CHAPTER SEVEN: CALL ME MAYBE

Author's Note: I had a lot of fun messing with this scene. I felt like the time at Netherfield was not very eventful, so I added some non-canon material. Tell me what you think. I had a request about the 1995 version, which I was very delighted to watch. I will be doing my best to align right with the book but I really enjoyed that version too.


Mary-Margaret got better within a week with the help of the apothecary but Emma was dearly concerned about the cold that Mary-Margaret had succumbed to during her stay at Netherfield. After a long time at Netherfield, Emma was impatient to get home and not undergo anymore torture. Mr. Bingley had been nervous about Mary-Margaret getting better and was convinced that Emma's stay was helping her health, to her demise. Within the last few days, Mary-Margaret was able to visit the occupants of Netherfield without many coughing fits.

On the last night, Mr. Bingley insisted that all of them gather for dinner in the dining room before the two Miss Bennets were to return home. Emma and Mary-Margaret dressed in their finest, which did not compare to the beautiful gowns of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Emma fitted her swan necklace around her neck and the two were off to the fancy parlor to join their hosts.

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were the only ones in the room when the girls arrived. The two stood up and bowed on the entrance of the two Miss Bennets. Mary-Margaret immediately stepped towards Mr. Bingley but Emma was hesitant to face Mr. Darcy and join in the conversation.

"I must thank you deeply for caring for me in my illness," Mary-Margaret said. "I was entirely comfortable here, rather than at home. Honestly, Mr. Bingley, you did not have to go to so much trouble. I must speak for Emma and thank you for her stay also. We have enjoyed our time here at Netherfield."

"Well, you have been most welcome," Mr. Bingley replied. "I do wish that my sisters would have sought your company more often than they did. I hope to have you here again."

Emma sheepishly walked to Mary-Margaret's side, which was facing some of Mr. Darcy. His cold blue eyes quickly darted to meet hers but gave his attention to his dearest friend.

"If my sisters were here, they would certainly ask for an excuse for you to have a ball," Emma said. "It is a fine idea. But no ball could compare to the warm company that all of you have given me." It was true of the men, but Emma felt as if Mr. Bingley's two sisters kept their heads in the clouds of London society.

It was rude to Emma that they asked nothing at all of the events or adventures that could be found in Hertfordshire. Nothing in the country could appease them while they stayed here in Netherfield.

"I am sad that we have to leave but I am sure that I speak for the both of us that we hope we are invited again," MM said.

"I will take it into deep consideration but I hope to visit your home in Longbourn," Mr. Bingley replied. "Your family is most amusing and I must make an impression as their neighbor."

"My parents would be most pleased to have you and Mr. Darcy come for dinner. My mother must proclaim it so but if you imposed, I am sure she would do it posthaste." Emma rubbed her elbow into Mary-Margaret's side upon the remark of Mr. Darcy coming also but she smiled. "We would be pleased if you visited us."

"What are we doing? You must sit down Miss Mary-Margaret and Miss Emma." Mr. Bingley insisted on their sitting down, even though Mary-Margaret felt like standing forever because of her illness. "Mr. Darcy and I were talking about how quaint Meryton is."

"The Lucas's," Mr. Darcy began, "invited us before we arrived and we were able to see Meryton for the first time. It is nothing compared to Pemberley but it is satisfactory for the country."

"I must say that all of you are very satisfied with just small villages," Mr. Bingley proclaimed. "In London, there is so much to do and you cannot quite keep up with everything. Bath is almost the same way. Darcy, we must visit Bath sometime soon. I am sure that Katherine would be happy to bathe in the healing waters. Have either of you visited Bath?"

"My father is not keen on visiting the one town in walking distance and so none of us have had the pleasure of visiting Bath," Mary-Margaret replied. "I am sure that it would a world of good for my mother and her fit of nerves."

Mr. Darcy looked perplexed by "fit of nerves" as if it was not a thing for some people to have. That statements made her mother look like an invalid and the girls were seeking out fortune to treat their mother. Emma glanced at his stern facial expression but before he could catch her eyes, she gave her attention to Mr. Bingley and what his response would be.

"I hope that you get the opportunity, Miss Mary-Margaret." Mr. Bingley looked ecstatic. "It is such a pleasure to get away from society, even if it is not Bath."

"Well, I just hope that you will stay longer and truly experience what it is like," Mary-Margaret responded. "There is so much to do here but you cannot see it for the trees."

Mr. Bingley smiled nervously and gave his attention to Mr. Darcy. He looked eager to say something after being quiet for so long.

"May I inquire of what you young ladies will be doing these next few weeks?" Mr. Darcy asked. He pointed the question to Emma, expecting her to be in compliance to his company.

"Besides our walks to town," Mary-Margaret began, "we will be around the house. My dear Emma here likes to go on walks in the woods. Miss Lucas might be visiting us and I am sure that her parents are overdue for a visit."

"Is that why you walked here?" Mr. Darcy inquired.

"Oh yes, there is nothing like a fresh walk in the morning to get you ready for the day. Do you walk in the mornings, Mr. Darcy?"

"I am afraid that I am a stranger to some outdoor activities and must be persuaded to do so."

Emma silenced herself. She held strong opinions against Mr. Darcy and asking him to join her during a morning walk was the last thing she could think of. Before another word was spoken between the four of them, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst entered the room. Katherine Bingley prancing right behind them like a princess. Emma rolled her eyes as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley stood up for the entrance of the three arrivals. What she did not plan on is Mr. Darcy catching her in the act but he was nonchalant about it.

Mary-Margaret was forced to endure an interrogation by Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley before dinner was to begin. With all this conversation, Emma was concerned about Mary-Margaret. Katherine Bingley had a say into what her brother felt most of the time and if she did not make a good impression, Emma feared that she would get her heart broken.

The conversation was taken into the dining room as dinner was called. Much else besides Mary-Margaret's opinions were said but Emma felt as if Mr. Darcy was trying to get somewhere after he asked the question of what she was reading lately. She was honest to his question and wondered if the words he had spoken nearly two weeks ago had remained in his mind. She just hope to return as soon as she could without any more cold conversations with some residents of Netherfield Park.


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