Lizzy1, Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction
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Lizzy's Choice
Chapter 1.
Fitzwilliam Darcy had been taking his morning walk through Netherfield’s delightful groves when he thought he heard a fierce argument.
“I told you, this has to stop! Please!”
It was Elizabeth! She was… sobbing!
“What, you don’t love me any longer, my dear?”
Wickham. The bastard! What had he done to that lady!
He stepped around the bend and was shocked at the scene before him. Wickham had just finished striking the lady and was in the process of gathering up her skirts as she sobbed against a tree.
“UNHAND THAT LADY, WICKHAM!”
“Darcy!” Was the shocked reply as he stepped away from Elizabeth, who sank to the ground, still sobbing.
“What have you done?” Darcy hissed. And without further pleasantries, proceeded to pound Wickham to a bloody pulp.
****
After assuring himself that Wickham would remain unconscious for some time, Darcy walked over to Elizabeth and knelt down on the ground beside her. “Miss Bennet. Please, let me assist you back to the house. You cannot remain here.”
She pulled away. “I thank you Mr. Darcy. But how can I return in such a state? It will cause a scandal!” she broke down and sobbed.
“Will you tell me how he has imposed upon you? Please. Let me be of some service!”
“Oh, I know you have always held me in contempt, but what must you think of me now? You must despise me!”
Darcy was shocked. “Despise you? Oh no. Eliz… Miss Bennet. From nearly the moment of our first acquaintance I have greatly admired you.”
Now it was Lizzy’s turn to be shocked. “Admired me? Mr. Darcy. You cannot know what you are saying! What does someone like you…”
“Someone like me?” Wickham! “Please Miss Bennet. Won’t you tell me what has happened?”
“Mr. Darcy. Mr. Wickham has told me about your dealings with him.”
“My…? Miss Bennet. After what he has done to you, will you believe his falsehoods still?”
“I...” she stuttered.
“Miss Bennet. Mr. Wickham, as you must be aware, is not an honorable man! I cannot truly be of service to you unless you trust me to tell me all that has happened between you. You may be assured of my discretion. I would not like to see you or your family disgraced!”
She looked up into his eyes. There was such depth of feeling there, such honesty. But could she trust him? She sighed and mustered her courage. “I suppose I must begin by telling the tale he related about you and your sister. As that is what so softened me towards him.
“He…” she began, “he told me that you had grown up together as the best of friends. That your father had supported him at school and at Cambridge and had meant him for the church. He said, that when he returned to Pemberley, he fell in love with your sister… and that you grew so incensed when he applied to you for her hand that you threw him out, refused to honor your father’s will and promptly engaged your sister to a wealthy earl.” There, it is said.
“Engaged! To an earl!” He sputtered. “Why, Georgiana is just sixteen last month! She is not even out yet, let alone engaged!” He took a deep breath to calm himself. “I am sorry, Miss Bennet. Let me relate to you the truth of the tale.” At this, he related the tale of his dealings with Wickham.
“Mr. Darcy!” She breathed.
“If you wish, Miss Bennet, you may corroborate these details with my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who will be joining us at Netherfield in a fortnight.”
“I thank you for sharing this story with me, Mr. Darcy. You may be assured of my secrecy.”
“Now, Miss Bennet. Please. What has happened between you and Mr. Wickham?”
“It is so mortifying…” she began, but a wave of nausea hit and she turned from him to relieve her stomach of its miniscule contents.
“You are unwell!” he exclaimed, handing her his handkerchief. We must get you back to the house.
“No sir. I am not unwell,” she replied. “Truly, I am well, but perhaps I should be returning to Jane.”
With that, Darcy offered her his arm. She took it with a look of gratitude in her eyes. They began their walk back to the house in silence when Lizzy felt a pain like a knife rip through her abdomen and she fainted into Darcy’s arms.
*****
She was sitting out the dance at the Meryton assembly, as there were too few partners to go around. She didn’t mind all that much…it gave her time to watch the others dance and to observe any new attachments in the making. Sitting out never bothered her as, she knew that she could dance all of the dances, if she felt so inclined. She knew that now that Mr. Bingley was so obviously captivated by her sister, her mother’s marriage-mindedness would now turn towards her, the second-best.
She had never minded being her mother’s least favorite. Her father adored her and she him, And with Jane as her best friend and closest confidante she could care less what her mother thought…most of the time. She had always assumed that she and Jane would marry near the same time. They did everything together. They had always talked of how they would meet their fiancées at the same time and marry together in a double ceremony. Of course, Elizabeth knew that such an event was unlikely, but it was a fantasy that she had held fast. Now it appeared as though Jane had met her intended on this evening. Yet there was no one in sight for her. His friend was very handsome, but did not seem to be interested in engaging any of the present company for so much as a glass of punch! No, Jane would marry and leave her. That much was certain.
She was roused from her reverie by the voice of Jane’s partner.
``Come, Darcy,'' said he, ``I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance.''
``I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with.''
``I would not be so fastidious as you are,'' cried Bingley, ``for a kingdom! Upon my honor I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life, as I have this evening; and there are several of them, you see, who are uncommonly pretty.''
``You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room,'' said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet.
``Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.''
``Which do you mean?'' and turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, ``She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.''
Elizabeth felt a sudden drop in her stomach. Well, it was true that she would certainly not be an eligible match for such a man… but did he have to be so obvious about it? ‘Silly Lizzy,’ she said to herself. ‘What do you care about Mr. Darcy’s opinions? It is really quite ridiculous! You have always been handsome enough to attract whomever you wish. If Mr. Darcy does not wish to be attracted, why should you care? In fact, it is really quite amusing! This certainly needs to be shared!’ And with that, she made her way over to Charlotte Lucas.
That evening, she and Jane retired after a thorough rehashing of the assembly. She looked over at her sleeping sister. Jane was, no doubt, dreaming of her new suitor. It had become obvious as the night wore on that she entranced him. Lizzy could not sleep. Mr. Darcy’s comments kept repeating in her head.
What will become of me when Jane leaves me? Mama will surely push me into the arms of some odious toad just to get me gone. No. If I am to marry where I wish, I shall have to make an effort to get to know the marriageable men better. I have always dismissed them, but perhaps one of them possesses a depth that had heretofore been hidden. Yes, it is decided. Tomorrow I shall look on the world with new eyes.
*****
“Lizzy?” A voice called her from her slumber. She felt a warm hand gripping her own. Her eyes fluttered open. It was Jane.
“Jane… where am I? What happened?”
“Oh Lizzy! Thank God you are awake! You are at Netherfield! You fainted three days ago, and have been in a terrible state since. I was so afraid.”
“But you, Jane. Are you well?”
“I am much better, Lizzy. Mr. Bingley sent for his personal physician in London to come and see me! It wasn’t really necessary, but it was very fortunate that he was here when you fell ill. Oh Lizzy! I was so afraid we would lose you! None of us has gotten any sleep for the past three days!” Mr. Darcy has just gone to his chambers for some rest at the insistence of Mr. Bingley.”
“Mr. Darcy? What has he to do with this?” She suddenly remembered the conversation, the pain and the blackness. “Oh.”
“Lizzy, Mr. Darcy has barely left your side since you fell ill! He left only when the doctor was attending you and insisted that only women be present. I was still too ill that first day to be there, but Mrs. Post the housekeeper as well as your chambermaid, Sarah were in attendance. He has been so worried, Lizzy. I think he must be in love with you!”
“I can’t imagine why, Jane. Not after all I have done!”
Obviously quite ignorant as to her sister’s deeds, Jane replied “What have you done that is so very wrong, dearest? I will admit that you have not been entirely civil in your dealings with Mr. Darcy, but you are witty, beautiful and supremely intelligent. I would be more surprised if he did not fall in love with you!”
“Jane, I…” Elizabeth wanted to confess to her sister all that had occurred, but at that moment, the door opened admitting an unfamiliar man and her chambermaid.
“Ah, Miss Bennet, you are awake,” he said.
“Lizzy, this is Mr. Baines- Mr. Bingley’s personal physician from London.”
“I understand I have you to thank for my health, sir. I thank you,” said Elizabeth, smiling weakly.
“Miss Elizabeth. May I ask you some questions?” He asked.
“Of course.”
“Miss Bennet, Mr. Bingley has asked if you would join him in the drawing room.”
“Thank you sir,” replied Jane as she made her exit.
“Miss Bennet,” Dr. Baines began. “I would like to know… how much regarding your condition you were aware of before you fell ill?”
Chapter 2
“Mr. Baines… I… thought… that is, I was quite certain… that I must be with child… but then a few days ago… and I hoped I might be wrong…”
“Miss Bennet. Please. Do not feel embarrassed. You were aware, then, that you were with child. But what happened a few days ago to make you question that?”
“I… well, I had noticed some blood. I had read that the absence of monthlies was a primary indication of being with child and I had missed two. But when I noticed the light bleeding, I had hoped that I was mistaken.” Lizzy felt hot and cold at giving this explanation to the doctor, but was too weak to do anything other than smile wanly.
“Miss Bennet, I must inform you that you miscarried three days ago. You lost a lot of blood and it was rough going there for a little while, but you are young and strong and should pull through in no time.”
“Oh…” was all she could bring herself to whisper as the tears started streaming down her cheeks.
“There there, miss,” Sarah walked over to her temporary mistress and held her hand. “All will be well, truly. I am sure your fiancé will not think you the poorer for it.”
“My…” Elizabeth sobbed. How could she tell anyone? No. Now I will never marry. This is certain. I will come to Jane when she is married and teach her children. Who better to entrust their education to than the clever ‘maiden’ aunt.
“Miss Bennet,” It was Mr. Baines. “This is a sleeping draught. I would like you to drink it so that you can sleep for a few more hours. Rest is the best medicine for you right now. When you awaken, fresh meat broth will be brought up for you from the kitchen. I expect you to drink every last drop. Now, drink and get some sleep.” He handed her a cup and gave her a sympathetic smile. She tried to smile back and drank it down quickly with a grimace. It tasted vile. “Now, get your rest young lady. I will check on you in the morning.”
Elizabeth nodded as the Doctor and Sarah left the room, closing the door behind them. Her eyes were getting very heavy and she decided that it couldn’t hurt to close them… just for a minute.
*****
Darcy was pacing about the rose garden. He didn’t know what to do. He had some idea of what Elizabeth’s ‘illness’ might be. He noticed the blood on her hem when he carried her into the house, and he knew of the ways of the world. That damned bastard, Wickham! Let’s see how much he likes Portugal! And Elizabeth, what was he to do? He admired her greatly, definitely felt an attraction for her, but she was so far out of his social circle… her situation tore at his heart. There but for the grace of God, could have been Georgiana. Was she seduced in the same way? No, it couldn’t be, she was fighting him off when I found them! If he had imposed himself on her forcefully, Portugal is too generous for the bastard! He should be drawn and quartered! There are some people for whom modern ‘punishment’ is too lenient!
This incident, if it ever got out, would destroy her marriage prospects. Perhaps they were destroyed already. Who knew about this liaison? A thought began to form in his head, but he swiftly pushed it away. No! She was a LADY. How can you think of her in that way now? After all she has been through? It is your own fault that this even happened! Perhaps he could offer her his friendship and eventually, if his attraction continued to grow, they could reach an agreement… No, no, no! Stop thinking like that! What are you? A barbarian? Get a grip on yourself, man! I must find out what transpired between Miss Bennet and Wickham. Will she trust me enough to tell me? I certainly have not given her great reason to… but perhaps now that she knows of my family’s past with that monster, she will.
What could he do? He would offer her his friendship. There was certainly some kind of affinity between them. Now that Wickham was gone, he could bring Georgiana to Netherfield. They would certainly become friends… Mrs. Annesley had been wishing to spend more time with her own daughter, now that she was going to have a child. Perhaps he could offer Elizabeth the position as Georgiana’s companion thus securing her livelihood, if necessary. Yes, it was the least he could do since she owed her present distress entirely to him.
He strode into the house, practically running down Charles in the main entrance hall.
“Darcy, man! Where are you off to in such a manner.”
“I must speak with Miss Bennet.”
“Jane has just gone to get some rest as Miss Lizzy is sleeping soundly.”
Darcy sighed. “Not that Miss Bennet, Bingley! Miss Elizabeth.”
“Darcy, she is sleeping. Can it not wait?”
“No. Yes. I suppose it can.” He began to pace nervously. “Is anyone sitting with her at the moment?”
“I believe Sarah is there.”
“Well, perhaps I can be of service.” He turned and bounded up the stairs. Bingley shook his head. What has gotten into him? Then smiled. Of course…
Darcy retrieved a book from his chamber and walked, somewhat hesitantly to the door of Elizabeth’s sitting room. He knocked and was greeted at the door by Sarah.
“Yes, sir? Is there something you need?”
“No. Yes. Thank you, uhm, Sarah?” She nodded. “I thought I would sit and read to Miss Bennet, if you don’t mind. My sister enjoys being read to when she is ill.” He noticed Elizabeth cozily ensconced on the day bed.
“I am sure the young miss would like that sir, but she is asleep.”
“Yes. I know. But you would be surprised what people hear in their sleep. Or so my sister tells me.”
“Then, by all means, sir.” She showed him to the seat by the bed and took her own seat closer to the window where she picked up her mending and smiled to herself.
*****
…A Well of love- it may be deep
I trust it is, and never dry:
What matter? If the Waters sleep
In silence and obscurity* …
A warm voice penetrated the haze of her dreamless sleep. She smiled, letting it wash over her. There was something imminently soothing in that voice. Her mind was still hazy from the sleeping draught, but that voice called to her. She slowly opened her eyes.
“Good morning, Miss Bennet.”
“Mr. Darcy!” She exclaimed.
“I thought you might be waking soon, so I sent for your broth. Jane was with you all night. She has just now retired for a bit of rest. I promised to have her woken if there should be a problem.”
She eyed the small volume of poetry in his hand.
He grinned sheepishly. “My sister likes it when I read to her when she is ill and I noticed you reading this that first night in the library... so I thought you might enjoy it. I hope I am not intruding?”
“No, indeed Mr. Darcy.” She smiled. “There is something very comforting in having a friendly voice wake you.”
“Miss Bennet,” he began. “I know we have not gotten off to the best start, but I would like to offer myself as a friend to you… I know you have been through much these past few days, and no doubt, this will not be an easy time for you. I just want to assure you that you can count on my friendship and discretion.”
Elizabeth blushed to the roots of her hair. Her head was clearing and she realized how much more of her situation Mr. Darcy knew than anyone else. Even Dr. Baines. “I thank you, sir. I would like that.”
Sarah walked through the open door with a tray of soup, bread and tea. “Miss. The doctor says you must drink the broth and to eat the bread only if you can.”
Darcy quickly rose and took the tray from Sarah. “Thank you, Sarah. I will help Miss Bennet eat. Would you give us a few minutes, please?”
Sarah looked sternly at Mr. Darcy and then questioningly at Elizabeth. “I will be quite safe, I assure you, Sarah.” Elizabeth grinned. As she started to sit up, Sarah rushed over and helped prop up her mistress. “I am feeling much better and I would like to speak with Mr. Darcy. Give us a quarter of an hour. I will ring if anything requires your attention.”
“Very well, miss.” Sarah replied. She passed a warning glance to Mr. Darcy and quickly exited the room.
“She is very protective of you.” Mr. Darcy observed.
“So it would seem,” she replied with a smile. “After all, she is one of the few people in this world who knows the truth of my current condition.”
“Yes, you are fortunate that she is so loyal. Another servant, no doubt, would have spread the news all over Meryton by now.”
“And for that, I shall be eternally grateful… Mr. Darcy, I believe I should count you as one of the people who knows the particulars of my illness.” It was more of a question than a statement of fact.
“Miss Bennet, I… I believe, that is… I… I believe myself to be aware of your condition. But I have not been in the confidence of the physician, if that is your concern.”
“No, Mr. Darcy. As you have entrusted me with the knowledge of how Mr. Wickham has imposed himself on your family. I would like to entrust you with my secret. However, I worry that you may no longer wish to extend your friendship when you know the truth of it.”
“Miss Bennet. There is nothing you could say that would cause me to withdraw my offer of friendship. My loyalty, once given, is almost impossible to shake.”
Elizabeth took another sip of her broth, set it on the tray and took a deep breath. “Mr. Darcy. My illness is not really an illness, per se. Three days ago I miscarried George Wickham’s child.” She blushed and looked down at her hands.
Darcy’s eyes opened wide. He had suspected as much, but to hear the words from Elizabeth’s mouth hit him like a blow to the stomach. “I see…”
“Mr. Darcy, if you wish…”
“No, Miss Bennet. I have told you that you have my friendship and my loyalty, and you do have it. I have a question for you, that I hope you will not find too uncomfortable… and it is my sincere wish that you will not hate me for the actions I have taken.”
Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears, but she fought to hold them back. “Mr. Darcy, for your friendship I will be eternally grateful. There are few who would wish to know me if they were aware of my situation. It is a relief to know that there is one person in this world with whom I need not keep this secret.” A tear escaped. Then a sob. Mr. Darcy rose and took the seat near the head of the bed, offering her his handkerchief.
“Surely, Miss Bennet, things will turn around for you! You will meet a good young man and marry, will you not? You can, then, put this all behind you.”
“No, Mr. Darcy. I will not.” He looked at her in surprise. “I will never marry. How could I marry when I don’t know if I can ever let another man touch me, let alone allow him into my bed and bear him children?” She blushed beet red at the candor of her statement and found great fascination in twisting the handkerchief she was holding fast to.
“Forgive me for asking this, Miss Bennet. But you would not wish to marry Mr. Wickham then, after all of this?”
“No!” It was nearly a shout. “I am sorry,” she took a deep breath. “Mr. Darcy, that man is a scoundrel of the worst sort. I wish I had seen it earlier. I would never have allowed him to court me and my life would not have been ruined!” The tears started anew.
Darcy took a deep breath. “I am glad to hear you say this, Miss Bennet. I… I am a man of not inconsequential influence, even given my relative youth… I have..uh… arranged for Mr. Wickham to be reassigned to the regulars. As we speak, he is on a boat for Portugal.
“I am most relieved to know that I never need encounter him again. How can I ever thank you, Mr. Darcy?”
“There is no need,” it was his turn to blush. “I should have done this after the incident with Georgiana. It is my own fault that you are in this predicament, and it is the least I can do to ensure that no other ladies find themselves in such a way.”
“It is not your fault, Mr. Darcy. The fault lies entirely with Mr. Wickham.” She felt that this half-truth would placate him somewhat. She knew in her heart that some of the blame lay in herself. No matter how hard she tried, she could not stop chastising herself that if she had not allowed even the slightest liberties, he would never have pushed her for more.
For his part Darcy would outwardly agree with her, if only to ease her mind, but he knew in his heart of hearts that this lovely, bright jewel would never be the same and that it was entirely his fault.
Elizabeth sighed. “At least, I have the happiness of knowing that my illness has done its part to ensure Jane’s future.”
“Oh?” Replied Mr. Darcy.
“Surely you can see it. Mr. Darcy! Jane is in a fair way to falling madly in love with your friend and, if I am not mistaken, he is more than smitten with her.”
“Yes, you are right about Bingley… but are you sure of the feelings of your sister? I am sure I did not see any indications of particular regard on her part.”
“Oh… Well, Jane is rather reserved when it comes to matters of the heart, Mr. Darcy. Given my mother and younger sisters, you cannot be surprised, surely?”
Darcy chuckled. “Yes, I see your point. Your mother did pay a visit while you were unconscious.”
“Oh dear,” replied Elizabeth. “I can just hear the conversation now:
‘Oh Jane! How fortunate for this illness of Lizzy’s! It will allow you the opportunity to get better acquainted with Mr. Bingley!’
‘Mama! Lizzy is very ill! She has been unconscious for nearly two days!’
‘Oh pish-tosh! Lizzy is as hearty a girl as I ever saw. She will recover in no time. Don’t fret over her. I am sure the maids can do the job of nursing her well enough! You use your time to better your friendship with Bingley!’”
Darcy laughed outright. “Yes, you are very close, I am sure… Then you are convinced of her regard for him?”
“I am.”
“Then I am glad.”
“As am I. I cannot imagine a more suitable pairing. Once Jane is settled, I will have to make my way. I would hope to become a governess of a sort to her children, but I cannot bear to be my mother’s next sacrifice upon the altar of marriage, so I may have to find my own way before that, I am afraid.”
“Make your own way? Surely your family would not cast you out!”
“No, they wouldn’t… considering they do not know of my predicament. However, my mother is marriage-mad and I do not wish to marry. I have no desire to live on my family’s charity, and as I have no fortune of my own, I am resolved to make my own way in the world. It is the only way I will be able to face myself each morning.”
Darcy felt awkward. How could he approach the subject of her livelihood without sounding patronizing? “Miss Bennet… I hope you will not think me out of line for bringing this up, but I have been contemplating your situation. Since you are resolved not to marry and, no matter how you protest, I feel that a portion of the blame of your situation lies at my feet… Well, uhm. Mrs. Annesley, my sister, Georgiana’s companion. Uh, her daughter recently married quite well and has offered her mother a place in her household. Now Mrs. Annesley is very fond of Georgiana, but family is family… What I am trying to say, very inarticulately, is that I would like to invite Georgiana to Netherfield. I am sure you two would become fast friends, and once uh Bingley and your sister have, uh, settled… you could repair with us to Pemberley as Georgiana’s companion.”
Elizabeth’s deep brown eyes grew very large. “Mr. Darcy, that is a very kind offer… but are you sure? Would you want me to have influence over your sister? Would it be appropriate, sir?”
“As you, myself, Sarah, the good Doctor and the housekeeper are the only people aware of your condition in life… and, I’d like to add, they have been given great incentives to keep it that way. I am sure. Georgiana is very shy and could use a friend nearer to her own age… Perhaps Sarah could be convinced to join my household as well and serve as your maid there.” He grinned.
There was a light knock on the door, which then opened to admit Sarah who barely glanced at the pair and took up her mending by the fire.
“Mr. Darcy, I don’t know what to say!”
“Say you will give the matter serious consideration.”
“I will, Mr. Darcy.”
“I have some business to attend to, Miss Bennet.” He bowed. “May I come and visit with you later?”
“Yes, I would like that… and Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
Chapter 3
The days passed and Lizzy’s strength began to return. At first, she was merely allowed to walk about the house and join the rest of the household at meals and to socialize. However, being an active sort of girl, Elizabeth was anxious to get out of doors. Finally, ten days after falling ill, the doctor gave permission for Elizabeth to go for a short walk outside. Jane immediately offered her companionship, which prompted Bingley and Darcy to offer theirs as well. Miss Bingley was certainly tempted to tag along to keep her eye on Darcy and Elizabeth. She was not pleased with the friendship she saw developing between the two. However, the ground was still wet from last night’s rain, so she decided to stay indoors rather than dirty her gown.
The foursome started out at a leisurely pace from the house. However, Jane and Bingley quickly outstripped the slower-going pair. Elizabeth smiled. She was glad to see the growing attraction between the two.
“It looks as though we may have something to celebrate soon,” Darcy began tentatively.
“Yes,” Elizabeth’s smile grew wider. “They are well matched. I will be glad to see Jane so happily settled.”
“And you? Have you given any more thought to my invitation?”
“I have and I am greatly looking forward to meeting Miss Darcy. I should like to see how we get on first, but I am seriously considering the offer, sir.”
“I am glad to hear it. Often, it is easier to move on from difficult times when everything you see each day does not serve as a constant reminder.”
“That is something that I have considered,” she began. “My only hesitation would be moving so far from Jane. She is my closest friend and confidante. Without her, I fear I may be lost.”
“Elizabeth Bennet lost?” Mr. Darcy smiled, “I have a hard time seeing that! You are one of the strongest, most independent women of my acquaintance!”
She laughed, “It’s true, but I do worry that without Jane’s sweetness to influence me, I could become bitter over the turn my life has taken.”
“Miss Bennet, please know that if you ever should need a confidante or just a friendly shoulder to lean on, I will be there. You have such a joyful spirit that I would feel terribly if that should fade.” He blushed.
Elizabeth’s eyes opened wide as saucers and filled with tears as she looked at Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, I do not know what I have done to earn your friendship, but I don’t know how to thank you for your great kindness.”
“Miss Elizabeth, it is my great pleasure to be called your friend.”
They were now catching up to Bingley and Jane who had stopped under a great oak for a tête-à-tête. Jane looked up at the sound of their imminent arrival and blushed crimson. “Lizzy! How are you feeling?”
Lizzy almost laughed out loud, “I am quite well, Jane. You know how the outdoors refreshes me! I have been cooped up inside for far too long!” Her three companions exchanged knowing looks. It was wonderful to see the sparkle back in Elizabeth, if only for a short time. She had been far too reticent for their comfort, though only Darcy knew the extent of what she was forgetting for this moment of freedom.
Bingley spoke, “Are you sure you will be up to the ride back to Longbourne tomorrow?”
“Yes, I thank you, Mr. Bingley. As much as I hate to leave all the kindness that you have shown us here, Jane and I are needed at home.”
...