Chapter 4: Jane falls sick
After a couple of days, Darcy had the opportunity to meet Elizabeth once again at the Lucas lodge. Captain Foster's regiment had arrived in Meryton, and there were a good number of officers at the party.
Elizabeth noticed Darcy and looked away.
Darcy once again felt a curiosity in the treatment he received from her.
He admired her features and was captivated by her beautiful eyes. She looks more beautiful when she smiles. He thought.
Mr Lucas tried his best to converse with Darcy.
"Dancing is a delightful amusement for an evening as this, is it not Mr Darcy? Would you not dance today?"
"I do not find much pleasure in it, Sir."
Just then, Elizabeth walked towards them.
"Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing? Mr Darcy, may I present to you a most wonderful dance partner, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
That is her name. Very befitting indeed. Elizabeth.
"I am sorry sir, I do not have the slightest idea of dancing. Please do not assume that I moved in this way to beg for a partner."
"I would be happy if you would dance with me, Miss Elizabeth."
"Why now, Miss Eliza? Mr Darcy does not enjoy dancing much, but I am sure he cannot forgo such a beautiful partner."
"Mr Darcy is all politeness." She bowed and left them.
Darcy noticed a hint of sarcasm in her words. He could not understand why she refused to dance with him. He could not remember anyone refusing him before.
She unsettled him in a way he could not comprehend.
Miss Bingley and her sister found Jane to be charming. They detested the rest of their family, especially Elizabeth.
"Oh! Louisa, I pity Jane, stuck with such a family. They are recently out of grieving. I heard they are pretty poor and would be asked to leave their home soon. It is entailed to some male cousin of theirs."
"How dreadful. No wonder that Elizabeth is such a depressing character. She lacks manners."
"Miss Eliza Bennet, indeed, she is. Jane is too gentle to be in that family. Shall we invite her over for lunch tomorrow? I shall be wretched after Charles and Mr Darcy leave for shooting."
Darcy listened keenly to Elizabeth's family circumstances.
He learned from Bingley that Mr Bennet had died some months ago and the family was supported by an uncle in London. He felt sorry for Elizabeth. The next day Jane arrived on horseback. Mrs Bennet planned to send Jane on horseback, hoping that she would get wet in the rain and stay over at Netherfield.
Jane fell ill just after she arrived. Her dress was soaked. And she caught a cold.
Mrs Bennet was delighted to get a note from Netherfield.
"Oh! She is staying for the night. Quickly now, Lizzy, pack some clothes for your sister. Let us hope she gets to stay longer."
"Mamma! What if Jane gets worse? I am worried about her."
"Oh! I am not worried about it. It is a wonderful chance for her."
Elizabeth was worried for her sister. The next morning, she walked to Netherfield, despite her mother's disapproval.
When she entered the breakfast parlour, she found Mr Darcy sitting alone. He looked shocked to see her. I am sure I am not tolerable enough to tempt you now. She thought and smiled inwardly.
Darcy assisted her in finding her sister's room. His initial reaction to her arrival was shock. He was accustomed to being alone during breakfast as he rose early, unlike the Bingleys.
He was captivated by her beautiful eyes, brightened by the morning exercise.
She walked three miles for her sister. He admired her affection for her sister.
Elizabeth found Jane to be very sick. She was grateful when Mr Bingley asked her to stay at Netherfield. The Bingley sisters were not pleased with this.
Darcy found Elizabeth as a welcome distraction.
He found her in the library several times, enjoying a book. During her stay, he had the opportunity to converse with her. There was no flirtation in her manner. Darcy admired her liveliness. He seldom found it in society. She challenged him through her views on various subjects, and often Darcy found Miss Bingley annoyed by her intelligence. He was indeed intrigued by Elizabeth.
He also noticed how his friend had started to fall in love with Jane. Once she was better, he showed her the utmost care and affection.
Jane had developed feelings for Mr Bingley as well. Elizabeth wanted her sister to be happy.
When Mrs Bennet and Lydia visited Jane, Lydia coaxed Mr Bingley into giving a ball. By the end of the visit, Mr Bingley promised that he would give a ball once Jane was better.
In a couple of days, Jane and Elizabeth left Netherfield. Darcy immersed himself in assisting Bingley on estate affairs and planned to leave soon. He heart ached to be with the two people he loved dearly in the whole world.