As they return to Netherfield Park, Darcy turns to his friend, asking, “Bingley, may I borrow your study to speak with Richard and Georgiana regarding a family matter?”
Bingley replies, “Of course, Darcy. Let us go find your family so that we may soon return the Longbourn.”
Darcy shakes his head and follows Bingley to the music room. Darcy stands in the doorway, watching Richard relax as he listens to Georgiana play the pianoforte. They have not noticed his presence. When Georgiana has finished playing, Darcy announces his presence by clapping. Miss Bingley jumps up from the couch and latches onto Darcy’s arm, saying, “Mr. Darcy, your sister is so accomplished. You must be very proud of her.”
Darcy replies, “Yes, Miss Bingley, I am proud of my sister. Excuse me, Miss Bingley, I need to speak with Georgiana and Richard in the study.”
Darcy removes his arm from Miss Bingley’s grasp.
Miss Bingley replies, “Of course, Mr. Darcy. Please follow me. I will be glad to show you the way to Charles’s study.”
Darcy sighs, and Richard and Georgiana shrug their shoulders and follow Darcy and Miss Bingley to Bingley’s study. Darcy holds open the study door for Georgiana and Richard, and Miss Bingley tries to enter as well when Darcy says, “I am sorry, Miss Bingley. This is a private family matter. I am sure you understand.”
Bingley appears at Miss Bingley’s elbow. “Caroline, I need your help. We need to prepare a few extra bedchambers for some additional guests.”
Bingley winks at Darcy as he drags his protesting sister away. Darcy enters the study and locks the door. Richard and Georgiana look at Darcy in surprise to the locked door. Darcy explains, “I did not want anyone to just walk in. Please have a seat. I need to tell you something. As you know, I went to visit Miss Elizabeth this morning. I wanted to let you know that Miss Elizabeth is not her normal self. Mrs. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth’s mother, does not care for her daughter. Yesterday Mrs. Bennet found out that I had requested Bingley’s presence in town and somehow decided to place the blame on Miss Elizabeth, thinking that Bingley would not return to Miss Bennet. As a result, Mrs. Bennet took a switch and beat Miss Elizabeth’s back. Miss Elizabeth is in pain even though she tries to hide it. I have gained Mr. Bennet’s permission to move Miss Elizabeth to Netherfield Park as soon as she is well enough to be moved.”
Richard looks to Darcy in concern and asks, “Darcy, has this affected Miss Elizabeth in any other way?”
Darcy replies, “Thankfully, so far, no.”
Richard sighs. “Darcy, have you told Georgie about Miss Elizabeth?”
Darcy looks to Georgiana, who is looking between her brother and her cousin. “No. I have not told Georgie everything about Miss Elizabeth.”
Sighing, Darcy leans forward and catches one of Georgiana’s hands. “Georgie, there is something you need to know about Miss Elizabeth. It is something that you cannot tell anyone. It could really hurt Miss Elizabeth. Miss Elizabeth has falling sickness. Do you understand what that is?”
When Georgiana shakes her head no, Darcy takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. He looks at Richard and then back to Georgiana, explaining, “Falling sickness is when a person is acting normally and can suddenly fall and arms and legs shake in unison. This spell lasts for about thirty seconds. After the spell is over, the person is weak and lethargic and may not remember the spell. It may take a while for the person to return to normal. It is common for the person to bite their tongue during a spell. This has happened to Miss Elizabeth twice before, and no one can know this about Miss Elizabeth as there is a stigma attached to anyone who has falling sickness. Miss Elizabeth is the reason I went to Scotland. The puppy that I brought with me is a gift for Miss Elizabeth—a companion while she takes long walks. Georgie, people have to believe the puppy is from you. Propriety will not allow me to give Miss Elizabeth a gift like this. Can you keep this to yourself?”
Georgiana looks at her brother and says, “William, I would never do anything to hurt you or Miss Elizabeth. Please let me know what you need me to do to make Miss Elizabeth comfortable. Will her family like me?”
Darcy gives Georgiana a soft smile and says, “Georgie, they will love you. Miss Elizabeth’s sisters are all nice. The youngest two are a little loud and silly but nice. I do have one other request to ask of both of you. Please try to treat Miss Elizabeth like you do not know about her health condition. She does not have many friends and most are afraid of her.”
Georgiana stands and asks, “William, what time are we leaving to meet the Bennets?”
Darcy looks closely at his sister before saying, “We are joining them for tea.”
Georgiana asks, “William, may I be excused? I will return to the music room until it is time to leave.”
Darcy stands, hugs Georgiana, and says, “Thank you, dearest, for your understanding. I do not deserve such a kind sister.”
Georgiana grins up at Darcy. “Of course you do. You have a kind sister, and I have a kind brother. I will see you later William. Goodbye, Richard!”
Georgiana leaves the room, but the door does not fully close. Miss Bingley sees Georgiana leaves and sneaks forward to see what she can hear, and she catches part of Darcy and Richard’s conversation. “I have drawn up the settlement paperwork. I have a ring and a special license. Mr. Bennet has given me his consent—I just have to convince Elizabeth to marry me.”
Richard looks at Darcy in surprise and asks, “Darcy, are you sure about this? Are you not concerned with Miss Elizabeth having falling sickness? What if you are not able to have children? Can Miss Elizabeth handle the stress that comes with being Mrs. Darcy?”
Miss Bingley gasps in anger and rage as she listens to Darcy say, “Richard, I love Elizabeth, and that is all that matters. If Elizabeth and I are not blessed with children, Georgiana and her children can inherit. Pemberley is not entailed. Richard, please meet Elizabeth with an open mind. I think you will like her if you give her a chance.”
Richard sighs and responds, “Darcy, of course I wish you luck, and you know that I will support you. I just want to remind you of the problems you may face.”
Miss Bingley moves away from the door in anger and begins thinking of ways to get rid of Miss Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Darcy looks at his cousin and says, “Richard, I cannot wait for you to meet Elizabeth. You will see that she is not like any lady you have ever met before. Please be kind when you meet her. Elizabeth was in a lot of pain when I left even though she tried to hide it.”
Richard places a hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “Darcy, I hope Miss Elizabeth gets well soon. I am looking forward to meeting the lady who has captured the heart of one of the most eligible bachelors of the ton.”
Later that afternoon, Darcy, Bingley, Richard, and Georgiana call on the Bennets at Longbourn. Mr. Bennet joins the family in the drawing room. Darcy introduces his sister and his cousin to the Bennets. After everyone has been introduced, Mrs. Bennet is pleased to see Bingley and quickly seats him with Miss Bennet. Once Mrs. Bennet has Bingley with Miss Bennet, she quickly dismisses Darcy to focus on Richard, who is the second son of an earl as well as a man in uniform. Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia join Mrs. Bennet in conversation with Richard. Darcy looks over and sees his sister in conversation with Miss Mary as they discuss their favorite composers. Darcy takes the opportunity to speak with Mr. Bennet, who is watching his wife and daughters with a frown on his face.
Very softly, Darcy asks, “Mr. Bennet, how is Miss Elizabeth doing this afternoon?”
Mr. Bennet turns to Darcy. “My Lizzy was happy to see you this morning and is looking forward to seeing you again and also excited to be meeting your family. Your sister and cousin are very kind. Although I feel bad for your cousin—I fear my wife and two youngest daughters have a love for any man in a uniform.”
Darcy quietly chuckles. “Richard can handle himself. Have no fear. Serves him right—let him face a different sort of enemy.” Mr. Bennet laughs at Darcy’s response. Just then, both men hear Mrs. Bennet asking Col
onel Fitzwilliam about his family and what fine clothing Georgiana has. Darcy walks up closer to his sister, but Mrs. Bennet does not speak to Darcy directly.
Finally, after visiting with the Bennets for a half hour, Mr. Bennet stands and invites Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana upstairs to visit and meet Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet turns to Bingley and asks, “Mr. Bingley, you are not joining the party, are you? You have already met Lizzy.”
Bingley looks at Darcy, who looks at Mr. Bennet and then to Richard. Mr. Bennet turns to his wife with a stern countenance, saying, “Mrs. Bennet, must I remind you of our conversation from this morning? Mr. Darcy and his family have come to meet Lizzy. I told you this after Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy visited us this morning. Mr. Darcy and his family were being polite and friendly to meet with you and your daughters. Please remember your manners to all our guests. Now, wife, daughters, please excuse Mr. Darcy and his family. They are going to pay a call on Lizzy.”
Chapter 7
Mr. Bennet escorts the party to Elizabeth’s bedroom. Mr. Bennet, Richard, and Georgiana stand in the open doorway and watch as Darcy enters Elizabeth’s room and finds she is still lying on her stomach, but she is awake and facing the door. Darcy can see that Elizabeth is much more alert than she was earlier in the day. Georgiana and Richard both have lost their power of speech. Like Darcy saw earlier this morning, they can see the bloody stripes on the back of Elizabeth’s dress. Darcy bows to Elizabeth.
“Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth. Please allow me to introduce you to my sister, Georgiana, and my cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”
Elizabeth surprises Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam by saying, “Forgive me for not rising to greet you. I rather feel like a doll that has had its stuffing knocked out of it.” Elizabeth grins at their surprised faces.
Richard recovers his surprise first and bows to Elizabeth and says, “Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth. It is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard much of you from my cousin.”
Georgiana approaches Elizabeth’s bed and quietly whispers, “Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Georgiana surprises everyone by then sitting on the floor of Elizabeth’s room so that Elizabeth can see her better. Elizabeth and Georgiana speak quietly for a few minutes. Darcy offers Georgiana his hand to help her stand.
After gaining her feet, Georgiana leans down and gives Elizabeth a soft kiss on the cheek. “I hope you feel better soon. I look forward to seeing you again so. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
With that, Georgiana crosses the room to stand in the doorway. Darcy takes his sister’s spot on the floor by Elizabeth’s bed. Elizabeth cries, “Mr. Darcy, please get up. You will ruin your clothes. Please stand back up. I can see you just fine when you are standing.”
Darcy laughs when Richard joins him on the floor. “Miss Elizabeth, you will learn that the Darcy and Fitzwilliam men are very stubborn.”
Mr. Bennet stands in the doorway with Georgiana as they watch one of the most sought-after men in England sit on the floor of a lowly country gentleman and talk to his daughter with his cousin, an earl’s son, as they laugh and tell his daughter childhood stories.
Richard watches Darcy in fascination as he interacts with Miss Elizabeth and is surprised at how his quiet, shy cousin is actually coming out of his shell, laughing and teasing in company. Richard is shocked at how Darcy interacts with Miss Elizabeth in a way that Richard has never seen Darcy do before. Richard agrees that Miss Elizabeth is a lovely lady, but he still has some reservations about her. Certainly, Miss Elizabeth’s mother is not a family member that Darcy will want. With an inward sigh, Richard gently squeezes Miss Elizabeth’s hand. “Miss Elizabeth, it was a pleasure to meet you. I cannot wait to know you better and to tell you some interesting stories of Darcy as a young lad.” Richard stands and gives Elizabeth’s hand a kiss before joining Georgiana in the doorway.
Darcy picks up the hand that Richard just kissed and looks to Elizabeth, asking, “Miss Elizabeth, has your father told you of the plans to move you and your sister, Miss Bennet, to Netherfield Park when you are well enough to travel?”
Elizabeth nods and silently starts to cry and quickly says, “Forgive me. I cannot seem to stop crying today. You have done nothing to upset me.”
Darcy pulls out his handkerchief and dries Elizabeth’s tears. Darcy leans forward and kisses Elizabeth’s forehead. “I understand. Please forgive my impropriety. Rest, Miss Elizabeth. All will be well soon. I will see you tomorrow.”
Mr. Bennet, Georgiana, and Richard all watch the scene in varying degrees of shock. As Darcy starts to stand, Elizabeth grabs Darcy’s hand. “Mr. Darcy, will you and your family take my sisters for a walk and check on them for me?”
When Darcy wrinkles his brow in confusion, Elizabeth explains, “Mr. Darcy, each of my sisters was hit at least once when they were trying to protect me from my mother yesterday. I want to make sure that they are all well.”
Darcy nods. Mr. Bennet crosses the room to Elizabeth and gives her a kiss on the forehead and says, “Rest, Lizzy. I will look after Mr. Darcy and his family.”
As Mr. Bennet leads the group downstairs, Darcy asks, “Mr. Bennet, can we speak in your library for a moment? I would like my cousin to join us. It will only take a moment.”
Darcy turns to his sister, “Georgie, would you please go wait with Bingley? Richard and I will be with you in a few minutes.”
Georgiana drops a curtsy and says, “Of course, William. Please excuse me.”
Mr. Bennet nods and leads the men to his library. Once the library door is closed, Mr. Bennet turns to the men and says, “Please have a seat.”
Darcy replies, “Thank you, Mr. Bennet. That will not be necessary. Mr. Bennet, are you aware that your other daughters were hurt as well yesterday?”
Mr. Bennet shakes his head no.
Darcy sighs. “As I was leaving, Miss Elizabeth asked me to have her sisters checked. Apparently, each of your daughters tried to protect Miss Elizabeth when Mrs. Bennet was beating her yesterday.”
Richard interjects, “Mr. Bennet, Darcy, why do we not collect Bingley and the ladies and take a quick walk away from Mrs. Bennet and see what the sisters have to say?”
Mr. Bennet agrees. “Thank you for the care of my family. Please follow me.”
Darcy nods and follows Mr. Bennet back to the drawing room.
From the door to the drawing room, Darcy calls out to his sister, “Georgiana, have you asked Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia if they would like to join us on our walk into Meryton?”
Georgiana turns to her brother. “Brother, I am sorry. I was so busy getting to know them that I forgot.”
Turning back to the ladies in the room, Georgiana says, “Forgive me. I was just so happy to meet you all I forgot to ask you to join us for a walk. Brother always likes to get me a little something from anywhere we visit. Please say you will come with me and help me select something.”
Mrs. Bennet quickly interjects, “Of course, you girls must go with Miss Darcy.”
With the decision made, the ladies stand, curtsy to Mr. Darcy, and go to put on their outerwear. As the ladies start walking out the front door with Richard and Georgiana, Darcy turns to Mr. Bennet. “Mr. Bennet, will you have someone guard Miss Elizabeth until we return?”
Mr. Bennet nods and says, “Mr. Darcy, please find out what has happened to my other daughters.”
Darcy bows and joins the party on their walk into Meryton.
As the party leaves Longbourn, they quickly break into smaller groups. One group is Richard, Bingley, Miss Bennet, and Miss Mary. The other group is Darcy, Georgiana, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia. Darcy listens as Georgiana manages to find out the injuries to all the sisters. Darcy is surprised to hear that Miss Bennet has hit in the upper arm and shoulder. Miss Mary has a cut on her left ear and neck, causing her to wear her hair down to prevent the injuries from being seen. Miss Kitty was hit in the stomach so no cuts but she has bruising. Miss Lydia was hit on both her a
rms as she tried to wrestle the switch from her mother. Like Miss Kitty, Miss Lydia has bruising, but like Miss Mary has hidden the injuries by wearing long sleeves.
After the two groups walk separately for several minutes, Darcy lets out a whistle, startling the ladies. Blushing Darcy apologizes and says, “My apologies, ladies. I wanted to get my cousin’s attention and forgot that I was in polite company. Please forgive me.”
This causes the girls to all giggle at Darcy, which makes him blush harder. At this moment, Richard arrives, saying, “You whistled, Darcy?”
This causes the entire group to laugh. When the group has calmed down, Miss Kitty looks to Darcy and asks, “Mr. Darcy, what is going to happen to Lizzy? We all love her, but we get punished if we are nice to her or if we try and help her. We are afraid that one day our mother just might get too carried away.”
Darcy looks at each of the sisters before saying, “Miss Kitty, your father and I are working on trying to find a solution to help your sister. I know how much your sister, Miss Elizabeth, loves you, but how would you feel if Miss Elizabeth was required to move? It is a possibility that your mother is a reason for your sister’s difficulties.”
Miss Bennet looks from her sisters to Darcy and decisively says, “Mr. Darcy, if Lizzy is required to move to keep her safe and her health benefits from it, then it is for the best. We will miss her, but she will always be our sister, and we want what is best for Lizzy.”
Darcy bows to the sisters and asks, “Ladies, are you up for the walk into Meryton? I fear if Georgiana does not show up with something to show your mother then your mother will know that we never actually went into town.”
The ladies quickly agree that they are up for the walk. Darcy and Richard walk behind the ladies as they converse with Bingley. Upon reaching Meryton, the ladies stop in the milliner’s shop, where they look at ribbons and purchase a few for themselves. The shop next to the milliner’s has a beautiful shawl on display in the window. Darcy taps Richard on the shoulder and indicates that he is going into the shop. Once inside, Darcy finds a lovely light-blue shawl that will set off the blue of Georgiana’s eyes. As Darcy is looking around the shop, he sees another shawl this one a light rose in color. When Darcy sees the light rose shawl, he instantly thinks of Elizabeth. Darcy picks up the shawl and the proprietor comes over and asks, “May I help you, sir?”
Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 7
