Chapter 2: Jane is Ill at Netherfield
The next morning, the news of her ill-health arrived. Elizabeth barely waited to share the news with her family before darting out the door and heading on foot the three miles to Netherfield. With each step, her worry increased. Jane was too good to suffer the ill effects of a cold. She arrived at Netherfield out of breath and flushed from the cold air blowing over her cheeks. The butler, a kind, old man who had lived a very long time in Hertfordshire and was well respected, smiled kindly at her as she asked after her sister.
After confirming she was still in bed, he walked her to the dining room where Mr. Bingley and his guests were breaking their fast. She thanked him and entered alone. Mr. Bingley, eager to serve his new guest, rose and offered her some tea, which she accepted. When there was a pause in his eagerness, she asked him how her sister fared. Miss Bingley announced that Miss Bennet was too ill to leave her room and had not slept well. Elizabeth sipped her tea with haste and was grateful when Miss Bingley offered to show Elizabeth to Miss Bennet's room.
She was too excited to see her sister to realize that Miss Bingley simply wanted her out of the same room as Mr. Darcy occupied. Jealousy was not in Elizabeth's nature, and therefore, was out of her comprehension. It was not as if she even wanted to be around Mr. Darcy in the first place. The sight of him reminded her of her talk with Mr. Wickham. She was relieved to leave his presence. If possible, she would have gladly given Mr. Darcy's attention to Miss Bingley. As it was, she could not help it and did not look forward to his attention.
Jane was indeed ill. While she would not complain, Elizabeth saw how her throat must be hurting and her head aching. Miss Bingley left them after a few moments, and Jane could only stay awake long enough to plead to Elizabeth that she should be kind to Mr. Darcy while she remained here. "My host has been so kind. I could not bear for a guest of his to be incommoded while I am a guest here."
As soon as Elizabeth grudgingly agreed to maintain decorum for Jane's sake, Jane fell asleep. Elizabeth watched her sister suffer in grace. Jane would wake occasionally, ask for a drink of water, and fall asleep again. She shifted uncomfortably, and even rubbing Jane's shoulders lightly could not do much good, for her entire body ached terribly.
In the afternoon, the apothecary came and confirmed Elizabeth's suspicions. He offered her some draughts to ease Jane's pain. It was clear that Jane could not return to Longbourn for some time. Elizabeth thanked the apothecary and prepared to return home alone. She wished for the carriage when Miss Bingley, eager to get rid of Elizabeth, offered it. However, Jane heard the offer and begged for Elizabeth to stay. Miss Bingley, believing that Elizabeth's stay would allow her more time to spend with Mr. Darcy, allowed her to stay. After all, what good would she be in the sick room if Jane's sister were already tending to Jane?
Elizabeth happily set to work putting Jane's mind at rest while a servant was sent to retrieve clothes for the two of them. Jane slept a little more soundly than before knowing that Elizabeth would nurse her back to health. So much did her sleep improve that Elizabeth felt she had to go downstairs when she was summoned to dinner. She was grateful to Miss Bingley's seating arrangements since she was put next to Mr. Hurst instead of Mr. Darcy. Mr. Hurst, intent on his food, ignored her. She was left to her own devices which consisted of observing Mr. Darcy's haughty responses to Miss Bingley's eager solicitude.
After dinner, Elizabeth retired to see Jane. It did not bother her to think that Miss Bingley would abuse her as soon as she was out of the room. However, when she returned a few minutes later to say she would not join them in the drawing room, she overheard part of the conversation in the hall. Hearing Mr. Darcy's rich voice state that the Bennets would never marry well put her in a very ill humor. She entered in time for Mr. Darcy to realize his error, stated she would not return to the drawing room and left abruptly.
Mr. Darcy, chagrined when he realized his error, was in a foul mood that evening, and for the first time ever, failed every round of loo.
Despite her previous statement, Elizabeth eventually did return to the drawing room, at the request of Jane who was determined Elizabeth would not slight her host. Jane promised she would sleep better knowing Elizabeth was entertaining Mr. and Miss Bingley, so Elizabeth relented. She did not, however, join the card game. Mr. Darcy had offered her his seat, but she respectfully declined. Instead, she selected a book from a table near the fire.
Miss Bingley seized upon the chance to degrade Miss Elizabeth, began immediately. "Miss Elizabeth is a great reader and a great walker, and does not take pleasure in anything else."
Elizabeth was riled to say that she enjoyed many activities. This brought on a conversation about reading and libraries, but Elizabeth chose not to take her part. She was not surprised to hear that the library at Pemberley was excellent. Mr. Darcy appeared to be very intelligent. He answered every criticism, although his remarks appeared to be supporting Elizabeth when Miss Bingley was trying very hard to covertly disparage her. Elizabeth did not enjoy hearing his defenses.
Eventually, the conversation changed to Miss Darcy and her many accomplishments. If Elizabeth had not heard with her own ears Mr. Darcy describe his sister by comparing her to herself, she would not have believed it. Miss Bingley hoped to make the comparison complete by stating how accomplished Miss Darcy is, even at sixteen.
Mr. Bingley, outraged at Miss Bingley's thinly veiled criticisms, attempted to curb his sister's antics by stating that all ladies were accomplished. Elizabeth barely smiled at him in response before Mr. Darcy declared it nonsense. "I can say I have only seen half a dozen or so who are really accomplished." It was good for him that he was not looking at Elizabeth for she had a rare frown to show how she despised him for his high standards.
Miss Bingley then prevailed. She wholeheartedly agreed and added her knowledge of accomplishments. It was clear to all that she enjoyed speaking of accomplishments, and she described only her abilities as those every woman must possess. When Mr. Darcy added that a woman must read more, he actually turned and nodded to Elizabeth, as though he was praising her, even though her book was sitting forgotten in her hand.
Elizabeth was too cunning to miss his praise, but she had no value for it. She did not mind degrading herself and her sex by stating that the list of accomplishments was too long for any woman to attain. She then added, "In all that, you mention nothing of character. Where would you place pride and consideration of others in a woman who embodies all the accomplishments you say she must possess? Surely, a woman of such talents would not be very interesting to others, especially if she were aware of her superiority."
The look from Mr. Darcy made Elizabeth blush slightly, but she recovered when he responded with, "Conceit is despicable, but pride, where there is real superiority of mind, will always be under good regulation. Consideration of others is positively required." He glanced at Miss Bingley with a frown. She completely missed his point, however, and went boldly on without using his guidance.
"Consideration is good, but it has its place. Society can only care so much. If everyone was considered equal, then rank would be nothing.
According to you, rank and accomplishments go hand in hand. Are people of less rank to be ignored despite their character or abilities?" She looked directly at Mr. Darcy. He seemed to catch her reference to Mr. Wickham, and he wondered what she could know of the matter. What would Mr. Wickham say to Elizabeth?
Miss Bingley, once again oblivious to the interaction between Elizabeth and Darcy, interrupted with, "Trust me, Miss Elizabeth, if you were to move in society with us, you would see a great many truly accomplished women. Proper governesses ensure women of rank possess all the necessary accomplishments."
Elizabeth struggled to contain her laugh. "That is interesting, since you stated not five minutes ago that you knew only six such women."
If Mr. Hurst had not just then complained of the others neglecting their game, Miss Bingley would not have been saved from a retort she could not have managed well. Mr. Darcy only just managed not to laugh out loud. When he bowed to Elizabeth in congratulations, she responded by stating she was tired and would retire for the night. Mr. Darcy soon followed her example, especially when it became apparent that Miss Bingley was eager to disparage Elizabeth.
That night, Mr. Darcy slept ill. His admiration of Elizabeth was growing stronger with each encounter with her. At Lucas Lodge not a week ago, he realized that he admired her. His unconscious responses to her disturbed him. He had always prided himself on his unwavering self control, but now he felt he had none. He must take care in her presence or else he would be in some danger of falling under her spell.
The next morning, Elizabeth was completely worn out. She had stayed in Jane's room and tended her most diligently through the night. If she had not been rewarded with a renewal of spirits in Jane, she would have been miserable. As it was, she requested for Mrs. Bennet to be sent for to judge if Jane could be moved.
Mrs. Bennet came immediately after breakfast. Unfortunately, she had no plans to remove her daughters from Netherfield. "Jane is a great deal to ill to be moved, and we must trespass upon your hospitality a little longer, Mr. Bingley."
To Elizabeth's mortification, she then did everything in her power to speak of Jane's qualities, Mr. Bingley's graciousness, and Mr. Darcy's officiousness for the next half hour. Elizabeth tried to control her mother, even to the point of siding with Mr. Darcy, but it was no use. Mrs. Bennet would not hold her tongue. Her embarrassment was complete when Lydia boldly requested that Mr. Bingley hold a ball. Elizabeth hoped that hell would rise up and swallow her then and there, for the look on Miss Bingley's face ensured she was well satisfied with information she could use to disparage the Bennets later.
As soon as Mrs. Bennet and her daughters were out of the room, Miss Bingley waxed eloquent about the Bennets. Mr. Darcy did not join her this time, and only thoughts of the misery Elizabeth must be feeling after such an interview. He had seen how distressed she was by her mother and sisters. Being caught the previous night degrading her had put him in his place, and he would not do so again. He only wished he had not told Miss Bingley about Elizabeth's fine eyes the other day at Lucas Lodge, for now the woman was insufferable.
Elizabeth blushed as she entered the drawing-room that evening. She did not hear Miss Bingley's remarks after she left the drawing room that morning, but she guessed what had been said.
Dinner passed slowly enough with barely any conversation. Mr. Bingley worried for Jane's health too much to speak. Miss Bingley could think of nothing pleasant to say, and Mr. Darcy was attempting to be on his best behavior to make up for Elizabeth's discomfort earlier.
In the drawing room, the guests were left to their own devices. There were no cards to play. Mr. Darcy wrote a letter to his sister, and Miss Bingley walked around and attempted to praise him at every turn. He was barely civil to her inquiries. Elizabeth had to check herself many times to prevent her laughing at his incivility. Elizabeth did not join in the conversation until Mr. Bingley attempted to quarrel with his sister. "Caroline, it is not fair to say he must write well, for he spends so long thinking of four syllable words that he takes a very long time."
Miss Bingley could not help responding.
Mr. Darcy was so delighted that he forgot his letter as he sparred with her as to the merits of friendship between gentlemen until Mr. Bingley broke it up, clearly looking disheveled from trying to keep up with them.
When Mr. Darcy finally finished his letter, he move to sit with the ladies and asked for some music. Miss Bingley speedily rose to the occasion, almost forgetting to offer the pianoforte to Miss Elizabeth in her haste to recommend herself to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth declined speedily, allowing Miss Bingley the chance to show off her abilities while Mrs. Hurst sang.
While Elizabeth enjoyed the superior playing, she noticed that Mr. Darcy frequently watched her movements. She could not understand how such a proud man could enjoy staring at her, and imputed it to his inability to numerate all her faults, which seemed very likely. She was therefore surprised when he moved closer to her and asked her to dance. So shocked as she was, she could not immediately reply, forcing him to repeat his offer.
Elizabeth took a deep breath, remembering Jane's admonishment to be civil. "I have no intention of dancing tonight, Mr. Darcy, despite your request. I know you dislike the activity, and can only have asked me so that you could find another reason to despise me." She walked away before he could respond.
Mr. Darcy stared at her in shock. No one had ever refused him anything, and now she had refused his hand twice. He went to bed that night very disturbed. In his thoughts, he finally contended it must be as Miss Bingley had said. Elizabeth was trying to draw him in by lowering her own merits. He realized he must be more guarded in the future, and attempted not to pay her any attention the following day.
He was therefore surprised when his intentions slipped the moment he found her in the library the next morning. She was reaching for a book on the top shelf, balancing on a stool but still unable to reach it. He gallantly grabbed the book with ease and handed it to her. She mumbled her thanks before excusing herself and returning to her sister.
When she returned to the library a few hours later, she found him reading again. She selected another book, for hers was too well read to last her very long, and sat down opposite him. After a few moments, she found he was still watching her. She was about to begin when Miss Bingley entered and stated quite plainly that it was time for their daily walk. Mr. Darcy stood at her entrance and offered her his arm, although it was very nearly unwillingly done. He then turned to Elizabeth. "Would you join us on a walk through the gardens? It is not three miles, but it will be refreshing after spending so much time indoors."
Elizabeth noted the teasing nature of his voice. Miss Bingley had only just realized she was in the room and properly greeted her before returning her attention to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth rolled her eyes and walked behind them.
The library had doors leading directly outside, and within moments, Elizabeth could feel the cold, fresh air. She paused for a moment to breathe deeply. As Mr. Darcy had said, it was very refreshing. When she opened her eyes, she found Mr. Darcy had stopped and turned to look at her. She was astonished to see that he held his free arm out for her. His gallantry was rewarded when she took his hand and the three of them moved through the formal gardens. Their pace was slow, since Caroline was not a great walker and preferred to talk.
Elizabeth learned about a few of the rarer plants that Caroline had purchased from a master gardener in London. Apparently, only he knew what plants an English garden needed. Elizabeth struggled not to laugh. She was grateful when the path narrowed, and she very quickly released Mr. Darcy's hand and skipped off in another direction, stating that her companions were too well matched to allow for her to interrupt them. Mr. Darcy was not pleased, although his companion was delighted.
He did not see her again until dinner, when she behaved very prettily and announced that Jane was feeling a little better. This announcement was listened to with excitement by the entire room in different ways. Mr. Bingley was only glad to hear Jane was not suffering as much as before. Miss Bingley thought Elizabeth would leave soon, and even Mr. Darcy hoped her departure would return his mind to its previous ease. Mr. Hurst hoped to not have to hide his indolent ways much longer, not that he did anyway. Elizabeth took their excitement in her stride and ate in peace.
Her peace lasted through her time with the ladies in the drawing room. It could not, however, last through the gentlemen's entrance into said room. Mr. Darcy looked around the room as he entered. Elizabeth was sitting slightly to the side of the room with her book, which suited him perfectly. He sat across from her with a book of his own. Elizabeth attempted to ignore him until she saw the title of his book. It was the book he had helped her find in the library the day before.
"Do you enjoy Cowper?" Elizabeth could barely hold her astonishment in check.
"I read it every so often. I must thank you for finding the book the other day. It has been a long time since I read him last." He bowed to her slightly.
Miss Bingley then interrupted their conversation. She could not stand the two having even a few moments alone. "It is so nice to spend a quiet evening reading. I simply love to read." She then picked up a book at random and sat down with it in the seat next to Mr. Darcy. When she realized her book was about some past war that could not hold her interest, she began to look at Mr. Darcy's book. She asked various questions, all of which indicated she knew nothing about the book or the author.
Mr. Darcy shared an amused look with Elizabeth before returning to his book. Elizabeth would be astonished later to think that she shared a moment with the dour Mr. Darcy, but such astonishment did not occur to her now.
When Miss Bingley realized she did not have Mr. Darcy's attention, she brought her perceived enemy into her plan. "Miss Eliza, you would do well to join me in a turn about the room. It is so refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude."
Elizabeth did not lose a moment to her astonishment. Without thinking of a reply, she rose and began walking with her. Miss Bingley's ploy worked. Mr. Darcy put his book down and watched them. Elizabeth walked in silence, knowing Miss Bingley did not wish to speak with her. In less than a minute, Miss Bingley asked Mr. Darcy if he would join them. He declined impertinently. Miss Bingley was confused, but Elizabeth only smiled.
"To be sure, Mr. Darcy, a walk around the room would be insufficient for a man of your stature. What would you say to a walk around the gardens?" Elizabeth smiled, and he was hooked.
Miss Bingley was horrified. "Go on a walk in the gardens? It is dark!"
"The half moon is out. That will give light enough to enjoy the garden. And the air could never be fresher since it rained this afternoon." Elizabeth looked challengingly at Mr. Darcy. He would not refuse. Instead, he rang for a servant to fetch his coat and something warm for Elizabeth. When the servant returned, Mr. Darcy escorted Elizabeth and Miss Bingley to the front door. Miss Bingley, even with her pelisse and scarf, did not enjoy the walk.
They had not walked five steps when Miss Bingley, with terror in her eyes, grasped Mr. Darcy's arm and nearly shrieked "Are there wolves?"
Mr. Darcy was not impressed. He would have preferred take Elizabeth's arm. "I doubt there are any wolves here, especially this close to the house. If you worry, however, you may return to the house. You will be able to see us from the windows in the music room. We will not go far."
Miss Bingley sighed in relief and rushed inside. Almost as soon as the door was shut, both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy burst into laughter. When they recovered enough, Elizabeth took his offered arm and they walked through the path they had walked just that morning.
They walked in companionable silence as Elizabeth enjoyed the cold air on her warm cheeks once again. She had taken a nap in the afternoon, which was her only relief from tending to Jane. It was wearing on her state of mind to lose so much sleep. Therefore, she was startled when Mr. Darcy spoke. "It is a warmer night than I would have expected from the rain we have had."
"It will cool down eventually. Derbyshire is quite a bit north of here. The winters there must be more severe. We are only halfway through with November. The snow will come in time for Christmas."
"Yes, Pemberley is usually covered with snow numerous times before Christmas. It takes some getting used to, but it is very nice to be snowed in once in a while."
"I would imagine it gets lonely after a long winter." Elizabeth did not know why she was acting sympathetically towards him, but she felt sorry for him thinking how he had no father.
"My sister keeps me company. I suspect you have seen that I am not very fond of large parties."
Elizabeth laughed. "No, you do not seem to enjoy assemblies. You have friends, I would imagine."
"I have a few true friends. Most people wish for an acquaintance with me without caring about my person."
Elizabeth was silent for a while. It angered her that he would be so proud as to assume everyone would spend time with him because he is so rich. She had to reason with herself that for some people, it might be true. She had to remember Jane to keep her sentiments in check. She had promised to leave Mr. Darcy alone. He made it very difficult. "I suppose when you make a friend, you become very loyal."
Mr. Darcy chuckled, a different picture from hers floating through his mind. "Yes. When a friend is close, I am even willing to overlook an overbearing and pretentious sister for his sake."
Elizabeth laughed despite herself, but she could not relax. "And what would happen if you fell out with said friend? Would you deny his existence?"
Mr. Darcy took her meaning and shuddered as recollections intruded upon his consciousness. "I am not certain you know what you are talking about."
Finally, Elizabeth's need to accuse Mr. Darcy of his wrongs to Mr. Wickham won out over her promise to remain civil for Jane's sake. She had begun, and she would not look back. "I cannot make out your character, Mr. Darcy. You portray a very civil gentleman to the world, especially in light of your friendship to Mr. Bingley. But there are other reports of you that contradict your current amiableness."
"Perhaps you should not trust all that you hear." Mr. Darcy's haughtiness returned, and Elizabeth wondered if it was a defense mechanism. "A gentleman does not need to defend his actions to everyone he meets. His status speaks for itself. I do not know what he has told you, but do not believe his lies. It will lead you wrong. Goodnight, Miss Bennet." He removed her arm from his and quickly returned to the house.
AN: I know, I should be finishing Elizabeth Knows, but I could not help getting this story out. I hope you like it.