A/N: Thank you for the reviews. It was very exciting to see that people are reading my story. I'll be tying up a lot of loose ends in this chapter regarding Jane so no Darcy and Elizabeth interaction, sorry. Next chapter, Darcy is off to see Mr. Bennet.
Elizabeth spent a long and tearful night at her sister's bedside. Jane was in and out of consciousness but did recognize her sister. She squeezed Elizabeth's hand briefly and whispered her name. Mrs. Gardiner told Elizabeth all she did not include in her express and informed her of the instructions the local apothecary had given them. Apparently, all they could do was wait. Elizabeth was exhausted and fell into a deep sleep in a chair next to Jane's bed. There was no discussion between Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner regarding her journey to London or anything else for that matter.
Mr. Bingley appeared at the doorstep of the Gardiner's home before the family had risen from bed for the day. He was obviously distressed and the footman took pity on him and showed him into the parlor and went to wake Mr. Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner took his time in meeting with Mr. Bingley. He was quite angry with the young man for causing his dear niece such anguish and could not image why the man had called at such an inappropriate hour.
At long last, Mr. Gardiner entered the parlor to see a pale and shaken young man pacing the length of the room. After a perfunctory and somewhat cold introduction, Mr. Gardiner asked Mr. Bingley to explain in his presence in his home.
"Mr. Gardiner, I apologize for the hour but I could wait no longer. I would have come last night but Darcy persuaded me to wait. I have been informed that Miss Bennet is very ill. I need to know, will she survive? Is there anything I can do at all?" Bingley stuttered.
In the back of his mind Mr. Gardiner wondered what Mr. Darcy had to do with Mr. Bingley's appearance in home but that was a thought for another time. "I believe you have done enough young man." Mr. Gardiner replied sternly
Before any further conversation could take place, the footman showed a man into the parlor introducing him as Doctor Peterson. Mr. Gardiner graciously thanked the doctor for coming and directed him to his niece's chamber.
As he left the room, he turned to Mr. Bingley and practically growled, "You will remain here while I show the physician to Jane. It seems we have much to discuss."
A white-faced Bingley nodded to Mr. Gardiner and continued his pacing. The other two men climbed the stairs and entered Jane's bedchamber. Mr. Gardiner gently woke Elizabeth and pulled her into a warm embrace. He introduced Doctor Peterson who immediately began to examine Jane.
Mr. Gardiner took Elizabeth to the side. "Elizabeth, I am so glad to see you here safely. Your presence will do wonders for our Jane. You look exhausted my dear. Are you well yourself?" he asked.
"Uncle, I am fine, just very tired. I have been frantic about Jane and the journey was trying to say the least." she replied.
"Yes, your journey, we will speak about it later." Mr. Gardiner replied sternly. "For now, let's focus on Jane. You should know that Mr. Bingley is in our parlor. He arrived at day break. Although, I have no sympathy for him at present he appears to be very worried. Do you think I should send him from the house? I am hardly in a temper to allow the man who caused your sister's distress to remain a guest in my home."
Mr. Darcy had kept his word. He really meant to go through with this farce of a marriage. Elizabeth was agitated knowing what Mr. Bingley's appearance meant for her but relieved for Jane at the same time. Darcy must have gone to Bingley directly after he left her at the Gardiners. Her mind was in upheaval. How should she behave? She was not happy with Mr. Bingley in the least but knew the greatest part of the blame rested with Darcy. She decided she would remain civil to Mr. Bingley for Jane's sake. She also said a prayer that Mr. Darcy did not accompany him to the Gardiner's. She was not ready to face Mr. Darcy with any sort of equanimity especially not knowing what he had told her uncle.
"No, uncle, please let him stay. I believe knowing what he is about can only help us with Jane's situation at present. I don't believe this quagmire is completely his fault. There are others to blame." she replied.
"Of whom do you speak Elizabeth? Bingley is a grown man and should take responsibility for his actions." answered Mr. Gardiner rather forcefully.
At that moment, Mrs. Gardiner entered the room and Doctor Peterson approached the group. "Miss Bennet will recover. Without a doubt, she took too much laudanum but not nearly a fatal dose. Her breathing is good and she has had no other physical symptoms that would indicate an overdose. She was able to respond briefly to my questions and is coherent though very weak. I recommend rest and nourishment. She must be forced to eat and drink to regain her strength. I also feel as soon as she can get out of bed she should be encouraged to walk short distances and occupy her mind with small tasks. Keeping to her bed and brooding will not speed her recovery. She should not have been allowed any laudanum in the first place! I don't not believe she was ever in any physical pain. Laudanum should never be used as a cure for emotional pain. It can lead to addiction and worse. I will return tomorrow, with your permission, to check on Ms. Bennet." the doctor instructed.
"Thank you Doctor Peterson. Please tell me how much to reimburse you for your visit today." Mr. Gardiner replied.
"It has already been taken care of Mr. Gardiner. I will take my leave now. Good morning ladies." Doctor Peterson bowed and left the room.
"Who took care of the doctor's fee?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.
"It must have been Mr. Bingley." Elizabeth suggested.
"Are you quite sure of that my dear?" Mr. Gardiner questioned with a raised eyebrow.
Elizabeth was too overwhelmed to recognize her uncle's subtle hint. "Of course, who else could it be? You did say when he arrived Mr. Bingley was here." she replied.
"Perhaps", said her uncle but did not say more due to his strange promise to Mr. Darcy. "Let us proceed downstairs and deal with this Bingley fellow. Elizabeth freshen up and join me please. Margaret, would you stay with Jane. I will explain everything to you later." Mr. Gardiner instructed.
"Of course," Mrs. Gardiner replied. "I am so relieved that Jane's prognosis is a good one. I don't believe I have ever been so frightened in my life. Elizabeth before you go, do you think I should send word to your parents? We decided to wait until we had more information so as not to throw your mother into hysterics."
"Yes aunt, I think that was a good decision. Perhaps you should write that Jane was ill and is under the care of a physician and improving. I believe a vague explanation will suffice for now. I truly hope that Mr. Collins did not write to them. I tried to say very little at the parsonage before my departure but Charlotte would have had to tell him something. He surely would have exaggerated the state of affairs and troubled my family needlessly." Elizabeth suggested.
"I agree, I will write to your father at once." her aunt replied.
After Elizabeth made herself presentable, she and her uncle proceeded to the parlor. Mr. Bingley was waiting at the door. Elizabeth greeted him politely but coolly.
"What news Miss Elizabeth? How is Jane, excuse me, Miss Bennet? Will she survive?" Mr. Bingley nearly shouted.
"Mr. Bingley, Jane will recover, thank goodness. I must ask however why do you believe it is any concern of yours?" Mr. Gardiner countered harshly.
"I, I, I, am greatly concerned with Miss Bennet's welfare. She came to mean much to me when I resided at Netherfield." he stammered.
"So much that you left Netherfield with no word to her and did not call on her once in the past three months that she has been in town. She took your desertion most cruelly and I think you have much for which to answer. My niece did not deserve to be trifled with and humiliated in such a manner. Jane and the entire neighborhood had expectations due to your preferential behavior. You have proven yourself to be quite fickle. I must ask you to leave my home and not return. You are obviously not good for my niece, you have broken her heart." Mr. Gardiner added bitterly.
"No, please, let me explain." pleaded Mr. Bingley. "I did not know of her presence in town or of her illness until late last night. I had no idea she was here. I left Netherfield to save my own heart. When I learned that Miss Bennet was not fond of me I was crushed. I had believed she sincerely cared for me but was told I was mistaken. I was a coward and could not face her rejection. Please give me another chance to prove myself!" Mr. Bingley begged.
"Mr. Bingley, are you going to stand here and lie to me in my own home? How could you not know my niece was in town? She visited your sisters and Miss Bingley returned the call, albeit quite brusquely. During her call, Miss Bingley made it perfectly clear she wished no further acquaintance with Jane. Jane took this very badly as well. She thought your sister a friend. Most importantly, what of the fact that you are courting Mr. Darcy's sister while still proclaiming a preference for my niece?" Mr. Gardiner growled at confused young man.
"What? I, how, I? I don't understand. My sisters knew that Miss Bennet was in town?" he cried out.
"Yes, they did. Are you trying to make me believe they did not inform you?" Mr. Gardiner asked.
Now, it was Bingley's turn to growl,. "No sir, I did not. I swear to you they said nothing. On my honor, I am not courting Miss Darcy. She is a child. My sisters may have wished for it to happen but I hold only sisterly affection for Miss Darcy. I am aghast. I cannot believe my sisters would act in such a deceitful manner. This is all very disturbing."
"Can you not Mr. Bingley?" Elizabeth answered somewhat sarcastically. "They, among others, have done all they could to separate you from my sister. The pain that they caused her will never be forgiven, at least not by me."
Mr. Bingley looked close to tears. "I am sorry, sorrier than you will ever know. Please give my best regards to Miss Bennet if you think it will not upset her. I will take my leave now."
"No, Mr. Bingley, please don't go. I am angry but you are not completely at fault here. You were misled by those that you trusted. I wish you would have had more faith in your own judgment but there are others that are culpable, your sisters and others." Elizabeth replied with a frown.
"I agree Mr. Bingley. Although, you are not my favorite person right now I will not ban you from my home. You may call upon Jane and explain the particulars of this situation to her when she recovers. If she sends you away, you shall leave gracefully and never importune her again. It will be Jane's decision." Mr. Gardiner replied.
"Thank you, thank you both. I will never do anything to hurt or upset Miss Bennet again. You have my solemn oath." Bingley replied happily.
"See that you do not!" Mr. Gardiner and Elizabeth said at the same time.
After Bingley left, Mr. Gardiner turned his attention to Elizabeth. "Niece I believe you and I need to have a discussion regarding your mode of travel to London."
Elizabeth paled. She wanted to forget all the events of yesterday. She childishly hoped that if she did not think of them they did not occur. "Uncle please, not now. I am exhausted and when Jane wakes I must inform her about the what we learned from Mr. Bingley. Please grant me a brief reprieve." Elizabeth pleaded.
"Fine my dear. We will talk in the next day or two. Go rest and be with your sister." Mr. Gardiner kindly replied.
"Thank you, sir." Elizabeth replied gratefully. She retired to her chambers and slept for hours. When she awakened, quite refreshed, she headed to Jane's chambers.
Jane was awake and as soon as she saw Elizabeth she cried out, "Oh, Lizzy, I am so happy to see you. I am so sorry for all the trouble I have caused. I don't know what I was thinking. I just wanted to sleep, sleep deeply. I was so very tired. I never thought I this would happen. Please forgive me. I swear I was not trying to take my life. I just wanted some peace."
"Oh, Jane, I do not blame you. I was very worried but all will be well now. You are recovering and we are together. I have much with which to acquaint you. Things that may cause you distress. I will tell you when you are strong enough." Elizabeth replied.
"I am ready now. I have spent far too long feeling sorry for myself and causing pain to my dear family. I owe so much to my aunt and uncle for tolerating my foolishness. I don't deserve such a caring family." Jane cried. "Please tell me whatever you need to tell me. I can handle it, I promise you."
"Are you sure dearest? I do not want to overwhelm you." Elizabeth replied while giving her sister a tight hug.
"I am ready, please talk to me about whatever concerns you." Jane answered.
Elizabeth proceeded to tell her of Bingley's visit and all that was discovered. Jane listened in silence with tears falling down her cheeks. She did not speak for some time and Elizabeth did not force her to respond.
After a few minutes, Jane spoke. "He cared for me this entire time but did not think I cared for him?" she asked.
"Yes dearest, he was convinced you did not return his regard." Elizabeth answered.
"I thought I made myself clear. I was so sure he understood I was pleased with his attentions but in hindsight perhaps I was too reserved. Do you remember the conversation you told me about with Charlotte on the night of the party at Lucas Lodge?"
Elizabeth nodded but did not interrupt her sister.
"Even Charlotte, who knows me so well, did not recognize my esteem for Mr. Bingley. She believed he needed encouragement, more than I was comfortable providing. I was so sure he understood but obviously I was in error. I should have been more direct even it would have been difficult for me to do so." Jane exclaimed with more vehemence than she normally showed.
"Bingley did believe you esteemed him at first but allowed himself to be convinced by others that you did not. Jane, you are reserved but that is part of your charm. You do not need to change your personality to suit others." Elizabeth answered.
"But if I had been more forward so much of this travesty could have been avoided. Things may have been so different now, so much happier." Jane cried.
"Jane, I will speak bluntly. Even if you did provide Mr. Bingley with more encouragement his sisters and his so-called friend still objected to our family, your lack of dowry and connections. They still would have plotted and planned to remove Mr. Bingley from you." Elizabeth stated adamantly.
"Elizabeth after all I have learned, I will not argue with you regarding the perfidy of Mr. Bingley's sisters. They lied to me with no compunction and behaved in an underhanded manner. I have learned a terrible lesson and I am afraid I will not be able to trust others so easily in the future. Life was much simpler when I could believe everyone was good and kind, but I promise you, I will not go back to my old naiveté." Jane replied sorrowfully.
Elizabeth was saddened at her sister's loss of innocence but it was a necessary lesson. She believed Jane would be more discerning in the future and it could only serve to protect her gentle heart.
"So, what do you feel I should do about Mr. Bingley? You say he will call again and wishes to speak to me?" Jane asked.
"I believe he call here until Uncle Gardiner demands his removal from the property." Elizabeth giggled. "How do you feel about that?"
"I am hesitant. I don't know how to feel. I missed him so much and allowed myself to fall into deep despair over his absence. I hurt my beloved family with my selfish behavior and wallowed in my grief. It is soothing in a way to know he still cares for me but I do not wish to become so vulnerable again. I do not know if I can handle such deep feelings. Perhaps this is why many people are comfortable in marriages of convenience. When there are no feelings involved beyond respect life is undoubtedly more straightforward." Jane said very seriously.
"Surely you jest, Jane. You have always vowed to marry for love." Elizabeth replied.
"Love hurts, Elizabeth. I don't know what to do." Jane answered sadly.
"You need to take your time. I do believe you should speak to Mr. Bingley at some point. You need to hear his explanations from his own perspective but there is no rush. When you are ready, speak to him. It will show a great deal of his character if he gives you time and perseveres in regaining your affections." Elizabeth suggested.
"He never lost my affections. I always hoped there was some grand misunderstanding and he would come back to me. I am too frightened at this point to believe anything can come of this after so long a separation and so much heartache." Jane said seriously.
"I do believe he was in pain as well. I never saw him look so depressed. He was very angry with the actions of his sisters as well. I do not believe he would hurt you again but this must be your decision. I will support you through whatever you decide."
"And what of Mama? If she hears anything of Mr. Bingley renewing his addresses I will have no choice in the matter." Jane stated plainly.
"Then she will not hear of it, from myself or the Gardiners. Your choice is important. Your opinion matters. A woman should have a choice. She should not be pushed into anything she does not want especially something as important as marriage!" Elizabeth exclaimed probably more fervently than she should.