A/N: Thank you so much for all the positive words for Chapter 9. Thank you Whosepride, gracie789, Astonishment, NutellaIsMyAddiction, hongkongphooey63, LyDarcy, slsr88, Blurgle, Vegetable lov3r, acerbica, Queenofthetower, aishiteru naru, and guests! I was squealing with every review. So many fun musings posted: Elizabeth slapping Darcy (slsr88), E wishing D and Caro joy (Astonishment). I find myself answering in my head the questions posed in the comments and sometimes changing my story to address a question that perhaps I did not develop originally. Thank you all! I did notice some spelling mistakes and missing words (?!) so thanks for continuing to read. I hope it didn't distract too much from the story.
Recap: Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth because Darcy tells him to; E says NO, bitch (or the Regency version); E dances again with D and they spar; D threatens Wickham; Collins proposes to Kitty and she accepts.
Chapter 10: Foal's Legs
The Bennet carriage was abuzz with excitement as it made its midnight trek from Netherfield to Longbourn. In place of ladies and their gentlemen speaking softly or drifting off to a temporary slumber there was much talk of the betrothal of Kitty to Mr. Collins, primarily concerning the benefit to the Bennet family. Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins were unsurprisingly the most boisterous. Mary had not the temperament for bitterness or jealousy and was the only Bennet sister to offer her immediate congratulations. Lydia and Elizabeth could not, but for very different reasons. Lydia was scandalized that her sister would marry a ninny. Elizabeth was disappointed: in her sister, in Mr. Collins and in herself, if truth be known.
She had been meditating on the events of the night as the noisy carriage made its way home. Her head ached mightily and she massaged her temples as Lydia elbowed her in the ribs, cackling loudly. Nothing had gone as it should, not really. She did not feel she and Mr. Bingley had conversed easily about topics which interested them both which muddled her feelings about him. He would have yielded should I have changed the subject of our discussion. Perhaps I shall always need to guide our conversations. She frowned, shaking her head slightly. That sounds exhausting.
Elizabeth was unable to feel loss at Mr. Collins' transferred affections. Kitty's acceptance was surprising to be sure, and she planned on speaking to her once they had a moment alone. She was not convinced that Kitty had answered for herself alone. And yet something greater about this betrothal was bothering her. She was dismayed that Mr. Collins should be viewed as a desirable partner simply because he was at an advantage and they at a disadvantage. That his position could purchase their allegiance where natural and just admiration failed, infuriated her.
"Mr. Darcy," she whispered under her breath. Mr. Darcy was another man who used his position to lord over them all. What audacity to chide her, censure her, to convince a man to propose to her! She had never encountered such a man in the entirety of her life! Elizabeth reflected on their dances with dissatisfaction. She had never danced three dances with one man before. She assumed she would be nearly engaged or half in love with someone before that happened. Mr. Bingley had asked her a second time but she had been so cross with Mr. Darcy that she declined dancing for the remainder of the evening. Bingley had steadfastly remained by her side attempting conversation for which she had no interest. She wished to do nothing but abuse his friend and it would not do for a lady to speak so, no matter how much she wished it. At least one of us shall hold our tongue with the other sex!
"Kitty," her mother crowed, interrupting Elizabeth's thoughts, "you have saved us all. From this day forward you are my favorite daughter. None can compare to you."
Kitty reddened and mumbled, "Thank you ma'am," to their mother.
"Well, she is your brightest jewel, if I do say so myself," Mr. Collins blustered. He reached over to grasp her hand, and though the carriage was only dimly lit, in full view of her family. Elizabeth frowned and was pleased to see her father do the same. Mr. Collins prudently withdrew his hand.
Elizabeth cringed as her two relations continued the conversation of beauty, providence, and entails. She stopped listening when it was evident that love between the two lovers was not a topic that would be discussed.
Love. It was unlikely that Mr. Collins had any idea of Kitty's character, let alone truly love her. And Kitty... Elizabeth felt more than ever that she needed a marriage so unlike her sister's imminent one. She wanted a marriage of respect, where she and her husband would be true partners. This man must see past her temper and caprice and love her violently, without condition. She wanted someone that did not simper and agree with her but someone who would challenge her. Elizabeth's thoughts unconsciously went to Darcy, the man who most challenged her. She laughed out loud, catching the notice of her father and Mary. She quickly shook her head, indicating to the two of them that she was not to be minded and to expel any thoughts about that man.
Darcy was walking down the long, wood-paneled hall at Netherfield the next day when a maid came traipsing down the hall to fetch him. "Sir, your sister and servants have arrived."
Darcy was stayed momentarily by the realization of why Georgiana was at Netherfield. He had spent a good part of the evening thinking about his unpardonable behavior to Miss Bennet. What had come over him? It was certain that she would be furious with him and he could imagine her relaying the tale to Bingley. Darcy! he had scolded himself. Are you really more concerned that she will tell of your dealings than the events themselves? He finally resolved that an absolved conscience was in order and that he should apologize to Miss Bennet or at the very least desist in speaking to her.
How can I not speak to her if she is to come to Pemberley? Miss Bingley's scheme seemed even more ill-fated so Darcy also resolved to speak with Miss Bingley at the earliest moment and end the whole plan. He would be glad to see his sister, even with the troubling circumstances. He had sent his man to determine Wickham's whereabouts and had heard he was packing his things and had requested a transfer to a Northern regiment. Darcy walked to the drawing room where he saw his dear Georgiana cowering against the prodigious attentions of Caroline Bingley. She twisted a lock of her blonde hair around a finger and gently bit her lower lip. Darcy immediately recognized the signs of her discomfort.
"And Miss Darcy, I simply adore your travelling frock. I must visit your modiste in London and have one made exactly to those standards. We should be called twins for how similar the gowns will be."
Darcy approached her swiftly and his heart melted when she whispered, "Fitzwilliam" as he approached.
"Hello, dove," he said quietly. Miss Bingley," he called more loudly to the woman standing too near. "Will you please call for some early tea? I believe my sister could use some refreshment after her journey."
"Of course, sir," Miss Bingley curtsied solemnly and backed out of the room, not breaking eye contact with Mister or Miss Darcy.
Darcy sighed and embraced his sister in earnest. "I do not need any tea, Fitzwilliam," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Dove, it will help until you can sleep and besides it gives us a chance to talk without... without additional ears," he finished.
"She means well, Fitzwilliam, I know she does." Georgiana smoothed her pale pink skirts and looked at the ground, her face careworn.
Darcy stifled his disbelieving countenance at the sight of her sincerity, and wrapped his arms around his younger sister. "I am sure she does, dove," he agreed quietly. "Now tell me about your journey."
"Mr Darcy," Caroline greeted him enthusiastically at breakfast the next morning. "Where is dear Georgiana? We missed her so at dinner last night."
Darcy had advised his sister to retire early to avoid the enthusiasm of her hosts. She had not yet arisen which was not unusual. She, unlike Darcy, could stay abed long after the sun had come up. "She is still much fatigued from her journey and I believe will rise soon."
Caroline nodded sympathetically and spoke at length on how she rarely woke up before eleven, an occurrence Darcy was disappointed to understand she did not practice during his residence at Netherfield. He often met her during his early morning activities.
With Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley in deep conversation at the other end of the table, Caroline seated herself near Darcy, leaned towards him and whispered, "Miss Bennet will be invited to tea today to meet your sister."
Darcy cringed at her words. Why must she be so brazen as to discuss this with others around? He glanced at Bingley and Hurst who did not pay any attention to their conversation. Well, I vowed I would speak to Miss Bingley and call this off and so I shall. Perhaps it can be done quickly. "Miss Bingley, please do not invite Miss Bennet to Netherfield."
Caroline was surprised by his vehemence but she would not be deterred. "But Mr. Darcy, the footman has already delivered the invitation." I am sure he will be pleased when Miss Eliza is gone and he and I are married. I need not mention my invitation may have insinuated an attachment between my brother and his sister, which may keep her away entirely. I simply could not resist and in the end it does not matter what separates Miss Eliza from my brother. She smiled prettily at him, awaiting a reply.
Darcy sighed. He was not looking forward to seeing Elizabeth so soon after the ball at Netherfield but if his resolve was to apologize or ignore he could at least manage one of the two. "Very well. We need to talk about... Georgiana. Not here, of course. Perhaps later."
Miss Bingley's eyes lit up. He wishes to speak with me about his sister! "Of course, sir," she said, fluttering her eyelashes. "We can speak as soon as you command it."
Elizabeth was embroidering another handkerchief, this one with a WHC pattern, a wedding gift from Kitty to Mr. Collins, when the bell for the front door caught her attention. She had tried to speak to her sister about accepting their cousin but Kitty would only reply that she was to marry Mr. Collins and that was the end of it. She sighed as Hill entered the room with a letter, both relieved and disappointed that it was not a visitor.
"A letter for you, Miss Elizabeth," Hill announced, bowing at her mistress.
Elizabeth took the folded paper with interest and was dismayed to discover the signature of Caroline Bingley on this missive.
My dear Miss Elizabeth,
We would love for you to join us for tea today. Mr. Darcy's sister and my dearest friend, Georgiana Darcy, has arrived just yesterday for an extended stay at Netherfield. I must confess that my brother is as eager as I to renew an acquaintance with Miss Darcy. Please join me so you can authenticate the suspicions of an attachment and give birth to my dearest wish.
Caroline Bingley
Elizabeth suspected that Miss Bingley's intent was for her to be supremely affronted and avoid contact entirely but she had certainly underestimated her target. She was not one to cower at a challenge. She penned a quick acquiesce in reply and removed upstairs to change her clothing. "Mother," she called as she passed her room. "I shall be going for a walk."
Elizabeth returned downstairs a few minutes later, spencer fastened securely and a bonnet under her arm. The air was crisp, and swirling grey clouds blocked out the sun. A mist had descended into the garden and for a moment she considered asking for the carriage or even cancelling all together. "You shall not intimidate me either," she whispered forcefully, shaking her fist at the sky.
About half way to Netherfield, and nearly where she took the spill a couple short weeks prior, the skies opened and Elizabeth ran for shelter. She huffed a sigh of frustration, blowing up an errant curl which had escaped from under the bonnet. The tree she had chosen was the largest in the area but she felt rivulets of water fall from the branches and snake down her neck. She knew that if the rain continued she needed to seek a dwelling. She again had the choice of Netherfield or Longbourn before her.
After a few moments contemplation she decided on Netherfield. She was sure that Miss Bingley would be affronted by her appearance and if Miss Darcy was anything like her brother she would as well. Fie on you, Mr. Darcy. Looking around she gathered a few fallen branches. She quickly removed her spencer, shivering in the damp, frigid air. Elizabeth draped her spencer over the sticks and lifted them above her head in the guise of portable shelter. There was a thought niggling her brain that she should go back home but the idea of her mother and Mr. Collins going on about the wedding was unbearable, so out of the protection of the tree she stepped. Mama will be so pleased, she thought sardonically.
"Is she not coming?" Mr. Darcy asked quietly to Miss Bingley as they assembled for tea. He was hopeful that she had declined and the confrontation could be avoided. For the past quarter of an hour Bingley had been alternately standing at the window and pacing. He had repeatedly asked his sister the same question but she had not answered.
Caroline looked up into the face of the man she aimed to capture, smiling broadly and turning to bestow that smile on his sister. "She had replied she would, sir," she replied cheerfully. "It would be a dreadful shame if she were unable to meet your charming sister." Georgiana colored and rose from her seat to gaze out the window with Mr. Bingley. Caroline turned back to Darcy and lowered her voice. "She has probably been tarrying too long at her precious Longbourn. Perhaps there was a party to celebrate her mother selling off one of her daughters to the parson." Caroline laughed quietly at her own joke. "Or perhaps she fell again and is trapped by the rain." This proclamation was again followed by barely contained giggles.
Darcy's eyebrows shot up in alarm. "You do not believe she is walking to tea today, Miss Bingley?"
Caroline shrugged. "Why would she not? She is an obstinate, headstrong girl. I would imagine she walked."
Darcy considered this. Caroline was likely correct. Miss Bennet was stubborn. And contrary. He could imagine her being fully aware of the implications of walking but going anyways to spite someone. To spite me, he thought, rubbing his chin. She would do it to spite me. "I believe Miss Bennet must be detained Georgiana. You shall perhaps meet her another time. Miss Bingley," he called to the other woman who sidled up to him quickly, "you may start the tea."
Caroline's eyes sparkled as she assented, "Of course, sir. As you wish."
"Darcy! Miss Bennet has not yet arrived." BIngley looked panic stricken as he peered out the window.
Darcy guided his sister to the table. "And she may never arrive Bingley. Take a look at that rain. If she were a girl of any sense she would have stayed home."
Miss Bingley started coughing in the corner, a glint in her eye. Mr. Bingley looked helplessly around the room as the guests in his house began to settle themselves for tea. If Miss Bennet were here he was sure she would know what to say to let everyone know he was lord of the manor. He finally gave up and sat at the table near Miss Darcy.
They had tucked into their tea and sandwiches when a butler entered. "Miss Bennet," he announced solemnly.
Darcy looked up quickly, startling his sister. He needed to see for himself that she had fought convention and walked to Netherfield. "She came," he murmured.
A pale and sodden Miss Bennet stepped with foal's legs around the butler. "Please forgive me," she began softly and Darcy strained to hear her speak. "I... I..." Miss Bingley gave a small scream as Elizabeth Bennet fainted away in her breakfast room.
The next few minutes were a chaotic assembly of parties at mixed purposes. Miss Bingley left the room immediately, afraid to be exposed to the terrible plague that she was certain Miss Eliza must carry. Her sister Louisa followed, weakly attesting that she must take care of her sister. Bingley rushed to Miss Elizabeth's side and began yelling for someone to call for the doctor. No one was fast enough for him, however, and he rose and ran out of the room after the butler, shouting at Darcy to attend to Miss Bennet. Darcy had also risen as Miss Bennet had fallen down and had moved towards her as well. He could not quite say what he was feeling. He felt she had earned her retribution for walking in the rain, yet he did not feel the satisfaction he ought.
Georgiana clung to her brother's arm as they approached Miss Bennet's lifeless form. "Dove," he said turning to her, "I must assist Miss Bennet. As Miss Bingley has neglected her duty, can you please find a maid and requests blankets, rags and hot water be brought to the library?"
Georgiana nodded quickly, her doe like eyes large and troubled. "The library?" she asked.
Darcy nodded as he kneeled down beside Elizabeth. "It is the only room besides here with the fire lit." Georgiana left quickly on tiptoe as if a ballet dancer hurrying to a performance. Darcy moved his hands to be able to lift up Miss Bennet and for the first time really looked at her. Her face was ashen and her lips blue. Purple circles had already formed under eyes pressed tightly shut. Her hair looked matted though a wine colored bonnet was tied tightly underneath her chin. He reached out to check her pulse and was disturbed to find her wrist and hand ice cold. The pulse was weak but it was there and so he picked her up into his arms and carried her to the library.
The fire was burning as he had expected and he arranged Miss Bennet on a small sofa directly across from it. It was fortunate she was so petite as a larger woman would have been uncomfortable. Elizabeth murmured quietly as he set her down. He studied her again, watching the shallow breaths cross her lips. She is pleasant when she does not speak, he thought. Georgiana and the cook came quietly into the room, but nevertheless interrupted his sardonic reverie. "Dip the rags in the hot water," he barked. "Gently apply them to her skin."
Georgiana bent down to dip a rag into the pot of water and Darcy was on the verge of reprimanding her. His words were intended for the cook and he had not meant for her to help in this way. However, something stopped him. Georgiana was looking at Miss Bennet with tenderness and sadness. She softly draped the steaming rags on the young woman's body and felt her forehead after applying the last one. "She has a fever Fitzwilliam."
Darcy nodded. "We need to get her body warmed first. The fever can have its time too." He looked at the supplies. They could encase her in blankets but they would eventually soak through from her drenched gown. It may take hours for her to dry by the fire. He looked back and forth between Miss Bennet and the fire, his mind reeling. "Dove, I need to ask you do something peculiar."
Georgina had been watching her brother and nodded. "I will go fetch a dress, brother, and the necessary items. Cook and Miss Bingley's maid can help me change her into dry clothing."
Darcy sighed in relief. He had not wanted to articulate something so indelicate to his sister but he felt this action was absolutely necessary
"Thank you, dove."Darcy watched his sister rise quickly and run out of the room. He again pushed down the urge to chastise her for something so unladylike as running. She was behaving like a mistress would and he felt pride for his family rise in his chest.
"I will go put another pot on sir," said Cook, bowing as she left the room. Darcy looked back at his unexpected charge, pulling up a chair to sit next to her. Her body was trembling and she whimpered in her unconscious state. He found himself shushing her as he had done with Georgiana when she was a baby.
"The doctor will be here soon Miss Bennet. My sister will assist you into dry clothes and you will feel much more comfortable." Darcy frowned as he concluded his narration. What was he doing? A loud sound, much like a slamming door startled him. He looked up at the library door but no one entered to let him know the source of the sound.
"Mr Darcy?" a quiet, scratchy whisper sounded. Darcy looked back down at the sofa, his eyes fastened to the small figure shaking uncontrollably. Elizabeth's eyes shone brightly in contrast to her deathly pallor and they locked onto his own. Her lips, dry and cracked, held unfathomable stories that he found himself unwillingly eager to hear but now was not the time.
"Miss Bennet," he replied quietly. "Please do not attempt to speak now." Darcy looked again at the door, acutely uncomfortable that he was alone with a now awake Elizabeth Bennet.
"Thank you," she whispered again, her eyes closing once more,"for rescuing me."
Darcy looked back down at her, confusion about her words etched on his face. "I... I did not..." The library door burst open with Bingley leading the way and Georgiana, Cook and Miss Bingley's maid following.
"The doctor is coming, Darcy. Miss Darcy has informed me of your plan and it is a good one. I am disappointed that Caroline has refused to be of assistance but Miss Darcy assures me that she can handle the task without my sister's help. Shall we adjourn to my study and let them get to it?"
Darcy rose on slightly shaky legs, ones he could only assume had been overtaxed by carrying the weight of Miss Bennet and followed Bingley out the door. He gave Georgiana an encouraging smile before he left and silently wished her luck.
Georgiana Darcy had never quite been in a situation like this before. She generally was shielded from the more uncomfortable goings on at Pemberley, her brother's estate and her home in London. Not having any sisters also put this situation in a most peculiar light. However, she was greatly concerned for this young woman who had travelled in the rain, at great peril to her health, to meet her. She, Cook and Sarah, the Bingley sisters' maid, undressed Miss Bennet as best and as carefully as they could. The sofa was small and they did not want to knock her about too dreadfully. Georgiana turned away in embarrassment when they had reached her undergarments and allowed Cook and Sarah to dry her body and replace the wet items with dry.
Soon Elizabeth was dressed in fresh clothing and they swaddled her in thick, luxurious blankets. As Cook and Sarah removed the wet items from the room, Georgiana rubbed a small blanket the length of Miss Bennet's hair, singing softly. She was unsure from where the words and melody came but she as she began she felt content. She carefully dried the inside of the young lady's ears and then wrapped the blanket around her neck to keep her damp hair off of her skin.
"You are doing this young lady a tremendous kindness," a voice said, startling her.
Georgiana looked up at her brother who was standing near the door. "It is only what I would wish for if the same had befallen me, brother." She looked back at Miss Bennet, still twitching fitfully. "What is her name?"
"Miss Bennet," he said quietly, tenderness for his sister filling his body.
"No, brother. What is her Christian name?"
Mr. Darcy stiffened. It felt too intimate to be uttering her name when she was in the room, even if she was incoherent. He was about to scold his sister for impropriety when he realized that this was an innocent question from an innocent girl. He could choose another moment to instruct her on what young ladies need and need not ask. "Elizabeth," he said stiffly. "This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
A/N: I couldn't resist a sick Elizabeth. What do you think? Do you like the little dove?