Chapter 17 #2
Other thoughts troubled Elizabeth’s mind now, as she imagined Darcy’s turmoil when he arrived at Netherfield.
With such a painful, recent event fresh in his mind, it was easy to understand and to excuse his reluctance to dance or to entertain people, and his reservation about Bingley marrying a woman who could have more interest in his fortune than genuine affection for him made sense.
Elizabeth gently caressed Georgiana’s hand that was holding Darcy’s, in an attempt to comfort both of them.
“Miss Darcy, every time I heard your brother talking about you, I was impressed by his obvious affection and his genuine pride in your accomplishments. I am sure he was pained and suffered for you, but I doubt he is upset or disappointed in you.”
“You are too kind, Miss Bennet. Thank you for listening to my silly story. I have never shared it with anyone, not even my closest relatives. My cousin knows, because he is my second guardian.”
“Thank you for trusting me. I will never betray your secret to anyone, not even to Jane.”
“I have no concerns about your secrecy, Miss Bennet.” Georgiana smiled shyly. “I wonder how George found his way into a militia regiment and how poor William could have handled his presence here. I would have imagined my brother would have left Hertfordshire immediately, only to be away from him.”
Elizabeth wondered the same and blushed, reluctant to assume a purpose that would give her unreasonable hopes.
As though wishing to answer their questions and worries, the patient moved and moaned several times, gripping Georgiana’s hand and pushing the sheets with his feet. Both girls startled, rose from the bed and leaned towards him.
∞∞∞
Darcy heard voices around him–beloved voices that made his heart race.
He felt their sadness and in some whispers, gentleness, and compassion in others.
And he sensed a danger that he knew he had to fight against. Both of his hands were now trapped, then released, then held again.
He felt cold and suddenly realised he was wearing no clothes.
He felt the sheets around him but shivered from chills.
The voices became clearer, and a trace of light pierced the darkness.
Slowly, the light became so powerful that it hurt his eyes.
He squeezed them shut, then breathed deeply; breathing was now more comfortable, as if the cage that had pressed into his chest for so long had suddenly opened.
He knew it was time to move–now, while he felt stronger and freer.
But he still could not and asked for help again.
Could no one hear him and help him? Was Elizabeth still there?
He called her name until he finally heard an answer and felt soft, delicate fingers gripping his arms.
∞∞∞
“William? Oh, William! You are awake! How are you feeling?”
“Mr Darcy! Please open your eyes.”
His confused mind did not trust his comprehension; Elizabeth and Georgiana? Together? Was he still dreaming?
“I am fine…I think.” He blinked and attempted to look around, confused and troubled by a blinding headache. “Where am I?”
“You are at Longbourn! Do you remember what happened? You fell from your horse, and Miss Bennet found you!” Miss Darcy explained.
“At Longbourn? And what are you doing here, Georgiana?”
“I came to be with you.”
“At Longbourn? Am I hurt? I do not remember what happened. But I do remember Miss Bennet finding me.” He turned to her and his aching eyes met her tearful gaze.
“Good day, Miss Bennet. Or it is night?”
Elizabeth released a peal of nervous laughter.
“I am glad to see you conscious, Mr Darcy. It is evening, actually. Dinnertime. I am going to fetch Dr. Cooper.”
“Dr. Cooper? Is he here?”
“Oh yes. You were very ill. Very, very ill. Mr Bennet wrote to Charles and to me and we came immediately,” Georgiana explained.
“Dear Lord, how many problems I have created. I fell from my horse? How did that happen?”
“It does not matter now. I am so happy that you are awake!” Georgiana said, kissing his hand. He kissed her hands back.
“Please do not cry, dearest. I am fine. How long have I been unconscious?”
“Three days.”
“Three days? Dear Lord, my head hurts. And my leg. So I fell from my horse?”
“I am going to fetch Dr. Cooper,” Elizabeth repeated and almost ran through the door.
Her heart was pounding and she felt so relieved, so light that she could fly. He was not just awake, but conscious enough to talk to them. And again, he had called her name in his sleep. Her name only.
∞∞∞
The extraordinary event of Mr Darcy awakening turned dinner into a celebration.
Dr. Cooper, Stevens and Mr Bingley remained with him for more than an hour, helping him to wash and change into clean nightclothes.
He could not eat or drink much and did not recollect any details of the accident but he spoke coherently, his fever had gone and his wounds had started to heal.
His ribs were still swollen, he could hardly move and standing was impossible yet. But he was back.
Miss Darcy reluctantly agreed to join the family for the rest of the evening, as she was banished from her brother’s chamber. Her happiness, mixed with tears, was heartwarming and the Bennet girls tried to cheer her.
A while later, Bingley returned to the dining room.
“He is all set for the night. Darcy, I mean. Dr. Cooper and Stevens will remain with him overnight. Dr. Cooper demanded that we do not disturb him until morning.
Georgiana attempted to protest but Bingley glanced at her. “Not until morning,” he repeated, much to Georgiana’s disappointment.
Although the demand was not addressed to her, Elizabeth blushed, feeling the same regret as she too had hoped to be able to exchange a few more words with him. But that was a silly feeling, she knew that. She would have all the time in the world to talk to him–if he wished to.
“Georgiana, Darcy would like to hear you play, if you do not mind. At the pianoforte. Would you?” Bingley requested.
Georgiana looked around with palpable panic; glancing from one to another, she blushed and hesitated to reply. Her eyes remained on Elizabeth, who smiled at her.
“I could turn the pages for you,” she offered.
“I would not want to disturb you,” Georgiana said, looking at the family.
“Oh, we would love to hear you play! Can you imagine? Mr Darcy’s sister playing for us! Just wait until I tell Mrs Long and Mrs Phillips. That will surely outdo Lady Lucas’s boasting about her daughter’s marriage to that clergyman!”
“Mama, please!” Jane begged, but Georgiana laughed.
“I would be glad to please you, Mrs Bennet,” the girl agreed.
They moved to the drawing room where the pianoforte was and chose their seats: Elizabeth next to Georgiana, Jane next to Bingley, Mr Bennet on a chair, Mrs Bennet and Mrs Annesley on a sofa, and the youngest girls together.
When Miss Darcy’s hands touched the keyboard, a chill ran through each of her companions. The magic in her fingers soon struck them and they listened unmoving, speechless, spellbound.
Dr. Cooper appeared in the doorway, smiling approvingly, then returned to the patient. The door remained wide open and Elizabeth spotted the servants in the hall peeking in with astonishment, lost in admiration.
The bewitching performance continued for three more songs and was rewarded with emotional applause and cheering.
Miss Darcy appeared exhausted, but a timid smile glowed on her face. “My dear Miss Darcy, that is just outstanding. I have never heard anything so beautiful! My daughter Mary studies the pianoforte and Lizzy plays a little. But you, you… This is just wonderful!”
“Miss Darcy is not only exceptionally talented but she practises diligently too,” Mrs Annesley interjected. “She studies all the time, not just music but also science, geography, and languages. She continuously improves her mind and her spirit. She is a pleasure to be around.”
“Thank you; I am sure I do not deserve such praise,” Georgiana blushed. “But I confess I am very fond of music. The rest is to my brother’s credit.”
“Why is that?” Mr Bennet asked.
“William has encouraged me to play and to read since I was very young. And he always took me to the opera and theatre, and anywhere I could learn something new. He taught me so many things.”
“He did an excellent job, there is no doubt about that,” Mr Bennet replied.
“Thank you,” the girl repeated.
“Now, I believe we should retire for the night. We still have to return to Netherfield, and it is very late for me. But I dare say this day was truly worthy of any exhaustion,” Mr Bennet concluded.
∞∞∞
The enchanting music enveloped Darcy like a wave of pure bliss, easing his pain and clearing his mind. There were many things he needed to think of, to settle, to solve, but it was too soon. He would start tomorrow.
For that night, it was enough for him to know that Elizabeth and Georgiana were together and seemed to be on friendly terms. It had happened naturally, without his intervention.
Dr. Cooper told him they had both stayed at his side most of the time.
The doctor praised their devotion and expressed his admiration for Elizabeth.
She showed remarkable concern and preoccupation for him, the doctor said.
Could he dare assume the reason behind her dedication? Was it a mere expression of her generous nature? Clear proof of friendship? Could he trust his memories of her holding his hand, touching his lips, and even kissing him? Or was it all a dream?
But her staying near and worrying for him day and night was a reality. The others had confirmed it. Just as her care of his sister was genuine.
Now, she was assisting Georgiana as she played. That was the picture he had been imagining for several weeks, the one he hoped to draw one day.
And with it filling his thoughts and his soul, Darcy eventually fell into a deep, restful sleep.