Chapter 13

13

E lizabeth crept into Jane's chamber, hoping her sister was still asleep, which would give her a few moments of privacy at least.

She was fortunate; Jane was restless and flushed, but she was still asleep, and Elizabeth sank into the armchair with a discontented huff. When Mrs. Reynolds had appeared earlier with a list of what she felt the Miss Bennets might need over the next few days and asked for any additions the sisters might wish to make, having been instructed to send for their belongings, Elizabeth had indignantly asked her whose idea that had been.

She would have known without asking, of course. And Jane had been genuinely happy — Elizabeth was too, for the opportunity to care for her, of course. But Mr. Darcy was endeavouring to keep her trapped here, and she was certain it was because he wished to find her out, discover her secrets. She wasn't about to forgive him for that.

Now she would be here for several days, without the option of going to the cottage with Charlotte, without the option of finishing the score and the accompanying letter to send to Uncle Gardiner … oh, she was exceedingly vexed with Mr. Darcy.

And she could not even get to the piano to play. Well, she could, of course. But she did not see why she should. And Papa had been right, she ought to play the classics and not her own music. Mr. Darcy was far too suspicious.

She sighed heavily; at least Papa had had the opportunity to place more blank music sheets in the bottom of her trunk, as many as she would probably need. She crossed to the mantel and rang the bell for the maid. If she brought more hot water, lemon and honey, Elizabeth could give Jane more of the powders. With a good night's sleep, Jane might even be well enough to return to Longbourn tomorrow.

"Lizzy?" Jane's croak drew her attention.

"I have just rung for more hot water, Jane. You had better have more of the powders before you go to sleep for the night, and I will get ready, too. Then we can bundle up together to keep you warm as we used to do as children. Remember?"

Jane smiled weakly. "I remember. But I don't think it is a good idea, Lizzy. I don't want you to catch my cold."

"Oh, Jane! That is no reason to send me away, is it now? You know I am far too energetic to catch a cold — there is not one in the world that could keep up with me."

"There is always a first time, sister."

"Ha! Well in that case, you will be able to look after me — at Longbourn, not here!"

Soon, she was snuggled up beside her sister, who was already asleep. Another half an hour, and if Elizabeth was still awake, then she would ease out of the bed and write some more of the martial-sounding music. That would be far more enjoyable than trying to remember what she had played at the gathering and writing it down for her uncle. She almost wished she could creep down in the early hours of the morning and try it out on the instrument. But the risk of being heard and discovered … no, she dare not.

Her heart sank the next morning when Jane's voice was as croaky as it had been, and she was still feverish.

Another day here. Jane needs me, but how will I bear it? Elizabeth washed her face with the cold water still in the basin, dressed quickly, and penned her sister a short note to say where she was.

Once Jane had gone back to sleep, she stole downstairs and waited while the early footman unlocked the side door into the gardens for her, and she hurried out, hoping to reach the far gate before anyone — anyone being Mr. Darcy, of course —might rise early and see her.

Once through the gate, she relaxed a little, and strode out along one of the paths, breathing deeply. Jane's chamber had to be warm, of course, but to Elizabeth, it was stifling. This walk would set her up for the day, and she hummed contentedly.

She only had to avoid Mr. Darcy for a few more days, and then she would likely be going to the Gardiners for a few weeks. For the first time, she wondered whether it would arouse too much suspicion if she asked for Charlotte to come too.

She hadn't been walking for more than ten minutes when she heard his voice. "Miss Elizabeth!" She closed her eyes in frustration. It had to be him. But there was no escaping it, and she schooled her features to hide her annoyance, and turned round.

He was in company with Mr. Bingley; both were on horseback, and they trotted up to her and dismounted. Mr. Darcy bowed.

"Forgive us for disturbing your walk, but we would wish to greet you."

Elizabeth curtsied, wishing they would make their greeting and be gone. But she could hardly tell them to go away.

"Thank you, sir. But please do not let me take up your time. I believe you must be out riding the boundaries. I know it to be an essential task and will take up your time no further."

Mr. Darcy failed to take her hint. "I hope your presence out here means that your sister is somewhat improved, Miss Elizabeth."

She smiled tightly. "Not quite as much as I had hoped for, but I took the opportunity to walk as she is finally asleep." She looked longingly at the path. "But I suppose I will need to return to her soon."

Mr. Darcy looped the reins over his arm, and offered the other to Elizabeth. "Perhaps I may be permitted to escort you, madam."

"I would not dream of curtailing your examination of the fencing, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley. I am perfectly able to take myself indoors." She allowed her waspish tone to show, and he hesitated.

"Oh, we were just finishing, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Bingley blundered into the conversation. "I believe Mr. Jones will be arriving soon, and I would very much like to ask you how your sister fares and if there is anything more that may be done for her comfort."

Elizabeth sighed inwardly. It seemed that her solitary walk was at an end, and she reluctantly took Mr. Darcy's arm, which was still extended towards her.

"Thank you." That comment would do for both of them, she thought. And while they were walking, she might begin to discover if Mr. Bingley was able to look past Jane's beauty. Was he worth her sister's affection?