Page 10 of To Go Against Her Heart
In truth, Elizabeth declined the gathering at Mr. Phillips’s, for she was genuinely unwell, and Jane ensured that her mother refrained from pressing her upon the matter. The next day, she was surprised by Charlotte’s visit and even more curious to understand what she had to say.
“The man seems to have turned over a new leaf, Lizzy. He was quite amiable last night, and my father noticed that as well. I do not want to mention the reason for this change, but I think you should know better.”
“You seem to share Jane’s feelings, but I cannot believe it. He seemed too arrogant to change so quickly.”
“And you seem too prejudiced to think that he would not.”
“I cannot imagine that my words could inspire Mr. Darcy to view our society differently. That he should take them to heart and change his manners seems quite an unreal situation to me.”
Charlotte said nothing but smiled.
You seem to think that none of his actions affect you, but the truth is that he has offered you a much-needed diversion from your past. He does unsettle you, Lizzy; you just don’t see it yet.
The next day, Jane received a note from Miss Bingley inviting her to dine with them, and Mrs. Bennet was delighted with the prospect.
“How wonderful, Jane! She has singled you out among all our acquaintances, and I am certain she feels obliged to know you better, considering how her brother feels about you,” her mother said with excitement, and Jane blushed.
Elizabeth hoped with all her heart that her sister would not be disappointed in love, aware that Jane would not be able to bear a misery similar to hers. And to her dismay, Mrs. Bennet sent Jane on horseback with the ulterior motive of making her stay at Netherfield, as the weather looked stormy.
True to her mother’s scheme, Jane reached Netherfield soaked through, and by evening, a note arrived at Longbourn declaring her unwell and compelled to stay there for the night.
“Well, now, everything is going according to plan. I hope Jane gets to stay there longer, allowing Mr. Bingley to spend more time with her.”
“Mamma! I am truly worried; what if Jane’s condition worsens? I need to see her,” Elizabeth exclaimed.
“There is no need for you to go there, Lizzy. They have a house full of servants, and I am certain Mr. Bingley would take utmost care of her well-being. For all I know, he may have summoned the apothecary by now.”
“But Jane would need me; she hardly knows the Bingleys.”
“She will be well, do not fret. We shall visit her in a day or two,” her mother said without worry.
However, Elizabeth was not convinced, and as the rain poured through the night, the weather gave her no respite from her worries. By morning, she was determined to see her sister and decided to walk to Netherfield, which was barely three miles away.
“You cannot stop giving me headaches, can you? You will not be fit to be seen by the Bingleys, and God knows what he would think if you arrived there on foot,” her mother cried with irritation when she understood her intention.
“I will be fit to see Jane; that is all I need,” she said, determined, and left without breaking her fast. She walked briskly, disregarding her mother’s concern for her appearance. On any other day, she would have enjoyed the exercise; but nowshe walked as fast as her legs would carry her, quite aware that her clothes were muddy—yet she cared not in the least.
I hope you are well, Jane.
She thought as she entered the house and was led into the breakfast parlor. Her mind had been so engaged with Jane’s health since the night before that she had given no thought to the disagreeable likelihood of meeting Mr. Darcy—until she directly stood before him upon entering the room.
There, I have stunned you once again with my tolerable appearance,she thought.
Judging whether Darcy had changed was the last thing on her mind; before he could compose himself, she addressed him.
“Good morning, sir! I apologize for intruding on your privacy. I have come to enquire after my sister. Would you be able to assist me?” she asked in a hurry.
“Of course!” Darcy said, clearly understanding her impatience.
He led her upstairs to her sister’s room and, on his way, informed her that the apothecary had already paid a visit. Darcy perceived the tension that clouded her countenance.
“I hope she is feeling better; I shall inform my friend of your arrival,” he said and paused. “Would you like to have some refreshments?” he asked, his tone filled with concern.
“I do not need anything at the moment,” Elizabeth replied, and could not help but notice an alteration in his demeanor. There seemed to be a visible change in the way he conversed; it seemed as if he was more at ease. Darcy bowed and left her.
Somehow, his heart raced in her company. He had never expected her presence that morning, and her sudden appearance caught him off guard. She was indeed the most intriguing woman Darcy had met; the very fact that she walked from her house to care for her sister spoke volumes about her affection. Her eyes sparkled after the morning exercise, and adelicate flush painted her cheeks in the most beautiful shade of pink. For her sake, Darcy hoped her sister would recover soon.
However, Elizabeth was alarmed by Jane’s condition and was grateful that she had followed her intuition to see her. She looked pale and barely spoke a few words upon seeing Elizabeth. Though she had declined it, Darcy arranged for a hot breakfast tray to be sent, and Elizabeth was taken by surprise when the servant brought it in.
