Many thanks to my beta reader and co-author Sam. H.
PPP
Caroline awoke an hour later with a very painful headache. It would be impossible to leave her bed, let alone go downstairs. Louisa visited her in her chambers, accompanied by a maid with a tray of delicious food and more herbal tea, but Caroline only wanted to lay in her bed and rest.
Her mind was disturbed, and she could not fall back to sleep. Tormenting thoughts kept bouncing around her head. Disappointed for all her hopes, but more so, she had been such a trusting fool to think Sir Frederick might want to marry her!
The question remained – what was she to do now? Could she tell her brother everything that happened? Knowing Charles, he would dash off to London, but what good would it do? Challenging that man to a duel would only get him killed and her publicly ruined.
She saw the early light of dawn peeking through her window and had not yet been able to reach any conclusion.
Suddenly she sat up straight. Elinor! They were friends, she could speak with her, and figure out a way to help Caroline marry Frederick.
Happy to have a plan, she got up to prepare herself for breakfast. Louisa will surely accompany her to London. Her plan and hopes were short-lived. Only an hour later a letter arrived from Elinor herself, which left her disconcerted.
December 4, 1811
London
Dear Miss Bingley,
Such a strange letter I received from you today. I must be completely honest and say how shocked I was by what you wrote.
I was aware of your ambitions to become the next Lady Willow, but you knew my brother was engaged to Miss Scott all the while. Furthermore, he never showed any interest in marrying you.
My brother is a baronet, you are the daughter of a tradesman, and so far below him to even be considered for such a role. I am sorry for your disappointment, but your hopes were without foundation.
My husband read your letter and found it to be most amusing. But really, I must suggest you desist from bandying these absurd statements around. I would not like to see you as the laughingstock of London's society. It will only end up impacting negatively on your reputation.
Sincerely,
Lady Phelps
After reading Elinor's letter twice though in trembling shock, Caroline retreated back to her bedchamber and remained there for the rest of the day. Louisa found the letter, read it and burned it immediately. She then asked her brother to go to the apothecary in Meryton for more laudanum.
PPP
Darcy was in a state of discomposure, completely unable to remove Elizabeth Bennet from his thoughts. Even in the stillness of the night, his head was full of her. He had never been so thoroughly bewitched by any woman before. His feelings were a confusing jumble, but his sense of duty and honour remained steadfast. Elizabeth's situation in life was below his own, and her lack of connection and dowry only compounded the situation. But most pressing of all was the fact that Bingley had been showing a particular interest in her. Darcy knew that his friend had a tendency to fall in and out of love quite easily, but even that was no excuse to think about her in such a way. Bingley was interested in her first, and Darcy should put his feelings aside.
He hoped time and distance, would be their own cure to forgetting Elizabeth. However, he made a pact with himself - if Bingley's interest waned, and Darcy found himself unable to remove her from his thoughts, then he will seriously consider returning to Hertfordshire to court her.
Darcy accompanied Bingley when he went to Meryton. He had decided to return to London in a few days, and wanted to buy gifts for his sister. He would also visit the Bennet family to take his leave. He especially wished to meet with Miss Bennet one more time.
They were fortunate to meet Miss Bennet on the main street, near her uncle Philips home.
After the usual greetings, Darcy asked, "How is your father?"
Elizabeth's face showed the strain of the past couple of days., "Under the circumstances, he is doing well. I am on my way to Mr. Jones' shop to buy a laudanum preparation. Your doctor said he can drink it with tea if he is in pain."
"What a coincidence! We are on our way there as well. Pray, allow us to accompany you!" Bingley's whole demeanour was enthusiastic.. It had been several days since he had seen his pretty neighbour, and he needed to determine his feelings for her.
Elizabeth acquiesced and Darcy asked, "Did you come to Meryton alone, Miss Bennet?"
"No, Mr. Darcy. My sisters accompanied me, but they preferred to stay at my aunt's instead of continuing with me to Mr. Jones' shop. I will take this opportunity to stop in the bookshop and my sisters rarely have patience once I go in there."
Darcy nodded, and they started walking to Mr. Jones' shop. During the short walk, they discussed Mr. Bennet's health and Elizabeth's brother. After Elizabeth and Bingley procured the laudanum, the gentlemen continued with her to the bookshop.
Unlike Darcy, Bingley was not a great reader, and his knowledge of literature was superficial. Therefore, he participated very little in the conversation about books that Elizabeth and Darcy had that afternoon.
Seeing that Elizabeth was browsing the book The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott, Darcy asked her, "Have you read The Lady of the Lake?"
"I have not yet read it. I am considering whether to choose this book or a book of William Wordsworth's poems. Have you read either of them?"
"Yes, I read both. It is a difficult choice. The Lady of the Lake is an interesting story, especially if you like legends, but William Wordsworth's poetry is excellent."
"I agree with you, I read Lyrical Ballads and I liked it very much." Elizabeth arched one brow, " However, you are not helping me in making a decision, Mr. Darcy."
Bingley laughed at Elizabeth's comment, "Unfortunately, I cannot help you, Miss Bennet, I have not read either of them."
Darcy smiled as well, "My advice is to buy both."
"Good advice, Mr. Darcy. However, at the moment, I believe I shall choose only one book."
"If you wish, I can lend you Wordsworth's book for a few days as I have a copy in Netherfield."
Elizabeth was surprised by Mr. Darcy's offer and smiled. "Thank you very much, Mr. Darcy. But it is not necessary."
"Since both of you recommend it so highly, maybe I will read it," Bingley added.
The three of them – mostly Elizabeth and Darcy - continued discussing books for a little while longer. Finally, Elizabeth chose Sir Walter Scott's novel and paid for it before the gentlemen accompanied her back to Mrs. Phillips's house.