I shall conquer this indecision,he vowed silently.I shall—I am a Darcy and I can do nothing less.He had arrived at all manner of difficult decisions before; this would be no different. Whether victory included Elizabeth as his wife remained to be seen.
Chapter Seventeen
November 16, 1811
Netherfield Park
Elizabeth
“Really,Lizzy,IpromiseI am well enough to come downstairs this morning! I kept down my dinner last evening, and it was heartier than toast and broth.” Jane mock-scowled at Elizabeth, who merely shook her head and chuckled in reply.
“I can do naught but concede in the face of your insistence. I shall call for a maid and order a bath prepared if you wish.” She turned to do just that at her sister’s urging.
“Will we be able to return home today?” she asked once Jane had bathed and dressed. She ran a comb through her sister’s long blond hair, admiring how it glistened in the firelight as it dried.
Jane gave her sister a small pout. “Is it terrible to admit I wish to stay until tomorrow? I know I have been ill, and that is the primary reason for our presence here, but I wish to see Mr. Bingley—and speak with him.”
“It would indeed be pleasant to further your intimacy away from the prying eyes of our neighbors,” Elizabeth replied. “I caution you, however, that Mrs. Hurst does not appear pleased by our presence. Mrs. Hurst has scarcely spoken to me during my entire stay, and when she does, her words are condescending and judgmental.”
“That is a harsh assessment, Lizzy. I have never heard you speak so bitingly of someone with whom you are so slightlyacquainted.” Jane frowned in disapproval.
“You will see for yourself in time, dear sister.” Elizabeth set the brush beside Jane and rose, turning away to pace the room. “I confess, I do not find her company pleasant at all. But it isyouwhom Mr. Bingley admires, andyouwho will have to manage her when you are sisters-in-law.”
“Nothing is certain with Mr. Bingley.”
“Some things are certain, and your imminent marriage is one of them!” Elizabeth rolled her eyes and dropped back into her chair. “You will have your extra day. I daresay Mr. Bingley will insist upon it. You still appear a bit pale.”
Jane nodded and stood. Her now dry hair hung in a silken sheet past her waist. “Will you help me arrange my hair? I do not wish to call for a maid.”
Clad in a gown of cornflower-blue muslin, a shawl draped over her shoulders and her hair styled in a simple, yet elegant chignon, Jane left her bedchamber for the first time in three days. Elizabeth followed, filled with equal parts dread and anticipation at the thought of seeing Mr. Darcy after their midnight encounter in the library.
She had not slept a wink after returning to her bed. Nor had she read any of the books Mr. Darcy had so graciously lent her. They had remained in her lap as she curled by the fire, her heart refusing to slow. The image of the handsome gentleman from Derbyshire lingered in her waking thoughts as vividly as in her dreams.
The breakfast room was surprisingly empty, and the look of disappointment on Jane’s face made Elizabeth grin. They approached the sideboard, filled their plates, and took their seats at the round table.
Their solitude was soon interrupted by the arrival of the gentlemen. Mr. Bingley’s face broke into a broad smile the moment his gaze fell upon Jane. She blushed and returned the smile, her eyes drifting meaningfully to the seat beside her in silent invitation.
Elizabeth observed the exchange with great amusement before turning to meet Mr. Darcy’s eyes. They shared a weighty glance, and he inclined his head in greeting before moving to the sideboard to fill his plate. She longed to do as Jane—to invite him to sit at her side—but she dared not. They were not courting, and he had given no indication that his interest in her extended in that direction.
“I am very pleased to see you restored to health, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth waited, and sure enough, he added, “Though you are still quite pale. Pray, tell me you will remain another day. I must be certain you are entirely well.”
Elizabeth nearly choked in an attempt to smother her glee. Jane stepped on her foot beneath the table, which only increased her mirth.
“I believe my sister and I shall accept your kind invitation, sir,” Jane replied. “I confess, I do not yet feel equal to the motion of a carriage.”
“Wonderful! Excellent. Is there anything you desire that will aid your recovery? Anything in particular that I can request from my cook?” Mr. Bingley looked at her adoringly, his expression earnest and eager to please.
If he delays a full month complete, I shall eat my bonnet,Elizabeth thought with wry amusement.
Jane demurred, assuring Mr. Bingley that the fare already provided would more than suffice for her recovery. The happy couple soon fell into easy conversation, leaving Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth largely to themselves.
He made no effort to speak to her, and she wondered whether their encounter the night before had unsettled him.Perhaps he thinks ill of me now,she mused with a pang of regret.Though I did nothing improper beyond leaving my chambers in less than full attire. Still, I cannot understand why he does not speak to me as he has before.
The meal continued thus, and Elizabeth turned her attention to Jane and Bingley’s lively exchange. They were entirely absorbed in one another, and even had she wished to interject, their spirited conversation would scarcely have allowed it. The topics meandered from literature to local society, and with each new turn, their compatibility became more apparent. They shared similar likes and dislikes, and their temperaments—his buoyant, hers composed—seemed to balance one another charmingly. Elizabeth could not help but think they would do very well as husband and wife. Their pleasant breakfast came to an abrupt halt when Mr. and Mrs. Hurst swept into the room.
“Charles, you asked me to be your hostess. Is it not my right to dictate when breakfast is served?” She scowled at her brother as she swept toward the sideboard.
“This is my house, Louisa,” Mr. Bingley replied evenly. “If you wish for a later meal, you may call for a tray. It did not seem to vex you these past two days.”
