Chapter 14

Jane noticed that Georgiana had been crying. She could see it in her eyes and in the sad smile with which she tried to mask her evident despair. "Thank you very much, Miss Bennet, for keeping me company this afternoon. I know that being with your family at the fair must be much more entertaining than being locked in this room with me," Georgiana said in a very soft voice.

"Miss Darcy, I offered myself to accompany you. Lately, I have not been feeling very animated, and Lizzy and the children have so much energy that I do not want to ruin their merriment. So I needed to be in a quiet place with someone as sweet and nice as you." Jane sat in a chair beside the bed and took Georgiana's hand to comfort her.

"Thank you, Miss Bennet," said Georgiana, thinking that Jane was the sweetest, most beautiful lady she had ever known.

Both girls spoke for a long time. Jane described her sisters, parents, neighbors, and friends in Meryton. On her side, Georgiana told Jane a little more about her life and Pemberley, her brother, and cousin Richard. "Miss Bennet, my brother and I have always been alone. My cousin Richard is the only person we feel very close to in our family. We love my cousin Anne, but she is not in good health and never leaves her house. But you have a large family that is all very kind. I must admit I am a little jealous of your situation."

"My family is not perfect, but we have always been close," added Jane.

Georgiana asked a few more questions about Jane's younger sisters and told her that she had never managed to make friends with any girl her age due to her extreme shyness.

"I understand you perfectly, Miss Darcy, because I, too, am shy," Jane told her new friend.

"You should not be shy! You are so kind and beautiful that I do not doubt that everyone must love you just by looking at you," Georgiana said sincerely. "A young lady like you must attract many good men, and surely none of them would dare to play with your feelings and less to mistreat you. I doubt anyone would seek to use you out of personal interest, as it happened to me." Georgiana could not help but start crying again as she told her story.

Jane thought for quite a long time as she stroked Georgiana's hair and decided to tell her a bit about her recent history. "How I wish what you just said were true, Miss Darcy. But the truth is that it is not like that; it is the opposite. My mother has always said I, the oldest and most beautiful of her daughters, should marry a rich man to help my sisters. We have a comfortable life, but we do not have dowries, and my father's cousin will inherit his estate, so when he dies, we shall not have a place to live."

"But that is very unfair; you and Miss Elizabeth are so beautiful, generous, and friendly... You deserve the best." Georgiana could not believe that fate was cruel to two people who did not deserve such an uncertain future.

"Thank you, Miss Darcy, but I do not tell you this to make you feel sorry for us. On the contrary, I assure you that Lizzy and I shall always fight for our family, and my Aunt and Uncle will help us. I tell you this so that you can see that a beautiful face or a large dowry does not ensure happiness. Not long ago, someone also broke my heart."

"Indeed, Miss Bennet?" Georgiana said incredulously.

Jane smiled and continued, "A gentleman made me believe he was interested in me, and I fell in love with him. But my lack of dowry and social connections were more important to him. I thought he was different because he was always so kind and considerate. I sincerely believed that he could overlook my humble circumstances and that the only thing I had to offer was my affection. Unfortunately, he was not the man I thought he was."

Georgiana listened carefully as Jane also told her how many other people had sought her company but never seemed interested in what she had to say. "So, I learned to distrust and withdrew much more into myself. However, I have realized that I have only become more uneasy and lonely by isolating myself from the outside world. I wish I could be a little more like Lizzy, learn to see life more positively, and not be afraid to express my thoughts."

"Miss Elizabeth is so amusing. In her eyes, you can see the immense joy she feels from life. Thanks to what you have told me, I now know that your life is far from perfect. Yet, despite your circumstances, you and your sister have persevered and maintained a positive attitude." Georgiana wiped away her tears and thanked Jane for her company and advice. "Miss Bennet, I would like you to call me Georgiana or Georgie if you do not mind."

"Only if you call me Jane."

Georgiana invited Jane to sit beside her bed, and they continued conversing for hours. It was a delightful afternoon for both of them. After sharing their joys and sorrows, they felt a little happier and hopeful, thinking about a better future.

P&P

"Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley," Mr. Darcy said seriously. "I am sorry for keeping you waiting, but your visit has taken me by surprise."

"Please do not trouble yourself, Darcy. When my sisters told me about Miss Darcy's accident, I was very concerned and wanted to come to offer my assistance," Mr. Bingley said sincerely.

But Caroline only wanted to ingratiate herself with Mr. Darcy. She was not thinking about Georgiana's well-being but how she could take advantage of the situation. Louisa was there because Caroline insisted that she accompany her. Louisa was also curious to know what happened to Georgiana, a rather withdrawn girl with whom it was impossible to speak more than two or three words.

"I sincerely thank you for your concern. I can inform you that Georgiana is well. She shall rest for a few days and then promptly return to her normal life without injury."

Then, trying to sound as casual as possible to not reveal his vexation and avoid further speculation, Mr. Darcy asked. "Bingley, how did you hear about Georgiana's accident?"

Before Mr. Bingley could answer, Caroline intervened. "This morning, our friend Miss Sarah Wilson visited us, and since she knows that our families are very close, she told us about our dear Georgiana's incident, and as you can imagine, from that moment, we have been praying for her. It makes me immensely happy to know that it was nothing serious." Caroline spoke softly and gestured in every way possible to show concern and attract the attention of the gentleman she wanted as her husband.

Mr. Darcy took a deep breath to calm himself before saying anything he could regret later. He wondered how that information reached Sarah Wilson's ears and since when that woman has been friends with the Bingley sisters. "Interesting. Did she happen to tell you how she learned what happened to Georgiana?"

Mr. Bingley tried again to answer his friend's question, but this time, it was Louisa who interrupted him. "Before going to our house, Miss Wilson called on your Aunt, the Countess. She told her what had happened with her niece."

Of course, his aunt was the one who had passed the information on to that woman, thought Mr. Darcy. Also, he was concerned about how many more people she talked to about Georgiana's situation. So he had to think fast and leave nothing to chance. But first, he had to know for sure what his aunt knew and what she had been gossiping about with her friends.

"Mr. Darcy, may we see our dear Georgiana. I am very good at caring for my friends, and I am sure Miss Darcy is in dire need of female company," Caroline exclaimed.

"Yes, it shall be our pleasure to accompany her while she recovers," Louisa added.

"She is not available for visits at this time," Mr. Darcy replied curtly.

"Do not worry, Mr. Darcy, we can return tomorrow," Caroline added.

"She will not be available tomorrow either," replied Mr. Darcy.

"Why? You informed us she was feeling better. But do not worry, if she is not available we shall write to her. Although, I must confess that all this seems very strange to me," added Caroline, looking at her sister suspiciously.

"Caroline, please do not insist. These days have been challenging for Darcy, and we did not come here to make him feel uncomfortable." Mr. Bingley did not like the tone in which Caroline doubted what his friend said.

Mr. Darcy watched how the Bingley sisters looked at each other and knew he must do everything possible to contain the rumors. Those two harpies would surely start speculating about Georgiana's mysterious accident.

"Miss Bingley, I appreciate your concern. In truth, Georgiana is not in this house but at her friends' house. She visited them, and when she was playing with her friends' cousins in a park, she sprained her ankle and fell heavily to the ground. The doctor prescribed rest, and she will only return home in several more days. But if you write her a letter, you can send it to this house, and I shall personally deliver it when I see her tomorrow."

"And what are the names of Miss Darcy's friends? Perhaps they do not mind receiving and allowing us to see our dear friend, or even better, perhaps we know them," Caroline insisted.

Mr. Darcy knew that revealing the identity of those friends would bring him some trouble, but hiding it would be even worse because it would give way to speculation. He had to make sure he was in control of what was said. "She is at the home of Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Jane, and Elizabeth Bennet's Aunt."

There was dead silence for almost a minute. Caroline was furious, Louisa was shocked, and Charles was perplexed, and for the first time in the afternoon, he said something. "I did not know Miss Darcy was friends with the Misses Bennet."

"A few weeks ago, as Reed told you, Miss Elizabeth and I met at a museum, and I introduced her to my sister. Georgiana paid her a courtesy call, and they became friends, that is all."

"I am not surprised then that she had an accident. I suppose after this, you will forbid your sister from relating with those women. I am sure that running around with children in a park was Eliza's idea; that woman behaves like a wild peasant, and you can see the results of her influence on a young lady as fine and delicate as your sister." Caroline did not want Elizabeth to enter Mr. Darcy's life again. She knew better than anyone that he had admired her until not long ago.

"The Bennet sisters are good and friendly ladies, Caroline. No wonder Miss Darcy has established a close relationship with them. Besides, I am sure they must be taking good care of her," added Charles.

"What do you say, Charles? A tradesman's house is not the most appropriate place for Miss Darcy," Louisa replied.

"Charles, you talk like that because you still think Jane Bennet awaits you. The truth is that that woman must already be looking for another fool who can provide for her and her entire family when Mr. Bennet dies," Caroline added dismissively.

"Indeed!" Louisa reaffirmed.

Mr. Darcy could not take those two witches' poisonous words any longer. He remembered how kind Mrs. Gardiner had been, how sweet Miss Bennet treated his sister, and how Elizabeth always made her laugh even though Georgiana had little reason to do it. "Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, it is true that Mr. Gardiner is in trade, but he and his wife have welcomed my sister affectionately and cared for her as if she were one of their own family."

He paused, looked at his friend, and added. "Concerning Miss Bennet, I withdraw anything I may have said about her. I must admit openly and with shame that I judged her without even knowing her. Now that I know her better, I can say that she is good and generous, and for that reason, I believe she deserves respect. Finally, Miss Elizabeth Bennet has been an excellent friend to my sister and has cared for her with the same affection and dedication she did with her sister at Netherfield."

Caroline, Louisa, and Mr. Bingley could not believe that Mr. Darcy defended the Bennets and their relatives so vehemently. Caroline tried repeatedly to say something but could not find the right words.

But Mr. Darcy desired to clarify that his opinion was very different than Caroline and her sister's. "I just want to add that you have the liberty to hold your own opinion about them and their family, but I reiterate that due to my gratitude, I shall ask you to never speak again of them in derogatory terms in my presence."

Louisa and Caroline reluctantly apologized, as they would never dare contradict Mr. Darcy's opinion. Charles, on his part, was even more confused by Mr. Darcy's change of heart.

"We comprehend. You are honorable, and your feeling of gratitude has improved your opinion of Miss Bennet and Eliza," said Louisa, looking at her sister. That matter was closed, and she wanted her to understand that.

In addition, Mr. Darcy told Mr. Bingley that he had learned of Jane Bennet's presence before Albert Reed told him and that he had withheld the information, thinking it was best for him then. For that reason, he sincerely apologized.

"It was wrong of me to think I had any right to interfere in your life. I shall always provide my opinion if requested, but the final decision must always be yours. Furthermore, I do not want to get involved in a friend's personal affairs again," Mr. Darcy said, looking at Caroline and Louisa and closing the matter.

Although Mr. Darcy did not explain how he had learned of Jane's presence in town, Caroline and Louisa revealed that they also concealed the information, thinking it was best for him.

"We were concerned about you and thought Mrs. Bennet had sent Jane to force you to be in contact with her," Caroline said with pretended concern.

"You know, Charles, how much we love you, and as your sisters, it is our greatest wish to see you happy," Louisa added.

Caroline and Louisa did not want their brother to learn the truth, so they thought being mildly honest was the easiest way to resolve the matter.

"Like Mr. Darcy, we are glad to have an honest conversation with you, Charles," Caroline said, and Louisa seconded her.

Mr. Bingley was enraged but appreciated the sincerity of his friend and sisters. But that information left him very thoughtful and full of doubts, "Darcy, do you think Miss Bennet can be genuinely interested in me?"

Caroline and Louisa panicked upon hearing their brother's question, and Mr. Darcy realized how childish his friend could sometimes be.

"Bingley, I honestly cannot say what she does or does not feel for you. You will have to discover that yourself. I simply wanted to clarify that now that I know Miss Bennet better, I realize how wrong I was to believe I could know her feelings for you or anyone else."

Fortunately, the butler entered the room and handed Mr. Smith's card to Mr. Darcy. "I am afraid I shall not be able to spend more time conversing with you. I have a pre-arranged appointment, and the person has arrived."

"Of course, Darcy. We came only to inquire after Miss Darcy's health. I thank you very much for being honest with me, and we can discuss this matter further another time," said Mr. Bingley.

The Bingleys said their goodbyes and wished Georgiana a speedy recovery. After that, Mr. Darcy went to his study to speak with the investigator, grateful he did not have to continue the awkward conversation and constant questions from Mr. Bingley's sisters.

In the carriage home, Caroline vented all of her irritation and frustration, speaking of Eliza Bennet in the worst possible terms. The least she said about her was that she was a savage using Miss Darcy with malicious hidden motives.

"I loathe Eliza Bennet and her fine eyes, and I shall not allow her fooling Mr. Darcy or Georgiana," Caroline said furiously.

"How do you plan to open their eyes, Caroline?" Louisa asked, between curious and concerned.

"I do not know yet, but soon, something must come to my mind, Louisa," Caroline replied, a little calmer.

Mr. Bingley was silently thinking in circles about what he should do. If Darcy had such a high opinion of Jane Bennet, he would not oppose a relationship between them, which would make his sisters have to resign themselves and accept his decision. "Tomorrow, I shall visit Miss Bennet."

Louisa was going to react indignantly, but Caroline took her hands to silence her and said, "I think you are doing well; Mr. Darcy may be right about Miss Bennet. But please let us accompany you. That way, we can also see our dear Georgiana and thank that family for what they have done for her."

Louisa understood that Caroline had a plan, so she kept silent. Later, she would ask her to provide more details when they were alone.

"But Charles, remember we are invited to Miss Wilson's house tomorrow. But the day after tomorrow, we have no commitments," Caroline said, and Louisa supported her in the request.

"Alright, but I shall go the day after tomorrow regardless of whether you can come with me," Mr. Bingley said. After that, he remained silent, thinking and not wanting to listen to his sisters' poisonous remarks.

P&P

The following day, Georgiana anxiously waited for her brother to tell him she felt a little better but did not want to return home yet. She felt calm in the Gardiners' house and did not feel prepared to face anyone, least of all her family. Her brother did not come the previous afternoon, explaining that he needed to speak to his solicitor.

After the initial meeting the day before, Mr. Smith returned in the morning to inform Mr. Darcy of all the steps he would take to locate Wickham. After that meeting and speaking to his solicitor, Mr. Darcy was free and went to Cheapside so he could spend the afternoon with his sister.

He preferred not to speak of Wickham to Georgiana so as not to worry her further. His sister had suffered enough, and he would protect her at all costs. Unfortunately, he still did not realize that assuming all the blame for everything and not talking with her about the huge mistake she made would not help her mature.

But Mr. Darcy felt Georgiana was the only person who loved him for who he was and the only one willing to endure his bad temper and understand his complex personality. So when his mother and then father died, Georgiana became his only pillar of support, and all the sacrifices he made were for his sister and the Darcys' legacy.

Mr. Darcy was satisfied with Mr. Smith's plan and hoped there would be results soon. After luncheon, he immediately left for Cheapside to visit Georgiana. He had bought her two new novels from authors he knew his sister liked so that she could entertain herself and keep her mind occupied with pleasant things.

When he arrived at the Gardiners', Jane received him very kindly and immediately took him to Georgiana's room. He was a little disappointed not to see Elizabeth and could not help but think she might be walking somewhere on Albert Reed's arm.

When he entered the room, Georgiana was darning something like a child's sock. After greeting her warmly, he asked her, intrigued, "Georgiana, what are you doing?"

"I am helping Mrs. Gardiner. She is an orphanage sponsor, and these socks are for the orphans." Georgiana told him a little more about Mrs. Gardiner's charitable work, and Mr. Darcy was pleasantly surprised.

"William, what is Mr. Gardiner like? Lizzy and Jane always say that he is so good and kind. This morning, he sent me a note to welcome me to his home and wish me a speedy recovery." Georgiana gave the note to her brother to read.

Mr. Darcy thought that it had undoubtedly been a very considerate gesture on the part of the master of the house. Also, he noticed Georgiana's familiarity with the Bennet sisters.

"Georgie, I have only seen him once. I have the impression that he is very busy with his work." Mr. Darcy was embarrassed to tell her how he had behaved with him when they met a couple of days ago.

"Yes, you are correct. I think now he is in the middle of an important business with his new partner, Mr. Reed, who is also a good friend of Lizzy and Jane." Georgiana explained.

"Indeed, Georgie. In any case, today, I intend to pay my respects and thank him for his hospitality." Mr. Darcy preferred to change the subject. He did not want to hear Reed's name because it made him feel vexed.

In another part of the house, Elizabeth was reading a letter from Mrs. Bennet. She asked her to return home because she had forgiven her for what she had done. Elizabeth understood that this was her mother's way of apologizing and could not help but smile. Also, deep down, she did not like being estranged from her.

"Why are you smiling, Lizzy?" Jane asked as she entered the room.

"In this letter, Mama told me she finally decided to forgive me. But you know better than anyone how our mother is," Elizabeth said with resignation, "How is Betty, Jane?"

"She has a fever, and her throat hurts. Uncle Edmund said it was nothing serious, just a cold, but she should rest and drink plenty of fluid. I told Aunt Gardiner not to worry and that I would help her care for Betty. Today is the dinner in honor of Miss Daniels' grandfather, and I would not want to leave my Aunt alone in charge of Betty and Miss Darcy," explained Jane.

"No, Jane. Yesterday, I went to the fair, and today, you will go to the Daniels! I shall accompany my Aunt." Jane tried to protest, but Elizabeth would not let her.

Mr. Gardiner wanted to attend that dinner because the Daniels had invited him cordially and because he wanted to meet Roger Daniels. He was one of the most informed about importing fabrics from the East, and he was starting that business and wanted to learn from him. Mrs. Gardiner knew that, so she told her husband to go, and Jane would accompany him.

Thanks to Mrs. Gardiner's generous invitation, Mr. Darcy had dinner with Georgiana in her bedroom. After dinner, before it was too late, he decided to return to his house. When he left his sister, he was struck by the fact that the house was practically silent.

Before leaving, he went to the drawing room to pay his respects to Mr. Gardiner and say goodbye. But when he entered, he saw Elizabeth alone in the room, absorbed in reading a book. "Miss Elizabeth, excuse me for interrupting, but I wanted to say goodbye to your Aunt and Uncle before I go."

Elizabeth was reading because, in another hour, she would take her Aunt's place in caring for her little cousin. But when she heard Mr. Darcy's voice, she immediately returned to reality. "Mr. Darcy, my Aunt is taking care of Betty because she is a little ill, and my Uncle and Jane went to dinner with friends."

"I am very sorry. I hope it is nothing serious and that your cousin recovers quickly," Mr. Darcy said with genuine concern.

"The doctor said it was just a cold," Elizabeth explained. She wanted to avoid speaking to Mr. Darcy.

"It seems the book you were reading is engrossing. I spent almost one minute watching you, and you did not even notice," he said with a nervous smile.

Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy and saw him so extremely tense that she could not help but remember what Georgiana had told her. "Yes, it is the new novel by my favorite author. I have been waiting almost two years for it."

Mr. Darcy knew it was the book Albert had given her and preferred to change the subject. "Miss Elizabeth, can my sister stay at least two more days in this house? I believe she is not yet ready to return home."

"I understand. Although I cannot speak for my Aunt, I do not think she will have any inconvenience hosting Miss Darcy for two more days. My aunt and uncle are very generous people," Elizabeth explained.

"My sister and I are very grateful for their generosity, but I would not like to abuse their kindness. So, if possible, I would like to leave a thank you note to your uncle and ask him directly if he can host my sister for two more days."

Elizabeth showed him a small desk in the room, and Mr. Darcy wrote a short note. He handed the letter to Elizabeth and said, "Thank you so much for everything you have done for my sister."

Elizabeth was very uncomfortable. Mr. Darcy looked at her in a way she could not understand. He seemed to want to tell her something but did not dare. "I shall give the note to my Uncle."

"Yes, thank you very much." Mr. Darcy felt like a fool, not knowing what to say. Elizabeth was so pretty that evening. He wanted to sit beside her and read that or any other book together. He did not want to return to that big house where he lived and feel alone. Loneliness had never bothered him, but it weighed heavily on him then.

"Well, this note should not be very long because it did not take you more than five minutes to write it," Elizabeth said, thinking she could not have said anything more foolish.

"Yes, it is short. Although I could write a longer one, I did not want to bore your uncle," Mr. Darcy replied uncomfortably. "Well, Miss Elizabeth, thank you for everything."

"This is the third time you have thanked me, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said, feeling ridiculous.

"Indeed?" Mr. Darcy replied uncomfortably. He could not help but look into the beautiful eyes of that charming woman. Elizabeth stared back at him for only a few seconds, and he felt he could not breathe with so much emotion.

"Good evening, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy finally said and quickly left the room, leaving Elizabeth unable to reply.

P&P

Many thanks to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.

In the next chapter, Richard Fitzwilliam arrives in London.

Saludos,

Yo