Chapter 26- A voice so dear

Jane looked at her sister and sobbed. Elizabeth was still unconscious. Jane could not see her beloved sister wounded and unconscious. "Lizzy, wake up. I am so sorry. You came to Netherfield to take care of me, and now you are in this state." Georgiana and Mrs Hurst consoled her.

Darcy paced outside Elizabeth's room. The men watched Darcy's agony. It was becoming clear to everyone that Darcy was deeply in love with Elizabeth.

"Darcy, I think it would be better if you rest in your room."

"What? Bingley, do you expect me to go and sleep when she is in this state? What has gotten into you?" Darcy looked enraged.

"Fitz, Mr Bingley is right. Propriety sake, let us leave. We need to safeguard her reputation. Come with me."

Darcy understood what Richard meant. He was torn with guilt for what happened to Elizabeth. He did not want to cause any ruin to her reputation. He walked reluctantly to his room.

"Richard, what if something happens to her?"

"Nothing will. The doctor said she would recover. She is a strong woman. What about her family? It is a huge responsibility you have taken. Mr Bennet will not be happy about this."

"I know. I plan to talk to Mr Bennet as soon as Elizabeth awakes."

"Elizabeth?"

"I meant Miss Elizabeth."

"You need to be careful here. I am assuming you did not tell her about your feelings, be careful when you address her."

"I will." Darcy said grimly. You can never understand how it feels to call her by her Christian name. I have never felt such happiness ever in my life.

His head throbbed. He was exhausted. The moments he had held her in his arms tortured him. The pain in her beautiful eyes haunted him. Richard asked him to eat. He refused. Georgiana came to see him. He spoke a few words and asked her to leave.

It took every bit of his self-control to stop himself from running back to her room and pulling her into his arms. Richard had arranged for Wickham to be sent to London along with the thugs. They were to be sent to the colonies. Richard wanted to get Wickham far away from Darcy. He knew that Darcy would not spare Wickham if he ever saw him again.

Darcy had not touched the food brought to him. His valet brought no news about Elizabeth. She was still unconscious. A few hours passed. Jane and Georgiana never left Elizabeth's side.

Just past midnight Georgiana came running into Darcy's room.

"William, Elizabeth is awake. Please hurry." Darcy was alarmed by the ghastly expression on Georgiana's face.

"Oh, God! How is she? Is she in pain?" Darcy asked as he rushed along with Georgiana.

"She is asking for you. She is crying. We are unable to console her. Jane asked me to call you."

Georgiana and Darcy rushed to Elizabeth's room. His heart broke when he saw Elizabeth. She was weeping and looked agitated.

Damn the propriety!

He rushed to her side. Jane moved away. He held Elizabeth's hand.

"Elizabeth, are you in pain? Look at me." He kneeled beside her. Elizabeth looked at him. Her tear-stained face showed an emotion Darcy could not name.

"Mr Darcy." She said as though she had seen him after a thousand years. Her voice was feeble. Hearing her say his name warmed his heart. A voice so dear to him that it had become a part of him for many weeks.

"Mr Darcy, I am scared. He is here somewhere. I am scared." Darcy immediately understood her fear.

"Elizabeth, he is not here. He will never come near you again. I promise you."

She tried to get up, but she could not. Darcy was agonised to see her struggle. He was tempted to pull her into his arms. He controlled his emotions.

"Mr Darcy, I want to leave this place. Please take me. He has a knife."

"Elizabeth, Wickham is gone for good. You are in Netherfield. You are safe. You will be all right."

They kept talking oblivious to the presence of others in the room. Slowly she calmed down.

She looked pale and exhausted. She was struggling to keep her eyes open. She held on to Darcy's hand.

Jane spoke. "Lizzy woke up screaming. She did not calm down. All she said was your name. We did not know what to do. That is why I sent Georgiana to bring you here. But I feel it is not appropriate for you to stay longer." Jane saw the pain on Darcy's face. She felt sorry for him.

Elizabeth was still mumbling. He tried to free his hand from hers. But she was holding on to him tightly. He freed her hand from his with a heavy heart. With one last look at her, he left the room.

Jane and Georgiana saw the pain of separation in his eyes.

Darcy did not know whether to be happy or sad after seeing Elizabeth. The way she had looked at him was different. It made him realise that she may have feelings for him too. He hoped and prayed that she would recover back to her cheerful self.

I have hesitated too long Elizabeth. I will no more. You have been a part of me from the moment I met you. I love you, Elizabeth.

He made up his mind to propose to her as soon as she was well. All the doubts in his mind were erased. He closed his eyes for a few minutes of rest and was pulled into a deep sleep.

Darcy never had the slightest idea, that he would never declare himself to Elizabeth as he had planned. And the only person who was going to stop him from his plans, was none other than himself. Yes Never!