Chapter 7

Doris Arnold was a wise woman and realized that there was something more behind that strange couple who had arrived at the inn a few hours before. The girl was quite pretty, and even though she had tried to speak casually with hints of vulgarity, she had noticed that it was not her natural way of talking. She was probably pretending to be someone else to avoid attracting attention and did not blame it. She knew that a lady from high society was at serious risk in that den of thieves where she lived. Doris knew that someone with the features of her face, the care of her hands, and how she looked around made her think that Lizzy was a true lady.

But she was not the only one who caught her attention. The man who accompanied her had the demeanor of a gentleman. Even indisposed as he was, he spoke with the propriety of a man of the world who had grown in society and with access to a good education. The difference in how he looked and expressed himself was abysmal compared to the ruffians she had had to deal with for almost thirty years.

Before arriving in that town lost in the middle of nowhere, she was the personal maid of a great lady with a good heart and generous nature, but unfortunately, she had many health problems. But she lost it all because she decided to follow a man who played with her feelings and then abandoned her.

When she turned twenty, she found herself alone in the world, and her reputation was completely ruined. She could not return to her family because she did not wish to harm them. Her parents were honest and hardworking people, and she did not want to ruin the reputation of her younger sisters. She only wrote to them to let them know she was well but never dared to return to the town she fled from believing a man's lies. But life gave her a second chance when she met her dear friend Amanda.

Amand Harvey had helped her husband establish that small inn, and when he died, she was left alone with a young daughter and no support from anyone. She was only thirty years old, and many wanted to take advantage of her or prevent her from continuing with her business. There, she met Doris, who, like her, had no one in the world. Both came together to survive in hostile territory for two women alone and without the protection of a man.

Thanks to their perseverance and hard work, they managed to survive the first few years until they finally became the mothers and sisters of those delinquents who had no one in the world to confess their deepest sorrows. In that town of men outside the law, everyone only respected those two women who welcomed and treated them affectionately.

Neither of them wanted to marry or depend on a man because they had both known the dark side of love. Amanda had endured for twelve years an abusive husband who had subjected her to all kinds of mistreatment, and Doris had given everything for love, and in return, she had only received the greatest disappointment of her life.

"Doris, old Ronald told me that two passengers arrived today, a couple in love who went to the north to get married, right?"

"Old Ronald is always so gossipy," Doris laughed. "Yes, a couple arrived, but I think they have a very different story from what they told me."

"Indeed? Why do you believe that?"

"I cannot give you a specific reason, it is just a hunch, but I am convinced they are hiding something."

"Do you think they might be in serious trouble or that they are fugitives? I can talk to Big Ben and ask him to expel them if necessary."

"No, Amanda. In that sense, I think they are harmless. I have the impression that they are not married as they say, that is all. She is quite a pretty girl, and he is the typical handsome gentleman who probably thinks he can buy everything with money."

"And did you draw all those conclusions after talking to them for twenty minutes?" asked Amanda laughing.

"I told you that I could not give you a logical explanation. It is just that he reminds me so much of someone I knew in my youth," Doris explained thoughtfully.

"An old lover, Doris?"

"Do not be ridiculous, Amanda. He reminds me of a very good man, the husband of my dear Lady Anne."

"But you have always told me that family is one of the richest in England. What would a wealthy man do in a place like this?" Amanda was quite confused by everything her friend was telling her.

"That is what makes me uneasy. I am afraid that silly girl is under the spell of that gentleman and that once he is bored with her, he will leave her abandoned and ruined for the rest of her life," Doris explained.

"Well, if that is the case, we should be alert. Maybe we can make her see reason. I would not want to see any woman suffer for the actions of a scoundrel," Amanda said vehemently.

"That is precisely why we must be vigilant."

Both friends continued eating, talking, and planning the menu for the next day and the many other things they had to do and organize.

P&P

Elizabeth did not know what to do. That letter was addressed to her and was sealed. Should she open it? What intrigued her most was knowing why Mr. Darcy had written her a letter going against the social norms that prohibited contact of this nature between a man and a woman that were not related. Her only explanation for it was that, somehow, that letter talked about that disastrous marriage proposal.

After pacing incessantly around the small room for almost ten minutes, Elizabeth decided to read the letter. Mr. Darcy was fast asleep, and though he was still a little feverish, at least he was not delirious. She prayed that the rest would help him recover as soon as possible and be able to get out of that place where she did not feel safe at all.

The temperature had dropped drastically, and she was shivering with cold, so she decided to lie down in her place on the bed and cover herself with all the available blankets. After ascertaining that Mr. Darcy was still asleep, she opened the letter and began to read it with interest.

In the first part, he explained his reasons for taking Mr. Bingley away from Jane, and though he offered an almost forced apology, Elizabeth could not deny that many of the things he mentioned had a hold on reality. She still felt ashamed, remembering how her family had behaved at the Netherfield ball.

She had to stop reading to dry her tears. 'I do not know what is wrong with me that I cannot control my emotions,' thought Elizabeth as she watched Mr. Darcy sleeping.

'To think that despite your opinion of my family, you were willing to marry me. Why do you have to be so proud and stern in how you treat others?' Elizabeth wondered as she continued to watch Mr. Darcy.

Once she was calmer, she continued reading. But if the first part of the letter had left her pondering the justice of her accusations against Mr. Darcy, the second part left her astonished for several minutes.

She was initially angry with Mr. Darcy for slandering Mr. Wickham like that. But once her initial anger passed, and considering the private details he shared, she could not help but realize that it was probably all true.

'Why did Mr. Wickham tell me all those lies? And why did I believe everything without having more evidence than his word? I feel like a fool,' Elizabeth thought. She could not help but shed a few more tears.

She read the letter again, then blew the candle and curled under the covers to try to sleep. Although she was exhausted, it was not easy to fall asleep thinking about how she had misjudged Mr. Darcy.

'It seems that you are not the terrible person I thought. Besides, you risked your life to save me. I cannot help but wonder, what did I do to earn your affection?' Elizabeth wondered before finally falling asleep.

P&P

Mr. Bingley had an early breakfast and went to Cheapside to see what he could do and if there was any news about his friend and Miss Elizabeth. He also wanted to leave his house before his sisters woke up. For now, he desired to stay as far away from them as possible. He was sure that if Caroline and Louisa insisted on telling him what to do with his time, he would lose control and confront them for hiding Miss Bennet's presence.

At that moment, Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet needed him, and he wanted to focus all his energies on that. That is why he preferred to postpone that conversation for another time. He planned to travel to Hertfordshire and officially court the woman he loved. If Jane did not love him, he intended to do everything possible to win her heart, and there was no better way to do it than to help her in such a painful moment.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had also risen early. He needed to converse more privately with Miss Elizabeth's uncle about matters he did not feel safe discussing in the Darcy household.

When he arrived at the Gardiner home, they were surprised by the unexpected visit and thought he had news about Elizabeth. But things were much more complicated than that, and after the greeting and introductions, Richard decided to explain why he was there.

"Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, I know this is not the right time for a social call, but believe me, I have something important to discuss with you."

"Please, Colonel, do not worry. Given the circumstances, we are not concerned if the time of your visit is or is not appropriate," said Mrs. Gardiner.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. I am here to ask you not to go to Darcy House to inquire about your niece. I promise to keep you informed of everything I know, and if you need to talk to me, you can send me a message to this address, and I shall come as soon as I can."

"I understand," Mr. Gardiner replied curtly.

"Mr. Gardiner, if I have asked you not to go to my cousin's house, it is not because of what I think you suspect. Please let me tell you a little about my cousin's life." Richard informed the Gardiners part of the family history of both the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys and the continuous pressure his cousin had to face.

"When he first took possession of his inheritance, many thought they could take advantage of him because of how young and inexperienced he was. I shamefully admit that my father was one of them, but my Uncle George's cousin, Mr. Patrick Darcy, was always the most persistent. He always thought he should be the heir to the Darcy family."

"What you have told us is very sad, Colonel," Mrs. Gardiner said.

"I have always believed that this man has a spy in my cousin's house because he always seems to know what is happening at Darcy House. In fact, I still have not been able to talk to my cousin Georgiana and tell her what has happened to her brother. I was thinking that you perhaps could allow me to do it here at your house, where I am certain there will not be anyone listening behind the doors.

"Of course, Colonel," said Mr. Gardiner. "Is Mr. Darcy aware that someone in his house is providing information to that man?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.

"I once mentioned it to him, but he dismissed the idea. He is a very generous master, and most of the servants have served his family for many years, so he trusts them," Richard explained.

Jane had not wanted to leave her bed because she had not slept well. She felt such great anguish that she had no desire for anything. But when she heard of Colonel Fitzwilliam's arrival, she dressed up and asked if he had any news. But unfortunately, her hopes were dashed because there was still no news of Elizabeth's whereabouts.

"I know it is not much, but if it is any consolation, the men I hired are heading north on the trail of these criminals, and I am sure they will be able to give us some clues to the whereabouts of my cousin and Miss Elizabeth very soon."

"Thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam, for your support in these difficult times," Jane said.

Half an hour after Richard's arrival, Mr. Bingley joined the conversation. Colonel Fitzwilliam reiterated everything he had told the Gardiners about what he thought was happening at the Darcy house.

Finally, Richard withdrew after a few minutes, and Mr. Bingley stayed to keep Jane company and try to cheer her up so that she would not be so sad.

"Miss Bennet, I do not like to see you so sad," said Mr. Bingley sorrowfully. It broke his heart to see Jane so pale and sad.

"Mr. Bingley, I am so worried about my sister," Jane replied, unable to help but shed a few tears.

"I understand. I want you to know that I am here to help you in whatever you need," Mr. Bingley said excitedly.

"Thank you for supporting us in these difficult moments," said Jane. She could not stop thinking how beautiful it would have been to have Mr. Bingley by her side under different circumstances.

Mr. Bingley began to tell Jane and Mrs. Gardiner of his plans to return to Netherfield, and they listened intently. At that moment, any distraction was welcome.

P&P

"I have to check the balances… We have to change the fences in the northern part… No, this year I need to buy more sheep to increase the production of wool…"

Elizabeth woke when she heard Mr. Darcy babbling many words that made nonsense. She sat to better look at him and realized he still had a high fever. She gave him to drink the little water left in a jug and moistened his forehead and neck to see if he would react.

Mr. Darcy opened his eyes, and although he tried to understand what was happening, he felt like he was in the middle of a dream that sometimes turned into a nightmare.

"Elizabeth, my love, are we in Pemberley? Mrs. Darcy, I like how it sounds."

Elizabeth could not help but blush. She felt so ashamed to be in a situation like that with a gentleman she had insulted and accused of evils that he was innocent of and that he insisted on treating her with such familiarity.

"Mr. Darcy, you just have to be calm. You have a high fever, and that is why you are confused. Please rest," Elizabeth said as she continued to moisten his forehead and neck.

"It is alright, my dear. But promise you will never leave me," Mr. Darcy said as he tried to kiss the hand of the woman he loved so much.

"Please, Mr. Darcy, I need you to rest in this bed. I need to leave for a few minutes. I shall get something to eat and fresh water to lower your temperature."

"It is alright, my sweet love, but come back soon. I love you, Elizabeth. Do you love me?" asked Mr. Darcy and went back to sleep.

"I... I," Elizabeth tried to reply, but when she saw Mr. Darcy asleep, she preferred not to say anything. She only caressed his face and went in search of water and food.

Elizabeth entered the only common area of the inn that simultaneously served as a dining room, bar, and reception. Since it was quite early, only two men were eating breakfast, and a woman she had not seen the day before.

"You must be Lizzy; I am Mrs. Harvey, the other owner of this inn," Amanda said, studying the girl before her. She was undoubtedly very pretty and quite young. She hoped Doris was wrong because she looked gentle and deserved better than wasting her time in a place full of outlaws with a scoundrel abusing her innocence.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Harvey. My husband is not feeling well, and I would like to know if we can have breakfast in the room. Besides, I need fresh water and to know where I can wash myself and my clothes," asked Elizabeth, a little unsure because the woman was looking at her as if trying to guess what she was hiding.

"You can take your breakfast to your room, and I shall ask one of the servants to bring you water. If you want to wash yourself, there is a small shed with a water pump at the back. Also, I can ask one of the girls to wash your clothes, but that has an additional cost."

"Yes, I understand; thank you very much for your help," Elizabeth said. Then, she took two bowls of porridge and returned to the room. Five minutes later, a servant brought water and some hot tea. Elizabeth handed her the dirty clothes, and she withdrew.

Elizabeth took advantage of the fact that the water the servant brought her was very cold to refresh Mr. Darcy several times. She later woke him, gave him breakfast, and helped him drink water. Finally, when she verified that the fever had dropped considerably, she went to the small shed to wash and change the clothes she had been wearing for several days."

In less than half an hour, she returned to the room to monitor Mr. Darcy's health and stayed by his side. He slept most of the morning and only woke to eat something at lunchtime. Elizabeth had to get the food and return the dirty dishes to keep the small room clean and organized.

"Elizabeth, Elizabeth... where are you?" asked Mr. Darcy, concerned.

"I am here, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth responded immediately.

"Are you well?" asked Mr. Darcy. Although he was still a bit confused, he no longer had a fever.

"Yes, I am well. Please rest. It would be best if you got your energy back," Elizabeth said, still worried about Mr. Darcy's health.

"I am fatigued; I need to sleep. Please, do not go away and stay here with me. Elizabeth, where did you leave my gun?"

"It is wrapped in your cravat inside your greatcoat pocket."

"Please put it under the pillow and use it if necessary."

"Do not worry, we are safe here," Elizabeth said so as not to worry Mr. Darcy.

"Please do not trust anyone," Mr. Darcy said, taking Elizabeth's hand. He wanted to tell her that the people in that inn seemed suspicious, but he was exhausted and could not help but fall asleep.

Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy concerned and sat beside him to moisten his forehead and neck to prevent the fever from returning.

"Please, rest, Mr. Darcy. Tomorrow will be a better day for you," Elizabeth said, and she kissed the forehead of the man to whom she owed her life and well-being.

P&P

Thanks to everyone who leaves comments and enthusiastically follows the story.

In the next chapter, Mr. Darcy will feel better and begin to plan how to get out of that place.

See you soon!

Saludos,

Yo