Page 2 of Penned By Mr Darcy
Mr Bingley’s face broke into a smile, and he nodded his head. As he began to quicken his pace towards the house, his bouncing curls and bright eyes rather reminded Lizzy of an eager puppy. A spaniel, perhaps. They fell into conversation as they walked, Mr Bingley’s warmth a balm to her worried mind.
“How have you been, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Very well, thank you. I hope you are still enjoying your time at Netherfield, and that you have not grown weary of our small town.”
“Not at all, not at all! It is most diverting. The sport is fine, and the company even better. Do you know, I could quite see myself staying here.”
“For the winter?”
“And longer still. I confess, I find myself quite content to remain here for some time.”
She smiled, certain that his happiness at remaining in Hertfordshire was connected to the pretty young lady currently in residence at his home. Oh, however much Lizzy disliked her mother’s matchmaking, there was no denying that such forced proximity could do nothing but make Mr Bingley’s affection for dear Jane even stronger.
She followed Mr Bingley into the house, seeing nobody else as he guided her to the first floor. He spoke the entire way, but Lizzy scarcely heard him as she admired the grand staircase and hallways that lead to Jane’s room. She had not yet had the privilege of being a guest at Netherfield, and even if unpleasant circumstances had brought her here, she would do her very best to enjoy her stay.
“She is in here,” Mr Bingley said eventually, coming to a stop. “There is an empty bedroom just next door that I will see appointed for your use.”
“That is very kind, but I am sure there is no need. I have always shared with my sister.”
“Well, should you need it, it is at your disposal. Might I say good afternoon to Miss Bennet?”
Lizzy glanced at the door, hearing no sound coming from within. She looked back at Bingley, who stared at her with hopeful eyes. A spaniel, she confirmed. A King Charles Cavalier, with eyes begging for scraps.
“Allow me a moment with her first, to make sure she is able to receive a visitor.”
Lizzy opened the door a crack and slipped inside, shutting it firmly behind her. Jane lay on the bed, her eyes closed. Her pale blonde hair was loose, fanning around her and giving her quite the celestial appearance. As Mr Bingley had described, she was pale indeed, lacking the usual rosiness she carried about her cheeks. At the sound of the door closing, her eyes fluttered open.
“Lizzy,” she said softly, a small smile crossing her lips. “I am glad to see you.”
“I came as soon as I received your note. Oh, you poor lamb! You look dreadful!”
“Thank you,” she said, a glint of amusement in her eyes. She chuckled, but such a small movement soon gave way to a hacking cough.
“I am sorry! You were quite well when you ventured out yesterday. How has this happened so quickly?”
“I do not know,” she said when the coughing ceased. “But I must return home at once. I have been a terrible imposition, and…”
“Mr Bingley will not hear of it. He has already instructed me that we are both to stay until you are well.”
“But that might take days. Truly, I think…”
“He wishes to see you. He is out of his mind with worry. Might he come and give you his good wishes before he wears a hole into the carpet with his pacing?”
“You must not tease! I look terrible, you said it yourself. How can I allow him to see me like this?”
“He will think of nothing but his concern and affection for you. A moment, let me tame your hair, and we will allow him a glimpse of you from the doorway.”
“Lizzy! What would our mother say?”
“Our mother would be thrilled, do not pretend! There!.Are you ready?”
“I suppose I must thank him properly,” she said. “But only for a moment, and then I must rest. Yes?”
“Of course.”
Lizzy rose from the bed and walked to the door. With a final glance to her sister, she opened the door. As she had expected, Mr Bingley was indeed pacing the length of the corridor. When he caught her staring at him, her amusement barely suppressed, his pale cheeks tinged with red.
“Mr Bingley. You may come in, for a moment.”
