“Georgiana, stop saying that,” he scolded her lovingly. “I worry because I love you and anything that affects you is my concern.”
“I love you too and I pray to be worthy of your affection, brother.”
“If you love me, please rest more and eat more, as the doctor recommended. That would be enough.”
“I shall take care that Miss Darcy respects the doctor’s orders, Mr Darcy,” Mrs Annesley interjected.
“I do not doubt your care, Mrs Annesley.”
“Brother, please go and attend your business. I am fine,” Georgiana repeated, glancing at her brother with adoration and gratitude.
While his sister retired to her apartment, together with her companion, Darcy returned to the library.
For ten days, he had been trapped in a cage of fear. Shortly after his return to town, as they walked in Hyde Park with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana fainted without any apparent reason. She was holding both their arms and she suddenly became weak and crumpled to the ground before either of them had time to catch her. Fortunately, she suffered no other injury, but Darcy was devastated by fear and worry. Painful recollections of his mother fainting unexpectedly tormented him. His relatives—the Matlocks—said nothing of it, but he knew they all shared the fear that Georgiana might inherit their mother’s affliction.
The family doctor was fetched, but his examination brought no relief. He declared that Miss Darcy was weak, pale and thin, but he could provide no reason for her state.
Mrs Annesley worryingly admitted that in the last two months, Miss Darcy had scarcely eaten, despite her insistence and the cook’s efforts in preparing the dishes that Miss Darcy had once enjoyed.
Darcy blamed himself for his sister’s health. After the tormenting experience with Wickham and the failed elopement, he noticed that Georgiana had become more restrained and somehow estranged from him. He had selfishly chosen to ignore his observations and joined Bingley in Hertfordshire, leaving Georgiana with Mrs Annesley and Mrs Simms—the housekeeper. Once again, his actions proved his selfishness. He was very good at judging others, but so poor at guessing the feelings of those dear to him, like Georgiana. Or Elizabeth.
Although far away, she was still present in his thoughts. Worried about Georgiana and barely leaving her company at all, through the long and restless nights he realised he was missing Elizabeth more than anyone else before. He had no time to reflect upon what he could dare hope regarding her.His previous considerations regarding her family and her lack of experience in accomplishing the duties attached to the Darcy name, slowly faded. His last conversion with Mr Bennet—although brief—had improved his opinion of the gentleman. As for Mrs Bennet’s schemes to marry off her daughters, those he had considered scandalous until recently, when they appeared less appalling after he received a couple of letters from his aunt, Lady Catherine.
Darcy heard Bingley’s joyful voice even before his friend knocked on the door. Bingley’s presence was always comforting, both to him and to Georgiana, so he gladly invited him in.
“Darcy, how is Georgiana?” Bingley asked, taking a seat.
“She says she is better. She has played the pianoforte in the last few days. But she still seems pale and thin to me.”
“And what has the doctor said?”
“Nothing new. I have many reasons to be concerned and I am considering asking for other medical opinions too.”
“I am sorry to hear that… although I am glad she is improving. May I help you in any way?”
“Your friendship is all the help we need, Bingley. Pray for us. And how are you?”
Bingley frowned for a moment, then he stood up and walked to the window.
“I am well enough. I have come to speak to you, but I do not want to bother you even further.”
“Speak up, Bingley. What is the matter? Pacing around in apparent distress is bothering me more than any conversation.”
“Well… the thing is...I would gladly remain in town if my presence is of any use to you. If not… I am considering returningto Netherfield.” Bingley said reluctantly. He stopped, gazing at Darcy, who returned the look with a stern glance.
“I see… And is there any assistance that I may provide you?”
“Assistance? No, no… But Caroline and Louisa are decidedly against me returning. They said I am being unreasonable and that I should consider the situation more carefully. They said you agree with them that I should remain in London for the winter.”
“Bingley, I have not spoken to your sisters since we arrived in town. It is true, however, that I did have some doubts regarding the hastiness of your attachment to Miss Jane Bennet. I believe you should be careful and cautious in your future actions and do not make any decisions unless you are convinced of your feelings as well as of the lady’s.”
“Oh… yes...well… You are right, as always...It is just that...I left saying I would return in a week. I feel it would be impolite of me to simply disappear without a word… This is why I wish to return and...I am not certain for how long I will remain there but…”
“Bingley, you are an honourable and kind-hearted man. In the past, I might have been arrogant enough to force my opinion on you, but I was wrong. My judgement has been proven wrong several times recently. So now I will advise you to do whatever makes you content.”
The answer, which sounded like a confession, surprised and confused Bingley.
“Your advice is always useful to me, Darcy. I cannot remember when your judgement was wrong, I always rely on your opinion. I wish you could join me, but I know you must be with Georgiana.”
