Happy effusions from Mrs. Bennet met Bingley's return and inquiry into Miss Elizabeth's health late that afternoon. Jane was absent, but Mrs. Bennet made up for any loss of information that Jane could have imparted.
Informed of Miss Elizabeth's return to consciousness, her memory loss, her "aches and flutters", the danger of her leaving her bed and falling once again, etc. Mr. Bingley left well informed and a bit dizzy with relief.
At last, he had something to report to Darcy, awake and practically pushing Bingley from Netherfield as visiting hours drew to a close. At least he no longer looked like a vagrant. Bathed, dressed, and at least somewhat rested, Darcy was a bit more coherent and repentant of his absence and actions.
Darcy met him at the stables, hardly waiting for Bingley to dismount and let the stable boy lead his horse inside.
"What news?" Darcy asked, wringing his hands.
"Miss Elizabeth is awake and out of danger," Bingley said quickly.
Darcy let out a huge sigh of relief, practically crumbing under the lifting of his worst fear.
"She remembers nothing of the last few weeks, however," Bingley added, shrewdly looking over at his friend.
"Nothing?" Darcy looked up in dismay, "You mean she has no memory of me… Of us," he corrected, flustered.
"Apparently not," Bingley said, attempting to hide the small smile at his friend's slip of the tongue.
Bingley frowned, "She also has no memory of her attack, thankfully."
"Ah," Darcy said, taken aback, "That is good, I think."
Bingley shrugged, still frowning.
"I don't know what, if anything, her family will tell her of it. I can't see Miss Lydia hiding anything at all, but perhaps she will not speak out of consideration for her sister's condition."
Darcy nodded thoughtfully; his brow furrowed.
"Do you think, perhaps… Perhaps this may be an opportunity for Eli… Miss Elizabeth and I to… start over? Do you think I may be able to change her mind about me?"
Bingley's eyebrows rose and he nodded.
"By Jove, that might be true! Although changing Mr. Bennet's mind may be all the harder, given the way he spoke to you."
Darcy huffed; his shoulders bent.
"But I will help you!" Bingley insisted, "You know I quite care for Jane, and Miss Elizabeth is her favorite sister, and mayhap we may go for strolls in the garden when she recovers and you might meet us there!"
Darcy nodded, his face lightening at the idea.
"Yes, that could work. And given Miss Elizabeth's love of long walks it is quite possible to court her away from her father's notice."
"That will all have to wait for now," Bingley interjected, "She is advised to stay to her rooms for a few days, out of fear of falling from dizziness."
Darcy frowned once again, his stomach churning at the thought of her in pain. But at least she would live, and that was more than he had allowed himself to hope.
"Meanwhile," Bingley continued, "You must rest yourself and I may, if permitted, give you some advice on how to woo a lady rather than aggravate her."
"I know how to…" Darcy started, puffing up in indignation. He then deflated, remembering Mr. Bennet's words.
"Yes, thank you for any assistance you can provide," Darcy said, his voice unusually subdued, "I fear I have much to learn, or unlearn as the case may be. I fear I have unconscionably proud and given to having my own way, regardless of the feeling of others." He looked over at Bingley, "Please forgive me for my officiousness."
"Of course," Bingley said with a large smile, clapping Darcy on the shoulder, "I think I will quite enjoy being your mentor for a time!"
Darcy chuckled and the two men went inside, both contemplating the future with hope.
