Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

11. Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Elizabeth struggled not to yawn as she walked down the stairs. Mrs. Nichols arrived early that morning to check on Elizabeth and her sister. Seeing how exhausted Elizabeth was, she urged her to leave the room and suggested she take a walk to refresh herself, demanding that she eat and drink something. Elizabeth hurried off to partake in a quick meal and a cup of coffee, so she could promptly return to her sister’s side.

The sight of Mr. Darcy sitting at the table, holding a teacup with steam wafting from it, took her by surprise. She did not know why, but she had supposed the Netherfield party would be abed at such an early hour. Her surprise made her hesitate in the doorway, though the smell of food and coffee made her stomach rumble. It had been a while since she had enjoyed the bread, cheese, and tea that were sent to her the evening before.

Upon seeing her, Mr. Darcy put his cup down and jumped to his feet. “Miss Elizabeth, please sit down and I shall fetch whatever you may wish to partake of.” Having said as much, he pulled a chair from the table for her in a gallant fashion which amused Elizabeth despite of how tired she was.

“Would you prefer coffee or tea, Miss Elizabeth?” asked Mr. Darcy as she sat down.

Sighing, Elizabeth rubbed at her forehead and replied, “I normally prefer tea, but this morning I feel I will need the coffee.”

Frowning momentarily, Mr. Darcy walked over to the sideboard and poured Elizabeth a cup of coffee, inquiring, “Would you prefer cream and sugar?”

Smiling at his thoughtfulness, Elizabeth answered, “Yes, thank you.”

There was a steaming cup of coffee in front of Elizabeth in short order and she happily took a sip. With both hands wrapped around the cup, she smiled, relishing the way the cream and sugar had tamed the coffee’s bitterness. She knew it was not the most ladylike way to hold her cup, but she was too tired to care.

Putting a plate of various breakfast items before her, Mr. Darcy sat back down. After taking a sip from his own cup, he asked, “How is your sister, Miss Elizabeth?”

Elizabeth put down her coffee and studied the pastry, ham, and eggs on the plate before her. Then sighing, she looked at Mr. Darcy’s concerned face before remarking, “Not well, Mr. Darcy. As the night progressed, her fever became worse. I spent most of the night replacing the cool clothes on her forehead to bring the fever down. Just as she was resting more peacefully, Mrs. Nichols barged into the room and promptly sent me away, claiming that I needed to eat something to keep my strength up.”

Looking down at her plate with a sigh, Elizabeth broke off a piece of the pastry and popped it into her mouth. The flaky goodness that filled her mouth was quite surprising. Something about the subtle flavors was familiar, and she wondered idly if the cooks at Longbourn and Netherfield shared recipes. The flavor on her tongue was so familiar that it brought tears to Elizabeth’s eyes, forcing her to take slow, steady breaths to regain her composure. She had a sense that her overwhelmed state resulted from her exhaustion. She was just so tired.

Mr. Darcy’s soft voice drew Elizabeth’s attention when he said, “At the risk of cultivating your ire, I believe Mrs. Nichols is correct. Though I applaud your sisterly love, you must care for yourself, Miss Elizabeth. You cannot care for her if you fall sick yourself or collapse from exhaustion.”

Taking another fortifying sip of her coffee, Elizabeth nodded before saying, “While I understand that on an intellectual level, it is hard to follow through when I see my beloved sister so ill.”

Elizabeth watched as Mr. Darcy nodded. It struck her that he had his sister’s eyes. Not only were they the same blue, but they were just as expressive and compassionate when he was not shielding himself from the world. She wondered if that was the reason he had lashed out. Did someone hurt him before, causing him to want to protect his soft heart from pain?

Clearing his throat, he said, “I understand your struggle. Two years ago, Georgianna was afflicted with scarlet fever, and I was beside myself with worry.”

Elizabeth gasped. She had known of several tenants in the area who had died of scarlet fever when she was a child. He would have done everything he could to aid Georgianna, as she was all he had of his immediate family. “I can well imagine how hard that would have been for you, considering she was all that remained of your family. Georgianna has said that even though you were not always as close as you are now, there has always been love and affection between you.” Pressing her hand to her trembling heart, Elizabeth murmured, “Thank God that Jane does not have such an illness.”

They both sat in silence while Elizabeth nibbled on her meal and Mr. Darcy continued drinking his own coffee. Eventually, he said, “There was talk of an apothecary being summoned?”

“Yes, they requested Mr. Jones’s attendance on Jane, but Mrs. Nichols let me know he said he could not come until sometime today. Apparently, he was dealing with some sort of carriage accident outside of town that left several individuals badly injured.” Rubbing at her forehead once again, Elizabeth explained, “It is Jane who is truly skilled at caring for the ill, not me. Despite that, I brought what I could from the Longbourn stillroom to care for her. I will be glad when Mr. Jones arrives to provide some direction.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, and Elizabeth took another sip of her coffee, feeling a renewed sense of energy coursing through her. Hopefully, the coffee would help to combat the headache that was taking hold. She studied Mr. Darcy. From his hesitant expression, she wondered if there was something he wanted to say. If he was as shy as Georgianna had been, he might find conversation difficult, so she said, “It surprised me to see anyone else awake. Are you an early riser, Mr. Darcy?”

With a smile, Mr. Darcy answered, “I am a country gentleman at heart. I have never adapted to town hours, and I am usually up with the sun. Yesterday, when you arrived and I was eating with the others, was an aberration. Bingley and I had ridden out to check on one of the fields after the storm worried about flooding and had only returned to break our fasts shortly before you arrived.”

Elizabeth found that she quite liked Mr. Darcy’s smile. His even, white teeth stood out amongst his slightly tanned skin and Elizabeth wondered if he often inspected the fields about his estate while visiting tenants. It would make sense, as the Darcys must have a rather large and prosperous estate. Hoping to maintain the flow of conversation, Elizabeth interjected, “We have that in common then. I often walk a considerable distance, returning home before my family even stirs from their beds. It really is the best way to commandeer some peace in a household of women.”

Chuckling, Mr. Darcy said, “While I find I have difficulty imagining living in a household of women, I easily relate to taking solace in nature. Though I prefer riding to walking.” Elizabeth watched as Mr. Darcy’s smile seemed to fade; then, hesitating, he added, “I know that this might not be the best moment, but while I have the opportunity, I want to express my deep feelings of regret and apologize for what I said at the assembly.”

Tilting her head, Elizabeth took in his bent posture and down-turned mouth. He appeared truly apologetic for his choice of words at the assembly, so it was easy for her to say, “Although there was no offense taken, Mr. Darcy, I appreciate your apology and accept it. You may put the incident out of your mind. Though I will reserve the right to remind you if I see you misspeak again.”

Although Elizabeth’s initial inclination to forgive him was based on her friendship with Georgianna, the more she discovered about him, even if it was only a glimpse, the more she desired to unravel his mysteries. After all, for all that he had been cold at the assembly, he had been nothing but solicitous this morning. Elizabeth, who was accustomed to taking care of everyone, found herself captivated by Mr. Darcy’s attention to her needs. It was unusual for Elizabeth to be cared for, but she couldn’t deny the pleasant feeling it brought her.

Darcy felt his brow wrinkle as he watched Miss Elizabeth leave the room. She had not taken a very long respite from caring for her sister and was quick to return to Miss Bennet’s side. He had rarely met someone so selfless in society. Regardless of the relationship, many people he knew would have passed on the responsibility of caring for the ill individual to the servants.

It was no wonder Georgianna had so many good things to say about her friend. She was certainly unlike any ladies of the ton that were constantly being paraded before him, which only made his comments at the assembly worse. Yet she had willingly forgiven him without hesitation. He lacked knowledge of Miss Elizabeth, which prompted him to feel the need for further study.

For some time, he had dismissed Georgianna’s comments about her friend Lizzie as mere exaggeration. After all, she had gone most of her life without a close friend. Of course she would think well of the girl. No gentleman’s daughter would truly study tomes in the original Latin or truly dislike shopping for fripperies. But after meeting Miss Elizabeth, he realized she was all his sister claimed her to be.

Pushing back from the table, Darcy went to Bingley’s study. Hopefully his friend was up, and they could talk. If not, he could hide from Miss Bingley for as long as he was able. Entering with the slightest of knocks, Darcy was happy to find Bingley at the desk, reading from a stack of papers.

Bingley put the stack of papers down only to pick up his coffee and take a sip. Thus fortified, he said, “Good morning, Darcy. I’ve followed your recommendation and now, by waking with the sun, I’m accomplishing so much more.” Taking another sip of coffee, he added, “It certainly helps that I can work while my sister is still abed and less likely to barge in and waylay me.”

“Yes, I had a feeling you would accomplish more whilst your sister was incapable of disturbing you,” Darcy replied with a laugh as he sat down in one of the armchairs facing the desk. “Actually, speaking of Miss Bingley, I was curious to hear of how things lay between you at the moment. We did not get a chance to discuss matters yesterday.”

Bingley set down his coffee cup and ran his hand through his hair, turning it in to a riot of curls that would probably give his valet fits. Frowning, Bingley said, “I am at my wit’s end with Caroline. It seems that when Miss Bennet arrived soaked from the rain, the only consideration she gave her was to allow her to sit closer to the fire. She did not offer to allow her to dry herself or offer a change of clothes. It is no wonder that Miss Bennet fell ill. I know I am new to running an estate, but that cannot be the way you see things run.”

Darcy could not hide his disgust. “That she looks down on the gentry of Meryton—who have been the stewards of these lands for centuries—while she is the daughter of a tradesman is utterly abhorrent. I do not think your sister truly understands what it means to be genteel or even a proper hostess. Regardless of rank or position in life, we should always see to the comfort of guests and offer them every courtesy.”

Slouching in his chair, Bingley groaned, “I do not think anything I said had any effect on her. What is worse is I made Louisa my hostess, but she cedes to Caroline in all things. I am tempted to send them back to London and try to manage on my own, but you know how social I am. I had wanted to hold dinners and the like.”

“You know that if your sisters were to have the local families over, they would spend the whole time sneering at them,” Darcy cautioned. “It would do you no favors, frankly you would do better sending them back to town.”

“Would you believe she did not see it as her responsibility to see to Miss Bennet’s care?” Bingley said with a huff. “I found out that it was only Mrs. Nichols’s oversight that a room and maid had been assigned to her. When Mr. Jones could not come yesterday, Caroline wanted to send Miss Bennet home despite her fever. Miss Bennet, from what I know of her, is kindness personified. She does not deserve such spite.”

“Neither does Miss Elizabeth,” added Darcy.

Taking a gulp of his coffee, Bingley stared at the empty cup before saying, “I am only glad that Miss Elizabeth took a tray in her room last night and was not present to hear my sisters talk about her.”

“You will have to do something about your sister. Her arrogant behavior and judgmental nature will alienate the kindhearted people of Meryton. She will make it nearly impossible for you to settle in as a new landowner. If she was not your sister, I would have cut her long ago.” Rubbing at his forehead, Darcy thought about how his friendship with Bingley had prevented him from treating Miss Bingley as she deserved to be treated. While meanwhile he had been treating who knew how many young ladies with undeserved derision.

Getting up, Bingley poured himself more coffee from the waiting carafe. Looking at Darcy, he said, “Yes, and I appreciate your forbearance, though maybe it is time to treat her differently. Asking her to behave as I wish to has done nothing. Frankly, I wish I could send her back to the schoolroom with a strict governess.”

With a contented sigh, Georgianna sank into the chair by the crackling fireplace in her room, wrapping a snug shawl around her shoulders for added warmth. Despite the damp and rainy day, Georgianna was quite excited. She had received a letter from Lizzie, and she could not wait to read it.

Having received the letter shortly before her lesson with Master Rossini, she had already had to wait long enough. She marveled at how she maintained her focus on the smooth black and white keys, despite her eager anticipation. As much as she would have liked to be in Meryton with her brother and Lizzie, Master Rossini had been a tremendous boon to her playing. He had been amazing at helping her imbue the music with more feeling. That afternoon, Master Rossini had even commended her on the improvement that she had shown.

Georgianna broke open the seal with a sigh. She had only recently received William’s very apologetic letter and hoped to learn of his apology to Lizzie in her letter. At least he had better have apologized. If he had not yet apologized, then she would find a way to go confront him.

Netherfield, Meryton

Dear Georgianna,

Yes, you have read the address correctly. I am currently residing at Netherfield. I know you must be full of curiosity regarding my stay here with the charming Miss Bingley. Do not worry; I will tell you how this came about, but first it will take me going back a bit.

Three days ago, Miss Bingley invited my older sister Jane to tea at Netherfield while also informing her that the gentlemen would be out. I suspect that Miss Bingley only invited her in order to gain information with which to disparage my family. My sister Jane would never suspect such underhanded motives, though I warned her to keep her guard up.

The problem arose when my mother realized that it looked like rain. She demanded that Jane ride on horseback and refused her the use of the carriage. My father thought his wife’s antics comical and supported her, getting a good laugh in the process. While I would have refused to go in such a situation, Jane is very obedient and went on horseback as directed.

So my poor Jane arrived at Netherfield wet through, having made her way to Netherfield in a thunderstorm. The storm prevented her from returning home that evening and by morning; she was quite ill. Sadly, my mother was quite happy to receive the news that Jane was ill because she felt this would give her the opportunity to capture either your brother or Mr. Bingley. I have journeyed to Netherfield to help look after Jane, as I do not trust Miss Bingley to lift a finger for her care.

By now you must be wondering at my mother’s attitude. It would take pages to fully explain my mother, but I can sum it up by saying that my mother is the very worst sort of matchmaking mother. If I am being honest, though, it is not entirely her fault. She is of mean understanding and instead of helping her understand, my father enjoys mocking her and watching her fail.

Have I told you that our home is entailed away from the female line? As it stands, a cousin, several times removed, named Mr. Collins will inherit when my father dies. He is some twelve years older than my mother and she worries incessantly that this cousin will throw us from the house the moment he comes to take Longbourn on my father’s death. Because my parents have never attempted to save money for such a predicament, my mother’s fears are entirely justified. However, you and I both know that dressing my sisters in expensive lace and throwing them at anyone in pants won’t solve the problem. Every time I attempt to explain the flaws in her strategy to save us, she turns a deaf ear and dismisses my concerns.

I really must end my letter now. Jane looks to be rousing, and I must get her to drink as much as I can while she is awake. I will try to write to you again soon.

Your friend,

Lizzie

Georgianna looked over her letter from Lizzie a second time with a frown. Though she would never wish illness or Miss Bingley on anyone, Georgianna was happy that somehow Lizzie had ended up at Netherfield. Wanting her brother and Lizzie to develop a friendship, she saw the importance of having them in proximity to each other. She hoped that despite Jane’s illness, they might speak occasionally. Although Lizzie had not mentioned an apology, her preoccupation with caring for her ill sister was clearly visible.

While she felt a certain amount of happiness knowing that Lizzie would be closer to her brother, learning about Lizzie’s mother took her by surprise. Georgianna had always known that she was privileged, but it had never truly occurred to her just how much so. It was outrageous that Lizzie’s mother had sent her daughter into inclement weather, hoping it would help her catch a husband. But then again, the woman seemed to be terrified of the genuine possibility of being made homeless, along with all of her daughters.

The blatant favoritism towards men was never more evident to her than in that moment. The sheer audacity of an unfamiliar man asserting his dominance and displacing women who had resided in a home their entire lives, all because of his gender and personal desires, was nothing short of disgraceful. Yet it was apparently the law of the land. Mrs. Annesley was right—life wasn’t fair.