Chapter 19
“You did not see her today at all? But has no one been worried about her missing before now? It is almost dinnertime!” Elizabeth’s voice was so reproachful that Mr. Bingley averted his eyes, obviously embarrassed.
“I…we…you are correct of course, Miss Bennet, but after the ball everyone spent most of the day in their rooms — sleeping or just resting. Only recently did Lady Cassandra’s maid approach me to ask if I knew where her mistress might be, as she left the house quite early. She said her ladyship was wearing riding clothes and could not possibly remain dressed so for the entire day. We initiated a search of Netherfield, and the stable boy told me about her horse.”
“But why did the stable boy not inform you immediately of the horse’s unexpected arrival?”
“Lizzy, dear,” Mrs. Gardiner intervened gently, “there is no time now for these questions; from what I hear, Lady Cassandra might have suffered an accident and must be found immediately; you cannot afford a moment of delay.”
“You are right, of course, aunt,” Elizabeth admitted without hesitation. “Forgive me, Mr. Bingley — please give me a couple of minutes to prepare myself,” she said and hurried up the stairs to her room.
“To prepare for what? Miss Bennet — to prepare for what?” But Mr. Bingley received no answer, only Jane’s decidedly distressed gaze.
When Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner exited the library to join the ladies, Mr. Bingley immediately informed them of the situation. Mr. Gardiner instantly offered his support in their quest, as he was well acquainted with the neighborhood.
“Oh, brother — of course you must go! Oh, poor Lady Cassandra — she is so pleasant and so elegant — oh, I hope nothing has happened to her! Mr. Bingley, Lizzy is right — why did that stable boy not say a word? I am quite vexed with your staff, I must say! He really must be scolded for this negligence…”
“Mrs. Bennet — let us try to calm ourselves, shall we?” Mr. Bennet said, though his own voice was neither calm nor tranquil.
“Calm? How can I be calm? Last night I discovered my second daughter was engaged to be married, and nobody told me beforehand! Now Lady Cassandra is missing! What will happen next? Oh, my poor nerves! And you Lizzy — why are you so dressed up? Where on earth are you going?” she cried, looking at her second daughter who was coming down the stairs.
“With Mr. Bingley, of course! I know where I last met Cassandra and can easily find the way she must have taken on her ride back to Netherfield.”
She sounded so determined, so decided, that not even Mrs. Bennet attempted to change her mind. Mr. Bennet and Jane whispered a “Take care, Lizzy,” but she barely heard them as she exited the house immediately, together with her uncle and Mr. Bingley.
“Miss Bennet — is that place far away?”
“About half an hour’s walk, sir.”
“What about riding? Would it not save time?”
“Maybe so, sir, but I could not possibly ride on that path; nor would I recommend it to you. However, I will walk as quickly as possible.”
“Very well, then, Lizzy — let us waste no more time,” said Mr. Gardiner.
They walked for more then fifteen minutes, none of them speaking. Mr. Bingley tried to share some suggestions with Mr. Gardiner, as Elizabeth was unwilling to participate in their conversation. She could think of nothing except Cassandra’s expression the moment they separated; and she could not stop reproaching herself for being inconsiderate and selfish: she had returned to Longbourn and cared about nothing but her own distress, and then found all the comfort she needed in Darcy’s letter. She failed to send a servant to inquire after Cassandra, to be sure she had reached Netherfield safely. And now Cassandra was missing! Cassandra — who was a most excellent rider as well as a good walker! She was unlikely to fall from a horse; and, even if she did, she would have walked back to Netherfield — that is, if she were well enough to walk at all…
A sudden din of voices interrupted the turmoil of Elizabeth’s thoughts; two of Netherfield’s servants appeared before them and ran toward their master.
“Lady Cassandra had been found, sir,” one of the men cried with great agitation.
“She has been found? Where is she? And where are you going, John?”
“We have come to inform you, sir… and to fetch the doctor… We did not know what to do with her ladyship… She is… I think she is alive, but she is not speaking, not moving, I think she cannot hear us… She must have fallen from her horse…and we did not know what to do … What shall we do, sir?”
“Where is Cassandra? Show me to her immediately,” cried Elizabeth, seizing the man’s arm.
“Fetch the doctor immediately! Stop at Longbourn and ask Mr. Bennet for a horse; in the meantime, John will show us the way to Lady Cassandra.”
“But sir… Will Mr. Bennet give me horse? What if…?”
“Are you out of your mind, man? I have no time to discuss this with you now! Go as I said!”
Mr. Gardiner understood the servant’s distress. “Mr. Bingley — I will go with him and fetch the doctor myself. I think I will be more useful this way.”
“Thank you, sir; indeed, that is the best solution. In the meantime I will try to find a way to get Lady Cassandra to Netherfield. I shall see you later then.”
“Uncle, please hurry as soon as you can,” added Elizabeth, as she moved in the opposite direction.
In less than half an hour, they reached the place where several servants from Netherfield were waiting, gathered around Lady Cassandra’s inert form. Elizabeth sobbed and kneeled near Cassandra, touching her face, desperately trying to see if she was still breathing. Her cheeks were white — pale — her hair messed with grass and mud. She seemed completely lifeless — however, to Elizabeth’s relief, the worse had not happened. Tearfully, Elizabeth took Cassandra’s hand and caressed it; it was ice-cold. She called her name; but, as expected, no answer came, nor even the slightest move. Hopeless, Elizabeth raised her eyes to search for help from Mr. Bingley, but he was busy giving strict orders to his servants who obeyed instantly. Two of them rode in great haste toward Netherfield while Mr. Bingley removed his coat, knelt near Elizabeth, and covered Lady Cassandra.
“She is frozen… She must have been lying here for hours,” he whispered.
“We must take her to Netherfield without delay…” Elizabeth wondered how she could say such a ridiculous thing. Of course they should take Cassandra to Netherfield; Mr. Bingley was clearly aware of that.
“Yes, I know — but I do not know how to do it… She seems so fragile… We cannot possibly put her on horseback, not even if I hold her… I sent my men to bring some blankets, and we will put her on them as if she were on a bed… I saw a doctor do that once, a few years ago…”
“That is a very good idea, sir…the best idea possible, I think…”
“We will see… In the meantime, we should try to keep her warm…” He moved to the other side of Cassandra and took her hand. He was startled at how cold she felt. Exchanging a quick glance with Elizabeth, he understood they were both of one mind: if not from her injuries, Cassandra might as well die from freezing.
For the next half hour, Elizabeth seemed barely aware of what happened around her. The servants returned with a carriage. Mr. Bingley arranged a blanket on the ground and gently, with infinite care, nudged Cassandra’s inert body upon it — inch by inch —moving her as gently as possible. Elizabeth could do nothing to help them; she stood nearby watching — with gratitude and admiration — Mr. Bingley’s care not only to protect Lady Cassandra from any harm but to keep her clothing in order, so as not to expose her ankles or anything indecent to the eyes of the men gathered about her. Finally, four servants took each corner of the blanket and lifted it, placing it carefully on the carriage floor. Again, Mr. Bingley took upon himself the task of driving the carriage as Elizabeth sat in the back, her eyes on Cassandra lying at her feet.
The ride to Netherfield was blessedly brief, and again Elizabeth stepped away to allow the men to complete their duties. Cassandra was removed and transported through the main hall toward her room. The doctor had yet to arrive.
Georgiana’s cries brought Elizabeth’s attention back to her surroundings. Her young friend was pale and trembling so that she could not speak; her desperate question was unspoken, but Elizabeth understood. “She is alive; I must go to her now. Will you come with me, Georgiana?” The girl’s grip on her hand was so forceful that no other confirmation of her intentions was needed. Hands joined, they hurried to Cassandra’s room, precisely as the men who had carried her were returning, Mr. Bingley with them.
“Miss Bennet, Lady Cassandra’s maid is with her; I will send the female servants to assist her, but I instructed she not be moved until the doctor arrives.”
“I will help Janey,” Elizabeth interrupted him. “So I think two more maids will be sufficient.”
“Very well… I…I do not know what else I could do… I shall send a note to Mr. Bennet to inform him… Is there anything else I should do?” He received no reply as Elizabeth and Georgiana had already entered Cassandra’s room.
~/~/~/~ Two hours later the drawing room saw the presence of Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, Jane Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner. The doctor had been with Lady Cassandra for an hour.
Jane had accepted with gratitude the invitation of Mr. Bingley that she, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner remain at Netherfield for as long as they wished to be near Lady Cassandra. Blushing, she did not miss the looks of exasperation exchanged between Mr. Bingley’s sisters, and it was not difficult to comprehend their displeasure at the prospect of so many bothersome guests. Furthermore, Mrs. Gardiner knew she could be of little help except in offering comfort to her nieces and perhaps Miss Darcy — but Longbourn was close enough for daily visits — so the Gardiners declined Mr. Bingley’s kind invitation but remained to find out the conclusion of the doctor’s examination.
In the library, Mr. Bingley joined Mr. Hurst, Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet, all of them partaking of more than one glass of brandy while waiting for the result of the doctor’s lengthy examination. None of them dared voice it, but each wondered whether anything could be done for Cassandra, as the only sign of life since her discovery was barely perceptible, shallow breathing.
The ladies talked animatedly about the same disturbing subject, but Elizabeth barely heard a word. She was sitting by Georgiana, and the still trembling girl held her hand tightly as tears rolled silently down her cheeks.
“I wonder why the doctor is taking so long,” asked Mrs. Hurst.
“I believe he is examining Lady Cassandra very carefully, as any good doctor should,” Mrs. Gardiner replied, forcing herself to sound light-hearted as she smiled reassuringly at Georgiana.
“Is he…is he a good doctor?” Georgiana finally replied.
“Oh, he is as good as any country doctor can be,” Miss Bingley replied. “Surely you cannot expect him to be an expert as his only patients have been the inhabitants of Meryton.”
“He is a good doctor, Georgiana; have no fear,” whispered Elizabeth.
“Even more,” added Jane gently, “he assured us that if he has any doubts about what should be done in Lady Cassandra’s present state, he would recommend we send for a doctor from Town immediately. He is a worthy gentleman and a trustful doctor; we can rely on him.”
“Lady Cassandra looked very ill, indeed,” Mrs. Hurst said.
“She looked as any woman would who had fallen from a horse and spent many hours lying on the ground,” replied Elizabeth, sharply. “And even so, she looked more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen,” she added coldly, looking straight at both Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
“Yes,” replied Miss Bingley, “I know Lady Cassandra has been considered by some to be a remarkable beauty, but several of my friends from the ton are of a different opinion. They believe there are other young ladies in Town who could be considered true, classic beauties.”
Elizabeth threw her a sharp glance but failed to respond. Her spirits were too low to carry on a silly conversation with Caroline Bingley. Instead, she turned toward Georgiana and smiled to her, whispering, “We must have faith, dearest. I am sure all will be well.”
“But what if… Elizabeth, what if…? Oh, has William been informed? He must be told what has happened; he must be here to help Cassandra when she needs him. He would know which doctor is best for her…” She could scarcely continue as tears were overwhelming her.
Caroline’s voice made the young girl startle. “Georgiana, my dear, you really should not distress yourself so. I know Lady Cassandra is your friend, but really — her present injuries are the result of her own reckless and stubborn conduct. A lady should never ride with the men — having no care for etiquette or propriety — nor should she dash wildly across the fields. In truth, as my friend Miss Cardington has said many times, Lady Cassandra has much to learn of manners and language in order to display the requisite decorum. Perhaps this hard lesson will be useful after all. She will doubtless be more circumspect in the future.”
Elizabeth felt Georgiana’s stunned response as she tightened the grip on her hand. Elizabeth’s furious eyes narrowed and she had to force herself to breathe deeply to regain a semblance calm before she could speak normally. She had no time for a reply, however, as the door opened and Janey, Lady Cassandra’s maid, entered shyly.
“What is it that you want, girl? Why are you disturbing us?” asked Miss Bingley, angrily.
The servant turned pale and stepped back to leave but gained courage from Elizabeth’s inquiring glance and walked toward her.
“Excuse me, Miss Bennet, you asked me to inform you when the doctor finished his examination… You said you would help me to…”
“I certainly will, Janey! Did the doctor say anything?” Elizabeth and Janey had nearly reached the door, followed closely by Georgiana, when Miss Bingley’s voice stopped them.
“Oh, come now, Miss Bennet, this is too much! You cannot possibly share the duties of Lady Cassandra’s maid; we do have enough servants here at Netherfield to take care of an injured guest. Besides, I really think you should moderate your behavior toward Lady Cassandra; you will be Mrs.
Darcy soon, after all, will you not? There is no need to attempt to impress either Georgiana or Mr. Darcy any longer; you have accomplished your goal.”
Elizabeth released her hand from Georgiana’s and turned on her heels. In a few steps she was inches from Caroline’s chair. She looked down at her adversary and replied, her voice perfectly calm and composed:,
“Miss Bingley, since we first met, you have treated me rudely and disrespectfully beyond the bounds of acceptable manners. During our stay at Netherfield last autumn when I nursed my sister, you took delight in offending me and my family. The only effect on me was that it amused me exceedingly. For my sister’s sake and the goodness of her heart, I willed myself to overlook that you purposely interfered between Mr. Bingley and Jane and then deceived him about my sister’s presence in town last winter. I also gave no consideration to your disdainful behavior toward me once you acknowledged my engagement to Mr. Darcy, because I imagine you were merely jealous and resentful. But to offend a woman — a guest in your brother’s home — a woman who lies hurt and unconscious with no chance of defending herself, this is too much even for you. Have you no feelings of remorse or compassion? How could you ever embrace the hope that Mr. Darcy would be inclined to admire a woman with so little warmth of heart or generosity of spirit?”
Caroline Bingley glared at Elizabeth in utter shock, her disbelieving face red with rage, unable to utter a syllable. Her mouth gaped open as though to speak, but the words stuck in her throat. She was incredulous that a country nobody would speak to her in such a manner. Of all the nerve! Who was she to have a superior attitude? And that defiant expression!
“How dare you, Eliza Bennet?” Miss Bingley found a strident voice and, rising from her seat, stepped closer to Elizabeth. “How dare you speak to me in such a manner? Who do you think you are? You shall leave this house immediately; your presence here is no longer acceptable. Leave now!” she screeched at the exact moment the gentlemen appeared in the doorway.
Jane and Georgiana, equally livid, lost for words, and unable to react to such an open, violent confrontation, were frozen, their gazes locked on the combatants. Louisa Hurst and Mrs. Gardiner, though less distressed, were also unable to react or take any side in the conflict.
Disturbed and attracted by the din, all three gentlemen entered the room. Mr. Bingley was about to inquire into the cause of the quarrel when Elizabeth addressed Caroline again. “Who am I? I am the soon-to-be sister of the master of this house; and, as Mr. Bingley invited me, I insist upon being treated properly. If he wishes me to leave, I will obey without objection; but I will no longer allow any offense against me, my family or my friends. Now if you will excuse me, I must attend to Lady Cassandra; she may need me.”
Mr. Bingley and Jane looked at each other instantly, silently searching the other’s expression. Mr. Bennet tried to hide a small smile behind his glass of brandy; Mr. Hurst empted his own glass while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Hurst were obviously embarrassed by Caroline's unseemly behavior.
“Charles, did you hear that? Did you see the scandalous manner in which Eliza Bennet treated me in my own house?” cried Miss Bingley, her face red with anger.
“Caroline, keep your voice down,” her brother countered. “I really do not have time for your nonsense. I am quite concerned about Lady Cassandra and want to speak with the doctor immediately. I surely do not need more distress.”
“I am not giving you any distress. Eliza’s shocking language was the cause of all this. She has been the cause of all my distress these last days,” she continued, barely able to breathe from agitation.
“Lizzy was only…” Jane attempted to interfere, but Caroline interrupted her.
“Eliza cannot remain here! There is no room for both of us at Netherfield. Charles, you must make your choice this instant. If Eliza Bennet is allowed to remain another hour in this house, I shall leave! I cannot endure being under the same roof with her!”
If Bingley had any doubt, it vanished the moment he saw Jane’s beautiful, pale face tormented by embarrassment. He smiled tenderly at her to remind her she was his main concern, and then turned to his sister.
“Caroline, perhaps all these events have been too much for you; you have had to bear so much unexpected news and so many disappointments that perhaps you need some rest, some tranquility to recover yourself. If you desire to leave, I shall not try to stop you. But neither Miss Elizabeth nor Jane will leave until Lady Cassandra is fully recovered. So you may either stay here with us and soften your manner toward our guests, or feel free to prepare your belongings for a journey to wherever you wish to go. Now, please excuse me; I need a generous glass of wine before seeing the doctor.”
~/~/~/~ “My examination is completed, Miss Elizabeth; however, I am afraid I do not have much to tell you…”
For the first time since she had known the elderly doctor, Elizabeth felt only irritation with him. What kind of doctor was he, to have nothing to report after an hour-long examination?
“Not much, sir? But you surely have something to tell us! How is Cassandra? What should we do to help her? Will she get well? Surely you will prescribe her some medicine for her present state!”
“Miss Lizzy…” he spoke as he was accustomed to when she was younger, “…apparently, Lady Cassandra’s left ankle has been hurt — twisted — when she fell from the horse; perhaps her legs became entangled in the reins — but she does not appear to have any broken bones. I cleaned her wounds and bandaged the ankle tightly; she should not move it for at least three weeks. Her left shoulder also seemed badly hurt, but I dare say it will heal very well in time…”
“But this is wonderful news, doctor! Why did you say you had not have much to tell us? You practically told us everything we needed to know…”
“Not at all, I am afraid, though I would wish to… My examination, though lengthy, was far from satisfactory, as Lady Cassandra never awoke, moved, nor made a sound. We cannot know if there are other injuries I cannot discover, or if she feels any pain. I discovered a few wounds on her head. Also, she spent so many hours on the ground that she has likely caught a very bad cold, and I will certainly prescribe you some medicine — laudanum would help her. Some tea would help, too, but I cannot see how she can drink it…”
It was obvious to Elizabeth that the doctor was as much worried as he was uncomfortable at not being able to offer a more specific opinion. Yet, she had no doubt that he had been very diligent in his efforts and that neither his abilities nor his experience could be doubted. However, could she trust the singular opinion of an old country doctor? Would it be wise? Even so, surely Darcy would bring his own physician from Town as soon as he could be informed.
As if reading her thoughts, the doctor continued, “Miss Lizzy, I would strongly advise you to seek a second opinion regarding her ladyship’s state. I shall confess that — fortunately — in our small town I am rarely confronted with such a situation. I only remember the old gardener — Johns — being thrown from his horse ten years ago… I do not know if you have any recollection of him…”
Elizabeth shivered and paled — she did indeed recollect old Mr. Johns — a kind, gentle man, who had died two weeks after the accident. She tried to swallow the sudden lump in her throat.
“Elizabeth, what happened to Mr. Johns?” inquired Georgiana weakly.
Elizabeth cast a quick glance toward the girl, then to the doctor. “Sir, please be so kind as to instruct Janey in detail about anything we must do for the present; in the meantime I will inform the others about everything you told us. If you would be so kind, sir, please join us in the library in a few minutes. Mr. Darcy will be informed instantly, and he will surely fetch his personal physician. You are correct sir; we should seek another opinion — not because we do not trust you, but precisely because you advised us to do so.”
Elizabeth’s voice sounded so cold and impersonal in its determination that both Georgiana and the maid looked at her in surprise. Elizabeth seemed to have lost any warmth, feeling, or emotion; she even avoided looking at the bed where Cassandra was lying. Only her pallid features and the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her anguish.
Elizabeth quickly exited the room and Georgiana followed, trying to keep pace with her. “Elizabeth, our doctor is Cassandra’s doctor too… He is the best surgeon… Elizabeth, please, wait for me… Elizabeth…”
Though she received no answer, Georgiana could not fail to notice Elizabeth’s violent gesture as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
“We have no time to lose, Georgiana.” It was the last thing she said before they entered the room where the family, including Miss Bingley, was still gathered. Elizabeth did not notice her presence as she began to relate everything she had heard from the doctor; nobody interrupted her until she concluded, “We must inform Mr. Darcy immediately.”
“Of course, Miss Bennet; I shall take care of that this instant,” said Mr. Bingley, rising from his seat.
“Just a moment, sir.” Mr. Bennet drew all eyes toward him. “I…I would like to write to Mr. Darcy myself, if you would allow me.”
“Of course, sir,” accepted Mr. Bingley, not without surprise.
“Papa, we must send the note without delay,” Elizabeth insisted, and her father nodded in agreement. “He must return immediately and bring his surgeon with him… Georgiana said he is Cassandra’s doctor as well and has known her for years…” Her voice seemed to waver and become less coherent with each word.
“I shall send a servant as soon as I return home, which will be in a few minutes. We will not bother Mr. Bingley any longer. We will be home if you need us, Lizzy. And tomorrow morning we will call again,” Mr. Bennet said as he prepared to leave, accompanied by the Gardiners.
“Mr. Bennet… Mrs. Spencer…must be informed too…”, intervened Georgiana. “She has been Cassandra’s companion for years… She now resides in Cassandra’s town house…”
“Miss Darcy, can you please give me Lady Cassandra’s direction? And perhaps the doctor’s, as well?”
“Of course, Mr. Bennet, but William knows them…”
“Yes, I imagine,” Mr. Bennet replied, avoiding his daughter’s glance. “I was thinking that maybe…just in case…”
“Very well, sir, I shall write them down this instant,” Georgiana said.
~/~/~/~ The small carriage moved at slow pace toward Longbourn; it was a cold, dark autumn night, yet nothing was as dark as their low spirits.
“I cannot believe this is happening,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “Last night, at this hour, we were in the middle of a most wonderful ball, and now… How could this happen? I keep praying that the Lord will have mercy, and all will turn out well in the end.”
“We must have faith,” agreed Mr. Gardiner. “Lady Cassandra will be well taken care of, especially when Darcy brings his doctor. I am sure…”
“I cannot inform Darcy…at least not tonight,” said Mr. Bennet and his companions looked at him in utter shock.
“What on earth are you talking about, brother?” cried Mrs. Gardiner. “This is not the time for jesting,” she added, reproachfully.
“Thank you for informing me; I am aware of the gravity of the situation,” Mr. Bennet replied coldly. “I am surely not jesting, but…”
“But? You are surely not acting properly either,” Mr. Gardiner said. “I will write to Mr. Darcy and will take care of sending the servant as soon as we get home.
“You cannot do that…not if you want to avoid another tragedy…We cannot inform Mr. Darcy until we are certain he has successfully concluded the duel with Markham,” the gentleman said, almost relieved at his slipped confession.
“What?” cried Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner in unison so loudly that the driver stopped the coach and inquired if something was wrong.
“You must keep this in the strictest confidence,” Mr. Bennet continued, as soon as the carriage was in motion again. “I had promised not to tell a soul, but the situation is so complicated that I need someone to consult with,” he said helplessly.
“You are out of your senses,” Mrs. Gardiner concluded while her husband urged Mr. Bennet to reveal the entire truth.
“The day before the ball…after that night when…well, Darcy went to talk to Markham… I do not know if you are aware of that… The Markham's were visiting a family, only ten miles from Netherfield. Darcy went to speak to him, secretly. Apparently the talk did not go well, and Darcy had no other option but to call him out… I think they will fight tomorrow morning at dawn on a field near London… Only the Colonel is informed, as he will be Darcy’s second.”
“You are out of your senses,” Mrs. Gardiner repeated, growing angrier. “You, Mr. Darcy, and the Colonel! Three gentlemen without sense or reason!”
“This is madness,” Mr. Gardiner agreed. “Duels are not even legal, you know that! Mr. Darcy is jeopardizing his life, now, before his wedding!”
“The Colonel assured me Mr. Darcy is far superior to Markham, in every aspect, and he can defeat him anytime, with any weapon.” Mr. Bennet was barely audible, like a child attempting to justify misbehavior.
“Oh, the Colonel assured you; then we can sleep in peace.” Mrs. Gardiner’s mocking tone was such that neither of the gentlemen had heard before. “Is Lizzy aware of this? I dare say not…”
“No, Lizzy does not know anything, and you must swear your secrecy…and Madeline, do not look at me with such reproach. I do know how dangerous the situation is…”
“Did you not try to convince Mr. Darcy to give up this outrageous plan?” Mr. Gardiner asked. “And how is it that he informed you of his intentions?”
“He confessed everything to me precisely because I am Lizzy’s father, and he felt responsible for her…because they are now officially engaged; and, if anything should happen to him, he asked my permission and consent to have an arrangement settled on Elizabeth in case he…in case the duel should not end up as we hoped…” He took a deep breath before continuing, obviously affected.
“Of course I tried to change his mind…at first…but I could not heartily say I disagreed with him. He attempted to speak reasonably with the Markhams. He gave me his word that, if Markham admitted his fault and said that everything had been a drunken man’s wild behavior, Darcy would put everything aside. If Markham had apologized and promised not to bother Lizzy or any of us again, Darcy would have forgotten the entire incident. He told me that and I do trust his word. But Markham never accepted it was his fault… He kept saying he wanted Elizabeth and would finally have her, and would gladly fight Darcy for that… Brother, if you could have heard Markham that night… He told me the same thing… He seemed out of his senses…kept telling me he wanted to marry Lizzy…can you imagine? Lizzy will never be safe if Darcy does not teach him a hard lesson.” he concluded, exhausted.
Mrs. Gardiner had great difficulties in finding the proper words to reply. “Brother, but what if Darcy hurts Markham? Maybe he will — I pray God he will — but what next? Duels are illegal… The Earl could hold this against Darcy… What will he do? Exposing his name and his reputation to the censure of the entire Town? How will that help Lizzy?”
“Let us not think so far ahead,” Mr. Gardiner intervened. “The entire situation is very difficult, indeed, but let us find a way to handle it to the benefit of everyone.”
“I see no way out,” Mr. Bennet said. “If I inform Mr. Darcy this evening, the news might affect him so that he will not be in a proper state of mind for the duel. If we wait until he sends me notice, after the duel, it might be too late for Lady Cassandra. What should I do? I managed to get the doctor’s address from Miss Darcy… I thought I could fetch the doctor by sending him an express but how can I convince him to come to Hertfordshire and attend her ladyship without announcing it to Mr. Darcy? I doubt he will accept the request of some unknown country gentleman…”
A few long moments of silence followed; Longbourn was just in front of them when Mr. Gardiner spoke again, trying to meet his wife’s eyes in the darkness.
“I shall go to London personally; I shall leave as soon as I change my attire. I will be there in a couple of hours… I might have to change horses once, but I will reach Town as quickly as I can. I will first talk to Lady Cassandra’s companion — I was introduced to her at the private ball. I am certain she will want to come to Netherfield immediately. She will help me fetch the doctor. I will send them here as soon as possible; in the meantime, I will seek out Mr. Darcy and, hopefully, we will all return tomorrow night.”
Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet listened without a word; the carriage stopped in front of Longbourn, and they all exited. “I shall help you prepare yourself,” his wife said briefly.
“Thank you, brother,” Mr. Bennet replied. “I shall always be grateful to you.”
Just before they entered the house, Mrs. Gardiner stopped and turned toward her brother-in-law. “Do you and Mr. Darcy realize what Lizzy will say when she discovers your deception? Or do you imagine you can keep the secret from her forever?”
“Darcy was certain Lizzy would be very upset with him…but he was forced to make this decision… I can understand him… she will have to forgive him eventually; he is doing everything for her… Poor Darcy was afraid she would postpone the wedding if she discovered the truth… I surely hope that will not happen…”
Mrs. Gardiner shook her head and rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Oh, Mr. Darcy ought not to be worried that Lizzy would postpone the wedding…that is not the worst thing that might happen to him. She might want to marry him as soon as possible…and punish him for the rest of their lives together for putting himself in danger and lying to her! That is surely what I would do! As for you, brother, do not imagine you will escape easily, either! Heaven forbid that my sister discovers you agreed to put her future son-in-law in such danger!”
Normally, both gentlemen would have laughed at such a mockingly reproachful tirade from Mrs. Gardiner; nevertheless, this time, neither of them even smiled. Their spirits – and their fears – were as dark as the night.
*** In Cassandra’s room there was silence — deep, frightening silence.
The doctor had retired to an adjoining room, insisting on being called if something — anything — happened. Janey and Georgiana refused to leave the room at all, so the former had fallen asleep in a chair and the latter was resting near the bed, her head close to Cassandra’s, holding her hand.
Elizabeth sat in an armchair on the other side of Cassandra’s bed; she abandoned any struggle, any pretense of composure, any mask she had tried to wear during the day. She allowed the tears to roll over her face, grateful that nobody was witness to her reaction, her eyes fixed upon Cassandra’s colorless, immobile face as painful, vivid recollections brought her back to that day when she had first seen Cassandra at the theater, and she had marveled at her astonishing beauty.
Their acquaintance had not been a smooth one; their first meetings had been more conflict and continuous confrontation than polite, gentle friendship. Cassandra had been suspicious of her for some time and did not hesitate to show it. Elizabeth would never forget their conversations — from that first night at the theater, then in the carriage, then during Cassandra’s private ball and later at Pemberley. Likewise, as Cassandra’s good opinion of Elizabeth improved, she openly confessed that to her, as well. Somberly, Elizabeth remembered the horrible day at Pemberley when she had found out about Lydia’s elopement. Cassandra’s support had been precious to her.
How much their relationship had changed in such a short time! That day at Netherfield — the first day of her engagement — they had finally talked openly and clarified everything between them. Cassandra’s compliments, her praise, were dear to Elizabeth as she was certain they were honestly expressed. Cassandra was not a woman to practice disguise of any sort. “Very much like William,” Elizabeth thought, tearfully.
Looking at Cassandra’s body lying beneath the sheets, Elizabeth could hardly bear the pain she felt. She had enjoyed her growing friendship with Cassandra and known for some time that she truly cared for her. She felt not only gratitude and admiration, but also genuine affection for one who had been another sister for William and Georgiana. But only then, in that dark, silent room, did Elizabeth truly feel she had come to consider Cassandra more than a friend; she was certain she could not suffer for her own sisters more than she suffered for Cassandra now, as she wondered how long she would be with them.
The most astonishing thing for Elizabeth was the revelation that never, not even in those days when her heart had been torn apart by jealousy, did she harbor ill feelings toward Cassandra. For quite a while, Cassandra had purposely increased Elizabeth’s uncertainties with her double meaning words about Darcy and their relationship, but not even then did Elizabeth dislike her or disapprove of her. How was that possible? As for Cassandra, she had been sometimes harsh, other times unfair, and from time to time even offending in her talks with Elizabeth, but her manners had always been so different from others of her station — Caroline Bingley, for instance — that Elizabeth had never felt offended or hurt.
What happened to that lively, bright, fearless woman? What unbearable burden had thrown her to the ground? What cruel secret had drained all her life, spirit, and wit and left her pained and tormented these last weeks? How was it possible that a woman who had ridden wildly through a horrible storm at Pemberley to save her and Georgiana could now simply fall from her horse?
Elizabeth vividly recalled each word of their last talk in the woods; what a change from their first sharp argument in the carriage in June was that teasing conversation of yesterday! Elizabeth almost laughed through her tears as she remembered Cassandra declaring herself defeated. Who would have thought that could ever happen?
And then — the shock on Cassandra’s face the moment she found out Darcy and the Colonel had left for London!
The more Elizabeth pondered it, the more certain she was that the only explanation for Cassandra’s transformation was the Colonel — the lady’s lifetime friend. Something happened between them when the Colonel appeared in the neighborhood — maybe even sooner, as Cassandra’s low spirits had been obvious since she first come to Hertfordshire. But what was it?
As she began to think with more clarity, Elizabeth realized that Cassandra’s behavior was not unfamiliar to her. She had seen such turmoil before — in her sister Jane after Mr. Bingley left unexpectedly last winter.
Could that have happened to Cassandra, too? Not very likely; she and the Colonel seemed perfectly suited to each other, and there was no apparent reason for them to be apart if their desire was to belong together. But what if it were not a mutual affection but an unshared inclination of only one of them? Was it possible that Cassandra had tender feelings toward the Colonel that were not returned? Could that be the reason for her desperation?
But no — the Colonel did not seem to reject her at all — quite the contrary! Of course, Elizabeth could not be entirely certain of her perceptions regarding either friend; since, every time she had been in their company, Elizabeth’s thoughts and attention were directed solely toward Darcy. Yet, she could be fairly certain the Colonel did not behave like a gentleman rejecting a lady.
“Elizabeth, come quickly! Cassandra has moved! She squeezed my hand and she is saying something!”
Georgiana’s cries so startled Elizabeth, that for a moment she could not move; an instant later, she leaned as closely as she could toward Cassandra’s face to understand the words her lips struggled to whisper. Elizabeth’s eyes met Georgiana’s and they shared both the relief of seeing Cassandra’s first moves and the surprise of hearing her repeating, more than once, a single word: “David.”
It was dark, so very dark that Cassandra could see nothing, not even herself. And cold…freezing…she wanted to wrap her arms around herself for warmth, but they would not move… She was trembling — from cold and fear. She was alone; she was lost. The hole in which she was trapped was so deep there could be no possible escape alone. She was too small, too powerless… She tried to run, but her feet would not obey her…and where could she run? There was no hope left. She was lost… She could scream, praying someone would help her…but if they came after her, they would punish her for being disobedient. They always told her a little girl should not ride like that…yet, any punishment was better than the darkness which surrounded her. She had never been afraid of darkness, so why was she so frightened now? And why was her voice so weak? She must cry louder, louder…if she could only cry loud enough so he could hear her…he would surely come and save her… David… David…
~/~/~/~ A day and night of torment, uncertainties, and fears had passed — a time spent in prayers and dim hopes.
Early in the morning, before breakfast, Mrs. Spencer and Lady Cassandra’s personal doctor had arrived at Netherfield. Though she felt relieved and more tranquil to have the second doctor’s assistance and Mrs. Spencer’s presence, Elizabeth was deeply concerned that Darcy had not accompanied them. Mrs. Spencer mentioned briefly that Mr. Darcy had some last moment business to accomplish and most likely would return later. How could that be? What kind of business could possibly keep him in London when his lifetime friend, as dear to him as a sister, was in grave danger of losing her life?
Even worse for Elizabeth’s peace of mind was the revelation that Mr. Gardiner himself had traveled to Town to carry the news of the accident and had remained there, to return together with Mr. Darcy. She desperately struggled to find a reasonable explanation for such a strange event, but she was exhausted, and her mind refused to provide the answers to so many questions. There was nothing to do but wait — and spend time at Cassandra’s side, together with Georgiana and Mrs. Spencer.
Unfortunately, Cassandra did not awaken, and her state showed little improvement, quite the contrary. As the doctor predicted, she developed a very high fever, and they watched helplessly as her body shivered almost continuously despite the laudanum they tried to administer and their united efforts at cooling her hands, cheeks, and forehead. Yet, it was encouraging that Cassandra did move and speak although she remained unconscious. In truth, her movement was more a result of her high fever, and the words she muttered from time to time were unintelligible. But it was better than they feared the previous evening.
Elizabeth refused to go downstairs for dinner; she declared she was not hungry at all — and indeed she was not. She could not bear the thought of attempting to eat and make polite conversation with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
Mrs. Spencer and Georgiana joined the others in the dinning room, and Jane brought Elizabeth a tray with tea and food that was never touched. She remained alone in the room, alone with Cassandra, lost in her thoughts, watching as her friend was struggling and whispering the same name ‘David.’ Elizabeth could no longer bear it; if Darcy brought the Colonel with him when he returned, she would have an honest, forthright talk with the Colonel. She was determined to do so, though she knew it was hardly proper for her to interfere in such a delicate situation.
“Miss Bennet, if you do not get some rest this instant, I will ask Mr. Bingley to see that the servants tie you to your bed,” said Mrs. Spencer, entering the room. “You ate nothing at all! This is not to be borne, and I will surely not accept it! I will not have you ill; I cannot bear to have two ladies suffering.” Her decided voice admitted no resistance, and Elizabeth could only smile back at her.
“You must not fear, Mrs. Spencer, I will not get ill. I simply cannot eat anything. As for sleep, it is out of question for now…”
“Out of the question? Young lady, do you know who you are talking to? Not even Cassandra dared to oppose me in these matters! I asked that a bath be prepared for you in your room; also, you will eat soup this instant — Janey will bring it to you now, fresh and warm; then you will go and sleep for at least a couple of hours, and then, if you wish, you may come and take my place while I sleep a little. I will send Georgiana to rest, too, and I will not allow any of you to disobey my order. Do I make myself clear enough?”
Her severity was half in jest, yet Elizabeth was certain she was not joking. Even more, Elizabeth could see the reason and wisdom in Mrs. Spencer’s demands. And in truth, she dearly longed for a warm bath.
“Very well, Mrs. Spencer. I can see I stand no chance of winning this argument.”
“Indeed you do not. So let us not fight in vain.”
Elizabeth ate the soup under the careful supervision of the elder lady, and only then did she realize how hungry she truly was. They spoke a few more minutes, and then Elizabeth exited the room with a lingering glance toward Cassandra. Mrs. Spencer smiled at her with gratitude and appreciation.
*** After half an hour spent in the tub, surrounded by hot water and immersed in her thoughts, Elizabeth felt significantly better; her spirits rose as her body relaxed, and she was certain she would need no sleep at all — only a few moments of rest on the bed. She did so and pulled the soft sheets around her as she closed her eyes.
All would be well; her hopes were stronger than at any time in the last few days. And Darcy would return very soon; she could sense that. If he were only there, half of her worries would vanish, and the other half would be easier to bear if she could share them with him.
She allowed her thoughts to fly to him and her memories to recollect the comfort and safety she felt in his arms.
Her mind was still full of him as her exhausted body claimed its long-needed rest. His face was the last thing she “saw” before she fell deeply asleep, and she smiled in her dreams, her heart melting from love and longing.
A few hours latter when she opened her eyes, struggling to awaken and understand where she was, Darcy’s face was the first thing she saw. She was certainly still dreaming and closed her eyes, desiring the image to linger. But his lips gently pressed upon her eyelashes to open them, as his fingers caressed her hair; his scent, more powerful than any essence, and the tenderness of his touch proved to her — again — that no mere dream was as wonderful as the reality of his presence.