Chapter 3

After a large family dinner at Longbourn, rather suspiciously consisting of all of Darcy's favourite dishes, the two gentlemen returned to Netherfield in the early evening. When they arrived, they were met by Bingley's rather flustered housekeeper.

"Please sir, an express has just arrived for Mr Darcy."

"Do you have it madam?" Darcy asked.

"Yes sir," she replied, handing the letter to him.

Darcy quickly scanned its contents and Bingley noticed the colour slowly draining from his friend's face.

"Well? What is it?"

"Georgiana. She is ill. Mrs Reynolds sent for the doctor, he says. . . he says. . ." here Darcy trailed off; unable, due to a mixture off shock or panic, to continue. Instead, he handed Charles the note.

Reading aloud, Bingley explained to his rather bemused housekeeper,

"Mr Darcy, your presence at Pemberley is required urgently. Your younger sister is gravely ill; Doctor Caldwell is concerned that she will not be able to fight her fever. Please come as soon as is possible, sir. She is calling for you. .

Well good God man, what are you waiting for?"

"Elizabeth, I must inform her of my departure."

"If you trust me to explain to her Darcy, I would gladly do so. You must leave as soon as you are able."

"Of course I trust you! Yes, that would be best; I will however give you a note for her." With that, Darcy hurried to his study, with much regret, scrawled a short note to his beloved and started towards Derbyshire.

When morning came, Lizzie was terribly disappointed to see only one young man riding, or rather galloping, up the path towards Longbourn. She was also rather worried. I t seemed that Elizabeth and Darcy had both been blessed with a lover's intuition; a gift so rare and so precious, that even Fitzwilliam's considerable wealth could not surpass it. this gift meant that Elizabeth felt very ill at ease when receiving only one gentleman on the steps of her home.

Attempting to make light of her angst, Lizzie playfully inquired, "pray tell, Mr Bingley, was Mr Darcy so disturbed by yesterday's grand family reception that he has today chosen the servants' entrance?" Here her smile faded, as she realise that the expression on Mr Bingley's face was not at all playful; indeed, it was quite grave.

"I am afraid, Miss Elizabeth, that I am come alone and with rather sad tidings," taking a deep breath, Bingley continued, "on our arrival at Netherfield yesterday evening, an express was waiting on Mr Darcy. It seems that Miss Georgiana has taken ill and the doctor harbours serious concerns regarding her ability to recover. She has been calling for her brother and so naturally he has rushed to attend to her."

"Naturally," Elizabeth replied all the while struggling to comprehend this dramatic turn of events.

"He was terribly sad at the thought of having to leave without saying goodbye to you, Miss Elizabeth," Bingley solemnly added, barely able to meet Lizzie's eyes, "but he did leave a note in my care which he requested I deliver to you."

He handed her the letter and, bowing, he added, "if you will excuse me, I would very much like to speak with Miss Bennet."

"Of course, I believe Jane is in the library."

And so, Elizabeth was left standing alone, shocked and disappointed, on the steps. She wandered into the orchard and after finding a peaceful spot, began to read Darcy's letter.

'Dearest Elizabeth,

It is with much regret that I write these words, in order to inform you of my return to Pemberley.

My dear sister has been taken ill and all with her are deeply concerned. I am loathe to leave you at such a time, but I know that you will understand why I must return to Derbyshire.

I will miss your smile, dearest, as I will miss your hands and your kisses,'

Elizabeth was glad that Darcy had had the good sense to seal the note, as her cheeks began to turn his favourite shade at the memory of their first kisses,

'I hope I will not be further from your thoughts than you will be from mine.

Yours,

Fitzwilliam