are in London.”
He shook his head. “The servants will be under strict instructions from me. You will be safe.” He leaned closer. “I promise you will be safe.”
Her heart beat faster at his nearness, she could not imagine what she was feeling or why he was paying her well-being so much attention.
She watched as he went to the pianoforte and waited for Georgiana to finish playing the piece. As his sister rose, he spoke to her quietly, and they both came to join her where she waited for them.
Compromise and Obligation: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation Page 9
