Page 7 of To Go Against Her Heart (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

In truth, Elizabeth declined the gathering at Mr. Phillips’s, for she was genuinely unwell, and Jane ensured that her mother refrained from pressing her upon the matter. The next day, she was surprised by Charlotte’s visit and even more curious to understand what she had to say.

“The man seems to have turned over a new leaf, Lizzy. He was quite amiable last night, and my father noticed that as well. I do not want to mention the reason for this change, but I think you should know better.”

“You seem to share Jane’s feelings, but I cannot believe it. He seemed too arrogant to change so quickly.”

“And you seem too prejudiced to think that he would not.”

“I cannot imagine that my words could inspire Mr. Darcy to view our society differently. That he should take them to heart and change his manners seems quite an unreal situation to me.”

Charlotte said nothing but smiled.

You seem to think that none of his actions affect you, but the truth is that he has offered you a much-needed diversion from your past. He does unsettle you, Lizzy; you just don’t see it yet.

The next day, Jane received a note from Miss Bingley inviting her to dine with them, and Mrs. Bennet was delighted with the prospect.

“How wonderful, Jane! She has singled you out among all our acquaintances, and I am certain she feels obliged to know you better, considering how her brother feels about you,” her mother said with excitement, and Jane blushed.

Elizabeth hoped with all her heart that her sister would not be disappointed in love, aware that Jane would not be able to bear a misery similar to hers. And to her dismay, Mrs. Bennet sent Jane on horseback with the ulterior motive of making her stay at Netherfield, as the weather looked stormy.

True to her mother’s scheme, Jane reached Netherfield soaked through, and by evening, a note arrived at Longbourn declaring her unwell and compelled to stay there for the night.

“Well, now, everything is going according to plan. I hope Jane gets to stay there longer, allowing Mr. Bingley to spend more time with her.”

“Mamma! I am truly worried; what if Jane’s condition worsens? I need to see her,” Elizabeth exclaimed.

“There is no need for you to go there, Lizzy. They have a house full of servants, and I am certain Mr. Bingley would take utmost care of her well-being. For all I know, he may have summoned the apothecary by now.”

“But Jane would need me; she hardly knows the Bingleys.”

“She will be well, do not fret. We shall visit her in a day or two,” her mother said without worry.

However, Elizabeth was not convinced, and as the rain poured through the night, the weather gave her no respite from her worries. By morning, she was determined to see her sister and decided to walk to Netherfield, which was barely three miles away.

“You cannot stop giving me headaches, can you? You will not be fit to be seen by the Bingleys, and God knows what he would think if you arrived there on foot,” her mother cried with irritation when she understood her intention.

“I will be fit to see Jane; that is all I need,” she said, determined, and left without breaking her fast. She walked briskly, disregarding her mother’s concern for her appearance.

On any other day, she would have enjoyed the exercise; but now she walked as fast as her legs would carry her, quite aware that her clothes were muddy—yet she cared not in the least.

I hope you are well, Jane.

She thought as she entered the house and was led into the breakfast parlor. Her mind had been so engaged with Jane’s health since the night before that she had given no thought to the disagreeable likelihood of meeting Mr. Darcy—until she directly stood before him upon entering the room.

There, I have stunned you once again with my tolerable appearance, she thought.

Judging whether Darcy had changed was the last thing on her mind; before he could compose himself, she addressed him.

“Good morning, sir! I apologize for intruding on your privacy. I have come to enquire after my sister. Would you be able to assist me?” she asked in a hurry.

“Of course!” Darcy said, clearly understanding her impatience.

He led her upstairs to her sister’s room and, on his way, informed her that the apothecary had already paid a visit. Darcy perceived the tension that clouded her countenance.

“I hope she is feeling better; I shall inform my friend of your arrival,” he said and paused. “Would you like to have some refreshments?” he asked, his tone filled with concern.

“I do not need anything at the moment,” Elizabeth replied, and could not help but notice an alteration in his demeanor. There seemed to be a visible change in the way he conversed; it seemed as if he was more at ease. Darcy bowed and left her.

Somehow, his heart raced in her company.

He had never expected her presence that morning, and her sudden appearance caught him off guard.

She was indeed the most intriguing woman Darcy had met; the very fact that she walked from her house to care for her sister spoke volumes about her affection.

Her eyes sparkled after the morning exercise, and a delicate flush painted her cheeks in the most beautiful shade of pink.

For her sake, Darcy hoped her sister would recover soon.

However, Elizabeth was alarmed by Jane’s condition and was grateful that she had followed her intuition to see her.

She looked pale and barely spoke a few words upon seeing Elizabeth.

Though she had declined it, Darcy arranged for a hot breakfast tray to be sent, and Elizabeth was taken by surprise when the servant brought it in.

“Mr. Darcy requested us to bring this, madam. Do you need anything else?” the maid asked after placing the tray in her room.

“Thank you! I do not,” she said, wondering why he had sent her the food. Surprisingly, she was hungry and understood the need to keep herself healthy for Jane’s sake. She devoured a portion of the breakfast and attempted to offer her sister some broth.

“I wish I had never allowed you to leave the house on a horseback,” she cried as Jane refused to eat anything.

After about an hour, Elizabeth decided to head downstairs. The entire household was present in the drawing room, and she immediately sensed hostility from Miss Bingley. However, her brother’s concern for Jane warmed her heart.

“Do not be alarmed by your sister’s health, Miss Elizabeth. The apothecary saw her yesterday, but I will send for him now as I understand her condition has not improved. I invite you to stay with us; I am certain Miss Bennet will recover better under your care.”

“You are very kind, sir. I thank you,” Elizabeth said gratefully, as she struggled with the thought of leaving her sister and returning to Longbourn.

Darcy observed her keenly and could sense that she was extremely worried and concerned for her sister and was unable to understand the pressing need he felt to comfort her.

Within a few minutes, she excused herself and left them.

Darcy knew Miss Bingley would not favor her stay and left the room, not wanting to hear her rants.

He had to run some errands in the village, but he stopped when he noticed Elizabeth near the stairs.

As much as he longed to speak with her, he did not wish to cause her discomfort, and so he took a few steps away. But when he heard her call out, he turned around.

In truth, Elizabeth had halted to speak with him, and she had no idea what had convinced her to do so.

“Mr. Darcy, thank you for sending breakfast this morning,” she said, witnessing his surprise.

“I trust your sister will soon be on the mend,” he replied, nodding. Neither of them said anything for a few seconds.

Their awkward silence was interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth took the chance to leave upstairs.

As Darcy rode to Meryton, one question lingered in his mind.

Has she forgiven me?

***

Have I forgiven him?

Elizabeth sat in Jane’s room, deep in thought.

The apothecary had visited some time ago and assured her that Jane would recover within a few days.

Yet, seeing her sister suffer was deeply distressing for Elizabeth.

Mr. Bingley had been a most attentive host and sent a servant to Longbourn to bring Elizabeth’s clothes for her stay.

She had written to her father about Jane’s condition and assured him she was better, not wanting to scare her family.

Her thoughts circled back to Darcy as she passed stressful moments in her sister’s room.

Jane and Charlotte might be right. Could he have considered what I said and changed his behavior? It seems impossible for him to have taken my words so seriously. The man is a puzzle.

It was even more puzzling for her to understand why she had taken the effort to thank him for such a simple act of hospitality on his behalf. She chose to stay in Jane’s room for dinner and felt helpless seeing her sister’s state.

Meanwhile, Miss Bingley seethed with rage that Darcy should have shown preference for a mere country girl and defended her against Miss Bingley’s reproach.

With Elizabeth to remain at Netherfield, she understood the obligation to maintain civility, particularly in Darcy’s company.

She was mildly relieved by Elizabeth’s absence until the evening.

However, Elizabeth felt compelled to join the family before supper, believing it was uncivil to join them merely for the meal.

She composed herself as she entered the drawing room, where Miss Bingley and her sister sat, looking bored.

They enquired after Jane, and Elizabeth could sense that they were genuinely concerned about her sister.

The men joined them later, and Mr. Bingley hoped to hear that Jane was on the mend.

He was disappointed when she informed him of her condition.

“I am sorry to hear that, Miss Elizabeth. Please do not hesitate if there is any other way in which we may aid her recovery.”