An Odd Situation: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Sophie Lynbrook

Author:Sophie Lynbrook
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

Elizabeth came into the room in another moment, along with Jane and Bingley, who were talking with animation about the pleasures of living in the country. Mr. Bennet came too, and he struck up a conversation with Richard, into which Mr. Wilson was drawn when he turned up a short time later. Beacham also came along at about the same time. It made for quite a party in the room.

In the midst of it, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst arrived for another visit. Darcy could tell that they were quite put out by discovering such a number of people, and even more so by realizing that Jane, Elizabeth, and Mr. Bennet were welcome members of the group.

“Do you really think this crowd suitable for an invalid?” Miss Bingley asked.

The question was presumably addressed to Mr. Wilson, and it was he who answered. “In Mr. Darcy’s case, I do. This is just the sort of stimulation I have advised that he should have.”

“Surely Mr. Darcy should have a quiet room with only one or two of his closest friends for company.”

“I prefer him not to have quiet at the moment. Nor do I think that the size of the company is a particular issue.”

“I am sure that Darcy will not object to so many visitors,” Bingley added cheerfully.

His sister was clearly not of the same opinion. “I do not think it right for Mr. Darcy to be looked after by strangers,” she said. “It is our intention to have him moved to Netherfield, Mr. Wilson.”

Happily, the doctor was not obliged to answer.

Bingley cried, “I told you that Darcy is not to be moved, Caroline. We have no such intention, Mr. Wilson, I assure you.”

“Nor do I,” Richard said. “My cousin must not be moved, Miss Bingley. As to the presence of strangers, they are already my friends, and I am sure they will be Darcy’s as soon as is possible.”

They will indeed.

Miss Bingley made a sound of indignation, but the matter was closed. Mr. Wilson said, perhaps in defiance of Miss Bingley, that he hoped a little noise might enable him to see his patient in a conscious state again.

Perhaps the noise was an excellent stimulant. It was not long before Darcy felt that familiar flickering at his eyelids. He opened his eyes and was happy to see more improvement. His vision was only slightly blurred. He could just manage to make out the people nearest to him. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were seated in the two chairs beside his sofa, and at the back of it was Beacham. There were other figures standing at a little distance, whom he could not distinguish.

Richard and Mr. Wilson came into view now. They helped him to sit, and Beacham provided cushions for his support. At the same time, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst rose from their seats and leaned over him, blocking the way.

“We are here, Mr. Darcy. We have come to take care of you,” Miss Bingley said.

He tried to say that they were impeding his care rather than providing it, but he could still not speak.

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