“How is your sister?” Mr. Bingley’s anxiety was plain to see, and he looked eager for an answer.
“Jane is not well at all,” she replied. “I believe we ought to send for Mr. Jones. Whilst I know remedies that may help, as the apothecary, he is more likely to provide quicker relief.”
“I shall send a note at once.” He walked briskly away, seating himself at a little writing desk and penning the note. It was dispatched by a footman.
“Now we must wait.” Mr. Bingley said it with distaste.
“You have never been in the habit of waiting.” Mrs. Hurst finally spoke from her spot on the settee. “Ever impatient and never seeing the need to proceed with caution.”
“I am impulsive, I admit, but I do contemplate decisions before making them. It is hardly a defect of my character that I wish to accomplish things in an expeditious manner. Some might say it is a strength instead of a weakness.”
“Impulsivity can have good and bad consequences,” Mr. Darcy chimed in. “One could regret hasty decisions as easily as lauding them.”
“And which are you, sir?” Elizabeth asked curiously. “You do not strike me as the impulsive type. I would say you contemplate decisions heavily before coming to a conclusion.”
“You have taken my measure accurately.” Mr. Darcy smiled, his eyes twinkling. He had an air of satisfaction about him, as if Elizabeth’s accurate rendering of his character pleased him. “I admit there have been times when I acted in haste and had no cause to repine. But I learned at a young age that my decisions had consequences for more than just myself and have applied caution accordingly.”
“Responsibility for others can have that effect.” Elizabeth nodded approvingly.
“What of you, Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy looked at her inquiringly. “Where do you fall on the scale of rashness versus meditated choice?”
She cocked her head, frowning as she concentrated. “I must say, I have never given it much thought,” she admitted. “In the past, I have made hasty conclusions about people that I have lived to regret. In sketching characters, I believe I have reached a maturity that allows for nuance in behavior. I do not see only the best in everyone, nor do I see only the worst. I have come to the belief that everyone is not at their best all the time, and therefore regard caution as the wisest course when dealing with others.”
“But what of decisions?” Mr. Bingley sat forward, putting his elbows on his knees. “Do you rush into situations headlong, or pause to decide the best course of action?”
“That depends almost entirely on the situation. There is a place for rash action. I can assure you, sir, I would run headlong into the flames without a second thought if Longbourn were ablaze, hoping to save my family.”
Mr. Bingley chuckled. “I believe most of us would behave in the same manner if the life of a loved one was on the line.” Suddenly, his good humor faded, and a tortured look appeared briefly before vanishing. Clearing his throat, Mr. Bingley seemed to be attempting to mask his sudden distress with levity as he continued, “My sisters have ever despaired of my taking life seriously. Louisa would tell you I am just as likely to stay here in the country as to leave it. And she is correct. I could decide at a moment’s notice that I wish to be in town and might order the manor closed up on a whim.”
“That sort of impulsive behavior is a failing indeed,” Elizabeth teased, hoping Mr. Bingley could hear the mirth in her voice. “What a trial that will prove to your future wife! A lady does like a little notice in such situations.”
This caused the gentleman to smile broadly. “I have hope that I shall marry a lady with great patience for my ways,” he said. “She certainly must, or we shall be miserable.”
Elizabeth cheered silently. He most certainly referred to Jane. Oh, her sister would be so happy! Their compatibility was evident, and Jane’s calm nature would perfectly complement Mr. Bingley’s impulsiveness.
A reply from Mr. Jones came soon thereafter. He stated he would be at Netherfield Park within the hour, and those in the drawing room waited impatiently for the announcement of his arrival.
“Show me the way, Miss Lizzy,” he said upon his arrival and after greetings were out of the way. “Miss Bennet has suffered long enough.”
Mr. Jones had been the apothecary for as long as Elizabeth could remember. He was a serious man with a large heart, always willing to help even the less fortunate who could not afford to pay him. He had a special place in his heart for the Bennet ladies. They reminded him of his daughter, who had married and moved to a far distant county some years before.
Elizabeth led the way upstairs to Jane’s chamber. She and a maid stood watch as Mr. Jones examined his patient.
“Tis likely food that caused this, as you suspected.” He put his tools back in his bag. “I am certain you already considered peppermint tea. Ginger, too, will help ease the nausea. I encourage rest and as much tea and broth as she can manage. Call for me if her condition declines, though I expect Miss Bennet will be much improved by morning.”
“How long must we remain?” Elizabeth did not mind staying, but she did not wish to do so beyond what was proper.
“At least two more days, I should think.” He closed his bag and stood, moving toward the door. “I shall speak to Mr. Bingley before I leave.”
She followed him back to the drawing room, leaving the maid by Jane’s side. Her sister wished to sleep again, and Elizabeth promised to look in on her after a few hours.
Mr. Bingley insisted Elizabeth stay at Netherfield until her sister felt well enough to travel. “I stand by my invitation from earlier, Miss Elizabeth,” he said seriously. “Miss Bennet will recover faster under the loving care of a relation, and you are most welcome to stay.”
“Thank you, sir,” she replied smoothly.
“Darcy and I have some business with the steward before tea. We shall leave you now.” The gentlemen departed, leaving Elizabeth and the Hursts alone in the drawing room.
“It is a shame your sister fell ill,” Mrs. Hurst said when the men were gone. “But how convenient that she will be here for three whole days! My brother is certainly pleased to have her here.”
