Chapter 8: Mrs. Bennet pays a visit

Elizabeth slept far better that night. Her heart was free of worries about her sister. She knew they would be back home in a couple of days. But strangely she felt sad to leave Netherfield. She didn't realize why. Maybe I want to spend more time with Miss Darcy? She thought. I can most certainly ask her to call on me at Longbourn.

In the same house, Darcy had a restless night. He knew that Elizabeth would be leaving soon, as her sister was getting better. How could I see her after she leaves? Will she allow me to call on her? How I wish I could propose to her before she leaves? But how can I express my depth of feelings to her when I have always been misunderstood by her? He spent a major portion of the night tossing and turning. He hated how his mind wanted him to go to Elizabeth in the middle of the night and pour his heart out. He knew nothing good could come out of such a rash act. He was violently in love with her and that feeling alarmed him.

The next morning saw visitors at Netherfield. Just after breakfast Mrs. Bennet paid a visit to check on Jane. Elizabeth knew her mother would come; she was anxious about her younger sisters accompanying her. She knew that they behaved unruly and lacked manners, but she loved them dearly. He wished her father would take more care in disciplining them. It had always been a responsibility that she shared along with Jane.

Mr. Bingley welcomed Mrs. Bennet with enthusiasm. Miss Bingley openly showed her disgust by not uttering a word to Mrs. Bennet. Georgiana was nervous and shy to meet Mrs. Bennet. She however liked Mary. Mary had accompanied Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth was glad that Lydia and Kitty had chosen to stay back. Mary was shy and quiet as Georgiana. But when Elizabeth encouraged conversation between them, they became comfortable with each other and discussed their favorite topic of music.

Elizabeth was also conscious of Darcy judging her mother's behavior. Mamma is not perfect. But why am I worrying what Mr. Darcy would think about her? When did I start to care for his good opinion? She wondered. She observed Darcy. To her surprise she did not see the usual critical look on his face. He caught her eye and she looked down.

Darcy on the other hand wanted to show that he was a changed man. No matter how Elizabeth's mother behaved, he wouldn't look down on her or be uncivil. She may be loud, but she was not rude and unkind as Miss Bingley. He saw Mrs. Bennet look at Georgiana with kindness. He realized that Mrs. Bennet being a mother of five girls, would understand what Georgiana was missing out in life without a mother. Elizabeth had taught him to look for the goodness in others and he was grateful to her for that.

Miss Bingley saw how easily Georgiana conversed with Mary. This girl is a disgrace to the Darcy name, she should not even by looking in the direction of the Bennet's. She seems to have taken to that Eliza and now her filthy younger sister. I need to stop this madness. She wanted Elizabeth and Jane to leave immediately. She knew her brother was almost in love with Jane. Everything was going wrong for Miss Bingley.

The day passed quickly. Miss Bingley hardly left Georgiana's side. Elizabeth spent more time with Jane.

"Lizzy, I cannot think how much strain I must have caused you in the past few days. I feel so guilty for ending up so sick," Jane said with concern.

"Jane, it was nothing. You would have done the same for me. I am glad you have recovered. Maybe tomorrow you can come downstairs."

"I would like that Lizzy. Were you comfortable staying here? Did you spend a lot of time in Miss Bingley's company?"

Elizabeth laughed.

"Oh Jane, do you think either of us would have survived such a tedious task. She has never desired my company; I would say that it suits me very well."

"Lizzy was she rude to you? Mr. Bingley is very kind to everyone. I wonder why Miss Bingley is not like him."

"That would be a tricky question Jane. Maybe on the likes of me not being as tolerant and patient as you. If people of the same blood had the same disposition, we wouldn't have to worry about our younger sisters, would we?"

"I agree with you Lizzy. But I feel Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy have the same disposition. They are both reserved and shy."

"Miss Darcy is shy, but is a very good company once you converse with her. I like her Jane."

"What about Mr. Darcy? Do you like him?"

Elizabeth laughed.

"Jane, what a question. Few days ago, I could barely stand him. I don't like him Jane, in whatever way you mean. But maybe I have judged him wrong because of his previous behavior. He somehow seems altered now."

"Oh! Maybe he is less reserved in the company of people he is used to." They spoke for a long time. Elizabeth enjoyed having her favorite sister back in better spirits.

Darcy didn't see much of Elizabeth that day. He was feeling the need to be in her company more and more every day. What if I have to go back to Pemberley without her? I can never live a life of such misery. He was scared to propose to her and he was even more terrified to think that she may refuse him.

He went for a ride. He rode up to Oakham mount. He reached the same spot where he had seen Elizabeth a few days ago. He longed to sit next to her as a couple and enjoy the view. He rode back to Netherfield contemplating how long he could go on without telling her his feelings. When he neared the stables, he saw Elizabeth conversing with the stable boy. He knew the boy. His name was Adam and he took care of Darcy's horse.

Why would Elizabeth be talking to a stable boy? Then he saw her hand him a sheet of paper. What is she doing? Is that a letter? He was shocked.

Before he reached them, Elizabeth left, without noticing Darcy. But the stable boy did. He was embarrassed and looked down.

Darcy was angry. He had no idea what to make of the situation. He saw the sheets of paper in Adam's hand and frowned.

The stable boy immediately sensed Darcy's disapproving look.

"Sir, I think I need to explain why I have these papers Miss Lizzy gave me."

"Miss Lizzy?"

"Yes sir. We all call her that." He paused. He was at loss of words. He was silent for a few minutes and Darcy was getting impatient.

"Do you have anything to tell me Adam or shall I be on my way?" He said sternly.

"Sir, my family is one of the tenants of Longbourn. Ever since I was small, Miss Lizzy has helped my family in many ways. She and Miss Jane always took care of our needs during hard times. We were also taught to read and write by the Bennet family. Miss Lizzy always came to teach us along with her sister. The papers you see in my hand are the lessons she has been teaching my youngest sister Clara. Clara adores her. Miss Lizzy gave them to me today, to take home for my sister. Most locals know how she helps the children to study, I wanted to explain this to you sir, as I would not dream of any bad name to befall on Miss Lizzy."

Darcy was shocked and surprised. Day by day Elizabeth rose in his esteem. He sometimes wondered whether he could ever match up to her worth.

"Adam I wouldn't dream of thinking anything less about Miss Elizabeth. She has all my respect."

Adam was happy. He was scared of the stern-looking Mr. Darcy, and he was even more scared that he would think bad about Elizabeth. Elizabeth was only a couple of years older than Adam. He considered her as one of his best friends since childhood. She had helped him to read and write. His siblings were also educated by her. He wanted to repay her someday. He didn't know what he could do to repay her kindness. Elizabeth did not require his assistance or help. "Never" did he think he would soon help the stern-looking Mr. Darcy in rescuing his Miss Lizzy from danger. Never.