Chapter 6

6

H ow rapidly Elizabeth’s circumstances changed. Her intention to avoid Mr. Darcy that day turned into a complete failure.If the circumstances were different, she would be well-pleased to be in his company.

The poor man. The skin surrounding his knee was brutally damaged. Deep, bloody scrapes ran from mid-calf up to his thigh. The skin not currently covered by both gentlemen’s cravats and handkerchiefs was already scarlet red with purple undertones that were darkening by the minute.She feared he would never be able to walk without a limp.

Thankfully, Colonel Fitzwilliam was experienced in dressing wounds. Besides experience, the flask containing spirits was a welcome relief to Mr. Darcy. Fortunately, when Elizabeth took it from the colonel and opened the lid, it was full.

Before leaving for Rosings to get assistance, Colonel Fitzwilliam commanded, “Miss Bennet, by the time I return with help, you are to get every drop of that liquid down Darcy’s throat. I want nothing but fumes remaining. Am I clear?”

“Yes, sir.” She smelled the strong spirits. Elizabeth had no desire to sample the beverage.

“That cognac comes from the Grande Champagne region of France. It is potent enough to dull the pain of a dumb ox, so it should work for Darcy.” Resting his hand on his cousin’s shoulder, he warned, “Behave yourself.”

To distract herself, she said, “Your cousin cares for you deeply.”

Mr. Darcy turned his face to her. “We have been close since our youth. Richard is two years older than me, but I was always taller than him, so our ages made no difference until I became an adult. At that point, my cousin considered himself my superior. Whether that was from the actual age difference or the fact that he was used to commanding underlings, I do not know. He is like a brother to me.”

“Would you be willing to take another sip, please?” Never could she have imagined having contact with him at this level. Still, she clearly recalled his strength when he carried her to Netherfield Park. The sharpness of the stubble that grew since his valet shaved him that morning and the woodsy scent of his skin. The softness of his hair. She remembered it all like it was yesterday.

Elizabeth felt his forehead, pleased to discover that his skin was still cool to the touch. Fortunately, the sun was at her back, so her body shielded his face both from the heat and exposure.

Surprised when her fingertips tingled each time she touched him, Elizabeth reached under the back of his neck to hold his head up as she put the flask to his lips.

“I believe that it is to your advantage to obey the colonel. You know better than I how far we are off the main trail. A wagon or a cart will not be able to reach us easily. Dulling the pain now will be to your benefit.”

“I will be well.”

“You will, will you?” she asked, amazed at his ability to minimize his trauma. He might not be complaining aloud, but she felt his body flinch with each slight move.

“Miss Bennet, I am entirely ashamed that my actions are causing you discomfort,” Mr. Darcy whispered through gritted teeth.

“Do not dare be concerned about me, sir. When you carried me from the lake, I had a mere bump on my head. If only I could toss you over my shoulder and get you to Rosings Park as quickly as you got me to Netherfield. The fact that I cannot is the only thing causing me discomfort.”

It pained Elizabeth’s heart to see anyone suffering. When added to the memory of how much worse her situation would have been had Mr. Darcy not helped her at Netherfield, her admiration grew.

“You cannot believe that the situation is the same. As a man, I am the protector.”

“As a woman, I am a nurturer, sir. This means the difference between the sexes is very small when there is a need that requires being filled. As you felt a responsibility to me when you found me hurt, I feel the same for you, Mr. Darcy. We are discussing human kindness, are we not?”

“I suppose.”

“Please, if you would take another drink, I will explain myself.”

He obeyed.

“Had you found one of the milkmaids from the local dairy unconscious on the trail at Netherfield, would you not have done all within your power to help her?”

“Without hesitation.”

“I agree that you would have, sir. The simple fact that you endeavored to help Mr. Bingley learn to run his first estate indicates your willingness to be of assistance to someone in need. In the same manner, had an injury occurred to one of Lady Catherine’s grooms or Mr. Collins’ gardener, I would do all within my power to provide aid. Where we differ is the amount of power we possess. Where you carried me with seeming ease, I would struggle under your weight.”

She barely heard his chuckle.

“Some more, Mr. Darcy?” She again held the flask to his lips. “A question for you, sir. Who taught you how to make a daisy chain?”

“My mother died when my sister was born. Georgiana had a nurse who was brought in from Lambton, the village closest to Pemberley. Molly was the eldest of eight children. The other seven were boys who had no idea what to do with a big sister other than treat her as a second mother. By the time Molly was old enough to go into service, her character was as bold and adventurous as her brothers’. At the same time, she knew far more than me how to bring joy to the nursery. My father was right to hire her. You see, Georgiana is extremely uncomfortable around strangers.”

“Like her brother?” Elizabeth asked.

“No. She is timid where I am not.”

Stiffening her spine, she asked, “Then your reticence is because you do not want to be bothered by strangers?”

“Miss Bennet.” He sighed. “Please imagine yourself in my place, if you would. You step into a crowded assembly where you know no one other than your hosts. The very first words you hear are speculation, guessing your annual income. Then, your morals are called into question as strangers wonder what relationship you have with the sister of your host. Immediately following are commentaries about your hair, your clothing, and whether or not you were the one who purchased Caroline Bingley’s ostrich feathers and jewelry.”

“I understand your point, sir. Before I make another wrong assumption, perhaps you might have another swallow of your cousin’s fine brandy?”

“Before I do, I wonder, did you ever recall anything I said when we were by Bingley’s lake in between when you fell and when you woke?”

Shaking her head, she had no clue what he was talking about. “No, sir. We conversed?”

“Actually, no, since you were unconscious. However, I took advantage of the opportunity of speaking without witnesses to apologize for my grievous error at the Meryton assembly. I never should have said such thoughtless words. That my words hurt you is repugnant to me.”

“I see.” She thought back to that day. She remembered nothing from the time her feet went out from underneath her until they were on their way back to the house. “I do thank you for your apology, although I do not remember anything you said. Was it well done?”

He grinned. “Certainly. Never let it be said that Fitzwilliam Darcy ever does anything by half measure. When I insult a lady, it is thoroughly done. When I apologize, I need to be even more exhaustive with my efforts.”

She giggled. “Mr. Darcy, did you happen to break your fast prior to walking out today?”

“I did not. Why do you ask? Have the bears and lions started growling in my stomach?”

“Not at all. At Netherfield Park, you drank brandy on several occasions with Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley. Yet, not once did you giggle.”

His tone and countenance were indignant. “Giggle? Me? Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I will have you know that a Darcy never giggles.” His face relaxed. “Well, except for Georgiana. When she was quite young, I used to lift her and toss her high into the air. I think the first word she ever learned to utter was ‘more.’”

“My father did the same to all five of us. Not at the same time, of course.”

“Of course.” He swallowed brandy without being asked. “She has not been happy for many months. I told you why by the lake.”

“When I was unconscious?”

“Yes, I am afraid so.” He held out his hand for the flask and then took a long swig. “Did you happen to receive an introduction to George Wickham, an officer with the militia stationed in Meryton?”

“Not until after you and the Bingley family were gone. My younger sisters considered him to be a friend until he became betrothed to Miss Mary King. At that point, they seemed to lose interest in him. He no longer accompanied the other officers when they came to Longbourn.”

Mr. Darcy groaned as he adjusted the position of his leg.“Once I am back on my feet, I will contact Miss King’s family. Mr. Wickham is not to be trusted. He attempted to take advantage of my sister’s lack of guile to steal her dowry. I stopped the elopement, rescuing my sister from harm. Nevertheless, her trust in her judgment is damaged, seemingly beyond repair.”

“Poor Miss Darcy!” Elizabeth pressed her fingers to her lips. “Oh, no! Mary King’s uncle learned of an inheritance not one week after the militia’s arrival. Do you suppose Mr. Wickham is after her money instead of her?”

“I have no doubt.”

“This is terrible! She is an orphan with an uncle who is too busy to look out for her best interests. Who will protect her from Mr. Wickham?”

“I will.”

Mr. Darcy attempted to sit up. Elizabeth grabbed his shoulders, pulling him back until his head again rested on her lap.

“Mr. Darcy! You can write to my father soon enough. He will get the message to Miss King’s uncle. For now, you need to remain still so your wounds do not begin bleeding.”

He took a long swig from the flask. Shaking the container enough to gauge the amount of liquid remaining, he immediately took another drink.

“Thank you for wanting to protect Miss King. Sir, you must have been aware that Mr. Wickham was in Hertfordshire, or you would not have asked if I had been in his company. Why did you say nothing about his propensity for evil while you were there? My sisters are as important to me as yours is to you. Had he not engaged himself to Mary King, Kitty and Lydia especially would have been in danger.”

He dipped his chin, then whispered, “I should have said something.”

“Yes, you should. Ladies need protection.”

“I apologize.”

“For?”

His voice slurred with the effects of the brandy. “For not being the gentleman I was brought up to be. For insulting you and for not warning the citizens of Meryton how devious Wickham could be. For keeping you sitting on hard ground. For compromising you by having my head in your lap.” He snickered like a schoolboy before sobering. “For trying to forget you these past four months like Bingley tried to forget your sister and failing spectacularly. For all the other things I have done to alienate you and harm you, Elizabeth…Miss Bennet. I have so many regrets. Thus, I beg your forgiveness.”

The emotional impact of his words stunned her until the only thing to come out of her mouth was, “Forgiveness is granted. Now, rest, please, sir. It should not be much longer before your cousin returns.”