Page 23 of Chasing Shadows
Mr. Reeds, who had stood quietly behind the apothecary, now stepped forward with a small smile. “I am happy to see her so much restored. When Mr. Jones asked me to attend him this morning, I had hoped the worst was already past. And now it is.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “We are thankful it is so.”
He lingered a moment, his manner open though not forward. “It must be a comfort to you, Miss Elizabeth, that you may soon return to Longbourn. You have kept a faithful watch.”
“A sister’s duty cannot be otherwise.” Elizabeth replied.
Mr. Reeds’ smile deepened. “True. Still, I am glad for you both. Meryton has felt heavier of late. To hear of recovery is a good thing.”
“We are obliged to you, sir.”
Mr. Jones, gathering his things, declared that Jane was in no danger, and after further courtesies, the two men departed.
After breakfast, Mr. Bingley insisted on providing his carriage to convey the Bennet sisters home. He offered his hand into the chaise with all good humour. “You cannot know, Miss Bennet, how dull Netherfield shall feel without you both. But I am heartily glad for your recovery.”
Jane blushed, murmuring her thanks, while Elizabeth added her own gratitude.
As the whole household made their farewells, Georgiana came shyly to Elizabeth’s side. “Will you visit us again soon?” she asked softly. “You are the only friend I have in Hertfordshire.”
“I shall endeavour to come, Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth’s heart warmed.
Georgiana hesitated, then added, “If my brother will allow it, I will call at Longbourn myself.”
Elizabeth took her hand gently. “We should be very pleased.”
A faint smile touched Georgiana’s lips, and with that, the sisters entered the carriage. As the horses began to move, Mr. Darcy stepped closer to the carriage window.
"Miss Elizabeth," he said, his voice carrying just enough to reach her, "I hope you will not think it presumptuous, but I must say—your care for your sister has been exemplary. Netherfield has been... brighter for your presence."
Elizabeth looked at him with genuine surprise, her cheeks colouring slightly. "You are very kind, Mr. Darcy. I thank you."
He inclined his head formally, but his eyes held a warmth she had not seen before. "Until we meet again."
As the carriage pulled away, Elizabeth looked back to see him still standing there beside his sister, watching their departure with an expression of such earnest attention that it made her heart flutter unexpectedly—the same look she hadcaught him directing toward her more than once during her time at Netherfield.
***
The carriage jolted as it rolled from Netherfield’s gates. Jane leaned back with a sigh. “How good it feels to be stronger again. I had begun to think I should never eat a proper meal.”
Elizabeth smiled. “And yet last night you dined as well as any of us. Mama will pronounce you quite restored the instant she sees you. Though if she had her way, she would have you remain at Netherfield forever.”
Both laughed until Jane caught her breath. “It is good to be leaving at last. Yet I must own, I shall miss their company. Mr. Bingley has been all kindness.”
“He has indeed. You could not ask for a better host.”
“Nor you, Lizzy, for a more attentive one. I saw much yesterday in the music room.”
Elizabeth arched a brow. “Attentive?”
“Mr. Darcy,” Jane said simply, her eyes bright. “Do not pretend you did not notice. He scarcely looked elsewhere the entire evening.”
Elizabeth’s cheek coloured and turned away. “You imagine things. He was listening to his sister play, and I happened to be seated near her.”
“No, Lizzy. He watched you when you spoke, when you played, even when you sat silent. There is an intensity in his look—as if he cannot help himself.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together, gazing out the window. “You mistake his gravity for admiration. Mr. Darcy looks grave at everything. And you forget how the world stands. He is caught in a dreadful scandal. Half the county suspects him of murder. If he seems thoughtful with me, it is only because I spoke for him in the market.”
Jane squeezed her hand. “And yet, Lizzy, I think he likes you.”
