Page 19 of Superior Connections
A nother full month passed in London, with several detailed letters being sent to Longbourn to satisfy the curiosity of both Mr and Mrs Bennet. Elizabeth and Jane met Miss Darcy a few more times for their usual ride in the park; Mr Bingley was often their escort — a role that seemed to please him and Jane exceedingly.
Elizabeth and Jane also had tea with Miss Darcy at Mr Darcy’s house. It was a turning point in their friendship, which caused Elizabeth equal pleasure and anxiety. Mr Darcy was not at home, but he arrived at some point with Mr Bingley. It was the first time Miss Darcy had played the pianoforte for them, and the day when Elizabeth, Jane, and Georgiana Darcy decided to call each other by their given names. It was also the day when Elizabeth found out that Mr Darcy could play the pianoforte too — and was quite proficient at it.
Lady Rosseford introduced them more and more to society. They attended two private parties, each hosted by one of Almack’s patronesses. At each of them, the Matlocks and Mr Darcy were among the guests but not Mr Bingley, whose situation in life did not qualify him for such gatherings.
Even though she rarely — if ever — spoke to Mr Darcy at such parties, Elizabeth enjoyed his company even from afar. He did not seem comfortable engaging in small talk, nor did he seem to enjoy the ladies’ attentions, and Elizabeth wondered why he came at all. Could it be for her? If so, was he content to just be around her from a distance? Would he speak to her about his feelings and his intentions soon?
When his actions were examined closely, he had said and done nothing to betray any particular feeling, any sort of admiration or affection. Yes, from the day of her accident, there had been a few words, a few sweet gestures, an attempt at a confession — all made to her privately. But to the rest of the world — including Jane, Lady Rosseford, or even the Gardiners — there had been no sign to indicate Mr Darcy’s special interest in her. Therefore, Elizabeth’s heart, filled with an attachment that grew deeper every day, was also burdened by uncertainties.
Another week passed, with more visits, more shopping, and one more party, but also with news that warmed Elizabeth’s heart: Mr Darcy was hosting a dinner party at his house. He called it a small family dinner, and among the guests, which included the Matlocks, would be Mr Bingley, his sisters, and the Gardiners.
But before that dinner party, Elizabeth’s fears for her aunt were unfortunately validated. After a busy day, with several calls, Jane and Lady Rosseford both declared they were tired and wished to sleep. However, the lady’s pallor and her obvious weakness concerned Elizabeth enough to call Dr Miller, who arrived within half an hour. The examination seemed to take forever, and the conclusions added even more to Elizabeth’s worry.
“Miss Bennet, the truth is we know too little of medicine to diagnose what we cannot see. Lady Rosseford seems strong and healthy enough, but you must know that at her age, a seizure might happen at any time. All I can recommend is to avoid effort, distress, and fatigue and to be sure she takes the herbs I gave you at least twice a day.”
Elizabeth nodded, and the doctor continued, “Very well. Also, here are some spices brought from India, which have been used there for centuries and are apparently efficient at keeping the body and mind young and healthy. I would suggest she take them too, at least until the summer.”
“Of course.”
“Please ensure someone is supervising her all the time. And pay attention if she shows any sign of fever. I shall visit her again tomorrow.”
The doctor left, leaving Elizabeth feeling worried and helpless, fearing the worst without being able to do much to avoid it. She went to the kitchen to prepare the medicine with her own hands, following the doctor’s instructions precisely, then took it to the lady’s room. Surprisingly, she was awake, sitting up in bed with her back supported by pillows. A maid was with her but left when Elizabeth entered.
“You are very stubborn, Lizzy. I told you I do not need the doctor.”
“You certainly do need him, Aunt. And he will come to examine you regularly. I shall not have it any other way.”
Elizabeth sat on the bed and held the lady’s hands in hers.
“Dear aunt, we must talk very seriously. We cannot go any further before we agree on certain things. But first, you should drink this. It contains some herbs and some spices from India, Dr Miller said. You will have two cups a day. I shall prepare them myself.”
The lady smiled and gently caressed Elizabeth’s hands.
“Lizzy dear, you must understand that, even if I drink ten cups of anything the doctor prescribes, things will not improve for me. I am almost seventy years old. I have had a long and full life, which few can hope for. It should be enough. I shall not be young again, regardless.”
“Dear aunt, I do not expect you to be young again, only to feel as well as you can for as long as possible. We have just found you, and we cannot lose you so soon. Besides, you are healthy and strong, the doctor said. You just need more rest, to make less effort, and to suffer less distress.”
“Lizzy, there are things we must discuss. I have made a will — a very clear one — so nobody can dispute it. Your uncle has taken it to two solicitors to be sure there are no legal issues with it. The entire family will benefit from my assets, but you will be my main heiress.”
The lady’s voice was now soft and gentle, just like her tender caresses, and Elizabeth’s eyes burned with tears.
“Aunt, I do not wish to talk about your will or about your wealth but about your health. That is all that matters to me. And I must insist that we have paid enough visits, made enough purchases, and been to enough parties. We may attend Mr Darcy’s dinner party if you wish to because it is very close and does not involve much effort. But no other formal engagements.”
“Very well. Perhaps we should take a rest until the Season begins. We must ask your uncle to visit, as we have things to discuss. There are some other properties, besides Stoke Park and this house, some money invested, several sets of jewels — you must know of everything. Jane may join us, of course. I trust her as much as I trust you. She just…she does not have your strength and your determination, just as she said. Nor does your father have it — he admitted as much to me. He suggested I should name you my heir, not him.”
“Dear aunt, if this makes you feel more at peace, we shall do as you wish. But first, you will rest for a few days. We must think of a form of polite refusal for the rest of the invitations, until spring.”
“Do as you wish, my dear. Now I would like to sleep for a little bit if you do not mind.”
“Let me arrange your pillows to make you more comfortable. Please rest now. I shall stay here with you for a little longer.”
Lady Rosseford closed her eyes, still holding Elizabeth’s hand.
“You know, Lizzy, God gave me three children, but He took all of them to Him before they were even born. Two boys and a girl. I never had the chance to hold them in my arms, but I have missed each of them, every day. I am so grateful that I have found you and your sisters to fill the emptiness in my soul before it is too late…”
The confession, made in a weak voice, broke Elizabeth’s heart, and she lost the fight with her tears. She caressed the lady’s hands gently, then kissed them with affection and gratitude while Lady Rosseford sighed and fell asleep. Elizabeth remained at her side, watching her peacefully rest until she woke up, once more in good spirits and full of energy.
∞∞∞
The news that they would take a long pause from any formal events brought a large smile of relief to Jane’s face. On the following day, Lady Rosseford had agreed to accompany Elizabeth, Jane, and Georgiana on another ride in the park, which pleased the girls more than any party. They were waiting for dinner to be served when the servant announced Mr Darcy, and the gentleman entered with an alarmed countenance.
“Forgive me. I am afraid I have the bad habit of calling at the most inappropriate hours.”
“There is no need to apologise, sir,” Elizabeth said. “Please come in. Has something happened?”
“I just saw Dr Miller, and he told me Lady Rosseford has been unwell. I came to enquire after your health, your ladyship.”
“How kind of you, Mr Darcy. Your care is much appreciated. I have been tired recently, but Elizabeth decided to disturb the good doctor. All is well, as you can see. Please stay and dine with us.”
He hesitated briefly, then replied, “I shall stay for only a moment. Georgiana is waiting for me. I am glad the doctor was not needed, but I approve that Miss Elizabeth called him.”
“In fact, it was needed and very useful,” Elizabeth answered. “Dr Miller recommended more rest and less effort, so we have decided to take a long pause from any formal events. No parties, no balls, no shopping. What we have done so far is more than enough.”
“I see…”
“But we shall attend your dinner party,” she continued, and his expression brightened.
“I am glad to hear that, and again, I approve of your decision. Health is all that matters — anything else may wait.”
“Apparently, I am unable to impose my will any longer,” Lady Rosseford interjected.
“Not where your health is concerned, Aunt,” Elizabeth declared. “You know, Mr Darcy, I have come to understand your dislike of parties.”
“You have? I am surprised to hear that but also pleased,” he replied, smiling.
“I do not mean to be rude, but I cannot understand how people can do it all the time. So much bustle, so many shallow conversations, so many insincere smiles, and so much fascination with fashion and gossip. I really hope my impression is wrong and that all those people, with such excellent situations in life, with the means to educate themselves and help others, are employing their time with more meaningful activities than what I have seen.”
“Some of them are indeed, but most of them not really.”
“That is sad, truly. Sad and tiresome. At least some of the ladies are involved with charities. That is worth the effort.”
“I told you, girls, London society is no different from that of Meryton, only larger and more annoying,” Lady Rosseford concluded.
“Your ladyship is absolutely right,” Mr Darcy said, smiling and looking at Elizabeth again. “I am embarrassed that, for a while, I believed the opposite.”
“That was at the beginning of our acquaintance, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth answered. “Fortunately, many things, including our mutual opinions, have changed since then.”
Mr Darcy bowed to her in approval, and then dinner was announced, so he took his leave. In three days’ time, they were all expected to finally have dinner together.