Page 1 of Penned By Mr Darcy
Chapter One
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Bennet was beloved by all who knew her. There were countless reasons for such regard.
Her smile, for one. Her face, handsome as it was, was enhanced as it lit up with a smile that was brilliant and unguarded, always reaching her eyes. Her wit, too, was greatly admired, for it was as sharp as a blade but never cruel in its intention. And, perhaps most cherished of all by those who were named amongst her friends, was her loyalty: steadfast, unshakable, and as natural to her as breath.
It was this loyalty that saw her traipsing through the muddy fields of Hertfordshire as she walked from Longbourn to Netherfield. Word had reached their family that morning of Jane’s sudden and debilitating illness, and Lizzy had not hesitated to set out at once to ensure that her sister had all that she needed. The roads were too muddy for a horse and carriage, and Lizzy had no desire to be pushing stuck wheels out of the mud. The day itself was fresh and bright, the rain of yesterday evidenced only in the puddles it had left behind.
In truth, such a walk was very welcome indeed. The three miles that lay between Longbourn and Netherfield were easy, the land flat and the views pleasant. Had her mind not been consumed with worry for her sister’s condition, she would have happily taken her time and savoured the exercise.
But there was no time for dawdling. Jane had done her best to make her illness sound trifling, but Lizzy saw through her easily. Her sister rarely complained, and even to make mention of any sickness was unusual in itself. If she admitted to being ill at all, Lizzy knew Jane must feel very bad indeed.
By the time Netherfield came into view, Lizzy realised that her old and dependable boots did in fact have a hole in them, for the sole of her foot was cold and sodden. The hem of her blue dress had become brown, the mud dotting her skirt reaching up to almost her waist. She could not help but to laugh at herself; Netherfield had surely never seen such a dishevelled visitor.
Before she could hope to fix her appearance, she was alerted to someone calling her name.
“Miss Elizabeth!”
Mr Bingley walked towards her, and she went to meet him halfway. He greeted her with a deep bow, and when he rose she could see that his disposition was far from the cheerful man she had seen at the Meryton Assembly.
“Good morning, Mr Bingley. Or I suppose it must be afternoon by now.”
“Just gone noon. I am very glad you are here, Miss Elizabeth. Very glad indeed.”
Her heart fell.
“What has happened? Has she worsened?”
“Not since this morning, no. However, I am sorry to say that she is very ill indeed. I saw her this morning – just for a moment through the door. She has no colour about her face at all. The doctor believes it to be the beginnings of winter fever.”
“You are certain it as serious as that?” Lizzy asked, her throat tight with sudden panic. “It is just a cold from the rain. She said as much in her letter.”
“Miss Bennet is very stoic, I am certain. She apologised to me most profusely for her presence here, can you believe that? Apologised! If I had known Caroline had invited her for dinner, I would have made certain to send my carriage for her to assure her comfort. Really, this whole thing is entirely my fault.”
“You did not know that she had been invited for dinner?”
“No, I am afraid I did not. Darcy, Hurst and I were to dine with Sir William Lucas, and we left before the rain set in.”
“I see.”
“She must stay as long as she needs to recover, of course,” Mr Bingley continued. “I insist.”
“Really, that is most generous of you, but Longbourn is an easy journey by carriage. We must allow a few hours for the road to dry, but then we shall be on our way and we may leave you in peace.”
Mr Bingley shook his head.
“Please, Miss Elizabeth, I must ask that you do not. This whole thing could have been avoided if I had just sent the carriage for her, and thus I feel I must insist she is not moved. The doctor said it was best she remains here, and I would be loath to ignore his advice.”
“But…”
“And, of course, you must stay as well. I know that the two of you are very close, and I am sure you wish to nurse her yourself.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. It is quite settled. I will send my man to Longbourn for your things. Of course, you will be our guest, Miss Elizabeth, and must join us whenever you are able to.”
“This is most kind of you, Mr Bingley. I am sure we are very fortunate to consider you a friend to our family.”
