26th November

Whilst the ladies were tasting biscuits and discussing fabrics, Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were back in the billiards room, playing a new game.

'I have some news about Miss Elizabeth Bennet,' grunted the Colonel, as he bent over the table to take a shot. He missed, cursed, and the white ball dropped into a pocket.

'You really are terrible at this game, Fitz,' said Mr Darcy, fishing out the white ball and placing it on the table for his turn.

Colonel Fitzwilliam turned an amused look on his cousin, 'Some of us have been too busy fighting Napoleon to play games.'

Mr Darcy took his successful shot, and moved around the table to line up his next. 'I concede to you on that point. As it happens, I also have news, but pray continue.'

I am tempted to hear what you have to say before I speak. You are in too good a mood to have been rejected yet again.'

'I have not been rejected—' He held up his hand as his cousin's mouth opened. '—Or accepted. State your news first, then I will share mine.'

'Very well. It is but a small piece of news, but significant all the same, I think.' The Colonel flopped down onto a chair and smiled up at his cousin. 'I do believe you are forgiven your hasty overheard speeches, as long as you do not make another such mistake.'

Mr Darcy straightened up from the shot he was about to take. 'She said that?'

'She said she was willing to forgive and forget, given your more compassionate actions since. Just be careful not to be caught out again or she may not be so forgiving next time.'

Mr Darcy nodded, slowly. 'That explains her more relaxed demeanour toward me when we walked in the gardens earlier.' He paused then added, 'I offered my services as a listener and a friend should she need to talk. Separated from her family as she is, it must be difficult.'

'Just don't try to go too fast. This lady will need careful courting, I suspect.'

Mr Darcy grimaced. 'I have been warned off that for the moment. That is my news. Her father wanted to know my intentions, then warned me to restrain myself until things are more settled. He is concerned for her, with her having to deal with so many distressing events recently.'

'But he has not warned you off completely?'

'No. He intends on speaking with her to see if he can discover her feelings. However, if he thinks she is resolute in her dislike of me, then he will do so.' Mr Darcy leaned over and took his shot, however his own distress caused him to strike the white ball too hard. It shot down the table, and over the edge, bouncing off the wall only to land at Colonel Fitzwilliam's feet.

'And you say I am bad at this game…' he laughed, reaching down to pick up the ball. 'Be calm, Darce, I think the lady's mind is changing in your favour. Just be yourself, and do not try to force the issue or you will regret it.'

There was a knock at the door and a footman entered carrying a tray. 'My apologies for disturbing you, sirs. I have a message for you, Mr Darcy. It is from Mr Collins.'

Mr Darcy took up the folded paper from the tray and nodded his thanks to the footman, who withdrew.

'What does he want now?'

'Mr Darcy unfolded the paper and quickly scanned the note. Reaching the end, he grimaced then passed it to his cousin to read.

'Oh, dear. When will you do it?'

'Tonight,' said Mr Darcy, 'It must be done soon, but I need to decide what to say first. It is entirely likely she would take it into her head to come haring over here if not stopped.'

Mr Darcy's eyelids drooped and he put down his book. He really should go to bed, but first he had a letter to write. He could not put it off any longer. Heaving a sigh, he sat at the desk in his room and penned a letter to his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, as Mr Collins had requested in his note.

Dear Aunt,

I understand Mr Collins, your rector, was due to return in time for the coming Sunday services, therefore I am writing to explain why his return will be delayed and to advise you to provide some alternative arrangement for the next two Sunday services, at the very least.

Mr Collins, due to his own deliberate actions, has been exposed to smallpox, and his refusal to be vaccinated mean that he is currently in quarantine at Netherfield, the estate my friend, Mr Bingley, currently leases, for the next se'ennight at least. Due to the nature of his exposure, I feel certain he will be with us for longer, up until his recovery.

Please remain quietly at home, be assured he will have the best of care, and we will see to his earliest removal back to his parish, should he survive.

Give my regards to Anne.

Yours,

F. Darcy

Having completed his task, he downed the last of his nightcap, and rang for his valet to help him prepare for bed.

27th November

Just after breakfast, Elizabeth, on leaving the house for her morning walk of the grounds, spotted the doctor was about to climb into his borrowed gig to leave for his daily rounds. She gave him a cheery wave, then her face lost its smile as her attention was claimed by a horseman coming at speed up the drive.

The rider stopped beside the doctor's gig and passed him a note. It was her father's man from Longbourn, and Elizabeth's stomach dropped. What could have happened now?

Her mother…? 'Mamma!' she cried as she ran over, arriving as he finished reading it. 'What… what has happened?' she panted.

'I am summoned to Longbourn,' he replied, passing the note down to her. 'I will go at once.' He turned to the rider. 'Could you take word to Lucas Lodge that my visit must be postponed?'

The rider nodded, and turning his horse, replied, 'At once, sir!' then took off at speed down the drive.

Elizabeth finished the note and said, her cheeks pale, 'I am coming too. Please wait while I inform someone of my whereabouts. I will be but a moment.'

She ran back into the house, stopping in the entrance hall to speak with a footman. As she passed on a hurried message, Mr Darcy descended the stairs.

'Miss Bennet, has something happened?'

'Oh, Mr Darcy, yes. I am for Longbourn with the doctor. My mother is… she is very unwell. I must go there. But… oh dear, Lydia must be told. Could you arrange to let her know why I have gone away.' She remembered the note clutched in her hand and held it out to him. 'This is the note that arrived. You may want to show it to her.'

He took it and scanned the few lines written. 'Please try not to worry. I will tell those who need to know and make your excuses.'

She was wringing her hands together in her distress and he reached out to still them, clasping them firmly in his as he spoke. 'Be reassured that reaching a crisis does not mean the worst will happen. I will come to Longbourn with Bingley, to see what we can do to help.' He gave her a little push toward the door, 'Go now, we will follow.'

She gave him a grateful smile, then ran down the steps.