Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 9
Richard gives Darcy a long look, searching his cousin’s face. “I will keep Fitz for the night. I will see you in the morning.” With that, Richard departs with Fitz busy licking his face.
Darcy is up early the next morning, wanting to know how Elizabeth is doing. Darcy walks to Elizabeth’s room and quietly knocks on her door. After about a minute, Miss Bennet opens the door. Darcy quietly says, “Good morning, Miss Bennet. My apologies for coming so early, but I wanted to know how Miss Elizabeth is doing this morning.”
Miss Bennet replies, “Good morning, Mr. Darcy, Lizzy is doing a little better this morning. She was awake several times during the night when she would accidentally pull on one of the cuts. Lizzy seemed to rest easier as the night progressed.”
Darcy takes a deep breath and quietly asks, “Miss Bennet, would you allow me to see Miss Elizabeth’s back? I know what I am asking is not proper. My sister described Miss Elizabeth’s back last night and, for my peace of mind, need to know how bad Miss Elizabeth is.”
Darcy watches as Miss Bennet chews on her lip for a moment and then quietly sighs and says, “Wait just a moment, Mr. Darcy. I will be right back.”
Darcy watches as Miss Bennet closes the door. After about a minute, Miss Bennet opens the door and motions for Darcy to enter the room and puts her finger to her lips, telling Darcy to stay quiet. Darcy follows Miss Bennet across the room. There Darcy can see Elizabeth sleeping in a beam of sunlight with her back exposed with her chestnut hair spread out across her pillow so as not get into the cuts on her back. Miss Bennet has arranged Elizabeth’s in such a way as to preserve her modesty but allow Darcy to see the damage done to Elizabeth’s back. Darcy can see the long cuts and bruises that Georgiana had described last night. Darcy imagines that Elizabeth will be stiff and, as the cuts heal, a little itchy. The damage is not permanent, but Elizabeth will need at least a week to recover before Darcy will even think about moving her to Pemberley.
Darcy quietly crosses the room to leave and turns to Miss Bennet, asking, “Miss Bennet, when your sister wakes, will you find out if she feels well enough to come downstairs? I am going to send a message to your father, and I imagine that he will feel better if Miss Elizabeth is up and about even if she requires assistance.”
Miss Bennet looks up at Darcy and says, “Mr. Darcy, I promise to ask Lizzy if she would like to come downstairs. I am pretty sure that Lizzy will want to be out of this room. Lizzy is not one for bad humor, and I know that she will want to spend time with you and your sister.”
Darcy nods and turns to leave and stops when Miss Bennet puts her hand on his arm. Darcy turns and quirks an eyebrow at Miss Bennet, who says, “Mr. Darcy, thank you for caring for Lizzy. She has never had someone outside our family care so much for her, and it makes me happy to see my sister happy again.” Darcy nods and leaves.
Darcy has just taken a seat for breakfast with Georgiana, Richard, and the rest of the Netherfield party when Miss Bennet sends word that Elizabeth feels well enough to join them—if someone would assist her downstairs. Richard stands, putting a hand on Darcy’s shoulder, and says, “I will go and help Miss Elizabeth. I will return in a few minutes.”
Richard returns a few minutes later, carefully carrying Elizabeth, who is wearing the new rose-colored shawl Georgiana gave her on behalf of Darcy last night in his arms. Darcy stands and pulls out a chair, and Richard places Elizabeth in the chair next to Darcy instead of the chair next to Georgiana. Darcy watches as Miss Bingley frowns at this arrangement. Darcy turns to Elizabeth and asks, “Miss Elizabeth, how are you this morning?”
Elizabeth turns to Darcy and replies, “I am doing better today, Mr. Darcy. My back is a little stiff and sore but much better.”
Elizabeth turns to Bingley. “Mr. Bingley, thank you for allowing Jane and I to stay with you. I am sorry to have been an unexpected guest in your home. You are very kind.”
Bingley grins at Elizabeth and says, “Miss Elizabeth, it was my pleasure to assist you. I am sorry that you were hurt, but I am glad that I could help.”
Darcy watches as Miss Bennet stands and fixes a plate for Elizabeth. Darcy watches as Elizabeth quietly thanks her sister for caring for her, and it is easy to see the love between these two sisters. Miss Bingley starts a monologue that leaves little room for anyone else to say anything. Once everyone has broken their fast, Darcy suggests, “Bingley, why do we not retire to the library?”
Bingley replies, “Capital idea, Darcy. Now it is my turn to carry Miss Elizabeth.”
Miss Bingley huffs at Bingley’s comment and strides from the room. Bingley carefully carries Elizabeth to the library and places her on a chaise lounge that Miss Bennet has covered with soft pillows for Elizabeth’s back. Once Elizabeth is situated, Miss Bennet places a small blanket over Elizabeth’s legs.
Elizabeth turns to Darcy and says, “I understand that I have you and your sister to thank for this lovely shawl. I have admired it for a while.”
Darcy offers Elizabeth a small smile and says, “Yes, I know. The shopkeeper told me you had admired it.”
Becoming serious, Elizabeth asks, “Mr. Darcy, would it be possible for you to write a letter for me? I would like to let my father know that I am doing better.”
Darcy offers Elizabeth a gentle smile. “Miss Elizabeth, I sent your father a note to come visit you when Richard was bringing you downstairs. Your father should be arriving shortly.” Darcy watches as Georgiana enters the room with Fitz. Darcy is fascinated with how quickly the puppy seems to have bonded with Elizabeth. Fitz comes right over to Elizabeth happy to see her, little tail wagging. Darcy leans down and picks up Fitz and places her in Elizabeth’s lap. Darcy sits in a chair next to Elizabeth’s chaise lounge and watches as Elizabeth get to know her puppy. Bingley, Miss Bennet, and Georgiana are talking across the room, and Darcy watches as Richard keeps Miss Bingley entertained. Darcy turns his attention back to Elizabeth when he hears her softly call his name.
“Mr. Darcy, thank you again for Fitz. I cannot believe you and Mr. Bingley went all the way to Scotland for her. Mr. Darcy, will you tell me why you picked this puppy? You mentioned yesterday that Fitz reminded you of me. What did you mean?”
Darcy gazes at Elizabeth as she gives him a sweet smile and says, “Miss Elizabeth, the physician I spoke with had suggested a companion for you. I did not want one of the normal society breeds for two reasons. One reason was I did not want people in town asking questions about why I suddenly wanted a puppy. The second reason is you are not like the ladies of society, so why would I give you a puppy that society approves of? When Bingley reminded me of the lodge that I have in Scotland, I wrote to my steward, and we drove there when we learned that there were two litters of puppies. Bingley decided to get himself a Newfoundland puppy, but as they are such a big dog, I did not think it would suit you. The next litter was the litter of border collies. I saw Fitz sitting off to one side, watching everyone play and no one was interacting with her at all. It reminded me of the night that I met you. Without even thinking about it, I knew I had to have her. I knew the Border Collie was perfect when my tenant told me that they love long walks and require a lot of exercise. Believe it or not, the hard part was convincing my tenant to sell Fitz to me. According to my tenant, Fitz is the runt of the litter, and my tenant expected her to die. I knew without a doubt that Fitz would bloom with you raising her. So this is the story of how you came to have Fitz.”
Elizabeth looks at Darcy with a look of wonderment on her face. “Mr. Darcy, I cannot find the words to convey my thanks for all the effort you have gone through to get me Fitz. I have never had someone do so much for me and without any thought to their own well-being. Allow me to thank you for your care.”
Darcy starts to say something, but just then, the butler announces Mr. Bennet.
Darcy watches as Richard, Georgiana, and the Bingleys leave the library so that Mr. Bennet can visit his daughters. Darcy rises to leave, and Mr. Bennet motions for Darcy to remain. Darcy watches Mr. Bennet
smile when Fitz starts licking Elizabeth’s face. Darcy observes as Mr. Bennet approaches Elizabeth and sees the sadness in Mr. Bennet’s face that his own wife has injured his daughters. Darcy notices that Mr. Bennet’s shoulders are slumped as if in defeat. Darcy rises and bows to Mr. Bennet and says, “Good morning, Mr. Bennet. How is your family this morning?”
Mr. Bennet sighs and replies, “Good morning, Mr. Darcy, Lizzy, Jane. We are doing well. I have sent an express to my brother, Gardiner, letting them know what has happened. I received word back this morning that they will be happy to assist me.” Mr. Bennet turns to Elizabeth and asks, “Lizzy, once your back is healed and you can travel, would you like to visit the Lake District with your aunt and uncle? Mr. Darcy has invited the Gardiners and their children to visit Pemberley with you—if you would like to try the physician’s suggestion of being away from home?”
Darcy watches as Elizabeth turns to him in surprise, and he notices that Elizabeth is watching him with a strange expression on her face. Darcy interjects saying, “Miss Elizabeth, your father is correct. I had made this offer as soon as my physician made it. We just did not plan to have you injured to try this idea out.”
Mr. Bennet, seeing the look on Elizabeth’s face, pats her hand and says, “Lizzy, I am not trying to be rid of you. I have spoken with all your sisters, and while they will miss you, they want you to be happy and to be better. I am seeking treatment for your mother, and I promise that your mother will not know where you are. Mr. Darcy and I have decided that any letters you would like to send will be sent to Mr. Bingley, who will bring them to me while he is visiting Jane.” Mr. Bennet chuckles as Jane blushes at her father’s comment.
Darcy watches as Elizabeth looks from her father and back to him. She blushes and says, “Mr. Darcy, as long as my family and I will not be in your way, I would like to try the physician’s suggestion. I thank you for thinking of me.”
Darcy turns to Mr. Bennet and says, “Mr. Bennet, depending on how quickly Miss Elizabeth’s back heals, I suggest we plan on leaving for Pemberley the end of next week.” Darcy watches Elizabeth bite her lip and glance at Miss Bennet. Darcy understands Elizabeth’s fear and asks, “Mr. Bennet, what are you going to do with your other daughters? Are you not concerned that Mrs. Bennet may cause them harm again?” Darcy glances at Elizabeth and sees her grateful small smile.
Mr. Bennet replies, “Jane, Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, I am sending my youngest daughters to stay with their Aunt Phillips in Meryton. I am keeping Jane and Mary at Longbourn as they are both able to keep Mrs. Bennet calm. Perhaps a quieter house may help Mrs. Bennet. Besides, I doubt Mr. Bingley would be pleased if Jane were not here to visit.” Mr. Bennet stands and walks over and kisses Jane on the cheek as she blushes from Mr. Bennet’s comment. Mr. Bennet then comes and kisses Lizzy on the head and pets the puppy. Darcy watches Mr. Bennet look from Elizabeth to Fitz to him. Finally, Mr. Bennet asks, “So, Lizzy, did you enjoy your gift from Mr. Darcy? Have you given the puppy a name yet?”
Everyone laughs at Elizabeth as she blushes, saying, “Yes, Papa. I did enjoy the gift you allowed Mr. Darcy to give me. I have given the puppy a name. I named her Fitz.”
Mr. Bennet wrinkles his brow and says, “You named a female puppy Fitz? Why would you do that? I thought you would pick a name from Shakespeare or something more dignified. Why did you name that cute little puppy Fitz?”
Elizabeth looks up at her father with fire in her eyes and says, “Papa, I am aware that I named a female puppy Fitz. I chose not to name her after any literary works as I wanted to name her after my hero and the man who gifted her to me.”
Mr. Bennet looks to Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, I understood your name to be Robert, or did I mishear?”
Darcy sighs and says, “Mr. Bennet, you must have missed hearing my first name. My full name is Fitzwilliam Robert Darcy. Miss Elizabeth named the puppy Fitz in my honor, and I have no problem with Miss Elizabeth naming the puppy after me if it brings her joy.” Darcy watches Mr. Bennet glance from Elizabeth and back to him, not saying anything.
Mr. Bennet turns and says, “Jane, Lizzy, I will return in a few days. Mr. Darcy, take care of my daughters for me. They are my most sensible daughters, and I miss them at home.” With that, Mr. Bennet departs Netherfield.
Chapter 9
The next week at Netherfield Park is busy for Darcy. Darcy has spent time finalizing the travel arrangements for the move to Pemberley. He is a little frustrated that he has not been able to spend much time with Elizabeth, but he has seen the friendship bloom between Georgiana, Elizabeth, and Miss Bennet. Darcy is reflecting on a conversation he had with Richard before he returned to London to request additional leave. Darcy and Richard were in Bingley’s study three days earlier when Richard suddenly says, “Darcy, as you know I am leaving shortly to go to the Home Office to request time off for a family matter so that I can join you at Pemberley. I know that you care for Miss Elizabeth very much, but I have to tell you that I have concerns about her. Are you sure that she is not playing you just to have access to Pemberley and assist her sisters in society?”
Darcy looks at Richard in shock and inquires, “Richard, where did this come from? I thought you agreed to support me. I know that Elizabeth is not who people would expect me to marry, but as I love her, I did not know you would doubt me or Elizabeth’s regard for me. I realize that Elizabeth is not yet equal in her affections for me as I am for her, but I know that Elizabeth has feelings for me. She has yet to discover them. Besides, the whole point of the move to Pemberley was to see if a country setting away from her mother would help improve Elizabeth’s life.”
Richard raises his hand and cries, “Peace, Darcy. I will say no more. If you say that Miss Elizabeth has some feelings for you, I will hold my tongue. I can see that she is happy to see you, but I also see that she is enjoying the expensive gift you brought her from Scotland and you wait on her as much as you can without drawing too much attention to yourself. I only ask that you watch the sisters. They may be mercenary like their vulgar mother appears to be.”
Darcy stands and replies, “Richard, I will ask to hold your silence. I believe I have spent more time with the Bennet sisters than you, and while some are a little loud and lively, they are not hurting anyone, and Georgie enjoys their company. I wish you a safe journey, Richard. Please try not to close your mind about Elizabeth—she has such love to give and has had to hide it all her life. It is not a surprise to me that you cannot see it. Give her a chance when you return to Netherfield. I will see you soon.”
Richard shakes Darcy’s hand and departs.
Later that afternoon, Darcy watches as Mr. Bennet and his daughters, Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia, come to say farewell to Elizabeth. Darcy watches from one side as the sisters are freely able to show their affection for one another. There is a great deal of laughter and teasing. Darcy waits until Elizabeth’s attention is on her sisters Kitty and Lydia, who are currently begging for presents from Derbyshire.
Darcy quietly walks over to Mr. Bennet, who is also watching the scene with a sad smile on his face. Mr. Bennet looks at Darcy and says, “Mr. Darcy, I cannot tell you how happy I am to see my Lizzy this carefree and joyful. It is like looking at the young girl that she once was before her life was changed. Her sisters have not been able to laugh and tease her like this in years. Thank you for bringing my Lizzy back to life—it is a joy to see.”
Darcy smiles at Mr. Bennet and says, “Mr. Bennet, it was my pleasure. Miss Elizabeth is an easy person to love. I realized just how much I loved your daughter when I returned to find her injured.” Darcy sighs and takes a deep breath and says, “Mr. Bennet, I would like to marry your daughter, Miss Elizabeth. I have not asked her if she will marry me. I do not believe she is yet ready for my attentions. I am hoping that time with me in Pemberley will both help her health, and perhaps she will discover whether or not she has feelings for me or not. I thought I would plan ahead in the event I was able to convince Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy bows to Mr. Bennet and returns to the corner to watch Elizabeth with her sisters.
Early the next morning, Darcy, Elizabeth, Richard, and Georgiana start their three-day journey to Pemberley. Elizabeth and Georgiana are sharing a bench with Darcy and Richard sharing the other. Fitz is tucked in a basket between Elizabeth and Georgiana. At first, the four tell different stories and jokes. Darcy presses Elizabeth to share more of what kind of trouble she would get into when she was younger. About an hour into the trip, Georgiana and Elizabeth fall asleep, leaving Darcy and Richard to observe them in silence. Silence reigns in the carriage for a while. Quietly Richards asks Darcy, “Darcy, are you sure you know what you are doing?”
Darcy glances at Elizabeth and Georgiana to make sure both are asleep and replies, “Richard, I know that Elizabeth has feelings for me—she just needs time to recognize them.”
Richard sighs, shaking his head, and says, “Darcy, I will support you, but to be honest with you, I do not see that Miss Elizabeth has any feelings for you. I think bringing her to Pemberley is just showing how much more you can give her. I will hold my tongue in her presence, but I will continue to watch out for you, Darcy.”
Darcy sighs, saying, “Richard, I wish I could make you understand, but I guess you will just need time to see Elizabeth does care for me.”
With that, the men fall into an uneasy silence until they reach the first changing station where the men get out to stretch their legs after assisting the ladies out of the carriage. After the brief break and the carriage is back underway, Georgiana looks at Darcy and says, “Brother, will you please switch seats with me? I need to speak with Richard.”