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The ladies were soon joined by Miss Darcy and Mrs Hurst and a delightful day was had as they discussed Mrs Hurst's hopes for her child and Jane's courtship. If Lizzy occasionally nodded off for a little while, still fatigued by events or Miss Bingley's absence was noticed, the ladies chose not to dwell on it. When Dr Clarke arrived to examine his patient and brought Mary with him the ladies realised that Miss Bingley had departed. To spare Mrs Hurst's feelings they politely refrained from discussing it. A look of sorrow did pass Mrs Hurst's face as she mourned the absence of the sister she loved. She took solace in her belief that the gentlemen had acted in the best interests of all and was hopeful that Caroline would soon recover and return as the wonderful sister she could be.
Dr Clarke was pleased to see more colour in Elizabeth's cheeks and agreed that she could venture downstairs as long as she agreed not to overexert herself.
Mary and Miss Darcy were slow to bond; both being reserved in nature but with a little help from the others were soon discussing music and chatting like long lost friends. They needed little encouragement to venture down to where the pianoforte was located. The ladies all decided to stretch their legs and join them. Mary and Charlotte assisted Lizzy to the music room and so it was a lively group assembled for afternoon tea that greeted the gentlemen.
"I congratulate you on your recovery, Miss Elizabeth." Mr Bingley enthusiastically greeted her when he entered the room and noticed that she was amongst the ladies assembled.
"Do you have all that you need? Is the fire warm enough?" He fussed.
"I assure you I am being taken very good care of. The ladies and staff have done a wonderful job of seeing to my comfort." Elizabeth reassured him with a huge smile.
"He seems to be such a kind, amiable man. He will be perfect for Jane." She thought glancing happily towards her sister.
Mr Bingley followed her gaze and lit up when his eyes made contact with Jane's.
"Please mingle with your other guests. I have everything I need and am quite content." Elizabeth said encouragingly nodding in Jane's direction.
Mr Bingley needed no further encouragement and excused himself, a broad grin on his face.
Elizabeth leaned back in her chair happily watching the scene before her. Miss Darcy and Mary were looking through the sheet music animatedly discussing the various songs. One would play a portion of the music; the other would then attempt the harmony.
"It's so nice to see Mary having fun. All she needed was someone to share her interest," She thought to herself.
She reached out to have some tea and noticed her cup was empty. As she began to rise, Mr Darcy reached out to take her cup and saucer. "Allow me, Miss Elizabeth." He said with a smile.
"I… it's not necessary. I can manage," Elizabeth stumbled over her words, flustered.
"I was about to pour another for myself. It's no trouble." He replied.
"That's very kind of you. Thank you." She answered, handing him her cup.
He returned shortly with her tea and a plate with some pastries which he placed on the side table beside her and then excused himself while he retrieved his own drink. They sat there in a companionable silence for a few minutes quietly observing the others in the room.
Mr Hurst and the Colonel were talking on the sofa. "Probably talking about the war." Darcy mused.
Charlotte and Mrs Hurst were in discussion with Dr Clarke. "I wonder if there's any interest there." Lizzy thought hopefully.
Jane and Mr Bingley were standing, talking quietly near the fireplace. "I expect there to be an announcement of an engagement soon." Darcy thought.
"Did Mr Bingley ask for a courtship and not an engagement because I am still not well?" Lizzy wondered.
Miss Darcy was teaching Mary a new song.
"I have never seen my sister so relaxed in company," Mr Darcy said turning to Elizabeth and smiling.
"I could say the same about Mary. Miss Darcy has been so kind to me," Elizabeth replied.
"I so love to read but I still get these awful headaches which make it difficult. Miss Darcy often sits and reads to me. You are fortunate in your choice of sister. I doubt she gives you much cause for anguish."
Mr Darcy's face clouded over briefly as he recalled how much anguish Georgie had caused him over the summer.
"I'm sure all younger sisters cause some anguish, whether real or imagined." He said cautiously, not willing to reveal too much yet reluctant to lie to her. Elizabeth thought of how embarrassed she sometimes was with the way her younger sisters behaved in public and blushed. Looking up at Mr Darcy and staring boldly into his eyes she replied,
"As a younger sister myself I feel I am less than qualified to comment on that statement. I agree that my younger sisters do cause me some discomfort occasionally. I could defend myself and say that perhaps we improve with age. As the oldest I fear that Jane would be the best person to consult but as she only sees the best in people there is probably no point consulting her."
Mr Darcy smiled in response, trying to think of a witty reply that would not offend without luck. Mesmerised by his smiling gaze it took Elizabeth a little while to notice that they had be sitting, staring at each other for too long without speaking. Her heart was racing in her chest and Mr Darcy was looking earnestly at her. Confused, she closed her eyes to break the tranced and looked towards her sister and Mr Bingley.
"Of course," She continued, watching Mr Bingley, "Some would say that older sisters can cause anguish too."
"Indeed," Mr Darcy replied, thinking also of the trouble Miss Bingley caused. Listening to the music his sister was playing he leant forward and asked Elizabeth if she cared to dance. She glanced towards Dr Clarke unsure if she should. He came over to see what was needed and after they discussed it he gave them his opinion.
"It's up to you Miss Elizabeth. You know how recovered you are. I would recommend only dancing once as you don't want to relapse but I see nothing wrong with trying. Darcy, pay close attention and assist her if she becomes unwell." He turned towards the others and bowed to Mary.
"Miss Mary. May I have the pleasure of this dance?" Mary blushed and looked towards her sisters before consenting. The Colonel bowed to Charlotte as Charles and Jane lined up too. The Hurst's chose to sit and watch and the couples began the steps. Elizabeth kept up for as long as she could but soon found she was fatigued and lightheaded. Darcy who was watching her like a hawk for any changes escorted her to a seat after the first song had finished and got her a cold drink hovering next to her in case she fainted. Mrs Hurst switched places with Georgiana who walked over to her brother and friend. The couples switched and the music restarted.
"I assure you I am quite alright. I am just out of practice. Why don't you offer your sister a dance? Nothing would give me more pleasure than to watch." She smiled up at them. When the music stopped Mr Darcy followed her instruction and stood up with his sister who was delighted to be part of the fun. Once the next song had finished Mr Hurst, who had been standing and quietly talking to his wife between songs walked over to the couples and gave Darcy a poignant look before requesting Miss Darcy's hand for the next dance. Mrs Hurst smiled adoringly at her husband and began the next song leaving Mr Darcy free to return to Miss Bennet.
"Mr Darcy, I think you need to stop blaming yourself for my condition. You must forgive yourself and remember the past only as it brings you pleasure." Elizabeth said in an attempt to ease his mind.
Darcy froze as he was beginning to sit down beside her. He had recently heard his cousin say the exact same phrase.
"My cousin Richard recently said the exact same thing to me," He admitted.
"Your cousin is clearly quite a sensible man," Elizabeth replied with a smile.
"You would say that about anyone who agreed with you I suspect." Mr Darcy teased.
"I'm rarely mistaken in my opinions of others." Elizabeth retorted, her smile increasing.
"You were wrong about me," Darcy said softly, serious now.
"Yes," Elizabeth agreed nervously. "I believe I was." She whispered.