Waking
Mr Bennet watched as Elizabeth's eyes slowly crept open, he smiled as she groaned at the offending light beaming in through the window of her bedroom. Slowly so not to startle her, he placed the book that he had been reading down on the bed. Her eyes started to adjust to her surroundings, he waited patiently for her to become aware of his presence.
Finally her eyes fixed on his, the worry that had plagued her since he had sat watching his favourite daughter fight her demons as she slept, was replaced by reassurance. A smile erupted and her hand sought his, he grasped the soft hand in his rough one, smiling he patted her hand in comfort like he used to when she used to hurt herself if she ever fell over as child.
"Father," She mumbled, he reached across to the water sitting by her bedside table and passed it to her. After taking a small sip she continued. "Are you well Father? Mr Darcy told me you had a fall."
"My child you are the one who has been in a war not I."
"Father," She persisted.
"I am fine my dear, hearing that my daughter has fought off the despicable Mr Callaghan and saving poor Mr Darcy from being killed, however, has set your mothers nerves on edge." From the pained expression in his eyes, she knew it was not only her mother that had suffered from her adventures.
"Now come Lizzy tell me the whole tale of how you came to save Mr Darcy."
"Has not Mr Darcy already informed you, sir?"
"Indeed he has, I find, however, that our proud friend lacks the emotion to tell the tale in full. I would much prefer to hear your version my dear, as I am sure it would be much more romantic."
"Papa!" Elizabeth cried in indignation.
"Do not keep your father in suspense, and tell me how two men fought for your hand in marriage!" Elizabeth could not help but stare in horror at her father. "I jest you child, however your mother would make me believe that is the case."
"Is that why you have taken refuge in Netherfield, sir?" Elizabeth teased, diverting her father as far from the truth as she could.
"As smart as ever, my Lizzy, to see through my plan."
"How is mother?"
"She has taken to the news of her daughter being attacked in the woods as well as can be expected by someone who suffers from fits of nerves."
"Papa, please."
"Calm yourself, Lizzy. She has Mary and Kitty to keep her company."
"I am sure she will approve." Lizzy replied sarcastically.
"Yes, yes I have written to Mrs Bennet and informed her you are well."
"How long have I been asleep sir?"
"No more than twelve hours, you have given all of us quite a scare."
"Is Mr Darcy well?" Elizabeth asked, suddenly surprising them both.
Mr Bennet studied his second eldest as she tried to appear calm and drink her water. Before entering her chamber on arriving, he found Mr Darcy to be pacing outside her room as he waited for Doctor Stevens to finish examining Elizabeth. Mr Bingley informed Mr Bennet that it was Mr Darcy who bared witness to Elizabeth fainting and was responsible for summoning the doctor. Mr Darcy claimed to be checking on Elizabeth and upon her opening the door, she fainted. Mr Bennet thought this to be untrue, he also found the blush that had formed on the young gentleman's face to be another indicator that he had been withholding information.
"Why do you ask?" He questioned, reaching for his book. He had also noticed she had done a very good job in diverting attention of their previous topic.
"Mr Callaghan had injured Mr Darcy. I only wish to ensure that he is well."
"He appeared fine, especially when I found him pacing outside your room." He watched as Elizabeth blushed slightly.
"Pacing sir?" She asked.
"He was waiting for Doctor Stevens to finish his diagnoses. What you say to this Lizzy? Proud Mr Darcy worried for your safety! You must see how intriguing this is, especially since he fought to protect you. What say you to this?"
"Mr Darcy was no doubt revenging his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam and I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Being a gentleman, he found it necessary to protect me, nothing more, sir. As for the pacing, sir, I cannot offer any further explanation."
"Can you not?" Mr Bennet asked raising an eyebrow. She shook her head.
"I am sure you are being modest, Lizzy," He held up his hand to stop her protest and got to his feet. "No, no, say no more. I will leave you to rest. I hope when you recover you will partake in reading this book, I think you find it very interesting. I will leave you now, rest well my child."
"Thank you Papa." She said sinking back under the covers. She would be able to sleep easy now knowing her father was well.
"Elizabeth," Mr Bennet said standing by the closed door.
Elizabeth looked up, she could not remember the last time he had called her 'Elizabeth', it was always 'Lizzy.'
"Father," she said turning to him. He was serious; the last time he had looked like this was when Lydia had eloped with Wickham.
"Did anything happen last night that could have compromised your honour?" Elizabeth stared shocked at being asked the question, though she should have expected to crop up at one point.
"No sir." Mr Bennet visibly relaxed at her answer, he smiled.
"Sleep child. I will wake you for luncheon."
"Thank you, sir."
He exited the room, the thoughts that haunted him on hearing the news his daughter was attacked in the woods, now banished from his mind. He doubted he would be able to live with himself if anything happened to his Lizzy; she was too precious to him.
He found Mr Darcy sitting outside the room deep in thought. Seeing Mr Bennet approach, he jumped to his feet and bowed.
"Mr Bennet, may I enquire after your daughter's health?"
"She is well Mr Darcy; have you been sitting out here all this time?" Darcy shifted uneasily.
"I thought if you would needed anything you would call for my service sir." He answered. Mr Bennet watched in amusement as Darcy inwardly kicked himself for the stupid comment.
"Indeed and how was I meant to know you were here if you did not tell me?" Mr Bennet smirked. "Would you join me in the library for a drink Mr Darcy?"
"It is a bit early for drinking for me sir."
"Tea, Mr Darcy. I require tea."
"Oh, well in that case, lead the way."
Mr Bennet made himself comfy in a seat by the fire in the library, retrieving his glasses from his pocket; he watched as Mr Darcy settled in a chair opposite him. The young man was finding the situation awkward he could tell. Calling for some tea, Mr Bennet settled back down with his book, watching in amusement as Darcy continued to shift in his chair. Eventually the tea arrived and was placed on the table between them. Taking a sip of his tea, he observed the young man as he gulped down his.
Mr Darcy got to his feet and started to pace once again. Finally he turned to Mr Bennet and addressed him.
"Mr Bennet I would like to ask your permission to court Miss Elizabeth." Shifting on his feet, he waited for Mr Bennet's reply.
"For what purpose sir?" Mr Bennet asked, slowly removing his glasses.
Mr Darcy stared at the older man. "For marriage sir." He said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Oh, I see. And why would you wish to marry my daughter, sir?"
"Why, sir?"
"Why, Mr Darcy, are you interested in my daughter? She has nothing to offer one of the ton, sir."
"I am not interested in what she has to offer me, sir; if I was concerned about that, I could make an offer to one of the ton." Stupid! Very stupid! Worst sort of answer you could give. He cursed himself, wincing at his own arrogance.
Mr Bennet smiled. "So if it is not her connections and if she is 'tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt' you, then I am at a loss as to what it is that asks for my daughters hand."
Mr Darcy could see the anger beneath Mr Bennet's cool demeanour. What he should expect for slighting Mr Bennet's favourite daughter?
"Mr Darcy, you are known in Meryton as a proud disagreeable man. I know my daughter does not hold much in the way of opinion of you and during the time you spent together last year, everyone knew you both to be indifferent." Was I the only one who did not know Elizabeth despised me? He asked himself. "You have spoken to my daughter but little since your arrival here, so I ask you, sir, what has changed your opinion?"
"I understand your situation, sir, however after speaking to Miss Elizabeth while at Kent and..."
"Kent, sir?" Mr Bennet asked. "You spoke to my daughter while at Kent?"
"Yes, when she was visiting her friend Mrs Collins, I had the fortune of speaking to her while at Rosings."
"I understood she spoke to Colonel Fitzwilliam while at Rosings; I did not know you were there, sir." Mr Bennet watched as Mr Darcy started to shift uncomfortably. Now that he thought about it, he could remember Elizabeth returning out of spirits, although she did a good job in hiding it.
"Tell me, Mr Darcy, what was said to have my daughters so out of spirits on her return?"
"I proposed to Miss Elizabeth while in Kent, sir."
"I assume from lack of engagement ring and your asking for my consent to marry my daughter, she refused you."
"You are correct, sir."
"My question now, Mr Darcy, is what makes you think she will accept you this time around?"
"I believe we have come to an understanding of sorts."
"And this is your reason for asking to court my daughter? You are very determined, Mr Darcy."
"I must admit I am. Do I have your consent, sir?" Darcy asked.
"No." If Mr Bennet was looking for any signs of emotion, he would have seen the hurt flicker through Darcy's eyes, however he did not see it.
"Will you give me your reason, sir?" Darcy replied, trying his hardest to keep the pain from his voice, but fearing he was not successful.
"I am in your debt for your assistance in helping my youngest daughter Lydia when she ran away with Mr Wickham, however this is not enough to persuade me in handing over Lizzy to you."
"Sir, I assure you I only helped..."
"You may keep your reasons to yourself sir. I believed your reasons to be selfish. You know Mr Wickham and you decided it was your duty to help us. For that we are indebted, as I have said. Your reasons for helping Lizzy yesterday were understandably out of honour to help a young lady, but also out of revenge for your cousin. We are but men, Mr Darcy, and despite the appearances of being a gentleman, we still have our basic instincts. My true reason for concern, sir, is that you wish to court my daughter after such a event. Men can handle such trials, but women deal with these things differently; it is why you will find men in Parliament and not women. We need people to think rationally when running the country. What I am trying to say sir, is that I fear you will take advantage of my daughter if you are to court her so soon after such an event. She may mistake her gratitude towards you as another emotion. This I will not allow."
"Sir, I assure you I have no reason to take advantage." Mr Darcy answered, begging the older man to see reason.
"Mr Darcy! I have been around the ton for a very long time, sir, and there is a reason I do not like travelling to town. Mostly because London's air is filthy, but also because of the behaviour of the ton. Men who have money believe they can have what they please, 'no' is not answer for them. Although you show yourself to be respectable, I assure you I have seen this many times before. Your being here is a sign you do not take no for answer and your assurance you could marry anyone you want to is a very common reaction for those in the ton."
"My being here may also be a sign of my proof that I wish to marry only your daughter, sir."
"If you are so determined for my daughter's hand, then I ask you to wait a month." Mr Bennet replied. "If she does not require more time."
"A month, sir?"
"Yes, a month,"
"For what purpose will a month serve, sir?" Darcy asked, his frustration creeping into his voice.
"The purpose of allowing Lizzy to regain her wit and to ensure she does not mistake her gratitude for another emotion. I will, of course, also ask her if she will allow you to court her."
Mr Darcy thought for a minute. He would not be able to stay in the same house as Elizabeth, it would be too painful, especially if Mr Bennet was to stay here as well. Mr Bennet may think he was trying to change Elizabeth's opinion before allowing him to court her. Would Elizabeth allow him to court her? Of course he did not want her to agree to marry him out of gratitude; perhaps staying away would allow her to appreciate his presence.
"Mr Darcy?"
"I assume you would expect me to stay away?"
"I cannot ask you to leave your friend's house, Mr Darcy. I can say that your sister must be mourning your cousin's death as I understood from the Colonel himself that he was also guardian of Miss Darcy. Will she not be wanting your presence?"
Darcy was considering returning to town to see his sister, that was until Elizabeth fainted, but perhaps it is best for everyone that he returned to town.
"I think that would be best, sir." He agreed. "Will you-"
"I will explain everything to Elizabeth, and in a month I may persuade her to visit her aunt and uncle in London."
"I will inform Bingley of my departure, and I thank you, sir, for the honour to court your daughter."
"Yes, yes, just remember it depends on Lizzy's agreement."
"Of course. If you will excuse me."
Giddy with relief at the prospect of courting Elizabeth, he gave a quick bow and exited the room. He located his valet and ordered him to pack his things and have a carriage ready to leave in an hour. He went in search of his friend to tell him he will be returning to town to comfort his sister and to be in time for his cousin's funeral. He knew Bingley would be disappointed in his going, but would understand that he has duties to perform.
He could only hope that Mr Bennet would keep his word and inform Elizabeth of his going and his reasons. He did not need another misunderstanding between them; he wanted to win her heart and propose to her properly. With this thought in mind, he made his way into the dining room to talk to Charles.
~~~~~~~~~~Brawls & Duels~~~~~~~~~~
The carriage jostled along the London's streets, striking a crook in the road. Darcy's head slipped from his hand and bashed against the carriage window startling him awake. Wiping the sleep from his eyes, he viewed the hectic streets. He always found it interesting to watch from a far, instead of mingling with the crowd.
Eventually, the carriage turned into his street; the Darcy house a welcome sight after the uncomfortable ride he had had to endure. Bingley took the news of him leaving much better than he thought; he saw the disappointment as expected, but that was soon gone at the assurance from Darcy that he would visit as soon as could be. He also asked Bingley if he could bring his sister with him to Netherfield next time. He was eager for Elizabeth to meet his sister, wanted see them together, and wanted Georgina to meet his future wife and her future sister. Perhaps he was being too hasty; he had month to wait and even then he would not know if she would want him to court her. His thoughts were in turmoil from recent events; perhaps it was best for both of them to be apart for a time.
He was known for his moods and he did not want Elizabeth to see him in mourning, he wanted her to see him as he was, Mr Darcy of Pemberley, not the proud Mr Darcy she had met at Netherfield.
The carriage door swung open snapping him out of his thoughts. As he stepped out of the carriage, his servants fussed about with his bags and the door to his house opened to reveal his housekeeper Mrs Williams. She greeted him with a big smile, and he nodded his head in acknowledgement, not in the mood to talk.
"I am glad you have arrived Mr Darcy. The household has felt the loss of your cousin greatly." She said as she followed him into the house, taking his coat and handing it to the doorman. "You have my condolences, sir."
"Thank you. Where is Georgina?"
"She has a guest, sir." She answered, he stopped and turned to her.
"Who?" He wondered.
"Mr Darcy!" Darcy swirled round to see Lady Amie emerge from his sitting room.
What is she doing here? He thought, she smiled, yet he could see the anger at his leaving. What is she doing here with Georgina?
"Lady Amie," He exclaimed bowing. She curtsied. "What a surprise."
"I have been a loss without your company, Mr Darcy. I have heard of your loss and offer my condolences." He saw no hint of empathy in her features. "Until we meet again, Mr Darcy."
"You are leaving?" He asked surprised.
"Yes, you most likely had a long journey and I will leave you now." She smiled her, perfect features lighting the corridor.
"Lady Amie," Georgina called from the sitting room, she came walking out with a book. He could see the pain her eyes. "Your book. You nearly left it."
"Fitzwilliam!" Georgina cried. "I did not know you had returned."
"I just arrived."
"And I am going. Mr Darcy, I believe you will enjoy this book." She handed the book to him. "I will see you for tea tomorrow, Georgina."
Darcy stared, alarmed at Georgina's smile. Please, Lord, do not tell me Lady Amie has wormed her way in to Georgina's heart. Despite the obvious pain Georgina was in, she seemed generally happy with her new friend. Darcy felt sick; how had he left Georgina in the hands of this woman? Bidding her goodbye, he watched Lady Amie leave, Georgina embraced him once she left. He felt her shudder as she broke down in tears; how she must have been suffering! He glanced at the book in his hand, and barely repressed the vomit he felt in his throat. His hands tightened on the book, as he read the title, To Conquer All. He had left one nightmare and arrived in another.
Author's Note: I do not share the same opinion of Mr Bennet, but to establish the character, it has to be said. For those who think Mr Bennet would not say such a thing, he is a gentleman and a man of the 1800's. These thoughts were common and normal. Even to this day such comments exist. I live with men so I deal with these comments all day! Don't take pity on me, however, because I stay in the game by outsmarting them. Although I'm stuck with guys as my friends as well as my family, I wouldn't change it for the world, even if they are a pain in the...