Page 35 of A Most Beloved Sister
Mary beamed at this statement, quite oblivious to her father’s sardonic tone. Elizabeth, anxiety rising within her, asked, “Where is Mama, Mary?”
“She is in the drawing room with Mr. Bingley and his party,” Mary replied. “I believe Mama is attempting to convince him to hold a ball here at Netherfield.”
The disapproval was plain in her inflection, and Elizabeth groaned inwardly. The three of them left a sleeping Jane in the care of a maid and quickly made their way down the stairs. Mrs. Bennet’s resonating voice could be heard long before they reached the door that would take them into the room.
Fortunately, only Darcy appeared to be inconvenienced by the conversation; he stood silently at the window, a cold mask of stone easily seen in the reflection as he gazed at the vista. Lydia kept glancing his way and batting her eyelashes, but his eyes remained firmly fixed in the opposite direction.
For his part, Bingley was delighted with the idea of holding a ball at Netherfield, and Mrs. Hurst was surprisingly as agreeable as her brother about the notion. She was telling an eager Kitty and Lydia about the latest fashions, while Mrs. Bennet prattled on to the attentive young master of Netherfield about what fine dancers her girls were.
“I shall dance with all of them,” he promised, causing Mrs. Bennet to squeal and clap her hands with glee.
Mr. Bennet loudly cleared his throat. “I believe the carriage is just about ready for us, my dear. Let us make sure we still have Lydia’s trunk. The servants may have unloaded it prematurely.”
Mrs. Bennet exclaimed in dismay and ushered her three youngest daughters out the door. Mrs. Hurst accompanied her, promising to have the housekeeper and footmen do all they could to remedy the situation.
This left Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet alone with Bingley and Darcy. “I want to thank you again, Mr. Darcy, for sending for a physician for my daughter,” Mr. Bennet said.
Darcy merely bowed his head in solemn acknowledgment. When it was clear that he wouldn’t speak, Mr. Bennet turned his attention to Bingley. “I’m afraid we must trespass on your kindness for a bit longer,” he said. “The doctor was in complete agreement with Mr. Jones: any attempts to remove Jane to Longbourn while she still has a cough are too dangerous.”
“I’m delighted to hear it,” Bingley cried, then blushed. “That is to say… I mean… I am not delighted that she is still unwell. Only that I am able to offer her aid.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled. “I hope you still feel that way after a month or two of her and Lizzy’s presence.”
“A month or two?”
Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other in astonishment at having said the exact thing at the same time. Mr. Bennet gave a short laugh. “Well, perhaps not that long. It really is difficult to say. You may verify it with the doctor if necessary.”
This last bit was directed pointedly at Darcy, whose face reddened. “That is not necessary,” he said stiffly.
“I will be leaving Elizabeth to care for her sister,” Mr. Bennet continued. “I would not like to leave my daughter alone, in the care of strangers. I am concerned, however, for the state of things with regard to certain members of your party.”
Bingley, looking flustered, cleared his throat nervously. “Yes, I completely understand. I have not yet fully decided what to do about my sister. For now, she is confined to her rooms.”
“If I may be so bold as to offer my advice?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“Please do!”
“I have found that the best way to deal with young ladies who are firmly set in their opinions is to give consequences about things that matter to them. Elizabeth, for example, was often punished by being denied her walks or time in my library. Such discipline wouldn’t affect Mary, however.”
Bingley frowned. “Yes, I see what you mean. I will discuss it with Louisa; she will know best what to do.”
“Mr. Bingley, I’m going to be very frank with you,” Mr. Bennet said with a severe look. “I will not allow my daughters to be abused. The doctor confirmed what Mr. Jones diagnosed: my Jane has less than a year left of life. I would rather shorten her life by bringing her home than lengthen it by having her remain in a place where she is not treated with kindness.”
Bingley looked sheepishly at the ground, and Darcy broke in to say, “My friend understands the situation, Mr. Bennet.”
“I certainly hope so.”
Chapter 10
Once Mr. Bennet had left, Elizabeth began excusing herself. She was intent on returning to her rooms and Jane but was forestalled by the very person she wished to avoid.
“Miss Elizabeth, might I have a word with you?”
Darcy’s voice, deep and serious, made her cringe. Her father’s words about proper behavior rang in her ears, and she turned to face him, fighting the urge to rush to the door only a few steps away. Bingley became suddenly interested in the painting above the fireplace.
“How can I help you, Mr. Darcy?” she asked coolly.
He faltered at the ice in her tone. “I think you may have misunderstood something I said earlier today.”
