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Longbourn - Elizabeth

S he stopped at the door and looked back at him, he looked more human than he normally did, and there was some emotion in his eyes that she did not recognise. The coughing had brought more colour to his face, which reminded her of her father.

“Yes Mr Darcy? Is there something else you require?” She said with more feeling than she could at that moment explain even to herself.

“Miss Bennet,” Darcy began, his voice strained, “did I hear correctly just then?”

There was something in his manner and the way he spoke that Elizabeth did not understand. She tilted her head, studying his face. “I am not sure what you heard, sir,” she spoke slowly, confusion evident in her tone. Had he heard something about her father’s state of health? She hoped not.

He said “I heard your uncle, that is to say I am to congratulate you on your,” his voice was clearly strained from the coughing, “on your engagement to Mr Collins?” His eyes which had been lower flicked up to her face as he said Mr Collins’ name.

She was surprised that he should take an interest in the news.

“I er- I thank you,” she said. The silence that followed these words was pronounced.

Elizabeth was unsure what to do next, he raised the glass to his lips, draining it, set it down on the table and walked quickly past her to rejoin the others in the drawing room with only one brief glance in her direction.

She followed more slowly, confused by what had just happened.

She entered the room to see her father sitting by the fire speaking softly to Mary.

Jane and Mr Bingley were still speaking, Jane smiled at her, so she joined them.

Mr Darcy was standing by himself not far from her father and Mary, Mr Darcy’s face was still rather flushed.

His eyes seemed to flick back to Jane and Bingley more than to any other part of the room.

Elizabeth recalled his surprise at the Netherfield ball when they had been dancing and Sir William Lucas had alluded to them.

Mrs Bennet and the Gardiners were sitting down to a card game, Mrs Bennet asked Mr Darcy if he would join them, which he declined, and so Lydia stepped forward eagerly to take the place.

“Mr Bingley was just telling me of a ball that a friend of his is to have in town.” Jane told her, and then turned to Mr Bingley, “A Mr Middleton, is that right?”

Mr Bingley smiled, “Yes indeed. I mentioned to him that two young ladies of my acquaintance would be in town at the time of the ball. And he has charged me to present his invitation to you both.”

Elizabeth was very well pleased with this. Such attention from Mr Bingley could hardly be overlooked, she glanced at Jane to see a deep blush overcome her cheeks, however, she was not so overcome that she could not reply. “We would be delighted to accept Mr Middleton’s invitation.”

“I believe you will also have the chance to meet Mr Darcy’s younger sister, is that right Darcy?” Mr Bingley looked over at his friend who, without being noticed, had moved closer to them.

“Yes, Georgiana will be there.”

“Is it to be a private ball?” Elizabeth said, looking at Mr Bingley.

“Yes, you will like Mr Middleton and his wife is a wonderfully accomplished woman.” Mr Bingley entertained them with details of some of the ladies and gentlemen who he knew that were going.

Hill entered the room a few minutes later with the tea and coffee.

Jane was pouring tea at the table, and Elizabeth went to assist her with the coffee, making sure that her father had a strong cup of tea.

Elizabeth could see that he was growing tired.

She stayed by his side for the rest of the evening.

* * *

Wednesday 25th of December 1811

Longbourn - Elizabeth

Christmas passed in as pleasant a way as it could.

They saw Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy three more times, but the gentlemen left for London two days ahead of them.

They came to call on the family twice and once at a small party at Lucas Lodge.

Mr Bingley and Jane continued much as they had over the last two visits, Elizabeth was pleased that he seemed to be growing in confidence of her regard for him.

Mr Darcy on the other hand continued to confuse her, there seemed to be something troubling him, and he said as little as he ever had before.

But something in his air and manner had changed.

Elizabeth could not work out what it was.

As Mr Bingley looked at his friend in alarm from time to time, she had the feeling that he knew what it was that was bothering his friend.

Elizabeth also heard again from Mr Collins, it seemed that Lady Catherine was delighted with the engagement, but was confused about why they had not set a date yet and encouraged them to do so as soon as possible - her ladyship, it seemed, had views about long engagements.

Elizabeth considered her answer for a long time before replying and decided that it would be best to set the details when they had returned from town, as they would have a better idea how long the preparations would take then.She found herself longing that if she did have to marry Mr Collins their relationship could take place entirely over letters.

Mrs Bennet was very confused by the actions of her eldest two daughters and her husband.

She cornered Jane and Elizabeth about what they were up to one morning, however they were lucky enough to distract her with Mr Middleton’s ball that Mr Bingley had arranged that they would be attending with him just after their arrival. Mrs Bennet was quite beside herself.

“Oh Jane, was it not so kind of Mr Bingley to arrange that for you? And him taking you to a ball in town, it is the very thing! Four or five thousand a year and Lizzy to marry Mr Collins, it is all excellent.”

Elizabeth was truly troubled at leaving her father in the care only of her younger sisters and the servants.

Mary and to a lesser degree Kitty realised just how ill he was, Lydia however could not be made to see how serious the situation had become.

Mary spent hours reading to her father, which seemed to give him great comfort.

He was sleeping more now and a day or two had gone by where he did not leave his room.

* * *

Thursday 2nd of January 1812

Longbourn - Elizabeth

Mary called Elizabeth to his room before they left, saying he wanted to speak to her.

“Well Lizzy,” he said when she went to him to take her leave, “you must try and enjoy your time with your aunt and uncle. Do not think too much about the future, it might still all work out for the best in the end.”

He looked older and more fragile than she had ever seen him. She sat down gently on the bed and took his hand carefully. She still hoped that he could just make it until the spring, but there was a small voice at the back of her mind telling her that that was not going to be the case.

“Do not trouble yourself my dear, Lizzy.” He smiled up at her, his face was lined and his skin dry and slightly cracked. “If there is one thing I would like to do, it would be to see you happy, my child.

“You will write to me father, won’t you?

” she asked, not wanting to say what she knew she should.

But she could not face it, not now, not yet.

He smiled at her, “Mary will write for me. Don’t worry my dear, all will be well, you shall see.

” He pressed her hand slightly before letting her go.

She stood by the door a moment or two, studying his face, praying that it would not be for the last time, before she picked up her bonnet and left.

Tears falling freely down her cheeks, she hurried from the room.