Elizabeth felt his hand fall away and suddenly the two servants were upon them, three more men appeared just as suddenly and one began to loosen Mr Darcy's cravat. Desperately looking towards the lake Elizabeth could not see the walking party, and so turning to the youngest and slightest of the servant men she touched his arm gently to garner his attention.
'Fetch Miss Darcy to the house, do not advise the company what has taken place, simply that she must return urgently. Make haste.' The young lad nodded and took off at a sprint towards the lake, she hoped that they had not managed to make it far.
Pushing herself to her feet, she nodded to the other four men. 'You must carry Mr Darcy to the house, gently but quickly. We must send for a doctor.'
'Aye Ma'am…. Come on then boys, on three.' The older of the men directed. She watched as they lifted him, each supporting a limb and carried a lifeless Mr Darcy back to the house. She hurried behind them. When they neared the courtyard, Elizabeth saw Mrs Reynolds hurry from the house toward the group.
'What has happened?!'
'Mr Darcy has taken unwell, please arrange for a doctor to be summoned Mrs Reynolds. Miss Darcy will be here shortly to direct.' Mrs Reynolds nodded and hurried to the stables to fetch a rider. Elizabeth followed the men into the grand hall where they stopped, waiting for her instruction. 'I believe, yes, perhaps we should take Mr Darcy directly to his rooms. He must be rested until the doctor arrives.' The men nodded and carried their master up the staircase, Elizabeth stood frozen to the spot watching them ascend until they were out of sight. She knew not how long she had stood there before she heard the sound of quick footsteps.
'Lizzie!.. What has happened?' Georgiana was quite out of breath, her bonnet hanging loosely from her fingers, her eyes wide with worry.
Elizabeth turned to her with sympathetic eyes. 'Your brother, he took a fall… he is not conscious.'
Georgiana mutely nodded and pushed past Elizabeth to ascend the stairs quickly. 'I have sent for the doctor Georgiana.. he will be well….'
She didn't know if she was saying that for his sister's comfort or her own. Behind her she could hear the rest of the party arriving, taking a deep breath she turned to them, an indifferent expression masking her turbulent feelings.
'Miss Bennet? What is the matter? The boy said that Miss Darcy was required urgently, her brother had fallen ill?' Mr De Vere removed his hat as he approached her.
'The men have taken Mr Darcy to his rooms, he has indeed taken ill.'
'Has a doctor been called for?'
'He has Sir.' Mr De Vere regarded her curiously for a second and nodded. He handed his hat and coat to Mrs Reynolds who had just returned and was joining the party at the foot of the stairs.
'Very well Miss Bennet, I will see what assistance I can offer. Perhaps you ladies would be best to wait in the parlour until I have word of how he fares.'
She wanted to cry that she must be allowed to go with him, but she could not. Her place was here with the rest of Mr Darcy's guests. She was powerless at Pemberley. Turning towards the De Vere ladies, she nodded and followed them into the room whilst Mrs Reynolds followed Mr De Vere upstairs to make the necessary arrangements.
It had been a full three hours and no news had been received, Elizabeth had seen the doctor arrive, but he had not yet left. Mrs Reynolds could often be seen hurrying past the open parlour door, but she had not given word.
A full fifteen minutes later, the voices of men could be heard outside in the hallway. A few moments later Mr De Vere entered the parlour, his face pale and hair mussed from what Elizabeth could only imagine was his hands raking through it over and over. The ladies stood, quietly waiting for news.
'He is awake.' She breathed a sigh of relief, her whole body feeling suddenly lighter, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
'Thank the Lord.' Mrs De Vere came to her husband's side and slipped her arm through his. Miss De Vere remained where she was, quietly staring into the fireplace, clearly deep in contemplation.
'The Doctor believes that Mr Darcy will be on his feet again in a few days.'
'Has there been a diagnosis Mr De Vere?' He shook his head sadly at Elizabeth.
'There has not Miss Bennet.'
'And Miss Darcy? Does she remain with her brother?'
'She does.'
Elizabeth nodded, suddenly fatigued. 'Pray, excuse me. I think that I will retire, I feel a headache coming on.'
Curtsying to the room's occupants, Elizabeth hurried from the parlour and up the stairs to her rooms. Once inside, she closed the door swiftly and leaned her back against it, finally allowing the tears to fall. Her mind replayed the moment that Mr Darcy had fallen, his hand against her cheek before he had slipped into darkness. She allowed herself to slip down the wooden door and to the floor, weeping silently.
The following day was dreary indeed. Georgiana did not leave her brother's side, and though apologies were sent for neglecting her guests through Mr De Vere, she chose to remain. Elizabeth tried her best to remain occupied, but with only two days until she was to return to Longbourn, she felt anxious to see Mr Darcy herself. She felt that she could rest easier if she could at least see that he was indeed recovering well. She spent much of her time pretending to read and not engaging with the other ladies of the party. She could hear them whisper, speculating on what could be wrong with Mr Darcy, but never speaking openly in her presence. Mr De Vere visited with Mr Darcy for an hour in the morning, but other than this he remained close to the ladies in the parlour.
Dinner was a quiet affair, Miss De Vere seemed in good spirits, but somewhat subdued. Elizabeth found herself wondering often if Miss De Vere was in love with Mr Darcy, but her lack of concern for his current state of health would always lead her to the negative. Once the courses had been cleared, Elizabeth could not excuse herself quickly enough. She apologised for her poor company and bid the party good evening, her relief at being able to return to her rooms early however was short lived as on exiting the dining room and crossing the grand hall she espied Mr Darcy himself. Two servants were by his side, and he brushed them off gruffly as they assisted him to reach the bottom of the steps, Georgiana handed him a cane which he leaned on heavily, the other arm suddenly supported by his sister. It was not until the siblings had decided on how they might best move forward that they both looked up to see Elizabeth watching them curiously.
'Lizzie…' Georgiana was smiling, Elizabeth supposed it to be the first smile she had seen in the past couple of days.
'Mr Darcy!' She walked over to them both quickly, the concern on her face clearly written. 'You should be abed Sir.'
'Pray Miss Bennet, I have had quite enough of people telling me what I should and should not be doing these past days.' She clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head. 'Forgive me Miss Bennet. I am well, I assure you.'
'He will not listen, not to me, not to the Doctor. He insisted that he join the party.' Georgiana's face was pale, dark rings under her eyes.
Elizabeth frowned in displeasure at him, he straightened his back attempting to portray as much hauteur as he could muster in such an instance, but he did not frighten Elizabeth.
'If you insist on joining your guests Mr Darcy, I hope that you will make your visit brief. I certainly would not wish my own sister to be losing sleep whilst worrying about me, as your sister appears to have been.'
Darcy looked at his sister, noticing the dark rimmed eyes and pale demeanour that Elizabeth was pointing out to him. He had the grace to look apologetic and nodded infinitesimally. Ashamed that his demands to rest no longer might be worrying Georgiana further he resolved that this visit would last no longer than a half hour.
'Will you not join us Miss Bennet?' Mr Darcy looked almost hopeful.
'I believe I shall retire Mr Darcy, I leave you to your guests. They have worried greatly.'
His eyes searched hers, looking, hoping for some deeper meaning, but she simply arched a brow and moved out of his way. Georgiana smiled reassuringly at Elizabeth and helped her brother as they began to hobble towards the parlour. Elizabeth started to climb the steps, but she stopped to watch the weakened man bent on playing the gracious host struggle into the room.
From where she stood she could hear the high pitched voices of the De Vere ladies expressing their delight at his recovery and their concern at his illness.
She longed to join them, just to see that he truly was recovering but she could not, to return to the party would raise suspicions with Mrs De Vere and she did not wish for any situation to arise where she would need to defend her feelings. They were so new and tender. She heard the deep baritone of Mr Darcy's voice followed by the laughter of ladies. Turning back to the stairs, she resolved to complete her journey, envy gnawing at her heart.
An hour later, whilst reading in her bed she heard a soft knock at the door. 'Lizzie? It is me, may I come in?'
Closing the book she set it down next to her. 'Come in Georgiana.'
The door opened and Miss Darcy's head appeared from the crack, Elizabeth smiled reassuringly and Georgiana returned it entering fully and closing the door behind her. Elizabeth patted the bed and her friend immediately approached and sat next to her.
'Are you well?'
'As well as can be expected. How are you? You appear tired Georgiana.'
'I confess, I have slept little these past days. I am sorry that I have neglected you.'
Reaching out and grasping her hand, Elizabeth smiled warmly. 'Do not apologise, you were needed elsewhere. How is your brother? Truly?'
Georgiana cast her eyes down. 'He is recovering. He is weakened, but he is in good spirits.'
Elizabeth looked at Georgiana searchingly, the younger girl could not meet her eyes. 'I pray that he recovers soon Georgiana, but you know that if there is anything that you need to discuss, you can share it with me. I will guarantee to keep your confidence.'
Georgiana's breath seemed to hitch in her throat, still not looking up she murmured. 'Doctor Johnson thinks that my brother may not regain enough strength, he may always require the aid of a stick.'
Elizabeth brightened and squeezed her hand. 'Is that what has you so glum? Why that is a very small price to pay, do you not think? If that is as bad as it gets, well I see no reason to despair. I daresay it might take your brother some time to adjust to the idea, but he seemed determined enough this evening to overcome it.' She frowned when the young girl would still not meet her eyes. 'You know, when my sister Jane is saddened, she comes to me in the night and shares my bed, as though we are young girls again and talk until one of us, or both of us, falls asleep.'
Georgiana looked up at this, her eyes widened. Elizabeth arched an eyebrow and smiled mischievously.
Once Georgiana returned in her night clothes Elizabeth did not push her any further on her brother's mysterious malady, and Georgiana did not offer any further information. As they laid next to one another in the darkness of the room, Georgiana huffed and folded her arms over the blankets.
'What is your opinion of Miss De Vere Lizzie?'
Elizabeth bit her bottom lip, nervously worrying it between her teeth. 'I think, I find her to be accomplished.'
'But not amiable?'
Elizabeth turned onto her side to face Georgiana, her arm curled under her pillow. 'I find her very amiable. She is quiet, but sensible. There is nothing in her character to dislike. To what do these questions tend?'
'I suppose that I find myself indifferent to her. I try to warm to her, but I do not enjoy her company. I know that is awful, please do not think ill of me Lizzie.'
'Impossible!' Elizabeth began to play with the edges of the blanket. 'I do hope that you will try Georgiana. She is soon to be your sister.'
'I know.' She let out a small sigh. 'My brother is a good man, he deserves to be happy. I know that I am young, but I do not feel that she could make him so.'
'It seems to me that you brother knows his own mind, he seems to be a private man by nature, I would not presume to know his feelings.'
'You are right. I shall resolve to think better of Miss De Vere, that is, I shall resolve to make more of an effort. For my brother's sake.'
'Your brother will thank you for it.'
'Thank you Lizzie.'
'For what?' Elizabeth closed her eyes, her stomach turning with the idea of Mr Darcy making his proposal to Miss De Vere, she wondered what he might say, and dearly hoped that he had learned a thing or two since his last proposal. The thought made her smile somewhat.
'For being the sister that I have never had…. Truly, you know not what these weeks have meant to me. I value your opinion over almost anyone else's.'
'I will always be here for you, you need only call and I will be by your side.'
A thick silence filled the air, and for a moment Elizabeth thought that Georgiana would say something more, but instead she bid her a quick goodnight and turned her back to Elizabeth. Elizabeth listened to the change in her companion's breathing and knew that Georgiana had succumbed to sleep quickly, the poor girl was exhausted. The idea of leaving her in two days was not a happy thought, nor was the thought of leaving the master of the house. She knew it would be impossible to stay once an agreement had been reached between Mr Darcy and Miss De Vere. She wondered how the man was doing, if he was still downstairs with his guests, or had he decided to retire to his chambers as he had promised to for rest. Feeling her eyes begin to droop, she belatedly realised that the past days had also taken their toll on her, so closing her eyes she laid on her back and drifted to sleep.
The next morning, Georgiana and Elizabeth decided to break their fast together, as they descended the grand staircase both were surprised to see Mr Darcy standing with his steward at the bottom of the stairs. He noticed them coming and dismissed the man before smiling at them both.
'Good morning Georgiana, Miss Bennet.' He smiled at them both.
'Good morning brother.'
'Good morning Mr Darcy, are you well?' A serious look stole over Elizabeth's face and her eyes searched his face for signs of fatigue or pain.
'I am well Miss Bennet, though I am worrying that my sister may be unwell… she never rises as early as this.'
'Brother!' Georgiana chastised him and he gave her a roguish grin which made Elizabeth's pulse quicken. 'Miss Bennet is leaving tomorrow, I simply wish to spend as much time with her as I can.'
Mr Darcy's expression turned serious and he looked at Elizabeth. 'Yes, Miss Bennet returns to Longbourn tomorrow. I had quite forgotten.'
'Have you broken your fast Mr Darcy?'
'I have not Miss Bennet.' She watched him shift his weight from one leg to the other, his arm trembling slightly under the pressure he was putting on his cane.
'Perhaps you would care to join us?'
'I would enjoy that very much.' He gestured to the ladies to go ahead. 'After you.'
Elizabeth led the way to the breakfasting room, but Georgiana instead chose to link her arm through her brother's to help steady him.
As they approached the room Elizabeth could hear raised voices, but it was not until they were directly outside of the door that she could hear what was being discussed, and what she heard shocked her into stopping abruptly, her hand hovering above but not daring to touch the door. It was clear the voice was that of Miss De Vere.
'I do not care for his wealth Mama, I have no need of it, but you will not force me to enter into a marriage with a…a…with an invalid! I will not! He is amiable, but that is not enough for me, especially now.'
Elizabeth's eyes widened and she shot her head around to face Georgiana and Mr Darcy, praying that they had not heard. Sadly the expression on both of their faces, showed clearly that they had. Mr Darcy quickly schooled his expression and nodded to Elizabeth.
'Shall we Miss Bennet?'
She was frozen, she could not move over the threshold, her feet would not permit it so instead she stood aside, her eyes glued to his. He shuffled past her, leaning heavily on the cane and pushed into the room. As she followed behind with Georgiana, the mortification on Mrs De Vere's face was evident for all to see. Mr Darcy nodded to the ladies.
'Please accept my apologies for not being here to greet you this morning ladies, I had some business with my steward.'
Mrs De Vere seemed unable to find her words, whilst Miss De Vere stared at her hands. Elizabeth simply watched as Mr Darcy bravely struggled towards the spread at the other side of the room, she felt his mortification, Georgiana's arm trembled against her own and she grasped her hand quickly giving it a quick squeeze for reassurance. Georgiana however was poor at hiding her feelings and excused herself from the room quickly. Elizabeth wished to go after her, but sucking in a deep breath she forced a smile that she could not feel and followed Mr Darcy to the table. Once he had filled his plate, he looked from the breakfast table to the dining table, clearly wondering how he might make the journey with a plate and his cane given his unsteady movements. Lifting the plate, he was surprised to feel Elizabeth's hand on his arm. He looked at her questioningly, but she simply smiled, tilted her chin up in a silent message of defiance and took his plate from him. He smiled gratefully and followed her slowly to the table. Placing his plate in front of him, she took a seat to his right and began to eat her breakfast, the table was awkwardly quiet, the De Vere ladies were quite unable to make eye contact and contributed little to the conversation.
Mr Darcy appeared to be struggling with the awkwardness of the table and, Elizabeth surmised, his own mortification. Holding her head high and attempting to sound cheerier than she felt, she smiled at him. 'Mr Darcy, I thought that I would perhaps take a walk on one of the paths that you suggested when I first arrived. If it is not far and you are feeling up to it, perhaps you would wish to join me with Georgiana?'
Mr Darcy frowned 'Sadly I have some business matters to attend to this morning, my steward will be returning shortly. But I thank you for the generous offer… perhaps if it pleases you, we might attempt to walk out this afternoon?'
'That would please me greatly.'
Miss De Vere stood from the table, still unable to make eye contact with the other occupants and excused herself. Mr Darcy chose not to stand for her exit, something which did not go unmissed by Mrs De Vere or Elizabeth.
Mrs De Vere stood shortly afterwards and nodded to Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. 'Excuse me, Mr Darcy, Miss Bennet. I believe I will find my husband.'
Mr Darcy nodded and Elizabeth acknowledged her with a tilt of her head. Once Mrs De Vere had left the room, she dared a glance at Mr Darcy, though his face appeared outwardly passive, she could see a muscle twitching in his jaw. He was hurt, angry perhaps, but being the gentleman that he was, he would not speak of it.
'Might I pour you another coffee Mr Darcy?'
He looked at her then, his eyes crinkled and his lips thinly pressed together. He seemed to be studying her. 'Do you think me incapable?'
She smiled then, the first unforced smile since standing outside of the breakfasting room and her eyes sparkled lightly. 'No Mr Darcy, I do not think you incapable. I think you to be in want of another cup of coffee. Though if you insist on pouring yourself a cup, then who am I to deprive you of the pleasure?'
He sighed deeply and offered a lopsided smile. 'Forgive me. I would be delighted to receive another cup.'
She smiled and set to task, blushing slightly as she realised that his eyes did not leave her during the entire task. She set his cup and saucer in front of him, noticing that he had chosen to push his newspaper aside, something he had not done during breakfast since the De Veres had come to Pemberley.
'Are you looking forward to returning to Hertfordshire, Miss Bennet?'
She watched him over the rim of her cup, he seemed to be sitting forward, interested in her answer. 'I am. I miss my sisters dearly. I miss Jane especially, she is my best friend and it has been too long since I last spoke to her.' She placed her cup on the saucer. 'You must miss Pemberley when you are away from it?'
'I do. I long for the comforts of home when I am away.' He frowned. 'Have you enjoyed your stay with us?'
His eyes were dark, seeming to bore into hers and she could not drag her eyes away from him. 'I have Sir, I have enjoyed it very much. I shall be sad to leave.'
His mouth became slack, the air around them pregnant. 'Truly?' She nodded, unable to speak. 'Then stay?'
She opened her mouth to speak, but the sound of Mr De Vere entering the room ended any opportunity for a reply. Both turned to face Mr De Vere who appeared flustered and distracted. 'Darcy, I would speak with you if you have a moment.'
Darcy looked at Elizabeth and then back to Mr De Vere, nodding. He began to push himself up from the table, but Elizabeth placed a hand on his arm gently and pushed herself up. 'I think that I will find Miss Darcy and ensure that she has broken her fast, I will leave you gentlemen to discuss your business.'
Darcy smiled at her gratefully, and pushed himself to his feet, bowing gently to her. She sucked in a breath and turned to Mr De Vere, nodding and smiling. 'Good morning Mr De Vere.'
'I beg your pardon, good morning Miss Bennet.'
Sweeping her skirts past the table, she made her way out of the room, turning only once to see that Mr Darcy remained on his feet until she reached the door.
She found Georgiana in her room, she was in her sitting room, a plate of ham and breads untouched in front of her.
'Georgiana?' The younger girl did not answer her, nor did she turn around to face Elizabeth. 'I am come to claim my friend for my final day at Pemberley.'
Elizabeth walked around the chaise and stopped in front of her friend, she noticed the red rimmed eyes and tear tracks on her face and dropped to her knees taking her hands in her own. 'Come now Georgiana, do not be upset.'
'How can I not be?' her eyes blazed and filled with angry tears. 'You heard what she said!'
'What she said was very wrong.'
'Wrong? It was insupportable! The mortification that my brother must be feeling! To think that he was going to offer for her, for that woman!' Georgiana got to her feet, pacing the ground in front of the chaise. 'To think that I was worried because I could not bring myself to like her!'
Elizabeth moved to the chaise and sat down. 'Georgiana, no matter what you feel, you must remember that she was your brother's choice….'
'Choice! He has no choice!'
Elizabeth frowned. 'What do you mean?'
Georgiana shook her head and let out an exasperated sigh. 'Nothing, it is nothing.'
Elizabeth shook her head and pushed herself up until she was directly in front of the younger girl. 'It was something Georgiana. What do you mean he had no choice?'
'He is dying Lizzie!' The words were shouted, and as soon as the sound carried through the air, one lady burst in to tears, the other paled and sat back down in shock, a hand to her breast.
'Dying?' Georgiana nodded through her tears. 'I don't understand.'
'He made me promise not to tell anyone, not even you.' Georgiana sat next to Elizabeth. 'Our doctor does not know what ails him, but he weakens daily, he tires and he trembles. Doctor Johnson fears that he will not recover and eventually he will succumb to this disease.'
'You should have told me…'
'I could not, his pride would not allow it. He does not want to be pitied, especially by you I think.'
'Why especially me?'
Georgiana looked at her like it was the most obvious answer possible. 'Because he respects you so much.'
'Surely we can, you can, arrange for another doctor. There must be a way, a diagnosis.'
'He trusts Doctor Johnson, he is the Doctor that my father and mother used.'
'Who else knows of his condition?'
'Only our cousin Fitzwilliam. I have written him, asking him to come to Pemberley, he should be here within the week… I cannot cope with this myself.' Elizabeth looked at her hands on her lap, they were trembling, her entire insides appeared to be trembling. The thought of Mr Darcy dying made her insides feel hollow and she felt empty and sick all at once. 'My brother wanted to find a sister for me, an heir for Pemberley… he began courting Miss De Vere's attentions, though he will be hurt by her words, I cannot believe that he is in love with her…. At least I can be grateful that his heart will not be broken by this.'
'Had he planned on telling Miss De Vere?'
Georgiana nodded. 'I believe he was going to ask for her hand once you left for Hertfordshire.'
She could take no more, her stomach churned uncontrollably. 'Excuse me Georgiana, I must lie down. Forgive me.'
She pushed herself up from the chaise hastily and out of the room.
AUTHORS NOTE
I am so sorry for the delay in updating this. I am just not happy with this chapter and I cannot seem to get out what I want to say in it. Writing clearly doesn't come naturally to me ha ha. I hope you will stick with me for the next chapter, where things might take an interesting turn or two. I promise it will be much longer and posted much quicker.
