Chapter 10 #2
“Did Miss Bingley not dance the first set?” David Wilson said unexpectedly. “That is a significant fault of ours. How did none of us realize it?”
In truth, both Bingley sisters were in a corner, chatting with obvious ire as they glared towards them.
“It was rude of us, indeed,” Adam Goodwin admitted. “Please excuse me; I shall hurry to ask her for the next. Bingley will be upset if we offend his sister.”
“We should remedy this,” the colonel agreed. “But I doubt Bingley’s concern is very far from his intended—as it should be.”
The group soon separated, and Elizabeth remained in her aunt’s company. Shortly, her mother joined them, asking for a cup of tea to calm her agitation.
“Dear Lizzy, what has come over you that you missed the dance steps? And with Mr Darcy, of all men! Of what were you thinking? What will he say now?”
“Mama, I assure you there is no reason for distress. It was only a little mistake. Mr Darcy and I are still friends.” She smiled.
“Do not smile so carelessly, Lizzy. Lady Lucas has mentioned to me that Mr Darcy is only accustomed to the most elegant partners, and he dances only at illustrious gatherings.”
“He seemed to enjoy himself well enough,” added Mrs Gardiner.
“I hope so, dear sister. And that annoying Mr Collins kept telling me about Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh. Why would I care about any of them? And Lady Lucas gave me advice on the wedding breakfast. She thinks her daughter’s marriage to Collins compares with Jane’s marriage to Mr Bingley! How silly is that?”
“Mama, please do not speak so loud,” Elizabeth begged, looking around. “Let us not start an argument that might upset Jane or Mr Bingley.”
Fortunately, the music began, and Mrs Bennet’s voice was covered by the sound of the instruments. She continued to expose her displeasure to her sister while Elizabeth rose, looking for the colonel to claim his set.
A couple of minutes passed, and the dancers took their places. Miss Bingley proudly led the set with Mr Godwin. Mr Bingley was not on the dance floor, nor anywhere to be seen.
Jane was talking to Mrs Philips, smiling charmingly, but Elizabeth knew her too well to miss the little shadow on her sister’s countenance. The eldest Miss Bennet moved towards them, and when she was close enough, their mother spoke.
“My dear, what is happening? Why are you not dancing? Where is Mr Bingley? And the colonel?”
“They are all in the library, Mama. You have no reason to worry. Lizzy, would you come with me, please? I could use your help. Please excuse us; we shall return shortly.”
Elizabeth took her sister’s arm while their mother continued to whisper inquiries.
“Jane, something is wrong; I can see that. What is happening?”
“Come, my dear, let us go to the library. Mr Darcy and the colonel must leave at once and wish to take their farewell of you.”
∞∞∞
Elizabeth stopped and held her sister’s arm in profound distress.
“What are you talking about, dearest?”
“A messenger came from Lady Catherine. It seems Miss de Bough is very ill; they fear for her life. I am sure Mr Darcy will explain it to you.”
Elizabeth’s heart immediately filled with anger and rejection. Surely, it was only a mischievous scheme of Lady Catherine to bring Darcy to Rosings. A child could see that. Certainly, nobody would believe such an obvious deception.
Inside the library, the three gentlemen talked excitedly. Darcy was pacing the room while Bingley and the colonel seemed to argue. At the ladies’ entrance, they stopped. The master of Netherfield walked to his beloved and took her hand.
“Elizabeth, Jane, please take a seat,” he invited them.
A mere glance was enough for Elizabeth to notice she had been wrong; all three men were giving the matter more consideration than she thought it deserved.
“I briefly informed Lizzy about the messenger,” Jane whispered.
“What happened? Is Miss De Bourgh ill?” The lump in her throat barely allowed Elizabeth to speak. A heavy burden was growing and pressing on her chest.
“It seems so,” Darcy answered. “She fell ill a few days ago. Aunt Catherine sent me a letter right away, but I neglected to open it until now.”
She remembered his mentioning the letter that morning when they were alone in the library—when he said he had something to tell her but wished to wait and be sure everything was perfect. And now he might leave again. He would not call on her tomorrow.
“I confess we first believed my aunt only wished to bring us to Rosings, using this as a pretext,” the colonel declared bluntly. “Darcy even dismissed the messenger severely.”
“True,” Darcy admitted, sitting in the same chair as he had that morning, mere inches from her.
“I never considered taking the matter seriously or leaving Netherfield. I still have important matters to resolve. But the messenger also had a note from Lord Matlock; he is also at Rosings. My uncle brought a doctor from London. He is concerned Anne will not recover.”
“Oh, dear Lord,” both sisters whispered.
Ashamed of her selfish feelings and embarrassed by her hasty judgement, Elizabeth bit her lip to stay her tears. She dared meet Darcy’s eyes; she saw a troubled darkness there, and a frightening chill overwhelmed her.
“We must leave at once if we are to reach Rosings by morning. I am very sorry. Very sorry indeed,” Darcy spoke only to her. The others’ intrigued looks suddenly did not matter.
“You must not be sorry, sir. It is your duty to go, and we all know you will accomplish it.”
“I am sorry for making a wrong judgement again earlier today. You were right once more. I should not have striven for perfection but used our time more wisely.”
She blushed but held his gaze and only nodded in silence. Turmoil gripped her heart.
“I hope you find Miss de Bourgh better than you fear…and that she will soon recover completely,” she whispered.
“Thank you…”
“It will be a long and difficult journey in this weather,” she continued.
“That is the least of our worries—only fifty miles of good road.”
“I wish that you both travel safely. Is there anything more we can do to help?”
“No…but your genuine concern is greatly appreciated.”
“Darcy, would you like for me to come with you?” Bingley asked, and Jane paled slightly.
“No, by no means. I could not possibly take you from your intended and your guests. Everyone seems to agree that you have organized a perfect ball.” Darcy smiled. “Besides, there is not much any of us can do except for Dr. Taylor.”
“Then please keep us informed if you can…”
“I am very sorry I could not dance the second set with you, Miss Elizabeth. I shall be in your debt for that.” The colonel smiled, kissing her hand.
“I shall gladly remind you at the first opportunity, Colonel.”
“I trust other opportunities will arise soon…”
“I look forward to it. Please take care of yourself. Both of you...” She could barely speak, turning to Darcy again.
“We shall send word of how we find things at Rosings and what our plans might be. Now please excuse us; we must prepare for the journey.”
They both bowed and exited the library while the other three remained in complete silence. Elizabeth felt too weak even to speak. Countless questions spun in her mind as she struggled to listen to her sister and Bingley agree on an explanation of this sudden departure to their other guests.
Shortly after, they returned to the main hall where music, laughter, and joy flowed freely. Elizabeth saw and heard as in a dream. The torment inside made her oblivious to everything around her.
Rumours of the departure of Mr Darcy and the colonel quickly spread, and gossip and speculation arose, becoming the only subject of conversation.
In less than half an hour, everything was ready for the journey. They briefly bid farewell to the guests then hurried out.
Elizabeth was left lonely, desolate, and disillusioned.
As she looked out the window, she could see that it was snowing and windy.
She moved a step closer, willing him to exchange a last glance with her.
Fortune was on her side. He turned, met her eyes, and bowed slightly.
She struggled to smile, hoping he could see it.
Then she startled as someone called her name. “Miss Bennet, I was looking for you. I believe this is the third set, and I have been waiting eagerly to spend half an hour together. Shall we?”
Mr Godwin offered his arm, and she reluctantly placed her hand on it.
Then she turned to look outside one more time, just in time to see Darcy standing near the carriage and looking towards her.
Then he entered, and the carriage started to move slowly and soon disappeared into the night as she stepped hesitantly towards the dance floor with one man while her heart lay with another.