Chapter Three
“… to be really in love without encouragement …”
VERY LITTLE DISTRACTED DARCY FROM HIS GROWING OBSESSION WITH Miss Elizabeth, with the exception of the opportunity to dine with the officers of the Derbyshire militia.
Much to Bingley’s dismay, his sisters chose that very evening to engage Miss Bennet to Netherfield.
Darcy suspected the Bingley sisters had an agenda, but they had not shared it with him.
Bingley had not enjoyed Jane Bennet’s company for several days, and his countenance showed the irony of the situation.
“That beautiful angel dines at my own table, while you and I have the duty of dining with the local militia.”
For Darcy’s part, being away from Elizabeth Bennet for the last few days had solidified his resolve to ignore her and to squash any aspirations she may have had.
“It is only one evening, Bingley.” His response did little to allay his friend’s desire to cancel their engagement with the officers.
After the meal, the smooth brandy and the interesting conversation entertained Darcy.
His interest in military history served him well.
A continual downpour dampened his spirits some, but not enough to ruin the evening, while the rain and the travesty of the situation dramatically increased Bingley’s discomposure.
Upon their return to Netherfield they were met at the door by Miss Bingley. “That foolish chit rode a horse in the rain,” she declared with a snit. “She is down with the ague. I had no choice but to offer lodging for the night. The apothecary has come and gone. Miss Bennet has a fever.”
“Should we send to London for a physician?” Bingley paced the floor as Caroline continued her condemnation of the situation.
“The lady has a cold, Charles. Sending for a physician would be preposterous! I warrant Miss Bennet shall be better on the morrow.” The whole matter apparently fatigued Caroline.
Although not thoroughly content with his sister’s answer, Bingley did not press Caroline further.
Privately, he told Darcy that he would wait until the morning to assess whether Miss Bennet required more learned care.
Satisfied he could do nothing to relieve his friend’s tumult and seeing no other need for his service, Darcy retired to his rooms. Sitting before the mirror in his dressing room, he spoke aloud to the image he found there.
“So, Miss Bennet is at Netherfield and ill. How convenient! I wonder who planned such an astute venture. Mrs. Bennet, naturally. She sent her daughter out in the rain to snag a husband. Can one imagine such a mother—such connections? Poor Elizabeth.” As quickly as he said her name, a reverie of images claimed his senses.
Every time he thought he rid himself of his desire to see and talk to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, reminders resurfaced.
She would never agree to such a clearly manipulated plot as this one, he mused.
“Should I warn Bingley? Has my friend become more entangled each day of our presence in Hertfordshire?” Could he permit Bingley to create an alliance with such a family?
Darcy undressed and prepared for bed. Leaning over to blow out the candle, another thought dawned.
If Miss Bennet fell very ill, Miss Elizabeth would likely come to Netherfield to tend to her sister.
Darcy groaned with the realization. “Miss Elizabeth would be in the same house as I. I would be forced to spend time with her and she with me.” Did his groan announce pain or pleasure in the face of this reality? Darcy was not confident.
Jane Bennet’s fever worsened. In the morning the Bingleys dispatched a note to Longbourn to say the Bennets should consider employing a physician for the lady. Bingley realized the truth of the idea; he had no right to order a physician for Jane Bennet.
“Please, you must calm down, Bingley. Everything which can be done for Miss Bennet is being done,” Darcy cautioned.
“I am aware of my insensibility, Darcy, but I feel I should be doing more for her. I could not simply permit her to die because someone might criticize my actions.”
“Please, Charles, you are executing your best for Miss Bennet. She will recover soon; you will see. Let us join your family in the morning room. Your sisters are concerned for your well-being also.”
Darcy’s words appeared to have lessened Bingley’s anxiety, and Bingley allowed himself to set aside his misgivings and to join them all in the morning room.
Although the rainstorm had ended and the land had dried, remnants of the downpour remained.
Though a ride on Cerberus would do him well, Darcy knew they could not ride out, and he too remained in a state of malaise.
So, there they sat, partaking of the morning repast, making niceties, and each of them lost in his or her own thoughts.
Bingley worried for Miss Bennet’s well-being; Caroline and Louisa wished to rid themselves of the duty of caring for someone they only pretended to admire; and Darcy wished to be free of the unexplained energy which thoughts of Elizabeth created in him.
Suddenly, the door swung wide, and a servant announced, “Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” and the lady herself—not his imagination—stood framed in the doorway.
Her appearance had taken all of them by surprise.
Mud steeped her petticoat, her hair was windswept, and her clothes disheveled.
The Bingley party sat in shock—in momentary suspension—at an unannounced visit so early.
Both he and Bingley sprang to their feet to acknowledge the entrance of a lady.
Mesmerized by her image, Darcy stood dumbfounded.
In all his nightly musings, he had never envisioned Miss Elizabeth to look as such; she was lovelier than ever.
Bingley, thankfully, had the good sense to leave the table to approach her. “Miss Elizabeth,” he began, “please, join us.” She motioned his plea away. “You have come to see your sister. I am so glad. Miss Bennet will benefit by having her loved ones close.”
Sarcastically, Caroline said, “Miss Elizabeth, did you walk here?”
“I did, Miss Bingley. I was worried for Jane,” Elizabeth reasoned.
“Three miles?” Mrs. Hurst added incredulously.
Elizabeth smiled at their astonishment. “I believe so.” Then turning to Mr. Bingley she asked, “Would it be too much trouble for me to see Jane?”
“We will have someone show you to Miss Bennet’s room,” Bingley chimed in.
“When you are able, please advise us on her condition; our apprehension grows. If Miss Bennet requires anything, we are your servants.” Bingley turned to the footman and indicated for him to escort Miss Elizabeth to her sister.
During this exchange, Darcy did not move; this new image of Elizabeth, which he would add to his mental gallery of her, thrilled him.
When she was safely from earshot, Miss Bingley could not contain her distaste for Miss Elizabeth’s display.
“Did you ever?” she began, but Darcy cut her short by removing her immediate audience.
“Bingley, it appears we will be unable to ride out today to examine your holdings, but we may address expenses for the renovations you have considered.” Bingley looked relieved at the possibility.
They removed quickly to Bingley’s study.
“Darcy, would it be inappropriate to bring a more learned man from London to attend to Miss Bennet?” Bingley asked when they were from earshot.
“It would be a breach in propriety,” Darcy responded.
“May I suggest, if Miss Bennet’s progress is delayed, her sister should also be provided accommodations so she may attend to the lady.
From what I have observed of Miss Elizabeth, she is very sensible.
She would never allow decorum to stand in the way of her sister’s health; Miss Elizabeth would ask, perhaps even demand, you do more if need be. ”
“Naturally, why did I not think of such? When Miss Elizabeth joins us later, I will ask her to stay. Your good counsel never fails me, Darcy.” As Darcy turned to the plans for Netherfield, he wondered if he had erred in favor of insensibility.
At three in the afternoon, Elizabeth entered the sitting room; she had attended Miss Bennet all day, with the occasional assistance of the ladies of the house.
The apothecary declared Miss Bennet to have a violent cold and to be in need of additional care.
“I must depart,” Elizabeth said tentatively.
“Evening approaches, and I must return to Longbourn.”
“Allow me to offer you the use of my coach,” Caroline declared in tones that sounded too sweet.
“I thank you for the consideration,” Miss Elizabeth said.
Bingley hesitated, but Darcy nodded his encouragement. “I will not hear of it, Miss Elizabeth. You must stay and tend to your sister,” his friend declared. “I insist. Miss Bennet will recover much faster if you are in attendance.”
“Mr. Bingley,” Miss Elizabeth gushed with gratitude. “Your kindness is most appreciated. I desire to stay with Jane if your offer is sincere.”
“Then it is settled,” Bingley added quickly. “We will send a servant to Longbourn to acquaint your family with our plan and to bring back clothes for your stay.”
“I am in your debt, Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth curtsied and happily returned to her sister’s room.
This satisfied Bingley, but if he had taken note of his sister’s face, Bingley would have seen displeasure on full display.
Caroline had made it no secret she wanted the Bennet family removed from Netherfield.
She recognized her brother’s interest in Miss Bennet.
Darcy suspected the woman also recognized his own growing interest in Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
It was half past six before Elizabeth rejoined the party, having been summoned to supper. “I am afraid, Mr. Bingley, I cannot give you a favorable response to your inquiry. My sister shows no improvement.”