Chapter 8 : Darcy

Mr. Clarke's circulating library had given Darcy two precious hours of quiet and solitude. For indeed, Netherfield Park had known little calm since Caroline Bingley's injury—if it truly was an injury. For to him, it was quite telling that she had refused her brother's offer of calling for the local physician. For a lady who had always seemed to enjoy attention, her refusal convinced Darcy further that she had indeed feigned her injury.

"It is but a sprained ankle, Charles. I would be very much lacking in my domestic abilities if I knew not how to go about handling a minor sprain."

Bingley had not insisted otherwise, and had left his sister to her wishes.

But feigned or not, she had spent her days indoors, seated here and there, foot elevated. It both bothered and repelled him that she would continually draw his attention to her bound ankle, all the while aware that her skirts were arranged slightly higher than necessary.

On one unavoidable occasion, when it was too late for Darcy to realize that Bingley nor any footmen were, suspiciously, not about, he had been forced to carry her from the sitting room to the library—the two rooms farthest from each other in that part of the house. Darcy had gritted his teeth. Thinking fast, he had called upon two housemaids whom he had passed as they had been going about their duties. He instructed the servants to walk alongside them, with the pretense of telling one to make sure her mistress' foot did not hit anything on their way, and the other to assure that all doors and openings were kept clear and unobstructed for them. Darcy continually gave instructions to both servants that Caroline Bingley had not a second to speak. Darcy had congratulated himself on his ingenuity, even Miss Elizabeth Bennet could not do any better than that, he had thought smiling.

It would seem that he had become quite adept at handling Caroline Bingley. But of course all assistance was always welcome, especially if it came from a certain lady with fine, intelligent eyes. Chuckling to himself, he recalled how even Bingley had unknowingly thwarted his sister's plans, plans that Darcy had seen right through. As a form of gratitude, Darcy had bought two new books as a gift for Bingley to add to his now somewhat improved library collection. He did not, of course, inform his friend of the reason behind the gift.

"For your collection." Darcy had said plainly.

"I thank you, old man!" Bingley scanned the books, a grin on his face. "Admit it, Darcy, Netherfield is growing on you."

Looking at his pocket watch, he was reminded that his friend was to meet him outside the library in a quarter of an hour. Marking his place in the book, he stood up from the reading alcove, its existence he knew of thanks to Elizabeth Bennet. Instinctively he turned to look at the display table he had hid under on that unforgettable day.

Had he really fit under it? He touched the top of his head remembering how he had hit it against the table.

It started as a small smile, and then as his mind raced to the events following that incident, his faced was charmingly changed due to a huge, silly grin. Try as he might—for indeed he had no plans to—with Elizabeth, he would never be able to revert to his usual mode when discouraging attention, it would never work on her. He would never appear proud nor aloof to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She would never believe it—indeed, it seemed that she never had.

Remembering how, barely a month ago, he had been planning on cutting his stay at Netherfield short. He was honest enough with himself that it was Elizabeth Bennet that had influenced his change of plans.

His plans. He could not imagine now making plans without her to consider. The gravity of that line of thought had until recently, disturbed him, and so he had pushed it aside, pretended it nonexistent. But alas, that fateful walk from Oakham Mount told him that he could no longer play the blind and deaf man. He wanted her to be a part of his life. Not a friend, no longer just a friend, he wanted more. He had stolen from her, for goodness' sake! Like a silly schoolboy, he kept her hairpin near his bed.

For the first time in his adulthood, he had started to really envision his future. Because now there was a face to go with the form that he had always seen in his dreams, in his hopes. And he hoped, indeed he felt, that she might return his feelings as well.

The sound of the library door opening disrupted Darcy's thoughts. He smiled as he heard Bingley's voice greet Mr. Clark a good afternoon. He saw the older man point to his direction. Darcy had started to stand when the sound of the door opening yet again caught both gentlemen's attention.

Miss Jane Bennet, with her usual gentle manner, entered the establishment. This, predictably, detracted Bingley from his initial direction. Chuckling, Darcy heard his friend's eager greetings. Bingley, you are about as subtle as a pup! He went to them and bowed at the lady.

"We have come on an errand for my father." Jane explained with a smile. "We have come to collect his new books."

"We?" Darcy looked behind her expectantly out the window.

"Lizzy is in the carriage, she was given permission from Mama to join me so long as remain seated in the carriage."

He looked at the carriage waiting across the street, his eyes fixed on the form of Elizabeth. Through the window, he could make her out, a smile on her face. A similar smile lifted the corners of his lips.

"It must be quite trying for anyone to stay still indoors for such a period of time." Bingley told Jane.

"Yes, that is especially true of Lizzy. She loves the outdoors very much."

"But the ride did not affect her ankle's recovery, I hope?" Darcy asked concerned, forcing his attention back to the conversation before him.

"Indeed no, I thank you for your concern, Mr. Darcy. We travelled at a slow pace, and our coachman knows of all bumps and holes to avoid along the Meryton Road."

Mr. Clarke made a small coughing sound, politely interrupting them.

"Good afternoon, Miss Bennet, I have here Mr. Bennet's books. Have you come for them?"

Bingley offered to carry the books for Jane and after taking leave of Mr. Clarke, the three proceeded to step out.

"Let us go to Miss Elizabeth. May we go with you, Miss Bennet?" Bingley asked smilingly.

Although it was very clear to Darcy that his friend's primary reason for his suggestion was to extend this unexpected time with Jane Bennet, Darcy was not one to say otherwise, he eagerly proceeded to the door.

Darcy stepped out and held the door open for Jane Bennet. They crossed to the Bennet carriage, the lady calling out to her sister as they approached. Darcy and Bingley walked directly behind her.

"Lizzy, look who were visiting Mr. Clarke's library as well." Jane said demurely.

Both gentlemen bowed at Elizabeth.

"Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth." Bingley greeted her warmly. "I trust we find you well? It is good to see you out and about."

Darcy tried to catch Elizabeth's gaze, and was confused when she did not meet his eye. She had an unreadable expression on her face as she smiled in reply to Bingley's inquiry. Indeed, Darcy had never seen that expression on her face before.

Somewhat concerned, Darcy moved slightly towards the carriage.

"Pray, are you alright, Miss Elizabeth?"

Moving nearer still, he stopped just outside the carriage window. Elizabeth was staring at his face, suddenly feeling self-conscious, he wondered if he had dirt on his chin. It would not be the first time she had called him out on an untidiness, he smiled inwardly, recalling her lending him her pocket mirror so that he could fix his hair.

Before he could utter a jest about the memory, she jerked her gaze away and replied rather breathlessly.

"Perfectly fine, thank you! It is just, ah, just stuffy in here!"

Concern etched on Darcy's face, to immediately resolve her problem, he continued.

"Allow me to open the door."

Without waiting for her answer, his hand had opened the carriage door.

He was completely unprepared for what he saw. Elizabeth, surprised by his quick actions, sat frozen with her leg resting straight on what seemed to be a makeshift stool, an ankle and a shapely calf exposed by the stocking that had been pulled down. He saw that her skirts did not do much by way of a cover either. What brought him repulsion in Caroline Bingley did quite the opposite now that it was Elizabeth Bennet before him.

For a moment, Darcy could not look away at the glow and smoothness of her skin, he was just a man after all. But decades of gentlemanly breeding soon took over and he jerked his gaze away. Exerting much effort to keep his expression in check, he could not think of a course of action save to pretend that the last few seconds had not happened.

But try as he might, preventing the color that rose in his cheeks was an effort in vain. He heard—more than saw—her hastily covering up her leg.

Conversation, he must make conversation. He stepped back from the door, and cleared his throat.

Jane and Bingley were deep in conversation near the carriage.

"The swelling has gone?" He inquired, still unable to look at Elizabeth's face.

Here, Darcy turned a bright red as he realized his blunder. Of course he knew the answer to his question for he had seen her bare ankle and calf. And by the trimness of her ankle—he had a sudden urge to wrap his hand around her ankle, to feel her warm skin—he knew that the swelling had indeed gone. His lips formed a tight line. You are a blundering idiot!

Sneaking a look at Elizabeth, he saw her nod but otherwise spoke not at all.

He almost sighed with relief when Jane bid Bingley, and then him, a good day.

Both gentlemen watched as the carriage moved on, but only Darcy was left flustered at the events of the past few minutes.

Darcy had elected to stay away from Longbourn the next day. This decision was reached with Elizabeth solely in mind.

He must step back and regulate his feelings. Yesterday he had all but been rendered dumb. Seeing her thus bared—a bared ankle and calf—had left him the impassioned fool. His imagination had run fast. Like a flash of lightning he had imagine other parts of her, skin just as smooth, aglow with—stop! But try as he might, he could not banish the visions from his mind. And so, though it cost him, he had bid Bingley to apologize to the ladies for his absence and locked himself in his chambers. He committed to finishing his correspondence and going over Netherfield's accounts until his eyes glazed over.

When he finally stood from the desk, the sun was descending towards the ground, turning the red in the trees into fire. Darcy stopped by the window, shrugging off his tailcoat, he set it on the chair near him. He braced one hand on the wall and watch day turn into night. How long he stood there looking out, he did not know. All he knew was that he could no longer keep silent in his admiration for Elizabeth Bennet.

Admiration, you fool. Call it by what it is, call it by its name.

Darcy had never been a coward, only an innocent to love. And now he was no longer that.

Tomorrow, he would contrive to see her tomorrow. He would watch her, and try to see if she could perhaps come to see him in the same light.

Darcy left Netherfield Park by noon. Knowing that Bingley would not be free to call at Longbourn for another two hours or more, for he was due to meet his steward, he had decided to go ahead.

Galahad galloped across the countryside, the pace suiting both animal and man. To say that Darcy was nervous, was being kind, for indeed, in his mind, this was the start of his campaign to win Elizabeth's affections.

When he felt that he had better control of his nerves, he slowed Galahad down to a canter. In the distance he could see the copse of trees that he and Bingley frequently stopped in to rest their horses after their exercise. The area was ideal for that purpose for it also had a brook that ran through it. There, horses and men refreshed themselves.

And from there, he knew that Longbourn could be seen, indeed the estate was but a short walk away.

Deciding to stop there first, Darcy directed Galahad towards the area. From where he was, the ground sloped gently upward towards the copse, but because of the rise, Longbourn could not yet be seen. His heart skipped a beat at the thought that he would see Elizabeth soon.

He dismounted from the steed and walked the rest of the way, Galahad in tow. Before entering the copse, Darcy led the horse to the brook that circled out of the trees, there Galahad bent down to the cool waters.

A minute later, reins in hand, he led the steed and maneuvered through the elm and birch trees. As master and steed emerged from the trees, the sound of feminine voices caught his attention. He could not make out the words but for one—Lizzy.

Darcy's hopeful heart dared to take this as a good sign, with a deep breath he cleared the trees. There stood Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas. So she was finally allowed to go on her walks, he chuckled. But the smile that had formed on his face suddenly faltered as he saw Elizabeth's reaction at seeing him.

I have startled her, that is all. He hoped that was all. With a nod of determination to himself, he moved to greet them.

"Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Lucas." He bowed, keeping his smile light.

To Darcy's delighted surprise, Elizabeth reached out and grasped his arm.

"Mr. Darcy!"

Darcy's eyes fixed on her hand on his arm. Curiosity and pleasure widening his smile, he could not help but feel encouraged.

But all too soon Elizabeth withdrew her hand, leaving his arm warm though the touch was but fleeting.

"We had not expected to see you here." Elizabeth said.

Darcy noticed the color in her cheeks, it became her, he thought. The outdoors most definitely complemented her beauty. To be sure, it seemed that one could not keep her away from her fields and vistas.

"Miss Elizabeth, I had not expected to see you out. You do love your walks." Darcy said, as he shook his head in amusement.

"Indeed, she does, Mr. Darcy!" Charlotte exclaimed, her eyes twinkling. "She loves—"

"Let us walk back, I feel my ankle has quite reached its limit for today."

Suddenly concerned, Darcy looked down at her foot.

"Pray, does it give you pain?"

"No, not quite, sir. It is just that I–I promised Mama not to overwork it."

"Yes, better to be careful."

Darcy though he heard Charlotte Lucas giggle, but he could not be sure. Perhaps it was a cough. She certainly looked as if she was holding back another cough.

"Are you quite alright, Miss Lucas?"

"Oh yes, I am in excellent health, Mr. Darcy. Thank you."

Darcy bowed at her enthusiastic answer. Turning his attention back to Elizabeth, he continued.

"Perhaps it would be best if you ride Galahad back to Longbourn? He is a good boy and listens to his master." He patted the horse's neck and smiled at Elizabeth. "Then I may tell Mrs. Bennet that you have kept your promise."

Expecting to have to convince Elizabeth, for her hard-headed attempt to refuse all help upon the onset of her injury was still fresh in Darcy's mind, he was very much surprised to hear her easy acquiescence to his suggestion.

And so it was that Darcy assisted her in mounting Galahad. His hands wrapped around her waist, he lifted her off the ground and unto the saddle, her hands rested on his shoulders. Her small gasp as she was lifted up did strange things to his heart.

If Elizabeth noticed that his hands shook slightly as they left her waist, he was thankful that she said not a word. In fact, he found her uncommonly silent as they headed back to Longbourn. Attributing it to fatigue, he kept silent as well.

Miss Lucas, on the other hand, appeared to be struggling with sudden fits of coughing. Asking the lady once again if she was well, Charlotte Lucas merely nodded, but the redness of her face convinced Darcy otherwise.

A/N:

There, I give you Darcy's point of view. Sorry to disappoint some of you, but I was not quite ready yet to have him learn of Elizabeth's feelings. I have something planned there, do not worry! But first-a ball!

I love Charlotte Lucas. As the only person in canon to have seen Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth at the beginning, I think she should be credited more. :)

You must have noticed the significant absence of a certain Mr. W, I will tell you now that he will not be making an appearance in this story, at least that is what I plan as of now.

Sending out my warmest thank you's to your kind reviews, they never fail to make me smile. Be safe, everyone! Be kind! :)