The consequences of misunderstanding

'My goodness Darcy! You mean to say that your aunt is making Miss Elizabeth marry Mr Collins as a punishment for something she did not commit?' Charles Bingley asked his friend, astonished.

'Yes. I was quite shocked to hear of it at first. Of course I did not believe Miss Bennet would ever seek attention like that. So I rode out to Longbourn this very morning to confirm matters with her but upon seeing the house in a very, lets say lively state, I left and decided to consult her tomorrow when she comes to dine with us. On riding home however I happened to come across Miss Elizabeth sitting under a tree. I did not disturb her but I heard her say that she wished to be ill because of the certain circumstances!' Mr Darcy told his friend. He then added, 'And all to think this is because of my aunt!'

'Yes Darcy, this must have you quite shocked for you have put this story to me twice!' Charles exclaimed. 'If you do not believe it to be Miss Bennet who wrote the note in the paper, who do you suspect?'

'Someone who wants to harm her reputation' Mr Darcy said, bitterly.

'Or that of Mr Collins' Charles pointed out.

'Charles if any one wanted to ruin Mr Collin's reputation they would do so without harming Miss Elizabeth's. If a person wanted to harm Miss Bennet's reputation they would do so without caring for Mr Collins. That man is utterly ridiculous.' Mr Darcy returned.

'Darcy! I say, I have never heard you speak such words about a respectable man! But yes, I do see your point.'

'He is hardly respectable. Anyone who puts themselves at my aunt's disposal isn't. He is foolish. I won't be surprised if he finds himself out of society soon'

'You cannot surely be saying Darcy that you would rid Mr Collins from society for making a few mistakes?' Charles asked, astonished. He had never heard his friend speak of such things.

'He has made a few too many. It just so happens that he has made far too many with the well being of the woman who has captured my affections.' Mr Darcy said without realising it.

'Oh, I see. I shall not say any more on the matter' Charles whispered. Mr Darcy was grateful for that as he did not wish to explain everything to his friend. A few moments had passed when a servant came in carrying a letter for Mr Darcy. Charles watched in bewilderment as his friends happy face changed into one of deepest worry.

'What is it?' Charles asked.

'It's Georgiana. She's seriously ill with Scarlet fever. I must go to her at once. Charles, if you would please accompany me and send your sincere regrets to your sister about not being able to attend dinner tomorrow night' Darcy said, quickly. Charles left swiftly and Mr Darcy collapsed into his chair.

First Elizabeth and now Georgiana.

Oo0oo0oo0oo0oo0oo0

Thursday morning in the Bennet household was considerably cheerful. Charlotte Lucas had called upon them the evening before and they had had the most enjoyable evening. Mrs Bennet had also not forgotten Jane's and Elizabeth's dinner at Netherfield that very evening.

The whole of the Bennet family were seated in the breakfast room when the letter from Charles Bingley arrived. Mrs Bennet fretted over its contents, forgetting that it had not yet been open. Jane took it from the servant and read it out loud.

Dear Miss Jane Bennet,

It is with my deepest regret that myself and Mr Darcy are not able to attend the dinner my sister Caroline has arranged for this evening. Mr Darcy's beloved sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, has been taken seriously ill with scarlet fever. Mr Darcy, as you can imagine, is beside himself with worry. Therefore Mr Darcy and myself will be riding out to Pemberley very shortly after you have received this letter.

Yours truly,

Charles Bingley.

The breakfast room was quiet. What had been the start of a perfect day was now destroyed at the news that Georgiana Darcy's life was at risk.

'Poor man' Mr Bennet said after a while. Nothing was exchanged for several minutes until the arrival of a second letter came. This time it was addressed to Elizabeth. Mrs Bennet seemed to have taken the news of Georgiana lightly and seemed rather cheery.

'Oh, I was wondering why you did not get a letter, Lizzie! After all this dinner is in honour of you!' She chimed.

'Mama! We have just received some dreadful news!' Jane cried trying to distract her mother. She had just seen the look on Elizabeth's face when she saw whose handwriting it was and knew that her sister would not be willing to read it out.

'It is none of our business!' Mrs Bennet snapped. 'Come come Lizzie, what does it say?' She added eagerly.

'Oh, well um' Elizabeth started.

'Oh my!' Jane cried and all attention was upon her. Jane spied Elizabeth's grateful reaction from across the table. 'Mama! The lace for my dress! I seemed to have misplaced it!' Mrs Bennet looked horrified.

'You foolish child! We must search for it. Up now!' She ordered. Mr Bennet rolled his eyes as he saw Elizabeth sneak out of the room.

When Elizabeth was safely in her room, she opened her letter.

Dearest Elizabeth,

I must first apologise for my absence at tonight's dinner. My sister Georgiana is dangerously ill and I cannot leave her.

I also wished to speak with you tonight about the recent events involving you, Mr Collins and My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. As this is not possible I will pay a visit to Longbourn after my return. Providing that Georgiana is well of course.

I hope that you are well and that you are able to cope with the recent events.

Yours truly,

F. Darcy

Elizabeth stared down at the letter in shock. Dearest Elizabeth? What was that about? Mr Darcy did not seem as concerned about his sister as Bingley did. There was a knock at her door that turned out to be Jane.

'Lizzie' She whispered as she walked in.

'Jane close the door and come here quick' Jane did as she was told and sat on the bed next to Elizabeth.

'Was that letter from Mr Darcy?' Jane asked, quietly. Elizabeth nodded.

'Here read it,' she said and handed the letter to Jane. When Jane was finished, she looked at Elizabeth.

'Dearest Elizabeth?' She raised an eyebrow before smirking. 'I did not know you two were so close' she teased. Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

'Jane! What I am interested to know is why Mr Bingley seemed more concerned about Georgiana than Mr Darcy did.' Elizabeth told her sister.

'Maybe he wants to hide the fact that he's upset. What does he mean by: I hope you are able to cope with recent events?' Jane asked. Elizabeth shrugged.

'I have not the faintest idea. All I know is that we must get ready in order to impress Caroline Bingley this evening' Elizabeth sighed before she and Jane set about getting ready.

They took the carriage to Netherfield and arrived in good time. Caroline apologised for the absence of the men but both sisters replied no apology was needed. After sitting down to dinner the conversation turned for the worst.

'How are you enjoying engaged life, Miss Bennet?' Caroline asked. Elizabeth remembered what her father had said about the truth.

'Forgive me, Miss Bingley, but the paper has made an error, or rather somebody else has.' Elizabeth replied.

'How do you mean?' Caroline asked, confused.

'Well, it was posted in the paper that I am engaged to Mr Collins, however I am not' Elizabeth said. Caroline gasped.

'My goodness! This must be hard on your reputation. I must say I am disappointed, for the ball that was going to be held for the engagements will now have to be held for one.' Caroline sighed. Jane looked confused.

'Forgive me if I am wrong, Miss Bingley. I thought I heard you say engagements, whereas we only know of one engagement. Pray tell us, who is this other couple?' She asked, her eyes not moving from the sly look in Caroline's eyes.

'Why! Have you not heard? Myself and Mr Darcy are to be wed!' Caroline exclaimed. Jane looked at Elizabeth who looked as if she might faint. She then looked at Caroline who had a look of triumph on her face. Jane knew it! Caroline was jealous of Mr Darcy's affections for Elizabeth, so she posted the news in the paper! However Jane quickly dismissed this thought, for Caroline knew nothing about the proposal. Caroline must have been working a long time to make Darcy fall for her but by a miracle, it had worked.

The two sisters were forced to leave early, Elizabeth complaining that she did not feel well. They sat in silence on the journey back to Longbourn. The news had come as a great shock to both of them. Jane wondered of this was the same Mr Darcy who had written Elizabeth a letter just hours ago. But there was one thing that was bothering her:

The look in Caroline Bingley's eyes as she watched Elizabeth suffer.

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