by J Dawn King
“Water,” he whispered, not wanting to wake his Elizabeth. Was Elizabeth his? Might she feel the same?
Georgiana brought the cool water to him and Parker immediately came to assist him to rise so he could drink. “How are you brother?” She was deeply concerned. This was now twice that she had helped with surgery on his arm and, though they were as cautious as they could be, she was worried about the possibility of infection. She loved her brother, William. He was more like a father to her than an older brother and she could not bear the thought of losing him. She had observed the way William had been looking at her friend and it pleased her greatly. It would be wonderful to have Elizabeth as a sister.
Georgiana did not realize that she had voiced her wish aloud until William sputtered, “What did you say, Georgie? Just now, what did you say?”
Barring no secrets from her brother, she boldly replied, “I believe you heard me clearly, brother.” They continued to whisper so as not to disturb Elizabeth. “I truly like her. She is amiable, unfailingly kind, and do not forget that she, too, stepped in front of me when Wickham threatened to abscond with me. She put me ahead of her own safety, William. Gabriel and Gideon told me that she protected me and they sing her praise. She refused a very practical offer of marriage that would have secured her future and that of her family because she did not love the gentleman. That proves to me that she is not a fortune hunter, nor one to seek her own advantage above others. William, I know that I could learn much from her and that together we would be a family that has joy and laughter in our household. Pemberley has been far too quiet for far too long. How could I not want her for a sister?”
“But what of her family Georgie? What of her position in society?” William reasoned with his sister. These were matters that he had considered, reasoned through, and rejected. He needed her to do the same. “You know our position in society. It is uncommon in our sphere to marry for love or affection. How would having Elizabeth for a sister affect your own opportunities for marriage?”
“William,” she replied firm enough that Elizabeth started to stir. “Had not my own foolishness at Ramsgate been cause enough for shame to our family? What could Elizabeth do that I have not already done?”
“Georgie, you need not feel guilty over the events at Ramsgate. They were entirely constructed by Wickham, whom we know was capable of great evil.” While Darcy found it hard to hear his sister castigate herself for something for which she carried no responsibility, Darcy was more than pleased to hear Georgiana defend the feelings that already resided in his heart. Any match made by him would affect her, so he needed to know where she stood before he pursued a relationship. As her brother and guardian, it was his responsibility to promote her, to make an arrangement for her, so that his sister’s future was secure and felicitous.
Before they could continue the conversation, Parker brought it to the attention of the pair that it was time to rouse Miss Elizabeth so the master’s dressing could be changed. Georgiana gently shook Elizabeth’s shoulder until her eyes started to flutter and the first thing from her mouth was an apology for having fallen asleep. They were all tired. Darcy could not look away. Parker brought him another cup of water, so his attention was distracted for the moment it took him to drink it.
Coming fully awake, Elizabeth moved around the bed and tended Mr. Darcy’s arm. The area where the newly placed stitch was located was red and angry looking, as was to be expected. However, it still worried Elizabeth and she gave a quick, silent prayer for his recovery. After the wound was cleaned and wrapped, the two ladies left Mr. Darcy’s chambers and went to their own rooms to change for the rest of the day.
Later, when they went downstairs, Mrs. Nicholls was waiting in front of the drawing room to speak with Elizabeth. It seemed that there was a concern from Cook about the food that was to be prepared for Mr. Darcy. Up until this point, Mr. Darcy had had only broth, water, and tea. Not knowing about the need for repeated surgery, Cook wanted to know if she should start sending dry toast or a light meal to his room.
Before Elizabeth could reply, Miss Bingley spoke up. “Mrs. Nicholls, why are you consulting a guest in this home, an uninvited guest, mind you, about matters involving Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth was quick to protect Mrs. Nicholls, who had gone out of her way to see to the comforts and needs of all of those staying at Netherfield Park. At Miss Bingley’s reply, the voices inside the drawing room became silent. Georgiana was horrified that Elizabeth was being questioned so, for even though Miss Bingley addressed the housekeeper, it was apparent that it was Elizabeth’s treatment of Mr. Darcy that was under attack.
“Miss Bingley, I thank you for tolerating my presence when I was not invited into your home. Your condescension and concern that my presence might over-tax your staff is commendable. I take it that, during my absence, you have discussed this situation with Mr. Darcy’s family and your brother and found my skills inadequate and that you, yourself, are much more qualified and accomplished than I in the matter of medical care. If, however, you have not spoken with Lord Matlock and his family, nor your own brother about Mr. Darcy’s current situation, I suggest that we move into the drawing room and do so now.” Though she had had a brief nap, Elizabeth was tired and worried about what the day’s events would do to Mr. Darcy. She was concerned that Georgiana would not be able to endure much more upset and she was distressed that Miss Bingley would ask her to remove herself from Netherfield Park. Without waiting for a response, Elizabeth turned, put her arm through Georgiana’s and headed into the drawing room where the Matlocks and Mr. Bingley were gathered.
During the confrontation in the hallway, they had not heard the approach of an elegant carriage and four horses with three females riding inside. It wasn’t until Elizabeth and Georgiana were settled on a settee with Lady Matlock, that they became aware of visitors in the entryway. Miss Bingley, in deference to her position as hostess, chose to wait in the drawing room for the guests to be brought to her, rather than welcoming them in the entry. Thus, it was a surprise when the three ladies were invited into the room by Mr. Burton. All seated in the room stood politely as the butler announced, “Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Lady Anne De Bourgh, and Mrs. Jenkinson.”
Elizabeth heard a collective groan from the Fitzwilliams. She dropped her head and quickly gathered her composure, trying not to grin.
“Martin,” Lady Catherine barked at her brother, “why was I not informed immediately about Darcy? What is being done? Why has he not been taken to London? Who is seeing to him?” The tirade continued and Lord Matlock appeared to be waiting for his sister to take a breath so he could reply.
“Cathy, stop!” He finally interrupted. Lady Catherine stopped speaking but did not stop her progression into the room. “Let us observe niceties first. You need an introduction to your hosts and it looks like Anne could use some time to refresh herself and lie down after her travels. You should do the same.”
Lady Catherine walked right up to her brother, almost to the point that their toes were touching. “I am here, Martin, to see to the care of my nephew. I will be taking charge of his medicines and of this household. Before leaving Kent, I consulted with Anne’s personal physician and he provided the best leeches and lances for ridding Darcy of any poisons remaining from the shoddy care he has already certainly received. There cannot be a competent doctor in all of Hertfordshire. My Anne will see to his personal comfort.” At this, all eyes went to her daughter, who seemed on the verge of collapse. Her pale face became even whiter at her mother’s declaration.
“Lady De Bourgh,” Miss Bingley inserted at this moment, “Welcome to Netherfield Park. I am sure you will find that we have taken the best care possible under the circumstances.”
Lady Catherine turned on Miss Bingley like a hungry lion looking at his prey. “Who are you? And, why are you interrupting me?” Miss Bingley was now at the receiving end of the disdain she normally showed to those she felt were inferior to her. She did not like this reversal of posit
ion.
Lord Matlock knew his sister well and was aware that she would not back down unless she saw it was to her own advantage. Lady Catherine’s weakest link was her daughter Anne. He was just about to claim again that his sister see to her daughter first when the butler returned to announce another visitor.
Standing behind Mr. Burton was a heavy-set young man, about five and twenty years, with dark greasy hair that showed the marks where his hatband had been and a large bald spot at the crown of his head every time he bowed; which was frequently. “Mr. Collins.”
Before he could be greeted or welcomed, he rushed to his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and bowed as deeply as if she were the queen herself. “Lady Catherine, I saw your carriage, with the de Bourgh family crest emblazoned on the door, as I was walking into Meryton, and hurried to Netherfield Park to see if I can be of service to you.” He bowed again. “How may I, your humble servant, be of service?”
Lord Matlock had had enough. Waiting until Mr. Collins had risen from his bow, he stated forcefully, “I do not know who you are or why you are here, young man, but you need to return to Meryton, or wherever you are from. You are intruding on family business and into a situation that is not your concern.”
Mr. William Collins had never been the brightest of men. He had not fared well at university, so he was deeply appreciative of the patronage of so important a person as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. He was a simple man that did not understand nuances or innuendos. For him to miss the command in Lord Matlock’s voice, though, implied a selfish attention to his own desires and pleasure. Right now, his pleasure was found in pleasing Lady Catherine and pursuing his suit with Miss Elizabeth, so he was not dissuaded by any comments of Lord Matlock.
“But I am the family member of one, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, as well as her betrothed.” This statement of Mr. Collins fell on shocked ears, including those of Elizabeth.
“Betrothed!” Echoed around the room. Georgiana reached over and squeezed Elizabeth’s hand in a show of support.
“Pardon me for entering a discussion that I normally would have no part in.” Elizabeth found it a challenge to keep her voice calm. “I am not betrothed to Mr. Collins, my father’s cousin, nor will I ever be betrothed to Mr. Collins. He cannot be here for me.” She refused to look at him. Instead, catching the eye of Lord Matlock, as the highest ranking personage in the room, she begged to be excused to return to Mr. Darcy and asked that Georgiana accompany her.
Unexpectedly, it was Lady Matlock that responded. She lifted her chin and her eyes hardened. She glared at her sister-in-law and her hostess with an icy stare. “Catherine, Miss Bingley, from this moment until my nephew is able to rise and walk out of this estate on his own power, I will be making the decisions as to his care. Until that time, if you have any questions, comments or opinions to express, you will bring them to me. You are not to interfere in any way. Have I made myself clear?”
Both Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley started to argue the point, but Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped to his mother’s side, giving her his tacit support. He was immediately joined by his older brother. Mr. Bingley saw the wisdom in aligning himself with the other gentlemen and so moved accordingly. This quieted both ladies.
“Now that we have that clear,” Lady Matlock continued. “You will know that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is tending my nephew and is doing so under my guidance and direction.” Her husband, sons, and Elizabeth looked at her in wonder. Lady Matlock turned her head briefly toward Elizabeth, and winked. Lady Matlock had, until this time, not expressed an opinion or a suggestion about Mr. Darcy’s treatment, so her comment, while effective in silencing both Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley, was a puzzle to the others. However, her authority could not be questioned. “Am I understood on this point as well?”
Neither lady uttered a word. Lady Matlock then turned to Mr. Collins. “I believe that my husband, Lord Matlock, the head of the Fitzwilliam household, which includes Lady Catherine, has asked you to leave. Due to circumstances, we are not accepting visitors at this time. Is that not correct, Mr. Bingley?”
Mr. Bingley nodded his agreement.
She dismissed Mr. Collins as she would an unwelcome servant. Mr. Collins could do nothing other than leave as he watched his patroness sputter her displeasure at this change of circumstances. He gazed at Miss Elizabeth with undisguised longing. She continued to refuse to acknowledge him and waited for him to leave.
When Mr. Burton came back to the doorway of the drawing room, Elizabeth presumed to think that he was there to escort Mr. Collins out. However, he caught her eye and whispered that Parker needed her immediately. She quickly left the room, dragging Georgiana with her. They ran up the stairs to see what danger had befallen Mr. Darcy.
The room was left in silence. Finally, Lady Catherine excused Mr. Collins so that he would feel free to leave and commanded Miss Bingley, as if she were the housekeeper, not the hostess, to show her, her daughter, and her daughter’s companion to their rooms. Just as she was leaving the room, she turned back to her brother. “We are not finished with this, Martin.”
The day proved long for Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Parker, and it eventually took its toll on the young girl. Her brother’s fever seemed to rise with each hour and he again was unable to drink the fresh water that was so beneficial to him. After hours of wiping his forehead and face with a cool cloth, she started to quietly weep. The tears continued to fall, no matter how Elizabeth tried to comfort her. Finally, she lay her head down by her brother’s and sobbed.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
While Elizabeth and Parker continued to struggle with Darcy’s fever, Lady Catherine had renewed her assault downstairs. She had re-entered the drawing room waving a sheet of paper that had certainly seen better days. Lady Catherine walked right up to her brother and thrust the paper in his face.
“Here, brother, read this.” He took the letter and walked closer to the fireplace. He began reading aloud.
11 November 1805
Pemberley
Dear Catherine,
No doubt you are aware that my son, Fitzwilliam, has just reached his majority. As we had previously arranged, it is almost time for us to announce his betrothal to Anne. I do want to take this opportunity to remind you that our agreement was that my son spends at least two years, under my tutelage, learning estate management before his marriage.
I am concerned about Anne’s health and whether she will be able to bear the heir to Pemberley. You know best of all whether this is possible. If not, I shall start searching for a lady of quality with a large dowry who would make a good Mistress for Pemberley. My preference, of course, would be for your daughter, so our estates would be united once and for all.
Please respond with information about my niece’s physical condition. All my best to you and your daughter,
Your brother,
George Darcy
Lady Catherine immediately interjected, “As you can see by the fact that my daughter hurried to Darcy’s bedside to care for him, she is able and willing to be wife to Fitzwilliam and to bear his heir. I have told her that the heir must be born before any girl children.”
Miss Caroline Bingley, who had her own plans for the master of Pemberley, walked to Lady Catherine and Lord Matlock with her arm outstretched, as if she was going to snatch the letter from their possession. “This cannot be.” She had devoted four long years in her pursuit of Mr. Darcy and she was determined to be the next Mistress of Pemberley.
“You see yourself as Mistress of Pemberley?” Lady Catherine looked down her nose at Miss Bingley, scorn dripping from her voice. “Who are you to presume to attain to such a lofty position? You are the daughter of a tradesman and are reaching far too high.” She sneered at her. Nobody in the room came to Miss Bingley’s support, not even her brother. Charles Bingley had known of her plans almost since the day Caroline had met Darcy. He also knew how Darcy felt about both of his sisters and there was no chance that h
e would ever offer for Caroline. She was doomed to disappointment.
Miss Bingley muttered under her breath as she stomped out of the drawing room, “We shall see.”
At her departure, Mr. Bingley took his leave from the room, knowing they had family matters to discuss. It was apparent that he and his sisters had already over-stayed. He was concerned for Darcy and decided to make his way upstairs. He did not want to be around his sister until she cooled off.
“Father, may I see the letter?” inquired his oldest son. When Henry had reread the letter, he handed it to his younger brother. “It is definitely George Darcy’s handwriting. Father, did you know of this betrothal?”
“My sister, Anne, had mentioned that this was George’s desire, but she was opposed. She wanted her son to have affection and respect in his marriage.”
Lady Catherine took exception to this remark. “Our sister, Anne, was weak minded. She could never see the benefits of combining Rosings and Pemberley. George was a businessman and longed for the wealth and power Rosings would bring to his estates. The combination would make us the largest landowners in all of England. Darcy will marry Anne! In fact, we can call my rector, Mr. Collins, back and the marriage can take place NOW. That way if Darcy dies, the future of Pemberley will be guaranteed.”
