Page 5 of Sketching Mr. Darcy

O n his way to Netherfield, Darcy’s mind was spinning from all that had occurred in a short time. His anger grew, clasping him in its icy grip.

That clergyman considers himself worthy of Elizabeth? He embarrassed her just by dancing with her! The effrontery of the man! Did he truly expect that she would accept? And he had the impertinence to ask Mr Bennet to force Elizabeth into a marriage?

On the other hand—why not? Can a country girl like Elizabeth Bennet, without fortune or connections, hope for anything more than a clergyman — especially one who is expected to inherit their estate eventually? It is an all too common arrangement.

The mere thought of Collins touching Elizabeth—kissing Elizabeth—made him sick.

Fortunately, that would never happen, but it did not mean that another man would not do the same.

Yes, without question, he was losing his mind!

It was truly madness. It could not be! Fortunately, he would leave the county and never have to bear her company again.

But of course, that did not mean he was not worried for her. He could do nothing more for the present. However, he would keep the promise he made to Mr Bennet: he would inquire after her state and, if necessary, make sure she had the best medical care possible.

In truth, Mr Bennet proved to be—in the short time they had spent together—a pleasant gentleman. If he had more time, he would wish to know him better. But there would be no time to know anyone better as he would likely never return to Netherfield again.

Late in the afternoon, Darcy and Bingley were finally ready to depart for London.

Bingley was in a great hurry to leave as he was in a great hurry to return .

He spoke enthusiastically about his satisfaction with the previous night’s ball and his plans to host another as soon as possible.

He also expressed his concern about Miss Elizabeth and his hope that he would find her fully recovered on his return.

Darcy listened to his friend’s animated chatter for some time, and he was tempted to interfere, but he had neither the will nor the energy to begin a debate. He would see what was to be done in a few days once they were settled quietly in Town.

***

Mr Jones left Longbourn, and his report, though surprisingly good, did not put Jane’s mind at ease. Elizabeth was not well: her cheeks were red, her eyes sparkling, and she was covered in two thick blankets that did little to prevent her shivering.

For the next few hours, Jane did not leave Elizabeth’s room, watching her sleep disturbed by coughing and trembling.

Mrs Hill, the housekeeper, came from time to time, bringing medicine and tea.

Mr Bennet came once to ask about his favourite daughter while the youngest sisters entered the room so often and loudly that Jane kindly asked them to cease their visits.

Eventually, Elizabeth awoke and took a large cup of tea, laughing at her worried sister.

“Jane, there is no reason for concern, I am very well indeed. This situation is similar to those days at Netherfield when you were ill and I took care of you. Except that there is no Miss Bingley or Mrs Hurst around—a pleasant change—and no handsome gentleman to worry about me, which is not so pleasant a change,” Elizabeth said smiling .

“I noticed Mr Darcy was quite concerned about your state, Lizzy. I confess I never expected it from him, and I felt ashamed for misjudging his good nature.”

“I would not necessarily assume that Mr Darcy has a good nature just because he was worried for me. I do appreciate his help, and I know I have every reason to be grateful for his presence. I cannot stop wondering about the intent of his unusual kindness, though. I would rather say that it is not in his nature.”

“Lizzy, try to sleep. I think you are being unkind and unfair,” Jane scolded her in jest.

“Well my dear, you are always kind and fair, so I must compensate for it somehow,” Elizabeth concluded while her sister wrapped the blankets more tightly.

The hours passed, but Jane’s alarm did not. She had no reason to mistrust Mr Jones, but his optimism seemed contrary to Elizabeth’s state. Late in the afternoon, Jane visited her father in the library and confessed her concerns while he listened with increasing worry.

“Papa, if Lizzy feels worse tomorrow morning, I would suggest you fetch a doctor.”

“Yes, we should do that. Mr Darcy asked me to keep him informed about Lizzy’s condition. He said he would send his doctor if necessary. Do you think we should write him?”

“Let us hope we have no reason to disturb Mr Darcy and his doctor. Lizzy has always been strong and healthy. I hope she will be fine. But Mr Darcy’s offer is truly generous…”

“Yes it is… He is a strange fellow, is he not, Jane? He did not just bring Elizabeth home, but he seemed truly preoccupied with her well-being. That was such a surprise after everything you told me about him. And you know, I only spent half an hour with him, but he seemed a very pleasant kind of man. I am sorry that my opinion contradicts yours so completely.”

“I believe you are correct. I have always felt that he is not as bad as we were tempted to judge him. Mr Bingley values his opinions and his character very much.”

“Oh, then there is no doubt left. Mr Bingley could not possibly be wrong!” Mr Bennet teased his daughter with a lighter tone while Jane blushed violently and left the library.

During dinner, there were few other subjects to be discussed besides Elizabeth’s fall.

Mrs Bennet was certain that it was a proper punishment for her reckless refusal of Mr Collins, and she did not cease expressing her opinion until Mr Bennet intervened and asked his younger daughters about their walk to Meryton.

“Oh, we had so much fun, Papa,” Lydia finally burst out.

“Mr Collins talked constantly, but I barely listened to him. And Charlotte is so strange. She seemed to approve of him and asked him more questions, as if he had anything interesting to say. We met Wickham and Denny. They could not believe what we told them about Lizzy. They laughed about Mr Darcy giving his coat to Lizzy. Wickham said that Darcy is very fond of his clothes, and he would be very upset if Lizzy ruined it and… Oh, it was so amusing. We all agree on that. And—”

“May I ask what was so amusing about Lizzy’s accident? Do you believe it to be a joke to share with everyone around Meryton? Did it cross your silly mind that your sister might have died? And those two idiot officers—did they have nothing else to entertain them?”

All the ladies frowned and paled at Mr Bennet’s violent outburst. In twenty years, he had never spoken in such a manner nor been so furious. He abandoned his place and demanded his dinner be sent to the library—another thing that had never happened before.

Once he left, Lydia spoke again. “Surely, he cannot forbid us to laugh at Mr Darcy just because he brought Lizzy home! Everybody dislikes Mr Darcy, you know that, Mama!”

“I do know, but let us not trouble your father on that subject for the time being. If there is anyone to be blamed for this unhappy situation, it is Lizzy herself. Had she accepted Mr Collins’s offer, we would all have been happy and joyful now instead of arguing.”

“Mama!” Jane’s voice, determined and reproachful, silenced Mrs Bennet and the girls, who looked at her in disbelief.

“It is very unfair to blame Lizzy or fail to acknowledge the debt we owe Mr Darcy. We all should think seriously about what happened today and pray to the Lord that all will be well in the end. Now forgive me. I shall go and see how Lizzy fares.”

Jane’s reaction was at least as surprising as was Mr Bennet’s, and the youngest sisters, together with their mother, needed more than two hours to discuss their strange behaviour.

When they finally finished their dinner, they had reached no conclusion, except that, had Lizzy married Mr Collins, their vexation about being turned out of the house when Mr Bennet died would have disappeared, and that would have made them all very happy.

***

London, 27 November

After dinner, Georgiana retired to her room, telling her brother once more how happy she was to have him home. Darcy moved to his library, allowing himself to rest in the large armchair. What a day it had been!

During the journey, Bingley never ceased chatting.

He was eager to return to Netherfield—poor fellow.

Darcy must have a talk with him to make him understand the risk attached to such a plan.

Or perhaps he would be charmed by another beautiful face in a couple of days—as had happened so many times before—and everything would be settled.

Alone in his library, a feeling of peace surrounded him.

He was finally safe from his weakness with so many miles between them.

It was very likely that he would never see her again, but he could not stop thinking and worrying about her.

She was fortunate that her father was not the kind who forced his daughters to seek an advantageous marriage, or else she would have been in a dreadful position.

Mr Bennet did not seem to be wealthy. His daughter marrying his cousin would have solved all their problems, and yet, he did not even take that into consideration.

That was not his concern any longer. He had no right to think of whom she would or would not marry.

His only worry was her health. The apothecary did not seem prepared to handle a difficult situation, and Darcy could not possibly trust him with Elizabeth’s health.

Though he had no wish to ever see her again, he needed to know she was taken care of properly.

He should talk to Dr. Taylor tomorrow morning and ascertain his advice.

Tired, distressed, and dizzy from the fine brandy he had enjoyed, Darcy glanced at the stack of papers on his desk, demanding his attention.