Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Read online

  Richard responds, “Darcy, Georgiana is in the music room, abusing her pianoforte as she is mad at me.”

  Darcy looks confused but asks, “Why is Georgie mad at you? Richard, what about Elizabeth and the Gardiners? They were supposed to leave today.”

  Richard replies, “Darcy, Miss Elizabeth and the Gardiners have already left. They could not wait any longer. They departed about an hour ago.”

  Darcy is shocked and stands. Walking to his study, he mutters, “But Elizabeth promised she would speak to me before she left.”

  Richard says, “Darcy, I have a letter for you from Miss Elizabeth, and it was at her insistence that you not be woken before she left.” Richard puts a hand on Darcy’s shoulder and says, “I am sorry, Darcy. I will be upstairs packing.” Darcy does not hear this as he is admiring Elizabeth’s handwriting as he traces his name before opening the letter and reads:

  Dear Fitzwilliam,

  Please do not be angry that I did not wait for you awake so that you could take your leave of me. I was afraid I would not be strong enough to leave you. I know that I promised you that I would think over your marriage proposal, but in the end, I think it would be best if we pretend that you never asked me to be your wife. I do not think I could ever live up to your family’s expectations for you, and I hate that I hurt you and Georgiana in any way when you both have been nothing but kind to me and my family. I want you both to know how much it has meant to me to experience a truly loving family environment. I will treasure these memories as I treasure the puppy who bears your name and whose soulful eyes remind me of you. Please assure Georgiana that she did nothing—tell her it was me. I am too broken and damaged to deserve to belong to your family. Give Georgiana my love and best wishes. I will spend time with the Gardiners, testing the physician’s suggestions, and should it prove to work, I will ask my father to make arrangements for me to live in the country away from my mother until such a time as I can help my sisters care for their children. Please do not be sad at my choice—I always knew I would be alone. I thank you for your efforts to help me live a normal life. I will always remember your kindness and be honored that you loved me. I will not ask you to forgive me as I am sure you are very angry with me right now, but this was done with the best of intentions. I wish you all the happiness in the world. I will only add, God bless.

  Yours now and always,

  Your loving Elizabeth

  Darcy is stunned. Elizabeth has left him. Darcy reads the letter two more times before he notices watermarks that stain the paper. If Darcy had any doubt about her love of him, her tears on the paper are proof of how difficult it was for Elizabeth to leave him. Darcy still does not understand why. Darcy hears a noise at the door and sees Richard watching him.

  Richard asks, “Darcy, are you well?”

  Darcy replies, “Richard, did you know that Elizabeth was going to leave?”

  Richard nods and says, “Darcy, I spoke with Miss Elizabeth long enough to be asked to give you that letter and the one that she wrote me as well.”

  Darcy asks in shock, “Elizabeth wrote you? The woman I love and want to marry wrote to you. Why, Richard?”

  Richard hands Darcy the letter that Elizabeth has given to him, and Richard stands in front of the window, looking out blankly. Darcy looks down at the letter Richard has handed him and notices that the letter is badly crumpled. Darcy smooths out the letter and reads:

  Colonel Fitzwilliam,

  I know not in what manner I can prove to you my regard for your cousin—who is truly the best man I have ever known—so I will do what you, a military man, would call a cowardly act and leave before he can stop me. I hope you were successful in getting Mr. Darcy to drink enough that he would not rise as early as he normally would. I hope that this act, if nothing else, will prove that I love the man and not his possessions, but in the end, it is what Mr. Darcy believes that matters most. Be there for Mr. Darcy and Georgiana as both will be hurt and disappointed. I hope this action gives you the satisfaction you were looking for.

  EB

  Darcy looks at Richard and asks, “Richard, what did you say to Elizabeth that she would flee in such a manner?”

  Without turning around, Richard answers, “Darcy, I am sure Miss Elizabeth explained everything in her letter to you.”

  Darcy angrily strides to where Richard is and demands, “Richard, please show me where in this letter that Elizabeth left for me why she really left. Read the letter and tell me why Elizabeth is not here!”

  Darcy hands Richard Elizabeth’s letter and watches Richard’s face as he reads Elizabeth’s letter. Darcy sees Richard’s astonishment. His face pales, and turning to Darcy, he asks, “What have I done?”

  Darcy looks confused, and Richard says, “Darcy, you will be upset with me in a moment, and after I tell you everything, you will probably want me gone—possibly forever. Yesterday after you and Miss Elizabeth returned from the garden, I found Miss Elizabeth in the drawing room and asked her when the wedding was to be. Miss Elizabeth told me that there was not to be a wedding at this time, and I admit that I mocked her for refusing to marry you. I thought I was protecting you from a fortune hunter, which I accused Miss Elizabeth of being to her face. Miss Elizabeth asked me to delay you this morning as she left to retire last night. I am truly sorry for my interference. I did not see any of the love in Miss Elizabeth’s face that you see.”

  Darcy stares at Richard in shock and says, “I cannot believe this. I cannot be around you at the moment.”

  Hearing a knock at the door, Darcy calls, “Enter.” Darcy sees his steward, Maxwell enter the room.

  Maxwell says, “My apologies for interrupting, sir. There is an emergency with one of your tenants, and we need your immediate assistance.”

  Darcy nods and starts to follow Maxwell. Darcy stops at the door and turns back to Richard and tells him, “Richard, I need time to process everything. Apologize to Georgie for taking her friend away, and please keep an eye on her until I return.”

  Richard nods wordlessly, seeing the utter misery in his cousin’s face, and Darcy follows Maxwell out of the house.

  Richard is sitting in the music room with Georgiana when Mrs. Reynolds rushes in and says, “Colonel Fitzwilliam, I need your assistance. There is a problem, and I need you take charge.”

  Richard stands and follows Mrs. Reynolds out of the room. Once out of Georgiana’s hearing, Mrs. Reynolds says, “Colonel, Mr. Darcy has been injured. We have sent for the doctor, but Mr. Darcy is restless and asking for Miss Elizabeth and you.”

  Richard follows Mrs. Reynolds as the walk up to Darcy’s bedchambers. Richard enters Darcy’s chambers to see Darcy’s face covered in blood and Darcy holding his wrist. Richard notices that Darcy is mumbling and not making any sense. The apothecary arrives, and Richard watches as he examines Darcy. The apothecary asks Richard, “Sir, how was Mr. Darcy injured?”

  Richard replies, “I do not know. I was here at the house with Miss Darcy when the accident happened.”

  Richard hears a voice say, “Excuse me, sir. I am Watts. I was with Mr. Darcy when he was injured. Mr. Darcy was helping lift a fence that had fallen on another tenant, trapping the man, and the fencing that Mr. Darcy was holding broke striking Mr. Darcy in the head and somehow hurt his wrist.”

  The apothecary replies, “Thank you.”

  Watts bows and leaves the room. The apothecary puts Darcy’s wrist in a splint and cleans Darcy’s face of all the blood. The apothecary looks at Richard and says, “Colonel, the bleeding on this cut has slowed. I do not believe that it needs to be stitched. I am concerned about Mr. Darcy’s head injury and feel that Mr. Darcy should not be left alone. I would suggest telling Miss Darcy what has happened to her brother. Miss Darcy may be able to help keep Mr. Darcy calm since this Miss Elizabeth Mr. Darcy is asking for is not available.”

  Richard thanks the apothecary and goes to find Georgiana, leaving Mrs. Reynolds with Darcy. Richard tells Georgiana, “Georgie, your brother was in an acc
ident and is confused. I need your help to keep him calm. I need to leave. Will you be all right alone until I return?”

  Georgiana replies, “Yes, of course, Richard. But where are you going?”

  Richard replies, “Georgie, there is only one person that Darcy will truly respond to—Miss Elizabeth. I am going to bring her back.”

  Richard runs to the stables where he borrows Darcy’s fastest horse, and he races after Miss Elizabeth. Two grueling hours later, Richard encounters Miss Elizabeth and the Gardiners as they are getting ready to reboard their carriage. Richard calls out, “Miss Elizabeth, may I speak with you a moment, please?”

  Mr. Gardiner steps in front of Miss Elizabeth and says, “Colonel, have you not caused enough harm today? My niece does not need to hear anything further from you. Your message was received.”

  Richard calls out, “Please, Miss Elizabeth. Darcy was hurt this morning. I need your help, please.”

  Mrs. Gardiner touches Mr. Gardiner on the arm and turns to Richard and says, “Colonel, please come inside for a drink and to explain everything. This will give your horse a chance to rest.”

  Richard very quickly tells Miss Elizabeth and the Gardiners everything that happened after they departed this morning and how Darcy’s head injury has left him confused. Richard looks to Mr. Gardiner and says, “Mr. Gardiner, I know I have no right to ask this after the pain I have caused both Miss Elizabeth and Darcy, but I am hoping you will allow me to take Miss Elizabeth back with me. She is the only one I believe that will be able to reach Darcy and calm him. Georgiana is doing the best she can. I am aware that you have business that cannot wait. If you allow, I am suggesting that Miss Elizabeth ride double with me. I am concerned about Darcy and want to get back to him as soon as possible.”

  Miss Elizabeth looks from Richard to the Gardiners and says, “Very well, Colonel. I will go with you.”

  Richard watches in surprise as Miss Elizabeth turns to her uncle and asks, “Uncle, do you have a spare pair of breeches and a shirt that I can borrow for the ride back to Pemberley? I will be perfectly chaperoned once I arrive, and Georgiana will lend me a couple dresses, and Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Reynolds will be there as well. I do not believe I will be compromised if I were to dress as a lad.”

  Richard watches the Gardiners, and they reluctantly agree. Mrs. Gardiner takes Miss Elizabeth upstairs to change. Mr. Gardiner turns to Richard and says, “Colonel Fitzwilliam, I hope you take better care of my niece than you previously did. You have no idea the hurt that you caused. I know that my sister is a difficult woman, but Lizzy is nothing like her mother. In fact, Lizzy is the opposite. She is sweet and lovely with a caring nature. A nature so caring that she was willing to give up the man she loves so as not to come between his family. Lizzy has spent the last five years hiding in corners until your cousin found her. Please be gentle and patience with Lizzy.”

  Richard replies, “Mr. Gardiner, I have plans to apologize to Miss Elizabeth once we are underway. I truly had no idea how deeply both Darcy and Miss Elizabeth felt for one another until the accident. I will send word when we have arrived safely and keep you posted on how Darcy is doing. If it makes you feel any better, both my cousins are upset with me for my interference.”

  Just then, Miss Elizabeth returns in her new outfit with her hair stuff up under a cap. Miss Elizabeth hugs the Gardiners, and Richard hands her a sling and says, “Miss Elizabeth, please put this on over your shoulder.”

  When she looks confused, Richard explains, “Miss Elizabeth, it is a sling for Fitz.” With that, Richard helps Miss Elizabeth mount the horse with Fitz on board, and they head back to Pemberley.

  Chapter 12

  Richard and Miss Elizabeth arrive back at Pemberley two and a half hours later. They are greeted at the door by Mrs. Reynolds, who tells them that Darcy is sleeping at the moment and that Georgiana would like to see Miss Elizabeth as soon as she has arrived.

  Richard finds Georgiana in her chambers and says, “Georgie, I have brought Miss Elizabeth back. Will you please help her change and bring her to Darcy’s chambers when she is ready? I will be with Darcy.”

  Richard bows and quickly heads to Darcy’s chamber. Richard is glad to see Darcy is resting but is concerned to see how pale Darcy is. Richard is sitting next to Darcy when Miss Elizabeth enters the room a few minutes later wearing one of Georgiana’s dresses. Richard watches as Miss Elizabeth ignores his presence and sits on the other chair on the other side of Darcy. Miss Elizabeth picks up Darcy’s hand and softly starts talking to him. After a few moments of watching, Richard notices Miss Elizabeth motion for Richard to change and bring water to bathe Darcy’s head. Richard returns to Darcy’s chambers after a quarter of an hour. When Richard returns to the room, Richard finds Elizabeth bathing Darcy’s head while having a one-sided conversation with Darcy. Richard watches as Miss Elizabeth tenderly cares for Darcy and wonders how he could have misjudged her so badly. Richard finally understands what Darcy meant. Richard watches as Miss Elizabeth bathes Darcy head. She has tears silently streaming down her face, but it is her eyes that show the love that she truly has for Darcy.

  Richard stays with Miss Elizabeth and, after another quarter of an hour, softly says, “Miss Elizabeth, please go and get some rest. I will stay with Darcy so that you can rest. After you have rested, you can come back and give me a break.”

  Miss Elizabeth stands and says, “Very well, Colonel. I will return a little later.”

  Richard waits until the door closes behind Miss Elizabeth before standing and taking her chair next to Darcy. Richard leans forward in his chair and says, “Darcy, I am so sorry that I have caused problems with you and Miss Elizabeth. You were correct. I did see the love in Miss Elizabeth’s eyes, and I can tell that she loves you deeply. I am sorry that you were hurt before I could see that the lady had feelings for you. I must own that I am jealous of you. You are an independent man of means, and you are able to marry where you wish. You know my lot, I am a second son and must marry a woman of fortune. I must tell you though, Darcy, that if I could I would make the same choice you did if I ever found a woman who would love me the way Miss Elizabeth loves you.”

  Eventually Richard falls asleep next to Darcy and is jolted awake several hours later when Miss Elizabeth touches his arm. She softly says, “Colonel, please go and rest. I will sit with Mr. Darcy now. I will send word if there are any changes.”

  Richard bows and says, “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth for caring for Darcy. He is truly lucky to have won you. Good night, Miss Elizabeth.” Richard crosses the room and, as he turns back to close the door, watches Miss Elizabeth once again speak to and care for his cousin.

  During the next three days, Richard, Georgiana, and Miss Elizabeth all take turns caring for Darcy. They take turns in shifts, and whoever is not sitting with Darcy is making sure that little Fitz is not forgotten. Early on the morning of the third day, Richard enters Darcy’s chambers and finds that Miss Elizabeth has fallen asleep on Darcy’s bed—she looks very uncomfortable sitting in a chair while slumped forward with her head on Darcy’s bed. Richard approaches the bed to wake Miss Elizabeth when he hears, “Richard, please let Elizabeth sleep.”

  Richard turns and sees that Darcy is awake and asks quietly, “Darcy! How are you feeling?”

  Darcy replies softly, “I feel fine, Richard. I must own that I am confused as to how Elizabeth is here when I remember her leaving me.”

  Richard sits down and softly says, “Darcy, what do you remember last?”

  Darcy replies, “Richard, I remember being upset with you for thinking Elizabeth was a fortune hunter, and I remember helping a tenant, but that is all I remember.”

  Richard puts a hand on Darcy’s arm and says, “Easy, Darcy. It is all right. You have not forgotten anything major. When the apothecary was cleaning you up after you were injured, you were very confused. The apothecary suggested that someone stay with you—someone with a calming influence on you. Initially, I had Georgie sitting with you until I could
bring Miss Elizabeth back to you. I knew that Miss Elizabeth would be the one person who would have a truly calming influence on you. I borrowed your fastest horse and raced after Miss Elizabeth and the Gardiners and managed to catch them as they were leaving the first inn. I pleaded with Mr. Gardiner to allow Miss Elizabeth to return with me. It took Miss Elizabeth telling her uncle that she needed to return, and Mr. Gardiner made me promise not to cause Miss Elizabeth any further harm.” Richard sighs and looks at Darcy. “Darcy, I am so sorry for what harm my words to Miss Elizabeth have caused you. Because of me, Miss Elizabeth fled from you, and as a result, you were injured.”

  Suddenly a soft voice interrupts them, “Mr. Darcy, please tell the Colonel you forgive him already, please. I am tired of listening to his apologies these last three days.”

  Darcy laughs as Elizabeth raises her head and looks at him. Darcy picks up Elizabeth’s hand, giving it a kiss and says, “Of course, Elizabeth. Anything you wish.”

  Suddenly Darcy’s door opens to reveal Georgiana holding the wriggling Fitz. Georgiana places Fitz on the floor and crosses over to Darcy and says, “Good morning, Brother. I am glad to see you awake. I am going to take charge here and send Richard and Elizabeth to their chambers to relax. Brother, you need to rest some more, but I will send someone up with some food.”

  Darcy watches as Elizabeth laughs at Georgiana’s orders, and Elizabeth stands, and Darcy asks, “Elizabeth, will you meet me in my study later this afternoon? I think we need to have a discussion.”

  Elizabeth replies, “Yes, Mr. Darcy, I would be happy to meet you later.” Elizabeth starts to walk away and then turns around and asks, “Mr. Darcy, may I invite my sister Jane for a visit? I believe I am in need of my sister’s counsel.”