Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Read online

  Darcy replies, “Thank you, no. I was looking for a gift for my sister and trying to get an idea of what her new friend might like as a gift as well.”

  The proprietor smiles and offers, “If you give me a general description of each lady, I can help you select colors that might suit each lady. I know that one of our local ladies, Miss Elizabeth, is very fond of the light rose shawl but has indicated that her mother will not allow the purchase.”

  Darcy, upon hearing this, decides to purchase this for Elizabeth but cannot say this outright. Darcy gives general descriptions of both Georgiana and Elizabeth, and the proprietor indicates that Darcy has chosen his colors well. Darcy pays for his purchases and has them wrapped. Darcy rejoins Richard, and when the ladies rejoin them, they return to Longbourn.

  Chapter 8

  Upon returning to Longbourn, Darcy and Richard find Mr. Bennet waiting for them in the drawing room. Upon seeing the group return, Mr. Bennet says, “Jane, I have ordered tea to be served. Please act as hostess as your mother has retired to her rooms for the reminder of the day. Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, may I speak with you both for a moment?”

  Darcy and Richard nod to Mr. Bennet, and Darcy says to the group, “Please excuse us, ladies, Bingley. We will rejoin you shortly.”

  The men remain silent until the door is closed to Mr. Bennet’s book room. Mr. Bennet wearily sits in his favorite chair and asks, “Was Lizzy correct? Did my wife really strike my other daughters?”

  Darcy and Richard look at one another, and Darcy replies, “Yes, sir. Your wife has struck all of your daughters. They were trying to stop the beating. Miss Bennet was hit in the upper arm and shoulder, Miss Mary on the ear and neck, which is why she is wearing her hair down, Miss Kitty in the stomach. She says she has no marks but a slight bruise, and Miss Lydia was hit in both arms as she wrestled the switch from her mother. Like Miss Mary, Miss Lydia is hiding her bruises behind long sleeves. Mr. Bennet, your daughters are all concerned for Miss Elizabeth. When I asked how they felt about Miss Elizabeth moving away, they all agreed that if it was to keep her safe and added to helping her health, then that was what they wanted for Miss Elizabeth.”

  Mr. Bennet sighs and reluctantly asks, “Mr. Darcy, would you be willing to move Lizzy to Netherfield Park today? With all of my daughters having been injured, I feel it is in everyone’s best interest that Lizzy be moved now. I would feel better if my Lizzy was not in the same house as her mother. I find I cannot trust a woman who would so hurt one of her daughters.”

  Darcy nods, and Richard offers, “Mr. Bennet, I would be happy to return to Netherfield Park and collect Darcy’s carriage. We all rode over this afternoon. If this meets with your approval, I will leave now and return as quickly as possible.”

  Darcy stands saying, “Thank you, Richard.”

  Mr. Bennet replies, “I thank you, Colonel. We will be ready when you return. Would you stop by the drawing room and ask Jane to join me for a moment?”

  Richard bows and leaves. A few minutes later, there is a soft knock at the door, and Mr. Bennet calls out, “Come in, Jane.” Miss Bennet enters the room and looks from her father to Darcy.

  Mr. Bennet says, “Jane, I need for you to pack Lizzy’s trunk as well as some clothing for yourself. Mr. Darcy and I feel it would be better for Lizzy if she was not in the same house as your mother, and I admit I would feel better as well. I had no idea that your mother had hurt all of my daughters. I want you to stay and help Lizzy while her back is healing. When Lizzy is better, we will decide what to do. Colonel Fitzwilliam has left to collect Mr. Darcy’s carriage and will return shortly. Pack only what you think Lizzy will most urgently need.”

  Jane looks from her father to Darcy and, with tears in her eyes, whispers, “Yes, Papa.” Jane leaves the room. When the door has closed, Darcy turns to Mr. Bennet.

  “Mr. Bennet, what are you going to do about your wife?”

  Mr. Bennet sighs. “I have decided to bring in a physician to see if he has any idea what might be wrong with my wife. I am sending my other daughters to stay with their Aunt Phillips until the physician makes a decision regarding Mrs. Bennet.”

  An hour later, Darcy carefully carries Elizabeth downstairs to his carriage for the move to Netherfield Park. Elizabeth is unconscious as Mr. Bennet thought it best as the move might hurt her back so he had Miss Bennet administer a sleeping draught in her tea. Darcy holds Elizabeth for the trip to Netherfield Park. It was decided the least Elizabeth was jostled, the better for her back. Georgiana and Miss Bennet ride in the carriage with Darcy across from him. Mr. Bennet promises to visit Netherfield Park tomorrow to check on his daughters. Richard and Bingley ride alongside the carriage. Richard watches his cousin carefully holding the tiny brunette with a bruised and beaten back but with a bright smile and lively eyes. Richard can see why his cousin lost his heart to the unconventional beauty—Richard only hopes that Miss Elizabeth loves Darcy as much as he loves her.

  Richard saw how Mrs. Bennet was horrible and only interested in catching a rich husband for her daughters and is not convinced that Miss Elizabeth is not after Darcy for his money. Richard also has concerns regarding Miss Elizabeth’s health but decides to leave that issue alone for now. Richard knows that he has promised his support to Darcy, but he is starting to doubt the marriage is anything but doomed.

  Once the party arrives at Netherfield Park, Darcy carries Elizabeth to her room with Miss Bennet and Georgiana following. Darcy carefully lays Elizabeth on the bed and turns to Miss Bennet and advises, “Miss Bennet, you and Miss Elizabeth will have separate rooms but have an adjoining door so that you can rest but still be able to hear Miss Elizabeth should she need you.”

  Georgiana volunteers, saying, “Brother, Miss Bennet, please allow me to help you care for Miss Elizabeth.”

  Darcy smiles at his sister as Miss Bennet replies, “Thank you, Miss Darcy. You are very kind. I am sure that Lizzy would like that very much.”

  Darcy, turning back to Miss Bennet, asks, “Miss Bennet, are you aware of your father’s plan for Miss Elizabeth?”

  When Miss Bennet shakes her head no, Darcy informs her, “Miss Bennet, you father is moving your sister for two reasons. One is fear that your mother might do your sister further harm. The second reason is that a Town physician has suggested that removing Miss Elizabeth from a stressful home environment might help. Your father is allowing me to take Miss Elizabeth to Pemberley, where we are going to test this theory.”

  Hearing a sniffle, Darcy, Georgiana, and Miss Bennet turn to discover that Elizabeth had woken up and is silently crying. Miss Bennet leans down and softly murmurs to Elizabeth, trying to soothe her. Miss Bennet looks up to Darcy and says, “Mr. Darcy, please do not feel like Lizzy’s tears are your fault. She is weak and tired. Lizzy does not blame you for what happened. In fact, I believe that Lizzy was looking forward to your return.”

  Darcy nods in understanding. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. I cannot help but blame myself.” Darcy walks over to Georgiana and bends down to whisper something in her ear. Georgiana nods. Darcy turns back to Miss Bennet and says, “Please excuse me a moment, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. I will be right back.” With a bow, Darcy leaves the room.

  About five minutes later, there is a soft knock at the door. Georgiana opens the door and lets Darcy into Elizabeth’s room. Darcy looks from Elizabeth to Miss Bennet. Miss Bennet says, “Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, and I were able to make Lizzy more comfortable, and she is calm now.”

  Darcy nods his thanks and walks toward the bed Elizabeth is lying on. Darcy notices that Elizabeth has her head turned away from him and that he can hear her occasional sniff. Darcy sits on the floor next to the bed, and Miss Bennet nudges Elizabeth to make her look at her sister. Elizabeth turns her head to find Darcy sitting on the floor. Miss Bennet and Elizabeth both say, “Mr. Darcy, please get off the floor. Your clothes will get dirty.”

  Darcy laughs and says, “That is all right. I am actually comfortable where I am. Miss Bennet, Miss Eliza
beth, please accept my apologies for the injuries that you received. It was my fault that you and your sisters were hurt.” Darcy watches as the sisters look confused. Darcy explains, “The injuries that you and your sisters have are because I had asked Bingley to come to town for assistance regarding a suggestion that a town physician had made that may help Miss Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth looks at Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, it is not your fault that we were hurt. This is not the first time that something like this has happened. You should not be so hard on yourself for wanting to help someone who is not even related to you.”

  Darcy shakes his head at Elizabeth. Elizabeth gives Darcy an impish grin and asks, “Mr. Darcy, what was the physician’s suggestion?”

  Darcy looks from Elizabeth to Miss Bennet and back to Elizabeth and carefully reaches into his coat. Darcy carefully holds up the black-and-white wriggling ball of fur. Darcy explains, “Miss Elizabeth, the physician believes that you should have a constant companion that you could raise from a puppy. I had your father’s permission to do this.” Looking to Miss Bennet, Darcy says, “Miss Bennet, Bingley came to town to help me find the right breed for Miss Elizabeth. It was Bingley that suggested we go to my lodge in Scotland, where we found this ‘wee lass.’ While you are recovering, Georgiana, Richard, and I will help care for the puppy.” Darcy shifts his gaze from Miss Bennet back to Elizabeth and is stunned to see the beaming smile on Elizabeth is giving him. Darcy watches as Elizabeth carefully reaches out to pet the puppy that start licking her fingers. Elizabeth quirks a brow at Darcy and asks, “Mr. Darcy, would you bring the puppy a little closer to me?”

  Darcy carefully raises the puppy so that Elizabeth can see the puppy better by bringing it up to Elizabeth’s face. Everyone laughs when the puppy starts licking Elizabeth’s face enthusiastically. After a few moments, Darcy pulls the puppy back so that Elizabeth can breathe, then Elizabeth asks, “Mr. Darcy, what kind of puppy is this?”

  Darcy looks down at the puppy, smiles, and looks back at Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, the puppy is a Border Collie—a breed that loves long walks. My tenant, Mr. Campbell, did not want to sell me the puppy at first. Mr. Campbell explained that the puppy was the runt of the liter and likely to die. I told Mr. Campbell that the puppy reminded me of you, Miss Elizabeth, in many ways.”

  Georgiana quietly asks, “Miss Elizabeth, what are you going to name your puppy?”

  Elizabeth looks at Georgiana and says, “Miss Darcy, I do not know.” Elizabeth looks at Darcy and, with a quiver in her voice, says, “Mr. Darcy, thank you so much for the puppy. I have never had a gift like this before.” Elizabeth turns to Miss Bennet and murmurs something that Darcy cannot hear. Darcy watches as Miss Bennet nods to something Elizabeth says and then crosses the room to stand next to Georgiana, and Darcy sees Richard watching from the doorway, saying nothing. Darcy leans forward when Elizabeth quietly asks, “Mr. Darcy, may I ask what your full name is?”

  Darcy smiles and quietly says, “Miss Elizabeth, my full name is Fitzwilliam Robert Darcy.” Darcy smiles when Elizabeth raises a brow at his name.

  Elizabeth asks him quietly, “Mr. Darcy, would you be terribly upset with me if I asked if I could name the puppy after you?”

  Darcy gives Elizabeth a gentle smile. “Miss Elizabeth, if naming your puppy after me makes you happy, by all means, name the puppy after me.”

  Elizabeth leans forward and says, “Fitz. I will name her Fitz.”

  Darcy grins and stands. Darcy leans over and kisses Elizabeth head and says, “Rest, Miss Elizabeth. I will come visit you again later.”

  Georgiana steps forward. “Miss Elizabeth, I will be taking a dinner tray with you this evening so that your sister can dine with Mr. Bingley.”

  Elizabeth looks at Georgiana and says, “That would be lovely, Miss Darcy. I have a favor to ask. Would you mind if I call you Georgiana?”

  Georgiana smiles. “I do not mind. Would you mind if I call you Elizabeth or Lizzy as your family does?”

  Elizabeth smiles and says, “Georgiana, that would be wonderful. I look forward to having dinner with you later.”

  Darcy watches as Elizabeth reaches forward and pets Fitz one last time. Darcy puts Fitz on the ground and watches as Fitz runs from the room, chasing after Georgiana.

  Darcy, Richard, and Georgiana leave the Bennet sisters to rest. They meet in Darcy’s sitting room. Darcy turns to his sister, saying, “Georgie, thank you for having dinner with Miss Elizabeth. I am sure she will enjoy the company. It was very kind of you to let Miss Bennet have dinner with Bingley.”

  Georgiana starts laughing. “It is my pleasure, brother. I will have the better dinner companion than you. You have to survive dinner with Miss Bingley.”

  Darcy and Richard both groan, causing Georgiana to laugh even harder. Darcy looks to Richard and asks, “How much of that did you see?”

  Richard replies, “I was in the doorway since you returned with the puppy.”

  Looking at Darcy, Richard asks, “What did Miss Elizabeth ask you so softly?”

  Darcy smiles softly in remembrance of Elizabeth asking what his name was. “Miss Elizabeth wanted to know my full name.”

  Richard raises a brow at this, and Darcy laughingly explains with a small smile, “Miss Elizabeth has decided that she wants to name the puppy after me.”

  Richard and Georgiana start laughing, and Richard asks, “What is the puppy’s name, Darcy?”

  Darcy grins much to Richard and Georgiana’s delight. “Miss Elizabeth named the puppy Fitz.”

  Quietly Richard asks, “How bad is Miss Elizabeth’s back?”

  Darcy replies, “I am not certain. I am going to have Georgie find out when she helps Miss Bennet get Miss Elizabeth comfortable for the night. I need to know how bad her back is before I can plan to move her to Pemberley.”

  Richard clasps Darcy on the shoulder. “Darcy, let me know how I can help you.”

  Darcy nods, and they separate to prepare for dinner.

  Darcy and Richard suffer through dinner with Miss Bingley, who does nothing but complain about the Bennet sisters and how she believes they came to reside at Netherfield Park.

  Bingley has decided not to tell his sisters that they are here at Darcy’s invitation as that will make Caroline act out in even worse ways. At one point during the meal, Richard has to give Darcy a quick kick as Miss Bingley is complaining about Elizabeth and states how poorly her appearance is. Perhaps if Miss Bingley knew how angry she was making Darcy and Richard, she might have held her tongue. Usually, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst are able to control Miss Bingley, but Mrs. Hurst was not feeling well, and Mr. Hurst stayed behind to care for his wife. Bingley is too busy enjoying the company of Miss Bennet to control his sister, so Darcy and Richard inwardly groan and hope that dinner is over soon.

  Once dinner is over, the men decide to forego the separation as Bingley wishes to spend more time with Miss Bennet. After about thirty minutes, Darcy claims fatigue, and Miss Bennet leaves to check on her sister.

  Darcy is reclining in a chair in the sitting room between his bedchambers, and Georgiana’s reviewing the events of the day. This is an old habit that Darcy acquired when Georgiana had night terrors as a child and he was still just a big brother, not yet the master of a large state. All of a sudden, Georgiana pops her head around the door and comes running to Darcy with tears running down her face. Darcy catches his sister and asks, “Georgie! What is wrong? Are you hurt?”

  Darcy watches as Georgiana takes a deep breath, trying to calm down and says, “Brother, it was horrible. I was helping Jane—sorry, Miss Bennet—and Miss Elizabeth asked me to address them by their first names. I am sorry. Anyway, I was helping Jane make Lizzy more comfortable for the night, and I saw Lizzy’s back. Brother, I do not understand how Lizzy was able to laugh and make jokes with us today. She had to have been in terrible pain.”

  Darcy takes a deep breath as he tries to imagine how a mother could hurt her child and asks, “Georgiana, can you describe what Miss Elizabeth�
�s back looks like?”

  Georgiana replies, “Will, Lizzy’s back was bruised black and blue. She also had several long thin stripes that had bled. Brother, how could someone hurt Lizzy like that? Lizzy is such a sweet lady.”

  Darcy sighs. “I honestly do not know, Georgie. I plan to take Miss Elizabeth with us to Pemberley as soon as she is well enough to travel. Georgie, I would like for you to help Miss Bennet care for Miss Elizabeth as much as you can. Also, will you try and be friends with Miss Elizabeth? From what I understand from both Miss Elizabeth and her sisters, Miss Elizabeth does not have many friends, and I think that she would like a friend. Miss Elizabeth and her sisters would often be punished for showing Miss Elizabeth any concern.”

  Georgiana hugs Darcy and says, “Brother, I will gladly help Jane care for Lizzy. Lizzy is a sweet lady, and she would be an easy person to become friends with. I would be happy to become a friend.”

  Darcy kisses Georgiana on the forehead. “Thank you, Georgie. Off to bed. I will see you in the morning.”

  Darcy is in the process of getting a drink when there is a knock at his door, and Richard enters. Richard glances from Darcy to the drink in Darcy’s hand and then back to Darcy’s face and says, “I am going to guess that Georgiana has seen Miss Elizabeth’s back and came to give you a description and that it must have been bad.”

  Darcy shrugs. “Honestly, Richard, I do not know. Georgiana did give me a description, but I do not know how much is truth. Georgie is young and soft-hearted. What brings you here?” Richard grins at Darcy and holds up a wiggling Fitz. Darcy laughs and says, “I guess Georgie forgot the puppy when she was upset.”