Chapter 11
The sound, restful sleep was almost too much for Elizabeth, as she woke up with a strange feeling of distress.
It was still dark, and the wind was blowing.
She realised that she was in Mr Darcy’s bed and smiled to herself, then her smile faded as her worries returned.
She put on her robe and hurried to her father. Two footmen were with him.
“Dr Crawford was just here,” one of them whispered. “Mr Bennet’s fever is down, he said, but he must sleep.”
“Thank you.”
Elizabeth stepped closer and touched her father’s forehead. It was not burning any longer, and his face looked different — more like his usual self. His improvement was visible, and her heart became a little lighter.
Having nothing else to do and too rested for more sleep, she hesitated a moment.
The entire house was still and silent, so she decided to find a book to read so she could remain by her father’s bedside for the rest of the day.
It was better to walk around an empty house now than to meet Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst later.
She entered the library, the heavy door opening with some difficulty, and was surprised to see a candle on the table and the fire burning.
“Miss Elizabeth?”
“Mr Darcy. Oh, forgive me for disturbing you, sir.”
“No, please, enter. Has something happened?”
“No…Papa is well and resting. I have come to search for a book.”
“I have ordered some coffee. Would you like a cup?”
“I do not want to bother you.”
“You certainly will not. There is nothing more pleasant than your company — if you wish to stay.”
She hesitated a moment. She was alone with Mr Darcy, in the library, at dawn. And still, she did not want to be anywhere else, so she sat.
He poured her some coffee and handed it to her, gazing at her all the time.
“I imagine I look terrible,” she said.
“Quite the opposite. Forgive me for staring. I am relieved that you look so well and rested. You looked very ill yesterday.”
“I know I looked terrible, but thank you for pointing it out.” She laughed at his genuine admission.
He smiled back. “I am sure you know what I mean. You still looked charming but worryingly pale. Even Dr Crawford said so.”
“I confess I needed sleep, but I could not rest while Papa was in danger. He already looks better this morning.”
“Yes, the doctor told me.”
“Mr Darcy, I know you dislike gratitude, but how can I not thank you for everything that you have done for my father? You and Mr Bingley saved his life. Nobody can argue with that.”
“Bingley did nothing but what he felt was right. And he did so for the benefit of the woman he admires,” Mr Darcy said, his voice suddenly sounding different. “And so did I,” he continued, his eyes locking with hers.
She looked at him, her lips parted in surprise at such a direct confession.
“Forgive me. I do not want to trouble you even more. This is not a conversation to have when you still fear for your father’s life. I just wanted you to know. Whether we speak further about this depends on your wishes.”
“I would like to speak further about this,” she replied weakly. “Regardless, your admiration for me does not make my gratitude unnecessary. Even if the admiration is mutual.”
Now he gazed at her doubtfully, as if he were uncertain of his understanding. Then an expression of heartfelt delight spread across his face, and his smile broadened.
They drank their coffee in silence for a little while. He was still staring, and she blushed under his gaze.
“Mr Darcy…”
“Yes?”
“I was wondering… A few days ago, we made a new acquaintance in Meryton. An officer who claimed to know you and your aunt.”
“Yes, Bingley told me,” he replied with a frown.
“Something did not sound right to me when he mentioned your name.”
“Nothing sounds right when it concerns Wickham. You should expect to hear more falsehoods from him about me, but please know your intuition was correct.”
“I knew it when he claimed you — as well as your aunt — were fond of flattery and praise.” She smiled. “I do not know you well enough to sketch your whole character, but some things are quite obvious.”
“They might be obvious to someone with your wit and intelligence. Usually, people allow themselves to be deceived by his charming manners first, and when they discover his true nature, it is often too late. I would like to relate to you the story of my acquaintance with Wickham.”
“You are very kind, sir, but maybe later, when we have no better subject of conversation. I do not care about him enough to waste our time. However, if you know he might be a danger to other people, perhaps a fair warning is required.”
“We agree on this. I shall visit Colonel Forster today. I intended to do so two days ago, but there were more important matters than that scoundrel.”
“I should go now,” she said.
“Yes…a book…would Shakespeare do?”
“Yes, that would be perfect.”
He took a book from one of the shelves and handed it to her. They were now facing each other, knowing they should separate but unwilling to do so.
“Miss Elizabeth, you are honestly the most extraordinary woman I have ever met. Truly, there is nobody like you.”
She felt her eyes widen, then heat crept across her cheeks, and she let out a nervous laugh.
“Sir, that is an exaggeration, but I thank you for it, nevertheless.”
“Not at all. It is my honest opinion, based on my own judgment and my own experience. You are entirely unique — unlike any other woman I have met.”
“Unique, sir? Many people who know me would contradict you, considering I have a twin sister and we are perfectly alike.”
They looked at each other, exchanging smiles while the dialogue became teasing. The subject was extremely serious — too serious for that moment — and they both preferred to keep a light tone.
“No, you are not,” Mr Darcy said. “Your appearance might be, but you are not. Bingley said Miss Bennet is an angel. I would say you are all liveliness, wit, courage, and determination.”
His words made her heart melt, and she found nothing to say in reply, so she simply gazed at him.
“And your pretty eyes sparkle in a way I have never seen on anyone,” he concluded in a hoarse voice that gave her shivers.
A long moment of meaningful silence followed, then he took a step back.
“Miss Elizabeth, you should leave now,” he said, and, with a bow of his head, he opened the door for her.
***
Elizabeth’s heart was not the same after the conversation with Mr Darcy.
She recollected it countless times that day and on the days that followed, and, although she clearly remembered each word, she still doubted it had happened or that she had understood it properly.
Even with Mr Darcy’s little smiles every time they met, which should have served to reinforce her memories, she still feared that she might have assumed too much.
Mr Bennet remained at Netherfield for an entire week, and Elizabeth stayed with him.
Jane came to visit daily and spent most of the time with her, in close proximity to Mr Bingley.
That gentleman’s sisters were still rude to Elizabeth and patronising to Jane, but Mr Bingley’s attentions and care compensated for them well enough.
Mr Bingley cancelled the dinner party, which was easily understood and accepted by all the guests.
Dr Crawford stayed three days, then returned to London, as urgent matters required his presence. He was confident that Mr Bennet was not in danger any longer and that Mr Jones would take care of him until he had fully recovered.
On the fifth day after the accident, Mr Bennet felt well enough to sit up, supported by several pillows, and eat something more substantial. Elizabeth related the details of his rescue to him, and he asked for Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy to come, so he could express his personal gratitude.
Elizabeth and the three gentlemen were carrying on a pleasant conversation when Mr Collins was suddenly announced.
The clergyman entered, obviously surprised at the scene in front of him.
“My dear Mr Bennet, I have come to say my goodbyes, as I shall return to Kent today. Her ladyship requires my presence.”
“That is excellent news,” Mr Bennet said, much to everyone’s agreement.
“I am exceedingly happy to see you looking so much better! I thank the Lord for your recovery!”
“So do we, Mr Collins,” Elizabeth replied.
“There is also some news I wish to share. During these trying times, I was offered comfort by Sir William and his family. Furthermore, I had the good fortune to find my perfect partner in life, as Lady Catherine required. I proposed to Miss Charlotte Lucas, and she did me the honour of accepting me.”
The news stunned Elizabeth and apparently everybody else. She needed a moment to consider it, wondering how it could be true.
“But Mr Collins, you and Charlotte are barely acquainted. You have not spent more than a few days together!”
“That is true, Cousin Elizabeth, and yet, we knew we were perfect for each other. Miss Lucas let me know as much. I am sure I could not have made a better decision.”
To her astonishment, Elizabeth heard Mr Darcy answering, “Mr Collins, I am surprised to hear myself saying so, but in fact, I agree with you on this. One does not need more than a few days to know he has made the right choice in selecting his perfect life partner.”
He glanced at her for a moment as brief as the beat of a heart, but Elizabeth’s heart raced, and her cheeks burned. She struggled to pay attention to Mr Collins, hoping the others had not noticed her nervousness.
“Mr Collins, I heartily congratulate you,” Mr Bennet said. “You are a fortunate man, as Charlotte Lucas is a witty, clever, pleasant young woman, who will surely change your life for the better.”
“I thank you, Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy, for your support,” the clergyman said with a grin of satisfaction and a humble bow.