Chapter 8
Lizzy woke up feeling much better. Sometimes all you need is a good cry. She was preparing to visit the Netherfield tenants. Although she usually kept a very organised schedule, her impending visit to the Royal Society forced her to rearrange some tasks, but visiting the tenants was not one that could be put off.
She was trying to tame her unruly hair when she heard the doorbell ring. Fass was gathering needed items in the laboratory for the Netherfield calls, so Lizzy hurried to see who this impromptu caller was. As the only physician in the village, such calls were not uncommon.
"Mr. Darcy! I did not expect a visit from you this morning." Lizzy bowed politely. "I hope everything is well." She was puzzled by his flustered state upon his arrival; Darcy was catching his breath as if he had run a marathon.
"Good Morning, Miss Bennet." Darcy stared at her, and here are the trousers again, such very nice legs. "I am sorry to intrude, but I just learnt from Bingley that you were to visit the tenants."
"Indeed I am, Mr. Darcy. In fact, I was just leaving, you were lucky to still find me here." Lizzy smiled to herself as she regarded this rather impulsive Mr. Darcy.
"I feared that I would not be able to reach you in time." Darcy had collected himself by this time and was again the same reserved person Lizzy was used to seeing. "I wish not to impose, but would it be acceptable for me to accompany you on your visits? Charles asked for my assistance with his lands, but his duties towards his wife prevented him from showing me the grounds today. When he told me that you were to pay a visit to the tenants this morning, I decided it would be a good opportunity if I could join you."
"Of course, Mr. Darcy!" Lizzy's eyes twinkled. "This would be most agreeable!"
Fass walked through the door at that moment, announcing they were ready to leave.
"Mr. Darcy, we are using the car this morning. Do you have any objection?" Lizzy asked.
"This car you refer to, would be the vehicle I saw you in the day we were introduced?" Darcy had been very curious about the function of her carriage.
"Exactly, Mr. Darcy," she simply stated.
"I would enjoy nothing better, Miss Bennet."
"Cannot you call me Lizzy, Mr. Darcy?" Lizzy pleaded.
Darcy shrugged uncomfortably "I. . . It is. . ."
"It is no problem, Mr. Darcy. Shall we go?"
Lizzy was driving very slowly while Fass and Mr. Darcy set in the backseat; this arrangement was the safest for transporting Lizzy's medical bottles that were placed in the seat next to her.
"And how exactly is this car propelled, Mr. Fass?" Darcy decided to use any time he could have with Fass to further his knowledge of her world.
Oh, this will be interesting. Lizzy mused. The technology behind a car can be a little tricky.
"It is quite simple, Mr. Darcy." Fass used a tablet to show some illustrations to Darcy. "We use a motor or engine, as you might call it, which is ignited by electricity. This motor consists of pistons that perform up and down movements to generate mechanical energy. Are you familiar with the mechanical energy theory, Mr. Darcy?" Darcy nodded and Fass continued, "So, this energy is transferred to an axis that is connected to the wheels, we use the word tyre to name this particular kind of wheel. The tyre then begins its movement. A driver, Lizzy at the present moment, controls the speed the tyres will move."
"That is an unbelievable advancement in the use of mechanical energy," exclaimed Mr. Darcy. "We could apply this to several applications on our land! It would improve the workers life immensely!"
Who would have thought that Mr. Darcy's reaction would be that? Lizzy smiled, looking at an unsuspecting Darcy in the rear-view mirror.
Darcy continued his questions to Fass about an infinite variety of subjects during the visits; he found this unusual tablet very helpful in his learning process indeed.
The party arrived at Netherfield in time for dinner. Darcy had informed Lizzy that Mrs. Bingley was demanding her presence and Georgiana would like to continue their acquaintance as well. Lizzy and Darcy had just stepped into the foyer when a very excited Emma approached the pair.
"Oh, Lizzy. ´Tis is the most beautiful thing I have ever read!" Emma said, handing Lizzy her book. "I am a romantic heroine! And so lovely!"
"Calm down, dearest. Let them in so they may make themselves comfortable before you attack Lizzy with all of your questions," Bingley laughed at his wife's manners.
"Oh, of course, I apologise." Emma guided them into the parlour. "Dear Georgiana read it also. Is it not the best romance you have ever read, my dear?"
Georgiana smiled "´Tis a very good story indeed, Emma. Is it not amazing that you are a character in a book from Miss Bennet's home? How is that possible, Miss Bennet?"
"I do not know, Miss Darcy. I was also surprised when I realised that was the case." Lizzy did not know what else to say, she truly had no idea what all this meant.
Emma took her husband's hand and said playfully "Me, married to Mr. Knightley! That would not do, do you not agree, husband?"
"Indeed, I much prefer the current arrangement," Charles smiled warmly.
"Are you acquainted with Mr. Knightley, Emma?" Lizzy asked with surprise in her voice wondering about all the other characters of Miss Austen's novels. Do the Bennets exist here in this world also? Why have I not encountered them yet?
"Yes! Mr. Knightley lives near my former home at Donwell. But he is still unmarried; his brother, John, has leased Hartfield and resides there now with his wife, Jane." Emma laughed as she recalled something. "Oh dear, I did not ever mention it to you, Lizzy, that I have a cousin that shares your name. Jane's sister is also called Elizabeth Bennet!"
Lizzy exchanged a knowing glance with Darcy. How can I enquire about the Bennets without raising any suspicions? I cannot expose the Darcys!
Darcy was able to sense something was amiss with Miss Bennet. She probably wishes to ask some questions but is reticent for she does not want to expose my confidences regarding my sister and myself. With a warm heart for Miss Bennet's consideration, Darcy decided to put forth the question himself. "And who are those Bennets, Mrs. Bingley?"
"Jane and Elizabeth are my cousins, Mr. Darcy. They have three younger sisters as well. The Bennets used to live here, at Longbourn until Mr. Bennet died three years ago. The property was entailed so my father took them to live at Hartfield. Jane, as I said, married John Knightley, our neighbour shortly thereafter. When my own father passed away and I married Charles, I moved to Netherfield and the Knightleys established themselves at my old home. Elizabeth is still unmarried and lives with them. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty, the fourth daughter, live at a cottage arranged for by Mr. John Knightley. The others two Bennet daughters are married too. Mary lives at Rosings Park in Kent and is now Mrs. Collins, Lydia married Highbury's parson, Mr. Elton. The rumours at the time were that she had been compromised!" Emma giggled.
"Emma! You do not know the particulars of their attachment!" reprimanded Bingley; sometimes Emma could be very intrusive into the affairs of others.
"Please, Charles. Everyone gossiped about that when it happened, but they are now happily married, so no harm was done." Emma turned to Mr. Darcy, who seemed very interested in this tale. "Mr. Darcy, Rosings Park belongs to someone in your family, does it not?
"Indeed, Mrs. Bingley, the property belonged to my late aunt, Lady Catherine. My cousins live there now."
"So you are acquainted with the Collinses, for Mr. Collins is the village parson at Hunsford."
"I am not, Mrs. Bingley. It has been many years since I visited Rosings Park, before my aunt's death. We were estranged."
What does all this mean? Anne must be married then if his cousins live at Rosings Park. This is so confusing. Lizzy's curiosity was peaked and she was eager to know the whereabouts of every character. She wished to know all their stories; this was far too interesting. "And, who lives in Longbourn now, Emma?"
"That would be the Brandons, Lizzy. Colonel Brandon and his wife, Elinor. I am surprised you have not met them yet."
"Now that you mentioned, I recalled that I have met them, Emma. I am not very good with names." Lizzy said.
A servant announced that dinner was served bringing to an end one of the most revealing conversations Lizzy had ever had since her arrival. Will I meet Elizabeth Bennet one day? She felt her heart tighten in her chest and butterflies in her stomach; she felt anxious and had no idea the reason why.
Once again, the traditional separation of the sexes was forgotten at the end of the meal, and all attendants proceeded to the music room. Emma requested that Georgiana play the pianoforte for them. While the attentions of the Bingleys were focussed on the music, Darcy decided to approach Miss Bennet for a private conversation.
"Miss Bennet, I could perceive you were a bit overwhelmed this evening. Are the names that were mentioned by Mrs. Bingley also familiar to you?"
"Indeed, Mr. Darcy, they are all familiar. Some you have read about already, but all the others are also from books. But the pairings are different." Lizzy's mind returned to the information about the Bennets existence. "I do not know what all of this means."
"Maybe it is just that our stories, as told in your world and separated by time and distance, are not accurate. Do not concern yourself, Miss Bennet, this has no consequence." Darcy tried to relieve Miss Bennet's disquiet, but he was also considering the implications of the existence of an Elizabeth Bennet like the one in the borrowed novel. But as she pointed out, the pairings are not the same, he reassured himself
"Yes, Mr. Darcy, maybe you are right."
Georgina finished her performance and joined her brother. "Miss Bennet, I have wished that I could speak to you some time, there is so much I wish to know about your world."
"Of course, Miss Darcy, I will be pleased to answer any of your questions. But will you call me Lizzy?" She looked at Darcy, searching for any sign of disapproval, "If that is acceptable, of course, Mr. Darcy."
"By all means, Miss Bennet, I have no objections to it." Darcy smiled warmly at Lizzy and his sister.
"I will only accept it if you call me Georgiana."
"So we have an agreement, Georgiana."
"Indeed we have, Lizzy." Georgiana was very touched by Lizzy's warm and open nature. If only I could overcome my mistaken past, and become just a little like her.
Georgiana and Lizzy began a wide-ranging conversation. The young lady was just as curious as her brother was, she was truly impressed with every new discovery, mesmerised by all of the possibilities that a doctor's world presented. Lizzy, on the other hand, had not expected Georgiana to be so open and friendly considering all the poor girl had been through. It was a refreshing surprise, though, to be able to converse with a woman so young and intelligent. Lizzy mused if Georgiana would not enjoy an opportunity to be her apprentice but soon let go of this particular thought, knowing her brother would never approve such an arrangement nor how long she was to remain in the neighbourhood.
It was Sunday, and Lizzy had prepared everything she needed for her impending excursion to town. She had included a few things that would help her make the gentlemen understand that her science was far more advanced than theirs and yet help keep her origins unknown; she could not possibly tell them the truth.
When Darcy and Lizzy had discussed the mode of transportation they were to use to travel to town, it was ultimately decided they would use her car.
"Mr. Darcy, my vehicle will be able to cover the distance to town in less than an hour! Why should I be obliged to envisage a half day journey?" Lizzy was taking deep breaths, clearly upset with Darcy's stubbornness.
"Less than an hour?!" Darcy's eyes widen with disbelief. "How is that possible?"
"Fass explained it to you, Mr. Darcy. My car can go at very high speeds, much faster than your carriage. Please, let us use it; you will understand when you experience it for yourself."
Lizzy decided to let Fass drive, so that she could sit next to Mr. Darcy and discuss the coming meeting; she wished to know how to act amongst members of the Royal Society so that she would be more accepted. She was much more nervous than she had expected herself to be. It was not going to be an easy introduction, that part was much too clear to her, but her desire to be respected for her knowledge was larger than the initiatory problems that Lizzy knew she was about to face. Her hope was that Mr. Darcy's assistance would facilitate the introduction and subsequent exchange of information.
To Darcy's surprise, when Fass and the doctor arrived at Netherfield to collect him, Lizzy was properly dressed as a lady, with a lovely lilac dress, gloves, and her hair up in a simple style. He stared at her as she exited the car, words were falling him. Very nice, but it does not matter what attire she uses, she is always radiant and beautiful.
Sensing the reason for his gaze, Lizzy teased. "Are you surprised, Mr. Darcy, by my ability to proper dress according to your fashion?"
"You are teasing me, Miss Bennet, but I am more used to your ways now so I do recognise it sometimes." He smiled proudly. "Tell me, why do you normally dress in such scandalous attire? Just for the pleasure of shocking people?"
Lizzy shook her head playfully. "No, Mr. Darcy, it is more for practical reasons. When I began my work as the village physician, I did wear dresses. But I needed to traverse difficult terrain. Once I almost fell off a cliff because I was trying to walk too fast wearing a dress that was deemed proper by this society. I realised then that my safety was more important than fashion dictates, so I decided to wear some more comfortable, if not quite appropriate, clothing. In the beginning, people were shocked and there was some talk, but it soon vanished, I can assure you."
"And how did your modiste acquire patterns that attended to your desires?"
"I am my own modiste, Mr. Darcy. I make my clothes myself."
Darcy was simultaneously impressed and puzzled for the reason as to why she would do that herself, surely she could afford a modiste. He then recalled she did not have servants. It must be impossible to keep a servant in her circumstances. "So you are also good with needlework?"
The corner of Lizzy's mouth twitched as she evaluated his statement. "It is not needlework exactly, for I have a machine that sews the same way most ladies here do by hand, but one does require some ability to use this machine."
"I imagine this machine of yours would also be a great addition to the work of the modistes, would it not?"
"Absolutely, Mr. Darcy."
"So we need to build some of them!" Darcy responded as the car pulled away to begin their trip.
Scarcely forty minutes after they had departed Meryton, had they arrived at Darcy House. Thank heavens I accepted her arrangement. 'Tis a much better way of travelling, that is for sure. "I was wondering, Miss Bennet, how long would it take to get to Pemberley in your car?"
"What is the distance to you country home, Mr. Darcy?"
"One hundred and twenty miles or so."
Lizzy looked up as she calculated the answer. "If it is a good road, three hours."
Darcy raised his hands to his lips to hide a full smile that threatened to spread over his face. "Can you build me one, please?"
Lizzy laughed with abandonment. "I promise, Mr. Darcy, that when I am able to, you will be among the first to have one."
Lizzy and Darcy enjoyed an early dinner and decided to retire for the night soon after in preparation for tomorrow's meeting. She had been given the room just across the hall from the master's bedroom. After escorting her to her door, he sighed when Lizzy disappeared inside her room. She is just across the hall. This is going to be a long night. And indeed, it was a long night, full of dreams of a lady doctor. Not one who wore scandalous attire, but who wore nothing at all.
A/N: Now I think I may have made some haters!
Do you hate me for messing up with Austen's world?
Let me know your thoughts!
All comments, love & hate, are welcomed!