Dear Readers: This novel does contain references to rape and abuse. I understand that these are sensitive topics, and I would not wish for any reader to suffer as a result of coming across these references without warning.
Be advised, this story is rated M.
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Chapter 12
Darcy tarried perhaps longer at the stables as was his wont, even taking his time to change after his morning ride with falcon, before making his way to Anne's bedchamber for breakfast. Usually, he would break his fast with Bingley and his family, but they had all left for Longbourn as he had arrived back at the house. He knew he would most probably encounter Elizabeth with Anne as she spent a large proportion of her day with his wife, and he was unsure of the reception he would receive after his parting comment.
The expression on the Elizabeth's face when he turned to lead falcon towards the stables was full of astonishment and not surprisingly shock.
Hell! I shocked myself!
He thought to himself coming to a stop outside of his wife's room. The door had been left ajar and he could hear both Anne and Elizabeth speaking. Another step and he spied Elizabeth's profile as she sat and listened to what his wife was saying. Her hair and clothing as it were on her walk, her expression seemed slightly detached and sad. Not being able to see Anne without entering the room, his step faltered, and he hovered still unnoticed by Elizabeth.
Suddenly, he was assailed by a deep guilt at his behaviour –
Flirting. You were flirting you dolt!
The thought caused Darcy to flinch and shake his head in an effort to dispel his shame. Chastising himself he began to back away, choosing instead to go to the library and reflect on his actions. He had always prided himself in his iron control over his emotions. Always acting with restraint and decorum as was expected of his station and family connections in society. There were no excuses, and it would go no further! He had chosen to marry Anne and in doing so made vows before God almighty and their community and he would not break them.
Drawing a deep breath and correcting his posture, he spun on his heel and strode confidently to leave for the library, when suddenly he heard the breaking of china and -
"Help! Somebody help! Please!" he heard Elizabeth's anguished voice.
He turned and sprinted towards the room and saw Anne, wide eyed clutching at her chest and gasping for air.
Time slowed as panic gripped him.
"Annie!" he said rushing over to her.
She continued to gasp and struggled now clutching at the air and reaching for him. He was vaguely aware of Elizabeth instructing someone to fetch a physician right away.
"What is it? Has she choked?" he demanded to no one in particular.
Anne shook her head.
"Annie, is it your chest? Or can you not breathe?" he asked struggling to stay calm.
Why are you asking her questions, she cannot answer you!
He was running out of time and before he could think any further on the matter moved behind her ready to pat her back when Anne began frantically pointing behind her.
"Anne, what is it? Please try to breathe! I don't understand she was fine just a moment ago" Elizabeth panicked and began trying to open Anne's mouth in order to see if any of her breakfast was choking her.
Looking up as she struggled to get a clear look, Elizabeth saw Mr Darcy rushing back into the room with a small blade. Immediately she panicked and threw herself backwards landing on her bottom and scurrying with fear petrified until her back connected with the wall.
Watching in disbelief and abject horror as Mr Darcy to the blade to his wife's back and heard Anne's dress tear. Collecting herself she tore towards him to beat him off of Anne – however, just before she reached him, he dropped the blade and continued to rip the corseted bodice of the gown. Realising his intent, Elizabeth began to pull at the shoulders of Anne's gown, until at last, Anne sucked in a huge gurgling breath and began coughing. Shuddering coughs that rattled in her chest.
Shrugging out of his jacket Darcy placed protectively over his wife and picked her up and placed her on his lap as her coughs began to cease, rocking her gently. Feeling as though she were suddenly intruding upon a private moment Elizabeth moved to look out of the window. She would have left but wanted to be there for when the physician arrived in order to be of assistance to the woman if needed.
When the physician, a Mr Jones arrived, he instructed Elizabeth and Mr Darcy to wait outside so that he could conduct his examination without interference, but Darcy would not be moved and insisted he be present.
And so, Elizabeth waited in the next room, alone. Warring emotions conflicting within her. She had truly believed Mr Darcy's intent was to do harm with that blade. The instant she saw it, she was back at the cottage with her reprobate husband tormenting her. However, this was not the part of the story she felt the worst over. The worst was that her first instinct was to run and hide.
She had hesitated to save her good friend.
She had turned away.
She had hesitated… what did that say about her own character.
She constantly accused others and held their flaws against them, without once acknowledging her own.
Looking up suddenly at the sound of a movement in the next room Elizabeth wondered what was happening within.
Did Anne need her? She thought as the noises dissipated and grew quite once again.
Mr Darcy called her Annie. She thought as her mind began to wonder once more. Why that was something that kept playing on her mind she above all things, she could not say. Wrapping her arms around her middle she took deep breaths in an effort to soothe herself and fight back her tears as her emotions continued to be pulled in every direction.
"Yes, thank you Mr Jones," Said Mr Darcy as he walked into the room with the physician, "My man will see you out."
"Good day Mr Darcy," he said as he inclined his head toward Elizabeth in recognition, before he took his leave.
Elizabeth stood awkwardly, observing Mr Jones' retreating form, feeling a little in the way, when Mr Darcy finally spoke.
"Anne is requesting to see you," he said softly.
Turning, she nodded mutely, though she needn't have bothered he was already striding back into Anne's bedchamber.
As she wondered into the room, she noted the curtains had been drawn and few candles lit, blanketing the room in a dim light. After a moment and her eyes had adjusted Elizabeth could make out Anne's frail form in the bed and hear her drawn out breathing, with Mr Darcy broad shoulders and tall figure sitting at her side.
"Elizabeth," gasped Anne, "come here."
Obeying, she made her way over to the bedside and lowered herself into the chair. Looking at her
"Please forgive me for frightening you so, Lizzy," said Anne her voice hoarse her eyes barely open.
Looking up agape with her jaw hanging open, she looked firstly at Anne and then to Mr Darcy, who was still yet to look at her.
"Anne, you have nothing to apologise for. Please do not burden yourself with such a thought," she scolded gently, "I must apologise for my reaction…" she said trailing off.
"And I must urge you to do the same, you reacted in the best way. You called for help and aided my –" she broke off suddenly coughing.
Immediately Darcy stood and poured a glass of water and cradling his wife's head, gently held it to her lips and fed her small sips. She noticed Anne's flinch and harsh intake of breath as Mr Darcy slowly lowered her back to rest against the pillows.
What had happened to cause such a deterioration? She thought in fear of the lady's life.
"I think that is enough. You must rest, now and build your strength." Mr Darcy spoke gruffly, still refusing to look anywhere near Elizabeth.
"No, I would like to tell Lizzy what happened, before I rest," spoke Anne, this time looking at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth fought the urge to gasp in horror at what she saw. Anne's eyes were bloodshot with complete discoloration of red at the corners of each eye.
"Do not be alarmed, it is due to the lack of oxygen that my eyes appear so damaged. They will heal in time, -"
"If you make sure to have plenty of rest!" interjected Darcy.
Giving a tight smile Anne continued, "For some time I have been advised not to wear corsets under my dresses as my bones are weak," she said, pausing to catch her breath.
"Anne, let me come back tomorrow or later, I fear this had been all too much," Elizabeth said smiling and holding her friends cold and frail hand.
"I am almost done, I pr-promise," she wheezed this time her voice trembling." She said gulping in more air, "It is simply my bones have become eve weaker and the corset was too str-strong for my ribcage to expand for me to breath. Mr Jones says that he believes my ribs are only bruised and not broken," she whispered, gesturing for more water. "I just wanted you to know, Lizzy. I do not blame you."
Watching and unsure of how to respond or what to do with herself, but excused herself giving Anne's hand a small squeeze, before simply nodding and standing. Elizabeth paused a fraction to offer a curtsey to Mr Darcy, but he was still refusing to meet her eye. In fact, his posture was rigid, and his manner turned hostile, whenever he felt her look towards him. Even in the dim lighting she could see his jaw ticking as he clenched his teeth repeatedly.
Does he blame me? She thought turning away in horror.
"Fitzwilliam?" she heard Anne's soft whisper.
"Hmmm?" Darcy hummed in reply.
"Will you read to me a while," she said, the slight tremble had Elizabeth turning to look over her shoulder in time to witness Darcy smooth her brow gently.
"I would enjoy that very much, Annie," he said in gentle tones.
Turning quickly away, she walked from the bedchamber, she heard a distressed sob escape from Anne and felt it like kick to her stomach. Closing the door and biting down on her bottom lip to stifle her own sobs, Elizabeth made her way to the Library and took the tray from the sideboard containing the brandy and tumbler and went in search of an empty room to drown her sorrows.
What a mess!
Well, what did you expect Lizzy? They are a married couple. They would accommodate each other before you! she thought as she trudged down an unfamiliar corridor, unbeknownst to her she had left the guest rooms and was now in the part of Netherfield that housed the family rooms.
They claim not to love each other and yet as companions they are quite devoted to one another, she thought with a sniff. Mr Darcy was so gentle caring towards his 'Annie'. The man who could be so intimidating with a look he could send most grown men recoil in fear and trepidation.
With a huff of impatience, she elbowed the door open to the next room she came to and kicked it shut and coming to abrupt halt upon seeing –
"Jane?"
"Elizabeth?" gulped Jane standing, dashing her tears from her cheeks and plastering a weak smile on her face.
"Forgive my intrusion –"
"No, it is quite alright…"
"I thought you had left for Longbourn with the others…"
"No. I did not…"
"Well, I will leave you to your solitude." Said Elizabeth turning to leave.
"Please, don't leave!" Jane blurted out.
Pausing with her back to her, Elizabeth heard her sister clear throat awkwardly. Not wishing to torment her, she turned partly to look back at Jane.
"Perhaps we could share a drink together?" Jane said gesturing to the tray Elizabeth still held.
Elizabeth stayed silent but turned a fraction further towards facing her sister. Sensing she was close to convincing her, Jane tried to appeal to her sister once more.
"As we are both attempting to find a respite from… everything, we might do so together? It seems we might actually have something in common." She shrugged nervously.
After mulling over her words Elizabeth after all that had happened "I suppose that would not be too terrible…"
One hour later…
"No! No that was evening were accidentally broke Aunt Phillip's vase. Remember?" said Elizabeth animatedly.
"Goodness me! You are correct! And we had blamed it on Lydia –"
"And got away with it!" laughed Elizabeth, becoming contemplative and distant.
Elizabeth poured them both another generous drink and looking down at her glass decided to address, the topic they had been avoiding.
"Do you want to tell me, what is the matter?" Elizabeth said drawing in a deep breath.
Taking a large gulp of her drink, Jane levelled her with a look, "Are you sure you wish to know?"
"Jane, we used to have the closest of bonds, and I am being fully honest when I say, though I am not your friend or confident, I do miss you and love you. Now I am not claiming to be your friend, but I would never betray your confidence."
"Oh Lizzy, when did everything become so complicated? In our marriages? in our families?" she sobbed.
"Do not speak to me of our family!"
"At least you may escape them," Jane sighed, swiping at fresh tears, "My situation does not afford me that luxury!"
Jane dislikes our Mama and Papa too?
"Believe me, my 'situation' does not afford me the smallest of luxuries," whispered Elizabeth.
Both caught one another's eyes and downed their drinks and hissing at the burn, before pouring another.
After they were both sitting back comfortably, with their drinks refilled, Jane looked suddenly to Elizabeth.
"I have an idea… Why don't we both say what afflicts us at the same time?"
"All right…"
"On the count of three?"
"On the count of three," repeated Elizabeth.
"One."
"Two."
'Three!"
"Charles had an affair and Charlie is not my son -"
"Mr Collins beats me and keeps me prisoner -"
Both women gasped and covered their mouths with their hands in shock.
Silence descended.
