Jane Austen Fan Fiction by Belen - My Love For You

Chapter 5

The doctor was pleasantly surprised when he found Darcy awake and conversing with his friend Bingley when he arrived on the following morning for his daily examination. Now that Darcy was conscious, he was able to conduct a thorough inspection. The movement of his legs and arms was confirmed, the bandage around his head was changed into a lighter one and he was washed and shaved and changed into a clean nightshirt.

Albeit the whole procedure was painful for the patient, it confirmed that his injuries were not as severe as the doctor had thought. While his head and ribs were still causing him a lot of pain, Darcy's all around condition was not as bad as they had feared. The doctor allowed him to eat solid foods and as Darcy seemed to be comfortable with it, more pillows were placed behind his head and back, therefore allowing him to sit up while he was awake. That day he had his first meal after 3 days of unconsciousness -cooked vegetables and tea- and he even remained awake for two full hours during the morning.

With Darcy awake now, Mr. Bennet imposed certain -and very reasonable- restrictions to Elizabeth's presence in the sickroom. The family's honour had already been stained by Lydia's elopement and the last thing he wanted was another scandal involving one of his daughters. He knew that Elizabeth was wise and that would never expose herself to a shameful situation but, in this case, her reputation, and the family's, was at stake so he would not take risks on that account.

It was determined then that Elizabeth would sit with the gentleman but only as a companion, to read to him and help him with his correspondence. All his other needs would be attended by a manservant. Still, at the slightest indication that something improper was happening or if there were some kind of gossiping involving her presence in Darcy's room, visits would be prohibited and the gentleman would be removed from the house and sent to Netherfield.

Albeit Mr. Bennet found Elizabeth's willingness to nurse the gentleman a matter of praise, her eagerness to be the man she had so emphatically avoided in the past puzzled him. For what he knew, Elizabeth had always felt a vehement dislike for the man and had never expressed herself on the contrary. He tried to extract the truth by tricking her with questions, yet she had cleverly evaded them. In the end, her actions were not harming anyone, quite the contrary, but the idea that there was something else about this matter that he was not being told was strong enough as to make him wonder about it. He would find out later.

The conversation that Elizabeth had with her father had also left her thinking of how to proceed now that the gentleman was awake. Until now, Darcy's unconsciousness had permitted her to tend with a familiarity that she would not have dared to display in any other circumstances and the sole idea of sitting alone with him now that he was conscious put her heart into flutters.

Still, she had given her word -even if he was not awake to hear her- and she was determined to stay true to it. Her dilemma now was what to do when in his presence. Would Darcy remember their conversation of the previous day? How would he react to her presence now that he was awake? Should she make conversation or was he too ill to talk? What she knew for certain was that she could not express her gratitude for his participation in Lydia's rescue and marriage. This subject might lead the conversation to the discussion of more personal matters and with the servants coming and going in the upper rooms, she couldn't risk being overheard. Also, given Darcy's delicate condition, it would not be wise to disturb him by bringing up such unpleasant matters.

What Elizabeth didn't know was that the man was so befuddled by his accident that his understanding of the past hours was very little. He hardly recalled when he first woke up and his conversation with Bingley during the morning had been extenuating for him. In the fog of his headache, he remembered someone, a servant probably, saying that they feared for his life and that they credited his somehow miraculous recovery to Miss Elizabeth's solicitousness. But for now, all he knew for certain was that he was alive, at Longbourn, and that his entire body ached.

Darcy opened his eyes at the sounds of feminine voices in his room. It was Elizabeth, saying something to a maid. He vaguely recalled seeing her on the previous day, not very clearly, his pain was too intense, but he remembered her soft voice telling him what had happened, how she satiated his thirst and the comfort he felt when she held his hand. So perhaps there was hope for him?

The maid was dismissed and Elizabeth walked towards the table to arrange the vase with fresh flowers she had just left there. Darcy decided to announce that he was awake, lest she would find his observation improper.

"Those are beautiful flowers, Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth startled and turned to see Darcy looking at her. She had thought him sleeping.

"Good afternoon, sir," she coloured. "I hope you slept well?"

He blinked slowly. It was still difficult to fix his gaze in a determinate spot. "It seems that sleeping is the only thing I can do lately."

"You certainly slept for many hours since you were brought to Longbourn. How are you feeling today, sir?" Elizabeth fiddled nervously with the flowers.

"If it were not for the stampede of horses that is running inside my head, I would say that I am feeling much better, Miss Bennet."

Not knowing what to do or say, Elizabeth sat on the armchair, her hands on her lap, her eyes moving about the room. Darcy was faced with a similar dilemma, though in his case, his inability to make conversation was a direct consequence of general weakness and confusion.

"I was told that I must credit you for my improvement." said he. "Thank you, madam, for your kindness."

"Oh, no, sir, you must not thank me." Elizabeth said with a smile. "I only did what any other Christian soul would do in my place."

Unbeknownst to her, Elizabeth couldn't have chosen a less encouraging reply to Darcy's statement. Still, Darcy refused to believe that it was merely pity what moved her to be by his side and hoped that her modesty was making her express herself in such manner. His head ached too much and his capacity of discernment was very poor to permit him a better judgment.

"Would you like some tea?" Elizabeth interrupted his reverie.

"Yes, I thank you."

Elizabeth went to the bell and rang for a servant. Her confusion was great, too. The conversation had begun with great easiness and now the gentleman had turned aloof and pensive. Had she offended him in anyway? Was he feeing ill again?

No words were exchanged until the maid came with a tray with tea and toast.

As Elizabeth rose to fetch the tray, Darcy was faced to a new predicament. He knew he would not be able to drink his tea while lying down. This morning he had been successful in sitting up, with the help by Bingley but he knew could not expect -or demand- the same courtesy from Elizabeth. So he studied the way to accomplish the task without Elizabeth's or anyone's assistance. With the support of one arm he succeeded to lift his body -painful, but tolerable- but found himself incapable to arrange the pillows behind his back. The gasp of pain that escaped him when he attempted it was inevitable.

Elizabeth left the tray she was carrying on the table and was there in an instant. Quickly, together with Hill, she grabbed more pillows and placed them behind Darcy's back.

"I thank you." He rested his body on the pillows and exhaled the pain he had just felt.

"You are welcome, sir," Elizabeth wanted to scold him for his imprudence but did not dare to do it in front of a servant.

Hill left and Elizabeth placed the tray on Darcy's lap. They made little conversation while he drank his tea. The awkwardness between them didn't seem to dissipate and the intensity of Darcy's headache did not permit him much coherent thought. When he was done taking his nourishments, Elizabeth lifted the tray and placed it on the table.

"Sir," she began as she took her seat in the armchair. "I would like to ask your permission in a matter that I consider of great importance."

"Pray, Miss Bennet, go ahead," he offered, on seeing that she was hesitating.

"I suppose that Mr. Bingley has told you that he wrote to your sister to tell her the unfortunate news."

"Yes, he did."

"If you do not find this inappropriate, sir, I would like to write to Miss Darcy and tell her about the recent progress in your recovery. I am sure that Mr. Bingley had related the incident in a very prudent way but I think that learning about this improvement in your condition from a woman's perspective would help her to overcome her grief."

"You are very kind, madam. Georgiana is a very sensible girl and I am sure that this is affecting her greatly."

"Then I will write to her this very night. If you wish, I can help you add some lines too." Elizabeth smiled.

"Thank you, I shall try tomorrow." He rested his head back and closed his eyes. His head was aching again. "I appreciate your help very much."

Elizabeth noted a new pallor in him and thought he might not be feeling well. "Do you want to lie down?"

He nodded, his eyes still closed.

"I will help you." She moved closer to help him remove the pillows from behind his back.

Darcy attempted to sit up before she could assist him. The winces and gasps that escaped him told Elizabeth that the move had not been painless. With great diligence, she removed the extra pillows and Darcy slowly laid back on the bed.

"Please," This time Elizabeth couldn't contain her irritation for his carelessness. She hated to see him in such discomfort. "Do not endeavour to do that on your own again."

Darcy acknowledged the comment with a smile that told her that he was not the obedient patient she wanted him to be. "I am sorry for the inconvenience I am giving you, madam."

"'Tis not inconvenience at all, sir." She assured him.

There was no reply. He closed his eyes and his brows frowned in sign of discomfort.

"Sir, are you all right?"

He murmured in affirmative and Elizabeth saw his features relaxing as he fell asleep. She pulled the covers over his chest and whispered a soft 'Rest well, my dearest,' before returning to her chair.

Darcy had never been an easy patient, he always been an active person and on the few occasions that he had fallen ill, it was almost impossible to keep him in bed. On the following day, sitting up and lying down were movements that he could accomplish practically on his own -if someone else fixed the pillows-, so he embarked himself in the task of standing up.

Notwithstanding his general improvement, convincing the doctor that he was able to leave the bed demanded all his power of persuasion. Once he had obtained the physician's permission, Darcy centred his efforts in the task at hand. With Bingley and a manservant zealously watching every move, he swung his legs off the bed and sat. But raising to his feet proved to be much more difficult than he thought. His first attempt failed miserably. The second one was more successful, though the room began to spin around his head at such velocity that he had to sit back again.

If only Bingley would shut up, he would have been spared from the embarrassment that his own helplessness produced in his pride. Bingely's tease, though, only made Darcy more determined to accomplish the quest. Albeit shakily, he rose to his feet and managed to remain standing until the objects that were moving around him decided to stop their mad run. He then walked the two steps to the armchair to have lunch with Bingley. A couple of hours later he returned to the bed for a well deserved rest.

As he lay in bed, waiting for Elizabeth to come that afternoon, Darcy reflected about how this unfortunate situation had given him a new chance to be near her. He was leaving Hertfordshire with many doubts about her affection, uncertain that he would ever see her again and now fate had thrown him -rather roughly- in her way one more time. Still, the unusualness of their present circumstances made it impossible to guess the nature of her feelings for him. Even if she was taking care of him with uncommon solicitousness for someone who had professed to feel the deepest abhorrence for his person, he could not tell if he indeed had grown in her affection or if this was, as she had herself stated, merely Christian generosity.

The fragility of his condition was also playing against him for his constant headache and general dizziness did not permit him much discernment. Sometimes, his understanding of certain situations was very poor and he was left to guess about the nature of such kindness. Certainly there were blushes on the lady's face when their eyes met and moments he when could swear that he had heard her call him 'dearest'. There was even one time when he had felt her lips kissing his cheek but for now he could not tell what was reality or merely wishful dreams.

So there was not much to do but to use these days of convalescence to try to discern if her feelings for him had improved. Of course, discretion was essential in this case. An untimely overture while he was still confined to her house and under her care would place him in an embarrassing position if his feelings weren't reciprocated, for he would be forced to stay under the same roof with the woman that had refused him not once, but twice.

It was decided then. He would wait until he was better to ask permission to renew his addresses. For at least, if he was well enough to walk by then, he would be able to have a dignified leave in case he was rejected.

That afternoon, during tea, Elizabeth read him the letter she had wrote to Miss Darcy. Darcy's concern about his sister was great, for Bingley's first missive informing her about the accident was sent while he was still unconscious. An express was sent to Matlock as soon as Darcy recovered consciousness, easing in some degree the family's concerns, but nothing else had been said since then. Hence, Georgiana did not know yet about his recovery and her state of mind was a reason for concern for him.

Elizabeth's letter was full of optimism and good news. With her usual liveliness, she told the young girl of the progress of her brother's condition, how he was improving day by day and how he had turned out to be a difficult patient now that his wounds were almost healed. Darcy was well enough to add a few paragraphs of his own, perhaps his handwriting was shakier than usual and his lines less elaborate, nonetheless he managed to transmit his young sister the he was well, under very good care and that he would be seeing her, God willing, soon.

Once they finished the letter, she called a servant and asked him to deliver the letter as soon as possible. When she returned to the gentleman's side, she found him awake, staring blankly at a non existent object in front of him.

"Sir?" She asked in concern. He looked absent and distressed.

Darcy was startled out of his reverie. "I was thinking about my sister, my home, what would have become of everything had I not survived to this accident, had it been more serious, had I ..." His voiced trailed off as he thought about the possible consequences.

Elizabeth recalled her own despair for his situation merely four days ago, when she prayed that he would wake up and could only imagine what his young sister might have felt on knowing that her only brother, her nearest relation was so ill and so far away.

"But you did not, sir, you are alive and well, and soon you will return home to your sister." She sounded reassuring.

He didn't seem comforted by her words. "Hopefully, you letter will bring some comfort to her. I am afraid that she might do something imprudent."

"Imprudent? How, sir?"

Darcy sighed, long and deep. "Coming to Hertfordshire to see how I am. Georgiana has such an impetuous temper."

"Do you think she may?"

"Colonel Fitzwilliam is in Scotland, with his regiment, so he would not be able to accompany her. I do not think the Earl would consent in her making such a long trip, unless he comes too." He shook his head at the thought of a party coming down from Matlock and all the inconvenience that this would bring, "Let us pray that your letter will make her feel better."

His helplessness made him even more human and loveable. Moved by this sudden vulnerability, Elizabeth placed a comforting hand over his. "I am sure it will, do not distress yourself."

He looked at her and he turned his hand to squeeze her fingers. She was holding hands with him. It had to be something else than merely duty.

Their eyes met and they shared tender smiles but noises on the stairs made her pull apart and stay at a more appropriate distance.

"Now, sir," Elizabeth moved closer to help him with the pillows. "You must rest. Would you like me to read you something?"

"You seem quite taken by your book. Certainly it must be interesting." He lay down on bed, his eyes were already closed.

She read, softly, and she had not reached the third paragraph when a soft snore told her that she was not being heard.

Chapter 6

On the sixth day of his convalescence, Darcy was a lot more active than on the previous ones. He took a few turns about the room, he even walked a little by himself supported on Mr. Bennet's walking stick and remained good part of the day in the armchair. He was able to read the correspondence that Bingley had brought from Netherfield without any assistance; he wrote a letter to his uncle the Earl, one to his steward and ended the day tired and distressed by the contents of Georgiana's first letter that had arrived that same morning.

As he had thought, his sister and his family were very concerned about his health. While the second express that was sent as soon as he recovered consciousness had given them some relief, Georgiana was planning to travel to Hertfordshire if she didn't receive positive news soon. He only hoped that the letter that Elizabeth sent on the previous day would help to put her tender soul at ease and convince her that she should stay at Matlock until he sent for her.

"Good afternoon, sir." Elizabeth entered the room carrying a tray with tea and was surprised to find the gentleman still in the armchair, concentrated in his correspondence.

"Miss Bennet!" He looked up, also startled by her sudden appearance.

Elizabeth felt her cheeks go warm. She had not expected to find him out of the bed or so becomingly dishevelled. The ties of Darcy's nightshirt were lose and the hair of his chest became a most disquieting sight. "I brought you some tea, I thought you might be …"

Even when he was dressed in nightshirt and a robe, Darcy knew that he was not fit to be in a lady's presence. She was blushing profusely and her eyes, which had been first fixed on his chest, were now avoiding his person with a nervousness uncommon in her.

"Excuse me," he closed the robe over his chest. "I … I am almost done with this, I …" he cleared his throat noisily. There was no way he could extract himself from the situation without further embarrassment so he pretended that nothing had happened. "I thank you, madam, I shall drink it at the table."

"Yes," Elizabeth left the tray on the table and exited the room with a "I shall call a manservant to help you."

Even if he thought this last latest encounter had crossed the lines of propriety, Darcy could not but find himself amused by what he discovered during it. Miss Bennet could blush all the way down to her bosom.

The following day something happened that would give Longbourn's life a much significant turn. With the exception of Elizabeth and Mary, who was helping one of the maids in the kitchen, the entire family was out on different errands. Mrs. Bennet was gone to Lucas Lodge to call on Lady Lucas together with Kitty and Jane and Mr. Bingley accompanied Mr. Bennet to Meryton to meet with his solicitor. Propriety forbade that Elizabeth would join Darcy in his room now that the family was from home, so she remained downstairs in the sitting room, sewing, while a manservant assisted the gentleman in his toilette. The sound of a carriage alerted her of a visitor and she perceived a chaise of four driving up the lawn. She did not know of any callers and Elizabeth was puzzled about the identity of this unexpected visitor. The door was thrown open and the Lady Catherine de Bourgh's large figure appeared in front of her.

Elizabeth's astonishment on seeing her Ladyship enter the room with her usual ungraciousness was beyond expectation.

"Lady Catherine." Elizabeth made a deep courtesy. "What an honour to have you here."

"Miss Bennet," the lady replied stiffly. "I would like to speak to your father."

"I am sorry, he is not at home at present."

"And your mother?"

"She is not here either. She went out to call on a neighbour. I fear I am all alone in the house." Elizabeth began to dread the reason for Lady Catherine's visit.

"Then I am forced to speak with you." Lady Catherine sat on the loveseat. "You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the motive of my journey hither."

Elizabeth assumed that she wanted to see her nephew. "Yes, I suppose I know."

"Miss Bennet," said her ladyship, "I shall go directly to the point. A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago. I was told that my nephew, Mr. Darcy, had suffered a terrible accident and is kept in this house."

"You are right, Lady Catherine; your nephew is here, recovering from the injuries he suffered a week ago."

"And how is he? Why was I not informed about this? What reasons moved you, Miss Bennet, to conceal this situation from his family?"

"There is no such concealment. His sister was informed of his condition soon after the accident, as was his uncle, the Earl of Matlock," Elizabeth replied calmly, imaging that if Miss Darcy had not been the one who informed Lady Catherine about the accident, the information had probably reached her through the Lucases and the Collinses.

Lady Catherine paused for a moment, as if pondering her next words. She continued with forced civility. "Miss Bennet, propriety demands that I thank you for your kindness towards my nephew. Be assured that you will be appropriately rewarded for it."

Had her Ladyship chosen to insult Elizabeth, she would not have found a more efficient way to do it. "That is not necessary, madam; no reward was expected when he was brought to this house."

Lady Catherine did not seem to hear her reply and looked around the room. "This must be a most inconvenient sitting room for the evening, in the summer; the windows are full west."

Elizabeth could hardly believe what she had just heard. This woman's nephew was lying in bed and she was commenting about the conveniences of sitting or not in this room in the summer.

"Now, Miss Bennet," proceeded the Lady, "ring for a servant. Mr. Darcy should be readied and his clothes packed. I am taking him to Rosings with me, where he will be appropriately tended."

Elizabeth paled on hearing such demand. Lady Catherine had every right to take her nephew away with her but she could not allow this to happen. "I fear you cannot, your Ladyship; Mr. Darcy is not well enough to make such a long journey."

Her Ladyship looked at Elizabeth through narrowed eyes. "Miss Bennet, you ought to know that I am not to be trifled with. This concealment of his condition, this reluctance to allow me in his presence, to allow him to return to the place he belongs has a purpose, a selfish and malicious purpose. Do you think, that I am not aware of the reasons that are moving you to retain him in this house?"

Elizabeth swallowed her anger as the Lady proceeded.

"You are keeping him hostage, under the false pretence of taking care of him, to make him feel indebted to you and force him into a proposal of marriage!"

"Your Ladyship could not believe me capable of such deceitful behaviour," responded Elizabeth.

"Then why are you hiding him from his family?"

"There is nothing of the kind occurring here. Your nephew's delicate condition made it impossible to move him elsewhere and the doctor recommended that he remain here until he recovered sufficiently. The significant improvement in his health only proves that the right decision was made."

"Who do you take me for? Do you think I am not aware of the kind of temptation he can be exposed to while he stays under your care? He might lose his reason! I have been told about your scandalous behaviour, joining him in his chambers while he is still abed. You are trying to seduce him with your arts and allurements so, in a moment of infatuation, while he is confined to this house, he might forget what he owes to himself and to his family!"

The indignation that Elizabeth felt on hearing the lady's words impeded her to elaborate any reasonable reply.

"Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I am almost the nearest relation he has in the world, and am entitled to know all his concerns! I will not abandon him here at your mercy!"

"You are indeed Lady Catherine, but removing your nephew from this house would only put his health in danger."

Her Ladyship would hear no excuse. "I shall not be dissuaded, Miss Bennet, I came here with resolution of taking my nephew to Rosings and so I shall do. Bring him to me at once!"

"I am sorry, madam, but your nephew cannot be moved yet," Elizabeth replied resolutely.

"Then it is true!" cried her Ladyship. "You want to oblige him to you! This match, which you are aspiring to, which you are scheming to obtain by retaining him in this house, can never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter and will never be yours. Now what have you to say?"

"Only this; that if he is so, you can have no reason to suppose he will make an offer to me."

Lady Catherine hesitated for a moment, and then replied, "the engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother, as well as of hers. I will not allow it to be prevented by the wanton actions of a young woman of inferior birth so wholly unallied to the family! Have you not heard me say that from his earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?"

"Yes, I had heard it before. But if Mr. Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination bound to his cousin, why is he not to make another choice? And if I am that choice, why may I not accept him?"

"Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; you will be censured, slighted, and despised by every one connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; everyone will know about this ruse, about the shameful scheme you had used to snare him. Your name will never even be mentioned by any of us."

"These are heavy misfortunes indeed, madam," replied Elizabeth, "but the lady who would have the fortune to become Mr Darcy's wife will have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her situation that she could have no cause to repine."

"I am ashamed of you! My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other and no accident, no officious interference would prevent their union. I will not leave him here to succumb to the upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune who is using his illness to improve her position in society! If you were sensible of your own good, you should not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up."

"In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal."

"True. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition."

"Whatever my connections may be," said Elizabeth, "if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you."

"You are determined to have him! You will not relent on your efforts until you see him degraded! I expected to find you more reasonable, Miss Bennet, but I see now you are not. I shall remove my nephew from this house before it's too late. Call a servant, ask him to prepare my nephew for the trip."

Elizabeth stood her ground. "Mr. Darcy cannot make such a long journey. I shall ask your Ladyship to return in a few days time, when he is recovered enough to travel."

"Are you asking me to abandon him in a house that raised such an immoral person as yourself and your youngest sister? Your behaviour is no better than hers! Do you think I am ignorant of her infamous elopement? I am not, Miss Bennet, I am well acquainted with the particulars. Do you think I will allow such connection to stain my nephew's name? Heaven and earth! Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?"

Elizabeth coloured. "You have insulted me in every possible method. I must beg you to leave the house."

"I am not leaving without my nephew, Miss Bennet! I demand that he is taken to my carriage!"

"I told you, Lady Catherine, he cannot..."

"You are then resolved to keep him prisoner in this house?"

"I did not say such thing. I am only resolved to act in a manner that will be only in benefit of his recovery."

"Obstinate, headstrong girl!" Lady Catherine rose to her feet and stomped her walking stick hard on the floor. "I shall do this myself. Take me to his rooms."

Elizabeth seemed rooted to the ground. Even when she knew that she had no right to stop Lady Catherine from taking him away, she could not allow it to happen.

"Once and for all, Miss Bennet," her ladyship raised her voice, "I demand to see my nephew. Where is he?"

"Here I am, Lady Catherine." Darcy's voice came from the door.

Elizabeth gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Darcy was fully dressed, standing, proud and tall, at the threshold.

"Darcy!" Lady Catherine was paralysed in shock.

Darcy bowed his head to his aunt. His voice was steady and even when he spoke. "Thank you, madam for coming all this way to see me. But as you see, aunt, I am well. There is no reason for you to trouble yourself any further."

Lady Catherine studied him for a moment, searching for signs of illness, noticing only the purple bruise on his forehead and the scar that was partially hidden by his hair. "Then I shall take you to Rosings with me now; there is no reason for you to remain in this house any longer."

"I am sorry, Lady Catherine," he walked a few steps towards the desk, "It is my wish to stay in Meryton for some time."

"But Darcy! Propriety forbids! Can you not see it? She is setting you a trap! You cannot wish to dwell in this woman's house any longer, your good name will be stained!"

"The Bennets' kindness, and specially Miss Elizabeth's, are the reasons why I am in good health now. I am eternally indebted to them. I shall not leave."

"Darcy, I must insist! You are coming to Rosings with me!"

Darcy stood tall, his tone was determined. "Nothing and no one would make me change my decision, madam, I am not going to Rosing Park with you."

"Do you not realize what this upstart is trying to do? You cannot expose yourself to this shame!"

The gentleman coloured. "Lady Catherine, I believe you have imposed on the Bennets' hospitality for too long. Miss Bennet," he continued without averting his eyes from his aunt's. "Pray ring for her carriage, her Ladyship is leaving."

Elizabeth's astonishment was such that she could not comply that a simple request. With a glance at her and a slight nod, Darcy asked her to do what he had just said.

"Very well. I shall now know how to act." Her ladyship's eyes went from Darcy to Elizabeth, "I can see you are not in your right senses now, but, depend upon it, nephew, I will carry my point."

She turned and stormed out of the room in a flurry of skirts and feathers.

Still in shock because of what had just happened, Elizabeth's eyes followed the Lady until she left the house. When she looked at Darcy again, she saw him bow his head and press his hand to his chest while his other hand reached out for the desk to find support. His face was contorted in pain and she could see that he was barely able to stand on his own.

"Mr. Darcy!" She ran to his side and put one arm around his waist to hold him standing. "What on earth are you doing here?"

Darcy had used all his strength to keep the pretence in front of his aunt but now he wasn't able to uphold himself any longer. He put his arm around Elizabeth's shoulder and supported part of his weight on her. "I could not leave you to face her alone, Miss Bennet. I had to come."

He was a heavy, big man but Elizabeth wouldn't let him fall. She assisted him until they reached the armchair. "Here, sir, sit down. You should not have come, this will do you no good."

Darcy fell on the chair and leaned his head back with closed eyes. His features softened slowly as the hurt eased.

Elizabeth knelt in front of him and held his hand. She patted it on seeing his pallor. "Sir, are you all right? Should I call the doctor?"

"No, there is no need for that, I am well." His eyes remained closed.

"Why did you do something like this? How did you come all this way?"

He opened his eyes. "John assisted me in dressing and down the stairs."

"You shouldn't have done this, sir, you risked yourself enormously."

Elizabeth was still holding his hand in both of hers. Colour slowly returned to his face, his expression relaxed and she could tell he wasn't aching any more. His eyes softened she and saw him smile slowly at her. They looked at each other for a moment that seemed an eternity. She held her breath when she heard him say,

"Elizabeth, I ..."

"Lizzy!" Mrs. Bennet came hastily into the room. There she saw Darcy in the armchair and her daughter kneeling in front of him. "What has happened? There was a carriage leaving the house. Who has come? And Mr. Darcy! What are you doing out of bed?"

Elizabeth stood quickly. "Mama, Lady Catherine de Bourgh came to visit her nephew; she left a moment ago."

"Lady Catherine!" Mrs. Bennet put her hands on her bosom. "And she left? So soon? Elizabeth, did you attend her properly, did you offer her tea?"

"Mrs. Bennet," said Darcy after a quick glance towards Elizabeth, "Your daughter was the perfect hostess to my aunt, I assure you."

That seemed to calm her. "Well, then I think we can all have some refreshments now that you obliged us with your presence, Mr. Darcy. Kitty, ring for tea!"

Darcy bowed his head slightly. "I thank you, madam, I will be delighted."

The distress in which Elizabeth found herself during the next hour -and for the rest of the day- could not be easily overcome. How much had Darcy heard of her conversation with his aunt? Did he gave credit to his aunt's unkind accusations? Did he believe her a libertine that was only doing this to extract a second proposal from him? If that was the case, there was nothing she could do to revert it. If Darcy was still considering entering in an alliance with her, any favourable resolution on her behalf that might have been delayed because of his illness certainly had been dismissed after Lady Catherine's malicious speech. He would not have her after what happened today. Unbeknown to her, Lady Catherine had revealed half truths that Elizabeth never wished to be of Darcy's understanding. Yes, she was taking care of him for selfish reasons. Not for those that Lady Catherine had expressed, not because she wanted him to propose out of gratitude, but because she loved him.

Chapter 7

The Bennet family was enjoying a very noisy breakfast that morning. The girls chatted incessantly, Mr. Bingley was in high spirits after the success he obtained during his early morning shooting trip and Mrs. Bennet had not yet overcome the euphoria that the visit of Lady Catherine de Bourgh had produced in her. Only Elizabeth was silent, toying with her food, her mind too busy envisioning all sorts of dreadful situations related to Lady Catherine's call and the possible consequences that her fervent opposition to any kind of connection between herself and her nephew might create.

Darcy's unexpected appearance in the breakfast room contributed very little to Elizabeth's peace of mind. He looked well, his health was not a matter of concern anymore, so it was not his general condition that was the cause of her disturbance. Contrary to what she had experienced while she tended him in his room, it was his proximity what incited her agitation. The gentleman chose to sit right beside her -the only vacant chair- and the occasional bumps of his elbow against hers and his musky scent became so powerful a distraction that she found almost impossible to feel unaffected by them.

Notwithstanding his nearness and the variety of situations for conversation that it provided -once she overcame the initial nervousness that his sudden arrival produced-, Elizabeth practically exchanged no words with him. Darcy's attention was constantly required by the other members of the family who demanded information about his health and about his plans once his recovery was complete. To those, Darcy replied with an amiability unbeknown to him.

It was during said interrogatory that the gentleman announced that he would not be imposing on the Bennet's hospitality any further and that his departure for Netherfield was scheduled on that same afternoon. In a heartfelt speech, Darcy expressed his most sincere gratitude to the family for the kindness bestowed upon him, apologizing for any inconvenience that his presence in their home might have provoked. He extended invitations to the family to visit him at his Townhouse and Pemberley and confessed himself to be eternally indebted for what they did to him. That said, he went to his room to ready himself for his departure.

Before Elizabeth could realize it, Mr. Darcy was standing in the sitting room, saying his goodbyes. He spoke individually to each member of the family, once again thanking them for their kindness and generosity. If his adieu to her was longer and more heartfelt, Elizabeth could not tell, for her agitation did not permit her major discernment. But he did express himself in an entirely different manner, even if she was too nervous to notice it. He looked at her face directly, he promised her that he would call on the family soon and offered her his arm as he walked to the carriage.

Darcy left and Longbourn returned to its usual life. The day that followed the gentleman's departure passed uneventfully, only increasing the longing that Elizabeth felt for him. She had become so used to sitting with him that now her afternoons were lonely and empty. She went to bed with the hope that the following day would bring certain relief, perhaps a call from the gentleman, but it did not. Quite the contrary, as a matter of fact, for the only news that arrived came in the shape of a letter that only served to disturb her even more.

That was how Elizabeth found herself called into her father's study to be confronted about contents of the infamous piece of paper that was being waved in front of her eyes. As she had dreaded, it was related to the one subject she was not desirous to be of anyone's understanding.

"I have received a letter this morning that transmits some astonishing news." Mr. Bennet began. "As it principally concerns yourself, I ought to tell you what it says. I did not know before, that I had two daughters on the brink of matrimony."

Colour rushed into Elizabeth's cheeks.

"Lizzy, I never imagined that your solicitousness in the care of Mr. Darcy would provide such unimaginable consequence. I thought that it might excite the young man's generosity in some way, perhaps in the shape of a gift, though I never expected it would result in an engagement!"

To Elizabeth's surprise, her father did not look displeased. Mostly he seemed diverted with the situation. Quite disoriented with his reaction, she smiled nervously and made no answer.

"Do you know who the author of this nonsense is?"

"No, I do not know." She shrugged.

"This letter is from Mr. Collins!"

"From Mr. Collins!" Elizabeth laughed, her discomfort increasing with every minute, "I cannot imagine why he would think that."

"I shall read it to you, 'tis quite comical." Mr. Bennet adjusted his spectacles over his nose. "He begins with congratulations on the approaching nuptials of my eldest daughter, of which, it seems, he has been told by some of the good-natured, gossiping Lucases. I shall not sport with your impatience, there is nothing relevant about that. What relates to yourself, is as follows: 'Having thus offered you the sincere congratulations of Mrs. Collins and myself on this happy event, let me now add a short hint on the subject of another; of which we have been advertised by the same authority. Your daughter Elizabeth, it is presumed, will not long bear the name of Bennet, after her elder sister has resigned it. The chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked upon to as one of the most illustrious personages in this land.'

'Sometimes the misfortune of one becomes the benefit of the other for the tragic accident that kept Mr. Darcy in your home happened to create a most advantageous situation in your daughter's benefit. As we all know, it is not uncommon that in cases such as these, an obligation is created when such charity is bestowed. Yet, in spite of the gentleman's fortune and the advantages that this union will bring to you and your family, I feel the obligation to acquaint my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of the undesirable consequences that this marriage might bring." Amused, Mr. Bennet proceeded. "I have reason to imagine that his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, does not look on the match with a friendly eye.'

"Now, Lizzy, I know I have surprised you," said Mr. Bennet. "Mr. Collins could not be more wrong in his presumption. Mr. Darcy of all men! He never showed any interest in you, not even when you were the cause of his miraculous return to life! And Mr. Collins now suggests that he will propose out of duty! It is admirable!"

Elizabeth endeavoured to join her father in his pleasantry but could only force a reluctant smile.

"Are you not amused? I think that if it were not so deliciously ridiculous, I would have been incensed with Mr. Collins for spreading this nonsense. "

"Oh yes! I am, papa. Pray, read on."

Mr. Bennet left the letter over his desk. "There is not much else worthy of being repeated. He says that Her Ladyship would never consent to what she termed so disgraceful a match, hence he warns us about what will happen if your noble admirer persists in his folly and requests your hand in marriage. But, Lizzy, you look as if you do not enjoy it. You are not going to be Missish, are you? Surely you are not affronted by such an idle report."

"Oh, no!" Elizabeth averted her eyes, unable to meet her father's, "I am excessively diverted."

"And to think that Mr. Darcy would propose to you only because you helped him during his convalescence. 'Tis so delightfully absurd! We are all aware of his indifference towards you. Had he held you in any special regard, I am sure that he would have acknowledged it to you while he remained in this house but we know he did not." Much to his daughter's mortification, Mr. Bennet went on. "Do you know what, Lizzy? in these days he stayed with us, I thought him quite an amiable fellow. But if he did not realize that you are the best prospect of a wife that exists, then I shall began to doubt that he altogether possess any sort of wit at all."

To that, Elizabeth nodded uneasily.

Mr. Bennet sat back on his chair. "I shall put an end to this gossip at once. There is no obligation, no engagement at all. Much as I abominate writing, this is a letter I shall respond. Mr. Collins will learn not to meddle in foreign affairs. And pray, Lizzy, what said Lady Catherine when she came?" Mr. Bennet asked with merrily. "Did she call to express her objections to the match?"

To this question his daughter replied only with a nervous laugh. Never had Elizabeth found so difficult to pretend a cheerfulness she did not feel. She would have cried instead of laughing for the letter expressed just what she had been craving, only that now, all hopes were lost.

Chapter 8

For two days, Bingley came to Longbourn all by himself. Elizabeth had almost given up her hope of seeing Darcy again, though, on the third day, Bingley called in the company of his friend. Elizabeth received him with bashful cheeks, racing heart and barely concealed agitation.

The change that Elizabeth noticed in Darcy's general appearance was remarkable. The bruise on his forehead was almost gone and his air and manner of walking were almost as dignified and graceful as they were before his accident. She could see that he still bowed with certain difficulty and noticed a signs of discomfort in his features when he divested himself from his overcoat. In spite of that, he looked indeed much more recovered than when he left.

The first minutes were spent in the sitting room where Mrs. Bennet made polite enquiries about Mr. Darcy's health. Once the trivial pleasantries were exchanged, Bingley suggested a walk in the gardens, in that way securing a moment of privacy with Jane.

"Are you not coming, Darcy?" Bingley urged his friend to stand up.

Darcy released a heavy sigh. He had just accomplished the still uncomfortable task of sitting down and his helplessness would be in display a second time. "Bingley, your timing could not be less opportune."

"Come on, man," Bingley extended his hand to help him stand up, "'tis not so difficult."

Grinning, Darcy took his friend's hand and pulled himself to his feet. He then offered his arm to Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, would you like to join me?"

Elizabeth glanced nervously towards her mother -who really didn't look interested- then at Jane and then at Darcy, who was waiting for her answer with raised eyebrows. "I shall be delighted."

Thus, the couples exited the house, the engaged one first, the other one following them closely behind. The disparity of their paces increased the distance between them and Darcy and Elizabeth found themselves alone in the distant end of the gardens.

"I can see that you are much recovered, sir." She commented as they walked.

"I am, thank you."

"How is your sister? Has your improvement mitigated her concerns about your health?"

"Indeed it has." He replied civilly.

Again they fell into an uncomfortable silence. There were so many things that Elizabeth wanted to say to him but her courage seemed to be failing. Notwithstanding her embarrassment, she brought up the matter she had long ago wished to discuss with him.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth disengaged her hand from his arm. This made the gentleman pause in his walk and face her. "I can no longer go on without thanking you for your kindness to my poor sister Lydia. Ever since I have known of what you have done to recover her, I have been most anxious to tell you how grateful I am. I thought it better not to discuss the subject while you were still abed, fearing that the distress would affect your recovery, but now that you are well I think that the time is appropriate that I tell you how I feel."

Darcy looked at her pensively for a moment, then pointed at a bench not far away from them. He invited her to sit down.

"I am sorry, exceedingly sorry," replied Darcy, as sat next to her, "that you have ever been informed of what may have given you uneasiness. I did not think Mrs. Gardiner was so little to be trusted."

Elizabeth saw distress on his features. "You must not blame my aunt. Lydia's thoughtfulness was my source of information. She told me of your presence at her wedding and I could not rest till I knew the particulars. Thank you on behalf of all my family as they do not know to whom they are indebted."

For a moment, Darcy looked at the ground. He knew he could not hide his feelings any longer and he saw no better a time than this one to acquaint her with them. "If you will thank me, madam," said he, "let it be for yourself alone, your family owes me nothing. I did it for you, only for you."

Elizabeth was too embarrassed to say a word. She held his gaze but quickly averted her eyes as she felt colour rising to her cheeks.

"You are too generous to trifle with me." Darcy shifted his body slightly on the bench so he could face her directly. "If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever."

For endless seconds, Elizabeth remained silent, looking at her hands on her lap, unable to control the fluttering of her heart and her excitement on hearing him say that he still cared for her, that he still would have her. "Sir, my feelings for you have changed so much since then; they are so different. For some time they had turned into the opposite direction. My heart had developed the deepest affection for you. I have long despaired for not being able to tell you how much I care for you," she smiled as he took her hand in his, "but now I am exceedingly happy that I finally can."

The happiness that this reply produced was such as he had never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do.

"No, I am the one that should be forever grateful. You healed my heart and my body. If I am alive today it is because of you."

Elizabeth's eyes remained downcast. A mixture of happiness and modesty prevented from looking elsewhere but her hands. But Darcy wanted to proceed while looking directly into her eyes.

"Elizabeth," said he, placing a tender finger under her chin and guiding her face to his. "Pray, look at me."

She timidly obliged.

He continued with a mischievous smile growing on his lips, "I know that the occasion requires that I should go to my knees to ask my next question but I fear that my present condition will not allow me to rise without assistance," he paused on seeing her enchanting eyes shining in delight, "so if you do not find it disrespectful, I shall ask you while sitting on this bench."

"Not at all, sir." She flushed. "Pray, continue."

He took her hand in his. "Elizabeth, I love you; I offer you my love, my heart and everything I possess. Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

"Mr. Darcy," her voice was shaky with heartfelt emotion, "in asking me to be your wife, you are honouring me. I cannot think of anything I would wish more than to be your wife."

The happiness that Darcy felt at that moment was such that he could barely contain it inside of him. He lifted her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on it.

They sat together, for how long they could not tell, such was the little attention they paid to anything that was not themselves. As she had suspected, Elizabeth learned that she was indebted for their present good understanding to the efforts of his aunt, whose argument with her he had happened to overhear, almost in its entirety, given Lady Catherine's preference for loud speeches. Also, Elizabeth was enlightened as to the reasons why he left so quickly after that incident and why he did not disclose this information soon after his aunt's visit.

"My only thought at that moment was to ask for your hand in marriage, right there but your mother's appearance allowed me some time for reflection. Your father had received me so kindly that I could not dishonour him by courting you while living under his roof. That is why I decided to leave. To know that you did not despise me, that you would have me and to not be able to court you, it was just too hard for me to endure."

"And why did you not come on the following day?" Elizabeth inquired playfully. "What kept you away from Longbourn for three full days?"

Darcy laughed. "Do not forget that some of my ribs are broken and that the world still spins around me on occasions. There are certain tasks I still have difficulty in accomplishing, so the first day I kept to my chambers. On the following two, I was busy with some important matters that I had to resolve."

This was too good an excuse to be dismissed so she accepted it with a smile. "I thought you would never return, that you believed your aunt's accusations and left for good."

"No," he brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers, "quite the contrary. My aunt's words only taught me to hope, as I had scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before. I am sorry that I gave you that impression. Would you forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive, sir."

"Yes, there is. My behaviour at Hunsford had been unpardonable and I cannot think of it without abhorrence."

"Mine was not better, so we should not quarrel about the past. I believe we both have improved in civility since then," said Elizabeth.

Darcy smiled. "I shall not endeavour to deny it, though it has not always been that way. It took me some time to realize how wrong I was and come to terms with my own mistakes."

"I was in no different state. The information that you disclosed in your letter was quite shocking and I refused to acknowledge it as true at the beginning. But then, I understood that there was truth in your statements and I realized the I had judged you very poorly."

"Perhaps the letter served its purpose, though I am not proud of its contents. Some of the expressions I used are highly reproachable. I hope you have destroyed it."

"No I did not but I shall do it if you believe it essential to the preservation of my regard," smiled Elizabeth, "Albeit we both know now that my opinions are not entirely unalterable."

"I am very happy that they have changed where the estimation of my person is concerned. I only hope that regarding our recent understanding," once again Darcy brought her hand to his lips, "they would remain invariable."

Elizabeth could not but laugh at his teasing. "Be assured, sir, that my heart is not so inconstant. My feelings for you will never change. Or perhaps they may, for I know my affection for you can only grow stronger."

"Indeed?" he enquired, though he knew the answer to be in affirmative.

"Indeed, sir," She nodded.

Enchanted by her coquettish smile, he moved even closer to her. With his eyes fixed on her lips, he asked,

"May I?"

"Yes, you …"

The sentence died when his lips pressed against hers in a kiss that was all that was soft and sweet and tender.

"I have loved you for so long," He whispered as he parted from her, "'Tis almost impossible for me to believe that this is happening at all."

"And I, my dearest," His proximity sent her heart into a fit of flutters, "had suffered so much when I doubted your affection. But then, you were brought to Longbourn in such a dreadful state that I thought that I would never have the chance to tell you how I felt. For days I had wished I would be able to tell you of my love for you and nothing gives me more joy than expressing it, knowing that now you are able to hear me."

Startled, the gentleman pulled back. He blinked and remained looking at her with an odd expression as familiar words echoed inside his mind.

"Sir?"

"I heard you say that before."

Elizabeth was as astonished as he was.

"You already said that." A frown appeared on his brow as he tried to recall when and where he had heard those words. There were no images, only sounds, dreams perhaps, but he couldn't remember, he just couldn't remember. "I am sorry, it was not my intention to frighten you, but I ... I cannot," he shook his head, "there are things that are yet not clear, moments that I cannot understand ..."

Elizabeth took his hand in reassurance. "I said it. I told you that when you were unconscious, before you showed any sign of improvement." Darcy felt a chill ran down his spine. "I thought you were not able to hear me but then you reacted and I believed it a coincidence," her eyes suddenly filled with tears of joy, "but now I know it was not. You indeed heard me."

"Perhaps I did. My understanding of those days is very poor."

"But you are well now and that is what matters."

Once again Darcy leaned closer and was delighted when Elizabeth brought her lips against his for a second kiss. Unlike the first one, this one was not tentative or shy, they lingered against each other, parting their lips as the kiss grew in intensity, both learning the delights and the joy of encounters between lovers.

"I fear it is time for us to return to the house, madam," he whispered as he put some distance between them, "or someone will come in search of us."

She nodded bashfully at his request. Had it not been for his suggestion, she would have stayed there, on that bench with him for the rest of the day.

Elizabeth then rose to her feet but Darcy remained seated, studying the way to stand up from a bench without armrests. This task would need a special manoeuvring, one that he knew it would not be at all painless. He hoped that he would be able to make his discomfort invisible to Elizabeth's eyes.

"Sir, I cannot see you struggling in this way." She extended her hand with a laugh, "Let me assist you."

Darcy took the offered hand, grinning at his own helplessness. With her tugging and him groaning, he pulled himself to his feet. "Thank you, I never imagined that I would need you assistance in something as easy as standing up."

"I shall be delighted to help you whenever you need, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth replied cheerfully.

As he placed her hand in the crook of his arm, he told her, "I would rather have you addressing me in a more informal manner, Elizabeth; we have, after all, reached an understanding."

She couldn't stop the colour from rising to her face. "Yes, I know, I ..." the only time she had learnt his name was when he signed his letter and she wasn't sure if that was the way in which he wished her to address him. "Of course, Fitzwilliam."

"My family calls me William." He realized that he had not given her much information on that matter.

She smiled, grateful that she was provided with another option. Fitzwilliam sounded so solemn. "William. It is a beautiful and strong name."

He returned her smile. As they approached the house, they adopted a more formal posture. In the hall, they parted.

Part 3

Return to Belén's page
Return to Austen Interlude
e-mail Belén - authors love feedback!