Falling at Pemberley Chapter 3 — Kara Louise

Here is Chapter 3 of my current WIP. In this chapter we finally see some things from Darcy’s POV. What does he know – if anything? There will be some major differences in this chapter than are in Jane Austen’s original. I am sorry to disappoint those of you who began conjecturing about a few things that you will realize after reading this chapter will not happen. May the new conjectures begin!

I will now be posting once a week. Hope you enjoy! Here are the links to Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 .

Chapter 3

Elizabeth took refuge in the room next door as her aunt and uncle waited for the doctor. She knew she would have to leave when the doctor came to examine her uncle, so she decided to go directly, in case Mr. Darcy unexpectedly came by again. She needed time alone to gather her thoughts – and her wits. Her heart had not ceased racing since first seeing Mr. Darcy. His unexpected visit to the room had only exacerbated the unsettled gnawing deep within her.

The room was simply furnished, but was decorated charmingly, with sheer window coverings dotted with small roses. Two pictures of painted florals hung on the wall, and a simple wood-carved bird was perched on a doily on the small table.

She walked to the window and stared out, not really seeing anything, and drew in a long breath, closing her eyes. Behind her lids was the man who presently had her so confused that she did not feel like herself or know who she was.

She tried to sort out her thoughts. “Why am I so apprehensive to encounter him, when I had no qualms about disagreeing with him at every opportunity mere months ago?” She dropped into a chair, stretched out her legs, and leaned her head back.

She had just begun to feel calm when there was a knock on the door. Mrs. Gardiner stepped in to report that the doctor, Mr. Holmes, had arrived and was examining her husband.

“Did he give any indication of how serious he thinks the injury is?”

Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. “No, but when Edmund extended his arm to shake his hand, he was gripped with pain.” She let out a long sigh. “It was not that the doctor had an unusually strong grip. Unfortunately, your uncle did not anticipate the pain he would experience in doing something as simple as shaking a hand.”

Elizabeth hung her head, slowly shaking it.

“Oh, now, Lizzy, I did not say that to make you feel guilty. I am certain it is nothing too serious.”

“I hope not,” Elizabeth said, a look of regret consuming her features.

At length, the two ladies were summoned into the room to hear the doctor’s report.

He welcomed them in and addressed them both. “I do not believe anything is broken, but it is possible your husband has cracked a rib or two, possibly a small fracture, which can actually be extremely painful. I have assured Mr. Gardiner that he should recover completely in due time, but I have put a tight wrap about his chest to restrain movement.” He smiled. “I doubt he will be able to move very much since he is still in a great deal of pain. That pain ought to be enough inducement for him to remain sedentary. Whatever the extent of the fracture, we do not want it to worsen.” He rubbed his hands together. “I have admonished him to remain still for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. After that, I shall allow only short walks within the confines of the room, as much as he can handle.” He folded his arms across his chest and smiled. “You shall have to remain at Pemberley a few more days.”

Upon hearing the doctor’s diagnosis, Elizabeth felt a great sense of relief concerning her uncle, even as a tremor of dread passed through her. She shook her head as she resigned herself to having to stay longer at Pemberley.

“We are so grateful for the kindness that Mrs. Reynolds and the staff have shown to us, but we all feel the inconvenience this must be to them,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

The doctor shook his head. “You have no need to worry about that. I can assure you that the Pemberley household and staff will not be at all inconvenienced by your presence, and you will receive the best care while you are here. They will give you everything you need.” He gave a small bow. “Until tomorrow, then.”

“Thank you, Mr. Holmes,” they all said as he took his leave.

When he stepped out of the room, Elizabeth gave a slight shrug and looked at her aunt, who smiled back at her.

“So we are to stay at Pemberley,” Mr. Gardiner said. “Who would have imagined when we set out today that we would be spending the night here?”

“Not I,” Elizabeth said. “Not in a thousand years would I have imagined it, and I would never have wished it in a million years.”

Elizabeth made a futile attempt at a smile as she considered that a few months ago she had been offered the chance to live at Pemberley not merely as a guest, but as its Mistress. She had entertained no idea the magnificence of the home when he had asked for her hand, although it would likely not have made a bit of difference to her, considering how she felt towards him.

Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece. “I know you had concerns about coming here, Lizzy, but I doubt Mr. Darcy will come by again. He came by once to check on us, and that is all that is required of him, especially as he must be a busy man and has guests coming.”

“I certainly hope so,” Elizabeth said. “I would rest much easier if I knew for a certainty he would not come anywhere near this wing of his home!”

Mrs. Gardiner sent her a pointed look. Elizabeth was aware her aunt knew her well enough to suspect there was more to what she said than the words she used.

*~*~*

Once Mr. Gardiner was resting comfortably and had fallen back asleep, Mrs. Gardiner suggested to Elizabeth that perhaps they ought to return to the inn to bring back their belongings.

“Perhaps I can ask Mrs. Reynolds if we might have the service of a maid and manservant to give us assistance. We cannot wear the same clothes for the entirety of our stay here, and we shall likely need other items. We might as well get everything packed up and brought here.”

“You are right, Aunt. Unfortunately, we need to do that.” Elizabeth gave her aunt a slight smile. She considered that stepping out of their room and possibly into Mr. Darcy’s sight was not something she wanted to do at all, but retrieving their belongings was something they needed to do.

They rang for Mrs. Reynolds to inquire about the possibility of servants accompanying them, and as they waited for her to arrange that, Elizabeth quickly penned a letter to her family at Longbourn, acquainting them with all that had happened.

She took care to ensure them that her uncle was being well taken care of and there was no need for them to worry. She knew how easily her mother could make any situation a dire calamity. She would believe, despite all assurances otherwise, that her brother would likely die from his injuries.

A manservant and maid were sent to accompany them to Lambton, and Harriet came to stay by Mr. Gardiner’s side in case he wakened and needed assistance. Elizabeth addressed her letter and decided to post it from the inn at Lambton to ensure that Mr. Darcy would not see it.

“Lizzy, where is your bonnet?” Mrs. Gardiner asked as they walked out into the courtyard where the carriage was waiting.

Elizabeth tugged at some of her loose strands of hair. “I lost it when I went out earlier. The wind caught it, and it ended up floating down the stream.”

“At least you have others at the inn. Be sure to put one on before we return.”

“Believe me, Aunt, I shall!”

The driver of Pemberley’s carriage expressed great regret over Mr. Gardiner’s injuries as he handed them up, and once settled in, they set off for Lambton.

*~*~*

Darcy paced about the study as he listened to Rowland, his steward, give a report of the state of Pemberley, the grounds, tenants, and their homes.

He was always interested in the report his steward had to give, but this report was a long one, as he had been gone many months. He could not regulate his thoughts, concerned as he was about the urgent matter Rowland had just detailed to him, the situation that had necessitated his return a day early.

Mrs. Wickham’s health was failing, and she had asked to see both him and her son. It was undeniably the worst time for it to have happened, with both Georgiana and his guests coming to Pemberley, although one had no control over such things. In addition, he was unsettled because of the accident that had occurred in his home. He was grateful the gentleman was not more seriously injured.

He walked to the window, pressing his fingers to the back of his waist and arching his back in a much needed stretch as the report continued. As he glanced out, he noticed Mrs. Gardiner and a young lady walking towards a waiting carriage. He started.

“That is odd,” he said.

His steward looked up. “Which part, sir? The losses or the gains?”

Darcy waved his hand through the air. “None of that, Rowland. For some reason I pictured the niece of the injured gentleman as a young girl. She is…” He shook his head and narrowed his eyes. For a moment, seeing the niece from the back, the colour of her hair and her manner of walking, he was reminded of Elizabeth Bennet. “She is instead a young lady.” He watched them as they quickly stepped up into the carriage. As he watched the carriage pull out of the courtyard, he instructed his steward, “Continue.”

Once he and his steward completed their business, Rowland stood up. “Let me know when you wish to visit Mrs. Wickham. I shall await word.”

“Thank you, Rowland. I have a few things I must tend to, and then I shall depart directly.”

“Yes, sir.” 

When Rowland stepped out, Darcy walked back over to the window and looked out, drawing in a deep breath. There was so much pressing on him. He was deeply grieved to hear about Mrs. Wickham’s declining health as well as Mr. Gardiner’s injury, but in addition to those things, there was something else bothering him. First there was the bonnet he had found floating in the stream. He had not seen where it came from, but as it was not completely wet, he had assumed it had recently fallen into the water. The young lady he just spotted entering the carriage wore no bonnet. This might answer as to its owner, but he wondered where she had been when she lost it and why he had not seen her.

In addition, as he and Mrs. Reynolds had approached the infirmary room earlier, he could have sworn he heard what sounded like two different ladies speaking in low voices. When he stepped in, only Mrs. Gardiner was there with her husband. Then there was the slight sound that seemed to come from the other side of the bed, where he thought he saw some lavender fabric. It was because of that he had reasoned that perhaps the niece was a young girl who was terribly shy. This young lady stepping into the carriage was wearing a lavender dress.

Apparently, the Gardiners’ niece was not a young girl, but a young lady.

As he contemplated this, Mrs. Reynolds tapped at the open door. Darcy turned and bid her enter.

“I just returned from sending Mrs. Gardiner and her niece to Lambton to retrieve their belongings. They are to remain here another few days, as the doctor has advised Mr. Gardiner not to travel or even move. He thinks it is merely a small fracture and will check on him daily.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.” He drew in a breath. “I trust they will be well taken care of.”

She nodded. “Certainly.”

“Mrs. Reynolds, what can you tell me about the Gardiners?”

“The Gardiners sought permission to view the house earlier today. As you heard, Mrs. Gardiner grew up in Lambton. They had been touring Derbyshire and had been staying at the inn there.”

“I see.” He rubbed his chin and asked, “And what can you tell me about their niece?”

“She is a delightful young lady, about twenty.” She paused and then added. “She claims a prior acquaintance with you.”

Darcy looked up, surprised. “Miss Gardiner? I do not recall anyone…”

Mrs. Reynolds waved her hand through the air. “She said it was a trifling acquaintance, and it was unlikely you would remember her.”

Darcy nodded. “I see. Thank you.”

He was surprised at that revelation, not even being able to guess from where he might know a Miss Gardiner. Unfortunately, many young ladies would claim an acquaintance with him when they had made only a minimal impression on himself. And most of those impressions would not be highly favourable. She was probably correct. He doubted he would remember ever having met her.

He shook his head. It was not important. Mr. Gardiner was being well taken care of, and for that he was grateful.

He sat down at his desk and pulled out some pieces of mail his steward had deemed important for him to read. He would quickly look through them and then set out to see Mrs. Wickham. He shook his head and closed his eyes, hoping her son had not yet arrived. He wondered if the man would even make an attempt to see his mother before she was lost to him forever.

Whether or not Wickham would come to see her, he would go to her. He put the last piece of mail down, stood up, and set out to pay her a call.

*~*~*

The next morning Darcy went to the library, where he could listen and watch for the first sign of the carriage conveying Georgiana and her companion, Mrs. Annesley, when they pulled into the courtyard. Bingley and his family were to arrive shortly, as well. His other guests would come later that afternoon.

He checked with Mrs. Reynolds and was pleased to hear Mr. Gardiner had slept well. The doctor was expected to return later in the day.

As he waited, he thought back to his visit the previous day with Mrs. Wickham, who had been living with her daughter, Alice, and her family in Lambton for many years. She was thin, pale, and exceptionally weak. He found it odd, therefore, that her twisted fingers had reached out and taken hold of his hand in a tight grip. He could tell she was happy to see him, but it was an effort for her to speak.

His visit with her was much shorter than he had anticipated. Visiting a mere ten minutes had worn out the frail woman.

Fortunately for Darcy, he did not have to face Wickham. The man had not yet arrived, for which he was grateful, but another day not seeing her son had deeply grieved his mother. She fretted that he might not arrive until after she “departs this life for another.” She pleaded with Darcy in her slow and slurred speech to do something to facilitate his coming to see her. That was her last request to him before she drifted off to sleep.

He distractedly tapped his fingers on the desk. It had been many years since George had come to Lambton to see his mother and sister, but because of what had occurred the year before between Georgiana and him, Darcy was grateful. He had forbidden him to come near Pemberley. Grimacing, he considered the lies the man had spread in Meryton about him. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes as he shuddered, realizing he had no idea what the man might do once he was back in the vicinity. Was it too much to ask that the man come and go without causing any kind of distress to himself, his sister, and… his guests? He doubted the man would be so obliging.

As much as he was loath to do it, he picked up a piece of stationary and penned a note to Colonel Forster in Brighton, where he had learned the militia was encamped. He offered whatever pecuniary help he could give to enable Wickham to visit his mother if he had not already departed. It left a sour taste in his mouth, but he would honour what was possibly a dying mother’s last request.

It was later that morning when Darcy heard the clip-clop of horses entering the courtyard. He glanced out the window and, seeing the Pemberley carriage pulling up, he gave his waistcoat a quick tug and hurried downstairs.

Darcy walked out into the courtyard and up to the equipage, waiting eagerly while the door was opened. When Georgiana stepped out, she ran into his outstretched arms. He picked her up and spun her around.

“Do you not think I am too old for that?” she said with a laugh.

Darcy set her down and pressed her fingers under her chin, lifting it up to him. “As long as I am almost twelve years your senior, you will never be too old for that!” He leaned over and kissed the tip of her nose.

“It is so good to be back at Pemberley!” she said. She pulled away and looked around. “I have missed it.”

“And it has missed you, I dare say!” He gave a loose strand of her hair a tug. “But I have missed you more.”

“Fitzwilliam, we saw each other not four days ago!”

“But not at Pemberley. I have missed you at Pemberley.”

Darcy greeted Mrs. Annesley as she joined them. “I hope it was a good journey.”

“It was, sir,” the woman replied. “It was frightfully quiet and boring, as it ought to have been.”

“I am glad to hear that,” Darcy said.

Mrs. Annesley informed them that she would go to her chambers to freshen up before she set off to visit her family for a few weeks.

After expressing their thanks to her and saying their goodbyes, Georgiana leaned in. With a mischievous smile she said, “Would you think me ill-mannered if I told you I am grateful that the Bingleys decided against coming? Here is a letter Mr. Bingley asked us to deliver to you explaining their absence.” Georgiana handed him the letter, and then said with a soft laugh. “I do not speak so much of Mr. Bingley, but I own that I rather enjoyed the quiet and solitude, which I would not have been able to do had Miss Bingley been riding with us, which I am sure she would have insisted upon.”

“So what prompted their decision not to come?” he asked as he broke the seal on the missive and opened it. Shaking his head, he said, “Oh, Bingley, if only you would learn to write a legible letter!”

“Mrs. Annesley and I have our opinions on why they did not come, but I shall hold my thoughts until you have read the letter.”

As Darcy read – or at least attempted to read – his friend’s letter, he began to shake his head with his lips turning down in a frown.

When he finished, he folded the letter and placed it in his pocket. He glanced down at his sister. “So, Georgiana, what are your thoughts as to why they did not come?”

“We know that they became aware of the fact that you had also invited the Westerfields to Pemberley. Miss Bingley inquired of me before we left town if it was true. She also casually inquired whether the rumours circulating amongst the ton were correct that you are to settle your affections on Miss Westerfield. Of course, I denied knowing any of my brother’s intentions, but it was later that day that Mr. Bingley came by and offered his apologies that they would not be joining us and asked that we bring his letter of regret to you.” She smiled up at her brother. “I would assume Miss Bingley did not wish to witness Miss Westerfield securing your affections, would she?”

Darcy pursed his lips. “If I can decipher his letter correctly, Bingley does allude to something to that effect.” He lowered his brows. “But I wonder if that is all there is to it.”

Georgiana tucked her hand into her brother’s arm as they began walking towards the house. “I confess, Brother, that I am sorry Mr. Bingley chose not to come. He is always so friendly. On the other hand, his sister…” She paused and said no more.

Darcy let out a sympathetic sigh. “I know.”

Georgiana smiled sweetly and glanced up at her brother. “So is it true?” she asked.

“Is what true? That there are rumours circulating about Miss Westerfield and me?”

Georgiana shook her head with a laugh. “Oh, I have no doubt there are rumours circulating. You have been the subject of a great many rumours over the years.”

“Have I? And how would you know?”

Georgiana gave him a teasing smile. “Fitzwilliam, I have acquaintances in town who are not averse to asking me if this or that is true about you. Most have older sisters who harbour hopes that they might become the object of your affections.”

Darcy frowned. “I see. I regret that you are put in that position.”

“It matters not. But I would like to know if you are planning to settle your affections on Miss Westerfield.”

Darcy rubbed his jaw for a moment. “I wrote to you that there was someone I would like for you to get to know better.”

“Indeed, you did. But…” Georgiana paused.

Darcy looked at her and nodded his head for her to continue.

“It is just… I was a little surprised when you told me you had invited the family to Pemberley, and then I heard those rumours concerning her. I had no notion at all that your affections were already so strongly attached… to another.” She gave him a questioning glance. “Are they truly?”

Darcy pressed his lips tightly and rubbed his jaw as he pondered how to answer his sister. “I have invited her and her family to Pemberley allowing for both of us to get to know each other and our families better. Miss Westerfield and I spent a great deal of time together when we were young as our families were close acquaintances. She is a highly accomplished young lady, and…” Darcy swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. “I do, after all, need to begin seriously considering taking a wife.”

Georgiana’s face grew sombre as she studied his face. “I see. When do they arrive?”

“Later today. Not likely for several hours.”

Georgiana drew in a breath. “I know I have met her before, but I cannot recall… Shall I like her, do you think?”

“I hope so,” he replied, as he stopped and drew her into a tight hug.

They continued on and stepped into the house, and Georgiana smiled. “It is good to be home.” She looked up at him. “How do you find Pemberley? Is all well with her?”

Darcy stopped again. “Georgiana, there was a slight accident yesterday in the house…” He was not yet prepared to discuss Mrs. Wickham, but she certainly needed to hear about the gentleman’s injuries.

“Oh, my!” Her hands flew to her cheeks, and her mouth widened. “Is it serious? What has happened? Who is it?”

He placed his hand on her shoulder. “It is not serious… not terribly serious, and it is no one you know. A party was touring the house, and the gentleman fell down a few of the stairs.”

“How dreadful! I am so sorry to hear that!”

“He is presently in one of our infirmary rooms. The doctor believes it is a small fracture of a rib, so he does not want him to move or be moved for several days. His wife and niece are also staying here while he recovers.”

“Should I go see them?”

Darcy smiled. “Would you like to go see them?”

Georgiana winced. “I believe I ought to. What are their names?”

“Gardiner.” He took her hand. “If you are at all discomfited with the thought of paying a call on strangers, you do not have to. Mrs. Reynolds is doing a superb job caring for our guests. I have already visited them, and they are doing well under the circumstances.”

Georgiana smiled. “No, I would like to go.” She tucked her hand inside her brother’s arm as they stepped into the parlour.

“Are you certain? I know you find it difficult to speak with strangers.”

Georgiana laughed. “As does someone else with whom I am very close.” She looked up at him with a mischievous grin. “No, I must do this. I might not know the proper thing to say in this matter, but I shall make every attempt to make them feel welcomed and to be assured we will do everything possible to make their stay a pleasant one.”

Darcy smiled. “I am certain you shall!” 

“I do hope Mr. Gardiner will be all right.”

“As do I, Georgiana.” Darcy shook his head. “I would hate to think someone was injured inside my own home and suffered due to neglect or poor care.”

“I shall go freshen up and then pay them a visit.”

“You do that,” Darcy said as he leaned over and kissed the top of her head.

As they were about to part ways, Darcy told Georgiana he would be away for a time as he and his steward needed to see a few of his tenants on the property. He would also visit Mrs Wickham again, although he did not mention that.

“How long will you be from home?”

“Possibly an hour or two.” It was difficult to predict, as visits could end up being longer than he anticipated or sometimes shorter. “I doubt that the Westerfields will arrive before I return, but if they do, Mrs. Reynolds will see to their comfort. I want to be with you when you first meet them.”

“Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I appreciate that.”

Darcy left his sister and set out to meet with his steward. He now felt even more unsettled after what Georgiana had said and that Bingley had hinted as much in his letter. He had hoped he could entertain the Westerfields without the force of the rumour mill propelling them towards a rushed engagement. He rubbed his jaw, suddenly realizing it was tightly clenched. At least he could be grateful the Bingleys had decided not to come. It was one less thing he would have to worry about.

He pulled out his friend’s letter and shook his head. Bingley had taken great delight in teasing him both about this rumoured admiration he supposedly had, as well as the sour expression his sister had been wearing since first hearing it.

Darcy shook his head. His friend knew nothing about the ardent admiration he once had for another lady, and he wanted so much to put her out of his thoughts, mind, and heart. He hoped Miss Westerfield would be the one to do just that!

*~*~*

That morning, Elizabeth had awakened and eaten a small breakfast with her aunt and uncle in his room. She had been pleased to hear he had slept well, waking only a few times due to the pain. After their meal, she had returned to her room to read while they awaited the arrival of the doctor.

At length, the sound of horses coming into the courtyard below drew her attention. She walked over to the window and looked out. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Mr. Darcy walk to the carriage and then wait for the doors to be opened.

She watched as a young lady stepped out and hurried over to him. She was soon in his arms, and he swung her about. Elizabeth smiled as she determined it had to be his sister, and she watched with curiosity as he displayed a great deal of brotherly affection towards her.

Once Mr. Darcy and his sister had walked back towards the manor and disappeared out of her view, she decided it would be safe to join her aunt and uncle as they waited for the doctor to arrive.  She assumed – and greatly hoped – that with the arrival of Mr. Darcy’s sister, he would not be paying a visit to the infirmary room again any time soon.

Chapter 4