Falling at Pemberley Ch 6

For everyone who simply could not wait, I decided to post the chapter you’ve all been waiting for – as a gift to you. As I said in the comments of my previous post, ‘they will and will not meet.’ I think you’ll see what I mean when you finish this chapter. As far as I know, no one guessed the means by which Elizabeth’s presence would be discovered by Darcy, despite it being something in canon.

Now, without further ado, here is Chapter 6!

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Chapter 6

The next morning, when her aunt left to check on Mr. Gardiner, Elizabeth sat at the window looking out, hoping for another glimpse of Mr. Darcy. She told herself it was merely to see if Miss Westerfield was again accompanying him, but if she owned the truth, she really wanted to see only him. She shook her head, incredulous that such a thought crossed her mind, considering how she once felt about him.

The day before, she had not had any unexpected encounter with him prompting her to hide. She had only espied him from the window when he and Miss Westerfield set out walking. She could not justify the feelings for him that were building up inside of her. Her head and heart argued over who this man was and how she ought to feel about him. She did not want to see him, yet she desperately wanted to see him! She was a hopeless – and unreasonable – case!

At length, he stepped out into the courtyard, giving rise to the same feelings she experienced each time she had seen him since coming here. This time Miss Westerfield was already on his arm, and it appeared she was laughing. The beautiful young lady was looking up at him, and to Elizabeth’s dismay, she felt a stab of envy. She crossed her arms tightly about her, as if that would crush the feelings that assaulted her, but to no avail.

She could not turn her eyes away from them. She watched as their chaperone stepped out again, and she thought back to the walks they had taken in Kent. Although they had been unplanned, they had been very much unchaperoned. She wondered if it was Miss Westerfield or Mr. Darcy who requested they be chaperoned. She watched until they disappeared from sight around to the front of the manor.

From everything she had seen and heard, it appeared as though his affections were now directed towards the young lady, and Elizabeth wondered if he was going to offer for her soon. It was likely the reason he had invited the family to Pemberley.

At length, she joined her aunt and uncle in his room. She felt restless, and her thoughts were in turmoil. She was unsure how much longer she would be able to endure staying here, having begun to recognize Mr. Darcy’s true character and how wrong she had been about him. And now it was too late.

The doctor came by later that morning and was pleased with Mr. Gardiner’s progress and his slight improvement and diminishing pain.

“It is not everyone who can sit idly by, even when I strongly adjure them to,” Mr. Holmes said. “I can see that although you are in pain, it has lessened. So I shall now allow you to walk short distances. I want you to begin slowly. Feel free to start by walking about the room, and if your pain is not too severe, you can extend your walks down the hallway. You will need to be your own judge, as to whether doing so may cause you further harm.”

“I most certainly can do that!” Mr. Gardiner replied, and with a laugh, he added, “Gladly!”

The doctor nodded. “First, let me observe as you take your first steps to see how well you endure it.”

Mr. Holmes watched as Mr. Gardiner took a few tentative steps. “How does your back feel?” he asked.

Mr. Gardiner closed his eyes and slowly gave his head a nod. “It certainly hurts, but I can tell it is not as painful as before.”

“Cracked ribs are indeed extremely painful. We shall leave the wrap around your chest and back for a few more days to help with support.”

When the doctor left, Mr. Gardiner carefully sat down on the bed. “Oh, the joys of being able to move about!”

Elizabeth laughed. “I would have been one of those patients he was talking about who would not be able to obey his instructions. I cannot imagine lying prone in bed for so many days.”

Mr. Gardiner took her hand. “Lizzy, if you were in as much pain as I was, I can guarantee that you would not wish to move about.”

At that moment, Miss Darcy stepped in. “Mr. Gardiner! You are sitting on the edge of the bed! I saw Mr. Holmes leave. Has he given approval to move about?”

“He most certainly has, and I even walked a little about the room.”

“I am delighted,” she said.

“As we all are,” Elizabeth said. “As much as we have appreciated all you have done for us, we are eager to leave and begin our journey home.”

“I can fully understand that it must be difficult staying in someone else’s home.” She smiled at them. “It is not often that I have had to step into the role of Mistress of Pemberley, and I want to thank you for making it very easy for me.” She clasped her hands and looked down. “I may not have the opportunity to do so much longer, for there is likely another who will soon…” She paused. “Well, I thank you for being so patient with me.”

“That is very kind of you to say,” Mrs. Gardiner said, stealing a quick glance at Elizabeth, giving her a sympathetic smile.

“I would hope all our guests – whether invited or here by accident – would display the same kindness and courtesy that you have towards me, my brother, and our staff.”

“We would hope so, as well,” Mr. Gardiner said. “Who would not, considering the excellent care and attention received?”

“Thank you,” Miss Darcy said. “I hope you enjoy your day.” She smiled and then looked at Mr. Gardiner. “And you. Mr. Gardiner, please have a care. I do not want to see you running through the halls on your first day back on your feet.”

“Well!” he uttered in retort. “After paying her a compliment, the young lady thinks she can order me about!”

“It is for your own good!” Elizabeth said with a smile and turned to Miss Darcy. “Pay him no mind. I think he is getting a little restless and some short walks will likely do him a great deal of good!”

Miss Darcy smiled. “I shall check in later to see how you are doing. Have a delightful day.”

When Miss Darcy stepped from the room, both the Gardiners turned to look at Elizabeth.

“How are you, Lizzy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked. “I know what you were thinking when she spoke of another becoming Mistress of Pemberley.”

Elizabeth nodded briefly. “It is obvious Miss Darcy expects Miss Westerfield will soon become Mistress of Pemberley.” Elizabeth quickly turned and faced the window. “There is naught for me to do about it now. He offered it to me, and I turned him down.” She hoped her aunt and uncle did not see the tears begin to well up in her eyes.

*~*~*

Darcy was in the library reading when a servant came in carrying a salver.

“Sir, a letter has come from the Inn at Lambton for the young lady who is here with her aunt and uncle.”

Darcy looked up. “Thank you. Put it here.” He pointed to the corner of his desk. “I shall see that she gets it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Darcy dismissed the servant and leaned back in his chair to finish reading his book. He looked at the small pile of books on his desk from which Georgiana’s book had disappeared and then later miraculously reappeared. He shook his head, wondering if one of the maids had taken it to read. He could not imagine one of them doing such a thing, but it would explain its disappearance.

His eyes narrowed as he considered that ever since returning to Pemberley, odd things had been happening. First there was the bonnet floating leisurely down the stream, then finding out about the gentleman who had fallen, the noise in the infirmary room and the lavender fabric he could see on the other side of the bed, and then the book disappearing and then reappearing. He blew out a puff of air. Hopefully these odd occurrences would not continue, or at least he would discover a logical explanation for them.

He rubbed his temple as he considered Mrs. Wickham’s condition. He had heard it had deteriorated during the night and that Wickham had finally arrived. He shuddered to think that the man was so near Pemberley again, although five miles away, in the home of his sister’s family. It was certainly not the best timing for this to have happened, with Georgiana’s returning to Pemberley after being gone so long, as well as the arrival of his guests. He ought to pay Mrs. Wickham another call, but he dreaded doing so with her son now there.

He stood up to stretch his legs and walked over to look out the window. A grey pall hung over the land, and it appeared that it might rain. It had been hot and dry lately, so he hoped he was right. He and Miss Westerfield had taken a shorter walk that morning as she feared the rains would descend and soak them.

“Fitzwilliam?”

Darcy turned around. “Hello, Georgiana. What can I do for you?”

“Nothing in particular. Where are the Westerfields?”

“Miss Westerfield is resting.” He smiled. “I think perhaps our walks these two mornings fatigued her.”

“And you so enjoy walking.”

Darcy nodded. “Yes, but as it is something I have often done in solitude, it matters not whether she enjoys the activity to the extent that I do.” He shrugged and rubbed his jaw. He suddenly saw an image of Elizabeth walking the grounds around Rosings with him. He quickly shook his head as if to dismiss the image from his mind.

“I am enjoying the book you picked out for me.”

“Good. I am glad.” He shook his head. “I am glad – as well as surprised – it made a reappearance.”

She drew in a long breath. “I just came from visiting with the Gardiners.”

Darcy nodded and smiled. “How is Mr. Gardiner faring? Has he seen the doctor yet today?”

“Yes. Mr. Holmes was just leaving when I stopped by. He gave Mr. Gardiner permission to walk short distances, taking care not to put any strain on his back.”

“I am glad to hear that. I am certain he is eager to get up and about.”

Georgiana nodded. “He was able to walk around the room and hopes to walk up and down the halls if he feels well enough to do so. I told them they are free to walk about the home, but they do not seem so inclined. I had a nice visit with them and their niece.”

“Oh, that reminds me. I have a letter here for her that was brought over from the Inn at Lambton.” Darcy walked over to his desk and picked it up. When he looked down at the letter, he abruptly stopped, his eyes widened, and he gasped.

“What is it, Fitzwilliam? Is something wrong?”

His heart pounded so strongly in his chest, he could barely move. He turned to look at his sister, attempting to formulate a single thought. He raked his fingers through his hair and then covered his mouth with his hand. He shook his head and lowered his hand. “I… I am a little confused.” He looked up at Georgiana. “What is… what is the niece’s name?”

“Miss Gardiner. Why do you ask?” She walked over to him. “Brother, what is it? What is wrong? I can see by your face that something is not right.”

Darcy was silent for a moment, taking in slow breaths. Finally, he said, “Georgiana, I am well. But tell me, for I have not yet met the niece. How would you describe her?”

Georgiana looked at him curiously, but replied, “She looks to be about twenty years old, about my height, and has very dark chestnut hair. She is very kind, intelligent, and witty.”

Darcy turned and walked to the window again. “And her first name? Do you know what her first name is?”

“Elizabeth, but I have also heard her aunt call her Lizzy.” She walked over to her brother. “Can you tell me what is wrong? I am beginning to worry.”

He silently held out the letter to Georgiana. “This is addressed to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

She looked down at the letter. “I do not understand. We were all under the impression her name was…” Her eyes suddenly widened. “Fitzwilliam! Is this not the name of the young lady who…”

Darcy solemnly nodded.

“Perhaps it is another Miss Bennet with the same name.”

Darcy shook his head. “Not unless another one also has a sister named Jane Bennet who lives at Longbourn.” He pointed to the sender’s name and address.

“There must be some mistake.”

“I cannot see how it is a mistake. You have described Miss Bennet perfectly, and this… this…” He could not finish.

“You are certain it is her? This could be why she has been so reluctant to leave her room. She most likely did not want you to know she was here. What are you going to do?”

Darcy’s jaw clenched. Finally, he said, “I do not know what I am going to do.” His breathing faltered, and he shook his head.

“Brother, please take care. I know how distressed you were when she refused you. I was so worried about you.”

“There is no need to fear that I am going to lose my heart again, Georgiana.” He looked back down at the letter. “I cannot imagine going through that again.”

“Are you going to take her the letter?”

He crossed his arms. “No, I am not. I cannot see her yet. I need to… I need to get out and walk or ride… or something. I need to think and regulate my thoughts and…” He drew in a long breath and did not finish. “You take it to her, but do not tell her what I said to you if she asks… which she probably will when she realizes that I most likely know.” He looked at her intently. “Please, do not tell her that you know who she is.” He paused. “It is for the best.”

“What do I tell her?”

Darcy pounded his chin with his fist, and then put his hand on Georgiana’s shoulder. “You may tell her I gave you the letter. That is enough.”

“And what do you intend to do? I mean, about her being here?”

Darcy shook his head. “I suppose that depends on how she reacts to knowing I now know she is here. She will realize that when she gets the letter.” He gave his sister a kiss on the cheek. “I shall be gone for an hour or two. I have much to think about and consider.”

*~*~*

Elizabeth sat in her room reading, and a light tap at the door startled her. She had to stop fearing it was Mr. Darcy at every turn. Even so, she paused before opening it.

“Who is it?”

“Miss Darcy.”

Elizabeth opened the door. “Miss Darcy! What a surprise!”

“Your aunt told me you were in here.”

“And so I am. What can I do for you?”

Miss Darcy drew in a breath. “A letter came for you that originally had been sent to the Inn at Lambton. They brought it here.” She held it out to her.

Elizabeth looked at it and smiled. “Oh, good! It is from my sister. I have been waiting to hear from her.” She looked at the address and chuckled. “No wonder it has been so long since I received a letter from her. Jane wrote the address wrong, and when it finally arrived at the Inn at Lambton, they had to forward it to me here.”

Her eyes widened, and she suddenly gasped. “Oh, dear!” She placed her fingers over her mouth and turned away. She froze, unable to move as she stared down at her name.

“What is it?” Georgiana asked.

“Nothing, nothing.” Elizabeth waved her hand through the air. “Miss Darcy, may I ask who… or how you came by this letter?” She attempted to ask in an indifferent manner, but she knew her voice cracked. She looked up at the girl attempting to read her expression.

“My brother asked me to bring it to you,” Miss Darcy replied. “Why? Is something wrong?”

Elizabeth felt her face warm and she stood up and walked to the window. “No. No, it is just… Did he… did he say anything when he gave it to you?”

“Only that we had both been under the misapprehension that your last name was Gardiner.”

Elizabeth gripped the sill of the window to help steady her. “Oh?” She took in a shaky breath and let it out in a nervous laugh. “I can understand how that could happen.” Elizabeth shook her head. “That is all he said?”

“He said nothing more than that he was going to go out and walk or ride for a few hours as he had some things to think about.”

“I see.” Her hands trembled as she tried to determine what to do. She shook her head as her stomach knotted, and she felt numb. What must he be thinking? she wondered as she looked down at the letter again. He now knows I am here.

“I imagine you enjoy getting letters from your sister. I always wished I had a sister.”

“She and I are… she is not only a dear sister, but a dear friend.” Elizabeth looked up and tried to smile.

Miss Darcy seemed to intently regard her for a moment and then said, “I shall leave you now so you can read your letter.”

Elizabeth looked at Georgiana, attempting to smile away the distress that was likely written all over her face. “Oh, yes. Thank you, Miss Darcy.”

Georgiana began to back out the door. “Good day, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth gave her a resigned smile. As she stepped out, Elizabeth called out. “Miss Darcy!”

She turned. “Yes?”

“You said your… your brother has gone out?” She hoped Miss Darcy had not noticed the quaver in her voice.

Georgiana nodded.

Elizabeth straightened her shoulders, and with a renewed sense of determination, looked at the young girl. “I desperately need to get out and walk. I have spent too many days indoors. Do you think anyone would mind?”

Miss Darcy’s face lit up in a smile. “Not at all! And if you do not mind my accompanying you, I would be more than happy to show you the gardens. They are lovely and are, in fact, my favourite places to walk.”

“I should like that very much. We were on our way to see the grounds and the gardens when my uncle fell and thus were prevented from seeing them.”

“Splendid! If you do not mind, I need to stay near the house. I am having a dress altered and will need to try it on once the alterations have been finished.”

“I do not mind at all, Miss Darcy.” She placed Jane’s letter on her bed. “I shall read this later.”

Elizabeth made a few quick preparations before going outside, steeling herself for an eventual encounter that was now inevitable. The two ladies stopped by Mr. Gardiner’s room so Elizabeth could tell her aunt and uncle that she and Miss Darcy would be out walking. Elizabeth smiled at the look of astonishment on their faces.

When they stepped outside, Elizabeth breathed in deeply. “Oh, it is good to be outside. I have missed it.” Surprisingly, she felt better already.

Georgiana tilted her head and looked at Elizabeth. “You would have been more than welcome to walk the grounds at any time, Miss Bennet. No one would have minded.”

Elizabeth turned to meet Miss Darcy’s gaze. “You are too kind. I just… I really did not want to impose.”

Georgiana looked up to the sky. “I hope it does not start to rain. I would like to show you the main garden in the front of the manor, and then take you to the more private rose garden we have on the far side. It is a lovely place to sit… if you enjoy that kind of thing.”

“I should like that very much.”

They walked around to the front of the home and began strolling amidst the flowers and shrubbery. Elizabeth delighted in the variety of flowers and colours. Georgiana pointed out some of her favourites.

When they finished walking through the main garden, Georgiana suggested they hurry to see the rose garden as it looked like rain was imminent. At that moment, Mrs. Reynolds called out from the front door.

“Miss Darcy, they are ready for your fitting.”

She turned to Elizabeth and grasped her hands. “Oh, I am sorry I cannot accompany you any further. If you would like to see the rose garden, it is just beyond that low row of shrubbery.” She pointed in the direction she was to go. “There is a potting shed at one end. You cannot miss it.”

“Thank you, Miss Darcy. I appreciate this very much.”

Elizabeth hurried over to the rose garden, despite feeling the intermittent rain drops that had begun to sprinkle down on her.

When she approached the enclosed rose garden, she stopped. It was a delightful secluded area with benches scattered about. Again there was a variety of roses and colours, some in hues she had never seen before.  The rosebushes radiated out in rows from a small pond, located in the centre. She began walking about, working her way through the garden as she admired the beautiful colours and leaned over to breathe in the delightful and myriad fragrances.

As the rain began to pelt her with larger, more frequent drops, she decided she ought to return to the house. At that moment, there was a crack of lightning, followed almost immediately by a loud boom of thunder, which seemed to unleash the waters from the heavens. Elizabeth thought momentarily to run for the house, despite the distance, but noticing the door to the garden shed was open, decided to take cover there.

She hurried over, and with her head down, she threw herself into the shed. She shook off some of the water and when she looked up, she saw a gentleman sitting there, facing away from her.

He turned quickly and looked at her. When his eyes met hers, she gasped and trembled.

“Mr. Darcy!”

Chapter 7