Chapter 2: Thoughts and letters.

Elizabeth sat with Jane after lunch, she felt Jane showed no improvement and was concerned.

The local doctor Mr. James had already seen her in the morning and said the fever should break the next day or so.

Jane had barely said a few words to Elizabeth since her arrival. Mr. Bingley had graciously extended Elizabeth to stay until her sister recovered. Elizabeth was pleased with his kindness and thought he and Jane would make a great match. No wonder Jane was feeling happy in his presence.

Caroline was frustrated to know that Elizabeth was going to stay. Next time I will think twice before calling any country chit to dine with me. She thought.

She tried to get Darcy's attention when Elizabeth had not yet joined them for dinner.

"Mr. Darcy you see how these country girls lack manners, I had sent a servant to call Miss. Eliza for dinner, it has been almost ten minutes still she has not come down".

Darcy didn't reply.

She is taking care of her sister; would ten minutes be so tardy to a woman like you who made me wait half an hour to get to the assembly.

"Caroline, she must be caught tending to her sister". Mr. Bingley said.

"Oh, what can she do than wipe her head with a cloth, don't say she is doing that every other minute Charles, bet she is asleep happily on the comfortable bed, bet she has not been used to one as this in her life". She laughed.

The men glared at her.

Mrs. Hurst gave a forced laugh. Louisa was the eldest among the Bingley's. Her character was not as mean as her sister. But she was forced to play along with her, that she slowly lost all her inborn goodness.

Will you even think about nursing me for even ten minutes Caroline, if I need to be taken care of? She thought, touching her stomach and feeling the kick of her child.

Yes, Mrs. Hurst was to have a baby in some months. She was elated, so was her husband. Mr. Hurst never agreed with anything Caroline said. He always felt his wife could do better without Caroline's company.

Just as Miss. Bingley was about to start another sneer comment about Elizabeth, she entered the dining room apologizing for being late. Darcy immediately noticed she was looking pale. He felt a pang in his heart. He never thought a small distressing expression from a woman could affect him so much. also noticed her composure and inquired whether everything was alright.

"Yes Mr. Bingley. I just tried to feed Jane some broth. She couldn't keep it down. Guess she does not have the appetite".

"Oh how dreadful. Do you want me to call for the doctor from London Miss. Elizabeth?" He asked with concern.

"No Mr. Bingley, We have known Dr. James for years. He believes Jane should have a tough few days but recover soon. I was just too greedy to make her eat when she was not up to it".

This woman does not give herself any credit for any matter. Thought Darcy.

How wonderful for Jane to have such a sister. Thought Mrs. Hurst.

Caroline went on about how Hertfordshire was lacking in every prospect when compared to town.

Wonder why you came. Thought Elizabeth.

She saw Darcy look at her occasionally during dinner. Why is he staring at me like that? Maybe the soup is trickling from my mouth and has reached the floor and formed a puddle near his shoes. She thought. She smiled to herself.

Elizabeth always had such comical musings. Her mind worked in many ways to keep her amused through mundane or trying situations as those with her mother.

Darcy saw her smile to herself, part of him thought she had caught him staring at her and she had smiled or blushed. He was not sure. I should not make her blush again and raise hope. He thought. No never.

After dinner they all sat in the drawing-room, Elizabeth took hold of a few books to keep herself busy.

Caroline immediately commented, "Miss. Eliza is a great reader, poor thing she could not go to school."

"Miss. Bingley I may have not gone to school, but we received all the education required from masters from Town."

Miss. Bingley replied in a condescending tone. "Oh, really how gifted you all are, that your father was able to afford that".

Elizabeth's anger rose, Darcy watched her. Elizabeth was aware of his gaze. She took a deep breath and kept reading.

Darcy admired the composure of Elizabeth. She could have given a fitting reply to Miss. Bingley who herself was not rich enough a few years ago. But she chose not to. Darcy knew she had kept her composure for the sake of Bingley. She had a kindness about her which did not allow her to be rude no matter what.

He sat at the desk and took out the letters he had received in the morning. One was from his cousin Richard. The other was from his sister Georgiana.

Dear Will,

I was so happy to receive your letter today. Somehow, I miss you and Pemberley a lot. Aunt Karren takes good care of me and Richard keeps me company too. But I still wish you were here. I practice my music every day and take my lessons. Mrs. Annesley says I am progressing well, but I am not so sure of anything I do anymore.

I am happy to know Mr. Bingley has settled down well at Netherfield. I was also curious to read about the assembly you attended. Why do you sound so bored while describing it at wonder? Why don't you enjoy these gatherings? You like to attend these social events in Derbyshire. I hope you find the next few events to your liking Will.

When are you planning to come back to Town? I wish you can come here soon.

Richard said he will write to you today. You may get both of our letters at the same time.

Promise me you will read mine first, even though I don't deserve to ask such things from you after what I have done.

Lovingly,

Georgi

The last line on the letter bothered Darcy. His sister had not yet forgiven herself for the betrayal at Ramsgate. Darcy and Georgiana had grown distant after that tragic event, both were guilty, both were angry at themselves and they were not able to converse with ease on any subject. Richard had told Darcy that Georgiana needed to move with girls of her own age for her betterment. Unfortunately, none in Darcy's acquaintance had been able to befriend Georgiana without having ulterior motives in their minds. They always tried to use Georgiana to win Darcy over, like Miss. Bingley. When he looked at Elizabeth, he just felt how wonderful it would be if Georgiana could get to meet her.

He read Richard's letter again.

Fitz,

I have been telling Georgi I intend to write to you. But there have been no interesting developments here. Georgi is progressing well in her classes, but I cannot say the same about her temperament. She looks withdrawn and sad. My mother tries to draw her out, but what could a lady triple her age understand about her feelings. And truly Fitz, I cannot understand what she is going through either.

She refuses to speak about anything related to Ramsgate. I feel she is guilty and unable to deal with it without punishing herself. I wish you could find a suitable bride and get married soon. A sister close to her age will do wonders to Georgi.

If you don't have any plans to return to town in the next few weeks, I was thinking you could have Georgiana with you at Netherfield. You can take her to Pemberley from there. Please think about it, she needs a change from town, the country would help her I think and being with you.

Write to me and let me know your plans, I can start with Georgiana to Netherfield any day you say. And please convey my best regards to your admirer in feathers.

Yours,

Richard

Darcy could not suppress his mirth reading the last line. Richard always knew a way to mock at him. He looked at Elizabeth sitting across the room and immediately made a plan. Yes, there is a way for Georgiana to meet Elizabeth. He took to work immediately writing to Richard and asking him to come to Netherfield. He knew Bingley would be happy to accommodate them.

Caroline asked Darcy whom he was writing to. When she knew it was to Georgiana, she immediately wanted to use her acquaintance with Miss. Darcy to her advantage.

"Oh! Dear Georgiana. How I long to see her. I have never seen such an accomplished woman in my life. Please let her know that I think she plays the best of all the girls I know in England."

She went on and on. Nobody replied. Mr. Hurst yawned. Caroline looked at Elizabeth and thought.

Ah you country chit, you will never be able to meet Miss. Darcy, I know her and will create a friendship so strong with her that she will plead to Mr. Darcy to make me the mistress of Pemberley and never will he think about you again or you're fine eyes. Never.