Page 6 of Sketching Mr. Darcy

But his mind was engaged with images of Elizabeth.

Only last night he had danced with her at the ball, and he still remembered—quite vividly—the sensation of her hands, her gloved fingers tentatively resting in his, her sharp glances during their conversation, the smile resting on her red lips, her figure moving gracefully to the rhythm of the music.

Then, her shocking appearance in the woods, alone, trying to keep up her spirits and fighting her own weakness—cold, wet, shivering in his coat, her trembling lips as she tried to thank him for bringing her home and her last glance just before she retired to her room…

He forced his reason to see the excellence of his decision to leave Hertfordshire, putting a safe distance between him and the haunting eyes of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

However, neither his strength nor his customary self-control could save him from the burgeoning feeling that she was not yet safe and he should have done more for her.

** *

London, 28 November

Darcy woke more tired than he was the previous evening.

Georgiana greeted his appearance at the breakfast table, and Mrs Annesley, his sister’s companion, expressed her delight in seeing him.

He tried to be pleasant company but felt relieved when the meal ended.

He approved his sister’s plans for visiting her aunt Lady Matlock—and then he closed the library door behind him.

He went to the window, staring at the cloudy autumn weather and wondering how she spent the night. He briefly considered whether he should send an express to Mr Bennet. Could he do such a thing? Might his gesture be considered improper?

He was embarrassed by his unreasonable behaviour and remembered his reproaches of Bingley’s concern for Miss Bennet’s illness at Netherfield.

At the time, he considered Bingley unreasonably anxious for a mere cold, and now he was no better.

If Miss Bennet recovered in only a few days, Miss Elizabeth—who seemed stronger and better accustomed to outdoor activities—would surely do the same.

The sharp claw that had gripped his chest since the previous day was just a foolish reaction, as were all his reactions regarding her .

He startled, brought back from his thoughts, when the door opened unexpectedly and his cousin Colonel Robert Fitzwilliam barged into the room.

He took a comfortable seat and inquired about the trip from Hertfordshire and about Bingley.

Darcy had little disposition for small talk, but he could not reject his cousin.

The colonel gave Darcy information about his family and the latest news in London.

Finally, he looked at his host intently then rose from his chair, walked around the room, and sat again.

“We have been friends since we could barely walk, so I shall ask directly: Darcy, did you know that Annabelle is in Town? She is asking about you. ”

“I did not know,” Darcy replied sternly after a brief hesitation. Silence fell on the room again, each man holding the other’s gaze.

“She made her appearance about a week ago, and she is asking about you.”

“Yes, you just told me. Is there anything else?”

“It seems her husband died a couple of months ago—her second husband, Lord Stafford.”

“I see…” Another long moment of silence, then Darcy poured himself a glass of brandy.

“You seem preoccupied… Are you…have you met her at all these past few years?”

“I do not see why you would question my private business since I never question yours, Robert. But be it as you want since you seem strangely preoccupied with this subject. No, I have not seen her for four years. Is there anything else you want to ask me, Robert? Are you curious about the last time I saw others of our acquaintance, or is this the only case?”

“You may mock me, Darcy, but you know that I have reason for concern. So you have not seen her in four years. What about now? How does this affect you? And let me tell you something else. She has been seen in the company of James! What do you think of that?”

“My cousin James?”

“Yes, your cousin James Darcy, the son of your other uncle.”

“I fail to understand your meaning. Why is it so extraordinary to have seen my cousin in the company of a lady? He is frequently in a woman’s company…”

“So he is—in the company of women, drink, cards and trouble. God knows whom he resembles. His late father, your uncle, was an excellent man—but that is not the issue here as you very well know. How is it he knows Annabelle? I had no idea they ever met.”

Darcy released a short laugh, looking at his cousin with mocking puzzlement .

“I am quite surprised to see you are so well informed about Lady Stafford’s acquaintances.”

“Annabelle and James mean trouble separately. I tremble to imagine the harm they could do together. We should speak to James. I heard he has gambling debts again. I will ask my father to invite him to dinner one evening. What about Annabelle or Lady Stafford or whatever? She is asking about you,” the colonel repeated. “Will you meet her?”

“Robert, I have no interest in continuing this conversation. I just realised that I must speak to Dr. Taylor about a matter of great importance. Will you meet me at the club later? Then I plan to visit your parents. I have not seen them in quite some time.”

“Why do you need Dr. Taylor? Are you unwell?”

“I appreciate your concern, but though I am five years your junior, I am not your youthful companion any longer, and I am perfectly able to take care of myself.” Darcy smiled.

“I know that too well. There is no one more able to take care of himself—nor more stubborn and aloof. So you just dismiss me? Do you have nothing else to say to me?”

“I did not dismiss you, quite the contrary. But I do have urgent business now. Please forgive me. As for the subject of your obvious interest: the lady’s presence in town is not my concern, whether she is a friend of my cousin or not.”

***

Longbourn, 28 November

Elizabeth attempted a smile when she met her sister’s worried look.

“Jane, I am fine. Please do not worry,” she said lightly.

“You may be fine, but you are not well, Lizzy. Even Lucky can see that. Poor thing did not leave your bed, nor has he eaten anything since yesterday. Please be honest with us. We shall fetch a doctor if needed. Even Mr Darcy offered to—”

“Please do not speak of another offer from Mr Darcy. I am in his debt already, and I do not wish to trouble him further—with anything.”

“I understand, dear, and I do not suggest anything of the kind. I meant that he easily recognised the seriousness of your state and wisely insisted on a doctor.”

“You know I have never been seriously ill before. However, I shall not oppose anything you decide. After all, there is nobody wiser than you. And please ask Hill to bring me some soup—and a little meat for Lucky. We will eat together.”

As much as she tried to keep up her spirits for her sisters’ sake, Elizabeth could not deny that she had never felt so ill. The pain in her throat was like a sharp knife, and her head hurt so that she hardly kept her eyes open.

Lying in her bed, closely watched by Lucky, Elizabeth worried less about her state than about the extraordinary meeting and the astonishing change of behaviour in Mr Darcy.

It was not surprising that he had helped her.

Such a gentleman, by his nature or perhaps his education, would have helped any person in her situation.

However, it was more than that: he was caring, friendly, worried, and even gentle.

Jane said that he insisted a doctor be fetched and asked Mr Bennet to inform him of her progress.

What had induced him to behave in such a way?

What had changed in the short hours since the Netherfield ball where he had been as cold and aloof as ever?

It was true, he had asked her to dance, but the set they shared was scarcely pleasant.

Yet, the very next morning, Mr Darcy appeared a completely different person, one to whom she felt deeply grateful.

Finally, she thought she had the answer: Mr Darcy must have seen her as the sister of Mr Bingley’s future wife, and it was only natural that his behaviour towards her would improve so strikingly.

Yes, that must be the simple yet reasonable explanation.

Dearest Jane, she will be so happy—as happy as she deserves!

Elizabeth’s state steadily became worse.

Mr Jones’s remedies seemed of little use, but there was nothing else to do, so they followed his measures strictly.

In the afternoon, her sleep became more peaceful.

Her fever dropped, and her coughing ceased.

Finally, Jane could breathe in relief, and she went downstairs for the first time since the accident to give her family the good news.

With no little surprise, she heard different voices speaking animatedly in the living room.

She entered hesitantly and found her younger sisters and her mother speaking cheerily with Mr Wickham and Mr Denny.

They all appeared to be in excellent spirits and did not restrain their amusement when Jane greeted them politely.

“Jane, what do you say of this surprise? Look who has come to ask about Lizzy!” Lydia said.

“Miss Bennet, is Miss Elizabeth feeling better, I hope? We were shocked to learn of her accident and could have no peace before coming to discover more details about her health.”

“She is a little better, thank you, Mr Wickham. She will be pleased to hear about your visit.”

“I hope so. Please send her my regards,” he said with a large smile and a friendly gaze. Jane’s countenance remained unmoved, so he continued with a meaningful change of voice.