Chap 29- Back to Longbourn
"Elizabeth, I love you. You made me a better man. I love you, Elizabeth."
"I love you too, Mr Darcy."
It was the most beautiful feeling to be held by him. So close, that Elizabeth felt his heartbeat. She closed her eyes and smiled. She loved him, respected him, and admired his character. She felt safe in his arms.
Suddenly everything when dark. She felt cold. She was in pain. She searched for him. "Mr Darcy! Mr Darcy! Where are you?"
She opened her eyes.
She saw no sign of him. The room was dimly lit with candles. She could not recollect where she was. She saw a maid asleep on the chair. She remembered everything now. She was at Netherfield.
It was a dream. Oh! God! It was just a dream. It felt so real. How I wish? I heard him say that he loved me.
Tears streamed down her eyes. She had sent Jane way to get some rest. A maid was looking after her for the night. She felt lonely. Her father's visit had unsettled her. And after learning about Darcy's intention to offer for her, she was confused beyond measure.
She wondered what his thoughts would be. She wondered where he would be.
He must be in the library. How I wish I could see him. But what would I say? Mr Darcy, I love you, but if you propose, I cannot accept.
She laughed at herself. The night passed with tormenting thoughts. She did not know what was in store for her.
The next day she tried to get up and walk. She felt weak. Jane helped her. Georgiana and Mrs Hurst visited her. Darcy asked Jane if he could see her.
Jane knew that Elizabeth wanted to see him too. She asked her if she wanted to go to the parlour to meet him.
"No, Jane. I do not want to see him now."
"Lizzy, he has been asking for you? He may want to speak with you."
"That is the problem, Jane. What if he offers for me? I cannot endure that."
"You assume too much. He was most worried about you until you woke up. He looks so distraught and unhappy."
"I know. He doesn't deserve it. And he doesn't deserve to marry me, just because I saved his sister. I cannot forgive myself if I put him in such a position. I am sure he was humiliated enough by papa."
"It is going to be all right. Do not worry." Jane did not want to press her sister.
"I want to go back to Longbourn. I am feeling better. Let us leave tomorrow."
"I will ask Dr James. You are strong Lizzy. Do not allow your mind to weaken you. You will be back to your old self soon."
No Jane. I will never be able to go back to my old self.
Darcy on the other hand was agitated. He wanted to see her so badly that it made him angry. He did not have patience for anything or anyone. He upset Georgiana by asking her to leave for London.
"You need to watch yourself. You cannot get angry at everyone because you are angry at yourself." Richard said.
"What do you expect me to do. I know I am not in a great temperament now. That is why I want Georgiana to go back."
"Have a heart Darcy, she adores Miss Elizabeth. Do you think she can just pack and leave?"
Darcy was irritated. He had not seen Elizabeth since the night in her room. Jane had told him that she was walking. He hoped that she would walk out of her room, but it seemed as if she stayed inside on purpose.
Maybe she heard my intentions from her father. That may be the reason for avoiding me.
He could not sleep. He could not eat. His mind was in a turmoil. He had always been a master of himself until he had met her. And every growing moment his love for her increased.
The next day Jane forced Elizabeth to come out of her room. Georgina and Jane took her to the parlour. Elizabeth was apprehensive about meeting Darcy. To her relief, there was no sign of him. She sat by the fireplace.
I need to bring William here. He needs to see her. Georgiana thought and left the room to get Darcy.
Darcy made up his mind. It is better late than never to talk to her and clear things. I need to know why she is avoiding me as such.
As he entered the room and he stopped abruptly. He could not believe his eyes.
He saw Mrs Bennet and the rest of Elizabeth's sisters sitting around her.
Elizabeth was shocked to see him. He looked at her keenly. Her bright eyes lacked sparkle in them.
After inquiries made, he sat at a chair far away from Elizabeth. He saw her flooded by questions from her mother.
"Lizzy, your father vexes me without telling me any details. What happened at the picnic? Oh! Mrs Lucas thinks I am hiding something from her. Tell me. Did you climb a tree as you usually do?"
Darcy watched Elizabeth's face redden. Georgiana was pretty uncomfortable as well.
"Mamma, it is not wise to upset Lizzy talking about it. She has recovered now."
"She looks pale. Look at the size of that wound. It is bound to leave a scar. It is such a shame."
Elizabeth was embarrassed. She could not look at Darcy in the eye. She knew that his gaze was fixed on her.
Darcy lost all hope of speaking with Elizabeth in privacy.
Mrs Bennet being oblivious of the situation, ranted away happily. Darcy was extremely uncomfortable. He did not want to get up and leave. Luckily, Mr Bingley and the colonel joined them. Darcy immediately saw Jane's face lit up once she saw Bingley. He looked at Elizabeth, and she seemed to be looking in all directions except toward him.
She hates me. I am back to where I was two weeks ago. Oh! God!
Elizabeth was relieved when her mother directed her attention towards Jane and Bingley.
She stole a moment to glance at Darcy. She saw an expression of displeasure.
He hates me. He must hate me. I have avoided him and insulted him. Oh! God!
By the time Mrs Bennet left, Darcy and Elizabeth were so tired of their thoughts and had not said a word to each other.
Georgiana felt sorry for her brother.
"William, I am sorry. I did not know Mrs Bennet was planning to visit Lizzy. She is getting better. You can speak with her tomorrow."
"Georgi, I do not think Miss Elizabeth wants to have a conversation with me. I do not wish to trouble her. Do not ask her anything."
He left to his room.
A couple of days passed in the same manner. Elizabeth was better.
She pressed Dr. James to allow her to go back home. She promised him that she would rest well.
Finally, the day came when Elizabeth and Jane had to leave Netherfield. Sadness engulfed Darcy. Georgiana cried.
"Georgiana, please do not cry. You can visit me in Longbourn."
"Lizzy, I will miss you. William wants to send me back to London."
"Really?"
"Yes. He is upset off late. He wants me to go along with Richard."
"When are you leaving?"
"I do not know. Will you come to Pemberley?"
Elizabeth felt sorry to disappoint Georgiana.
"I do not know Georgiana. We can write to each other. We will stay friends no matter what happens."
They hugged each other.
Darcy watched Elizabeth come down the stairs, supported by Jane and Georgiana. She had a shawl wrapped around her to hide the bandage on her shoulder.
Darcy looked at her earnestly. Elizabeth look at me.
She felt weak the moment she saw Darcy. She kept her eyes on the stairs and reached the bottom.
They curtsied most formally.
"Eli...Miss Elizabeth, I hope you are feeling better."
"Thank you, sir. Yes, I do."
Before they could speak anything else, the others joined them. Darcy watched in agony as she left Netherfield.
He looked at the carriage ride away. He was broken.
He distinctly remembered the day she walked into Netherfield to look after her sister. Her beautiful eyes, her laugh, her anger, and her kindness.
When he walked back to the house, he felt a sense of emptiness that he could not describe. Elizabeth was moved to tears as she saw Darcy turn walk into the house as the carriage sped away. Jane did not realise the emotions felt by her sister.
They traveled to Longbourn in silence. They never realised that there was a new addition to Longbourn waiting for them. Yes! Never!
