8. Chapter 8

VIII.

Now that Jane was well enough, Elizabeth knew it was time to end their stay at Netherfield. She did her best to ignore the confusion of feelings she felt over this and focused her attention toward the best way to return home. In keeping with her resolution to avoid her mother's interference as much as possible, Elizabeth reasoned that it would not be too much of an imposition to request Mr. Bingley's aid. She knew he would not yet be awake, despite it being Sunday and morning services were not two hours hence. She smiled slightly thinking of how, for all his good nature and intentions, the poor man was always running late. She decided she would discuss their departure with him after church.

Finding herself therefore at loose ends for the time until services, Elizabeth started downstairs contemplating what she would do with the free time. She was surprised therefore to find Mr. Bingley on his way upstairs.

"Mr. Bingley, good morning," Elizabeth smiled.

"Miss Elizabeth! How delightful to see you; how are you this morning?"

"I am quite well, thank you." And then, because she could not resist, "Although I am somewhat surprised to see you up so early." Her smile was knowing and slightly teasing and the gentleman had the grace to look away with some embarrassment.

"Indeed, I am caught! I had thought that perhaps your sister's recovery may be aided by a turn in the gardens this morning..." his words drifted off at the end, but his desire for Miss Bennet's company overruled his chagrin and he pressed on, "Is she up and about yet?"

He made no effort to hide the hopeful gleam in his eyes and Elizabeth was too pleased by his interest in Jane to scold him for the impertinence of seeking Jane in her chambers and without any chaperone. Instead, Elizabeth smiled and offered, "I have not yet seen her, but allow me to check with her if she is feeling up to a walk."

Bingley's smile became impossibly wide as he thanked her, but Elizabeth remembered her earlier purpose and interjected, "Before I go though, I must speak with you briefly."

"Of course, what may I do for you?"

"Well, as Jane is now adequately recovered, I feel we can no longer impose upon your and your sister's generous hospitality."

Mr. Bingley's smile fell. "Miss Elizabeth, I hardly think that you or your sister have imposed upon our home! It has been entirely my pleasure to have you both as guests here, although I would certainly have wished the circumstances were different... Regardless, I cannot desire for you to depart. In fact, I am not confident that Miss Bennet is adequately recovered. After all, she was not even able to attend dinner yesterday and, if I am not mistaken, she was still quite tired in the drawing room. No, I think that she needs more time..." his voice trailed off as he met Elizabeth's eyes and noticed her smile.

"Mr. Bingley, your… hospitality –" they both knew it was not hospitality, but neither corrected her word choice, "– is to your credit, of course, and my sister and I are both immensely grateful for your kindness and generosity while we have stayed here, but sir," and here her smile became sympathetic, "you must realize that it would not be appropriate for Jane and I to stay any longer. Think of what the neighbourhood would say."

Bingley was not pleased. He pursed his lips and seemed to think for a moment before responding, "I do not see that this is necessarily the case. After all, Tuesday would only be one week and surely, that is not an inappropriate or unexpected length of stay during a recovery from a severe cold?"

His tone was almost pleading and while a part of Elizabeth wanted to concede since she knew he only wanted more time with Jane, the more sensible voice in her head won out: "A week is not itself too long or an inappropriate length of time for recovery, but after services today, it will be clear to all that Jane is recovered. If she should continue to stay here, despite being well enough to return home..." Elizabeth allowed her words to drift off, knowing that he would understand her implication.

Charles was now quite disappointed. When she puts it that way, how can I argue? I would never wish to harm Miss Bennet's reputation. He sighed, "Very well, Miss Elizabeth, you are quite right. When were you planning to depart?"

"Well, I had thought perhaps it could be arranged to return us home following the services today? That is, if it is not too great an inconvenience."

Bingley wanted to tell her that it was an incredible inconvenience and that he would not be able to return Jane any time in the near future, but instead he played the gentleman as he had been raised: "Of course, Miss Elizabeth, your request is perfectly logical."

Elizabeth could see the disappointment and irritation displayed quite clearly across his face and wished to improve his mood: "Do not despair, Mr. Bingley! The sooner we are back home to Longbourn, the sooner you may pay Jane a visit." This earned her a slight smile. "And now, I will get my sister for I do believe that a brief walk out of doors will do wonders for her recovery."

Mr. Bingley's smile returned and Elizabeth reciprocated equally before disappearing into Jane's room.

ooOOoo

"So, Miss Bennet, how do you find the gardens?" Charles' smile was broad and his manner sincere, but he felt a bit foolish to be asking such an inane question. Still, if it will make her speak...

Jane felt her cheeks warm slightly at the attention. Mr. Bingley had already insisted that she take his arm so that she would not catch cold and so that he may ensure she did not trip on their walk. She knew that this was unnecessary, but unlike her sister, she could not bring herself to tease a man for such care. It was a credit to his nature and character to do such things.

"It is a lovely garden, Mr. Bingley." And then sensing that perhaps she ought to make some sort of conversation to please her host, "I thank you for offering to show it to me. It is quite refreshing to walk about out of doors after having been confined to a sickbed." Oh, but perhaps that will offend him or he will think me ungrateful? "Pardon me, but I do not mean to imply that the room was in any way lacking! I only meant to say that it is quite pleasant to have a change of scenery."

Charles chuckled lightly at her concern for his feelings, "Miss Bennet, I take no offence! I certainly understand needing a change of scenery. Why, how else do you think I came to be at Netherfield in the first place?"

His smile put her mind at ease, "Thank you for your understanding. In fact, Mr. Bingley, we spent so much time yesterday evening discussing my family and the stories Lizzy told you that I fear I know little of how you came to be any place! I would be interested to hear how you came to lease Netherfield, if you would wish to tell me."

Oh, but she is too sweet, truly an angel! She does not even bat her eyelashes or accidentally walk too closely. I thought I knew many lovely ladies, but now I am not sure. "Ah well, it is perhaps not the most exciting story. For the most part, I believe I just wanted a new environment. London is very enjoyable, of course, but sometimes it feels too crowded. With Darcy being who he is and introducing my sisters and myself to many in the highest circles, we never lacked for dinners, balls, plays, and other entertainment... But, it still seems too forced and formal sometimes." Not like the country...

"But you find this to be different in the country?"

Her question echoed his thoughts and brought a warm smile to his lips. She actually seems interested in what I am saying... "Most definitely! Even though there are fewer people here, it seems like I know even more people! I think perhaps it is, in part, due to the genuine welcome from the neighbours here. In the city, there are so many people to see in a day that it seems sometimes more of a chore than a pleasure."

While he was speaking, Jane could not help but notice the fascinating way the muscles in his jaw worked or the way his arm unconsciously brought her own closer to his body and the warmth she felt from him. The slight breeze blew his hair and she noticed that there were many different colours throughout it. She felt a little flip within her stomach as his eyes met hers on the word "pleasure." She shivered slightly, despite her warm attire.

His demeanour changed at once to concern: "Miss Bennet, are you cold? Oh, I am so careless! I have kept you out in the cold for far too long; please, let us get you back inside."

The look of concern on his face created a sensation of small flips within Jane's stomach. She did not protest his movements to bring them back indoors, but did want him to know that she was well: "Please do not alarm yourself, sir, I am quite well. It was only a slight shiver from the coolness of the morning. I promise I will not catch a cold from our brief walk."

She smiled reassuringly and Charles nearly forgot to breathe. There was a sparkle to her eyes that made her small smile special and his answering smile was broad and slightly awestruck. "I apologize if I have overreacted. It is just –" What? I cannot bear to think of you unwell? I do not like when you are hidden away and I cannot visit you? I want to protect you? "well, I... I would not wish to be responsible for undoing all of the hard work Miss Elizabeth has done to return you to health." Coward!

Jane seemed unaffected or unaware of the altered tone to Charles' voice. "Indeed, Lizzy is an excellent nurse! But you are right to be careful, she is quite protective of her sisters."

At this, Charles could not help but laugh out loud, remembering how Miss Elizabeth had confronted him in the library. Protective may be an understatement! "Yes indeed, I can imagine she is."

They were both smiling as they crossed the threshold back into the house.

ooOOoo

The church was too warm. Or perhaps it was just Lizzy who was too warm. Sitting next to Mr. Darcy throughout the service made paying attention to Reverend Grayson's sermon a near impossibility. His close proximity was driving her to distraction! She refocused her attention by thinking over the strange interactions with Miss Bingley this morning before church.

The carriage ride to the church had been unpleasant, riding with Jane, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst. Naturally, Jane was her usual sweet self, although perhaps even more radiant after her morning walk with Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Hurst, as always, had little to say and mostly scoffed and parroted her sister. And Miss Bingley – Elizabeth sighed internally thinking about her – she was especially unfriendly this morning, despite her obvious pleasure that Jane and Elizabeth would be returning to Longbourn shortly. Elizabeth was not particularly surprised by Miss Bingley's lack of enthusiasm to be in her company, but she was taken slightly aback by the harshness of her tone and manners.

"Miss Eliza, are you unwell this morning?"

Her tone did not convey care nor concern, but Elizabeth felt obligated to respond politely nonetheless. Miss Bingley had, after all, hosted Jane and herself for nearly a week and was now bringing them to church and back to Longbourn afterwards in a comfortable carriage; it was the right thing to do. "I am quite well, thank you, Miss Bingley." Elizabeth even attempted to smile slightly.

"Truly?" Her tone conveyed great shock, "Well, I am pleased to hear you are well." She mused for a moment, "Hmm... perhaps it is the shade of your dress against your skin."

Lizzy chose not to show her offence and replied with a laugh: "Oh indeed, I have never had any talent in fashion! Why, my younger sisters and mama are always complaining that I cannot be trusted to choose the right materials or colours for myself! Although I must admit it has never been of much consequence to me."

Elizabeth's laughter grated on Caroline. Her comments were meant to intimidate, but it seemed only to actually heighten "Miss Eliza's" merriment. Caroline wanted to say something else, but her irritation was too great to allow her to construct cleverly veiled insults and she knew Elizabeth was too intelligent to allow direct ones to stand. So instead, she moved on to conversation with "dear Jane." Her laugh sounded forced, but she pressed forward, "Oh my, dear Jane, you must constantly be in hysterics with such a sister!"

Jane was unsure how to respond as she neither wished to offend her sister nor her friend. She smiled softly, "Yes, Lizzy quite enjoys to laugh."

Caroline had rolled her eyes and then proceeded to speak almost exclusively to Mrs. Hurst, pausing occasionally to give a nasty look at Elizabeth or smile seductively out the window at Mr. Darcy.

And, if the ride itself were not unpleasant enough, when they arrived outside the church, the situation became increasingly awkward. After the gentlemen had assisted the ladies from the carriage, they had each paired off according to their interest. Mr. Hurst was paired with his wife, Mr. Bingley had simply not let go of Jane once she was out of the carriage, and Mr. Darcy had assisted Miss Bingley and then Miss Elizabeth. No sooner had Elizabeth's foot touched the ground when Miss Bingley immediately latched herself onto Mr. Darcy's other arm. He had not yet even released Elizabeth's hand and both of them felt the awkwardness of such a situation. Elizabeth was actually rather impressed with the seeming ease with which he handled the problem. Despite his initial surprise, he smoothed his features to a neutral expression, nodded to Miss Bingley, and then, turning back to Elizabeth, he released her hand but offered his arm. He had not seen the sour expression that graced Caroline's face at this offer and Elizabeth smiled broadly as she accepted his arm. He had been quite graceful in escorting both ladies to sit.

At that moment, Elizabeth had enjoyed the opportunity to annoy Miss Bingley, but now she found herself seated between her sister on her right, whose attention was entirely absorbed between the service and Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy on her left. That gentleman was in the unenviable position of having Elizabeth to his right and Miss Bingley on his left. Elizabeth had not been surprised to see Miss Bingley immediately attempt to engage Mr. Darcy in idle conversation and had initially only smiled in amusement at his boredom.

However, once the service began and Miss Bingley could no longer demand his polite attention, Elizabeth found herself acutely aware of the man seated beside her. As always, his height was formidable, but when seated, it seemed as though there was less distance between them. Quite without intending to do so, she was studying him from the corner of her eye. She noted the way his hair had a wave to it in the front, but curled slightly at his neck; she observed the straightness of his nose and the thickness of his lashes. She could see where his skin had been lightly tanned by the sun. She wanted to look into his eyes, but could not without turning properly toward him. She had not been this close to his face before and she considered that perhaps his height was primarily due to long legs? This led her to other thoughts and realizing suddenly that she was thinking of the gentleman's legs – a most unladylike behaviour! – she quickly attempted to refocus her attention on the Reverend.

Darcy noticed Miss Elizabeth's slight shifting in her seat and had found himself powerfully distracted by every small movement of her body next to him. Although they were not touching – he knew that would not be appropriate nor wise for his self-control – he felt every time she moved, even in the slightest way, as though he himself had moved. It was as though an invisible rope connected their bodies and he was painfully aware of their closeness and their distance. This was an interesting contrast to the frequent "accidental" touches to his person by Miss Bingley, as he barely registered her presence next to him at all, except in annoyance when her brushes against his arm or queries about which page the Reverend was referencing in the prayer book drew his attention from Miss Elizabeth.

It was sweet torture, but torture nonetheless. The service could not end quickly enough for either of them; mercifully, the sermon was relatively short compared to some country parsons. Once it was concluded, Darcy was quickly drawn into conversation – quite against his will – with Miss Bingley. He noticed with frustration as Miss Elizabeth left the aisle after her sister and Mr. Bingley. Despite being engaged in some semblance of conversation with Miss Bingley, he kept his eyes with Miss Elizabeth as she greeted and conversed with her friends and neighbours. He was frustrated to be unable to hear her, but revelled in her smiles and laughter. Several times, she had looked up to meet his gaze and gave a slight inclination of her head and the left corner of her mouth had pulled up in a half smile. It will have to be enough, he told himself as he continued to make polite noises when needed with Miss Bingley, and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst.

For her part, Elizabeth had been simultaneously relieved and disappointed to lose her nearness to Mr. Darcy. While she was unable to deny – to herself at least – that the man did have some effect on her, she did not wish for this to be readily apparent to others or Mr. Darcy. Separation seemed the most prudent course, so she had followed Jane out of the aisle. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Bingley insisted on staying with Jane, so the three of them greeted and spoke with their neighbours. Many people had heard that Jane had been ill and staying at Netherfield – her mother's doing, no doubt – and inquired after Jane's health.

After a few minutes each with the Longs, then the Gouldings, and, of course, the Lucases, Lizzy was displeased to see their mother determinedly approaching their little party. She knew that there was little to be done to avoid potential embarrassment and simply hoped that Mr. Bingley would take whatever ridiculous thing her mother said in stride. She was surprised to see that, in fact, Mr. Bingley looked pleased to see Mrs. Bennet approaching. Indeed, once she was near enough, it was Mr. Bingley who greeted her first!

"Mrs. Bennet, good afternoon! It is quite a pleasure to see you!"

Like her daughters, Mrs. Bennet was initially surprised, but she was never one to be at a loss for words long. "Mr. Bingley, it is a pleasure to see you as well! In fact, I am quite particularly pleased to see you as I have been eager to thank you for your kindness toward my dear Jane! Poor creature, she has always been delicate! Although, of course, she suffers in silence because she has the sweetest temperament and the greatest patience in the world – "

Lizzy interrupted, "Mama, I am sure that Mr. Bingley appreciates all of our gratitude for his great hospitality and care."

"Oh, but of course he does!" Mrs. Bennet cooed.

Elizabeth continued, hoping to keep her mother in check, "In fact, Jane is so well recovered now that we will be returning to Longbourn after this. Perhaps you saw the note I sent earlier?" She knew that her mother had not, as she had purposely timed the note's departure in such a way that her mother would just miss it and therefore be unable to intervene to prevent their return home.

Mrs. Bennet seemed quite put out at the realization that her two eldest would no longer be guests at Netherfield; she had counted on their staying at least a week. "Oh dear me, no, I did not receive your note, Lizzy. But I wish you had consulted me beforehand, are you quite sure that Jane is recovered enough to return home? You know that we can certainly spare you for – "

Elizabeth cut into her speech in an effort to stop further inappropriate comments. "Mama, as you can see, Jane is quite well now." She looked imploringly at her mother and, upon seeing no deeper comprehension, continued in a tone that was almost pleading: "If she is well enough to travel to church, she is well enough to return home. It would be a terrible presumption to overstay our welcome."

Mrs. Bennet did not seem to appreciate the logic, but did not argue.

Mr. Bingley stepped in to relieve some of the tension: "Of course it was entirely our pleasure – my sisters and myself – to have Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth stay in our home! But, naturally, one longs to return home again as I am sure they miss their own rooms and family." His smile was unaffected, but he shared a brief look with Elizabeth that communicated that he understood and was not deterred by their mother; she visibly relaxed and gave a small, grateful smile.

"Quite right!" Mrs. Bennet agreed. "But since you have done such a service for our family – " Elizabeth did not like where this was going and was immediately tense once again " – I must implore you to dine with us this week! I quite insist as I cannot think of a more suitable way to thank you for your generosity and kindness. And I will have you know, not that I would say this myself, but that I have been told by many guests that my lamb stew is the best they have eaten! I will have Cook make it for you. You simply must agree to dine with us!" Elizabeth had cringed slightly, but it was not as bad as it might have been.

Mr. Bingley seemed quite delighted by the invitation and glanced at Jane before responding that he would be "most delighted!"

It was arranged that he and his party were all invited to dine the day after tomorrow. Jane's smile was shy and sweet, but Lizzy could see the deep happiness emanating from her at this plan. Lizzy too found herself looking forward to Tuesday evening more than she previously would have anticipated. She tried to deny that her interest was selfish and instead repeated that she was pleased for Jane, but her traitorous heart thumped excitedly at the prospect of another evening with Mr. Darcy.

Thus, with the plans arranged, they all took their leave of one another; the Bennets to Longbourn and Mr. Bingley and his party to Netherfield.

A/N: I am very sorry for the wait on this chapter and appreciate you all for sticking with me! RL has been really crazy, plus this chapter did not want to cooperate! But hopefully you enjoyed it now that I finally managed to get it up! Coming up next will be dinner at the Bennets and, for you P&P aficionados out there, notice anything interesting about the particular day for the dinner? That's all I'll say for now... but stay tuned!

As always, reviews – constructive and supportive alike – are SO appreciated! I truly do not even have words to tell you how very much they mean to me. They motivate me to keep going and help me to improve, so THANK YOU! Also, thank you to all those who added this story or me to alerts and favorites!