Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 3

  Mr. Bennet says, “Mr. Darcy, you must remember that you are an exception to the rule. Most men want a wife with no health issues. Lizzy has had the occasional dance over the years, but those who did dance with her were still afraid of her because of her condition. I do not know if you have ever seen someone have a spell, but it can be quite frightening to watch—especially if it is someone you love dearly.”

  Darcy looks at Mr. Bennet thoughtfully. “Mr. Bennet, can you describe the spells that Miss Elizabeth has had and what doctors has she seen?” Seeing the look on Mr. Bennet’s face, Darcy apologizes for his imprudent questions, saying, “Forgive me, Mr. Bennet. I mean no offense. I have the care of a much younger sister, and I hate that Miss Elizabeth is treated in such a way. I know that I would hate for my sister to be treated that way either.”

  Mr. Bennet raises a brow at Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, I am not comfortable giving you all this information with just having met you. May I suggest that we see how your friendship with my daughter progresses and we can continue this discussion during the coming weeks?”

  Darcy nods and asks, “Mr. Bennet, would you be able to speak with Mrs. Bennet into allowing Miss Elizabeth to speak with me during any of the upcoming social events that we both happen to be at? I would like to visit with her face to face instead of hiding on a balcony.”

  Mr. Bennet chuckles at this and agrees, saying, “Mr. Darcy, I will speak with my wife later tonight regarding this. In the meantime, I suggest we join my family in the drawing room. Brace yourself, Mr. Darcy, you are about to meet three of the silliest ladies in the kingdom, and they all live in my house.”

  As Darcy follows Mr. Bennet into the drawing room, he feels all eyes in the room on him, and he begins to feel uncomfortable. Darcy stands silently as Mr. Bennet introduces him to Mrs. Bennet, a loud woman who would have been attractive when she was younger as she resembles Miss Bennet the most, takes over the introductions and introduces her daughters. Darcy nods to Miss Bennet and Miss Mary, who is a mix of Miss Bennet and Elizabeth, both of whom he had met the night before. Miss Catherine has light-brown hair and green eyes, also called Kitty, and Miss Lydia has wavy blonde hair and blue eyes. Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia are all pleasant girls and a little silly but seem like nice girls. But Darcy notices that Miss Elizabeth is left out of the introductions.

  “Excuse me, Mrs. Bennet, but I believe you forgot to introduce one of your daughters.”

  Darcy hears Elizabeth’s sisters all gasp and look at him in surprise. Elizabeth smiles and raises a brow at him. Darcy glances to Mr. Bennet, who is watching to see what will happen next. Mrs. Bennet replies, “Oh, you mean Lizzy. She is no one. Pay her no mind.”

  Darcy is surprised at the insult to Elizabeth, but Miss Bennet is quick to defend her sister, saying, “Mama! Lizzy is still a member of our family, and you should not exclude her from any introductions.”

  Ignoring Miss Bennet, Mrs. Bennet offers Darcy to have a seat. Darcy glances around the room to find a seat and sees there are empty chairs next to Miss Bennet, Miss Lydia, and Mrs. Bennet. Darcy also sees an empty chair in the back corner near Elizabeth, and he heads for that chair. The sisters all watch in astonishment as a gentleman actually prefers someone other than Miss Bennet. Mrs. Bennet, not liking where Darcy is sitting, says, “Mr. Darcy, you should come sit next to my Lydia. She is a lively conversationalist, and she would be of more interest to you than Lizzy.”

  Darcy ignores Mrs. Bennet and turns to Miss Mary and Miss Bennet and says, “Forgive me, ladies, but I could use your assistance. I have a younger sister who is still in Town, and I like to bring her a gift from wherever I am currently visiting. What would you suggest?”

  This question diverts all the ladies as they make various suggestions as they discover his sister’s age and what kind of things she favors. Darcy notices Mr. Bennet watching him with a small grin on his face, and when Mr. Bennet notices Darcy watching him, Mr. Bennet gives him a nod of approval. After a quarter of an hour, Darcy stands and apologizes but he must return to his host. Mr. Bennet comes and stands next to Mr. Darcy. “Wife, daughters, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bingley will be meeting with me here on a regular basis in the coming weeks.”

  Mrs. Bennet shrieks in surprises and says, “Mr. Bennet, that is wonderful! Jane can keep Mr. Bingley company, and Mary, Kitty, or Lydia can keep Mr. Darcy company. What a clever man you are.”

  Mr. Bennet interrupts, “Mrs. Bennet, the gentlemen are calling on me for business and that Jane and Lizzy will be joining us to discuss estate management—something that your other daughters do not know.”

  Darcy bows to the ladies and turns to Mr. Bennet and says, “Thank you for your time, sir. I will see you tomorrow.”

  Mr. Bennet replies, “It was a pleasure, Mr. Darcy. You are a brave man to return.”

  Mr. Bennet motions to Elizabeth, and they walk Darcy to the door. As Darcy is donning his great coat, Mr. Bennet says, “Mr. Darcy, while I suggested calling tomorrow at nine o’clock, Lizzy and I are both early risers that if you wish to call earlier, please feel free—this will give you and Mr. Bingley more time to visit with the ladies.”

  This comment causes Elizabeth to blush, softy saying, “Papa, stop.”

  Bowing to them both, Darcy departs Longbourn, turning back to find Elizabeth watching him from the doorway with a small smile on her lovely face.

  As Darcy rides back to Netherfield Park, he reflects on his visit with the Bennets and finds that he is upset with how Mrs. Bennet treats Miss Elizabeth but realizes there is nothing he can do about it. He decides that he needs to speak with Bingley and get him to help with the plan that he has put into motion. When Darcy arrives at Netherfield Park, he finds Bingley in his study. Bingley looks up as Darcy enters the study and locks the door. “Darcy! Where have you been? You left me alone to face my sisters. How could you?”

  Darcy laughs. “Bingley, they are your sisters, not mine. I apologize for locking the door. I want to have a conversation with you that I do not want interrupted. I also apologize for not being here. I went and paid a visit to one of your neighbors and wanted to ask a favor of you. I paid a visit to Mr. Bennet this morning. There are some special circumstances that I cannot tell you about right now, but I was very intrigued with Miss Elizabeth last night and I have made arrangements for us to visit Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. We will meet them along with Mr. Bennet to discuss estate management and then we will have the opportunity to visit with the ladies. I am aware that I presume much on your behalf, and I hope that you will not be angry with me. I will understand if you do not wish to assist me.”

  Bingley looks at Darcy in amazement. “Who are you, and what have you done with my taciturn friend? Darcy, I do not ever believe I have heard you say so much at one time. Of course I do not blame you for not being here to deal with my sisters—I wish I did not have to deal with them. I wish I had known that you were calling on the Bennets, I would have joined you. I am thrilled with the idea you came up with. When do you plan to start it?”

  Darcy sighs. “Thank you, Bingley. Miss Elizabeth actually came up with the idea, and her father endorsed it. We set at tentative time of meeting at nine o’clock tomorrow morning so that we can discuss business and then visit. I want to warn you that Mrs. Bennet might make you uncomfortable, pushing you toward Miss Bennet. Bingley. While I truly do want to help you learn estate management, I find I must be honest with you and tell you that the real reason for the visits is so that I can get to know Miss Elizabeth better.”

  Bingley laughs. “Darcy, I am thrilled for you, and of course I am not upset. While I did not get a chance to speak much with Miss Elizabeth, she seems like a pleasant lady, and I look forward to meeting her. Darcy, I have just one question—how do we explain these visits to Caroline?”

  Darcy exhales. “Bingley, hopefully the early hour of our meetings will not make her aware of where we will be, and if she finds out, I am sure that Mr. Bennet will be able to help us with an answer. I hope to spend every day there,
providing the weather is good.”

  Bingley raises his eyebrows at his friend. “I say, Darcy, are you getting that serious already? Miss Elizabeth must have made quite an impression.”

  Darcy replies, “Bingley, can you deny that you wish to spend as much time as you can with Miss Bennet? I noticed that you seemed to prefer her presence at the assembly last night. Miss Bennet is a fine lady, and perhaps you will find the ‘angel’ who will finally win your heart. Let us try these visits for a week or two and see how they go.”

  Bingley smiles. “Darcy, I am convinced. Let us try these business meetings with the Bennets. I cannot wait until tomorrow morning to see how the great Fitzwilliam Darcy acts around the first woman I have heard him interested in!” Darcy shakes his head and says, “Bingley, shut up!”

  Chapter 3

  Early the next morning, Darcy and Bingley ride over to Longbourn. Darcy is pleased to see Miss Elizabeth greet them at the door. Elizabeth curtsies. “Good morning, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, welcome to Longbourn. Mr. Bingley, my family is waiting for your visit in the drawing room. Mr. Darcy, my apologies, my father has requested your presence in his library. If you will follow me, I will take you to him.” Darcy watches as Elizabeth leads them to the drawing room where Mrs. Bennet is happy to receive Bingley. As Darcy and Elizabeth prepare to leave the drawing room, Elizabeth turns to Bingley. “Mr. Bingley, I am taking Mr. Darcy to my father now. He will return to you very shortly.”

  As Elizabeth leads Darcy toward her father’s library, Darcy touches Elizabeth’s arm and stops her. “Are you well, Miss Elizabeth?”

  Elizabeth shakes her head and does not reply. Elizabeth continues walking Darcy to her father’s library. When they arrive, Elizabeth knocks on the door, and having heard, “Enter,” Darcy holds open the library door for Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet stands when Darcy enters. “My apologies, Mr. Darcy. I wanted to make you aware of a situation that arose yesterday after you left. As you know, I advised Mrs. Bennet that Lizzy would be joining Jane with you and Mr. Bingley. My wife became quite upset after you left. Mrs. Bennet feels that her other daughters would be a better pick to help with the estate questions. I have tried to argue that the girls do not have the knowledge that Jane and Lizzy have, but I cannot get through to her.”

  Mr. Bennet watches Darcy as a smile slowly appears across the younger man’s stern features completely, changing his countenance. Darcy turns to Elizabeth, who has been standing there quietly. “Miss Elizabeth, would you please make sure all your sisters are in the drawing room? I believe that we should have our first business meeting in the drawing room and have your sisters show their knowledge of estate management.”

  Mr. Bennet nods in silent permission for Elizabeth to carry out this request. Elizabeth curtsies and departs the room. Darcy turns to Mr. Bennet. “Mr. Bennet, is everything all right? Miss Elizabeth is very quiet and withdrawn this morning.”

  Mr. Bennet sighs. “Mr. Darcy, please forgive Lizzy’s manner this morning. My wife was quite cruel to Lizzy yesterday. My wife was trying to destroy her sense of worth, telling Lizzy that she is worthless and that you have no serious interest in her. And if you were to speak with Lizzy, she should speak of her sisters and not of herself.”

  Darcy is stunned. “Mr. Bennet, how can your wife treat Miss Elizabeth so? Why have you done nothing to stop this from happening?”

  Mr. Bennet replies, “Mr. Darcy, I have tried to help my daughter. Unfortunately, anyone who tries to help Lizzy or stands up to my wife only makes things worse for Lizzy. I suggest we join the others in the drawing room and we can finish this discussion later away from the house.”

  As Darcy and Mr. Bennet enter the drawing room, Darcy notices that Elizabeth is once again sitting in the corner, and the only available seats are by Miss Lydia, Miss Mary, or Mrs. Bennet. Darcy is not going to sit where Mrs. Bennet wants. Darcy looks to Mr. Bennet, who inclines his head. Darcy picks up the chair next to Miss Lydia and carries it back to the corner next to Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet, seeing Mr. Darcy move away from her favorite daughter, cries, “Mr. Darcy, where are you going? My Lydia can answer any questions you have.”

  Mr. Darcy puts down his chair and turns and stands at his full height and just stares at Mrs. Bennet, surprising the whole room. Mrs. Bennet does not say anything else for a full two minutes. Darcy sits himself next to Elizabeth. There is an awkward silence, and Miss Bennet asks Bingley a question, and the room has some stilted conversation for a few minutes. Mr. Bennet stands and addresses Darcy and Bingley, saying, “Gentlemen, I believe we have business to discuss. Jane, Lizzy, please collect your things.”

  Mrs. Bennet protests, “Mr. Bennet, how can you say that Lizzy knows more about estate management than my Lydia? Even Kitty and Mary know more than Lizzy. You always favor Lizzy. You cannot see that Lizzy does not know anything.”

  Mr. Darcy turns to Mrs. Bennet. “Mrs. Bennet, I have a suggestion. Why do you not allow me to ask your daughters questions about estate management, and the one who has the most knowledge will join the party?”

  Mrs. Bennet reluctantly agrees. Darcy turns to Lydia and asks, “Miss Lydia, you have tenants fighting over property lines which includes who has rights to a river that waters their flock of sheep. How do you decide who has the rights to the river?” Lydia looks at her mother and then at Darcy and says, “I do not care about such things.”

  Darcy nods and turns to Kitty and asks, “Miss Kitty, do you have a solution to the problem?”

  Kitty looks at Darcy and replies, “Mr. Darcy, I have never had a hand in estate business. I would not know what to do.”

  Darcy looks at Kitty and gives her a small smile. “Thank you for your honesty, Miss Kitty. That shows strength of character.”

  Darcy turns and faces Mary. “Miss Mary, do you have a suggestion to my question?”

  Mary replies, “Mr. Darcy, I would ask for proof from the tenants as to how both can claim the rights to the river and the first to provide the proof would get the rights to the river.”

  Darcy replies, “Miss Mary, that is a good answer, but it is actually what caused the problem in the first place. Both tenants arrived at the same time with their proof. So your answer does not provide an answer.”

  Darcy turns to Elizabeth and asks, “Miss Elizabeth, how you would solve this dilemma?”

  Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, I would first go back to the original map of your estate and check where the tenants were each originally provided rights. I would carefully research correspondence and maps going forward to make sure that all changes regarding the river and the tenants’ rights are correct. Once I had my information, I would then ask to see the proof, provided the tenants both claim to have and confirm that the claims are valid. In the event that both claims appear to be valid due to some sort of oversight, I would then redraw the property lines in such a way that each tenant has a portion of the river. Both tenants have access to the river and water for their flocks, and everyone is happy.”

  Mr. Darcy turns to Mrs. Bennet and says, “Mrs. Bennet, your daughter Miss Elizabeth is correct. I recently had this very issue at my estate, and Miss Elizabeth provided the answer that was my solution to the problem. I believe Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth will be a great help to Mr. Bingley as they will be able to provide insights that we gentlemen may overlook. Miss Mary has the right idea. I would suggest you sit with your younger daughters and train them. They need to know how to run an estate as they one day may marry a gentleman and help him care for his estate.”

  Mr. Bennet motions to Jane and Elizabeth to don their outside apparel. Bingley and Darcy follow behind the ladies. Darcy suggests a quick walk in front of the house while they wait for Mr. Bennet. Bingley and Jane quickly pass Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy turns to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, are you all right? I am so sorry about your mother. I hope that I did not embarrass your sisters too badly.”

  Elizabeth giggles. “Mr. Darcy, as much as it pains me to say so, my mother needed to be told this. Jane and I have tr
ied to tell her that my younger sisters are too wild and silly but they can be turned around.”

  Darcy replies, “I should have been kinder to your sisters and mother, but I was upset with the way your mother was speaking about you. I apologize in advance if I cause you more problems with your mother. It was never my intention.”

  Elizabeth sighs. “Mr. Darcy, I am well. My life would be easier if I was not around my mother, but that is not possible. Besides, I love my sisters, and they love me. Due to how my mother acts, we cannot openly show affection. We do so behind closed doors or on our walks about the countryside.”

  Darcy ponders Elizabeth’s words. “Miss Elizabeth, would you be willing to speak with me more about how falling sickness affects you—if there is a pattern or how often you have them?”

  Elizabeth shrugs and asks, “Mr. Darcy, what would you like to know?”

  Darcy stops and turns to Elizabeth and earnestly says, “Miss Elizabeth, please do not feel pressured to answer my questions. I am not asking just out of curiosity. I want to make sure that nothing I plan will cause any problems for you. I only meant to assist.”

  Elizabeth sighs sadly. “Please forgive me, Mr. Darcy. I am not used to people thinking of my well-being. Wait, that is not right. My family cares but are not allowed to show it. I do not know how to explain this better.” Darcy touches Elizabeth’s arm. “Miss Elizabeth, please do not worry. I take your meaning. My younger sister, Georgiana, often muddles through an explanation. I understand what you are trying to express. I just want to let you know that if you tell me what you can and cannot do, I will do my best to let you experience life as you should be living it.”