Chapter 13
Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield with aching feet and a strong desire to see her sister. As she crossed the lawn towards the front door, she was startled to see Darcy come around from behind a row of hedges.
"Miss Bennet!" he cried.
She dipped a curtsy and said in a frosty voice, "Mr. Darcy."
He looked around. "Did you walk all the way from Meryton… on foot?"
She sighed internally and noticeably shifted in her walking boots to alternate the weight on each limb. "As you see."
"But why did you not ask for a carriage?"
"I do not believe one was offered."
When he made to acknowledge her point, she added tartly, "Nor did either of you gentlemen stay long enough for conversation that would have allowed me to make such a request."
The tips of his ears reddened, but before he could reply, she continued with an air of faux blitheness, "It is of no import, sir. Fortunately, my feet have healed sufficiently and are only moderately uncomfortable as I stand here speaking to you."
Again without waiting for a response, she dipped another curtsy and walked away, leaving him behind.
Darcy stood staring at Elizabeth's back: one part of his brain reeling at her innuendo of his gentlemanlike qualities - or lack thereof - and the other admiring her light, pleasing form from behind and the fire in her eyes…
It was only the slam of the front door that shook him from his thoughts, and he realized that he had allowed her to enter the manor without even offering his escort, let alone an arm on which to lean on so as to ease the burden of her wounded feet.
He hurried to enter the house and was greeted by the icy stare of the butler, who opened the door only just wide enough to allow Darcy through. Darcy looked around, but it was of no use; the extra moments he'd required to squeeze through the door and past the servant had given Elizabeth all the time she'd needed to escape up the stairs to her rooms.
"I believe Miss Elizabeth's feet were quite painful, sir," the butler said.
Darcy scowled at the man's impudence. "See that she receives more of the salve from my valet."
"Very good, sir."
Feeling as though nothing could go right for him, Darcy stormed his way to the library, fuming as he went. With Miss Bingley's absence, he now felt at liberty to go to whichever room of the house he most desired, as opposed to feeling trapped in his rooms or the other gentlemen-only rooms. One could only be in another man's study with naught to do or play billiards for so long before running mad.
Picking up the book he had discarded the previous evening, he settled himself onto a comfortable chair in front of the fireplace to read. The first page reminded him of why he had set it aside in the first place, but he forced himself to continue reading - anything to push away the events of the day and the overpowering feelings that came with them.
Unfortunately, the words of Robert Burns were not enough to to calm the tumultuous storm of emotions that raged through his mind and wreaked havoc on his heart. Memories that were long buried came rushing to the surface.
Seeing Elizabeth - the cause of his current turmoil - in company with Wickham - a representation of his bygone trauma - in company with one another brought the past crashing into the future.
"It was Wickham, wasn't it, Anne? Don't lie to me! I saw you whispering with him at your door yesterday. What was he doing visiting your chambers?"
"Nothing, George! I swear to you, he was just asking after my health and passing on a message from his wife. There was nothing more than that! You won't allow me to see anyone ever since the baby…"
"I told you never to speak of it! I don't believe you. You're sleeping with my stewards, aren't you, Anne?"
"No, George!"
"Well, you won't be able to see your lover any longer. I'll see to that!"
"Fitzwilliam, can't you do something?"
"What do you want me to do, George?"
"Tell your father to change his mind! Papa hasn't done anything wrong. He's been your father's best friend - he would never betray him! You know that!"
"I know, George, but there's nothing I can do."
"You can talk to him!"
"Don't you think I've tried?"
"You can't let him do this. He promised he would send me to school with you, remember? That he would provide a living for me. If he sends us away, if he doesn't write a letter of recommendation for my father… what's going to happen to us, Fitzwilliam?"
"Is that all you can think about, George? What's going to happen to you? What about me, my family? My father has my mother locked in her chambers! He won't let her out! He won't let her - or me - talk about my sister. It's like she never existed."
"This is my entire life!"
"Is that all that matters? Is that all the Darcys are to you, George? A way to get ahead?"
"It's not like it's going to matter to you. Whatever your father does, you'll still inherit Pemberley. You'll still have a future. My family will have nothing. I will have nothing. I'll be expected to work for a living! I was destined for greater things. Your father promised me! I'm his godson - I deserve more!"
"Some friend you are!"
"I'll never forgive you for this! Never!"
"Mr. Darcy?"
Darcy jumped slightly in his seat, his head shooting upwards to look at the figure in the doorway.
"My apologies, sir," said the maid, "but I was sent to tell you that it's almost time for dinner."
"Very well, thank you."
The girl dipped a curtsy and left the room. Darcy shook his head to clear away the memories, then stood and squared his shoulders. He would conquer this! He was master of himself. He would not allow his emotions to control him, as they did his father, leading him to ruin.
The next two days passed with Elizabeth doing all she could to avoid Darcy. Fortunately for her, he seemed to be doing the same thing. They were able to pass away the time without having spent more than a few minutes in each other's company, and as that was during meals and tea, they were always in the company of others.
The morning of the Mrs. Phillips' card party arrived, and Elizabeth was delighted when Jane awoke feeling much better than she had in several days.
"Oh Lizzy, may I go downstairs today? My cough is almost entirely gone!"
Elizabeth leaned forward and pressed her hand to Jane's forehead, closely inspecting her sister's face and mouth as she did so. Jane's skin was only mildly warm, and the bluish tinge to her cheeks and lips had somewhat lightened. Even still, she was still somewhat paler than Elizabeth would have liked.
"How about this, dearest - if you will rest all morning and afternoon, and your cough is still gone, you may come downstairs for dinner and tea."
"Oh, I will!"
True to her word, Jane kept to her bed without any complaints. Her cough remained mild, and it was with great delight that Jane was pronounced well enough to come down for dinner.
Elizabeth wrapped her sister in several shawls to keep her well-guarded from the cold, and the two sisters made their way slowly down the stairs.
Bingley's eyes widened when he saw Jane come into the room on Elizabeth's arm. He sprang to his feet and rushed to the door through which they entered, offering his own elbow to escort her to a comfortable chair near the fireplace.
"I do not think it is warm enough for you. Here, let me call from someone."
Elizabeth watched closely as Bingley fussed over Jane for the next quarter of an hour until dinner was announced. The scene repeated itself in the dining room as they all settled into their seats for the first course, with Jane at a place of honor next to Bingley.
"Will you be going to your aunt's card party this evening?"
Elizabeth's attentions to her sister and Bingley were interrupted by Mrs. Hurst. Tearing her eyes away from her less-than-subtly surveillance, Elizabeth turned towards her new friend. "I had not planned on it, no. I did not wish to leave Jane."
Mrs. Hurst nodded her head. She took a sip of soup before saying, "I can quite understand your sentiments. However, as your sister seems to be somewhat improved this evening, you may wish to take advantage of the situation. You do not know when it will occur again."
Elizabeth bit her lip and looked back again at her sister, indecision warring with yearning in her heart. She did long to spend time with her friends and neighbors, and who knew when Jane would be well enough again for her to leave.
On the other hand, she still had not known the Netherfield party for much longer than a month. What if the worst were to happen, and she were not here to keep Jane safe?
"I thank you, Mrs. Hurst, but I think it would be best if I remained with Jane."
"Are you sure there is nothing I could do to persuade you otherwise, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy's deep voice entered the conversation. "My mother, you see, was ill for quite some time before her death. There is nothing worse than being trapped at a bedside watching the one you love suffer. You must do what you need to now in order to strengthen your fortitude for what lies ahead."
Elizabeth faltered slightly. "I had not thought of it in quite those terms, sir. It is not myself, however, for whom I am concerned."
Her gaze strayed again to Jane, and Mrs. Hurst quickly added, "I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, that we would send someone to fetch you immediately if anything were to change with your sister's condition. I would be present with her the entire duration of your absence, and I would ensure that she were put to bed at a very reasonable hour."
Still she hesitated, and Darcy said in a somber voice, "Is it that you don't trust us, Miss Elizabeth?"
Mrs. Hurst gasped softly, and Elizabeth felt her face grow hot. "It isn't that I distrust you, per se. It is simply that I do not know you well enough to trust you completely. I do not mean any offense at all, but you must admit that the situation is quite unique."
There were a few awkward moments of silence before Mrs. Hurst said, "I think I understand."
"I give you my word as a gentleman, I would not allow any harm to befall your sister."
"I appreciate that, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said, "but I'm afraid that even the devil himself would be able to speak such a way. After all, did he not promise our Lord the whole riches of the earth?"
"What could we do, then?"
Elizabeth pursed her lips together, thinking. The servants began to clear the bowls to make way for the next course, and their livery sparked an idea. "Would it be alright if one of our servants remained with Jane at all times belowstairs? Then remain outside her door once she were in her room?"
"Of course," Mrs. Hurst said immediately. Before Elizabeth could say anything more, Mrs. Hurst had put the question to her brother as well.
It was Bingley's instantaneous agreement that melted away Elizabeth's final reservations about attending the evening's card party.
"Shall I send a rider for him?" Mrs. Hurst asked Elizabeth.
"Jamie is already here at Netherfield in the stable," Elizabeth replied. "He feels more comfortable being nearby if we are not at Longbourn."
With the change of plans, she excused herself from the table to go and change her gown into something more appropriate for a card party while Mrs. Hurst called for the carriage to be readied. With the maid's help, she was able to complete her toilette and return to main floor just as Jaime was coming up the servants' staircase.
"I understand you wished to see me, Miss Lizzy?"
She smiled at him in relief. "Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Hurst have convinced me to go to my aunt Philips' home for their card party this evening. Jane was feeling well enough to come down for dinner and tea. I hate to leave her alone; will you stay in the room with her? At all time? When she goes up to bed, you must stay outside her door. Don't let her be alone with any of the Netherfield guests, especially Mr. Bingley. Do you understand?"
Jamie's face darkened. "Is there trouble? Is she in danger?"
"I don't think so, no. Now, you can't tell anyone, but Mr. Bingley wishes to marry Jane. Papa and I aren't certain yet. He wants to learn more about his character first. I don't think he would try to compromise her, but I simply do not wish to risk it."
"Then why are you going?"
Elizabeth sighed. "Because I am a selfish being who wishes to see my friends and family, and this is the first time Jane has felt well enough for me to leave her. I did briefly the other day, but that was when she was still so ill, and it was not at night, nor for very long."
"I see."
It was clear that Jamie did not quite understand, but he knew better than to try to argue with one of Elizabeth's premonitions, as he called them. "You rich folk sure have a way of making things complicated," he said with a grin. "All your rules for behavior and etiquette."
She laughed softly and placed a hand on his twisted arm. "You always have a way of making me smile, Jamie. Thank you for that. And for doing this."
He covered her hand with his own. "You are not selfish, Miss Lizzy. What you're doing for your sister is one of the most selfless things you can do. Christ taught us to love our neighbor, and you are doing that in tending to your sister. Just remember that you are your own neighbor as well. You must care for yourself, too, or you will not be able to care for anyone."
She smiled at him through tear-filled eyes. "Thank you, Jamie, for loving my sisters and me."
"Thank you for giving me a family," he replied.
Footsteps down the hallway ended the tender moment. They looked up to see Darcy just outside the drawing room door. He was glowering at them, his face a mask of disapproval, his dark eyes flashing with an intense emotion she could not name.
Behind him came Bingley, Jane, and the Hursts, who all waved their farewells before going into the room, presumably to take their tea after finishing their meal.
Elizabeth pulled her hand free and used it to mop at her eyes. "I'm sure all will be well, Jamie. I am ninety-nine percent sure I can trust them. But your presence here alleviates the one percent of doubt that I have."
Jamie, offering a wry smile, replied, "Well then, I'm honored to be your one percent solution, Elizabeth. It seems I've finally found my calling as a professional doubt remover."
She laughed, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Darcy's frown deepen further. Before she could challenge him on the matter, the butler - who also happened to be the brother of a Longbourn tenant - announced the arrival of the carriage.
"Thank you, Grantham," she said as he helped her put on her cloak.
"Not to worry, Miss Lizzy," he whispered. "The missus and I will keep an eye on your girl, too."
He gave her a small wink as he straightened, and she beamed up at his inscrutable face. "You are very kind, Grantham. Please give my best to your brother, as I believe you shall see him before I do."
Elizabeth gave one last look towards the drawing room, into which Jamie was entering with his shuffling gait. She whispered a silent prayer, then turned and went down the steps into the night.
The coach made good time to Meryton, and soon Elizabeth was seated near the fire at her aunt's home. Lydia and Kitty were deep in a game of cards with some of the officers who were already present, while Mary pounded out a dirge on the piano.
The officers arrived no more than ten minutes after Elizabeth herself. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned, and Elizabeth was{98} the happy woman by whom he finally seated himself.
They spoke of the weather and other generalities for a few minutes before Wickham casually said, "I must admit, I was quite surprised to see you here this evening, Miss Elizabeth. I had imagined you would remain at Netherfield with your elder sister."
"I had planned on doing so, but Jane was doing so well today that Mrs. Hurst and Mr. Darcy both insisted I take advantage of the situation to spend time with my family and friends."
The purpose in her explanation was to see if she could evoke any kind of reaction to Darcy's name, and her attempts did not disappoint. Wickham's face pulled into a tight frown briefly when Darcy's name was mentioned, and he asked in a hesitating manner how long the gentleman had been staying at Netherfield.
"About a month," said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the subject drop, added, "he is a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I understand."
"Yes," replied Wickham; "his estate there is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a person more capable of giving you certain information on that head than myself—for I have been connected with his family, in a particular manner, from my infancy."
Elizabeth could not but look surprised.
"You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at such an assertion, after seeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of our meeting yesterday. Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?"
"As much as I ever wish to be," cried Elizabeth, warmly. "I have spent a week in the same house with him, and I think him very disagreeable indeed."
"I am very sorry to hear that, although I must admit to being unsurprised."
"Has he always been this way, then?"
Wickham looked around the room, then leaned in closer to Elizabeth. "Perhaps, but perhaps not. You see, he has always been a quiet, reserved man - even as a boy, he preferred to observe as opposed to participate. But then something happened - something that changed everything."
"What?" she asked breathlessly.