AN. Thanks for the reviews. I hadn't appreciated the compromising situation I had put our dear couple in. Hope this chapter rectifies this somewhat. Please forgive the cliffhanger. I promise to update again soon. xo
It was a quiet evening for the ladies of Netherfield. For a little while they visited with Jane and Elizabeth, disheartened to see Jane so poorly. They talked of inconsequential matters and made sure their guests were comfortable, but soon returned to the drawing room for coffee with the gentlemen. Upon entering they were slightly disappointed to discover that Mr Darcy had retired to write a letter to his cousin but were reassured that he was expected to return later.
Without Mr Darcy to impress Caroline was once again the dear sister Louisa longed for and the sisters spent a pleasant evening conversing. Plans were underway for the ball and Caroline was determined to show how sophisticated their country gathering could be.
Mr Bingley, chuffed with this picture of domestic felicity, had only one cause for regret. His dear Jane was upstairs unwell instead of by his side enjoying the company.
He turned to his sisters and asked, "Perhaps you could indulge us with some music? Nothing gives me more pleasure than to hear you perform. I am constantly amazed by how accomplished you are." Louisa and Caroline glanced at each other before Caroline rose and seated herself at the instrument. If Mr Darcy returned now he would hear for himself how superior her playing was to Miss Elizabeth and it would portray her in a more favourable light. Louisa walked over to turn the pages as the haunting music of Mozart's Magic Flute filled the room.
Halfway through the movement Louisa felt a fluttering in her abdomen for the first time. She quickly placed her hand above the area, scanning the room to see if anyone was paying attention to her. Charles was leaning against the fireplace gazing out the window, the blank expression on his face betraying that his thoughts were miles away. Her beloved husband was reclined on the chaise lounge eyes closed but with a slight smile on his face. Clearly he was enjoying the music. She gently placed her hand on hers sister's shoulder, smiling fondly and briefly excusing herself. Caroline's hands continued the complicated movements, returning her smile and a slight nod.
Louisa left the room and hurried straight to the library. Opening the door, she glanced about briefly but assured that it was empty began scanning the shelves for the book she was after. Not able to find what she was after she climbed the spiral staircase in the corner to peruse the mezzanine level.
She had just found the book she was searching for when she heard Elizabeth enter the room. With a racing heart she clutched the book to her chest and stepped back into the shadows, hoping Elizabeth quickly found what she was searching for on the ground level. She didn't want Caroline to become suspicious of her absence and seek her out. She had suspected she was with child for a little while and longed to confirm her suspicions with this book and inform her husband before telling Caroline of the happy event.
She impatiently watched Elizabeth grab book after book and return them to the shelf, her heart now racing as it seemed more and more likely that Elizabeth would come up to the mezzanine level and discover her. She let out a quiet gasp before covering her mouth with her left hand as she saw Mr Darcy walk into the room and stroll towards Miss Bennet. Was something inappropriate about to happen? Surely not. Mr Darcy was too much of a gentleman to attempt to compromise Elizabeth and it was clear that Elizabeth was not anticipating any company. Louisa leaned forward to watch. How could Elizabeth still not be aware that she wasn't alone?
Like sitting in a box above the stage watching an opera, Louisa saw the events unfold beneath her, helpless to assist in anyway. It felt like slow motion as the book tumbled off the shelf spinning slowly over and over before hitting Elizabeth on the head. Louisa dropped her book as her hands flew to her mouth to muffle the noise she involuntarily made. She took a step towards the railing as Mr Darcy lunged towards Elizabeth a fraction too late and grabbed her arm instead. She fell to her knees in shock as Elizabeth was knocked unconscious, grabbing the railings for support. She saw it all, the look of absolute terror on Mr Darcy's face when he thought she was lost forever, the range of other emotions briefly crossing his features from shock to sorrow and despair. Finally his expression returned to stern resolution but not before Louisa became convinced that this was a man very much in love. She was more determined than ever to assist this couple if at all possible.
As fast as she could she walked towards the stairs as Darcy scooped Elizabeth into his arms and headed towards the hallway. She had reached the top of the staircase as he returned, closing the door behind him. She carefully descended and walked up behind Mr Darcy, softly placing her hand on his shoulder before moving around to face him and Elizabeth. Seeing for herself that Elizabeth was still breathing she began her vigil with a grief stricken Mr Darcy.