Page 3 of Penned By Mr Darcy
He nodded, coming to her side in a moment. Lizzy pretended not to notice as he passed a hand over his hair, and she turned her head to bite back a laugh.
“Good afternoon, Mr Bingley,” Jane said with a smile. “I am so sorry to be such a burden upon your household.”
“It is no bother! No bother at all!” he said quickly, still rooted in place by the door. “How are you feeling?”
“Quite well, I thank you.”
“Jane never likes to complain,” Lizzy said. “Do not listen to a word she says.”
“You are very brave, Miss Bennet. Very brave indeed. Please, if you require anything at all for your comfort whilst you are here, you must simply ask.”
“You are very kind.”
The blush on Mr Bingley’s cheeks intensified, and Lizzy could hardly contain her laughter as she looked between the hopeless pair. Both gazing upon the other with clear adoration, and both equally ignorant of the other’s regard.
“Miss Elizabeth, I do hope you will join us for lunch?”
“I should probably…”
“You must be hungry, Lizzy,” Jane said. “All I wish to do is sleep, I will be no company at all.”
Mr Bingley’s glance back towards Jane, something wistful about his face, did not escape Lizzy’s attention.
“Very well. I would be delighted.”
“Excellent! Do come down when you are ready. Miss Bennet, should you need anything, anything at all, please let me know.Or ring the bell. Yes, the bell. My staff will be pleased to attend to you.”
“Thank you, sir. You are too generous.”
“Not at all, not at all!”
Mr Bingley stood, frozen, gazing at Jane still. Elizabeth cleared her throat and he startled back to himself, excusing himself with a brief bow. As Lizzy closed the door behind him, she could not help but giggle.
“Lizzy!” Jane scolded. “You must not laugh. He might think we are making sport of him.”
“Forgive me sister! The poor man is beside himself with worry, but I think he shall recall the image of you in bed for all his life.”
Jane gasped, utterly shocked, and Lizzy realised that her words had strayed beyond playful teasing.
“Forgive me, I did not mean…”
“You forget yourself, Lizzy. He must not come in here again. I could not bear for it to be misconstrued; perhaps it already has.”
“Jane, I was not in earnest!.”
“It is not funny! I think you should join them for lunch now,” Jane said softly, her eyes shining with hurt. “I wish to rest.”
“Jane, I really didn’t mean…”
“I know, I know. Please, make every effort to remain agreeable to our hosts whilst we are here. You have a sharp tongue.”
“You are right. Can you forgive me?”
Jane nodded, a weak smile playing on her lips.
“You know that I cannot be cross with you. Go, and tell me all that happens when you return.”
“Very well.”
