Page 26 of Attempted Compromises
Elizabeth shook her head firmly. “There’s no need, Mr. Darcy. He needed someone, and I was here.”
Darcy looked down at his son and saw Elizabeth’s hands still hovering protectively. He noticed the way her eyes lingered on Andrew, her worry for the boy clear even now. As his gaze lingered on her, he took in her mud-streaked skirts and the faint flush on her cheeks from the cold.
“Do you know what frightened him?” Darcy asked, his attention momentarily shifting back to his son.
Elizabeth shook her head. “He only said something about a ‘scary lady,’ but I couldn’t understand much more than that. He was too upset to explain.”
Darcy’s jaw tightened.Miss Bingley. It had to be.He had wondered at her sudden exit from breakfast. Rebecca’s frustrated glance up the stairs as she raced down the stairs after Andrew, followed by Caroline’s cool descent, seemed to confirm his suspicions. He suppressed the sudden surge of rage in his chest. He would address that matter soon enough. For now, his only concern was Andrew’s well-being.
“We must get him inside. He lungs cannot handle the cold air for long,” Darcy said, standing. Andrew still clung tightly to him. He glanced back at Elizabeth, his tone softening. “And you must come in as well. You look chilled.”
Elizabeth hesitated but finally nodded. “Thank you. I originally came to inquire after my sister, but I’d like to be certain that Andrew is well.”
Darcy led the way back toward the house, Andrew nestled securely in his arms. His mind swirled with emotions—relief, gratitude, and a growing curiosity about the woman who had so selflessly come to his son’s aid. Elizabeth Bennet, it seemed, was far more than she appeared, and he could not shake the image of her on the ground, her arms wrapped protectively around his son.
It was a sight that would stay with him for much longer than he cared to admit.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth followed the maid through the grand halls of Netherfield, her mind filled with worry over Jane. The corridors were quiet, except for the faint creak of the floorboards beneath her feet. She clutched her cloak tightly, her boots still damp from her walk. The maid led her to a room at the far end of the corridor, pausing just long enough to knock lightly before opening the door. Elizabeth squared her shoulders, preparing herself for whatever condition she might find her sister in.
The maid motioned for her to enter, and Elizabeth stepped inside. Her breath caught as her gaze fell on Jane, who lay asleep in a large bed, her face pale and her breathing faint. Seated in a chair near the bedside was a young woman with strikingly delicate features. She sat up straight in her chair, her small embroidery hoop clenched in tense fingers. Her blue eyes, theexact shade of Mr. Darcy’s, were eyes wide and startled. Her features unmistakably familial, though soft and feminine where his were strong and masculine.
There was no one else in the room, and Elizabeth hesitated for a moment before stepping forward with a warm smile. “Forgive my intrusion. I am Elizabeth Bennet, Jane’s sister. Unless I am very much mistaken, you must be Miss Darcy.”
The young woman’s eyes widened even more, her shyness palpable. She hesitated, as if uncertain whether to respond. “I—yes, I am,” she replied with a voice barely above a whisper. “Georgiana Darcy.”
Elizabeth’s smile widened. “Then it seems I have guessed correctly. How fortunate that we have been spared the awkwardness of guessing each other’s names for too long. I suppose that means we can skip the formalities altogether, don’t you think?”
A flicker of a smile appeared on Georgiana’s lips, though her shyness was still evident. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Elizabeth,” she said, her gaze dropping briefly to her hands.
“The pleasure is mine,” Elizabeth replied. “And I must thank you for sitting with my sister. It is a great comfort to know she has been in good company.”
Georgiana shook her head quickly. “No, not at all,” she said, glancing nervously at Jane. “I was only sitting with Miss Bennet while she rested. She seemed so unwell, and I thought she should not be left alone.”
Elizabeth’s heart warmed. “That was very kind of you,” she said fervently. “Jane is fortunate to have such considerate company.”
Georgiana glanced down, her shyness making it difficult to meet Elizabeth’s gaze. “I… I only wished to help,” she murmured.
Elizabeth decided to change the subject, sensing that the girl might feel more comfortable discussing something less personal. “Do you often sit with unwell guests… or is this a special case?” she asked lightly, her tone teasing.
A small smile flickered across Georgiana’s lips. “I think this may be my first time,” she admitted, her voice less hesitant.
“Well, I must say, you are doing an excellent job,” Elizabeth replied. “Jane looks quite peaceful, and I am sure your presence has been a great comfort to her.”
Georgiana’s blush deepened, and she glanced toward the door. She stood, smoothing her gown nervously. “I should leave you now. I am sure you would prefer to be alone.”
“You are welcome to stay,” Elizabeth offered sincerely. “I would not mind your company in the least.”
But Georgiana shook her head, her shyness clearly getting the better of her. “Thank you, but I believe she would prefer her sister’s company. If you need anything, please let one of the maids know.”
Elizabeth didn’t press her, recognizing the young woman’s shyness and respecting her need for space. “Then I shall see you again soon, Miss Darcy,” she said with a small curtsy.
Georgiana hesitated, her lips parting slightly as if to respond, then she simply nodded and slipped quietly from the room.
∞∞∞
Once alone, Elizabeth turned her full attention to Jane. She sat at her sister’s bedside and reached out to brush her sister’s damp curls away from her face. Jane stirred slightly but did not wake. Elizabeth pressed her palm to Jane’s forehead— the heat radiating from her skin made Elizabeth’s stomach twist with worry.
