Page 54 of Companions of Their Youth
“We brought tales from town,” added Mrs. Hurst, settling into a nearby chair.
And indeed, for the next two hours they regaled Jane and Elizabeth with a litany of high society anecdotes. Though clearly intended to impress, many of the stories were so farcical that even Elizabeth had to stifle a smile. Jane, in her usual sweet-tempered way, was delighted by their company and laughed softly when her strength allowed it, though Elizabeth could see the weariness in her countenance.
Elizabeth endured it with tolerable grace, though she felt indignant at Jane’s rest being interrupted.
Eventually, Miss Bingley stood and straightened her skirts. “It is nearly time to dress for dinner. Our carriage will be at your disposal to convey you and your brother home, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Oh!” Jane exclaimed hoarsely. “I suppose you must.” Tears shimmered in her eyes.
Elizabeth leaned forward quickly, brushing the hair back from her sister’s face.
“I shall not leave unless you are ready for me to do so,” she whispered.
Miss Bingley faltered. She looked at Mrs. Hurst, then back to Elizabeth. “Well—of course—if your sister truly requires you, then I suppose we must insist that you remain. And your brother as well, if it pleases him.”
“I thank you,” Elizabeth said, straightening. “For my part, I shall certainly stay, but I will ask Mark his preference.”
“Very well,” Miss Bingley said, her tone clipped. “Please join us in the drawing room once you are ready.”
As the sisters withdrew, Elizabeth turned back to Jane, who now lay blinking up at her with a sleepy smile. She helped her sip the last of her tea and adjust the pillows again, brushing a kiss to her brow before rising.
“I will return shortly,” she said gently. “Rest well.”
She closed the door softly behind her and made her way downstairs. A passing maid showed her to the room where she would find the gentlemen.
Mark stood near the fireplace in the study, speaking amiably with Bingley and Darcy. He turned as Elizabeth entered.
“Jane does not want me to leave,” Elizabeth told her brother simply. “Miss Bingley has kindly extended her hospitality to both of us, should you wish to stay.”
Mark’s brow rose slightly. “Only one night, I think. I have much to do before I return to school in a week, but I suppose Longbourn will not dissolve into chaos in my absence.”
Elizabeth smiled. “You always were the generous twin.”
He grinned and offered her his arm. “Shall we dress for dinner, then?”
“With what clothing?” She glanced down at the gown she had walked to Netherfield in. “Perhaps I should take a tray in Jane’s room, although I would hate to disturb her. She is finally sleeping.”
“I shall send a servant to Longbourn for some things.” Bingley approached with an amiable smile. “There is no need for anyone to change this evening. The company is perfectly suited to an informal meal. I have already given word to the staff.”
Miss Bingley entered just in time to hear this declaration and gave a tight smile. “Yes. Quite. Then let us make ourselves comfortable in the main parlor until we are summoned.”
Elizabeth followed the others, conscious of the tension simmering beneath Miss Bingley’s carefully arranged features, but more concerned with the comfort of her sister and the contentment of her brother—both of whom, for now at least, were safe and warm under one roof.
∞∞∞
Darcy had not been present when the Bennet siblings first arrived at Netherfield, but he was in the study with Bingley when Mark left Jane’s room. The three had a comfortable discussion about Netherfield. The contrast between the two younger men was starkly evident throughout the discussion.He is remarkably well-informed for someone his age and still in school,Darcy thought as Mark answered one of Bingley’s questions about drainage systems.
After several hours, a soft knock on the door admitted Elizabeth, and Darcy found he could not tear his gaze from her. There was color in her cheeks, likely from tending her sister, and though her gown was somewhat travel-worn, there was a liveliness to her countenance that not even a day spent by a sickbed could diminish.
In the parlor, Darcy stood facing the window. A casual observer would think that he was merely looking out at the front lawn of Netherfield, but in reality, he was watching Elizabeth through the reflection. Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled as her brother said something to make her laugh, and she threw her head back in delight. He could not recall the last time he had seen a lady laugh so openly—so freely—and it stirred something in his chest that had nothing to do with digestion.
When dinner was announced, Elizabeth took her place at the table beside Mark—and directly across from Darcy himself. The proximity was both a blessing and a torment. It made her easier to observe, but far more difficult to ignore. And so, with theease of a gentleman trained in civility, he addressed her brother instead.
“I understand you are still at Cambridge, Mr. Bennet?”
Mark looked up and nodded. “Yes, sir. I return in a fortnight.”
“I attended there as well, though I graduated six years ago. Do you plan a tour before you settle?”
