Falling at Pemberley Chapter 13

Things have not gone well for Darcy and Elizabeth to have an honest talk with each other. Will it happen in this chapter? If you are new to the story, you can find Chapter 1 here. I hope you enjoy, and please be kind to the author, no yelling.

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Chapter 13

Elizabeth spent the afternoon with her aunt and uncle in the small sitting room. She read in a distracted manner, looking up at every sound of approaching footsteps. While she was curious to find out why the Westerfields departed so suddenly, she was also eager to see Mr. Darcy. She wondered what he might be doing or thinking. Her uncle reminded her that he was a man with many responsibilities and was likely taking care of them. Later in the day, she received a request from Miss Darcy to join her in the parlour.

“How kind of her. Perhaps her brother is with her.” Mrs. Gardiner lifted her brow teasingly.

“Or perhaps she is bored and desires some company,” Elizabeth answered her. “But I shall gladly go find out.” She could not keep from smiling. She truly enjoyed spending time with the young girl.

As Elizabeth set out for the small parlour, her spirits soared more than they had since she first arrived at Pemberley. While she had initially been fearful of encountering Mr. Darcy, she had been surprised to find herself disappointed when she found out everyone thought the beautiful young lady who had come to Pemberley would soon receive an offer of marriage from him. She also found herself consumed with admiration, respect, and strong feelings for the gentleman she had once despised. She gave her head a shake as she realized this was the first time since coming to Pemberley that she had been able to entertain hopes that he might still have those ardent feelings of love for her.

When she came to the parlour, she saw that Miss Darcy was already there. A smile appeared on the young girl’s face.

“I am delighted you came. Would you care for some refreshments?”

“Tea would be splendid, thank you.”

Once the tea was poured, Georgiana turned back to Elizabeth. “I am sorry I was not able to come see you after I left this morning. I had some things I needed to do.”

“I believe that included practicing on the pianoforte.” She paused and smiled. “I heard you playing.”

“Yes, that was me.” She laughed softly. “I was working on a difficult piece. You may have heard me make several mistakes.”

Elizabeth gave her a reassuring smile. “I can honestly say I did not hear one.”

“You are too kind.” She drew in a deep breath. “It was a song I had been practicing for the musical soiree that we were going to have.”

Elizabeth pursed her lips and then said, “I suppose we will no longer be having one.”

Georgiana shook her head. After a brief moment of silence, she said, “We are still not certain why the Westerfields left so abruptly.”

Elizabeth stood up and walked over to the window and looked out. “Perhaps one of them saw your brother and me… dancing.” She turned and looked back at Georgiana. “I would be deeply grieved if I had been the cause of some misunderstanding.”

Georgiana smiled. “Pray, do not put any blame on yourself. After all, it was my brother who asked you to dance.” Her smile suddenly disappeared. “I hope he did not make you feel uncomfortable. Oh, I hope you did not think he acted in an improper manner. I am certain he did not mean to.”

Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm. She wanted to reassure the young girl that she did not think ill of him for his actions, but she had to admit she had not even told her aunt and uncle about it. “I do not think any less of him.”

“It gave me great enjoyment to play and watch you dance, and… I believe my brother enjoyed it, as well. He told me he rarely dances, and chooses not to dance the waltz at all when one is played at a ball. He thought you were a delightful partner.”

Elizabeth felt her heart swell, and she returned to her chair. “I am certain he was exaggerating,” she said nervously.

“No! I assure you he was sincere.” A look of admiration filled her eyes. “He is always sincere – and honourable – in all he says and does.”

Elizabeth smiled, and then turned to see Mr. Darcy enter.

“Ah! Here you are, Georgiana. Good afternoon, Miss Bennet.”

“Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth said with a nod, but immediately tilted her head away, hoping her suddenly warm cheeks would not be noticed by him. She had not expected to see him so soon and was caught by surprise, although she had to admit it was a pleasant one.

“Oh, Fitzwilliam! I am glad you are here. Would you be so kind as to entertain Miss Bennet while I see to a few things?”

Elizabeth watched as Miss Darcy hurried towards the door before he could answer. The young girl was looking back and smiling, so she did not see a manservant enter. The two collided.

“Oh!” Georgiana exclaimed. “Oh, excuse me. I did not see you.”

A note in the servant’s hand dropped to the floor, and he apologized as he leaned over and picked it up. “An urgent message just arrived for you, Mr. Darcy. There was a young man who dispatched it, and he is awaiting your reply.”

“He is awaiting my reply?” Darcy’s brows lowered as he took the letter. Georgiana came to his side, looking at him anxiously as the colour drained from his face.

“What is it?” she asked. “Is something wrong?”

He nodded as he rubbed his jaw. It was a few moments before he answered. “The Westerfields encountered a heavy downpour of rain, and the carriage slid off the road, turning onto its side.”

He drew in a deep breath. “Miss Westerfield suffered some minor injuries, but her father and mother were more gravely injured.” He pursed his lips as he read more of the letter. “They have been taken to a manor in a small village that she estimated was about a five-hour carriage ride from Pemberley. She has no acquaintances there, and apparently their other carriage carrying the valet, maids, and much of their luggage, continued on, unaware of the accident.” He let out a long puff of air.

“Oh, that is terrible!” Georgiana slowly shook her head. “What is to be done?”

Darcy looked up at his sister. “She has asked me to come. There is no one else she knows who would be able to get there in a timely manner. She is frightened and alone.”

“What shall you do?” Georgiana asked. “This is grave, indeed.”

Elizabeth stepped forward and spoke gently. “If I were Miss Westerfield, I would greatly appreciate a good friend coming to my aid and assisting me in any way they could.” She paused and fought a wave of tears that threatened to spill. “I think… I think perhaps you ought to go to her.”

Darcy looked up and seemed to search her face. She gave him an encouraging smile, accompanied by a quick nod of her head.

He seemed to struggle with his decision. He turned and asked the servant, “Did the person delivering this say how long it took him on horseback?”

The servant nodded. “It took him almost three hours, due to the condition of the roads.”

Darcy looked down at the letter again. “Ask the young man to wait for me, and I will accompany him as he returns.” He drew in a deep breath and let it out in a quick breath. “Have my horse saddled and ask my valet to pack a small satchel of clothes.  I will send word if I need more things sent to me.”

“You are going, then?” Georgiana asked, a look of distress colouring her features.

Darcy put his hands on her shoulders. “I am. I should be able to get there before nightfall.” He looked up at Elizabeth. “Pray, forgive me, but I believe I must go.”

“As you should.” Elizabeth gave him a nod of encouragement.

“Are your aunt and uncle in their room?”

“I was with them last in the small sitting room.”

“I shall stop by there and take my leave of them.” He looked at Elizabeth and then turned towards the door. He suddenly stopped and looked back at her. “You will… I hope you and your aunt and uncle will remain at Pemberley until I return. I am…” He drew in a breath. “I am not certain how long I will be, but I hope you will be able to do so.”

Elizabeth fought back the tears that were filling her eyes as she nodded, feeling all the weight of disappointment upon her. “If it is at all possible. It will, however, depend upon my aunt and uncle.”

Darcy nodded, and his eyes narrowed as he looked at his sister. “Georgiana, with Wickham back, you are not to go outside alone – even to the gardens to pick flowers. Do you understand?”

Georgiana consented with a nod, and he then turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, I would strongly admonish you not to take any walks about the grounds for the same reason.”

“Certainly.”

“If you will excuse me, then. I am terribly sorry.” Darcy said no more, and Elizabeth and Georgiana silently watched him turn again and walk out the door.

*~*~*

It was a quiet dinner as everyone felt the import of all that had occurred that day, beginning with the surprising departure of the Westerfields, to word of their accident, to Mr. Darcy’s decision to go be of assistance to them. In addition, Elizabeth could not stop thinking about her walk in the woods that had, for a short while, been most pleasant, but which had ended up being frightfully disconcerting when they encountered Mr. Wickham.

Miss Darcy seemed to feel unequal to the task of being Mistress of Pemberley without her brother at her side. Elizabeth did what she could to encourage the young girl, despite feeling a great weight of disappointment pressing on her.

After the meal, they gathered in the small sitting room, but her aunt and uncle did not remain long. Elizabeth decided she would stay a little longer with Miss Darcy. It was a decision she later came to regret.

They had been visiting for a short while and talking about a variety of things – the weather, London, balls, and dancing. At length, Miss Darcy looked at Elizabeth with wide eyes.

“May I ask you something, Miss Bennet?”

“Certainly,” Elizabeth said with a smile.

The young girl bit her lip and drew in a long breath. Finally, she asked, “Have you ever been in love?”

Elizabeth was taken aback and chuckled softly as she considered her answer. “I… I cannot say that I have ever truly been in love, although I have greatly admired someone.”

“Oh, I see.” A look of disappointment flooded the young girl’s face.

Elizabeth tilted her head. “Why do you ask?”

It was a moment before Miss Darcy spoke. She seemed to search Elizabeth’s features, and finally said, “Last year… I thought I was in love.” Her voice quavered.

Elizabeth’s heart began to pound as she wondered whether she was going to tell her about Mr. Wickham. She could not let her know that she already knew.

Miss Darcy averted her eyes. “But I was so wrong.”

Elizabeth reached over and took her hand. “While I have never been in that position, I have been wrong several times in my life about so many things, and I… we need to learn from those mistakes and grow.” She squeezed her hand and released it. “You are a very wise young girl.”

A glimmer of light appeared in the young girl’s eyes. “Thank you. I hope I learn from my mistakes.”

Elizabeth wondered if Miss Darcy was bringing this up because her brother told her he had seen Mr. Wickham.  She pursed her lips and then said, “I perceive that you are a young lady with much strength.”

“Oh, I do not feel strong at all! There are times I feel like I want to run and hide!”

Elizabeth laughed. “As I did when I did not want your brother to know I was here.”

Georgiana tilted her head. “Why did you feel you needed to hide from him?”

Elizabeth opened her mouth and then closed it as she considered how to answer. Finally, she said, “I had not been particularly kind to him when we last saw each other, and I felt he would have thought me impertinent for encroaching upon his home, considering how I had treated him.”

“Oh, I am certain he would not have thought any such thing.”

“Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he treated me with all civility when we did encounter each other. She reached out and took Miss Darcy’s hand. “There are times when everyone feels afraid, but I know you will be strong when you need that strength.”

“I hope so,” she answered softly.

And I know that as you grow and mature, you will eventually find the young man who is best suited for you.”

Miss Darcy smiled. “Oh, but I think I already have.”

Elizabeth’s eyes brightened. “Have you? And who is this gentleman?”

She swallowed deeply. “He is actually a friend of my brother’s. He is amiable and has a lively personality, and yet he is gracious and generous. He and his sisters had planned to join us at Pemberley this past week, but unfortunately, circumstances prevented them from doing so.”

Elizabeth felt a tightening of her stomach. “And may I ask who this gentleman is with whom you have found favour?”

A shy, but sweet smile lit her eyes. “His name is Mr. Bingley.”

Elizabeth clasped her hands tightly, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Mr. Bingley?”

“Are you acquainted with him?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, he lived…”

“Oh, yes, now I remember. My brother stayed with him at Netherfield Park, and that is where he met you. You lived in the same country neighbourhood, I believe.”

Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm as she wondered just how much the young girl knew. Was she even aware that her sister and Mr. Bingley had formed a strong attachment? “Yes, our home, Longbourn, is just three miles from Netherfield Park.”

Miss Darcy leaned in. “Do you not think he is an admirable gentleman?”

Elizabeth made an attempt to smile, despite her increasing anguish over hearing such news. “I do. I do not think one can find a finer gentleman.”

Miss Darcy fingered the material of her dress. “I know my brother has long had a wish for me to settle my affections on him.”

“Has he? But you are still so young,” Elizabeth said. She knew she had no right to discourage her, but this was distressing news to her.

“Yes, I know.” She bit her lower lip and drew in a breath. “But I cannot help but think I will never find another who is so perfectly amiable and kind.”

Elizabeth tried to smile as she pondered this. Did Mr. Bingley return the partiality? Had he truly lost all affection for Jane? She dared not think about what it would mean for her to consider loving Mr. Darcy if his sister married Mr. Bingley. It would be devastating for Jane.

*~*~*

Darcy left Pemberley and followed Hughes, the young man, as their horses pounded towards a small, unbeknownst-to-him village where the Westerfields had been taken. The accident had occurred on the main road, and apparently this village was the closest place to take the injured to receive medical care. He hoped the care would be sufficient to be of help. A tightness gripped his chest. He hoped her parents would recover. He could not imagine what Angeline would do if she lost one – or both – of her parents while she was alone and so far from home.

In the three hour long journey, he contemplated not only Angeline’s present circumstances, but pondered what Elizabeth’s feelings for him might be. Every hopeful glance, word, and smile she recently had given him quickly evaporated into something he told himself he had only imagined or misinterpreted. Would he ever have the opportunity to speak honestly with her?

At length they came upon the overturned carriage. Hughes stopped to point it out to Darcy. It had fallen down into a ditch and was not easily seen from the road.

“Who found them? Did someone come upon them?” Darcy asked the young man.

“Mr. Lloyd Kingston, of Wakespur Manor, happened by. The young miss had been able to climb out of the damaged carriage. Kingston and his driver saw her and stopped. They put her in the Kingston carriage, wrapped her in a blanket, and then pulled her parents out. Unfortunately, the coachman and footman did not survive the accident.”

Darcy’s head dropped. “This is grievous, indeed!” He straightened and looked at the young man. “How much farther is the village?”

“We are not four miles from the village, but it is an additional two miles to Wakespur Manor, where they were all taken. I am a stable hand there. I grew up in Derbyshire and know the area well, so they dispatched me to take the missive to you.”

“You did well, Hughes. Thank you. Let us be off, then.”

They two men mounted their horses and sped towards the manor. As they rode, Darcy’s thoughts were in turmoil. He was grateful that they had been taken to a manor and not just an inn. He had never heard of this Mr. Kingston or Wakespur Manor, but he hoped he would approve of both. For Angeline’s sake.

When at last they arrived and the manor came into view, Darcy saw that it was moderate in size, but appeared to be in good condition – at least on the outside. They walked up to the front door, which opened as they stepped up. The butler, aged and feeble, extended his hand in a welcome.

Hughes made the introductions and then said, “I shall take the horses to the stable and attend to them.”

“Thank you,” Darcy said, giving him a nod. He looked at the butler. “How are the Westerfields?”

“There is little change. The doctor is more concerned with the gentleman, as he has not yet awakened. Mrs. Westerfield has opened her eyes and is able to speak. She is very weak, however, and is very concerned for her husband.”

“And Miss Westerfield?”

“She is understandably distraught. If you come into the sitting room, sir, I shall send for her. She is with her parents and has not left their side since arriving. I know she will want to come and acquaint you with all that happened.”

He was shown into the sitting room, and after the butler sent a maid after Miss Westerfield, he informed Darcy some food and drink would be brought in shortly. Darcy thanked him and sat down. After a moment, however, he stood and began to pace. His legs were sore from riding so long, and he could think better on his feet. He stretched out his arms and then clasped his hands on top of his head, arching his back.

“Good evening, sir,” a voice from behind startled Darcy.

He turned, and found himself looking into the face of a well-dressed young man, about the same age as himself. “Good evening,” Darcy said, extending his hand. “Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

“I am Lloyd Kingston, and I welcome you to Wakespur Manor. I am sorry that it is under such dreadful circumstances.”

Darcy was rather surprised that the Master of Wakespur was young, as he had never heard of him, and now with the young man standing before him, realized he had never seen him about Town. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate all you have done for the Westerfields.”

“I believe they are getting good care. The doctor has seen them and will return in the morning. I have provided Miss Westerfield with a maid to assist her and her mother with anything they need.” He swallowed. “I do want all things to be done with propriety.

Darcy was about to express his thanks when he heard a familiar voice.

“Fitzwilliam!”

Darcy turned to see Angeline running towards him. “I cannot believe this has happened!” Tears ran down her face, which had several cuts and bruises. She reached out her hand, and Darcy took it in his.

“I am grieved you are going through this. I came as quickly as I could.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “How are your parents?”

Her hand trembled in his. “We can only wait. It is my father who has the more serious injuries. Mother shall likely rally in time, but, oh…” Her sobs filled the room, and she leaned her head against his chest.

Darcy lifted his eyes to see Kingston studying him. Kingston likely believed, by her actions and calling him by his Christian name, that there was an agreement between the two. He knew, however, both were attributed to the dire situation in which she found herself. In order to maintain a modicum of propriety, he gently stepped away from her and said, “Miss Westerfield, come sit down and tell me what happened.”

Darcy escorted Miss Westerfield to a chair as refreshments were brought in. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and placed it in her palm.

“Miss Westerfield, would you care for something to eat or drink?” Kingston asked.

“Thank you,” she said softly, wiping her eyes. “I have been unable to eat or drink anything since I arrived.” She took several breaths. She turned back to Darcy. “Now that you are here, I think I shall be able to eat a little.”

After being served, Miss Westerfield proceeded to tell him what had happened.

“It had begun to rain very hard, and the sky had grown very dark. We could tell by the movement in the carriage that the road was very muddy and slick. My father mentioned that it likely had been raining most of the day.” She drew in a shaky breath and wiped her eyes. “Suddenly we heard the horses whinny, and the carriage seemed to slide one way and then the other.” She looked down and seemed to be gathering her thoughts. “I saw my mother look at my father with eyes wide in terror, but he tried to reassure us both, grasping our hands tightly. It was then that…” She closed her eyes and choked in a breath. “It was then that the carriage slid again, began to tilt, and it came crashing down on its side. Then, it was silent except for sound of the rain still pelting down.”

As Miss Westerfield took a bite of cake and a sip of her tea, Mr. Kingston spoke. “It was soon after that my carriage came upon theirs. My coachman noticed Miss Westerfield on the side of the road. He jumped down and called out to me to see to the young lady while he freed the horses, who had somehow been able to remain upright. I brought Miss Westerfield to my carriage and covered her with a blanket. She told me that her mother and father were still in the carriage, but they were not responding to her attempts to waken them.”

“I was so grateful they came along, yet I was so frightened for my parents. He and his coachmen pulled them from our carriage and put them in his.” Tears began to fall again. “Our coachman and the footman who had been riding with us… they both died.” She began to sob.

Darcy gently took her hand. “And what of your other carriage with your maids, valet, and luggage? Did they not see you?”

Miss Westerfield sniffed. “We had stopped earlier to dine, and as the weather did not look threatening, I convinced my parents to stay a little longer to allow us the time to walk along the street to look in the shops. My father sent the other carriage on ahead. They have no idea where we are and what has happened to us.” She closed her eyes. “It is my fault this happened. I was the one who wanted to linger. The two carriages should never have been separated.”

Darcy adamantly shook his head. “It is not your fault, Miss Westerfield. You could not have known this would happen.”

“No, but I know my brother will blame me. I have sent a message to him. Hopefully he will come directly when he receives it.”

There was silence for a moment, and then Darcy asked, “May I see your parents?”

“Oh, yes! They will be… I mean, my mother will be pleased you came.” She shook her head and trembled. “But she is so weak.”

“I shall have a room prepared for you, Darcy.” Kingston spoke quietly to one of the maids before escorting them up.

As they walked to their room, Angeline held onto Darcy’s arm tightly. Darcy knew she needed his support, but he also could not help but wonder again why the Westerfields departed when they did – and as they did. Miss Westerfield did not at all seem upset with him. It could be because she had other concerns on her mind, but he was not certain. He wondered if he would discover the reason while he was here. That was the main reason he had agreed to come – as well as being encouraged to do so by Elizabeth. He shook his head as he wondered whether Elizabeth’s suggestion for him to leave had been out of concern for Angeline or had she merely wanted him gone.

Chapter 14