A Night of Drama
Miss Elizabeth had been out walking in the early morning she almost fell but braced her hand on a tree. Her hand was very painful to move in some directions but if she kept it still, she didn't feel any pain only discomfort.
When she got home, she rested it but kept it a secret as she wanted to go to the ball at Netherfield park.
She dressed carefully and off she went.
As she had promised to her cousin to dance the first two dances with him, she figured it would be the best way to test if she could dance the rest of the night.
It went as smoothly as she expected, not a lot of pain but still a very awkward dance as Mr Collins was unsure of his steps.
Elizabeth hid for some time after then she danced then she hid and then she danced then she hid while she was hiding Mr Darcy found her and asked her for a dance, she said yes, he left, she didn't really want to dance especially with him but felt like she had no escape.
He came for her and gently took her hand and led them to the dance floor.
Everything was going well until she decided to ask him about Mr Wickham.
The minute she said that name Mr Darcy's hand tightened on hers, she lost her footing in pain, and he accidentally stomped on it,
In a very small voice miss Elizabeth said ''thank you for the dance mr Darcy if you would lead me off the dance floor, I would appreciate it. ''
He took her elbow, and they were off he led her to a chair and asked if there was anything he could do for her.
Elizabeth sat with a straight back attempting to get over her pain. But it kept getting worse, so she asked him if the apothecary was at the dance he went to check.
Elizabeth sat still and with a very stiff face and no yelling, crying or anything only the odd way she held her hand and foot betrayed her. Mr Darcy came back with the local apothecary called Mr Jones and miss Lucas who had seen everything.
Luckily Mr Darcy had led her to a private corner, so she explained about her small stain in the hand from the morning.
She said I'm afraid that while we danced, I moved my hand the wrong direction and in pain I forgot my steps.
Mr Jones gently took her hand and squeezed her hand she took a sharp breath and her eyes shut for a moment.
He moved it around and then looked hard at her eyes, hers then slowly moved to mr Darcy.
When miss Lucas saw that Elizabeth was going to be silent about her foot she decided to say:'' I'm afraid I also saw her twist her ankle. Mr Darcy had not realized till then he had stomped on her foot because he had been lost in anger.
Mr Jones moved to kneel before Miss Elizabeth when she said ''it was really alright'' but he insisted. He saw the way she only had her big toe on the floor and gently examined it. He had been their family doctor for many years and really cared for her. Looking up to her eyes he could see the pain, her ankle had been dislocated. He said sadly ''Oh Miss Elizabeth how on earth are you not screaming.'' He then turned to Mr Darcy, ''Miss Elizabeth is very ill indeed, her ankle had been dislocated and she has broken bones in her hand. I've known man and women with smaller injuries screaming of their heads in pain, it is truly amazing that she is not. It would be best to have her moved to a bed so I can tend to her injuries.'' he then looked really hard at Mr Darcy. ''I do wonder how she got such a serious injury during a dance. But that can wait, she needs to be in a bed with her foot treated and elevated to keep swelling down, it is growing by the minute if she can't rest in a bed here then we need to go now''
Mr Darcy nodded then left to find the housekeeper and was told a room was available. He went back to Elizabeth and the others. ''I've found a room ready for her, would it be best if she was carried? Or how do we get her there?'' Mr Jones was an older man of 50 he said, ''I really can't carry her, but it would be best if she was carried maybe a servant can be found quickly'' but instead Mr Darcy just leaned over and lifted Miss Elizabeth into his arms and began walking, miss Lucas and Mr Jones followed at a hurried pace.
Unthinking of the consequences he went thrugh the busy ball rooms and up the stairs, Miss Elizabeth red in the face, a single tear on her cheek and a shoeless foot sticking out from her dress. He went into the room and put her on the bed then left her to Miss Lucas and Mr jones, he left them to find Bingley but met him in the hallway.
Bingley red in the face from running after hearing the early whispers ''what are you doing Darce, what is going on? The whole ball is whispering about you and Miss Elizabeth and how you took her in your arms''
Mr Darcy answered:'' it's an emergency Bingley I accidentally injured Miss Elizabeth while we were dancing, I lead her to a chair and went to find Mr jones, she is very ill indeed Bingley I dislocated her ankle and broke bones in her hand, Mr jones said she had to lay down when he puts it back into joint. She can't walk''
A single loud scream was heard from Elizabeths room and then a thud sound. Suddenly miss Lucas came running out tears on her face ''we need boiling water and lots of bandages and a few strong hands. And whiskey and please send someone to mr jones's carriage to get his bag of supplies.''
Bingley went to get supplies and Mr darcy very anxiously asked if there was anything he could do and what is happening?
Miss Lucas said, ''I don't know what it is exactly, but something happened when we tried to set it. The leg is turning blue, and Mr Jones is going to cut her leg open. She needs to be held down if she wakes while he is fixing her leg, I can't be in there while he does it, im not strong enough. Maybe you can go in, I'll find Mr Bennet and her uncle and maybe my father. Or brother''
She left to find them, and he went into the room. Miss Elizabeth was passed out looking very pale.
A few hours later most of the men came out looking tired and sad. They had saved her foot, but it would be a painful recovery, Elizabeth had woken during the surgery and the men were astounded that she went against the nature to fight to get away from the pain. She just laid there with the occasional whimper and let them do the things necessary to save the leg. In her extreme pain her only outlet was her good hand that went to grab something and found a hand.
Mr Darcy could not stop thinking about that strong lady in the bed down in the quest room and the way she had gripped his hand when she was in pain.
After finding all the supplies for Mr Jones, Mr Bingley went to find all the Bennet ladies to tell them about Miss Elizabeths accident.
Bingley ''I'm sorry to tell you that Miss Elizabeth had an accident during her dance with Mr Darcy and she is now being treated by Mr jones in an upstairs bedroom.''
Mrs Bennet '' oh I see Mr Bingley I did wonder where she was but I'm sure she is fine''
Lydia: '' LA oh that is why I saw her in mr Darcys arms then, oh that must have been fun even if he is so boring''
Jane and Bingley both blushed furiously
Jane: '' Lydia be silent, is Lizzy alright? Can I go to her''
Bingley: '' I'm afraid it's very serious, her ankle dislocated and while they tried to put it into joint again something happened so now, they have to operate, I'm very sorry but it is no place for a lady of your gentle nature. I'm going to close the ball so we can be with Miss Elizabeth when her surgery is over''
Mrs Bennet: ''Nonsense if there is nothing we can do, which im sure there isn't, there's no reason to close the ball on our account, she always vexes me, but she will be alright''
Jane: '' Mama I want to go to Lizzy even if I have to wait.''
Mrs Bennet '' no you best have a dance to lessen your worries for Elizabeth Mr Bingley could you take her?''
Forced into a corner both felt they had no choice in the matter an, so they went for a very distracted dance.
Mrs Bennet then took a turn of the room to listen for gossip,
A lady '' did you see Miss Elizabeth in his arms?''
Another ''oh yes, he must have compromised her, she was missing her shoe and crying''
''They have been gone for a long time; she must have given him her Favor.''
Another place in the ballroom
''Did you see Mr Bingley leading Miss Bennet to dance again it must be the third or fourth time this evening, do you think they are engaged?''
''I certainly hope so, it is only proper to have two dances if not. Otherwise, those Bennet girls are too wild, the youngest flirts with everyone you know, and Lizzy in Mr. Darcys Arms and even sweet Jane throwing herself at Mr Bingley''
''Yes, and Mrs Bennet pushing Lizzy and Mr Collins together, when he's a better match for Mary it's all very odd today.''
Mrs Bennet runs to the privy to figure out how it all went so wrong
Meanwhile Caroline Bingley wondered how she could separate her brother from the Bennets.
Mr Collins wonders what is going on and ask Mary what is going on.
Mr Collins '' my dear cousin what is going on where is Miss Elizabeth?''
Mary '' while Lizzy was dancing with Mr darcy she twisted her ankle and now they are operating on her leg.''
Collins '' oh dear is it very serious?''
Mary '' yes sir, we don't really know what happened.''
Collins '' oh then she must be very delicate to bet sick while only dancing… that would not to for at ministers wife, my dear Cousin Mary I wonder if you… do you think your sister Elizabeth, no… Miss Mary I've noticed that you enjoy Fordyce's sermons and I wonder if you would do me the honour of becoming my wife, your interest will help you in the role of a vicars wife''
Mary Smiles '' Yes Mr Collins I will marry you''
Collins '' may I have this dance''
They went with big smiles and danced a dance of feeling if not great skill. And so, one Bennet girl was engaged.
Mr Bingley and Jane followed by Caroline and kitty walked up the stairs to check on Lizzy. Just then most of the men came out of the room weary and sad.
Jane went to Elizabeth and saw to her sister comfort as much as she could.
Meanwhile the men Mr Bennet, Mr Phillips, Mr Lucas, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy went to a private Study down the hall to find a bit of fortification in the form of a bottle. With a bang Mrs Bennet Threw open the door to the study and stormed up to mr Bennet,
Mrs B yells at Mr Bennet'' where have you been?! We are all ruined and it's all Elizabeth fault! ''
Mr Bennet '' what do you mean?''
Mrs Bennet ''everyone downstairs thinks the Bennets are ruined, it's because they saw Elizabeth being carried off by Mr Darcy with her shoe off, crying in his arms and they have both been gone a long time, they also say Jane is being a loose woman for dancing with Mr Bingley 3 or 4 times, but she wouldn't have if Elizabeth didn't hurt herself. And they say im pushing a poor match by wanting Collins to marry Elizabeth instead of Mary. And they talk badly about Lydia's behaviour, but they wouldn't do that if Elizabeth just behaved herself! Og we are all ruined!''
Mr Bennet sat down and gave a heavy sigh:'' Mrs Bennet calm yourself, where is the girls?''
Mrs Bennet: '' I left Mary in a corner with her book, kitty and Jane are with Elizabeth and Lydia is dancing and having fun.''
Mr Bennet: ''first let's have them brought here''
In the same moment Mr Collins came into the room with Mary and Lydia.
Mr Collins:'' My dear cousin Bennet could I have a private moment of your time?''
They went to the furthest corner in the study and if he had spoken softly, it would have been private, but he spoke loudly in his excitement.
Collins :'' Mr Bennet My dearest Mary has consented to be my wife would you give us your blessing for our unity, I know I initially chose Miss Elizabeth but I'm afraid with her being so delicate she would have a hard time as a vicars wife, and you know Mary would be a great help to lead my herd.''
Mr Bennet watched him with narrowed eyes:'' I had not been told you had any interest in my daughters so I require a word with my daughters, you will wait here Mr Collins.''
The room watched with wide eyes when he went to Mary took her hand and spoke softly to her
Mr B: '' Mary are you sure you want this man? It would of course give you security, but would you be happy?''
Mary tears in her eyes: ''papa I like him so much, I would be so happy, he is a perfect match for me.''
Mr B said loudly: ''then yes Mary, you may have him to be your husband.''
Mrs Bennet:'' oh Mr Collins how good you are to us. '' loudly to herself:'' Oh but then what about Elizabeth, she is ruined by Mr Darcy, but he will not have her as she is not pretty enough to tempt him, he said, oh what to do...?''
Mr darcy blushed with wide eyes whispering: ''she heard me.''
Until this very second, he had been convinced Miss Elizabeth had had a scheme to get him to marry her only the mishap was bigger than planned.
Mr Darcy thinking* she must hate me, oh how she must hate me, but we must marry for her safety and for mine.''
Mr Darcy Turned to Mr Bennet:'' please can I talk to Miss Elizabeth if she is awake?''
Mr Bennet pondered the situation: *if he goes into her chambers she is ruined, hmm maybe Jane and I can stay.
Mr Bennet: ''I'll come with you and Jane will stay, let's go.''
Mr darcy walked to the side of her bed and sat in the chair Miss Bennet had just left. Mr and Miss Bennet stood in the furthest corner and could not hear what Lizzy and Mr Darcy was whispering.
Mr Darcy: '' Miss Elizabeth, I hope you are okay. I've come to apologize for the many offenses I've give you, the first is the untruth you overheard at the first assembly where I said you could not tempt me, I had not looked at you when I said this and it would be the biggest untruth I've ever said for that same evening I saw you laughing with miss Lucas while your eyes shone brightly, and I could only think of how beautiful your eyes are. And then you walked out of the mist at Netherfield and the same thought came to me that you were very charming and even very tempting. I know you probably hate me, but I hope you might be willing to talk to me.''
Lizzy:'' ehm Mr darcy I don't really know what to say, if you find me pretty charming and tempting, why have you not spoken to me when we are in company? I know you watch me all the time, but I always thought you were looking for fault in me, also why do you speak of this now?''
Darcy: ''I'm afraid I made many mistakes, and many of them tonight, when you sudden mentioned Wickham I got so mad I lost my sense and I injured you so badly, I'm so sorry Miss Elizabeth I apologize for the pain and suffering I've brought you.''
Lizzy:'' it's forgiven Mr Darcy I really shouldn't have been dancing with an injured hand to begin with.''
Darcy:'' there is more I'm afraid Miss Elizabeth, I lost my head thinking I hurt you, I then carried you though the filled ballrooms and stayed here to help, I'm so sorry rumours have started that I have compromised you.''
Lizzy:'' I'm sure we could just tell everyone about the injury to kill the rumour.''
Darcy:'' the rumours have grown wild, and they already speak badly of your family, I don't think telling them of your injury will be enough. Miss Elizabeth, I know you don't really have a good opinion of me, but I think we would be a very good match if you would have me. Please say you will marry me.''
Lizzy:'' don't you think it's a bit hasty Mr Darcy surely rumours will die down? I've always promised only to marry for love''
Darcy smiles softly at her; she blushes and her breath catches.
Darcy: ''first for the love and safety of family please marry me? Im already on my way to loving you please marry me. Might you not grow to love me to in time Elizabeth?''
Elizabeth :''I'm not as ladylike as those from your circle, I like to argue and discuss things, I really hate being told what to do, I'm likely to disobey your orders and sometimes I will walk many hours a day, I don't care for the Ton and Higher class behaviour, I will be faithful and only receive faithfulness in return. i don't know much about you or the way you live your life, but you seem honourable, but I also have your past behaviour against you and as much as you don't want to talk about him he clearly does his account is making you very unhonourable, I don't really know what to believe Mr Darcy. Would you tell me to put my mind at ease he said you denied him a living your father promised.
Darcy:'' I see that my behaviour does matter. Mr Wickham and I grew up together at Pemberley after my father died Wickham came to say he would not take orders and asked for a sum so he could study the law instead, I knew his character had turn for the worse and was happy to give him 3000 pounds in leaving of the living sighting his rights to the living away. A few years later he came back after hearing the living was free, I sent him away. A few months later he tried to make my sister run away with him on the account of her dowry of 30.000 pounds he almost succeeded.
Elizabeths eyes shone with sadness:'' I'm so sorry Mr darcy for ever believing in his account, can we find a way to protect our neighbours and the shops from such a man. If you will still have me despite being so dreadful, I will marry you, you are an honourable man.''
Darcy smiled gently at her and took her good hand in his and kissed it, he then said: ''I will speak to your father directly dearest.'' He got up turned to Mr Bennet and asked for a moment of his time, Elizabeth smiled a big fond smile at her father, they then left Jane and Elizabeth.
Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy went to a private room to speak
Darcy: '' Mr Bennet I have asked Miss Elizabeth for her hand in marriage, and she said yes.''
Bennet:'' are you sure she said yes?'' Nod'' why I was sure she was going to say no.''
Darcy:'' I've apologized for my many offenses to Elizabeth and explained the situation to her''
Bennet:'' and she still said yes, I don't agree to this there should be affection in a marriage.''
Darcy:'' I and she agrees, I think we will be very happy; indeed, we are a very good match, I'm already half in love with her already, and I hope that now we have resolved many issues she will see me in a good light for affection to grow.''
Bennet:'' then I hope you are right for you have my blessing.''
Darcy:'' I've been thinking if we should announce Elizabeths engagement and maybe even miss Marys?''
Bennet:'' it's a good idea, do you think Mr Bingley would mind?''
Darcy:''let's go find out?''
Mr Bingley asks is he can speak to Miss Bennet, he can. He proposed and was engaged to his angel.
Then everybody went down to the ball where Mr Bennet made the announcement
Bennet:'' dear friends we have news to tell you, Elizabeth hurt her leg earlier this evening but in the midst of all this she has gotten herself engaged to Mr Darcy. Mr Collins has proposed to Mary, and she said yes. A last but not least Mr Bingley and Jane has gotten engaged.
Thank you all for coming to celebrate this day with us, anyone wishing to congratulate Elisabeth can go upstairs with Mr Darcy ''
Half the matrons thought to check if she really was injured the other half wanted to congratulate her on her lucky catch, thus all the matrons in Merryton confirmed she was really badly injured, and all proclaimed the Bennet family to be very proper even if Lydia is too lively.