A short little chapter.
After dinner Georgiana excused herself from the gentlemen. Her plan for the evening was to read to Elizabeth. Upon reaching the room, she dismissed the maid and took a seat beside the bed. Elizabeth was propped up on the bed by pillows. A portable desk sat on the bed to hold the chalk and slate along with a cup of tea.
"How are you this evening?" Georgiana asked.
"I am well. I believe the tea is helping." Elizabeth wrote on the slate.
"Perhaps you will be able to speak soon."
Elizabeth gave her a hopeful smile.
"I could try."
"Now?"
Elizabeth nodded.
"Does your throat hurt?"
"Not much after the tea." was the written reply.
"I suppose we could try, but if your throat begins to bother you we must stop at once."
Elizabeth nodded.
"We should start with humming."
It took several attempts for Elizabeth to produce a sound. The slight sound lifted her confidence. Georgiana was very encouraging and delighted in her friend's success. After nearly a half hour of practice Elizabeth was able to hum slightly. Georgiana recommended she rest a bit to not overtax her throat. Elizabeth reluctantly agreed. They turned their attention to a book for a time. Over the rest of the evening they divided their time between the book and Elizabeth practicing.
After Georgiana's departure, the gentlemen moved to the billiard room. As the table was set Mr. Bingley asked about their day.
"The conversation with my father went well. We have a plan to deal with Lady Catherine and Mr. Jefferson." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked. "We called on Mr. Bennet to share everything. If all goes well everything should be settled within a week or so."
"What is to be done?"
The plan was explained and Mr. Bingley nodded.
"Is there any way I could help?"
"Are you planning to return to Netherfield soon?" Mr. Darcy asked.
"I plan to return when Jane does."
"That will likely be Monday."
"Jane mentioned her father would have to return soon. She was not sure if she would be staying. If Miss Elizabeth is moved to the Gardiners, she may stay to help care for her there."
"If all goes well, there will be no need for Miss Elizabeth to be moved more than, what is it, Darcy, three doors down the hall." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked.
"What do you mean?" Mr. Bingley asked, confused.
"Darcy is proposing tomorrow. We are planning the wedding for Monday."
"That is wonderful..."
"She has not accepted me yet." Mr. Darcy remarked. "She may not accept me or may wish to wait."
"Surely she will see the wisdom of marrying quickly." the colonel commented. "And do not go on about her not accepting you yet because I have no doubt she will."
"Jane believes she favors you." Mr. Bingley added.
"If she does accept me and we marry on Monday, I would like to bring her to visit her family in Meryton once she is well enough to travel." Mr. Darcy stated. "The doctor is hopeful that she will be recovered enough in a week."
"I would be happy to have you join me at Netherfield. I will speak to Mr. Bennet tomorrow. If they plan to depart Monday..."
"After the wedding breakfast." Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a a grin.
Mr. Bingley nodded, grinning as well, "We could travel together."
"Are you going to inform your sisters you plan to depart London?"
"I will send a note to Louisa. Do you think your new wife would be hostess for me while you are at Netherfield, Darcy?"
"I am sure she would be happy to." Mr. Darcy replied.
"Do you think she would agree to a ball? In honor of your wedding, of course."
"I do not know if she will be well enough for that."
"Do not underestimate her, Darcy." his cousin remarked.
"I will not underestimate her, but I also will be mindful that she was injured and is still healing."
"Your first disagreement after you say your vows will be about you trying to restrict her because of her injuries."
"I highly doubt that."
"I bet you a bottle of brandy."
"I am not going to bet on having a disagreement with my wife."
"Because you know I am right." the colonel said with a smirk.
Mr. Darcy glared. His cousin chuckled and leaned over to take his shot.
"Fine, a bottle of brandy."
Colonel Fitzwilliam straightened and offered his hand. The two men shook hands to seal the agreement.
"They may not have a disagreement until after Miss Elizabeth is fully healed. Many couples are married for some time before there are disagreements." Mr. Bingley remarked.
"Miss Elizabeth walked every day while she was at Rosings. She has been confined to a bed for a week and likely will be at least a week more before she can walk about on her own. Darcy is the most protective person I know when it comes to those he loves. I believe my odds are very good."
"Elizabeth knows her limits. I believe she will follow the doctor's instructions and understand any suggested restrictions are for her safety." Mr. Darcy remarked.
His companions shared a look but did not comment.
So who is going to win the bet? I'm not sure yet. Up next, the marriage discussion.
