With All Her Heart
Page 1
With All Her Heart
A Pride and Prejudice Reimagining
By Whittney Teague
Prologue
Elizabeth giggled holding fast to her William’s hand as he pulled her quickly through the dark wooded path behind Netherfield to his waiting carriage. Her reticule swung back and forth from her wrist, William held her bag with the few simple day dresses her maid sent over after she arrived to care for her sister, Jane, who fell ill during a dinner held by their new neighbor, Mr. Bingley’s, sister. They moved quickly through the crisp early October air, excitement coursing through their veins.
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” she said breathlessly.
“I can’t believe you agreed,” said William before kissing her knuckles jubilantly.
They arrived at the edge of the path, where the woods met a back road. Elizabeth turned around taking one last look at Netherfield, the windows aglow with candlelight. She spun when she heard her name called to see William holding his hand out to her by the open door of the carriage. “Shall we?” He asked smiling. She placed her hand and her trust in his and entered the carriage, sealing her fate. William entered behind her and closed the door.
**
Chapter 1: Longbourn
“Lizzy, I want you to make yourself agreeable to Mr. Collins tonight, alright?” encouraged Mrs. Bennett as she plucked imaginary lint from one of Elizabeth’s nicest gowns.
“Mama, wouldn’t Mary be a more suitable choice for Mr. Collins?” Elizabeth looked across her room at her sister, who smiled hopefully.
Mr. Collins was Mr. Bennett’s cousin and heir. He was a tall, lanky man of five and twenty, who loved complimenting everything within his purview.
“Oh, child. What has Mary to do with it? Mr. Collins chose you,” Mrs. Bennett said in an annoyed voice. “Tonight, you WILL sit by Mr. Collins and not run on like you usually do. Be demure, appear interested in what he says. Don’t you want to be married? You don’t want to be a spinster like that Charlotte Lucas, do you?” Her mother began arranging curls around Lizzy’s face as Betsy, their maid, frowned in annoyance at Mrs. Bennett’s messing with her work.
“Mama, you know you are being unkind. Besides, I think Mary would be much better suited to be the demure wife to a clergyman like Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth tried again to put Mary forth as a replacement in her mother’s machinations.
Mrs. Bennett huffed in exasperation staring at Elizabeth a good long time. She turned and looked at Mary, her hair pulled back in its usual severe bun, wearing a dress that covered her body from throat to ankles. Mrs. Bennett scoffed.
“No, no, no, Lizzy. You will do very well for Mr. Collins,” said Mrs. Bennett turning back to Elizabeth. The hope in Mary’s eyes dulled and she rose to depart the room.
“I will check on my sisters,” Mary announced to the room before giving a small curtsy and exiting quickly. Elizabeth turned back to her mother.
“Mama, you should not be too hasty in dismissing the possibility of a connection between Mary and Mr. Collins.”
“Why ever not? I’m sure you know your duty and will do it!” Mrs. Bennett glared at Elizabeth, her eyes full of meaning.
“But I do not love him!” Elizabeth argued.
“What’s love to do with it?” Mrs. Bennett scoffed. “If you marry Mr. Collins we shall be able to continue to live in our home when your father dies. You will save your family from destitution!” Mrs. Bennett said growing shrill, her cap shaking in her vehemence.
“All the more reason for you to encourage Mr. Collins toward Mary. For she will have him and I will not!” Elizabeth declared turning away from her mother and heading toward the door.
“Ungrateful child! Who else will have you, if not Mr. Collins?” Her mother threw up her hands.
“Anyone will do. Perhaps the stable boy!” Elizabeth declared angrily before giving an abbreviated curtsy and hastily leaving the room amid her mother’s wails of ill use.
***
Elizabeth found Mary in her room quietly weeping. “Oh, Mary,” Elizabeth hastened to her sister and wrapped her arms around her shaking shoulders. “Shhh, do not cry. All will be well,” Elizabeth offered her handkerchief. Mary took it gratefully and dabbed her eyes.
“I know Mama can be blind to your feelings, but I am not. How long have you loved Mr. Collins?” Elizabeth asked Mary.
Mary smiled. “I do not love him, but I do like him. I know you think him ridiculous but I think with a little grooming and a nudge in the right direction he will do very well for me,” Mary said.
“Well, are you decided?” Asked Elizabeth, impressed by her sister’s outlook.
“I am,” said Mary resolutely.
“Well, let us begin!” Elizabeth said pulling her sister up by her hands.
“With what?” Mary asked confused.
“I’m going to give you a little grooming so you can nudge Mr. Collins in the right direction,” Elizabeth smiled mischievously.
“Oh please, with sisters like you and Jane, Mr. Collins will never see me,” Mary said hopelessly.
“Mary, you do not see yourself the way I do,” said Elizabeth moving behind Mary to begin pulling the pins out of her bun. “Tonight, Jane will be dining at Netherfield with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Lydia is not yet out and Kitty is still nursing her headache from this morning. Tonight it will just be you and I, Mama and Papa, and Mr. Collins. We will make sure you shine,” Elizabeth said releasing the last pin from Mary’s lustrous chestnut hair, which fell in waves down her back.
Elizabeth’s hair was similar in color but had a nearly unruly curl to it. Elizabeth began brushing out Mary’s hair after ringing the bell for Betsy. Betsy arrived and broke into a grin when she saw Elizabeth restyling Mary’s hair. “Betsy, would you retrieve my pink gown from my room, please?” Elizabeth said over her shoulder.
“Right way, ma’am,” Betsy curtsied before turning to retrieve the gown.
Mary smiled at Elizabeth’s reflection in the looking glass, her face more hopeful than ever.
***
Mr. Bennett sat looking out the window of his library an open book on his lap forgotten. Lizzy entered his sanctum quietly, taking her seat by the fire.
“Jane is off for Netherfield, then?” He said without turning around.
“Yes, papa. Though I really wish you insisted to Mama Jane take the carriage for it is sure to rain before she arrives,” Elizabeth said concerned.
“I am sure your mother knows what she is about,” Mr. Bennett said with a chuckle.
“Papa, scheming is not the right way to go about getting husbands and only makes us appear ridiculous,” Elizabeth harrumphed.
“Oh, Lizzy. You and Jane are sure to be valued wherever you may go,” Papa waved his hand unconcerned. Elizabeth huffed but did not continue to argue. She knew such lectures were pointless on her father.
Elizabeth picked up the book she was reading earlier from the side table near her chair, preferring to spend her time reading before dinner.
Soon, a soft snore came from papa’s direction, causing Elizabeth to giggle. She rose and placed papa’s book on his desk, replacing it with a blanket he kept on his chair. She kissed his forehead and quietly took herself off to check on Kitty.
Chapter 2: Distress
Elizabeth knocked softly on her sister’s door. “Come!” said Kitty before Elizabeth opened the door. “Lizzy! I feel so wretched,” Kitty complained before devolving into a coughing fit. Elizabeth went to the window and shut the curtains.
“There. That should help a bit. She walked to a basin in the corner of her room and soaked a rag in the cool water, squeezing it out before returning to Kitty’s bedside and placing it on her forehead. “Better?” Lizzy asked. “
“I’m sorry you have a megrim.”
“Me too. But at least I don't have to listen to Mr. Collins at dinner tonight!” She softly giggled. “Take care, he might be your brother one day,” Lizzy teased.
“Lizzy, no!” Kitty’s eyes shot open.
Elizabeth giggled. “Not me. Mary,” she reassured.
A soft knock sounded at the door before Mary poked her head inside. The girls giggled. “What’s so funny?” Mary asked entering and sitting on the foot of Kitty’s bed.
“Nothing my dear,” Lizzy said calming. Kitty stared in awe at Mary.
“Why, Mary, you look beautiful,” Kitty said astonished.
Mary blushed. “I thank you,” she said glancing at Elizabeth.
“You really do want Mr. Collins, don’t you?” Kitty questioned.
Mary blushed even redder before addressing Elizabeth. “Mama said it’s time to come down for dinner, Lizzy.” The girls rose to exit.
“We’ll come check on you after dinner, Kitty,” Lizzy said before she and Mary headed down to dinner.
***
The girls made their way to the parlor where their mother sat making conversation with Mr. Collins by the fire. Elizabeth saw with concern that rain was coming down in sheets through the parlor window. “I hope Jane made it to Netherfield before that!” Lizzy murmured to Mary, who shook her head in agreement.
“Miss Mary!” Mr. Collins said suddenly. “You look ravishing!” He gushed. Mary blushed with the compliment. “You look well, indeed, Mary,” said Mr. Bennett entering the parlor.
“Dinner is served,” Mrs. Hill announced from the doorway.
“Thank you, Hill,” said Mrs. Bennett. “Shall we?” Mr. Bennett held his arm out to Elizabeth and then Mrs. Bennett. Mr. Collins eagerly held his arm out to escort a perpetually blushing Mary to dinner. Elizabeth was pleased, Mrs. Bennett not so much.
***
Dinner was going well. Mr. Collins directed much of his attention to Miss Mary, whom he found less intimidating than Miss Elizabeth. He wondered to himself why he didn’t notice his cousin Mary before. Mrs. Bennett seemed to grow accustomed to Mr. Collins paying his attentions to her second middle daughter, extolling on Mary’s virtues and pious pursuits much to Elizabeth’s satisfaction. Mr. Bennett was content to sit back and be amused by all.
Elizabeth heard loud hoof beats before seeing a rider cutting up the path through the storm towards Longbourn’s front drive. Her heart quickened as her mind immediately flew to some mishap occurring with Jane.
Mr. Hill appeared worriedly through the doorway of the dining room his arm outstretched toward Mr. Bennett. “An express has just arrived for you from Netherfield, Sir.” Mr. Bennett hurriedly snatched the letter from Hill ripping it open and quickly scanning the contents. “Elizabeth, ready yourself to attend Jane at Netherfield. She has fallen ill with a high fever. Hill, have the carriage prepared” Bennett commanded. He rose from the table and headed toward his book room. Heart thudding, Elizabeth hastened to her room to put on her half boots and a dress more fit to travel in the rain, hurrying with Betsy’s help.
After farewells, fifteen minutes later saw her and Mr. Bennett off in their carriage trundling toward Netherfield. “My poor, poor Jane,” Mrs. Bennett wailed flailing her handkerchief. “My dear, take comfort that if Jane should die, it was in pursuit of Mr. Bingley,” Mr. Bennett’s parting words before heading out into the storm. Mrs. Bennett wailed louder declaring she was no longer fit for company and for Hill to fetch her smelling salts.
Mr. Collins stood awkwardly next to Mary, unsure of what to say after they farewelled Elizabeth and Mr. Bennett. “Write and let us know how Jane fares,” Mary whispered to Elizabeth. “I will,” she assured Mary before departing with Mr. Bennett.
***
By the time they traveled the three miles to Netherfield the rain had ceased. A footman opened the door allowing Mr. Bennett to exit and help Elizabeth down from the carriage. The wind bit at Elizabeth’s cheeks as she and her father hastened up the stairs through the open doors of the great house. The butler announced their presence to Mr. Bingley’s household.
Charles Bingley was a bachelor whose sisters alternated keeping house for him. Both sisters were older. His oldest sister, Mrs. Louisa Hurst, had been married the previous spring to a man of fashion, Mr. Henry Hurst who lay asleep on the fainting couch, oblivious to the Bennetts’ presence. Next was Miss Caroline Bingley, a haughty woman who always looked like there was a foul smell in the room sat by the bay window in the room. The last resident was Mr. Bingley’s longtime friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire, 10,000 pounds a year and very likely more was all Elizabeth had heard about him from her mother since he arrived the day after the Meryton assembly. They had not been introduced yet, so Elizabeth was unsure of his character.
She observed Mr. Darcy who seemed to keep himself in the background, his face unreadable. Elizabeth was intrigued by his undeniably handsome face, thick dark hair, and athletic frame in contrast to Jane’s Mr. Bingley’s strawberry blond hair, affable open smile, and boyish looks.
“How is Jane?” Mr. Bennett asked after introductions were made between the Bennetts and Mr. Darcy. “The apothecary said she cannot be moved. He is still attending Miss Bennett upstairs. I will take you to her immediately,” said Bingley. “I thank you,” said Mr. Bennett. He and Elizabeth took their leave of the room, following behind Bingley to check on Jane.
When Elizabeth looked over her shoulder back at the group, the ladies had gone back to their tea but Mr. Darcy’s eyes remained on her, following her out the room. How intriguing he was! Elizabeth thought. But her concern for her dear Jane overrode her curiosity of Mr. Darcy.
Soon, they stood outside of the guest room Jane stayed in. Papa knocked and was bid enter by the apothecary. Elizabeth followed her father in to the room and hastened to Jane’s side. Mr. Bennett conferred with the apothecary about Jane’s heath. “How are you, my dear?” Elizabeth crooned, smoothing back Jane’s sodden hair. Jane moaned something incoherent, beads of sweat visible on her forehead which was burning up. Elizabeth let out a cry of alarm. “Oh, my poor Jane!” She began wiping her down with the cool cloth nearby.
“She has a very bad cold,” Mr. Bennett announced after the apothecary departed. “Tonight will be the worst of it, he says. She will need to be watched over through the night.” “Of course. I will nurse her myself,” Elizabeth said rolling up her sleeves. “I knew you would say that. I am returning to Longbourn. I will send Betsy with an overnight bag for you. You will be well?” He asked. “I will,” Elizabeth said already focusing on the task ahead of her. “That’s a good girl,” said her father, kissing her forehead and turning to go.
Miss Bingley stood outside Jane’s door when Mr. Bennett went to exit. “I understand Miss Eliza will be staying with us to care for her sister?” Miss Bingley said barely concealing her annoyance.
“Yes. It has been arranged by your brother,” Mr. Bennett smiled raising an eyebrow in amusement before continuing. “Of course, if you are willing to provide Jane round the clock care yourself, however, I will see that Lizzy comes home with me. I know Jane would be more comfortable being looked after by her sister, but a dear friend’s care is nearly as good as a favored sister.”
Miss Bingley looked affronted, “Yes, of course Miss Eliza must stay to care for dear Jane. I will arrange a room for her at once,” she curtsied and took herself off.
Mr. Bennett turned laughingly around to Elizabeth. “Watch out for that one, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennett said before exiting the room, closing the door behind him.
Lizzy nodded in acknowledgement before she took her book out of her reticule and settled in a chair by Jane’s bedside watching over her sister. An hour later, Betsy arrived with toiletries and extra clothes. Elizabeth decided to go down for tea and let Betsy sit by Jane for a time so she can pay her respects to her hosts.
Downstairs the residents we
re all engaged in different pursuits. Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Hurst, and Mr. Bingley were playing a game of whist while Mr. Darcy appeared to be writing a letter. The gentlemen rose at Elizabeth’s entrance and bowed. She curtsied and greeted the room. “Miss Eliza how does Miss Bennett?” Miss Bingley asked with false sincerity.
“Mr. Smith gave her some sleeping droughts and she is resting now. I thank you for asking.”
“Well, Miss Bennett is our guest. Of course as mistress of Netherfield it is my duty to ensure all my guests are comfortable and I take my duty very seriously.”
Elizabeth tried not to laugh at Miss Bingley’s obvious attempt to impress Mr. Darcy.
“Miss Elizabeth, would you care for a cup of tea?” asked Mr. Bingley displaying true hospitality.
“Yes, please,” she smiled. Miss Bingley rang the bell for tea and sat on a sofa by the fire, effectively ending the game of whist. Mr. Hurst scowled annoyed by his sister-in-law and headed to the sideboard to pour himself something stronger than tea.
A maid arrived quickly with the tea tray and Elizabeth began making her tea. “Miss Eliza, if you are here with us who is with Miss Bennett?” Miss Bingley asked frostily.
“Our maid,” Elizabeth replied a little annoyed at the implication Miss Bingley was hinting at.
She smirked, “Won’t your maid be needed at home for your other sisters? You have just the one, right?”
Impudent woman, Elizabeth thought before answering, “Betsy will return home as soon as I have had my tea, in plenty of time to assist my other sisters this evening, Miss Bingley.”
“Come, now, Caroline. Miss Elizabeth need not be confined to the sickroom for the length of her stay. Miss Elizabeth, feel free to join us at your leisure. You are a guest here, like Darcy,” Mr. Bingley scowled at his sister. At that Mr. Darcy sanded and sealed his letter and turned toward the group.
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth, please do join us at your leisure,” Darcy seconded.
“Of course, Miss Eliza. I did not mean you were not welcome to join us,” Miss Bingley backtracked to agree with Mr. Darcy.