I apologies now for any errors, once again just say and I will hopefully get them in the end.
Difference of opinions:
As soon as Elizabeth entered the room in which Jane occupied she couldn't help the relief, at seeing her beloved sister less ill then she had imagine, that consumed her. Quietly, as not to disturb her sister, Elizabeth dipped the clean cloth into the water that someone had thoughtfully prepared and started tending to her sweet Jane.
She watched as her sister's face slowly relaxed and she murmured words of comfort to soothe her. Slowly, Jane opened her eyes; disoriented momentarily before smiling when she spotted her sister.
"Lizzy, I meant not to alarm any of you, I simply have a cold. Mr. Jones is to visit this morning, I have no wish to impose upon Mr. Bingley's hospitality. He and Miss. Bingley have both been so kind, I think you judged her too soon Lizzy." At her voice growing hoarse Elizabeth helped her sit up to sip at a glass of water.
"Jane, you know how we worry but it has some blessings. Mr. Collins is at Longbourn. I dare say Mr. Bingley is half in love with you already a blind man could see it."
Jane puzzled over in her mind at who Mr. Collins was.
"Mr. Collins? Our fathers cousin, didn't you put a poor toad down his shirt when we were children?" She asked trying to scowl at the smile that crossed her sister's face.
"The very same, don't scowl so Jane what ever would mother say?" She teased before impersonating her mother's tone. "Dear Jane, you shouldn't scowl it is unladylike. Whatever will Mr. Bingley think? He will never want a bride that scowls so, oh heavens Jane if Mr. Bingley doesn't marry you then no other gentleman will. Think of me when Mr. Bennet dies, Mr. Collins will through us to the hedgerows. If you do not marry well we are all ruined." She finished her speech whilst placing the damp cloth back upon Jane's heated forehead.
"Oh Lizzy, Mama is not that bad she just wants what is best for us." She tried to reason with her younger sibling but knew it was in vain. Mrs. Bennet, had never favoured Elizabeth and constantly found fault in her seconds daughter every action which meant that Elizabeth soon began to become unaffected by her mother's constant neglect and couldn't take the woman seriously.
"I know Jane, but how she determines to achieve these goals is what unnerves me. She sighed before ensuring her sister was as comfortable as possible, then resting in a nearby chair as Jane drifted once more to sleep.
Miss. Bingley began abusing Elizabeth as soon as she was out of the room to her sister as the other occupants looked on in dismay.
"She has nothing, in short, to recommend her, but being an excellent walker. She looked almost wild!" Mrs. Hurts exclaimed encouraging her sister further to insult the woman they had not none more than few days.
"Very nonsensical to come at all! Why must she be scampering about the country, because her sister has a cold? Her hair so untidy, so blowsy!"
"To walk three miles, or four miles, or whatever it is, above her ankles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! It seems to me an abominable sort of conceited independence, a most country town indifference to decorum." Chimed Mrs Hurst eagerly.
"Don't you agree, Mr. Darcy?" Miss Bingley asked batting her eyes at him.
"I am afraid I do not follow your course of deduction. I would have said it spoke volumes of her devotion to her elder sister that she would endure such a journey to be by her side. I would do the same for Georgiana. Wouldn't you do the same for Mrs. Hurst?" He asked knowing that Caroline wouldn't care if her sister were to fall ill unless it inconvenienced her in any way.
Both Georgiana and Colonel were trying their hardest not to burst laughing at the flabbergasted expression of Caroline's open mouth trying to form words but failing.
"If you'll excuse me Bingley, I said I would show Georgiana the grounds." He bowed before leaving bringing his relieved sister alongside him. He smiled as he heard her soft giggles begin to escape as they entered the gardens. Soon they were both howling with laughter clutching to their sides as they seated themselves on a bench.
Elizabeth, was drawn to the window by the sound of laughter and was pleasantly surprised to see Mr. Darcy and his sister laughing together. He seems at ease with her she mused as she looked over his face, gone were any sign of anxiety or of him being uncomfortable amongst people. The scene brought a smile to her face, they seemed as close as her and Jane.
She was brought from her musing by a knock at the door in which Mr. Bingley's sisters entered looking slightly flustered. However, that was soon overcome when Jane awoke and her sweet nature eased them into a comfortable atmosphere. When she saw how much affection and solicitude they showed for Jane, Elizabeth warmed slightly towards them but was still cautious of the sisters as she detected some hidden dislike towards herself.
Elizabeth had not been there long when the apothecary came, and having examined his patient, confirmed that she had caught a violent cold, and that they must endeavour to get the better of it; advised her to return to bed and promised some draughts. Elizabeth questioned if she could be removed to their home but Mr. Jones opposed any idea stating it could damage her health further.
The advice was followed readily, for the feverish symptoms increased and Jane's head had begun to ache acutely. Elizabeth did not quit her room for a moment, although the ladies often left and returned as they had Georgiana to entertain as the gentlemen where out dealing with estate business. Elizabeth did not mind she was becoming irate with Miss. Bingley's insistence of calling her Eliza, a name that she detested as well as suggested an intimacy that did not exist.
Jane had fallen asleep once more leaving Elizabeth to muse on her own thoughts. She was interrupted by a timid knock at the door, assenting entry she was surprised to find Miss. Darcy standing in the doorway unsure of her welcome.
"Miss. Darcy, I would not expect you to be here." Elizabeth blurted blushing slightly at her accusing tone.
"I... I...I'm s-s-sorry, i-i- I don't wish to impose" she finished in a rush blushing slightly at her in ability to speak coherently to strangers.
Elizabeth smiled sweetly at the young girl, she reminded her of a more timid female version of her brother, Mr. Darcy. She gestured that she was welcome into the room and after soon internal deliberation Miss. Darcy crossed the doorway.
"You aren't imposing at all. I am just surprised for your willingness to assist me for we are almost strangers. I apologies for any rudeness on my part." Elizabeth smiled as she said this instantly easing the younger girl and giving her a boost in confidence.
"My brother says that we must all help those that are in need. I would not have perceived you to be rude Miss. Bennet but I accept your apology nonetheless as long as you over look my poor manners." She was startled as Elizabeth laughed at her statement, noticing the wide-eyed expression of the younger girl she hastened to reassure her that she was not laughing at her.
"Miss. Darcy surely you cannot believe that you have poor manners." She questioned as she smoothed the curls on Jane's face preventing them from being soaked in sweat.
"Not poor manners, well I do not make the best impressions on strangers because of my inability to speak coherently at times I venture few words or none at all." Miss. Darcy blushed slightly at her confession averting her eyes from Elizabeth's and replacing the cloth on the sleeping woman's forehead.
"Those that perceive you anything then just shy, are not worthy of your time. For anyone can see you are do not mean to cause offense and should take the time to get to know you." She smiled whilst watching the smile appear on the beautiful face of the youngest Darcy.
She returned her attention to Jane, relief flooding her as she watched her sleep peacefully.
"Your words are similar to those of my brother, Miss. Bennet. I will be sure to remember them." She raised her eyebrow as the woman who had installed confidence in her began to laugh slightly again.
"Do not take offence, you remind me so much of Jane it is uncanny. You both doubt your self-worth. Also, if you wish to remain I insist you call me Elizabeth, Miss. Bennet is Jane's title and I can not commit to formality for long." Her confession made Miss. Darcy likewise agree that she disliked the need for formality.
"Then Elizabeth," she stated testing out her name, "I insist you call me Georgiana but I must confess it is a mouthful even for Fitz he tends to shorten it - my brother."
Georgiana explained at Elizabeth's confused expression, she nodding her understanding of the statement.
"I must agree, I tend to prefer Lizzy. I suspect my mother enjoys the amount of syllables when she unleashes' her rath. E-liz-a-beth Ben-net I sometimes wonder if she regrets the lack of middle names ." She laughed cheerfully as Georgiana laughed alongside her both had settled in chairs positioned near the bed.
"I suppose it is too late to alter it now, maybe I could suggest that she add random names in the middle to add variety if you wish." Georgiana teased, surprising herself at the sudden ease she felt in Elizabeth's presence.
"That would keep it interesting I have to concur but you must insist upon a limit of names that she could add otherwise she will never finish." Elizabeth appeared to be properly considering this proposition until Georgiana caught the twinkle in her dark eyes.
They conversed comfortably for what seemed like hours about anything and everything settling upon their mutual joy of music as Georgiana extensive knowledge upon the subject she continued to entertain Elizabeth about composers and pieces of music that she had never heard of. After revealing that she played the pianoforte a little Georgiana immediately applied for a chance to practise a duet with her.
Georgiana was surprised at her bold request normally she only played for family. Even with family it was willingly done for her brother and cousin but any other time she had to be coerced into playing by her aunts.
Elizabeth although somewhat intimidated by playing alongside Georgiana who seemed as if she possess great skill agreed to play a duet with her. Shortly after the acception they were interrupted by the appearance of Miss. Bingley.
She appeared momentarily stunned to see Georgiana seated in the room conversing with a woman she considered below their station.
"Georgy! What a delightful surprise, you are so selfless as to devote your time cooped in this room. You are too kind, putting others before your own health. Such qualities all ladies should posses don't you agree Eliza?" Caroline questioned quite unaware of how uncomfortable both ladies looked at her loud volume and use of names that they both disliked.
Instead of waiting for an answer to her question she approached the bedside though it appeared she was not comfortable being that close to a sick person.
"Georgy, Mr. Darcy has returned and was asking about your presence. I told him you were probably busy practising one of your many accomplishments. Come you mustn't spend so much time in this air, I wouldn't forgive myself if you were to fall ill as well." She declared before whisking the woman out the room.
Shortly, she returned with a self-satisfied smirk that perked Elizabeth's curiosity. She resisted the temptation to enquire and indulged her mind the excuse that she would soon boast about it. Not soon after she had formed the thought then Caroline spoke up.
"Would you know Eliza, that Mr. Darcy agreed with my statement. It even surprises me the amount we are in agreement, we are so in synch it is as if its fate. Don't you agree?" She bragged her belief ignorant of Elizabeth's smirk at the delusional words.
"I must confess I do not have the pleasure of fully understanding you, Miss. Bingley. Do you mean fate as in bringing you together or fate that you agree on numerous accounts?" Elizabeth couldn't resist causing slight annoyance in Miss. Bingleys composure.
"Fate has brought me and Mr. Darcy together, I should suspect that it would not be long until he proposes. I have shown myself an apt wife to Mr. Darcy as my house is impeccable and sister to Georgiana by supporting her and guiding her in her studies. Yes any day now" she revealed her vision and reasoning of being the next Mrs. Darcy to a very shocked Jane and a very amused Elizabeth who had skilled her features to show understanding.
"Should I offer my congratulations now or should I wait for it to become official?" Elizabeth innocently asked ignoring the shake of Jane's head as Jane had begun to look upon Miss. Bingley with pity.
The woman herself smiled proudly before stating that either would be suffice. As Jane had just awoken she was tended to by both ladies and Elizabeth couldn't wipe the smile from her face.
When the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that she must go, after declaring the thought aloud she was offered the Bingley's carriage she was on the verge of accepting, when Jane expressed such disdain in parting with her, Miss. Bingley was forced to convert the offer to an invitation to remain with Jane.
The invitation was consented, a servant was dispatched to Longbourn for a supply of clothing and to aquaint the family with her stay.
At five o'clock Miss. Bingley retired to dress for dinner, leaving Elizabeth and Jane to ponder the foundation of her delusions.
"I always suspected that she had set her cap at Mr. Darcy, but Jane even I didn't anticipate the depth of her delusion."
"I do agree, she does appear very focused on the outcome. We shouldn't speculate, for all we understand he may return her sentiments-" Jane was cut off by her siblings scoff of disbelief.
"There is no sentiment present, dear sister, she is after his fortune and good name. That is all she cares for. As for his beliefs I suggest that I watch how they interact and draw my own conclusions. For if she believes he is to offer for her hand there must be some acknowledge between them also they should be comfortable with family to express any affection on either side." her plan was assented by her elder sister and she was left to sleep off her exhaustion as Elizabeth was called for dinner at half past six.
"Tonight is going to be interesting." She commented as she entered the room in which everyone but Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy was present. Everyone's attention appeared on Caroline as she intended, although it wasn't for the reason she liked to convince herself of.
Upon Elizabeth's entrance she noticed several things that amused her greatly, Colonel Fitzwilliam was the first to greet her smirking at the scene before them. He bowed formally before offering his arm.
"Miss Bennet, a pleasure to converse with you. I am in great need of some conversation that is not Ton orientated." She declared this in low tones as to avoid the notice of Miss. Bingley who proceeded to retell her story about her time in London to Georgiana.
"Well as I very limited experience in that area I have no way in which to disappoint you sir." She observed the Colonels easy manners as a large contrast to his two relatives. He didn't appear shy at all but he possessed some sadness in his eyes as they stood in silence he seemed lost in his thoughts, as soon as it appeared though it was replaced by a laughing twinkle that occupied Mr. Bennet's eyes constantly.
"Should we not venture to rescue your cousin?" She whispered to him watching as Georgiana grew more sullen although her expression was a blank expression of interest. Her posture and wandering eyes suggested otherwise, Colonel spotted his charges pleading eyes and shrugged slightly.
"Miss. Bingley," Elizabeth called averting Caroline from her tale and relieving Georgiana as she took a chair on the opposite side. "Do you play?" She asked knowing the answer would be positive.
As soon as Elizabeth had diverted Caroline's attention, Georgiana stood by her cousin breathing deeply whilst reassuring him that if he left her to Caroline again she would personally tell his mother that he had confessed that he was ready to settle down and wanted her help in securing a bride but was too embarrassed to admit it to her.
"Gigi, you wouldn't. You know I would rather face a french army then encounter the mess of balls." He exclaimed trying to reason with his younger cousin.
"I would, escpecially if you leave me entrapped by that woman again! Are we understood?" She questioned arching a brow, she smiled sweetly when he gulped but nodded his confirmation.
"Now, how do we free Elizabeth from Miss. Bingley?" She muttered to herself watching as her new friend nodded along to Miss. Bingley's tale whilst commenting, each comment seemed to bring the formidable Miss. Bingley to a stop and make her pause to think.
"I don't think she needs our assistance." Colonel answered her question as he laughed at the flustered face of Miss. Bingley as she tried to answer Elizabeth's quick comments.