Desperate Hearts: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 3

  “From past visits to this library, I have noticed that there are several books of interest upon the shelves near the fireplace. Bingley’s favourites, I believe. I have enjoyed looking through this book of maps, as well as this book that describes the Bayeux Tapestry in detail. It is, however, in French, not English.” He held the books out towards Elizabeth, who came closer to Darcy to inspect them.

  “Yes, I have long been fascinated by this tapestry after learning about it from a book in my father’s library. A book written in French, a language my father started teaching me when I was but a child,“ Elizabeth said to him, brushing her fingers against his as she accepted the books from him. Each of them felt a warmth flow through their bodies at the brief encounter. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. It was kind of you to bring them to me. But I would truly like a book of poetry to keep me company. Even Mr. Bingley might keep a book of Milton or Cowper around?”

  The knowledge that Elizabeth spoke French, as well as enjoyed poetry, raised her even higher in Darcy’s esteem.

  “I believe I see the book of Cowper poetry on that table near the window. Perhaps Bingley has been reading it.” Darcy began to make his way towards that direction.

  “If Mr. Bingley is reading it I would not want to interrupt his enjoyment by removing the book from where he left it,” Elizabeth mused.

  “I am certain he would not mind. And I am equally certain that Bingley has no plans to even enter the library this evening. He had just proposed a round of billiards when you arrived in the sitting room this evening, and I have no doubt that both he and I will retire after I beat him at a few games,” Darcy smiled. He picked up the book of poetry and brought it over to where Elizabeth was waiting, holding the two books she had previously accepted.

  “I believe this is enough to keep me occupied tonight, Mr. Darcy. I appreciate your help in finding reading material, but do not let me delay your turn at billiards any longer. And I must return to Jane.” She bestowed a warm smile on him and, with a quick glance towards Lulu, he took Elizabeth’s hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it.

  Elizabeth addressed Lulu with her next request: “Would you be good enough to show me the way back to the sitting room? From there I can find my own way to Jane’s bedchamber. Good night, Mr. Darcy.”

  Crestfallen that she would ask the maid to guide her rather than asking him to do so, Darcy replied “Good night,” and watched the two women depart the library. He then made his way to the billiards room, where he found Bingley waiting for him.

  About a half-hour later Jaxon returned with Mr. Jones and showed him to Jane’s bedchamber. He waited outside the door in case Mr. Jones required anything.

  Rosalie opened the door when she and Elizabeth heard a light tapping, and Elizabeth warmly greeted Mr. Jones, a long-time family friend. “Now what is this business with your sister, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked. There would be time for pleasantries after he attended his patient.

  “Jane and I were having tea and cakes with Mr. Bingley’s sisters when Jane suddenly turned a ghastly shade of white and within moments had cast up her accounts. We all ate the same things and drank the same tea as far as I know, so I cannot account for her becoming ill while none of us did. Perhaps she had already contracted a virus and it was coincidence that it began to affect her when we were here. I have been putting cool towels on her forehead to bring down her fever.” Elizabeth could barely conceal her unease about Jane’s condition.

  “Do not worry, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Jones assured her as he examined Jane. “You have done well to lower her fever. Her colour is somewhat pale but her heartbeat is strong and her breathing is regular. I do not think it is anything serious. I’ll leave you with some chamomile; see if you can get her to drink a cup or two of the tisane to calm her stomach. Continue with the cool cloths until her temperature returns to normal. Other than that, just keep her comfortable. A day or two of bed rest should have her restored to her usual good health,” Mr. Jones smiled at her as he packed up his medical bag. “And how are the rest of your family, Miss Elizabeth? Your father still spends too much time reading and drinking port, while your mother continues to complain of her nerves? Good, I am pleased to hear that everyone else is well and normal!” Mr. Jones laughed. He had known Mr. Bennet since their childhood in Meryton, and was well acquainted with the entire family and with each family member’s foibles. “Call me again if Jane changes for the worse. But I do not expect that will happen,” Mr. Jones assured her.

  As he exited the room, Mr. Jones almost ran into Mr. Bingley, worry visible in his face. “Calm yourself, Mr. Bingley. It is nothing serious. Your guest will be indisposed for a day or two, and then she will be just fine.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Jones,” replied Bingley, and the two men shook hands.

  Elizabeth stepped out of the bedchamber to give Bingley a more detailed update on Jane’s condition. “It appears that Jane ate something at some time today that upset her stomach. As we all consumed the same cakes and biscuits and tea, and none of us had a bad reaction, I imagine she was affected before we arrived here. I am so sorry that we have caused this turmoil in your household, Mr. Bingley. And I thank you most sincerely for your gracious hospitality. I believe we will need to prevail upon you for only a day or two, and then we can return home.”

  “You are welcome to stay as long as you wish, Miss Elizabeth. But I must ask you: are you quite certain that Miss Bennet consumed nothing while you were here that the rest of you did not eat or drink?” Bingley was not convinced that Caroline had not tainted Jane’s tea while nobody was looking.

  Elizabeth gave him a quizzical look. “I did not see anything amiss, sir. Do you suspect something … or someone … of doing something of which Mr. Jones should have been apprised?” Elizabeth schooled her features to remain neutral, although she could not help but wonder if his sisters had … done what, exactly?

  “I am simply curious about why your sister became ill so suddenly and nobody else was affected. Well, we will all rest more comfortably tonight knowing that your sister is not seriously ill, Miss Elizabeth. I am sure you are weary after this long day, so I will bid you good night.” With these words, Bingley turned down the hallway, and Elizabeth returned to the bedchamber. Even after being assured that Jane’s health was in no danger, Elizabeth knew she would stay awake all night, watching and comforting her sister. And herself.

  The next morning, Jane awoke to find Elizabeth slumbering in a chaise longue that had been moved close to her bedside. Her movements woke her sister, who was a light sleeper and generally an early riser. Jane reached over and touched Elizabeth’s hand, acknowledging her appreciation for Elizabeth’s vigil over her last night.

  “Oh, Jane! How we all fretted for you when you became ill! Are you feeling more like yourself this morning?” Elizabeth leaned over to brush some hair out of Jane’s face and caressed her cheek. “If you are hungry I will call for toast and jam, and I’ll have someone make you a fresh pot of chamomile tisane. Mr. Jones left the chamomile for you, and I would like you to drink some if you can.”

  Rosalie, who had fallen asleep at some time in the night, awoke at the sound of voices. “I would be pleased to arrange for your sister’s morning repast, Miss. Would you care to join the others in the small dining room to break your own fast? I am certain that everybody is most anxious to hear that your sister is so improved from yesterday,” Rosalie suggested as she gathered up her mending -- most of which had been completed, attesting to her attention during the night -- curtsyed, and then departed the room, turning towards the kitchen.

  “Yes, Lizzy,” Jane’s voice was just above a whisper, her throat still a little sore from the previous day’s trials. “Go and break your fast with the other guests.”

  “No no, Jane! I must stay with you!” Elizabeth declared.

  “Lizzy, I am feeling much improved, almost myself!” Jane insisted. “Prepare yourself, and then go downstairs to enjoy some good company while you break your fast. You needn’t spend so muc
h time in this sick room. Rosalie will be back here shortly. Go see what Mr. Darcy is up to this morning!” Jane added with a knowing smile.

  “If you are sure you will be well, I believe I shall take my meal with the rest of the household.” Elizabeth grinned at the thought of seeing Mr. Darcy again. She went over to the dresser where a flowered porcelain ewer and basin and a pile of clean towels were laid out, and began her morning ablutions.

  Having refreshed herself, changed out of the clothes she had slept in and into a clean gown, and loosely pinned up her hair, Elizabeth made her way downstairs to join the others to break her fast. The gentlemen rose and bowed as she entered. Louisa wished her good morning and asked after Jane. Caroline was nowhere to be seen. Her absence seemed to somehow lighten the atmosphere in the room. Elizabeth gave a brief account of Jane’s condition, and then filled a plate with the appealing dishes displayed on the sideboard. Darcy asked if she would prefer coffee or tea, and when she asked for tea he poured a cup for her and placed the teacup with the place setting next to his own seat, and then held the chair for her as she seated herself.

  “We are all very happy that your sister is not seriously ill, although we will miss your company when you depart for home,” Bingley told her. “I had expected you would need to stay for at least a few more days and, while I am indeed pleased that her health improves, I am sorry you will not be here much longer. Will Miss Bennet be able to join us later for dinner?” he asked.

  “I believe so,” Elizabeth answered smilingly. She knew that Mr. Bingley wished to see Jane as much as Jane wished to see him.

  “Good. Good. Glad to hear it,” Bingley said. “I would discuss something with her. And with you,” he continued. “I have given it much thought and have decided to hold a ball here at Netherfield for the entire neighbourhood including the militia officers encamped at Meryton. How better to meet our neighbours? And for them to meet us. After Miss Bennet has thoroughly recovered, of course. What do you think?” he grinned at Elizabeth.

  “I think that is a wonderful idea, Mr. Bingley! There has not been a private ball in the neighbourhood since the Burtons decamped from Netherfield last year,” Elizabeth replied.

  Bingley looked over at Darcy, the grin still on his face. “As Miss Bennet is improving so well, I am planning to hold the ball next week. Of course you will remain here to attend, Darcy?”

  Darcy looked over at Elizabeth, and with a smile on his face replied “I believe I shall stay, Bingley.”

  Elizabeth returned his happy look and his wide smile.

  Five: Netherfield Park – Sunday a few days later

  “Give it up, Caroline. He is not interested in you.”

  “Why whatever do you mean, Charles? I expect he will make me an offer any time now.”

  Charles Bingley shook his head to shake off his disgust with his sister. This had been going on almost since the first moment Caroline had laid eyes on his dear friend Fitzwilliam Darcy – and on Darcy’s beautiful homes in Derbyshire and London – and decided that she would make the perfect wife for him. More importantly, that he would make the perfect husband for her. So what if he did not have a title? Mr. Darcy traveled in the best circles of London society. Not to mention that he was wealthier than almost any man in England, had a bigger estate than almost any man in England – and he was far handsomer too.

  “Darcy is not considering matrimony at this time, Caroline. And even if he were, he is not looking for you – nor will he. I am sorry to cause you pain, but there it is. It has been over three years since you first set your cap for him and he has not even asked if he could court you much less marry you.”

  “Then Charles, please tell me why he keeps inviting me to Pemberley and his home in London if he feels no attachment to me?” His sister gave him a triumphant look.

  Charles shook his head again. “Caroline, Darcy is my friend. He invites me to his homes. He allows you to accompany me. Although if you keep chasing him he may not be so willing to allow you to join me on future visits.”

  Caroline’s look of triumph crumbled into a pout. She was unaware that it was a most unbecoming expression on her hard-edged features. Petulantly she whined, “Brother, I believe you have persuaded Mr. Darcy not to marry me. I don’t know why, but it is most cruel and high-handed of you. It is a brother’s duty to introduce his sister to eligible gentlemen for marriage. Well, you introduced me to Mr. Darcy. Now you do not want us to marry. Are you jealous that I, your younger sister, would be marrying before you?”

  Bingley was nearing his wit’s end. “You are mistaken, Caroline. I would be the happiest man in the world if you would marry and move out of my house, and if your husband were responsible for paying your bills for fancy gowns and turbans and all the other frippery you claim to need. I never told Darcy not to consider you. In point of fact, he is the one who approached me on this subject. He has told me more than once that although we are friends and you are my sister he has no interest in a match with you. He could not be any plainer in his intentions. Why do you make me say these hurtful things when you must surely already know this yourself?”

  Caroline’s face crumpled completely and she burst into tears, not a very good look for her either. “You are the most hateful brother in the world,” she spat at him as she ran past him, out of the sitting room, and up the stairs to her apartment.

  Charles Bingley, being a soft-hearted man who loved his sister, did not like to have these arguments with her, and felt terrible that he was obliged to speak to her this way. If only she would accept the reality that she would never be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy – but Bingley suspected that would not happen until Darcy married someone else. And Darcy showed no inclination towards marrying any time soon. Which was most unfortunate, because Bingley was growing weary of these repeated scenes with Caroline – scenes that resolved nothing but left both of them in a most unhappy state. And then … Bingley began to muse on the events at Sir William Lucas’ party last week as well as Darcy’s attentions to Miss Elizabeth when she had been at Netherfield attending her ailing sister – and he had no doubt that she was the inducement keeping Darcy here at Netherfield through the week, especially for the ball. Had his friend at last found a young lady who can engage his affections? He grinned hopefully.

  Six: A short time later in Louisa Hurst’s bedchamber

  “Oh Louisa, what am I to do? Our brother is doing everything in his power to prevent an attachment between Mr. Darcy and myself. He is so cruel!” Caroline flopped down into a chair in her sister Louisa’s bedchamber and began to sniffle.

  Louisa looked tenderly at her younger – although much taller – sister and tried to soothe her. “Caroline, Charles would never try to dissuade Mr. Darcy from a match with you. It is just that Mr. Darcy has a great deal on his mind. He is responsible for running a very large estate, and his sister likewise claims so much of his attention. I do not think he has the time or inclination to pursue a wife just now. Be patient.”

  Caroline pouted again, but her sister did not notice as she continued to browse through the latest fashions in Ackermann’s Repository. One image in particular caught her eye. “Caroline, you must see this gold silk gown. It would flatter your figure most becomingly.”

  But Caroline was in no humour to look at pictures of gowns. She wanted Mr. Darcy – more accurately, she wanted to be Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley – and she needed her sister to help her develop a plan to attach him as soon as may be. After all, Caroline would reach her twenty-second birthday later this year, and would soon be considered on the shelf after four seasons in London and still unmarried. Time was not on her side, and patience was not an option.

  When Caroline responded with a very loud sigh, Louisa put the magazine aside and turned to her sister. “My dearest sister, perhaps you should be open to other suitors. Any number of gentlemen in our circles are blessed with wealth and consequence … and good looks. Several of them have even shown particular attention to you. If none of them appeal to you, why not accept yo
ur friend’s invitation for a weekend in Surrey? Did the invitation not say that her brother would be inviting some of his friends from Oxford? Perhaps one of these gentlemen will catch your eye – perhaps a titled gentleman. And then one of two things can happen: either you will find an acceptable match, or you simply let Mr. Darcy think you have found a match. Nothing makes a woman more desirable in a man’s eyes than knowing that another man finds her appealing. In this case, especially an Oxford man!”

  The two sisters shared a conspiratorial laugh in the knowledge that their brother had met Darcy when both were at Cambridge. Caroline was persuaded to agree with this counsel from her elder sister, who had after all been married these three years herself, and whose husband owned an elegant townhouse in London and was to inherit a moderate-sized estate in Hampshire in the future. And they had met each other at a country weekend.

  “I believe I will go to Surrey next weekend. Certainly there will be a wider circle of fashionable people and interesting events at Rington than here in Hertfordshire. It will be amusing if nothing else. And I will certainly need a diversion after Charles’ misbegotten farmers’ ball.”