Chapter 13 #2
“Yes, but it got worse — or better. Mr Wickham vehemently denied he had been present, so in the end, Mrs Bennet concluded that it must have been another officer in Colonel Forster’s regiment who had done such a heinous thing, and she demanded he seek the truth.
She might have mentioned that she and Lizzy were braver than the militia officers — which I am sure delighted all the men. ”
“That, I would not have expected,” Darcy admitted. “Especially since I know Mrs Bennet considered Wickham a friend…”
“Sir, I look forward to meeting Mrs Bennet,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said.
“In truth, my wife surprised me too, which is not easy after five-and-twenty years of marriage. Mr Darcy, you should know that Wickham has already suggested you have accused him undeservedly.”
“Of course he has. He always does.”
“Wickham must be properly punished, as he should have been years ago. At the very least he must spend a few months in debtors’ prison, which will not be enough, by far,” the colonel uttered. “Since you are still keeping to your bed, I shall see to him.”
“Being kept to my bed does not stop me from carrying out my duties. But I am glad you are here, Cousin.”
“You should be warned, though,” Mr Bennet interjected.
“As a colonel, as the son of an earl, and as the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, you will have to bear the admiration of my wife, my youngest daughters, and my cousin Mr Collins, who is Lady Catherine’s parson.
You can ask Mr Darcy for advice to overcome that particular obstacle. ”
The colonel was dumbfounded; Darcy laughed, and from there, the conversation continued whilst they ate and drank until the brandy defeated the gentlemen, and each of them was forced to rest.
At some point, the sound of a carriage announced Mr Collins’s return from the ball; fortunately, he went directly to his room.
∞∞∞
Daylight breaking through the half-open curtains woke Darcy. Strangely, he felt rested and succeeded in moving without much pain. Stevens helped him to sit up, supported by pillows.
Dr Bates examined him carefully, and finally, the report that Darcy had longed for was given.
“We can safely move you to Netherfield today, Mr Darcy. Your improvement is clear. I am quite sure the danger has passed.”
“This is the best news, indeed. It is time for the Bennet family to regain full use of their home. I hope you will stay a few more days at Netherfield, Dr Bates. That is, if your duties do not require your presence in town.”
“I shall stay two more days to be certain of your recovery. I must say, Mr Darcy, that I am as relieved as you are. In truth, I feared the worst considering your head injury. However, your ribs are still sore and need rest and protection. Not much effort, no standing for too long, no long walks, and absolutely no riding for at least a month. This is not something to trifle with, sir!”
“I am aware of that, and I hope I have proved to be an obedient patient. Shall I be able to travel by carriage?”
“With the exception of the short trip to Netherfield, not for another two weeks and no long journeys. To London, perhaps. To Pemberley, not before the spring.”
“I promise to adjust my plans accordingly,” Darcy concluded.
He felt relieved, but there were other conflicted feelings within him. Although the situation was still complicated, and he must employ care in dealing with Wickham, Darcy thought mostly of Elizabeth, wondering how his departure would affect his relationship with her.
Yes, as improbable as it had seemed a fortnight ago, he did have a relationship with Elizabeth — one based on trust, understanding, and remorse.
She had come to regret trusting Wickham, while he was burdened by remorse for his behaviour from the day he had arrived in Hertfordshire to the day of his accident.
So much had changed in such a short time that all his previous reflections, struggles, and decisions — especially those related to Elizabeth — seemed irrelevant and flawed.
The danger he had found himself in and his gratitude to those who had rescued him had opened his eyes to the truth of his feelings and desires — and to how to fulfil them.
Prior to the accident, he had been resigned to the conclusion that Elizabeth’s situation forbade him from considering her as the future Mrs Darcy.
All the reasons he had gathered to support that belief had proved to be shallow, inconsequential, and even silly.
He had confided in her and trusted her with Georgiana’s safety.
It was more than he would have done with any other woman — any other person, except the colonel.
She was not just admirable but also reliable.
And, of course, a woman so enchanting, so alluring that only thinking of her stirred all his senses.
Darcy had been long certain of his admiration and growing love for Elizabeth.
Yes, love it must be — a word he had never used before, nor considered in regard to any other woman.
And now, he was sure she would gracefully honour the Darcy name.
The only uncertainty that remained was in regard to her feelings and her desires.
That was still a subject he needed to explore with her, and the task would not be easy.
He had earned her friendship, and his greatest fear was losing what he already had by attempting to gain much more.
As thrilled as he was to move to Netherfield, he was even more eager to see Elizabeth again, perhaps talk to her a little.
Since he was still forced to spend most of his time in bed, at Netherfield, the chances of seeing her and talking to her would be few, and he already missed their little conversations.