Chapter 10
E lizabeth was delighted when Jane awoke the next morning feeling almost completely back to her usual self. She went down to breakfast by herself and, at Elizabeth’s urging, requested the carriage from Mr. Bingley so they might return home that day.
Mr. Bingley protested immediately, his concern clear. “Miss Bennet, the weather has turned cold again, and you’ve only just begun to recover. I really must insist that you remain another day. It would be dreadful if you were to suffer a relapse.”
Jane, ever the epitome of kindness, smiled gently at his earnestness. “Mr. Bingley, you are too kind. I assure you, I feel much better and would not wish to inconvenience you further.”
“Nonsense,” he replied with a wave of his hand. “Your health is far too important. You must rest here for at least another day, if not longer.”
Miss Bingley, though clearly reluctant, was forced by her brother’s insistence to extend their hospitality through the weekend.
Elizabeth and Jane exchanged a glance, and Jane inclined her head in acquiescence. “Very well, Mr. Bingley,” she said softly. “We will stay another day, but I must insist on returning home after church tomorrow.”
Once all of the arrangements had been settled, Jane returned to her room, tired from the exertions of the morning. Elizabeth helped settle her sister before going in search of something to do.
She was halfway down the hall to the library when the faint strains of music reached her ears. The sound stopped her mid-step, a rich melody floating through the hall with such precision and beauty that it compelled her to follow it. Curious, she moved toward the music room, the notes growing clearer with every step.
When she reached the slightly ajar door, Elizabeth peered inside, expecting to see Caroline or Mrs. Hurst at the piano. Instead, her breath caught. It was Georgiana Darcy, her back to the door, playing with a skill and passion Elizabeth had never before witnessed.
Georgiana’s fingers danced over the keys, coaxing a melody so exquisite it seemed to fill every corner of the room with its brilliance. Seated nearby, Mrs. Annesley worked on her knitting, her face serene as she listened to the song that Elizabeth recognized as being from Herr Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Ach, ich fühl's, es ist verschwunden,
Ewig hin der Liebe Glück!
Nimmer kommt ihr Wonnestunde
Meinem Herzen mehr zurück!
Sieh', Tamino, diese Tr?nen,
Flie?en, Trauter, dir allein!
Fühlst du nicht der Liebe Sehnen,
So wird Ruh' im Tode sein!
Ah, I can feel it, love’s happiness
Is fled forever!
Nevermore, O hours of bliss,
Will you return to my heart!
See, Tamino, these tears
Flow for you alone, beloved.
If you do not feel love’s yearning,
I shall find peace in death!
Elizabeth lingered in the doorway, captivated. The room seemed to hum with the beauty of the music, and Elizabeth felt a pang of awe. Georgiana’s talent was extraordinary, far beyond what she had imagined for the shy young girl.
Georgiana transitioned seamlessly into another song, this time singing in flawless Italian. Her clear, angelic voice resonated through the room, the foreign lyrics of another Mozart piece flowing with an ease that made Elizabeth’s heart ache with admiration.
Bella mia fiamma, addio!
Non piacque al cielo di renderci felici.
Ecco reciso, prima d'esser compito,
quel purissimo nodo, che strinsero
fra lor gl'animi nostri con il solo voler.
Vivi: Cedi al destin, cedi al dovere.
Della giurata fede la mia morte t'assolve.
A più degno consorte ... O pene!
unita vivi più lieta e più felice vita.
Ricordati di me, ma non mai turbi
d'un felice sposo la rara
rimembranza il tuo riposo.
Regina, io vado ad ubbidirti
Ah, tutto finisca il mio furor col morir mio.
Cerere, Alfeo, diletta sposa, addio!
Resta, o cara, acerba morte mi separa
Oh Dio..... da te!
Prendi cura di sua sorte,
consolarla almen procura.
Vado . . . ahi lasso!
Addio, addio per sempre.
Quest'affanno, questo passo
è terribile per me.
Ah! Dov'è il tempio, dov'è l'ara?
Vieni, affretta la vendetta!
Questa vita così amara
più soffribile non è!
Light of my life, farewell!
Heaven did not intend our happiness.
Before the knot was tied,
those pure strands were severed that bound
our spirits in a single will.
Live: Yield to fate and to your duty.
My death absolves you from your promise.
O grief! United to a more worthy consort
you will have a happier, more joyous life.
Remember me, but never let stray
thoughts of an unhappy lover
disturb your rest.
Majesty, I go in obedience to your will...
Ah, let death put an end to my raving.
Ceres, Alpheus, beloved heart, farewell!
Stay, dear heart, cruel death tears me away
O God....from you!
Look after her,
comfort her at last.
I go ... alas!
Farewell, farewell for evermore.
This anguish, this step
is hard for me to bear.
Ah! Where is the temple, where is the altar?
Dear heart, farewell forever!
A life as bitter as this
can be borne no longer!
As the song continued, Mrs. Annesley glanced up and noticed Elizabeth. Her expression shifted to one of surprise before she smiled and held a finger to her lips, signaling for Elizabeth to remain quiet.
Elizabeth nodded, not daring to disturb the spellbinding moment. Georgiana’s voice soared, each note carrying emotion so pure it felt almost tangible.
When the song ended, Elizabeth could not contain herself. She clapped her hands, her applause breaking the silence.
Georgiana spun around on the bench, her face pale with shock. “Oh! Miss Elizabeth!” she gasped, her hands flying to her lap. “I didn’t know anyone was there,” she stammered, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said quickly, stepping into the room. “I could not help myself. That was the most beautiful music I have ever heard.”
Georgiana’s cheeks turned pink as she averted her gaze. “You… you heard all of it?”
“Indeed, I did,” Elizabeth replied with a warm smile. “And I am very glad I did. Your playing and singing are extraordinary. I feel quite privileged to have been an audience, even if it was uninvited.”
Georgiana’s blush deepened, her shyness rendering her almost speechless. Looking down at her hands, she whispered, “I… I wasn’t expecting anyone to hear. I only play for myself, really.”
Elizabeth’s smile softened. “Well, if it helps, I can assure you that your audience was thoroughly enchanted.”
Still, Georgiana fidgeted nervously, clearly uncomfortable with the unexpected praise.
Sensing her unease, Elizabeth decided to lighten the mood. “Perhaps I should play something next,” she said brightly. “That way, you’ll see how poor my attempts are, and you’ll feel much better by comparison.”
Georgiana blinked, her mouth dropping open in surprise. “You… you wish to play?”
“Most certainly!” Elizabeth declared. “But be warned, I shall mangle the piano terribly. You might regret this act of kindness. Prepare yourself for something quite dreadful.”
Georgiana hesitated, then gestured toward the bench with a small smile. “Please.”
Elizabeth sat down and began to play a simple tune, deliberately striking a few wrong notes. She sang along, off-key and with exaggerated expressions, her playful antics drawing a hesitant giggle from Georgiana.
“See?” Elizabeth said, glancing over her shoulder with a mock-serious expression. “Your playing is leagues above mine. Now, will you forgive me for intruding?”
Georgiana burst into laughter, the sound light and genuine. Even Mrs. Annesley chuckled softly.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Georgiana said between giggles, “you cannot possibly be this terrible!”
Elizabeth stopped abruptly, pretending to be offended. “I assure you, Miss Darcy, this is the peak of my ability. You mustn’t accuse me of lying, else Mrs. Annesley will forbid me from spending any time with you!”
Georgiana’s laughter rang out, her face wreathed in a charming smile. “I believe you are far better than you let on.”
“Shall we prove it by attempting a duet?” Elizabeth asked.
Georgiana’s eyes widened. “A duet?”
“Why not? You lead, and I shall do my best to keep up.”
With a shy nod, Georgiana took her place beside Elizabeth. Together, they began to play, their hands moving across the keys in harmony. Laughter bubbled up as they missed notes or misaligned rhythms, but the joy of the moment carried them through.
The room filled with music and mirth, and Elizabeth felt an increased fondness for the timid young woman, whose shyness seemed to melt away with each passing note.
∞∞∞
Darcy had been making his way down the corridor when the sound of music and merriment caught his attention. Georgiana’s playing was unmistakable, but the laughter… That belonged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Pausing outside the music room, he leaned against the wall and listened. Music poured through the door, interspersed with laughter. Curious, he stepped closer and peered inside.
The sight stopped him.
Elizabeth was seated at the piano beside Georgiana, her fingers moving clumsily over the keys. Georgiana laughed as Elizabeth made a dramatic face, clearly feigning frustration at a missed note. The two of them were engrossed in their duet, their laughter mingling with the music.
Darcy leaned against the door frame, his forehead resting on the cool wood. It was as if all of Georgiana’s heartache from that summer had melted away, along with her reticence.
And it was Elizabeth Bennet who had drawn it out of her.
Elizabeth , he thought, the name nearly coming off his lips.
She was unlike anyone he had ever met. Her wit, her warmth, her ability to connect with others—all of it captivated him. Watching her now, so at ease with his sister, filled him with a sense of gratitude and admiration.
Mrs. Annesley noticed him at the doorway and began to rise, but Darcy shook his head slightly, signaling her to remain quiet.
He lingered, watching as Elizabeth and Georgiana navigated their duet with a mix of skill and humor. Elizabeth, ever expressive, pulled faces when she hit a wrong note, prompting more laughter from Georgiana. It was a scene of unguarded delight, and Darcy found himself utterly captivated.
His gaze shifted to Elizabeth, her hair slightly disheveled from her exuberance, her cheeks flushed with warmth. There was a light in her eyes that seemed to illuminate the entire room.
She is extraordinary, he thought, his chest tightening with an unfamiliar sensation.
As the music swelled and Elizabeth burst into laughter once again, Darcy found himself grappling with emotions he could no longer deny.
Elizabeth’s kindness and wit had drawn his admiration since they first met, but seeing her here—so effortlessly bringing out the best in his sister—stirred something deeper. She was more than a lively conversationalist or clever mind. She was compassionate, unpretentious, and utterly unique.
Could this be love? Am I falling in love with her?
The question lodged itself in his mind, unsettling and yet oddly comforting. Elizabeth was far removed from the expectations of his station, her family connections unsuitable by societal standards.
Yet none of that seemed to matter.
He remained at the door for a moment longer, reluctant to disturb the scene, his thoughts swirling as he watched the two women share a moment of pure happiness. Elizabeth’s laughter echoed in his ears, and he knew, with a clarity he could not ignore, that his feelings for her went far deeper than admiration.
He turned away at last, retreating down the hall, but the image of Elizabeth’s smile lingered in his mind. For the first time, he allowed himself to consider the possibility of what it might mean to truly love her—and what he might be willing to do about it.
∞∞∞
The household gathered in the expansive foyer of Netherfield, its high ceilings trapping the warmth from the large fireplace but failing to quell the chill of impending goodbyes. Footmen bustled about, ensuring every detail of the departure was attended to. The Bennet sisters’ cloaks hung ready, their luggage already loaded into the carriage waiting just beyond the front door.
Jane, her complexion now nearly back to its usual healthy bloom, stood beside Mr. Bingley, who seemed utterly absorbed in her every word. His hand lingered on the back of a nearby chair, his knuckles whitening as though he needed to ground himself against the reality of her imminent departure. Jane, for her part, smiled gently, the very picture of gratitude and decorum, though her eyes betrayed a lingering fatigue.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, stood slightly apart, her gaze alternating between Jane and the room’s other occupants. Mr. Darcy and Georgiana stood to one side, the former composed as ever, though his gaze lingered on Elizabeth more often than she noticed. Georgiana, though shy, had ventured a few murmured words of well wishes earlier and now clung to her brother’s arm with an air of quiet solemnity.
Miss Bingley hovered nearby, her smile brittle, her words clipped whenever she interjected. Her displeasure at the length of her brother’s farewell was evident to anyone paying attention, though no one openly remarked upon it.
As the farewells began in earnest, a maid entered the foyer, curtsied, and approached Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, sir, Rebecca sent me to ask if Master Andrew might come to say goodbye. He has been asking for the ‘nice lady,’ sir.”
Elizabeth blinked, her expression softening at the mention of the little boy. Darcy turned toward her, his gaze searching. “Would that be acceptable to you, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked, his tone low and respectful.
Elizabeth nodded immediately, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Of course, Mr. Darcy. I would be delighted to see him.”
Darcy gave a brief nod to the maid, who hurried back up the stairs. The others exchanged curious glances, but no one said a word.
Moments later, the sound of small, excited footsteps echoed down the staircase. Andrew appeared, toddling into the foyer with Rebecca close behind him. His face lit up when he saw Elizabeth, and he let out a delighted squeal.
“Nice lady!” he exclaimed, running toward her with his arms outstretched.
Elizabeth knelt without hesitation, catching him as he flung himself into her embrace. She laughed softly, holding him close as he buried his small face against her shoulder.
Elizabeth knelt to Andrew’s level, her warm smile softening as she cradled his small hands in hers. “Andrew, you’re such a sweet boy, but I’m not just the ‘nice lady.’ My name is Miss Elizabeth,” she said gently. “Can you say that? Miss Elizabeth.”
Andrew’s brows furrowed in concentration as he considered her words. “Mizz… Ehz-beh-iz?” he tried, his little voice stumbling adorably over the syllables.
Elizabeth laughed, her heart melting at his earnest attempt. “Close, very close! Let’s try again—Miss Eliz-a-beth.”
“Miss ‘iz-bef!” he exclaimed proudly, looking up at her with wide, excited eyes.
Elizabeth clapped her hands lightly. “Oh, that was very good! One more time—Miss Eliz-a-beth.”
Andrew tilted his head and grinned, his attempt this time blending into a charming, “Miss ‘iz-bet!”
“That’s much better,” Elizabeth praised, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “But if it’s too hard, you can just call me Miss Lizzy.”
Andrew’s face brightened, and he nodded eagerly. “Miss Wizzy!” he repeated, the word coming out nearly perfect this time.
She laughed again, wrapping him in a quick hug. “Perfect, young man. I think you’ve got it!”
Andrew beamed at her triumphantly. Then, as he looked up at her again, his face softened into a look of pure affection. “Miss Lizzy, nice lady,” he said, his small voice filled with trust and warmth.
Elizabeth’s heart squeezed as she held his gaze. “That’s just fine, Master Andrew. I’ll always be your nice lady.”
“Nice lady, Miss Liz-bet.”
“Well, Master Andrew,” she said gently, brushing a hand through his dark curls. “It seems I’ll have quite the story to tell about the brave young man who bid me farewell.”
Andrew lifted his head, his wide eyes brimming with emotion. “Go?” he asked, his little voice quivering plaintively.
Elizabeth’s heart ached at the sight of his sorrow. “Yes, Andrew, I must go home with my sister. But I promise I will think of you often.”
Andrew frowned, his lower lip trembling. “No go.”
Rebecca stepped forward, crouching beside them. “Come now, Master Andrew,” she said kindly. “You must say goodbye like a big boy. We’ll see Miss Elizabeth again one day.”
Andrew sniffled but nodded, his small hand reaching out to clutch Elizabeth’s. She smiled at him warmly, her heart swelling with a mixture of affection and sadness.
Darcy, who had been watching the scene silently, stepped closer. His expression, usually so composed, softened as his gaze fell on his son in Elizabeth’s arms. “You’ve made quite an impression on him,” he remarked, his voice quieter than usual.
Elizabeth rose, holding Andrew’s hand as he clung to her side. She glanced at Darcy, her expression warm. “He’s a remarkable child, Mr. Darcy. It has been a pleasure to know him.”
Darcy inclined his head, his gratitude evident in the depth of his gaze. “The pleasure was ours, Miss Elizabeth.”
Andrew tugged at Elizabeth’s hand, drawing her attention back to him. “Bye-bye, nice lady,” he said softly, his small voice tinged with sadness.
Elizabeth knelt again, wrapping her arms around him in a final hug. “Goodbye, Andrew. Be good for your papa and Nurse Rebecca.”
The little boy nodded solemnly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He waved as Elizabeth stood and stepped back, ready to leave.
Bingley, who had been watching the touching exchange with a smile, stepped forward to escort Jane and Elizabeth to the carriage. As the Bennet sisters exited, the warmth of their presence lingered in the room.
Darcy watched the door close behind them, his hand resting lightly on Andrew’s shoulder. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel the weight of the departure—not just of Elizabeth’s absence but of the space she had begun to fill in his thoughts and his life.
Rebecca’s voice broke the silence. “She’s quite a remarkable lady, sir,” she said softly.
Darcy looked down at his son, who gazed up at him with wide, trusting eyes. A small smile curved his lips as he replied, “Yes, she is.”
∞∞∞
In the carriage, Elizabeth looked back at Netherfield before turning to face her sister.
“Well, Jane? How do you feel?”
“I am doing well, Lizzy. Quite recovered.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Elizabeth replied with a smirk, her teasing tone unmistakable. “Shall I be calling you Mrs. Bingley soon?”
Jane’s cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink, and she shook her head. “Lizzy, you must not tease me so.”
“Tease you? I?” Elizabeth exclaimed in mock indignation. “Never!”
Jane turned her gaze to the window, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward in a faint smile. “He is very kind, I admit. But you mustn’t presume anything, Lizzy. There are no assurances of anything beyond his kindness.”
Elizabeth leaned forward, her expression softening. “Jane, you are the very picture of modesty. But I know what I saw, and what I saw was a man entirely smitten. I daresay he’d have proposed already if he’d had the courage.”
Jane laughed lightly, though her blush deepened. “You are incorrigible. Mr. Bingley is a friend, nothing more.”
Elizabeth leaned back, folding her arms across her chest with an air of mock resignation. “Well, if you insist on denying it, I suppose I’ll just have to wait until Mr. Bingley himself tells me he adores you. And when he does, I hope you’ll remember I told you first. In the meantime, I shall content myself with imagining you as mistress of Netherfield, while I… well, I shall be quite content as the spinster aunt, making scathing remarks about society from the comfort of your drawing room.”
Jane laughed again, the sound clear and unguarded, her earlier shyness momentarily forgotten. “You, Lizzy, a spinster? I think not. You have a charm that cannot help but draw attention—even from Mr. Darcy.”
In an effort to mask her discomfort, Elizabeth tossed her head and said in a light tone. “You mean he might be persuaded to give attention to young ladies who are only tolerable?”
“Be serious, Lizzy.” Jane gave her sister as stern a look as was possible. “What did you think of Mr. Darcy and his family during our stay?”
Elizabeth hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. “Mr. Darcy… surprised me,” she admitted. “I expected him to be aloof and unpleasant, but he was neither. He was loving towards Andrew, attentive to his sister, and considerate to me.”
Jane’s smile grew. “You seem to have spent quite a bit of time observing him.”
“I couldn’t help it,” Elizabeth replied, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. “He is… a curious man. Reserved, certainly, but not unfeeling. And he cares for his family deeply—that much is obvious. He is very serious, however.”
Jane’s expression turned knowing. “Sometimes seriousness can conceal a very warm heart.”
Elizabeth considered this, her lips curving slightly. “You may be right. He was not at all disagreeable to me—quite the opposite, in fact. And yet, I cannot imagine him… softening. Not truly. It is as though he is holding something back, even when he is kind.”
Jane’s smile returned. “It could be that he is waiting for the right person to help him let go of whatever it is.”
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “If so, I hope that person arrives soon. It must be exhausting to carry such weight.”
“Perchance you might be that person?”
“I highly doubt that, Jane,” Elizabeth scoffed. “For all of Mr. Darcy’s good qualities, he is much too solemn for me. If I am to be swept off my feet, I’d much prefer someone with a sense of humor.”
Jane’s smile widened, though she said nothing further.
As the carriage continued its journey, Elizabeth allowed her thoughts to wander. Though she would never admit it aloud, she could not entirely dismiss Mr. Darcy from her mind. His unexpected warmth and quiet attentiveness during their stay at Netherfield had left an impression—one she was not yet ready to examine too closely.
For now, she resolved to focus on her family and her sister’s happiness. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it with the same resilience and wit that had always served her so well.