She wished she was close enough to hear his thoughts, but she had learned over the last few weeks that when his expression was like this, he was most unlikely to have a coherent thought that she could hear.
Her attention was pulled away from that gentleman when Miss Bingley said, “We did not expect you, Miss Elizabeth.”
It was a rather rude way to greet a guest, but since she was here before normal visiting hours, it wasn’t unwarranted. “I apologize for the uncomfortable timing of my arrival,” said Elizabeth. “I was concerned for my sister and did not wish to delay seeing for myself that she was not more ill than she described. She has a habit of understating her own discomfort.”
“I can well believe it,” said Mr. Bingley in an admiring tone. “She seems as though she does not wish to trouble others overmuch.”
Elizabeth smiled. She was pleased that the object of her sister’s affections understood her so well.
“That is it exactly,” she said. “If you don’t mind, could you have one of the servants show me to her? I would not wish to intrude upon your breakfast for too long.”
“Of course,” said Mr. Bingley. He immediately directed one of the nearby footmen to assist Elizabeth. Just before she left, he said with a note of concern in his voice, “I do hope you find her well enough.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bingley,” said Elizabeth.
She turned to leave, but she couldn’t help but hesitate. Mr. Darcy had not removed his gaze from her, but he had not saidanything either. It would be awkward for her to greet him when he had not acknowledged her first. She looked at him, but he made no move to speak, nor did he have any thoughts which reached her.
In the end, she simply nodded at him and followed the footman out the door.
~~~~~
The moment Elizabeth saw Jane, she was overwhelmingly glad she had come. Jane was still in bed. Her face was pale, and her movements were slow as though she was very tired.
“Jane!” cried Elizabeth as she rushed forward to feel her forehead for fever.
Jane chuckled. “I must look quite ill to elicit such a greeting,” she said.
With a sigh of relief, Elizabeth said, “Well, you don’t have a fever.”
“I told you in my note that there wasn’t much the matter with me,” said Jane. “Truly, it is just a sore throat and a sore head. I am certain it is the beginnings of a cold, but it does not feel serious in any way. Still, I am glad you’re here. It can get rather lonely and boring when one is stuck in bed.”
“Has Mr. Jones been to see you yet?” asked Elizabeth.
“Yes,” said Jane. “He said the same thing I just did, that it was a simple cold. He told me to stay warm, drink plenty of liquids, and rest. If I do, I should feel better in a few days. Truly, Lizzy, there is nothing to worry about.”
“If he said to stay warm, does that mean you will need to stay here until you are better?” asked Elizabeth.
“Caroline was kind enough to extend an offer for me to stay until I am well enough to stand the cold,” said Jane.
“You will be missed at home,” said Elizabeth, “but I am certain that, between your friends and Mr. Bingley, you will be well looked after here. I shall stay and keep you company for as long as I can.”
The two sisters chatted for another hour. At that point, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst joined them, each with their own little handicraft. The four ladies kept each other company until an hour before sunset.
Elizabeth was pleased with the two sisters. In public, they had given the impression that they considered themselves above the local gentry, and Elizabeth could not understand why Jane liked them as well as she did.
Now, however, Elizabeth could understand her sister’s opinion. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were excellent conversationalists when they chose to be. They sympathized with Jane’s discomfort with sincerity. They could tell a tale with wit and energy. They were also educated enough to be able to discuss the entire newspaper, not just the gossip columns.
Though Elizabeth did not wish to leave, she was at least confident that Jane would be well looked after during her enforced visit to Netherfield. As sunset approached, Elizabeth said, “I am afraid that I must be leaving soon. I must get home before sundown.”
“That is such a shame,” said Jane. “I shall miss your company.”
Miss Bingley looked back and forth between Jane and Elizabeth. With some reluctance, she said, “There is no need for you to rush away. I can call the carriage for you, which willeliminate the need for you to leave quite so early. Perhaps, you would be willing to stay another hour or so.”
“That is very kind of you,” said Elizabeth. “I gratefully accept your offer. Thank you.”
The four young ladies fell to conversing once again, but as the hour passed, Jane’s mood visibly dipped. All of them knew why.
Eventually, Miss Bingley said, with even more reluctance than before, “It would appear that dear Jane cannot do without you, Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps, you would be willing to stay for the entirety of her illness. Surely, having one of her sisters who can easily attend her at all hours will help her recover more quickly.”
