This occurs after the Bennet sisters leave Netherfield - after Jane's illness and before the Ball. I just pictured Lizzy as having to get out of the house away from Mr. Collins, and who better to run into than Mr. Darcy. Unfortunately there are only 9 days between in the book, so I added a few. Also, in P&P Lizzy does not ride horses like Jane, but here she does. I just can not see the sedate Jane liking to ride while the spirited Lizzy does not.
All of the persons, places, and things mentioned are historically accurate except for Darcy’s stallion and his sire. I made this my personal challenge to research while writing.
Eclipse
Chapter 1
It had been some days since Jane had come home from her Netherfield sickbed. While everyone else was busy planning the soon to be held ball, Elizabeth was feeling unusually confined. She had her dress and ribbons chosen and ready. She had the good fortune of hoping to have an agreeable dancing partner in Mr.Wickham and there was also the cousin that had come for a visit. She decided to go out riding first thing in the morning, and asked her father if she might borrow the chestnut gelding for a ride. Being his favorite daughter, Mr. Bennett could not disagree and told the grooms to do what she asked. Elizabeth preferred the gelding, because of their small stable of four horses, he had the most spirit and would occasionally walk faster than Elizabeth herself.
The next morning dawned grey and misty. Elizabeth was waiting at the stables when the grooms arrived and hurriedly saddled Eclipse, the bright chestnut with a white blaze running down his nose and a right rear hind sock. Soon Elizabeth was in the saddle and trotting across the meadow. It was still very misty, but Eclipse knew the path. They often came this way, across the green meadow to the small forest that bordered the Netherfield estate. Elizabeth planned to follow the narrow path through the forest, ride the fence line at the edge of the grand estate, then return home by the Meryton Road.
She longed to feel the wind in her hair and urged Eclipse even faster. He broke into a slow gallop and as they entered the dark forest, Elizabeth, somewhat foolishly, urged him even faster. She imagined she was Emily fleeing from Montoni in the novels she read. She could almost hear the other riders getting closer and chanced a glance behind her to see them through the mists. She and Emily were similar in their relationships with their fathers, she mused as the branches whipped past. Eclipse had seen the opening of the forest a short way off and with the urgency of a quick bite of dewey grass he burst from the trees right into the path of another rider and horse.
The other horse screamed with rage as the two horses collided. Elizabeth, the good horseman that she was, clung to the saddle but did not fall. As she struggled to get Eclipse under control, she could hear the other rider doing the same. “Foolish, foolish me. Why was I daydreaming?” Her disconcerted thoughts were interrupted by the gentleman questioning her.
“Miss, I do hope you are well. Are you hurt?”
Elizabeth recognized the voice as she turned Eclipse around to face him and looked into the concerned face of Mr. Darcy, “No sir, I am indeed unhurt. I should hope you would be able to say the same after colliding with my mount.”
Mr. Darcy a bit taken back by her tone, but realizing it must come from fear, “I am sorry. I should have been more careful of the forest path,” then he thought, “were you not racing down it like some hound at quarry.” Although he had gotten his stallion under control, her horse was still dancing around nervously. As he had done many times for ladies at fox hunts, he nudged his horse closer and reached to take the reins near her mount’s head. Never before had his horse objected to being so close to another, but instead of his normal passivity, he lunged and bit Miss Bennet’s mount. Her horse reared in fear, and as Mr. Darcy watched in horror, Miss Bennet tumbled from the saddle.
Chapter 2
Instinct took over when thought could not and before her mount could flee, Darcy chased him down and caught him, led him back and dismounting, tied him to a nearby tree. He then raced to Miss Bennet. She was sitting up, thankfully, and he knelt by her side.
“Miss Bennet, are you hurt?” and after a moment’s hesitation, “again?” He controlled his urge to smile with a stern look.
He carefully supported her elbow to assist her in rising, whereupon she turned on him reproachfully, “Are you mad? What sort of gentleman allows his horse to attack another?”
He could see that she was infuriated and embarrassed at falling in so unlady-like a manner, but her temper was a surprise to him. While still keeping a firm grip on her elbow, he turned so that she could smooth her skirts privately, so as not to embarrass her further. “I did not allow my horse to attack yours. I am not sure why Cannon bit your horse. Please forgive him. I will of course see that you arrive home safely.” He had looked forward to meeting her again after what he considered their pleasant time at Netherfield while her sister was recuperating. He was actually anticipating seeing her at the Ball and for once, receiving a dance, but to encounter her in such a fashion, not to mention the accident, Darcy was quite disconcerted. As usual, he hid behind an impassive facade.
She turned and without glancing at him, started to her horse, “If you will help me mount I am quite capable of returning home unassisted. I do not wish to keep you from your morning ride, as the weather is nice this time of day.”
In two strides he caught up to her. Focusing on her remark of the weather as an offer of civility, he offered his reply. “It is a fine morning for riding. I prefer the mists…” She had stopped and was holding her head with one gloved hand. “Miss Bennet?” She took one more step and slowly sank to the ground. As her riding bonnet fell back he noticed the thin rivulet of blood oozing from her hair near her brow.
Darcy stared. Then knelt by her side and not quite knowing what to do, loosened the strings on her bonnet. He removed the glove from one of her slender hands and gently patted it, while trying to decide what to do. It looked so frail and limp in his large, gloved hands. The normally stoic Darcy was at a momentary loss. If ladies ever fell during a hunt, there were other ladies present and servants nearby to tend for her. Even when his sister had fallen while learning to ride, there had been others to care for her, but that had been different owing to the familiarness of family. But, in this case, there was no one, and propriety made it very awkward indeed. “Netherfield is at least a mile, and Longbourn possibly two…” he muttered to himself as he continued to try and rouse her. They would go to Netherfield.
She was surprisingly light as he gently picked her up and calling to his horse, he mounted. He cradled her in his arms while Cannon walked the mile to Netherfield. About half way there, she seemed to awaken and began talking, but not apparently to him. “Jane, you will not believe me, the luck of it…Mr. Darcy,” He smiled as she mumbled, “at least I am tolerable, although not handsome enough…” his smile faded, “not in a humour… me slighted?...” she trailed off, “not enough partners for the others…” Darcy winced, so she had heard him that night after all.
When he rode into the courtyard, the footmen rushed out to hold his horse as usual, but faltered when they saw Miss Bennet. “Fetch the apothecary and the housekeeper.” He did not have to repeat himself. He eased down from the horse and carried Miss Bennet up the stairs. Mrs. Nichols, the housekeeper, met him at the door with Finley, the butler, who offered to take his burden. “I will carry her,” Darcy shook them off and followed Mrs. Nichols to a guestroom upstairs. He gently laid the still unconscious Miss Bennet down on the bed and stepped back. “Someone is gone to fetch the apothecary. I will see that her family is informed.” With that he turned to go as Bingley rushed into the room.
“Darcy, I heard there was an accident.” Bingley stopped as he saw Miss Elizabeth Bennet lying on the bed with blood on her temple. “Darcy?”
Darcy once again composed in his usual state, took Bingley by the arm and they left the room, “We did not see one another while riding and our horses collided. I have sent for the doctor. Let us wait in the library.” Bingley followed him still shocked at the sight of the lady.
As they entered the library, Darcy turned to one of the servants, “Send someone to Longbourn and inform them that Miss Elizabeth Bennet has had an accident, but that she is being cared for at Netherfield. They are to send someone at once.” Darcy then instructed him to send a groom after Miss Bennet’s horse, which was still tied to a tree. Turning he saw that Bingley had poured each of them a measure of whisky. He related the details of the accident to Bingley, omitting Miss Bennet’s unconscious confession as they sat by the fire. “I am sorry I did not beg your leave to bring her here.” Darcy finished.
“Think nothing of it. She is in need of immediate medical care, and Netherfield was the logical choice.” There was a sound of crunching gravel and a coach pulled into the yard. They heard the apothecary enter the hall, Mrs. Nichols greet him and then guide him to the patient. As the sound of their passing faded up the stairs, Darcy was quiet in concerned thought. Bingley noticing did not offer further conversation.
Darcy was thinking of Elizabeth’s words. Apparently she had been deeply offended by his comments at the Meryton dance. That would explain much of her behavior towards him. She was ever cordial, but he now saw that her impertinence held something deeper. He thought of the day she had appeared at Netherfield to attend to her ailing sister, her untidy appearance, and he frowned to himself, “...scampering about the country,” Miss Bingley had been correct. Elizabeth did seem a bit wild. He would never allow his sister to ride unattended about the countryside. Yet, her vigor was enchanting.
A discreet cough, and Mr. Jones was announced to the library. “Please sir, have some refreshment,” Bingley waived a hand and a glass was poured for the doctor and handed to him as he sat. “Now tell us of the condition of Miss Bennet.”
The little man rearranged his spectacles and peered over them at the two gentlemen awaiting his professional opinion. “The lady has suffered a head wound, and is still asleep. I have left instructions to keep her quiet should she wake. I will of course stay here as long as you think I am necessary.”
Bingley looked at Darcy, who only waived a hand in acquiesce. “Thank you,” acknowledged Bingley of the offer, “you may stay as long as Miss Bennet requires your assistance.”
There was a motion at the door and Bingley looked up to see a servant entering the room, while hovering in the doorway was a groom. “Sir, a groom has brought back the lady’s horse, but he has other news that may be of interest.” Darcy stood and walked towards the groom, who took this as his cue to enter the library. The groom held out a riding crop, “Sir, we found this by th’ horse. We thought it might be th’ lady’s. There’s blood…” He did not finish. Darcy had grasped the crop and stood staring at the blood on the end of the handle. Bingley and the doctor were at his side immediately.
“She hit her head with the crop...” The words were barely audible, but Bingley noticed Darcy had gone white as he said them.
Chapter 3
It was not long until another carriage hastily pulled into the courtyard and Mr. Bennet and Miss Jane Bennet were introduced into the library. Mr. Jones offered to take Miss Bennet to her sister and left Mr. Bennet to talk with the gentlemen. After all three had been refreshed and taken their seats, Darcy began his explanation of the events. Mr. Bennet murmured occasionally that he should not have let Miss Elizabeth ride as she wanted. Darcy offered that she seemed an excellent rider, but that it was an unfortunate accident. Mr. Bennet blanched obviously at the sight of the bloodied crop and Bingley could see the worry on Mr. Bennet’s face mirrored in that of Darcy’s. For quite a while they sat in silence each consoling his own thoughts.
Eventually Miss Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst joined them for a short while before lunch was announced. By this time the doctor had rejoined them, and Bingley questioned him if Miss Bennet might join them, “No sir, I believe she will have a tray brought up so that she might stay by her sister’s side in case she awakens.” While the others retired to the dining-parlour, Darcy made his excuses and went to his room.
Upon entering he stripped off his riding clothes and washed his face in the basin. He then redressed in the clothes laid out for him, but did not rejoin the others. Instead he sat by the window, still holding the crop. His valet noticed and discreetly had a tray brought up and placed near his chair. Darcy did eventually eat, but very little. He knew he should rejoin the others, but his own thoughts were too forward in his mind for him to attend to the conversations of others at the moment. It was early afternoon when he finally descended the staircase.
He found Bingley, his two sisters, and Mr. Hurst in the drawing room. Miss Bingley walked towards him as he entered and placing her hand on his arm looked into his eyes and said, “Oh, Mr. Darcy! I do hope you were not injured yourself this morning. We have been so worried about you this afternoon when you did not join us,” here she looked to Mrs. Hurst for support, “I can not believe that foolish girl would risk her life and yours too.”
Darcy delivered Miss Bingley to the nearest chair, and turned to Bingley, “Mr. Bennet and the doctor?”
Bingley answered rather hurriedly to assure Darcy that there had been no change, “All is as you left it. Mr. Bennet has gone to give Miss Bennet a short respite. The doctor has retired to his room in case he should be needed at a later time.”
Darcy turned and walked to the window, “Bingley, I am sorry to inconvenience your family with the medical attention required of Miss Bennet.”
Miss Bingley replied, “I must say that it seems that the entire Bennet family has decided to move into Netherfield. I do hope we do not have to endure another visit from Mrs. Bennet and her brood.” With a glance a Darcy she added, “While I am sure Miss Eliza will recover, I do hope she will be able to attend the ball, as I have heard she is quite fond of dancing and should greatly enjoy the attentions of the red coated young men.”
Bingley continued the conversation, “I do believe Miss Bennet will recover. I find it very enduring that sisters are so fond of each other to come to each others’ aide so willingly.”
“But,” Miss Bingley answered, “their fondness can not be an exception, for I dearly love my own sister,” she paused to smile at Mrs. Hurst, "yet we shall soon be known as the local hospital if another Bennett sister chooses to recuperate here."
At this, Darcy turned from the window. He had not wanted to listen to their empty ramblings, but had been unable to remove their voices from his troubled thoughts. "I believe I am the reason Miss Elizabeth Bennet is upstairs unconscious. Were she less of a horseman, she might very well be in the church." With a final nod to Bingley, he left the room.
It was later that afternoon that Bingley saw Darcy coming from the stables and went to meet him at the door. To Bingley there was no look on Darcy's face to betray his emotions, but his step quickened when he saw Bingley. "There has been no change." said Bingley, "I believe my sisters will have their dinner in their rooms tonight. I have arranged a small meal to be served for us in the library. I do believe this is not a time to have our customary dinner in the dining parlour."
"Thank you good man," Darcy placed his hand on Bingley's shoulder as he entered the doorway. "I have been to the stables to see to Miss Bennet's horse. He was unhurt in the accident, and I hope it would not be forward of me to have a groom take him back to Longbourn."
"Certainly not," exclaimed Bingley, "Darcy you know you are to treat my home as your own. If there is anything you need, do not even ask, it shall be yours."
The library was quiet as the three men ate in silence. Bingley finally broke the strained silence by suggesting that "Mr. Bennet you should stay the night in case you are needed. I am sure Miss Bennet will be recovered by morning and will wish to see you. I will have word sent to Longbourn."
"I believe I will, Mr. Bingley, and thank you for your generosity. I feel as though my family has intruded on yours too much these past few weeks. Please forgive us, it was not intentional."
"No sir, I do not forgive you." At Bingley's reply, Darcy looked up somewhat startled. "Although the circumstances have not been at best, having your daughters as our guests has been most enjoyable." Bingley continued, "I, and I believe Darcy also, quite enjoyed Miss Elizabeth Bennet's conversations when she was here last. She brightened our evenings with her wit." At this Mr. Bennet only smiled, too tired and worried to say more about his darling Lizzy.
At the stroke of nine, the apothecary joined them for an after dinner brandy. He reported that the patient's health was as yet unchanged. The four men sat quietly each in his own thoughts. Bingley was reading A Memoir of the ‘Forty-Five by the Chevalier de Johnstone. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Jones were talking quietly and Darcy sat with his book partially open, but staring into the fire. Finally Mr. Jones announced that he would retire to his room for the evening, but to call him should the need arise. Mr. Bennet followed him, leaving Bingley and Darcy alone.
"Darcy, I have read stories of soldiers lying unconscious for days, and recovered quite easily." Bingley as always slightly nervous and eager, tried to encourage Darcy in conversation by indicating the book he was reading. "I am sure this will be a similar case."
Darcy smiled at this, "Perhaps you are correct, but soldiers are men.”
Bingley continued in hopes of rousing Darcy from his solicitude by talking of one of his favourite topics, horses. “It says here that the Duke of Cumberland was the commander at the Battle of Culloden in ’46. Is he not the same that bred one of your Cannon’s sires?” With only a nod from Darcy, he continued. “And it refers to him as ‘The Butcher.’ I would not think a Prince to be capable of such, but then it is only this man’s view, and he a Scot at that.” Bingley paused to read an interesting passage.
“It is late Bingley, I believe I shall sit a while longer by the fire. Please retire when you wish and I shall see you in the morning." Bingley nodded in agreement and seeing that his friend wished to be alone, he lay the book aside and left Darcy to his thoughts.
Chapter 4
Jane Bennet had sat by her sister's bedside all afternoon with only a short break. For most of the time she had been alone with Elizabeth. Occasionally the housekeeper would peek in to see if there was any change or send a maid. The doctor had been a few times, but still no change. Jane had stayed strong, until her father had entered. At this she had started to weep, "She lies there as if dead."
Mr. Bennet had petted the blonde curls on his shoulder as Jane wept. "No daughter, do not say such things. She is just asleep and will wake soon." He had then sat in Jane's place while she went out, but his words had choked his throat, and he prayed that they would be so.
It was now very late. Jane had moved from her chair to lie on the bed next to Elizabeth. Jane held onto Elizabeth's cool hand and slept fitfully, straining even in her sleep to hear signs of awakening. She awoke very late to someone gently nudging her shoulder and whispering, "Jane, wake up. Jane, I have such a headache. I hate to wake you dear sister, but would you please get me a tonic."
At this Jane sat straight up and looked around, "Lizzy? Lizzy, are you awake?"
Lizzy replied, "Yes, Jane. I am sorry to wake you, but my head..." She was suddenly enveloped in Jane's hugging arms, "Oh Lizzy, you are well again." Jane released her and carried a candle to the fireplace to light it. At this Lizzy tried to sit up, but the pain in her head and flashing stars before her eyes caused her to ease back onto the pillows.
Jane came back to the bedside. As Lizzy gazed around the lightened room she realized they were not at home. "Jane where are we?"
"Oh Lizzy," Jane clasped Lizzy's hand in her own, "do you not remember? We are at Netherfield."
"Netherfield..." began Lizzy, "but why are we not at home?"
"You were riding that horse, and had an accident with Mr. Darcy." At this Lizzy winced, but Jane continued, "He carried you here,” then added in a whisper, “in his arms.” before continuing, “I know it seems so impolite to impose on Mr. Bingley again, but we had no choice as he said Netherfield was nearer. They sent for us after bringing you here and fetching the doctor. Oh, Mr. Jones, I must send for him." with that Jane hurried to the door and sent the maid.
Lizzy carefully ran her fingers over the knot on her forehead and grimaced again. Yes, she remembered the accident, and that she had been racing through the forest like a fool. Oh what Mr. Darcy must think of her impudence. Jane said he had even carried her. Lizzy could not bear to think on the matter further and slid under the covers, even as she pulled them up over her aching head.
The maid hurried to the library to fetch the doctor. When she had been sent to Miss Bennet's room, all the gentlemen had been in the library. She slowly opened the door and crept in. It was very late, but the fire was still burning quite high. She saw a figure reclining on the settee and recognized Mr. Darcy when she got closer. He had an arm thrown over his face and his hand resting around a half-empty glass on the floor. "Oh, the poor sir has drunk himself to sleep," she thought. She reached for a blanket and moved behind the settee to drape it across him. As she did so, his hand grabbed her wrist, "Elizabeth."
The maid jumped. He was looking at her now, "Mr. Darcy, I’m sorry to wake ye, sir."
His grip tightened, "Is there any news?" The maid looked at her wrist and then back at Mr. Darcy. Realizing he must be hurting her he let go. "My apologies, has there been any change then?"
The maid smiled, "Why aye, Mr. Darcy, she’s awake. I came to find th' doctor, but I canna see he's not here. I shall send to his room." She bobbed a quick curtsy and fled.
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The maid returned to Miss Bennet’s room after waking the doctor. Jane noticed her quietly return to the bedside, and that she was rubbing her wrists. “Mary, you must be tired, have a seat by the fire and rest until the doctor comes. Have you hurt yourself?” Jane nodded indicating her wrists.
“No mum, th' feeling’s coming back now. He didna mean to.” Mary replied as she moved towards the fire.
“Mary,” Jane queried in a shocked tone, “who did not mean to? Has someone hurt you?” Jane could not imagine there being anyone employed at Netherfield with such a character as to hurt the servant maids.
Mary turned and in a lowered voice, “Mr. Darcy, mum.” At this Elizabeth eyes opened, she had not been asleep, only resting until the doctor should visit. But Mary continued in a hurried voice, “I went ta fetch the doctor in the library, that’s where they’d been. Only he was gone and Mr. Darcy was by himself. Poor man, I thought he had drunk himself to sleep. So I went to cover him with a blanket and he grabbed my arm. ‘Elizabeth’ he says. And I’m so scared all I can do is stare at him. ‘Is there news?’ he says. And so, I told him I came to fetch th’ doctor and that yon Miss is awake.” She took a breath and added, “He wasna in his cups though, just waiting ye ken, quite like.”
“Thank you Mary," Jane muttered as she looked at Lizzy, and then in a lower voice, “He never went to his room, but stayed up?”
Elizabeth’s voice was still a little hoarse from her long slumber, “Oh, I am sure it was not because of thoughts of my health that kept him from his room. It was more likely to be the worried thoughts of the impropriety of carrying my unconscious form across the countryside.”
“I am not so sure…” Jane started to answer but the door opened and the doctor arrived at last.
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Darcy sat up on the edge of the settee his face in his hands after the maid had fled the room. He remained like this for several minutes feeling the relief flood over him. She was awake. She may still be hurt, but she was awake. He finished his drink in one swift movement and stood, straightening his attire. He could not go to her room, but he could meet the doctor in the hallway. He realized this was not quite proper to be roaming the house at this late hour, but at this particular time he did not care. Besides there was no one awake at this time that mattered in society anyway.
Darcy stood in the hall and waited until he heard the doctor leaving Elizabeth’s room then he swiftly took the stairs and met him. The doctor was a little surprised to find Mr. Darcy waiting for him, but realized he must be worried about the Miss. “Uh, Mr. Darcy, have you come to find out the latest on my patient?” He smiled.
Darcy was not so genial, “Yes, has she recovered?”
The doctor continued in his best professional voice, “She is awake at last. Her head still bears a lump, but she has requested a small meal be brought up. Her head swims when she tries to rise, but I believe that within a day or so she will be quite recovered enough to return home. I hope this will be acceptable for her host? She was very adamant about not imposing on the good graciousness of Netherfield any longer than medically necessary.”
Darcy could not help but smile himself, “That is welcome news Doctor. Thank you and I believe I can speak for Mr. Bingley when I say that the Miss Bennets are very welcome guests.” They parted and the doctor returned to his room. Darcy was not quite ready to retire. He was exhausted, but instead walked to the large window overlooking the gardens.
The full moon was low in the sky and dawn would not be long. He pulled from his pocket the small glove. It was soft, tan calfskin of good quality. The seams were darkened from use, so she must ride often, he thought. He stroked it with his fingertips very gently as if it were still occupied. Finally he turned and made his way down the hall to his room, only pausing once outside her door to listen. He heard the soft rustle of fabric, the murmur of feminine voices and the tinking of china as Elizabeth was nourished by her sister. He sighed and continued on.
