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As promised a longer chapter. A visit from the Bennets.
Colonel Fitzwilliam left a short time later to meet with a few of his contacts before heading to Matlock House. Captain Carson arrived minutes before the Bennet carriage. Mr. Darcy was explaining how Elizabeth communicated when Mr. Bennet and Jane were announced. Introductions were quickly made and the group moved upstairs. Once in the sitting room that adjoined Elizabeth's room, Mr. Darcy and Captain Carson gave the family a few minutes to speak with Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet returned to the sitting room looking much paler.
"You may attend Elizabeth now. Jane asked to stay at her sister's side for the examination." the older man said taking a seat.
The captain nodded and moved into Elizabeth's room. Silence settled over the room.
"Do you need anything, Mr. Bennet?" Mr. Darcy asked from his place by the window. "A drink perhaps."
"No. I think the situation would be best handled clear headed. I thank you though." Mr. Bennet replied.
"My cousin is going to try to convince his father to bring our cousin Anne to London. If he succeeds then she may be here within the next few days."
"Is he going to tell his father about Lizzie?"
"No. Once Anne is here and tells us what happened then we can speak to my uncle."
"I must admit I am at a loss on how to go forward." Mr. Bennet said. "It is likely that Collins has written to his wife's family. They will spread his story of Elizabeth being sent away from Huntford. If I say she never arrived there will be speculation about her reputation. If I say she did Collins will find out his plan did not work."
"We do not know it was Mr. Collins's plan."
"Whether it was his idea or not I do not know but I do know he must have been involved. His letter stated he put Elizabeth into a hired carriage. We all know that is a lie as is his claims of Elizabeth trying to convince your aunt to force a marriage between you and herself. All of Meryton knows your dislike for one another."
Mr. Darcy shifted slightly.
"I do not dislike your daughter." Mr. Darcy stated. "Quite the opposite."
"You insulted her in public, sir. Elizabeth was not the only one who overheard your remark. Several ladies would have used it to injure her if you had not already made yourself known as the most disagreeable man in the room."
"It was not my intention to harm her. I only wished for my friend to cease his insistence that I dance. I have long admired Miss Elizabeth for both her beauty and her intelligence."
Mr. Bennet studied the younger man for several long moments.
"Do I have to worry about my daughter being cared for at your home?"
"Certainly not, sir." Mr. Darcy replied suddenly. "I will protect your daughter's life with my own."
"And her reputation?"
"I would not allow Elizabeth to be harmed in any way."
"If word escapes that she is staying at the home of a single gentleman who is not a relation she could be ruined, especially if it is found the gentleman 'admires' her." Mr. Bennet stated standing. "I will not have it be said my daughter is a kept woman. I will speak to the doctor about having Elizabeth moved to the Gardiners'."
"I assure you no such thing will be said. There is no reason to risk her."
"Rumors will eventually find their way to a willing ear. My family is risking a great deal by allowing Elizabeth to stay here."
"I am prepared to do everything in my power to protect Elizabeth."
"I believe you will do your best to protect her but if a scandal comes from this..."
"Then I will beg her to marry me, on my knees if I must." Mr. Darcy replied without hesitation. "I will spend the rest of my life ensuring her happiness and well-being."
Mr. Bennet stared at the man he had previously known to be proud and disagreeable.
"You would marry Elizabeth if this causes a scandal?"
"I will, scandal or not. If I could have convinced her to accept my hand at Hunsford, I would be asking for your consent now."
"You proposed in Kent?"
Mr. Darcy nodded at took a seat. Mr. Bennet followed suit.
"Unlike everyone in Meryton, I was not aware of your daughter's dislike. She refused me. We had an argument." he admitted. "I will do all I can to apologize and make amends. I would do anything she asks to gain her forgiveness and her hand."
"She may forgive you. It is likely she will for it is in her nature to do so if you are sincere in your apology, but it does not mean she will want to marry you."
Mr. Darcy's shoulders slumped and he hung his head. Silence hung in the room for many minutes.
"I have been married for more than twenty years and have five daughters but I have little understanding of a woman's mind. I cannot not offer hope to you, sir, but I do wish you luck in your endeavor. Elizabeth deserves to marry a man who truly loves her."
"Thank you, sir."
The room was quiet as the two men kept to their own thoughts for some time. A soft knock came at the door. Mr. Darcy rose and allowed his sister in the room. He introduced her to Mr. Bennet.
"What has the doctor to say about Miss Elizabeth?" Georgiana asked.
"He is seeing to her now." Mr. Darcy replied.
Georgiana took a seat next to her brother to wait. A few minutes later Jane and Captain Carson emerged from Elizabeth's room. Introductions were made between Jane and Georgiana.
"Well, sir, what can you tell me about my daughter's condition?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"First, I will say your daughter is quite amazing." Captain Carter replied. "When I first examined her I did not think she would be long for this world. I am happy to say she has proven me quite wrong. I believe she will recover in time."
"Truly?"
"Indeed, sir. Knowing that she is aware and can communicate allowed me to test the severity of her injuries."
"You believe her injuries are less severe than you originally thought?" Mr. Darcy inquired.
"I now know that though she cannot yet move she can feel." the doctor explained. "When paralyzed, the patient cannot often feel any sensation in the affected area. Miss Elizabeth can feel."
"Why can she not move?" Mr. Bennet questioned.
"It is likely due to the swelling. Pressure or damage to the spine can cause such things to happen."
"So you think when the swelling goes away she will be able to move again?" Jane asked.
"It is likely."
"How long will it take the swelling to be gone?" Georgiana asked.
"I cannot say. It could be a few days or a week or more."
The room was quiet as everyone considered the information they had been given.
"She can see as well." Captain Carter added. "Though she cannot open her eyes, when I held them open she could see us."
"Do you still recommend she not be moved?"
"Indeed, Mr. Bennet. I believe moving her more than needed to tend her could aggravate her injuries. That could cause her to take more time to heal or even worsen her condition."
"Understandable."
"It is likely she will continue to improve steadily. Many of the bruises she had when I first examined her are not worsening and I did not see any new ones."
"I told Mrs. Taylor how to make the poultice we use at Longbourn." Jane remarked.
"We shall be thankful Lizzie cannot speak at the moment then lest she scold you for it." Mr. Bennet said with a chuckle. "Then again, it may just spur her into speaking by sheer distaste of the remedy."
"She tried to protest."
"How so?"
"Captain Carson asked her to lift her finger for yes and move it to the side for no so we could better understand her answers to his questions." Jane explained. "When I began telling Mrs. Taylor about the poultice she moved her finger to the side so quickly and so many times she nearly moved her entire hand."
"If she dislikes it so..." Mr. Darcy began.
"It will truly help her heal faster." Jane assured. "She knows that it will. She simply dislikes the smell of vinegar."
"Perhaps I could put some scented water on a handkerchief for her." Miss Darcy suggested. "We could place it near her nose to block out the other smell."
"I think she would be very grateful if you did, Miss Darcy." Mr. Bennet said.
Georgiana took a book and disappeared into Elizabeth's room while Mr. Darcy escorted his guests back downstairs. Mr. Bingley was pacing in the front drawing room and came out to meet them. Captain Carson made his farewells then disappeared out the door.
"Miss Bennet, I know this is a difficult time for your family and I do not want to cause you more upset but I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time?" Mr. Bingley asked. "Would you speak with me in the drawing room? Your father may join us, of course."
Jane looked to her father. Mr. Bennet merely suppressed a smirk. Turning back to Mr. Bingley, she nodded and moved into the parlor. The other gentlemen followed and Mr. Darcy shut the door behind them. Once seated, Mr. Bingley took a deep breath.
"I know I have been a poor suitor and I deeply apologize for my caprice. If you could find it in your heart to forgive me, I dearly wish to make amends. Your...friendship is very important to me."
A confused look crossed Jane's features for a moment but quickly vanished behind her mask of serenity.
"I value your friendship as well, sir." she replied.
Mr. Bingley grinned.
"In the future, once your sister is well of course, for I know your concern now is for her as it should be, I would not want to intrude on that..."
"Bingley, you may want to get to the point." Mr. Darcy commented. "I believe you may have already confused her with the term friendship."
Mr. Bingley looked to Mr. Darcy then back to Jane.
"Would you consider allowing me to court you?" Mr. Bingley asked quickly. "Once you have decided that I have proven myself to be a worthy suitor, of course."
"I would be happy to accept a courtship, sir." Jane replied. "I do want to wait until Lizzie is well though. We do not know what shall happen. There is the threat of a scandal and I would not want to bring harm to you or your family."
"I do not care if there is a scandal. It will not change my mind."
"Your sisters..."
"It is my life. If my sisters choose not to speak to me because I followed my heart then so be it. I will be quite content with the companionship of those who wish me happy."
Jane smiled brightly.
"Wonderful." Mr. Bennet remarked. "Jane is of age and does not need my consent, but I give it all the same."
"I would still like to postpone the announcement until Lizzie is well."
"Of course." Mr. Bingley said with a nod.
"I hate to cut this meeting short but the Gardiners are waiting to hear news of Lizzie." Mr. Bennet said rising. "We should return."
Everyone agreed and after assuring a return visit on the morrow, said their farewells. After the Bennets departed, Mr. Darcy shared the news of Elizabeth's condition with his friend.
"I am glad to hear she is improving." Mr. Bingley said. "I hope her recovery is a swift one."
Mr. Darcy nodded. The two men decided to move to the billiard room and spent their time in competition until dinner.
Chapters may be spaced out a bit more as this story isn't quite finished being written and we a quickly catching up to where I am at present. I will do my best to carve out time to write. I do hope to post at least twice a week but I can't promise it nor which days those posts will be made.
Thanks for reading.