Page 51 of Love Among the Shadows
“When this unhappy affair is settled, I believe. My estate cannot be neglected, yet my presence is required here for the present. When all is ended, I shall be glad indeed to see Derbyshire again.” He replied simply.
Georgiana, sitting near Elizabeth, turned to her with shy interest. “Have you ever been to Derbyshire, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No. I have seldom travelled beyond London, where my aunt Gardiner resides. My life has been very provincial, I fear. Though—” she smiled—“my friend Charlotte Collins has written lately, urging me to visit her in Kent.”
“Oh!” Georgiana’s eyes brightened. “My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, lives there. Perhaps you will see her.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. "I daresay I shall indeed. My cousin, Mr Collins, serves as rector to her parish and is most eloquent in his praise of her ladyship's generosity.
Before she could say more, Miss Bingley interjected with a sharp smile. “And what of your family, Mrs. Eliza Bennet? Beyond your aunt who lives on the cheap side of London, you have other connections?”
The intent was plain. Elizabeth’s lips pressed together, but Jane, with her unfailing candour, answered at once.
“Our Aunt Phillips lives in Meryton. Indeed, had we not been here, Lizzy and I would have gone to visit her this week.”
“So only two aunts, then?” Miss Bingley said sweetly.
“And our cousin Mr Collins,” Jane added, “whom Lizzy mentioned. That’s about all the family we have.”
Elizabeth’s heart sank.Dear Jane, too good to perceive malice where it is meant.Yet she could not help but admire her for it.
Miss Bingley pressed on. “How limited a circle! I cannot imagine how dull it must be never to see the great houses of the kingdom if you do not have a lot of family members to travel to. To miss the refinements of life—it is a sad deprivation.”
“Sad only to those who think refinement consists in marble halls,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said dryly.
“Indeed,” Bingley added.
Darcy’s voice followed, low but steady, "I have observed that true refinement lies not in the grandeur of one's connections, but in the quality of one's character. Moreso, as long as one has family who truly care for one another, they possess all the refinement one could ever need to enjoy."
Caroline drew breath to speak, but as if suddenly comprehending that Mr Darcy's words had been intended as a gentle reproof of her own remarks, she coloured deeply and thought better of any reply.
Elizabeth felt a quiet glow within her chest. She caught Darcy’s eye across the room and looked away quickly, lest she betray too much.
The conversation turned to trivialities then, and at last the company retired for the night. Elizabeth went upstairs thoughtful, Jane at her side, her mind replaying the tones of Darcy’s voice when he spoke of family loyalty—and wondering why, in hearing it, her own heart had beat so fast.
Twenty Eight
Mr Jones arrived early the following morning, his assistant in tow. He carried his leather satchel with brisk assurance, but the examination proved to be little more than form. Jane had risen from her bed with a clearer countenance, declaring that she felt her strength returning.
“Your pulse is steady, Miss Bennet,” Mr Jones said after a brief measure. “The fever is spent. A little more rest and you may be about as before.”
Elizabeth smiled with relief. “We are most grateful, sir. My sister will be glad indeed to quit her chamber.”
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’s 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.”
