Chapter 3

Elizabeth was awake when the Fitzwilliams arrived at Pemberley, and Mary would hear no objections or calls for her to rest or refresh herself. She went straight to Elizabeth the moment she entered the house. Charlotte explained as Mary ascended the stairs that Darcy had temporarily not told Elizabeth yet that she had been pushed, and that she did not yet remember, but that she would be told reasonably soon. Mary agreed not to mention it until Darcy agreed, or the situation made it necessary. She then entered her sister's apartment, while Richard stood in the private sitting room waiting to be admitted or for Darcy to come out and speak with him.

Darcy came out while Mary visited her sister and appraised Richard of all that had occurred in the last few days. Richard promised Darcy that he would address the household, assure the staff of Elizabeth's improvement, and see to it that the staff understood that there was no reason to involve the magistrate unless Elizabeth chose to do so herself. After a time, Mary came from Elizabeth's room to inform them that Elizabeth was feeling better and was requesting tea and a tray of food.

Mary berated Darcy for his dishevelled appearance and sent him to his rooms to bathe and make himself presentable. Richard assured Darcy that the house and the household would be well managed, and Elizabeth would be safe under her sister's care for a time. The newly married couple insisted that he go and rest, and that he was not to be seen outside his rooms until the following morning.

Hazel and Mrs Pottinger argued dramatically in the kitchens over who was to make the pastina and egg soup for their mistress. Mrs Pottinger won, but Hazel insisted upon carrying the tray upstairs herself, arguing vehemently with William the entire way up, and would not be dissuaded. She gave Elizabeth the best wishes of all the kitchen staff, and cried with relief to see her mistress sitting up and taking nourishment.

Mr Farinacci, who had stood by wordlessly as the fight over the soup raged in the kitchen. He then insisted on starting the fires in the old kitchens so that he could devote himself to creating delicacies to tempt Elizabeth to eat well during her recovery. Not to be outdone, Mrs Pottinger and Hazel went to work on planning as many of Elizabeth's favourite meals and treats as possible over the next weeks. Elizabeth joked to Sarah that the battle in the kitchens would make her fat before her time.

Evie's relief at Elizabeth's recovery was profound, and she begged to be allowed to stay at Pemberley and assist her guardian until she was well enough to resume her usual activities. Surprising Elizabeth, Darcy argued insistently in Evie's favour, so Sister Augustine allowed it on the condition that Evie study her lessons while she sat with Elizabeth. They had lively conversations, and Elizabeth was very well pleased with how Evie was turning out. All of the ladies of the house fought for their turn to sit and amuse Elizabeth, and bring her the news of the house.

It was not long before Elizabeth had enough of being in bed. On the third day after she had awoken, Evie came to find Darcy in his study and led him to understand that Elizabeth had insisted upon getting dressed in a loose, comfortable dressing gown and house slippers, and was threatening to leave her rooms and walk to her study. Darcy, having expected Elizabeth to get bored very quickly, summoned Banks to bring Elizabeth's correspondence to him. With a heavy stack of letters in hand, he entered their apartment and gave her a stern smile. "I knew you would not stay abed," Darcy teased.

"Since it is what you expected, then you will not be alarmed," said Elizabeth cheekily from the chair she had obediently sat in when Evie had insisted she would fetch Mr Darcy right away. Will explained to Elizabeth that she was in danger of swooning for several days, and the doctor felt she must stay off of her feet for three weeks, for the sake of their child. When Elizabeth began to argue, he said "However, I did get him to agree that once your headaches subsided and you felt well enough, that you could attend to your business and correspondence IF you can remain reclined while you do so."

Darcy spilled the envelopes into Elizabeth's lap, then scooped her into his arms. He carried her to a daybed that he had asked the footmen to install in their private sitting room. Once she had been deposited on the daybed, Darcy brought her a travelling writing desk. "You have a great deal of correspondence to attend to, and I have left a stack of novels that I know you intended to read. Perhaps you can teach Evie to play chess if she likes. If you can remain here without getting up for the next few days, I will carry you down to the library or the music room if you are feeling up to it."

Elizabeth promised to remain on the daybed, and Darcy opened the doors to the balcony to let the breeze in, then left her only to return a few moments later with Beau. "Diane asked if you might not become lonely sitting here in bed with nothing to do at breakfast this morning. It was her idea for Beau to spend his days in your company until you can leave your rooms. She says he brings her much comfort when she feels ill." Elizabeth was touched and settled down happily with the gentle and affectionate dog at her side while she read her correspondence, now and then reaching over to give a scratch to the dog's ear. She worked until luncheon before she grew weary and developed a headache. Forgoing the noon meal, she napped with the dog cuddling close to her, and awoke two hours later famished.

Darcy was sitting close by when she woke, rang the bell for Elizabeth's meal, and then carried her to her bathing chamber, where she was assisted by Sarah. When she returned, Beau had been sent outside with a footman to do his business, and Diane was waiting to visit with her.

The next days passed in much the same fashion. Darcy and Evie had formed an alliance. With the assistance of a footman assigned to the task, Evie kept Darcy informed of Elizabeth's every movement. Before Elizabeth could even anticipate what she might do next, Evie had sent for her husband, who always appeared like magic to carry her to and from their sitting room, and he was always by her side whenever she woke.

After a few more days, Darcy began carrying Elizabeth downstairs to rest on a couch in the music room with the other ladies for company, which brought her some entertainment, particularly when Georgiana and Marianne played duets. When Elizabeth had been recovered for one week, Darcy told her about Jane pushing her down the stairs. He had no desire to distress her, but felt she ought to know sooner rather than later. He told her how he had seen Jane when she fell, and he was convinced she had not meant it. Elizabeth agreed with him completely. Jane may not like her, but she would never hurt her on purpose. Once she had been told all she began to remember the bits and pieces of what happened all jumbled in her mind. Eventually Elizabeth set herself to writing her sister a letter.

Pemberley,

Derbyshire

Dear Jane,

I hope that your visit to Lake Cottage has been restful and that you, Charles, and Kitty are well. Everything here is quite as usual. Georgiana and Marianne have been working on a new duet, and their music fills the house daily. Young Margaret is still most interested in cartography, nearly to the point of neglecting her other studies. Aunt Josephine does not fret about Margaret's lessons, but Marianne chastised her quite soundly and took away her drawing pencils and paper until she completed all that Mr Mason assigned to her and threatened her with the removal of her beloved atlas if it occurs again.

Margaret and I had a conversation yesterday where I confessed that when I was her age, I was more interested in reading industry periodicals than I was about my lessons. When Aunt Madeleine learned that I was behind in my lessons I was chastised severely. Uncle Gardiner locked my periodicals away in his study, and did not allow me to have them back for a week entire. Margaret agrees that in the future, it will serve her much better to complete her lessons before she enjoys her other pursuits, in the interest of having her drawing materials always available to her when she wants them.

Marianne continues to go on the longest rambles and routinely escapes the grooms and footmen sent to accompany her. I worry that she will sprain her ankle again when she is alone, but she pays little heed. It is difficult to determine when we should send someone looking for her, for she is frequently gone for hours, much like my old summer rambles at Longbourn. However, Pemberley is so much more remote than our home, the tenant farms are much farther apart, and in such wild country she could encounter nearly anyone while out alone, and so I do worry.

The Parson's wife from Lambton, as well as the Merriweather sisters, and a few of the other neighbourhood ladies, have paid me several quiet visits this week, and I am grateful for their kindness. I am sure you must look forward to settling in at Tatton Hall and making your own friendships in your new neighbourhood. I am told there are many excellent families in the village there. You should enjoy a lively social circle much like Meryton, or perhaps slightly more refined, when you take the place over.

Mary clucks over me constantly, and I love her devotion and care, but I admit it is wearing upon me. Thankfully Richard knows how to distract her, and he has spirited her away to give me an hour to myself on several occasions. I shall have to thank him with a fine gift at Christmas, though I have a strong suspicion that our new brother's motives are not always entirely altruistic. I have another week and a half of bed rest ahead, and I find it very tiresome. There is nothing more tiresome than being confined to a couch or daybed. The very day I am allowed to get up and move about, I shall probably run screaming down the drive.

I pray this letter finds you well and in good spirits. Do not be too cruel to yourself about what happened, Jane. I know you would never intentionally wish to hurt me, and God willing, there appears to be no lasting harm. I pray that you are able to find peace and comfort in Charles and Kitty's care, and remain your loving sister,

Elizabeth

Jane had wept when she read Elizabeth's letter. By not making a fuss about the matter, and just moving on with everyday conversation, Elizabeth was giving Jane the opportunity to turn her behaviour around and be amiable, and Jane refused to believe that she deserved such kindness. She agonised for several days about how to respond to her sister before finally Kitty took it upon herself to take up her pen.

Lake Cottage,

Coniston

Dearest Lizzy,

Words cannot express how relieved we all were to receive your letter. As you can imagine, Jane has yet to return to her usual self, and as much as she has tried to put pen to paper to reply, I believe she cannot find the words to respond.

Jane was terribly affected by the events that happened when we were all last together at Pemberley. She struggles to forgive herself, and also seems to still be struggling with her hopes of falling in the family way. When her courses came last week, she locked herself in her apartment and cried for two days. She has confessed to me that she is terribly happy for you and my brother Darcy, but she cannot separate those sentiments from her own personal affairs, and it causes her great shame. A letter was forwarded from Pemberley from Mama yesterday that apologised to Jane for chastising her on the matter, then ended with more admonishments and Jane cried again. My brother is ready to begin intercepting all of her mail because even his sisters inquire on the matter every time they write, and Jane becomes distressed in the extreme. Charles has threatened to go and purchase a great number of orphans if it would only bring Jane comfort.

I have enjoyed my visit to the Lake District exceedingly, Jane's troubles aside. Once we heard you would be well, Charles began to exert himself a bit in the neighbourhood so that I might have some society. We have not gone out very much, but what I have seen of the neighbourhood has been interesting and the scenery is divine. My pencils call me outside daily. Here is a sketch of the house, is it not charming? I believe you would like it here very much.

Charles has put it about the neighbourhood that his wife is ill, so we have not been expected to entertain or attend dinners, but a few local gentlemen have paid calls. Jane has received visits from a few ladies of the village, before Charles instructed the housekeeper to say we were not at home when those ladies constantly speculated about the nature of Jane's illness in her presence, believing that it must have something to do with being in the family way or perhaps losing a babe. Jane became so incoherently distressed after one such visit that Charles will no longer admit the neighbours to the house, and now, we are not at home to anyone. But before that occurred, he did escort me to a public assembly. Jane insisted that we should go and that I must be allowed some entertainment while we are here. The assembly was great fun. As always, Charles is very good at meeting and talking to new people. I danced nearly every dance; it was nearly as fun as having the militia in Meryton.

The shops in the village are divine. I have purchased gifts for all of the ladies at Pemberley, and some fine lace for Lydia and Mama. One of the shops had the most amusing stuffed parrot, and I bought it for Lydia for Christmas. Do you not think it will be amusing when she uses it to trim a bonnet? I am nearly overcome with laughter whenever I think of it. If anyone can make such a bonnet attractive, it will be our youngest sister.

Is Marianne still walking for hours every day, and pretending that she doesn't care that Willoughby has yet to come for her? You were so right about him, Lizzy. When I see how he has treated more than one young lady, I feel, as Colonel Fitzwilliam is fond of saying, as though I have dodged a bullet. I beg a thousand pardons for my silly behaviour, Lizzy. You are a saint for tolerating me! He was not at all worth it. Please remind me to always listen to your good advice, Sister! I look forward to returning to Pemberley when Jane is well, and remain your devoted sister,

Catherine

Elizabeth was troubled upon receiving such a letter, and shared her concerns with Will. "Poor Jane can get no rest from such attentions! She is a young married woman, and therefore everywhere she goes she must be pestered by these clucking English hens about when she will deliver a child! It is enough to drive any lady to distraction!"

Darcy too, was concerned. He had been in communication with Bingley, who had voiced the same worries. It seemed that even when residing in an unknown village, Mrs Bingley could not escape speculation, gossip, and unsolicited advice on when and how she ought to become pregnant. Some matrons, even those who were practically strangers, felt perfectly comfortable giving the most shocking, and occasionally dangerous advice. They discussed the matter at length, and eventually Elizabeth announced that when she was allowed up from her bedrest, which was in just a few days, she would immediately travel to visit Jane.

Darcy panicked at such a suggestion, but Elizabeth would not be moved. The doctor was brought to discourage her from such a scheme, but Mr Lloyd did not believe that such a short journey would overly tax Elizabeth's strong constitution. She had recovered well, had not had a single fainting spell as the doctor had feared, since she left her bed, and she had felt perfectly well for two weeks. Charlotte thought that Elizabeth had shown remarkable patience and obedience, considering her usual obstinate nature. Elizabeth had wanted desperately not to endanger her child nor worry her husband, and so she had been nearly angelic compared to how she could have behaved had she not been expecting.

Elizabeth insisted that the family was to journey to London soon anyway, to fit Kitty and Georgiana for their wardrobes for the upcoming season. This shorter journey was the perfect way to determine if travelling would upset her health in any way. Darcy was of a mind to cancel the London trip entirely, but Elizabeth made her arrangements, and paid him no mind. Two days after the doctor pronounced Elizabeth able to get up from the chaise lounge, she and Darcy boarded her carriage, accompanied by Richard and Mary, and travelled to see Jane and Bingley.

*****

Bingley was much his usual self, friendly and gregarious, and Jane could not keep her composure, but burst into tears and threw herself into Lizzy's arms the moment she stepped down from the carriage. Elizabeth was unsure if Jane was crying from her own anxiety or because Elizabeth was now quite enormously pregnant, or perhaps both. In just over three weeks, suddenly Elizabeth's girth had finally made itself quite visible, and also her gowns no longer made any attempt to conceal it. The only way Elizabeth had been able to hide her condition before was by the employment of several layered shawls. Now that it was so evident, and Lizzy was quite well, Sister Augustine had confessed to Lizzy that she suspected that she might be carrying twins. Elizabeth, not wishing Darcy to become even more of a mother hen, did not choose to share this suspicion with her husband until the moment arrived.

Elizabeth allowed Kitty to lead her, Jane, and Mary upstairs, where they had a good cry together, then promised to be the best of friends in the future and never allow anything to come between them again. After this interlude Jane was exhausted. Kitty assured Elizabeth that this was not uncommon after Jane had been particularly emotional. Elizabeth encouraged Jane to lay down and rest until dinner. She, Mary and Kitty returned downstairs, and Kitty served tea in the drawing room. When they all had their cups and had begun conversing, Elizabeth said directly, "Charles, I believe you should take Jane away on a long journey."

"I had considered that, Lady Darcy, but here we are as far away from anyone we know as we have ever been, and yet Jane still receives remarks from ladies who barely know her. I fear it is making her quite reclusive," answered Charles.

"There is more to the world than England, Charles. Why not take Jane to the continent?" suggested Elizabeth. "Travel to Paris is quite safe, and if you stay in a hotel, you will have no acquaintance there. Jane does not even speak French! It will be exceedingly simple to pose as a newly married couple on your wedding trip. No one would expect Jane to be in the family way on her wedding trip. You could spend time in Paris, and perhaps travel about to different areas, not staying in one place too long, thereby not allowing anyone to come to know you well enough to begin asking such questions. And not to mention, but the French are less curious about others' private affairs. That is an English character flaw. Here every matron has her ear to the ground, ready to spread all the private business of their neighbours or even perfect strangers. I would not be surprised if there is a neighbour listening under the window right now, or a local matron who has already paid the servants here to inform them as soon as it is known if Jane is in the family way.

"Ladies in English society are not given enough to keep their minds occupied, and so they are relentless with their intrusive manners and gossip. In France, the ladies there could not care less about Jane's condition, unless she cared to share it with them. As long as you do not fall in with other travelling Englishmen and their wives, Jane should be able to enjoy her time alone with you and your adventures together without enduring constant speculation. You can stay away as long as you like, and either return home when Jane is finally expecting, or you can wait and return home when your child is born, presuming you are so blessed. There is no reason you could not go away on a very extended journey, as long as it takes. Take Jane away from all of this. Travel for a year or perhaps even two. If Jane's hopes are not eventually realised, then you may adopt an infant girl if you choose before you return, and no one need be the wiser."

Charles found this to be an intriguing idea. He and Darcy immediately began discussing the particulars for such a journey. Elizabeth and Kitty retired upstairs, Elizabeth to rest before dinner and Kitty to pack her belongings, for she would return to Pemberley with the Darcys in a few days. Darcy and Bingley discussed Darcy taking over as Charles' agent for the renovation and administration of Tatton Hall and other business affairs, including the administration of Miss Bingley's dowry, should she receive an offer of marriage. The Bingleys prepared to travel to London to finalise their plans and before the two parties left Lake Cottage Bingley sent the following letter (dictated to Elizabeth so it could be read) to Longbourn.

Lake Cottage,

Coniston

Bennet,

I write to inform your household that Mrs Bingley and I will be leaving England's shores for an extended journey to the continent. I will not attempt to hide the fact that the reason for our journey stems entirely from the behaviour of your wife and other women like her. Mrs Bennet refuses to cease admonishing Mrs Bingley regarding falling with child, causing my wife sincere distress. Mrs Bennet has been asked to refrain from this behaviour by myself and Mrs Bingley, as well as by Lady Darcy, and even Miss Kitty, without result. Each week, another insensitive letter arrives, which affects my wife's sensibilities in the most distressing ways.

Your wife is not the only quarter from which these unwelcome queries originate. Mrs Bingley often receives similar missives from Mrs Phillips, other matrons of Meryton, our acquaintance in town, and even my own sisters. Even in the Lake District, where we know no one, Jane begins to endure subtle hints, innuendos and outright intrusive questioning and unsolicited advice from local matrons we hardly know looking for gossip.

I will no longer tolerate my wife's distress, sir. I am taking Mrs Bingley to Paris, and later to tour the continent as we like. I expect our journey will be of long duration, and I do not expect to return in less than one year, perhaps even two. My business has all been turned over to Darcy, and no one but Lord and Lady Darcy will know where we are or how to reach us. Please ensure that your wife understands that even if a letter or communication from herself were to find its way to us, that I will consign it to the fire before Mrs Bingley reads it.

It is long past time my wife and I were allowed to enjoy our marriage as we ought, without the intrusion and interference of gossiping women who insist upon meddling in the affairs of others. If Jane wishes to write to her mother on occasion, I will allow a letter to be forwarded to her through Lady Darcy. If she does not wish to do so, then I will not press her, and I will thank you to ensure that your wife does not insinuate herself into our private affairs again in the future.

Your Servant,

Bingley

After reading and rereading this, Mr Bennet enjoyed himself immensely, relaying the information to his wife that her meddling had driven her favourite daughter to cease all contact and leave the country without so much as a forwarding address. Mrs Bennet became so agitated that she fell that evening when her husband was needling her nerves, and severely sprained her ankle. Mr Bennet's enjoyment was cruelly increased by this.

*****

While the Bingleys and the Fitzwilliams travelled to London, the Darcy party returned to Pemberley, and Elizabeth and the ladies began preparing for their journey to London, which they were to embark upon in two weeks. Two days after their return from Lake Cottage, Colonel Brandon and the Ferrars had joined them for dinner, and Charlotte said to Kitty when the men had rejoined the ladies after the meal, "Well, Kitty, it is obvious that someone has missed you." When Kitty asked as to her meaning, Charlotte laughed, "Kitty do not tell me that you have not noticed that Colonel Brandon is in love with you. The gentleman never looks away when you are near."

Kitty looked over at the gentleman and blushed to her roots when she found him observing her from across the room at that very moment. This in turn caused the gentleman to blush to his roots as well, and that was all it took. The pair could no longer make eye contact without blushing, and everyone in the room noticed. Embarrassed and unable to maintain her composure, Kitty excused herself and retired early. When Marianne began to derisively abuse Kitty once she was gone, Elizabeth cornered her. "Marianne, I have had enough of your cruelty to my sister. You have rubbed your attentions from Willoughby in her face quite unapologetically since the summer, and I will not tolerate you making sport of her now. Kitty is your family, not your rival, and I shall thank you for remembering that."

Marianne, impulsive child that she was, immediately began to defend herself until her elder sister took her by the elbow to another corner, and chastised her most severely. After this, Colonel Brandon and the Ferrars took their leave, and returned to Delaford.