Chapter 17 #2
“Mr Darcy mentioned something about a dinner party before you return home, Brother.”
“Let us not make further plans yet. We shall see how things unfold tomorrow and decide accordingly,” Mr Bennet answered. “Now we should finish dinner and rest. I, for one, am exhausted from the road.”
Dinner ended rather early, and Mr Bennet withdrew for the night.
Elizabeth remained in the drawing room, talking for some time with her aunt.
She was disquieted in regard to the following day, although she had no particular reason for it.
After all, it was a mere call, with no obligations on either side.
Her thoughts again spun between Georgiana and her brother.
The unexpected encounter with Mr Darcy, although brief, had a strong effect on Elizabeth; while the surprise was not unpleasant, she felt overwhelmed and grateful that he had left so soon.
Strangely, he had seemed comfortable, even familiar with the Gardiners, and even more surprising, he had called on them twice.
Probably he wished to meet Mrs Gardiner, who had been remotely connected to his mother — there could be no other explanation.
Even after an hour of conversation and two cups of herbal tea, Elizabeth still could not sleep. She forced herself to lie still, hoping for some rest and trying to imagine how she would feel in Mr Darcy’s house.
***
Although the family was gathered around for a rich breakfast, only the children seemed to have a healthy appetite.
Elizabeth barely listened to the conversation, anxiously counting the minutes until they would leave.
She had dressed with much care and arranged her hair as prettily as she could manage.
She chose to wear the necklace from Lady Anne, hoping Georgiana would consider it a tender reminder of the past.
During breakfast, she brushed her fingers over the necklace several times, with a strange feeling, as though wearing it had placed additional responsibility on her.
Eventually, Mr Gardiner ordered the carriage, and together with Mr Bennet, they began the journey towards the place that had been in Elizabeth’s thoughts for so long.
“I look forward to your return. I cannot remember when I was last so eager for news,” Mrs Gardiner said.
Her aunt’s unusual agitation increased Elizabeth’s even more. She was relieved when the horses begin to move and argued with herself, trying to overcome her emotions. Why on earth would she entertain such strong and restless feelings for a mere visit? What was happening to her?
After a while — too long for her eagerness, too short for her anxiety — the carriage finally stopped.
Mr Gardiner was the first to step out and Elizabeth the last. All three of them stared at the house — large and impressive, just as they expected — exchanging glances as they climbed the steps to the front door.
Before they had time to knock, the door opened and Mr Darcy appeared, welcoming them with less composure than they expected from him.
Two servants took their coats, while Mr Darcy enquired about their journey and escorted them forwards.
Elizabeth glanced around, barely having time to notice what was around her.
She hoped to see Georgiana directly, probably together with her companion; but the elegant drawing room they entered was empty, except for a couple of maids arranging some refreshments on a silver tray.
Mr Darcy dismissed the servants and invited them to sit. Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner made themselves comfortable, whilst Mr Darcy still appeared slightly disconcerted.
“Mr Bennet, Mr Gardiner, may I offer you a glass of brandy? Miss Bennet, would you like some tea? It is terribly cold, is it not?” Mr Darcy addressed them, looking mostly at Elizabeth. She observed that he had noticed the necklace, and his scrutiny of her skin made her quiver.
“Yes, it is cold,” she answered. “I would love some tea, thank you. But should we not wait for Miss Darcy to join us?”
Mr Darcy’s eyes tentatively met hers as he held a cup which he was ready to offer her. Mr Darcy’s willingness to serve her, her father, and her uncle was an image she could hardly accept.
“No, we…my sister…she… I deeply apologise, but my sister is not feeling well this morning,” he finally mumbled. “I am afraid she cannot entertain guests. I beg your forgiveness for making you travel all the way here. I fear you will have to be content with my company alone.”
His struggle and distress were apparent, and a slight tremble of his fingers could be noticed as he put down the cup. Embarrassment, anxiety, and regret were all visible on his face.
“Miss Darcy is ill? Yesterday you mentioned she was waiting for us,” Elizabeth insisted.
“Yes, I was under the same impression. Only this morning…she did not join me for breakfast, and Mrs Annesley informed me earlier she was unwell.”
“Has the doctor seen her?” Elizabeth continued the enquiry that made Darcy obviously more uncomfortable.
“Yes. There is nothing of immediate concern, but he recommended she should stay in bed and rest. I apologise on her behalf and mine.”
“We are very sorry to hear that,” Mr Bennet said. “And there is certainly no reason to apologise, Mr Darcy. Do not make yourself uneasy.”
Mr Gardiner nodded in approval, and Elizabeth hesitated briefly. Then, barely minding her words, she stood up and declared decidedly, “Mr Darcy, I do not wish to sound disrespectful, but I would like to see Miss Darcy. Even if she is in her room.”
Darcy stared at her, confused, while Mr Bennet threw a reproachful glare at her, which Elizabeth chose to overlook.
“As I said, she is not prepared for guests. She has not left her chamber today.”
He was standing too, facing her, only inches away. Elizabeth looked at him, daringly holding his gaze.
“Mr Darcy, we agreed that my visit might be beneficial for Miss Darcy. I came to see her hoping she was in good health. Now that I find out she is ill, how can I leave without seeing her? I must speak to her, if only for a few moments.”
“I… This is quite unexpected. I might send a maid to ask her. I do not wish you to place yourself in an unpleasant situation, Miss Bennet.”
“You would not, sir. Do not send the maid, just please take me to her room. I know my request is inappropriate, but it is heartfelt. Please trust me.”
“Lizzy, I believe you have insisted enough!” her father interjected. “Mr Darcy must decide what he believes to be right.”
Although Mr Bennet’s voice was strong, Mr Darcy seemed to pay him no attention, and he answered Elizabeth.
“I do trust you, Miss Bennet. I only fear you might be disappointed. I wish the best for my sister and for you.”
“So do I.” Elizabeth smiled at him. “Do not worry that her refusal might upset or offend me. I promise you that will not be the case. If my presence is disagreeable to her, if she rejects me, I shall leave without hesitation.”
Her smile was bright and broad, as opposed to Mr Darcy’s frown. He hesitated for another long moment, glanced at their other two companions, and then, with apparent reluctance, his eyes returned to Elizabeth again.
“Very well, Miss Bennet. I shall escort you to my sister’s apartment. Please excuse me, gentlemen. I shall return shortly.”
He invited Elizabeth to accompany him, and without consideration for her gesture, almost regretting it a moment later, she took his arm.
He lowered his eyes, but she only looked straight forwards, and they climbed the stairs to the first floor.
Elizabeth was so anxious of her bold request as well as being alone with Mr Darcy, on his arm, in his house, that she noticed nothing else around her.
They stopped in front of a door, and she withdrew her hand, waiting.
He knocked, waited until a voice invited him in, and only then did he enter.
Elizabeth followed him, and with her heart racing from emotion, she saw an elegant woman of middle age staring at her, while Mr Darcy spoke in a low voice.
“My dear, I know you are unwell, but Miss Elizabeth Bennet is here. She has come a long way to meet you, and she insisted on seeing you, if only briefly.”
A gasp, more like a deep sigh, could be heard, and as Darcy turned to her, Elizabeth caught a glimpse of Georgiana, sitting up in bed, her back resting against pillows, her hand covering her mouth in an expression of extreme surprise.
With her hair loose over her shoulders, the young lady looked so thin and pale that Elizabeth could hardly suppress her own gasp.
She took another step forwards, struggling to smile, while she said, “Georgiana, I do not believe you remember me. I am Lizzy Bennet. I have longed to see you for more than ten years, and I am happy that it has finally happened. Will you see me for just a few moments? Please?”
The girl turned even paler, her lower lip trembled, and her eyes seemed to moisten with tears. She cast a desperate look at her brother, who forced a little smile of reassurance.
“Forgive me. I am not dressed to entertain guests.” The girl formed a weak apology.
Elizabeth approached the bed, while Mr Darcy took a step back, allowing them space. Unconsciously, Elizabeth touched her necklace, waiting at the edge of the bed.
“I am not a guest, and I do not wish to be entertained. I only want to spend a little time with you. May I?” Elizabeth continued gently. The young lady appeared resigned and glanced at her companion, who immediately invited Elizabeth to sit down.
“May I sit here?” Elizabeth asked Georgiana, indicating the side of the bed.
Surprised, the girl looked disconcerted by such a request, but she agreed.
“Please do…if you prefer to.”
“I do, thank you,” Elizabeth replied. Only then did she steal a glance at Mr Darcy and noticed him watching in disbelief.
“My dear, may I return to the other guests while you speak to Miss Bennet?” he enquired. Georgiana nodded and he continued, “Miss Bennet, do you mind?”
“I do not mind at all, Mr Darcy. Quite the opposite,” she assured him.
As he left, all three ladies glanced at the door.
When it closed, Elizabeth looked at Georgiana, and their eyes met and locked.
She smiled widely, hoping it would conceal her worry.
Seeing the girl from such a short distance, she perfectly understood all Mr Darcy’s concerns and his desire to do anything possible for Georgiana’s well-being.
“I am very happy to see you at last, Miss Darcy,” she repeated, trying to break the deep, heavy silence.