Chapter 3
As promised, Mr. Darcy arrived very early in search of Elizabeth. Fortunately for them, Mr. Collins had stayed up late writing an endless letter to Sir William, so he did not awake to see Elizabeth traveling with Mr. Darcy.
"Dear Eliza, I hope you have a safe journey, and when you arrive in Longbourn, you will find your father much recovered." Charlotte hugged Elizabeth and thanked her for her visit.
"Thank you for everything, Charlotte," Elizabeth responded, downcast and unable to avoid shedding a few tears again.
Mr. Darcy observed the scene from a distance, not wanting to interrupt the two friends' farewells. He was also worried about his betrothed; when he saw her in the morning, he realized she probably had not slept much or eaten. So, he decided to ensure she ate when they stopped to rest the horses.
Finally, Elizabeth got into the carriage, and Charlotte asked Mr. Darcy to take good care of her friend. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for supporting Elizabeth in this difficult moment."
"Do not worry, Mrs. Collins. I shall do my best to protect Miss Bennet and ensure her well-being and safety." He had assumed she knew about their engagement because she was one of Elizabeth's closest friends.
"I am ready to begin the journey, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said with a faint smile that failed to light up her fine eyes.
"Before the end of the day, you will be home, my dear Miss Bennet," replied Mr. Darcy. Then he helped Elizabeth into the carriage and finally climbed in. When he saw that Elizabeth was comfortably seated before him, he ordered the coachman to begin the journey.
Elizabeth took a deep breath, and as she watched Rosings Park go by, she began to pray for her father's health and her family's future.
Charlotte stood momentarily, looking at the carriage driving away her dear friend. Although she wished everything would turn out well for Elizabeth and her sisters, she knew that if Mr. Bennet died, Elizabeth would have to think well about what to do, probably forget her youthful dreams, and take advantage of the opportunity Mr. Darcy offered her.
P&P
Charles Bingley was almost finishing breakfast when Caroline appeared in the dining room. He was surprised because his sister usually slept until noon, but he preferred not to say anything. He did not want to start the day arguing with her.
"Charles, why do you not invite Mr. and Miss Darcy to have dinner with us tomorrow or the day after tomorrow? I cannot wait to see my dear friend Miss Darcy." Caroline was not interested in Georgiana; she believed she was dull and responded to everything with a smile. It was almost impossible to have a conversation with her. Nevertheless, she was dying to see the handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy again.
"I am sorry, Caroline, but Darcy is in Kent visiting his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Also, Please do not tell me to invite him when he returns because I know he must travel to Pemberley and probably Scotland. You see, I shall not see him for a few more months." After saying that, Mr. Bingley hoped his sister would cease insisting on inviting the Darcys.
"It is a pity we cannot see each other more often. I know very well how much Mr. Darcy and Georgiana enjoy our company," Caroline replied. She did not know why her brother did not realize how crucial it was for her and his friend to spend more time together. "When you write to Mr. Darcy, tell him that Louisa and I miss Georgiana very much."
"I shall do it, Caroline," said Mr. Bingley as he continued eating breakfast. He repeatedly explained to his sister that his friend was not interested in her, but Caroline did not understand. She did not want to assume Mr. Darcy's indifference.
However, Mr. Bingley, in a way, understood his sister because he was experiencing a similar situation. He knew that Jane Bennet did not feel anything profound for him. Still, in the same way, he could not stop loving her. Since returning to London, he had tried to spend time visiting friends and socializing as his sisters and friend Darcy had advised him, but nothing had worked. On the contrary, he kept thinking of his angel day and night. On more than one occasion, he had thought of returning to Netherfield and forgetting everything, but he knew very well Mr. Darcy was right. Marrying a woman who did not love him would have been a severe mistake.
"Charles, we are invited to the Parkers' house today. I hope you will accompany us," Caroline said, drawing her brother out of his thoughts. She sensed that he was once again thinking about Jane Bennet. In fact, she and Louisa feared that their irresponsible brother would return to Hertfordshire without telling anyone and make the worst mistake of his life.
"I do not know, Caroline. I do not feel like spending the evening with a bunch of people I do not even know." Mr. Bingley preferred to visit a friend or stay home.
"Nonsense, Charles. We have known the Parkers for over two years. Besides, you have not accepted their last invitations, and rightly so, they may feel offended. Also, you should see how beautiful Emma Parker is. As you know, she just turned twenty, and her aunt, Lady Agatha, gave her a beautiful bracelet..."
"When I return from the club, I shall let you know if I shall accompany you." Mr. Bingley interrupted his sister because he did not wish to hear another word about Miss Parker. He had agreed to distance himself from Jane Bennet, but that did not mean he would allow his sisters to find him a wife.
Caroline continued to talk about things that only mattered to her while Mr. Bingley pretended to pay attention.
P&P
Elizabeth looked at the road, unable to see anything; her head spun, and she felt confused. She wanted to get to Longbourn as soon as possible, praying it was not too late. She needed to see her father, know how he was, and, above all, hug and tell him that she loved him very much. Thus, she did not realize what was happening around her and its implications for her future. For example, at that precise moment, she was traveling alone in a carriage with a man she did not even consider a friend.
Mr. Darcy could not stop looking at Elizabeth; her vulnerable appearance made her look even more beautiful. He was also thinking about how his life would change, wondering why he had wasted so much time and doubting proposing to the only woman he had loved. He was wealthy, much more prosperous than his father ever was, and he did not need more money. Furthermore, no one would dare despise his wife; he was powerful enough that no one wanted him as an adversary.
Mr. Darcy was unwilling to admit that he had always been afraid of feeling vulnerable; his childhood had been very lonely. His parents were honorable people who taught him sound principles, but they never had much time to spend with him. Everything was even worse when his mother died because his father turned to work, leaving him to the care of servants. His only company was his little sister, whom he loved more than anything until Elizabeth appeared with her fine eyes and an enchanting smile. She was so full of life and joy that her smile and melodious voice captured his attention from the moment she saw her. For that reason, it hurt him to see her so heartbreaking.
"Miss Bennet, we shall make a short stop at the Inn in a few more minutes. We will have the opportunity to freshen up and walk if you want. After that, we shall continue towards Longbourn. I will ask one of my servants to get us some food. We can eat here in the carriage, and I hope you can eat and sleep too. It would be best if you were rested to face everything that awaits you at home," Mr. Darcy said to Elizabeth in a compassionate voice.
"I shall try to eat, but I am unsure I can sleep. Thank you, sir."
Elizabeth was astonished by Mr. Darcy's attitude and even doubted that the kind and compassionate gentleman before her was the same Mr. Darcy she knew from Hertfordshire. She could not forget that he condemned a good man, like Mr. Wickham, to poverty out of jealousy and separated her sister from the man she loved. But none of that mattered at the moment; he was helping her through the most difficult moment of her life, and she felt tremendously grateful.
"After eating, cover yourself with this blanket and use this pillow to support your head. You will see how you fall asleep."
"Perhaps I am exhausted."
After saying that, she fell silent, and Mr. Darcy kept looking at her, thinking how happy he was to have her by his side. He wanted to protect and comfort her and, in doing that, demonstrate how important she was to him. So he continued the journey, making millions of plans for the beautiful future that awaited them together.
P&P
Jane had gone to accompany her mother for a moment. Mrs. Bennet was still in bed crying and complaining, especially about Elizabeth, who had not wanted to marry Mr. Collins, and because of her, they would all live on the street if Mr. Bennet died. Jane listened to her silently but believed her mother did not help with her constant wailing. The burden of the house and of caring for Mr. Bennet had fallen almost exclusively on Mary and Jane, and both were tired, so their mother's complaints only made everything even harder. Even Kitty and Lydia tried to help, which made Mrs. Bennet look like the most immature person in the family.
But Jane, a very understanding person, knew that her mother's nerves had a certain validity, so she did not judge her so harshly. When her mother fell asleep, Jane sat next to the window and began to think about him. She felt that everything would have been easier if Mr. Bingley had been there, supporting her.
Since he abandoned her, Jane had been plunged into deep sadness. When she traveled to London, she still hoped to see him again. She dreamt that perhaps he loved her as much as she loved him. But the reality had been harsher than she thought; Caroline and Mrs. Hurst had made it clear that neither they nor their brother was interested in her.
Jane did not blame Mr. Bingley. She knew she had nothing to offer him besides her love. A rich and handsome gentleman like him had the right to aspire to marry someone better. But, given her family situation, she realized she could no longer waste time dreaming about something that would never come true. Now, her priority was to protect her family, and that she would do; it was her duty as the oldest sister.
"Jane, dear," Mrs. Gardiner quietly said so as not to wake Mrs. Bennet. "Dr. Miller wants to talk to your sisters; in an hour, we shall leave for London, and he wants to explain what you need to do to care for your father and answer all your questions."
"Thanks for letting me know, aunt. Let me cover my mother with a blanket, and I shall go to the drawing room."
"We shall be waiting for you, my dear." Mrs. Gardiner was very distressed to see Jane pale and trying to deal with the family situation while her sister-in-law lay in bed.
Jane joined the rest of the family, and Dr. Miller explained how they should care for the patient and promised to return in a few more days to see how things were progressing. Jane and all her sisters, including Kitty and Lydia, thanked the doctor for his assistance and promised they would follow each of his recommendations.
"Doctor, we will always be grateful for you taking the time to travel here to aid our father," Jane said.
"You have nothing to thank me for, Miss Bennet. I wish I could have given you better news, but do not lose faith. In my years working as a doctor, I have seen miracles," the doctor said sadly.
The carriage was ready, waiting for the Gardiners and Dr. Miller to leave for London when Elizabeth arrived at Longbourn with Mr. Darcy. No one noticed until Elizabeth appeared in the room and ran to hug Jane and the rest of her sisters. Mr. Darcy stood at the entrance without saying anything and with the solemnity that characterized him. Once the hugs and greetings were over, Elizabeth realized that she needed to introduce Mr. Darcy to her Aunt and Uncle, and wiping away her tears, she said, "Well, Mr. Darcy, you already know my sisters, let me introduce my uncle Mr. Gardiner and my aunt Mrs. Gardiner."
All the Bennet sisters greeted him politely but maintained a certain reserve. They could not imagine why that man was there at such a difficult time for the family.
"Miss Benet, Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, Miss Lydia, Mr., and Mrs. Gardiner," said Mr. Darcy coldly. Then, he bowed, showing the minimum of courtesy and nothing more.
Seeing the questioning faces of everyone present, Elizabeth tried to ease the uncomfortable situation by explaining the gentleman's presence. Still, he spoke before she could do it.
"Mr. Gardiner, I hope you understand that due to the emergency, I had no other option but to accompany my betrothedwithout being able to make other arrangements. I imagine you are Miss Elizabeth's guardian while her father is incapacitated, so I would like to speak with you alone and clarify any doubts my unexpected presence may have caused you."
When he finished speaking, everyone present was stunned, but none more than Elizabeth Bennet.
P&P
Thanks to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
In the next chapter, things are going to get even more complicated for Elizabeth.
See you soon!
Saludos,
YO