Hi all! I am back with my longest chapter to date. I apologise in advance for any errors. I have been suffering from my jab's side effects these last few days and I am only starting to feel slightly better.
Thank you for continuing to read. Much appreciation to the following reviewers:
RHALiz, Shelby66, Deanna27, Motherof8, Lisa, Guest, lpinney, Gedoena, Colleen S, Levenez, PDS1, Pablo M. Portillo
Stay safe, everyone.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
Throughout the night, Jane tended to Elizabeth with utmost care. Due to tiredness, she could not help but doze off in her chair. When Mary came in, Jane was somewhat startled to discover that it was almost midday. Mary explained that she had been sent to relieve her of caring duties as their mother wanted her to be present for their guests. Upon learning that Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy were waiting in the parlour, Jane suddenly became conscious that she probably did not look her best. She had changed into her morning dress earlier that day and she decided that she had better go downstairs rather than keep their guests waiting. Not having time to make herself more presentable, Jane merely smoothed the folds of her skirt down and patted her hair. Looking at Mary, she received an approving nod and a small smile.
"Mr Bingley will be very pleased to see you, Jane. I suspect that he will think you are beautiful even if you wear a sack. Shall I pinch your cheeks?"
Jane blushed and bashfully replied,
"Did mamma tell you to do that for her? You are being very nice, Mary, but I must appear weary after a restless night. Mr Bingley may be an amiable man but there is nothing more than friendship Okay between us."
"For now, Jane. I expect that will change soon."
"Mary, please stop teasing."
After giving Mary some directions, Jane nervously made her way to the parlour.
Mr Bingley's face lit up with a bright smile as soon as he saw Miss Bennet. He thought she looked simply enchanting in her pale blue dress.
After the customary greetings and small talk, Mrs Bennet suggested,
"Mr Bingley, it is a nice day for a walk, don't you think? Would you like Jane to show you the flowers in our garden? She could do with some fresh air after being confined indoors since yesterday."
"That would give me the greatest pleasure, Mrs Bennet. If Miss Bennet would not mind?"
Miss Bennet shyly took the arm that Mr Bingley offered as they started to walk.
"Miss Bennet, allow me to say how lovely you look."
"I thank you, Mr Bingley. You are too kind. I do enjoy walking here in the garden, but I hope you did not feel that my mother was pushing you to…"
"Oh no, Miss Bennet. I am grateful that your mother suggested the walk. I was, at that moment, contemplating whether it would be a good idea to ask you to take a walk with me when you must be so tired after tending to your sister. Prior to knowing that Miss Elizabeth had taken ill, my plan had been to find a private moment to speak with you during this call."
Mr Bingley watched her reaction so he could judge how to proceed. He would delay his much-anticipated talk with her if she was not ready to receive his attentions today. He considered himself a patient man and he knew that Miss Bennet was worth the wait. Seeing Miss Bennet blush and shy smile, he continued,
"Miss Bennet, I wanted to speak with you in private not merely to admire the flowers in your garden. You are far more beautiful than any flower. You are beautiful inside and out and I would be honoured for a chance to get to know you better. I fervently hope that you would agree to a courtship."
Upon hearing his confident words, Miss Bennet raised her eyes to meet his and she recognised that he appeared sincere and hopeful.
"Yes, I would be happy to accept a courtship, Mr Bingley."
Mr Bingley wanted to jump and pump his fists into the air but he barely managed to contain his excitement. He did not want to frighten off his beloved with such impulsive behaviour. With his heart beating wildly, he warmly thanked her. He then raised Miss Bennet's hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
Mr Darcy steadily followed Mr Bennet into his study. He did not expect to be called for a private conversation. Looking around the study, he could see that the library was filled with a great selection of books.
It is not surprising that Elizabethis so clever if she has access to all these.
He spied a chessboard on a small table near the windows and wondered who Mr Bennet played the game with. Mr Bennet had asked him to sit across from his desk and he suddenly felt nervous. This was a man who could deny him his happiness. He was accustomed to getting his way as the highly respected master of Pemberley and he very rarely had to ask anyone for anything. Until he met Elizabeth.
"Mr Darcy, I will come straight to the point. I did not expect yesterday's turn of events. I could not begin to understand how you came to be involved and now Lizzy is ill. I acknowledge that Mr Collins had a considerable role in what happened but we all know that he is… well, you saw how he could be. I would rather not disparage my own relation, especially as he is now Mary's betrothed. But you? I was of the opinion that you dislike Lizzy. So what is this business about wanting to offer for her? I do not appreciate anyone toying with my daughter, regardless of their wealth or station."
Mr Bennet was staring at Mr Darcy through his lowered glasses and this made the latter feel quite uncomfortable. Shifting in his seat, Mr Darcy fidgeted with his signet ring and cleared his throat.
"Mr Bennet, I assure you that I am in earnest. I am not a man who toys with people's feelings, more so, with one I care about."
"You care about Lizzy? And how did this happen? The entire village knows how you insulted her at the assembly."
"Sir, I wholeheartedly apologise for my rude comment. I offer no excuses for my ungentlemanly conduct at the assembly. My only explanation is that I was in a foul mood that evening and had not even looked at Miss Elizabeth when I said that untruth. I have since then appreciated her beauty, her kindness, her intelligence and her sharp wit. I will apologise to her when she is well enough to receive calls."
"Make sure you do. To be honest with you, she does not regard you in a positive way. The big question is -- why would you want to offer for her when the ton has, I assume, an abundance of willing and eager debutantes, heiresses and titled ladies?"
"I have no wish to be married to someone I cannot respect and love, sir. My parents' marriage was guided by love and respect and I saw how happy they were, though unfortunately, they did not live long enough to…"
Mr Darcy paused and took a deep breath. He spoke in a low but affected voice,
"… I hope to honour the memory of their happy union with my choice of wife, sir."
Mr Bennet was somewhat astonished that a man like Mr Darcy would display such a sentimental side. He waited to give Mr Darcy time to regain his composure. Mr Darcy took this time to consider his next words. He had wanted to speak to Elizabeth first about Wickham but as she was currently indisposed, he felt that it would be better to take action sooner rather than regret his hesitancy later on.
"Mr Bennet, now that I have this opportunity to speak to you in private, there is a matter that I would like to bring to your attention."
Mr Bennet nodded for him to continue.
"You know of a Mr Wickham of the militia, sir?"
"Yes, I have heard of the man. He seems to be a favourite among the young ladies. I do not understand the fascination with redcoats," Mr Bennet said, shaking his head.
"Mr Wickham is not what he appears to be. I have known him since we were young. He was my father's godson and the son of our former steward. I was shocked to see him in this area."
"You will need to elaborate, Mr Darcy."
Mr Darcy sighed and pondered over what he could and could not say. He definitely did not want to reveal his sister's near elopement to Mr Bennet.
"He does not have a good character. He accumulates debts wherever he goes. He has a history of being involved with gambling and… women."
"Those are very strong and serious accusations. If there is any truth to those, I certainly do not want him roaming the streets of our village, in the guise of protecting the neighbourhood."
"I speak only the truth, sir. I have bought up a lot of his debts and I have kept all the receipts if you need to see some evidence."
"And you are bringing this up now not purely out of jealousy? I am aware that Lizzy is acquainted with the man."
"Sir, I should probably have taken some action against Mr Wickham sooner. My father cared for him like a second son and I did not want to disregard that. But yesterday when I was searching for Miss Elizabeth, I came upon her in Mr Wickham's company. They were in conversation, sir, and nothing untoward happened. I only fear that if left unchecked, Mr Wickham is bound to cause some damage in this village, if he has not already. He is a charming man who is adept at deceit and manipulation."
Silently, Mr Bennet weighed Mr Darcy's statements and concluded that the man sounded truly concerned.
"Very well. If you can present the evidence, then we can report him to his superiors."
"I will leave for London tomorrow morning, sir, as I have all the paperwork safely stored there. I will return the following day."
Mr Bennet stood up, signalling that their conversation was over.
"Sir, could I… would you allow me to make a quick stop here before I depart for London tomorrow morning? I would like to know if Miss Elizabeth is recovering well. I have mentioned to Mrs Bennet that I could call for my doctor in London. I could return with him if Miss Elizabeth's condition takes a turn for the worse."
Smirking, Mr Bennet said,
"You may enquire, however, I doubt many will be up by that time. You might have to settle with me or Mrs Bennet. Don't you worry, Mr Darcy. Lizzy is confined inside the house for the meantime. Perhaps when you get back, she will be well enough to receive calls."
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
Mr Wickham had been waiting all day for a chance to see Miss Elizabeth. He was truly intrigued to see Darcy's reaction to her touch yesterday. Had it been any other woman, Darcy would have instantly pulled away in disgust. But instead, his expression softened and he immediately calmed down. Mr Wickham was certain that Darcy had feelings for her.
Now, what could I do with such valuable information? I would very much like to exact some revenge on him, after ruining my attempt at accessing his precious sister's dowry.
From a distance, he caught sight of an approaching figure who could be of assistance to him, even just to unwittingly supply him with more information. He was exceedingly skillful at attracting young, impressionable ladies and seeing Miss Lydia Bennet's flirtatious smile, he was sure this would be an easy task.