Another short chapter. The next is a bit longer, I promise.
Mr. Darcy turned back to his work once his cousin departed. It was only a short time later that Mr. Davis announced the arrival of Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy asked that he be sent in immediately. Mr. Bingley entered a few moments later.
"Welcome Bingley." Mr. Darcy said offering his friend as seat. "I hope you are well today."
"I am, thank you, Darcy. And yourself? Is all well at Darcy House?"
"As well as can be expected." he replied. "I suppose you are calling in response to my call this morning."
"You called this morning? I am sorry I missed you." Mr. Bingley said. "I was out in search of a distraction. My sisters went shopping and Hurst is at his club. I thought you might be in need of company this morning."
Mr. Darcy nodded.
"I am glad you came, my friend. I need to speak with you on a very important matter."
Mr. Bingley nodded for him to continue.
"It is about the conversation we had when we returned to London. I have reason to believe that the conclusion I reached regarding Miss Bennet's affections was faulty."
"Faulty?"
"Yes."
"And what makes you believe you judged erroneously."
"I was recently in Kent, you know. I saw Elizabeth Bennet there..."
"She did not marry her cousin, did she?"
"No."
A worried looked crossed Mr. Bingley's face.
"Was Jane forced to marry him because I left?"
"No."
"Thank heavens. I will not tell you how many nightmares I have had...never mind." Mr. Bingley said waving away the thought. "Why was Miss Elizabeth in Kent?"
"Her friend, Miss Lucas, married Mr. Collins."
Mr. Bingley nodded.
"She seemed a sensible woman."
"Indeed." Mr. Darcy said. "While in Kent I conversed with Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins on several occasions. Through their conversations I learned that Miss Bennet has been very...melancholy."
"She is heartbroken?" Mr. Bingley asked after a moment.
"Her sister believes so."
Mr. Bingley was quiet for a few moments.
"I should return to Netherfield. I have considered it a great deal these past weeks."
"If your object is seeking out Miss Bennet then you would be better staying in London."
"Why? Is she engaged? Or married? Has her mother pressured her into some unwanted engagement?"
"No, she is quite unattached to my knowledge."
"Then why should I not return. Her family may not be rich but they are landed. She is a kind and caring woman. I have never met another like her."
"I am not saying you should not pursue her." Mr. Darcy said. "I am saying you need not return to Netherfield to do so. She is in London."
"In London?"
"Yes. She has been for many weeks. Your sister mentioned to me that Miss Bennet called on her some weeks ago. I thought her mother sent her in pursuit of you so I recommended your sister not mention it to you. You have my sincerest apologies."
Mr. Bingley was quiet for several long moments.
"I appreciate you telling me this now. I wish I had known sooner but I am not going to dwell on the past. I will seek out Miss Bennet and see if she can forgive my neglect. If she can then I will ask for a courtship."
"I wish you the best of luck, my friend."
"Thank you, Darcy."
"You are welcome. This does however lead me to a great favor I must ask you."
"I will do what I can to assist you."
"I need to speak with Miss Bennet's uncle but I do not have his name or address." Mr. Darcy said.
"I am unsure how to locate Miss Bennet..."
"Your sister called upon her. It is likely she has the address."
"I will get the address from her today. We could call tomorrow." Mr. Bingley said determined.
"I would be most grateful, Bingley."
"My sisters are due home soon. It would be best not to put off speaking to Caroline." Mr. Bingley said rising. "I fear she might take some persuasion to give up the information we need."
Mr. Darcy nodded rising as well. He walked his friend out and bid him farewell before returning to his study.
It was sometime later when he was interrupted by his sister. She entered when called leading Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Annesley.
"I wish for Elizabeth's doctor to be sent for immediately." Georgiana stated with all the firmness she could muster.
"Has Elizabeth awoke?" Mr. Darcy asked quickly rising.
"No."
"Has she worsened?"
"No."
"Her condition is relatively unchanged, sir." Mrs. Annesley supplied.
"Then why are you insisting the doctor come today? He is due tomorrow."
"She twitches." his sister said.
"Twitches?"
"Yes, her finger, it twitches."
"How long has this been occurring?" Mr. Darcy asked.
"I first noticed it yesterday evening, sir." Mrs. Taylor said. "Mrs. Annesley saw it happen again this morning. It is not a constant thing. It happens only occasionally. I did plan to inform the doctor when he called."
"They are worried it means she will not recover." Georgiana said. "But I think it means she is healing."
"It could merely be her body's reaction to the pain. It only seems to happen when it is close to the time for her next dose of the pain medicine."
"When is she due for another dose?"
"The doctor said every four hours. We just gave her some so she will not get more until two."
"I will write Captain Carson and ask that he visit near one o'clock. Hopefully he can view these twitches and offer an opinion."
The ladies all agreed with the plan. When they went away Mr. Darcy wrote a quick note for the doctor and sent it off.
I hope you are enjoying this so far. Next, a visit from the doctor and a discovery.