Suddenly Mr Darcy

by Anne Louise

  “There is sense in what you say, but I do have some paperwork to deal with this week.”

  “See, Master, that is what I am talking about.”

  “Is it something I can help you with, Mr. Darcy?”

  “You would be willing to do such a thing, Miss Bennet? You are certainly clever enough and I do value your mind. On the morrow, I wish you to read the three letters on top of my desk in my study and bring them with you when you return, and give me your recommendations.”

  “I will do that, sir, but only on the condition that you eat all the food that is placed before you. Also, you must treat Mrs. Reynolds and myself with kindness.”

  ****

  Darcy mostly kept to his bed all day and followed the instructions given to him, but it was the concoction that Elizabeth gave him to drink that helped him sleep.

  Mrs. Reynolds and Elizabeth used the opportunity to join the Gardiners for dinner and Mrs. Reynolds told the latest news about Darcy.

  “Mrs. Reynolds, our Lizzy is quite experienced in these matters. Is she helping you to treat the man?”

  “Yes, the truth is, your niece has taken charge.”

  “I am not surprised. She has learned a great deal from her doctor near her home. Do you have any idea how long it will take for Mr. Darcy to improve?”

  “That is certainly a good question to ask, but I have no answer. Miss Bennet believes that he is exhausted. I agree with her, and it not just for the last few days. This has been going on for too long. Ever since his father died and Mr. Darcy inherited Pemberley and the rest of the Darcy estate, he has been hell-bent on working himself to death. The man sleeps no more than four or five hours at night. When you look at him you see a strong man, but he has been beaten down. Except for a few friends, he mostly keeps to himself and immerses himself in estate work.”

  “He is a driven man, Mrs. Reynolds,” replied Mr. Gardiner.

  “I know it bothers him that you likely feel captive here, but there is no better choice than for you to stay here. No, I certainly did not mean to describe it that way, but you are not able to leave this place until the waters recede and the roads are good again.”

  “Both Mrs. Gardiner and I understand these things.”

  “How are you feeling Mrs. Gardiner? I see you are walking better.”

  “Thank you, I am much better and you have all been so gracious to take us in. Still, we are looking to leave for town after the doctor checks my status and does the same for Mr. Darcy. Of course, we still do not know which way we will go. Mr. Gardiner prefers to go back retracing the way we arrived.”

  “No, Madilyn, I told you earlier that we should ask our host what he recommends.”

  “It is good that my master went on his inspection of Lambton when he did. Had he waited even fifteen minutes later, the boy would have drowned.”

  “Our host is quite the hero. What do you say, Lizzy?”

  “Yes, Aunt, I quite agree that he is a hero.”

  After dinner, Mrs. Reynolds left to check on Darcy and Mr. Gardiner visited the library. “It was a fine day outside, Lizzy. You did not walk today.”

  “I must help Mr. Darcy, Uncle. He is a special friend and wishes to see more of me.”

  “Does he wish to court you? I have seen him look at you, Lizzy. Both your aunt and I believe he cares for you.”

  “Yes, and I care for him as well, and I will do all I can to make him well.”

  “But if he has pneumonia, it will take weeks to recover.”

  “Mr. Darcy is a strong man and is young and vigorous. What he most needs is more sleep. He will also need to take many fluids over the coming days and eat well, and I am helping him get over his cold. I hope we can leave after the doctor examines you and Mr. Darcy. We may be able to leave in three days for home.”

  Elizabeth now took the opportunity to visit Darcy’s study and peruse the letters that he had on his desk. She took some paper and made some notes and before the hour was up, she had finalized her recommendations and was ready to discuss them with him later. After finalizing her recommendations, she was confident he would like her suggestions. Later she went upstairs with Mrs. Reynolds and they checked on Darcy and he asked for dinner and thanked them for all their help.

  “Miss Bennet, you still have not put your hair up in a bun.”

  “You are correct, Mr. Darcy. Since you have told me that you preferred it this way, it is in my best interest to please you in order to earn your affection.”

  “Darcy watched as she turned away and softy giggled.”

  “I see you have a mischievous way about you at times, Miss Bennet, but no matter. You are attractive any way you choose to wear your hair. Tell me, have you read the letters?”

  “Yes, I have but we were not to discuss them until the morrow, but I brought them with me just in case.”

  Darcy smiled.

  She began discussing each letter and explained her reasoning for her recommendations as Darcy ate his dinner.

  “Thank you my friend. I was not certain on what to do and now I am. Can I hire you to work for me?”

  “My father would not allow it and I am not of an age to disobey him.” But if we were married I could help you a lot. I would like to know what you are thinking right now.

  “No, of course I agree, but you are just the person I need to help me with my estate business.”

  “I am glad you have better defined my role.”

  “But you would help Georgiana and keep me happy, and we are friends.”

  Elizabeth saw that he wanted to speak of other things, but would not push him. Already his words had stirred her heart and what was not said in words was communicated by his eyes.

  Later that night, in bed, Elizabeth thought of all he had said to her. His words were probing and it seemed as if he was trying to learn what she really thought of him. Of course, by now she was certain that she wanted him in her life, but she was unsure if that would happen.

  It was not a surprise to Elizabeth that Darcy rallied over the next couple of days. He had been faithful in taking his tea and honey and gargling with salt water and she had counted his hours of sleep and knew he had rested a good amount. Could it be that Mr. Darcy was just exhausted and now had mainly recovered? He no longer had the sniffling and coughing from earlier and his fevers and chills were gone as well.

  Darcy later told her that he no longer experienced chest pain. All of these things gave Elizabeth hope that he might be able to return to town whilst she was there. Most pleasing to her was that he continued to desire her company. Of course, mostly all her thoughts were of Darcy and she wanted to be close beside him as she would soon leave for town.

  The day before they left, Darcy joined the others for breakfast and proclaimed himself to be much improved. Later that morning the Wallace family arrived from Lambton. Elizabeth and the others watched with teary eyes as the young boy hugged Darcy and thanked him for saving his life. Elizabeth observed Darcy’s smile and his kindness to the boy, and next saw that Darcy and Mr. Wallace had gone off to meet in private. Following that meeting, Darcy met with Mrs. Reynolds and later Mrs. Reynolds met with Mrs. Wallace for a few moments and the family next returned to Lambton.

  Less than an hour later, Doctor Jamison visited Pemberley and examined both of the Gardiners and Darcy. The visit went well and the doctor pronounced they were improving and could make the trip back to town now, if they so desired. As for Darcy, the doctor said that he should continue to get as much rest as he can and that perhaps in another week he could ride back to town on Sampson. He was pleased that Darcy no longer experienced pain in his chest and that nearly all coughing had stopped, and he praised Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds for looking after him these last few days.

  Still later, Darcy and Elizabeth went out for a walk on the property. “Miss Bennet, it is hard to realize how fast these days have gone by. You and your relatives will leave early on the morrow and take the Darcy coach. I have spoken with your uncle and he has agreed.”


  “But you will return later, will you not?”

  “Yes, but I will wait a few days and will travel on Sampson. It is no imposition at all, because I was going to have the coach returned with no riders. At least your return trip will be more comfortable. I had planned all along to return with Sampson. There is one favor I would like to ask of you. My letter to my sister is now finished and I would like you to visit with her at Darcy House and give it to her. She will be pleased to meet you and to receive the letter. I am sorry that I will not be there with you but I am certain that she will be very happy to meet you and your relatives.”

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy, I will be happy to deliver the letter and am eager to meet your sister. Depending on when we arrive in town, I will either call on her that day or the next day.”

  “That is very kind of you, Miss Bennet.”

  PART IV

  The coach left Pemberley early the next morning to return to town. By now Darcy was friends with the Gardiners and enjoyed their company, but when Elizabeth turned around to look at him as the coach pulled away, he felt a tug on his heart.

  “William, she is one of a kind.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Reynolds, I thank you for bringing her into my study.”

  “Does she fulfill all your expectations for a wife?”

  Darcy grinned but next became serious. “Mrs. Reynolds, I can safely say that she exceeds all my wishes, but now I have to win her heart.”

  Mrs. Reynolds softly chuckled and walked away. Perhaps it is best that I not tell him, but Miss Bennet is already in love with him, and he with her. I hope this process hurries up. There needs to be a family again at Pemberley.

  ****

  After the coach departed, Mrs. Gardiner asked Elizabeth how she enjoyed her holiday.

  “That is hard to say. I do not believe I have ever had an experience such as this and I must attribute it to Pemberley and to Mr. Darcy.”

  “Yes, Lizzy, it was certainly a pleasure meeting the man, but now you have quite a job ahead you, because you cannot mention him at your home or your mother will make your life miserable.”

  “Tis very true what you say, Aunt.”

  “Your uncle and I believe that Mr. Darcy desires to court you. Has he mentioned that to you?”

  “No, he has not, but we have discussed my meeting his sister, and he has given me a letter to deliver to her whilst I am in town.”

  “That is a positive sign, Lizzy. He must like you a lot to ask you to do this?”

  “Of course he likes her, Madilyn. Lizzy, it is too bad he will not see you in town, but if you and his sister agree to write, you can keep informed about the gentleman.”

  “Yes, Uncle, he told me that he hopes to see me again. Please do not be mad, but I told him that Jane and I may come to town before Christmas to do some family shopping.”

  “Yes, you can see him then, and Miss Darcy too. Your sister is due to visit in a fortnight. Should your aunt and I tell her about you and Mr. Darcy?”

  “You can answer Jane’s questions, but I will tell Jane of our trip. She will not speak of what I tell her.”

  “Good, Lizzy, that will make things easier for us. Still, it is not yet September and Christmas is still a long time away. Will it be hard to forget the man?”

  “Oh no Aunt, I could never forget him and do not have that in mind. When I arrived at Pemberley, I was a young maiden, but knowing the man as I do now, I feel myself as all grown up. For the present, I try not to think on the matter too much and am not so naive as to believe that such a man might be interested in the daughter of a country gentleman farmer from Hertfordshire.”

  “But you must not sell yourself short, Lizzy. Love just does not work that way. One day you will be out walking in the park and not thinking about anything except the blue sky and listening to the birds and smelling the flowers, when all of a sudden, out of the clear blue sky, you meet a man and you are changed forever.”

  “I had never given much thought to finding a husband, but I believe he has spoiled me forever in that regard. Depending on when we arrive back in town, I will visit Miss Darcy and can then write to her and learn more about her brother.”

  “You said you saw him as we arrived,” her aunt asked.

  “Yes, he said he was weeding his mother’s rose garden.”

  “Both your aunt and I are impressed with the man, Lizzy. He is a most interesting fellow and we have spoken about him possibly investing in my business. Now Lizzy, even though you will be home, I expect that he will ask of you. Any news I learn I will pass on to you and then you can supplement that with what news Miss Darcy writes about her brother.”

  “It seems my aunt has the right idea. She is already napping.”

  “And so she is, Lizzy. Best we let her rest. I feel that I am next to be lulled to sleep by the gentle swaying of the coach. Though it is early, you may wish to do the same.”

  “Yes, Uncle, it is early, but the coach practically makes one fall asleep. Please excuse me as I look to do the same.”

  The return was uneventful. After they had travelled ten miles past Lambton, the roads were greatly improved and the coach made good time. That evening they stayed at a lodge that Darcy had suggested and were surprised that he had already made arrangements to accommodate them as his guests. They again left early the next morning and were back in town before three that afternoon.

  ****

  After arriving at the Gardiners and getting settled in, Elizabeth spoke with her cousins and next set off to walk the three miles to Darcy House.

  She had asked the driver to tell Miss Darcy that she would visit and so it was no surprise that the young woman greeted her as she arrived.

  Elizabeth smiled at the young woman as she walked outside to greet her.

  “Miss Bennet, John told me you have a letter from my brother. I am Georgiana, and am pleased to meet you.”

  “And I the same, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said, as the two young women exchanged curtseys.

  “Please come inside and tell me about William, and about yourself. I do not know many young women, so meeting you gives me much pleasure. You have walked all this way and I would think you would be tired from your trip.”

  “Yes, but your brother allowed us to ride in the Darcy coach and one so fortunate cannot complain about the comfort. I was more eager to get some exercise and to deliver your brother’s letter.”

  As they set down Georgiana asked if Elizabeth would give her a few minutes to read her letter. Elizabeth smiled as she told the young woman to take her time. She could only guess what he wrote, but he likely did not write of his rescue of the boy or the accident with the carriage, or Georgiana would have reacted. Still, Georgiana had many questions which Elizabeth replied to without specifically making mentioning these things.

  “My brother wrote that the flooding destroyed the Wallace family house and that he has brought that family to live at Pemberley until the Jackson family leaves. Mrs. Reynolds and our steward will see that the house will be ready for them to move into, and will provide for the family’s needs out of Pemberley’s supplies. Apparently they lost everything in the flooding.

  Still, there was no mention of Darcy as a hero. What kind of man would be silent on such a thing? Elizabeth did not think that Darcy was a man to brag, but he was certainly confident in his own skin, and did not need the praise of others. Those thoughts brought out a smile as she contented herself in thinking he had planned all along for her and his sister to meet.

  “Miss Darcy, Pemberley is very lovely but Darcy House is also most impressive. All of the homes along the way of my walk kept getting more grand the closer I came, but when I saw this house, I knew it was the one that your brother had described. The property is well maintained with many gardens and stately oak trees lining the double drive and I immediately saw you waiting outside.”

  “If you wish to see more of the house, I am happy to show you.”

  “If it is not an imposition, I would like to see the house, Miss Darcy.” />
  “Miss Bennet, please call me Georgiana.”

  “I will, and you must call be Elizabeth.”

  “My brother wrote of meeting you in his study.”

  Elizabeth blushed crimson before telling Georgiana the circumstances of that meeting and the two chuckled together.

  “I should have enjoyed seeing my brother’s reaction when you told him to leave his own study.”

  “But your brother could have played that out to his advantage, but he took pity on me and changed the subject when he saw that I was having difficulty. He made me feel at ease after he winked at me.”

  “That does surprise me. William does not perform well with strangers. It is probably that you are easy to talk with that had him act this way. I believe he sees that you are different from most young women.”

  They next completed the tour and returned to the parlor.

  “My brother wrote much about you that is kind and said your home is in Hertfordshire and you have four sisters. I would like to have a sister. Tell me, what is it like to have four sisters?”

  “As you might guess, it can be good and bad, but altogether, I am pleased. There is never a dull moment at Longbourn.”

  “You mean your home?”

  “Yes, it is called Longbourn, and we are less than three miles from the little village of Meryton. My oldest sister is named Jane, and I am the second. The next in age is Mary and after that comes Catherine, whom we call Kitty, and then, Lydia, the youngest and most juvenile of us. Every two years, or less, my mother had a daughter.”

  Georgiana asked more about Elizabeth’s family and Elizabeth discussed each one in turn.

  “I can see that you have a close family, Elizabeth, and the Gardiners seem to be very generous to you and your sisters.”

  “We particularly love the Gardiners. They invite their nieces to stay a few weeks now and then. That arrangement provides some help with their four children and gives the rest of us a break with one less sister in the house.”