Page 11

Before the carriage stopped, one of the large double doors of Netherfield opened. Caroline Bingley came bustling out. Darcy was amazed to see her out of her chambers at this time of the morning.

“Mr Darcy, what a relief it was to see you. I was so worried for you that I hardly had a wink of sleep last night. To think you had to stay with the Bennets,” she cried as she came down the steps.

Darcy nodded before turning his back on her and held out his hand.

Miss Bingley was perplexed by his action. Before she could formulate a thought on what he was doing, a bonnet appeared, then a hand that grasped his. She slowed her pace as he helped Elizabeth Bennet down.

Her brother appeared in the doorway as soon as it was empty. “I hope you saved some of that worry for me, dear sister.” He said with a mischievous grin.

They would have seen her blush crimson if they could have seen through her makeup. “Of course, brother, don’t be a goose.” She looked at their traveling companion. “You did not write that you were bringing a… a guest.”

“It was a last minute addition. She came to check on her sister.”

“Welcome to Netherfield, Miss Eliza Bennet,” Miss Bingley said, remembering her duty as mistress of the house.

“I hope it is not too much of an imposition. I wanted to see Jane, and then I shall be gone.”

Miss Bingley was relieved to hear how long the interloper was to stay, then took Mr Darcy’s arm. “Come, breakfast is waiting.”

“I am terribly sorry, Caroline. I should have included in my note that we would be having breakfast with the Bennets,” Bingley said, snapping his fingers. “I hope it does not cause problems for the staff.”

“Charles,” she said in annoyance as if though the preparation required any exertion on her part. “Oh well, no matter, how about tea or coffee, Mr Darcy?”

“Not at the moment, thank you. I must see my valet and rectify my current appearance.” He replied, rubbing at the shadow on his chin. “I could show Miss Elizabeth to her sister’s room if you like.”

“I was about to go up myself and check on her before I noticed the carriage coming up the drive. I shall take her myself.”

Darcy was thankful when she detached herself from his arm as soon as they entered the house to wait for Elizabeth. Bingley made sure she expressed his dismay to her sister about her being poorly. Elizabeth assured him she would do so and inform him as soon as possible of her sister’s condition.

The small talk as the two went upstairs centered on the previous night. To Elizabeth, it felt more like an interrogation as Miss Bingley pried her for information on what happened during her brother’s stay at Longbourn, although Elizabeth believed it had more to do with Mr Darcy.

“I shall leave you two for your visit,” she said as they arrived at the door.

Elizabeth watched her go back down the hallway lightly knocking before opening the door.

“Sara,” Elizabeth said in surprise at seeing the daughter of one of their tenant farmers. The girl put a finger to her lips.

“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” she whispered.

“I didn’t know you were working here,” Elizabeth whispered back after looking at the bed to see Jane asleep.

“I started last week.” Sara replied with an excited smile.

“Have you been with Jane long?”

“Yes, Miss Elizabeth, since this morning. She had a restless sleep and only asked for water.”

“You can go. I shall be here for a few hours. At least until Mr Jones has seen her.”

Sara hesitated, unsure what to do. Obey Miss Elizabeth, whose father was her father’s landlord, or the orders from her new employer to stay in the room.

“I was told to stay here, Miss.”

“That does present a dilemma for you, doesn’t it.” The girl nodded. “Then how about you get me a cup of tea, but take your time doing so. If anyone asks, tell them I wanted time alone with my sister. If there is a problem, I will talk to Mr Bingley about it later and sort it out if needed.” Elizabeth knew it would not come to anything so drastic but wanted to reassure the girl. While still hesitant, Sara did as she was told and left.

Elizabeth went to the bedside and gazed down at Jane. She put the back of her hand to her forehead, feeling it slightly warm. It also had the effect of waking her out of her restless sleep.

“Elizabeth,” she said scratchily. A smile started to form on her lips, but she was overcome by a coughing fit.

“Oh Jane, you poor thing. Mamma really has gone and done it this time.”

“You can’t blame her.”

“Of course I can, and I will. You would not be in this condition if she had let you take the carriage.”

“She means well,” Jane replied and began coughing again.

Elizabeth patted her hand and tsked her several times in disapproval. “You never find fault in anyone, even when it is as plain as the nose on your face they were in the wrong.”

“I could have ridden faster.”

“Jane Bennet,” she huffed in frustration. “You have no fault in this, and if you make one more excuse for mamma’s behavior, I shall leave in an instant.”

Elizabeth picked up the book beside the bed and said she would read to her until she fell back to sleep or Mr Jones arrived.

It was not long before the apothecary arrived examine Jane. Not wanting to sit outside the room or wander the halls aimlessly, she made her way to the stables by way of the kitchen to visit their horse. By her sister’s account, in between her coughing fits, he had behaved admirably in the sudden downpour, even with the distant thunder making him shudder with each rumble. Luck had been with them as they arrived at their destination before the full brunt of the storm arrived.

The stable boy directed her to his stall, where she found him chewing fresh hay. The horse nickered in recognition. While not a horsewoman, she knew enough that he was being well cared for. She stroked his forehead in appreciation for bringing Jane safely to Netherfield.

“I see they took good care of you yesterday, and I know it’s not your fault that Jane got soaked. At least you did not leave her on the side of the road and come home.”

He nodded his large head as if he understood. Or perhaps it was because he saw or smelled the apple in her hand and was expecting the treat.

Darcy watched as she slipped the dappled grey animal the treat.

“Do you ride?” He asked from the stable entrance, making his way to the stall where his horse whinnied at the sound of his voice.

Elizabeth started at his voice. “Good god, no,” she replied, brushing her hands together. “I trust my two legs more than I do their four. Jane is the only one of my sisters that rides.”

Darcy had reached his horse and put his hand to its muzzle. It neighed at him, pulling his head back.

“I think he is disappointed he did not get an apple.” He said while still looking at his horse. “Is that what it is, Chiron?” He asked, rubbing the horse under the chin.

“Does he have feet on his forelegs?” She asked with a grin and a tilt of the head.

“You make fun of his name?”

“Not me. I think it is a grand name. As mythical as Pemberley,” she said with laugh. “Poor Mr Withers here must feel quite inadequate being stabled near him. Our family always our animals after some feature of theirs, or lack thereof in his case.”

“I see,” Darcy replied, leaning over to look. Chiron nudged him in the shoulder from lack of attention. Darcy chided him softly before turning his attention back to Elizabeth. “How is your sister?”

“She is feeling very sick. We shall know more once Mr Jones has finished. I do not believe he will approve of her going home from the way she is coughing. At least not today.”

“I am sorry to hear. Perhaps it would be better if you stayed. A familiar face would be beneficial to her.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose on Mr Bingley’s hospitality.”

“Nonsense. We imposed on your family last night at a moments notice.”

“I have nothing with me.”

“All can be easily remedied with a note to your father. My driver can deliver it and collect what you need.”

“I do not want to be a bother.”

“It is no trouble for me.” Elizabeth scrutinized his face. Were those boastful words or a matter of fact? “Do you not want to stay with your sister?”

“I do.”

“Good. We shall go speak with Bingley directly. I am certain he will not mind. You can write a note to your family and make a list of what you need.” He gestured for her to go to the stable door.

They were halfway back to the house when Elizabeth spoke, breaking the silence. “Thank you for your help.”

“You’re welcome, but I must admit to having my own motive in my suggestion.”

“Oh, and what would that be,” she asked curiously.

“My sister and cousin will be arriving tomorrow.” He stopped and gently put out a hand to also bring her to a stop. He looked around. “Please do not take this the wrong way, and I do not mean this to disparage Miss Bingley. You see, my sister finds her attention… overwhelming. I thought your presence could help buffer her from some of it. When you are not with your sister, of course. I understand that will be your priority.”

“Why, Mr Darcy, and here I thought you were being empathetic to my sister’s plight,” she teased.

“I am more sympathetic than empathetic. As it serves our needs, we both benefit.”

She let out a light laugh. “I suppose it does, and thank you again.”