Ch. 3 of Forever Thankful, the Bennets. I hope you all like it so.

Author notes: This is story is set after first proposal, but before Bingley and Jane's engagement. Kitty, Lydia, and Mary are not with them in Lambton. They are staying with the Gardiners at Cheapside.

About an hour later Elizabeth was startled as a maid came in announcing a Mr. Darcy.

"I came to call on you, to see how your sister is doing," he said nervously.

"She's still very ill, but I would like to thank you for you kindness in bringing my family a doctor. I'm so very worried about her, but now she has medicine and I feel now that she can recover." Elizabeth said just before her mom barged into the room.

"Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Bennet said with little civility, "I didn't know you would be calling on us."

"I had heard Jane was ill and I thought it would be necessary to call in and see how she was doing, but now that I see she seems to be recovering I shall take my leave of you," with that Mr. Darcy left the room. Elizabeth was a little disappointed at his leaving because she would have liked to talk to him.

"What was that man doing here?" Mrs. Bennet asked Elizabeth.

"Mom it was very kind of him to stop in to see Jane and he has done a lot for us."

Mrs. Bennet just snorted and went about the room, fixing the curtains or pillows in an agitated way. After she felt satisfied the room was in good order, she went to Jane to check her temperature. "She's still hot, but it seems to have come down a little bit."

Elizabeth was afraid to tell her mom about Mr. Darcy and his doctor. She knew he didn't want anyone to know but her, but her mom should have the right to know, shouldn't she?

Elizabeth told her mother she was going for a walk and she headed outside. She walked past the inn and into the town. People were chatting and joking and having a good time. Elizabeth couldn't help but feeling a little strangely. Mr. Darcy had just showed immense kindness to her. "I don't deserve it," she whispered to herself.

She had so cruelly turned down his proposal at Rosings and she couldn't help feeling bad. He had poured her heart out to her and she had shoved it right back in his face. She was still mad at him for tearing Jane and Bingley apart, but she could see where he got his motives from. Jane was reserved and she could have shown her feeling better. Her mom and sisters could be a little uncivilized at times, but he still didn't have to do it.

Elizabeth walked around the main square so many times she had lost count. She had so many different feelings for Mr. Darcy, but she couldn't sort them out.

She headed around the corner and back to the inn. When she got there, there was a letter waiting for her. It was addressed to her from Mr. Darcy and this was how it read.

Dear Elizabeth,

Mr. Bingley has arrived here from his home in London. I had made plans earlier with him for him and his sisters to stay at Derbyshire, but when he heard of your sister's illness he became very distressed. He would like to see her, but I am asking you if you

would be willing to receive us.

Sincerely,

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy

She wrote back immediately, touched by Mr. Bingley's worries, saying that they would receive them anytime they would be willing to come.

That night, Elizabeth went straight to bed, the morning brought many promises, but she knew not how many.

The next morning Elizabeth got up at dawn. She freshened up and spent some time on her appearance, which she did not normally do. Poor Jane was exhausted. Her medicine seemed to have made her feel better, but she still had a fever and a cough.

Mrs. Bennet tended to Jane constantly and when she heard about Mr. Darcy's letter from Elizabeth, she could hardly contain her excitement.

"I knew it Lizzy, I just knew it he still must like her. I wish Jane wasn't so poor looking at the moment. I know it is a little to much to ask, but only if she wasn't so pale," Mrs. Bennet said rambling on, "But you can't have everything you ask for and this is a pleasant surprise, oh yes, very pleasant."

Mr. Bennet didn't really care if Mr. Bingley was coming. He just wanted Jane to get better, so he could return back home where there was more peace.

Around midday there came a knock at the door. The maid announced Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.

"I hope you are all well, and I hope Ms. Bennet is doing better," Mr. Bingley said with concern in his voice.

"She is doing much better, thank you. She has just woken up and I'm sure she would be delighted for your company," Mrs. Bennet said merrily.

"Hello, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said addressing him, "I hope I was not a burden for you the other day."

"No, quite the contrary," he replied quietly.

Mrs. Bennet walked out of the room, and gestured for them to follow. They walked into Jane's room, where she was sitting on a chair with a little more color on her face.

She smiled as they all entered, but she still looked weak. When she saw Mr. Bingley, she immediately became very nervous. He looked very happy to see her and Elizabeth couldn't help but smile. Jane was so sweet and Bingley was a perfect match for her.

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy exchanged hellos with her and Jane immediately inquired as how his journey from London was.

"The weather was perfect for the ride and the country was beautiful," Mr. Bingley said kindly, "The roads were all in very good shape and the ride couldn't have passed more smoothly. Both my sisters and Mr. Hurst are staying in this pretty country too. Mr. Hurst hopes to hunt and my sisters are eager to look after Georgiana."

"If your daughter becomes better before your stay ends, I am sure we would be delighted for you to dine with us at Pemberly," Mr. Darcy said.

"Thank you very much for the offer sir, and I'm very delighted, but I don't know for how much longer we will be in this part of the country," Mrs. Bennet said, "But I hope you will soon be back at your home in Netherfield, Mr. Bingley."

"I hope so too," Mr. Bingley replied very civilly.

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy stayed with them for a little longer and in that time talked about all that had happened while he was away.

"Mrs. Lucas is married to a cousin of ours. His name is Mr. Collins and he lives in a nice house and on a nice space of land, or so Lizzy tells me," Mrs. Bennet said not noticing the rising blush on Elizabeth's face to that reference to Rosings.

They all said their farewells and Mr. Bingley looked sad to leave and glanced over to Jane one more time before leaving.

Elizabeth watched out the window as they got into their carriage and pulled around the corner.

Sorry for the delay. I didn't know what to write about, but I got it and I hope you like it. Please tell me what you think.