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Chapter 3
When the carriage rumbled into London, Elizabeth began to feel the burden of what she knew and how she would impart the sad news to her sister. On the other hand, she wished that she could just jump out of the vehicle and race to Darcy House immediately.
They finally passed her uncle's warehouse when the children began to bounce upon the seats. Their excitement at finally being able to leave the carriage and get home was almost more than they could contain. Inwardly, while having nearly the same eagerness to end the journey, Elizabeth felt not joyful but slightly ill.
Arriving in front of the house, they found the nanny and a footman standing upon the steps, smiling in welcome. The children were allowed to exit first, and they ran to their long time nurse, hugging her and talking over each other, keen to be heard. The servant herded them into the house as the adults followed more slowly.
Nanny Alice had already promised the children that a treat was waiting for them in the nursery. At this news, they obediently followed her up the stairs.
Mr. Gardiner said, "I am going to clean off the travel dust and maybe have a cup of tea, after which I shall walk to the warehouse to see how things are going. I hope you ladies will forgive me for abandoning you so soon after we have arrived."
"I believe we can forgive you if you are not late for dinner," Mrs. Gardiner answered with a laugh.
With a big grin, he left for his chambers.
Mrs. Gardiner turned to the sisters and ordered, "Please go to your usual rooms and refresh yourselves, but do not tarry, Elizabeth, as I would know what you are keeping from us."
Lizzy sighed, but nodded her agreement and left for the bed chamber she always used.
The room was as cheerful and comfortable as hers at home, and in some ways, it was even more so. The walls were painted a lively shade of yellow which always reminded Elizabeth of summer sunshine. The bedding was turned down in welcome, and at the end of the bed, lay a quilt made of a variety of fabrics of harmonizing colours.
She did not take long to make herself presentable, since she wanted to be off to Darcy house as soon as she could. Elizabeth pulled Georgiana's letter from her reticule and moved into the corridor where she met Jane just opening her own door.
The sisters walked together down the stairs to the parlour where their aunt waited for them.
Once they were seated, Elizabeth wished that she did not have to share her news. She was certain her sister would be heart broken. However, Lizzy's own concern for Mr. Darcy ruled her thoughts, so she began, "Yesterday, I received a letter from Miss Darcy. It came by express while I was on my morning walk."
Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth continued, "Two days before Christmas on their way home from a concert, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. and Miss Bingley were in a terrible carriage accident."
Elizabeth stopped at Jane's gasp and took her hand. "I am grieved to tell you that both of the Bingleys were killed instantly, and Mr. Darcy is seriously injured."
Jane's face turned so pale that Elizabeth thought she would faint. When she wrapped her arms around her elder sister, Jane dissolved into tears, weeping so hard that she would hardly breathe. Lizzy tried to soothe her as best as she could, but it was several moments before Jane calmed even a little bit.
Pulling back, Elizabeth looked to her aunt who seemed to be fighting tears herself. "Aunt, could Jane have some sherry? I believe it might help."
Mrs. Gardiner quickly rang for a maid and ordered her to bring a glass of sherry. The servant was quick with her work and returned within a minute.
Elizabeth assisted Jane in drinking the sherry, and soon colour and some calmness returned to her. "It pains me to have to tell you, but I could not keep it from you any longer. If it is any consolation, Miss Darcy wrote that the gentlemen planned to return to Hertfordshire the day after Christmas. She mentioned a letter that our father should have received. I wondered what could have happened to it."
Pulling back from her sister and with a spark of anger in her eyes, Jane cried out, "Are you telling you knew this yesterday, and did not tell me?"
"I did, but I knew that if I told you there would be no peace for you with our mother as your comfort," Elizabeth quickly explained. "I thought that Mama might even keep you from leaving with our aunt and uncle."
"Lizzy is right, Jane," Aunt Gardiner added her opinion. "Your mother surely would have acted as if she had lost a loved one, and would have likely insisted that you be with her at all times."
With tears flowing down her cheeks, Jane said, "Pardon my outburst, but you should have told me, Lizzy."
"I was trying to protect you." Hesitating only for a moment, Elizabeth explained further, "I have another reason for not speaking of it and coming to London, beside what I said before."
Both pairs of eyes turned to her, and she continued, "Miss Darcy has asked me to come to her home."
"Why would a young woman you have never met ask you to visit her?" her aunt asked her.
"She informed me her brother has been calling out for me in his delirium. The doctor said that his thrashing about could do him great harm. It was Miss Darcy's hope my presence might calm and give him peace."
"You have planned to go there from the start?" Jane was shocked.
Elizabeth faced her sister with resolve. "I did. I shall go, and I wish to do so immediately."
Addressing Mrs. Gardiner, Lizzy asked, "Aunt, would you please arrange transportation for me and provide a maid to attend me?"
Mrs. Gardiner gazed intently at Elizabeth, and her niece's countenance never wavered. Resigned, her aunt nodded and rang for a servant. She gave instructions to the maid when she arrived, telling her to order the carriage to be readied and to be prepared to accompany her niece to her destination.
"Is there anyway I might be of assistance." Her aunt's tone was still sad, but sympathetic.
"I do appreciate the offer, but since I alone was invited by Miss Darcy, I am of the opinion that I should go by myself this time. If I find there is a need for my continued presence, I shall ask if you or Jane could attend me."
Jane spoke to her aunt. "Will you excuse me? I wish to lie down."
"Of course, my dear," Mrs. Gardiner agreed as she rose and embraced Jane.
With grief apparent on her countenance, Jane quickly left the room.
"I am sorry that I had to keep this from you both, but I could not think of another way."
"You should have been more open with me, but I will not scold you. It is obvious that you too are worried about Mr. Darcy. I had no idea that you were so close. Everyone in your family seemed to think that you disliked him."
"I would not say that we were anything but friends when he left Hertfordshire, but I could not say no to Miss Darcy. I have to do what I can to assist. Hopefully Mr. Darcy will recover from his injuries." The passion in Elizabeth's voice told her aunt more than her words did.
"Very well, Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner said resignedly.
Within a quarter hour, Elizabeth was on her way to Darcy House. Every part of her cried out for the carriage to hurry. Thoughts and fears that Mr. Darcy would die before she could attend him made her eyes sting with unshed tears. However, she would not allow them to fall. If and when she found she was too late, there would be time enough for weeping.
As the carriage pulled to a stop in front of Darcy House, Elizabeth, who would at another time enjoyed the beauty of the building, found it intimidating. How did she dare impose on these people during such a tragic time? A groom opened the door and put out a step for her.
"Miss Bennet, do you wish to disembark?" the young man asked timidly.
It was then that her courage rose to banish the fear that had tried to overwhelm her. Elizabeth smiled and put her hand in the groom's and left the carriage. Walking steadily up the front steps, she noticed that the knocker was not on the door. She would have turned around at the point, but she did have an invitation from Miss Darcy. With her gloved hand, she knocked as hard as she could. The sound was muffled, but soon the door opened a crack.
A stiff looking man, obviously the butler, asked coldly, "May I help you?"
"Miss Darcy asked me to call. I am Elizabeth Bennet," she explained in a timid voice.
The butler's stern expression relaxed. "Please do come in, Miss Darcy is expecting you."
A moment later as the butler helped her remove her pelisse and took her bonnet from her hand, Elizabeth heard light footsteps on the stairs.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" the young woman asked eagerly. She was younger than Elizabeth with golden hair and the same striking blue eyes as Mr. Darcy.
"Yes," Elizabeth answered with a soft smile.
"I am Georgiana Darcy, and I am so glad you came." Miss Darcy reached out her hands to Elizabeth and squeezed when Lizzy took them. "I suppose you will wish to refresh yourself before we go to my brother."
"I need no refreshing at the moment. I am ready to see Mr. Darcy."
Georgiana looked relieved as they continued their way to her brother's rooms. "Our family physician is with him now, and he was very pleased to know that you would be coming. Mr. Prichard is very concerned about my brother's state of mind. Also, his thrashing about has reopened some of his wounds. I believe the doctor wishes to speak to you before you see my brother."
Pale with worry, Elizabeth did not reply. What could she say or do to help the situation? She had never felt so helpless. Praying that her presence could be of at least some benefit, she picked up her pace.
A door opened in the corridor, and a distinguished older man stepped out. He smiled politely and bowed when he spied the two young ladies. "Do I have the honour of meeting Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"
"Yes, Mr. Pritchard, allow me to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Georgiana said quickly. "How is my brother?"
"Resting quietly at the moment," he answered. "Let us go into the sitting room, so that I can prepare you for what you will experience, Miss Bennet."
The group quickly made their way into the small sitting room opposite Mr. Darcy's chambers. After they were seated, the doctor began with a description of the injuries. "Besides his broken bones and head wound, he has many cuts and abrasions. One eye is swollen closed at the moment. I am certain that if he survives, his face will likely be scarred."
Covering her mouth with her hand, Elizabeth stifled a gasp. Georgiana took her free hand and squeezed it. "It takes a bit of getting used to, seeing him so badly hurt, but it was his torment at you not being here that nearly broke my heart. Now you are here, I am hopeful once more."
Mr. Pritchard said, "I trust I am not speaking out of turn when I tell you that Mr. Darcy cares a great deal for you, Miss Bennet. In his delirium, he has talked of love."
"Oh yes," Georgiana agreed, "Before his accident, my brother was just waiting to hear back from your father about beginning a courtship. He was not too worried that he did not receive word because he had heard that your father was an indifferent correspondent."
"My father never received a letter from Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth said, choking back tears. "I never knew."
Georgiana wrapped her arms around Elizabeth. "It must have gotten lost in the post. I am so sorry, Miss Bennet."
Retrieving her handkerchief, Elizabeth wiped her eyes and said, "Please call me Elizabeth or Lizzy. My elder sister is Miss Bennet."
Smiling, Georgiana agreed and asked to be called by her Christian name as well.
At that moment, an older woman knocked on the door and was bid to enter.
Mr. Pritchard stood and asked, "What is it, Mrs. Whitehead?"
"Mr. Darcy has called out 'Elizabeth' for several minutes now and is becoming quite agitated. I cannot calm him. Please do come."
"Come, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Pritchard ordered gently. "It is time."
Elizabeth's heart pounded so loudly in her ears that she could barely hear the doctor's words, but she wanted to see Mr. Darcy. Swallowing back the fear, she nodded and followed the gentleman with Georgiana.
Inside the curtains to his chambers were drawn so the place seemed dimly lit for daytime. An older woman who must have been another nurse stood aside as the three came close to the bed.
At the moment, Mr. Darcy lay still against the sheets, his splinted leg elevated and his broken arm wrapped close to his body. A large bandage covered most of the top of his head and part of his face while the rest sported deep bruises visible even under several days' worth of beard.
It took all of her inner strength not to cry out at the sight, but Elizabeth held on to the very fact that he was still alive. Moving closer to the prone figure, she sat in the vacant chair.
"You might try speaking to him, to let him know you are here," the doctor suggested.
At first, her throat felt so thick, no sound would come, so Elizabeth coughed to clear it. Finally she was able to speak just above a whisper, "Mr. Darcy, it is I, Elizabeth Bennet. I have come to see you."
"Elizabeth?" Darcy croaked out her name as he seemed to be trying to open his eyes. Once he had one halfway open, he tried to smile and reach for her hand. "I thought you would never come. Why did you take so long?"
"I came as soon as I could once I heard of your accident."
"Forgive me, dearest, I know the journey can be a long one. Are the children with you?"
"Children?" Elizabeth looked at the others for answers, but their expressions were as confused as her own.
Darcy sighed and said, "Of course, you left them at home. It would have been very difficult to travel quickly with those two."
The bewilderment on Elizabeth's face was mirrored around the room. She looked at the doctor, hoping he might be able to explain why Mr. Darcy was saying these things.
With a subtle shake of his head, Pritchard took a step forward. "Mr. Darcy, I believe that you should take some nourishment. We have some broth and sweetened tea for you."
Nurse Whitehead lifted a bowl from the tray next to the bed, ready to feed the patient, but Mr. Darcy turned his head away.
"I want my wife to assist me, now that she is here," Darcy insisted.
"Miss Elizabeth is not a nurse," the doctor protested.
"My wife has cared for her sister when she was ill, and our children have benefited from her skills in that area as well."
As if he had just noticed how Pritchard had addressed her, Darcy asked, "Why do you call her, Miss Elizabeth? She is Mrs. Darcy."
"I asked him to call me Elizabeth," she answered quickly. "You know that I do not care for the formality. Mr. Pritchard was uncomfortable with that, so he used Miss. He means no disrespect, I am certain."
As she spoke, Elizabeth lifted a spoonful of broth to Darcy's mouth. He dutifully took it and several more before she helped him to take sips of tea. It did not take long for Mr. Darcy to begin to tire.
"No more please," he stifled a painful yawn. "I am very sleepy."
"You did well with the broth and tea," the doctor complimented. "If you continue in this way for the next few days, you might have some solid food. Now, I must ask everyone but the nurse to leave, so that my patient can rest after he takes his medicine."
Georgiana and Elizabeth stood to do as ordered but Mr. Darcy said, "No, Elizabeth, do not leave me."
"William, Elizabeth has not had time to rest from her journey," Georgiana said softly. "Allow her to rest while you do."
Mr. Darcy seemed to ponder this and searched Elizabeth's face. Even in his bewildered state, he could see the fatigue and weariness on her face. Heaving out a breath, he conceded, "You do look quite done in, my love. You must rest. I will be fine until then."
"Sleep well," Elizabeth whispered as she left the room, followed by Georgiana.
Fatigue and confusion warred within her as Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears. She hastened to the now empty sitting room and nearly collapsed onto a sofa. Lifting her hands to her face, she began to sob. Her worry for his mental state was foremost in her mind. He wove such a lovely fantasy for them. If only it could be true. It was at that moment, she knew that she loved Fitzwilliam Darcy and would do everything in her power to help him return to his normal self, even if he did not return her love once that happened.
Just as she thought her heart would break at the thought, she felt Georgiana's arms around her. The comfort of someone who loved him and seemed to care for her own well-being warmed her. She was not alone. This sweet young girl needed her as well.
Swallowing back the remaining tears, Elizabeth pulled back slightly and gave Georgiana a weak smile. "I am so sorry. I am usually under better control of my emotions."
"Do not apologize," Georgiana whispered with compassion. "I worried that you would leave as soon as we heard his delusion. I admit to being frightened, but I can see that you care deeply for my brother, as he obviously does for you. I am as hopeful as I have been since before the accident."
"Your brother would be very proud of you," Elizabeth said as she kissed the younger girl's cheek. "I know I am. As you likely know, I have four sisters, and one is close to your age. She does not have the maturity you do."
Georgiana was about to speak when footsteps were heard outside the door.
"I hope this is the famous, lovely Miss Elizabeth that my cousin Darcy has been telling us about." A tall soldier bowed as he entered the room.
"Richard!" Georgiana exclaimed and rushed into his arms. Pink with embarrassment, she moved back. "I am sorry, Elizabeth. This is my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."
Elizabeth curtseyed. "It is good to meet you, sir."
"Have you seen Darcy?" he asked bluntly.
"I have," was her only reply.
The colonel looked from one young lady to the other, concerned that his cousin was worse. "What is wrong? Did he take a negative turn?"
"Not exactly," Mr. Pritchard said as he entered the room and closed the door.
"What can you mean?" Richard demanded.