by Wendi Sotis
Keeping watch on Darcy from the corner of her eye, Elizabeth turned to the footman and said in a deliberate tone, “Roger, as tomorrow is your day off, I assume you will go home to visit with your parents. Will you please stop at Longbourn on the way? I will write a note to Mrs. Hill and send it to you through Hanna or Agnes this evening. From what you have told me, some of Mrs. Hill’s special liniment will be just the thing for your mother’s shoulder. Please tell her that as soon as Jane is well and we have returned to Longbourn, I will come to see how she is feeling.”
Roger did not take his eyes away from a spot on the wall opposite him as he answered, “Yes, ma’am.”
Elizabeth looked up at Darcy and smiled slightly. “Are you on your way to the dining room, sir?”
He nodded and gestured for her to precede him.
She began to walk in the direction of the stairs. “Roger came in second place.” Elizabeth almost laughed when she glanced at Darcy in time to see his eyebrows shoot upward on his brow. “In the tree climbing contest I told you of.”
“Ah.” Darcy nodded.
“As children of tenant farmers at Longbourn, Jane and I have known Roger and Hanna, one of the maids who have been helping care for my sister, all our lives. They are good people and come from hard-working families. Mr. Bingley chose wisely when hiring them.” She pretended not to notice that the frown had smoothed away from his features. “For years, Hanna had helped at Longbourn when she was needed, but this is the first time I have seen Roger in a uniform. While at work, they both seem so different from my memories of them as childhood playmates.” She tilted her head. “But in a way, no matter what our station in life, I guess we all end up wearing a uniform of sorts.”
As the pair came to the bottom of the staircase, the footman opened the door to the dining room. Elizabeth nodded her thanks to the footman and passed into the room. Darcy followed and helped Elizabeth with her chair before finding his own.
After rising upon Elizabeth’s entrance to the room, Bingley resettled into his chair and asked expectantly, “Miss Elizabeth, may I assume that your joining us means Miss Bennet is feeling somewhat better?”
“I am happy to report that her fever is not nearly so high as it was last evening at this time, sir. I do believe she is on the mend. Thank you for inquiring,” Elizabeth replied.
“Are you certain? I have heard from the stablemen that the Longs are quite ill, and a doctor has been sent for. Perhaps I should send for the Longs’ doctor to attend Miss Bennet, as well?”
“In my sister’s case, I feel there is no need, sir. Perhaps she does not have the same affliction as the others.” Her brow furrowed. “Is the entire Long family ill?”
Bingley nodded. “From what I understood, the eldest gentleman’s condition is quite serious.”
Elizabeth startled when Miss Bingley spoke from the doorway. “If we are to escape this fever, perhaps we should return to London immediately, Charles.”
It was obvious to Elizabeth that the gentlemen had not heard her enter the room, either. Both rose in greeting. A footman held Miss Bingley’s chair.
Darcy said, “If there is the risk of an illness spreading, we should remain in the country. Our physician had advised me that epidemics move quickly through densely populated areas. If you remember, that is why we were preparing to leave for Pemberley just before Georgiana came down with influenza.”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy! What a wonderful idea! Removing further away from London to Pemberley would certainly be of benefit to us all.”
Darcy’s back stiffened. His tone was firm when he answered, “And risk having to stay two nights in crowded inns along the way with others who may be ill? I think not. We would do better remaining at Netherfield.”
Miss Bingley’s disappointment was almost palpable.
Chapter 16
After dinner, the gentleman retreated to Bingley’s study for cigars and brandy. More often than not, whilst in the company of Bingley and Hurst, Darcy would join in their conversation, but this night, Darcy stood by a window, staring out into the darkness.
The evening thus far had seemed as if he were living within a bad dream.
Darcy’s embarrassment over what he had assumed was occurring in the corridor outside his chamber was great. He could hope only that Elizabeth had not guessed his thoughts, but he feared her reaction proved that she had. Darcy closed his eyes, unable to look at his own reflection in the glass.
After every encounter with Elizabeth, he found himself thinking she was unlike other women of his acquaintance; yet, after all the years of being carefully taught to examine other’s motives when they befriended him, his prior expectations were almost impossible to ignore.
The popular adage, “Old habits die hard,” is certainly true in his case.
It saddened him to think that Mrs. Hurst’s and Miss Bingley’s conduct towards Elizabeth did not surprise him in the least. It was what he had learned to expect from women, proving his prejudice correct time and time again.
Do any single women of the ton truly form friendships, or are all their alliances part of a game of strategy?
Whether Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had noticed his interest in Elizabeth mattered not, for he knew from experience that any lady of marriageable age would be treated by them in the same fashion, especially when amongst gentlemen. Although Bingley tried his best to make their guest feel comfortable, his sisters had practically ignored Elizabeth throughout the entirety of the meal, and it was obvious that they brought up subjects of conversation in which they assumed Elizabeth would not be able to participate. At least there was not a repeat of the enumeration of the Bennets’ connexions, which had often been the subject of discussion since his arrival in Hertfordshire and which Georgiana had also told him had taken place the day before.
Georgiana. Darcy sighed. The most disturbing event thus far this evening was that, after being distracted by Elizabeth’s presence in the corridor, he had actually forgotten to knock at his sister’s door and escort her to the dining room as he had told her he would. Even if he lived to be a very old man, he would always regret being the cause of the worry and disappointment marring Georgiana’s features when she caught his eye as she entered the dining room, attended only by Mrs. Younge.
Soon after the gentlemen rejoined the ladies in the parlour, a maid entered the room and crossed to speak to Miss Bingley, who then announced that Elizabeth would remain above stairs with her sister. After the way Elizabeth had been treated by himself in the hallway and by Bingley’s sisters at supper, he would have been surprised if she had returned.
Before the maid left the room, Bingley called out, “Has Miss Bennet’s condition worsened?”
The maid answered, “Miss Bennet’s fever rose whilst Miss Elizabeth was at supper, sir. Miss Elizabeth don’t want to leave ’er again.”
I have done it again—assigned selfish motives to Elizabeth’s actions! Darcy thought, closing his eyes. My ingrained suspicion must end! I will disregard my worries about her letter, as well. She has done nothing but good for us.
Darcy’s attention was redirected as Bingley responded, “Please inform Miss Elizabeth that I am sending a boy to the Longs’ home with a note requesting that the doctor come to see Miss Bennet as soon as he is able.”
The maid curtsied and quickly left the room.
~%~
October 17, 1811
The following morning, Elizabeth joined the others as they were almost finished breaking their fast.
“What says the doctor, Miss Elizabeth?” Bingley inquired even before Elizabeth had the chance to take her seat.
Elizabeth replied, “I am pleased to say that Jane does not have the same illness that is plaguing the Long family. She has nothing more than a cold. There is no need for further visits from Mr. Coburn. Rest and Mr. Jones’s teas will be enough to restore her to full health.”
Bingley responded, “Excellent news!”
Georgiana asked, “And how is Jane feeling this morning?�
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“She slept soundly and is feeling a little better.” Elizabeth looked at Miss Bingley before saying, “I apologize for being unable to join you last evening.” Unwilling to witness any facial expression Miss Bingley might display in response to her apology, Elizabeth immediately redirected her gaze towards Georgiana. “When I stopped in to see Jane after dinner, she was feeling quite poorly. I was concerned that her fever might rise as high as it had the night before last. I am thankful it did not.”
“As are we all, I am sure,” Darcy said. After catching Elizabeth’s eye, he continued, “Please send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to your sister. Is Miss Bennet feeling well enough for visitors? Georgiana has been eager to see her.”
“I believe so, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth answered. “A short visit, perhaps.”
Georgiana’s smile matched her friend’s.
“Louisa and I will visit, as well,” Caroline cut in. “It will be so good to see dear Jane once again.”
Elizabeth looked away quickly but not before a hint of disappointment flitted across her features.
~%~
Dressed for the outdoors, Elizabeth descended the stairs. Hearing footfalls on the steps behind her, Elizabeth stopped to greet the person who followed her. It was Darcy, dressed in riding attire.
“Mr. Darcy, your kind sister suggested I take a little time to myself whilst Jane had other visitors. I thought a short walk in the garden close to the house might do me some good.”
Darcy raised both eyebrows. “No tree climbing today, then?”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Only a bit of fresh air today, sir. As I am unused to being indoors for such a long time, I will admit to becoming a little restless.”
“I was just on my way to the stables,” Darcy said as the butler approached with a letter on a silver tray.
The butler bowed before them. “This letter came for you, Miss Bennet.”
“It is early for the post, is it not?” Darcy asked.
“Yes, sir, but this did not come by way of the post. One of the maids found it on the table just over there while she was dusting, sir.” He gestured to a table against the foyer wall.
Noticing Darcy’s gaze was directed at the missive, Elizabeth quickly took the letter from the tray and slid it into her pocket. “Thank you.” She turned and continued towards the front door.
Darcy easily caught up to her. “I find a short walk might be just the thing I need this morning, as well. Would you mind some company, Miss Elizabeth?”
Although the letter felt as if it were burning a hole in her pocket, Elizabeth replied, “Your company would be welcome, Mr. Darcy.” She added in her thoughts, But please, do not ask me any questions about the letter!
When she had returned from her holiday with the Gardiners, Elizabeth had asked Mrs. Hill if she had forwarded any letters to her while she was away. The housekeeper had informed her that she had not. Now they are coming to Netherfield, too! How do the gypsies know where I will be?
A footman opened the front door to allow the pair to pass through, and they descended the stone steps in silence. Elizabeth took Darcy’s proffered arm as he directed their ramble to the formal garden on the south side of the house.
“You seem distracted, Miss Elizabeth. Would you rather I find you a seat so you may have some privacy to read your letter?”
“I thank you, sir, but I was just lost in a memory. The last time I visited Netherfield, a Mr. Allen leased the property. During that visit, I was disappointed to find this garden was growing quite wild. Although I enjoy a natural garden more than the formal variety, it is not what was intended here. It is a good to see that Mr. Bingley has taken an interest in taming it.”
“Having a formal garden close to the house was a specific requirement when Bingley was looking for an appropriate house to lease—at the request of Miss Bingley, I believe.”
“I understood from a conversation between Georgiana and my aunt that Pemberley has a beautiful formal rose garden—” Elizabeth began to say, but she stopped speaking when the memory of one of her drawings pushed into her mind... one of Darcy and her walking among the roses at Pemberley. Elizabeth turned her head to hide her blush, and movement at a third story window attracted her eye. In what she thought was a window in Jane’s bedchamber, the curtains were quickly dropped back into place. She wondered who had been looking out at them.
Certainly, it could not have been Jane.
Darcy seemed not to have noticed her hesitation. “Yes, it is said that my great-grandmother began the rose garden. My mother was quite fond of roses and made many additions to the plantings. Whenever she was out of doors, I always knew where to find her—in the rose garden either with a gardener, directing his pruning, or with her sketch pad and charcoals.” He raised his eyebrows. “In fact, you may have seen one of her paintings in the music room at Darcy House.”
“A vase full of many different types of roses, I believe.” Elizabeth smiled brightly. “I am not an expert in judging art, but that painting did catch my eye. I thought it clever to have fresh roses also displayed in that room, but only on tables along the wall behind the main seating arrangement. As I was listening to Georgiana play, I had the impression that the painting had come to life.”
He smiled. “Yes, that was exactly my mother’s goal. Georgiana and I have continued her tradition.” The light in his eyes twinkled. “Mother crafted that painting while wintering in London. It was from a series of sketches she had done in the garden at Pemberley during several previous summers. It was her idea of what the perfect bouquet would look like if all her favourite roses were to bloom at the same time.”
They walked on for several minutes before Darcy broke their comfortable silence by saying, “Georgiana takes after my mother with her talent in both music and drawing.”
“And in beauty, as well.” Darcy stopped walking and furrowed his brow. Elizabeth continued, “Do you not remember my examining the miniatures on the mantelpiece in Georgiana’s sitting room at Ramsgate? The resemblance between Georgiana and her mother is striking.”
Darcy’s confused expression betrayed his thoughts. “I am embarrassed to admit that I had not noticed until just now. I believe—”
“Mr. Darcy! Miss Eliza!” Caroline’s shrill voice cut off what he would have said next. The pair turned towards the sound and found that lady and her sister were headed in their direction, complete with parasols shading their fair complexions.
They certainly did not sit with dear Jane for long. Elizabeth stifled a chuckle. It must have been one of them I saw at the window.
As the ladies approached, Elizabeth released Darcy’s arm and clasped her hands behind her back. Darcy sighed and began to fidget with his signet ring.
Caroline approached Darcy’s side opposite to where Elizabeth was standing. Wrapping her hand around his elbow, Caroline sidled up to him. “If we had known you were planning to take a walk, we would have joined you. It is a beautiful day, is it not?”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together in an effort to hide her smirk. Does Miss Bingley know how obvious she is? “Yes, it is, but I was about to return to the house.”
Darcy caught her gaze with a questioning expression.
“I have been too long away from Jane,” Elizabeth clarified.
“We shall be happy to keep Mr. Darcy company on his constitutional, will we not, Louisa?”
“Of course.” Mrs. Hurst smirked at Elizabeth and moved between her and Darcy, almost brushing Elizabeth aside.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and took two steps back. “Excuse me.” As she rose from her curtsey, Elizabeth said, “Enjoy your stroll.”
She briefly met Darcy’s gaze once again. His expression reminded her of a trapped animal who wanted nothing more than to bolt. Both his eyebrows were raised, and he glanced up at the sky, as if asking for divine intervention. “Good morning to you, Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy tried to reach up to tip his hat, but Caroline tugged at his arm. “Come along, Mr. Da
rcy. Charles told us just this morning that the gardener completed the new pathway along the other side of the house, as per my instruction. Shall we see how it turned out?”
Elizabeth chuckled and walked away. Now that Bingley’s sisters were finished with their visit with Jane, she looked forward to spending some time with Georgiana and her sister.
~%~
Elizabeth returned to her chambers to freshen up before joining Jane and Georgiana in the chamber next door. The moment Elizabeth was alone in her rooms, she slipped the letter from her pocket. Breaking the seal, she unfolded the missive.
Happiness bubbled up within her chest at what was revealed on the page. It was a drawing of Bingley and Jane alone in the front parlour at Longbourn. Jane was sitting in her usual seat, and Bingley was on one knee before her. He was proposing marriage! The expression of joy upon Jane’s face was exquisite!
There is not a soul alive who is more deserving of her heart’s desire than Jane. Elizabeth traced the edge of Jane’s cheek. I am sorry, sweet Jane, but I cannot show you this. I will not spoil the surprise.
Elizabeth returned the letter to her pocket, afraid to leave it in an unlocked drawer.
~%~
As Elizabeth entered the dining room, Bingley’s eyes seemed to follow her, a look of anticipation lighting his face. He waited until she settled in her chair before he asked, “Miss Elizabeth, how fares Miss Bennet? Do you think she will be well enough to join us in the music room after our meal?”
“I am afraid not, sir. Perhaps tomorrow, if Mr. Jones agrees.”
The poor man’s smile melted from his face.
Jane! I do believe he loves you already. Elizabeth bit back a smile
Later, when the ladies broke from the gentlemen, Georgiana and Mrs. Younge accompanied Elizabeth upstairs to check on Jane.
After Elizabeth knocked softly on the door, Hanna came out into the hallway. “Though Miss Bennet hasn’t much fever, she’s sleeping, ma’am.”
