Sickness Loves Company (tag: Charles Bingley)

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Don’t be silly! Jane shall go on horseback! Those were the fatal words that got this dreaded debacle started. Jane was blissfully happy when receiving the invitation from Caroline Bingley to dine with her. It was a chance to see him again. Although the letter had said he would be dining out, Jane was filled with the hope that she might at least see him in passing before the day was through. Initially Jane was so pleased at the prospect of making Caroline Bingley’s acquaintance that it hadn’t quite dawned on her what her mother was planning.

In fact it wasn’t until Jane had covered the first mile of the journey from Longbourne to Netherfield that she had become fully aware of what her mother had done. At first she merely urged her horse on faster, trying to outrun the drops. But it was a useless endeavor and by the time she arrived at the Bingley’s doorstep she was soaked through to the bone and shivering. She could barely hold in a sneeze while she was being announced to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley.

It had now been a full day since she arrived and what had started as a sneeze had steadily descended into a head cold. Her nose was stuffed up, her head throbbed constantly, and she had a fever. And as much as she desperately hated the fact that she was imposing upon the Bingleys she simply did not have the strength to get out of bed and ride home. The party at Netherfield had accepted her horrible predicament with as much grace as they could muster and Jane was eternally grateful for their kindness.

Indeed the ladies of the party, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had made it a habit of sitting with her for a short while in the morning and afternoon. Jane could imagine they wished to be doing anything else but sitting with a sick person but she was thankful for the generosity they showed her. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had left her company approximately an hour earlier and Jane had been trying to drift off into some semblance of sleep. Unfortunately it was not to be. With the constant dull ache in her head all she could do was close her eyes.

If she were at Longbourne she would be in the room she shared with Lizzie, most likely with her taking care of her while Kitty and Lydia flitted in and out of the room complaining about how inconvienient it was for them that Jane was sick. She would hear the strains of the piano as Mary practiced constantly and the hustle and bustle of the house. At Netherfield the house was so large she was hardly aware of anything that was happening outside of her room.

Upon hearing a gentle knock at the door she turned her head in the direction of the door. “ Come in.” she called weakly as she removed her hand from her forehead in an effort to make herself look not quite as miserable as she was feeling.

[MR CHARLES BINGLEY]

Already Charles Bingley had formed a large acquaintance in Hertfordshire, and though he trusted Darcy's advice on the whole, he found the place to be quite pleasant in spite of Darcy's misgivings about it. (Secretly, Bingley had decided that Darcy was only slightly off-put about going to the country because he would miss being close with Miss Darcy. The girl was so sweet-tempered, to be sure, that anyone would miss her!) It was with some of the members of this acquaintance that he had the pleasure of dining out one evening, but when he returned from the dinner, he discovered to be under his roof a friend whose presence was even more pleasant: a Miss Bennet.

He had been enchanted by her at the ball, and though it was quick work to win Bingley's heart, she had done it with more haste and thoroughness than most with her gentleness, her beauty, and her lightness of foot. Bingley liked her exceedingly, and to have the opportunity to get to know her better was most fortuitous!

What was not so happy was that Miss Bennet was only staying because she was ill. The news had alarmed him in spite of his sisters' assistance that it was nothing; he demanded that she would stay anyway as long as was necessary, and though it pained him, he decided he must not disturb her. This resolution lasted only so long. Without informing his sisters, he found himself at the door to the bedroom where he ascertained that Miss Bennet was recovering.

Charles knew that he wasn't supposed to be alone with Jane; it wouldn't be proper for him to be alone with any woman, as they were always supposed to be accompanied by a chaperon. But she was ill. Poor soul, that was why she was here at all. And it was wrong of him – oh, it was so very wrong indeed! – but he was glad that she was ill so that she could stay here with him a while longer. Not that he would ever tell anyone this, not intentionally of course; they would think him quite horrid. Sometimes, such things happened to slip out; he was wont to speak too quickly to mind his tongue at times.

“Miss Bennet,” he greeted, swallowing. His hat was in his hands and he lingered in the doorway. Though he wouldn't have minded drawing closer to her because he didn't fear catching whatever it was that she had (it would be worth it!), he was still somewhat hesitant. “I trust you are well?” He caught himself after a moment, his countenance altering slightly in something of a sheepish wince. “That is, as well as you can be, of course, being ill...” He trailed off and made a cursory scan of the room, spotting a chair and drawing it minutely closer to her bedside. He seated himself in it, but found himself shortly thereafter not contented with being idle, and took to pacing the span of a few steps. “If there is anything, anything at all that I can do for you, you must tell me straightaway and it shall be done at once!” He looked down at her, eyes wide with concern and regard. “When I went out for my ride this morning, the storm had broken, and the day was quite fine, but I must tell you, Miss Bennet, that I could hardly think of anything but you, kept up here as you are! I pray you do not feel too cold or abandoned. You are very much in my heart,” he assured her, adding with haste, “and in the hearts of my sisters. Of course.”

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane had been sure upon hearing that Mr. Bingley was to let Netherfield Park that she would be entirely beneath his notice. A country gentleman’s daughter was hardly the sort of acquaintance a wealthy London gentleman would want to make. But Jane had found to her great delight that she was blissfully and most ignorantly wrong. Mr. Bingley possessed such happy manners and gentle disposition that Jane couldn’t help but be taken with him. That night at the Meryton assembly had been one of the happiest in her existence. They had danced and talked and when they had to part when propriety dictated, they snuck glances at each other across the room.

Later that night after Jane and Lizzie had climbed into bed and burrowed beneath the sheets she had driven her sister crazy with questions akin to discerning her assessment of how the evening went. And now, after such a magical first meeting she was botching it all up. What a terrible inconvenience she was being to her new friends. She had no idea how she could possibly repay their kindness to her.

Upon seeing the door creak open her heart hitched a bit in her chest when she saw it was Mr. Bingley who had come to see her. Attempting to sit up a bit she expected to see Miss Bingley or perhaps Mrs. Hurst trail in behind him. But he was alone. Although it was a terrible breach of propriety Jane couldn’t help but be thrilled at the prospect of getting to see him again. In an attempt to look respectable she propped herself up against the pillows so she was at least upright and smoothed the linens down so that she didn’t look quite so messy.

“ Mr. Bingley.” she said nodding her head in greeting. When he asked how she felt she couldn’t help but smile at how concerned he was for her well being. “Thank you for your concern. I do believe I am feeling a bit better.” she added politely. Although it was somewhat of an exaggeration she was sure if she had said she was feeling miserable he would have left her to rest.
Seeing the trepidation upon his face on whether or not to enter made her relax in his presence. Although this was terribly improper she did believe herself to be safe from any improper advances.

Her spirits picked up a bit when she saw him walk across the room and draw a chair to her beside. Perhaps they would get a chance to talk and get to know each other better. However to her great surprise he was up and pacing around her room mere seconds after sitting. When he made his declaration of seeing to her comfort her face couldn’t help but break out into the softest of smiles.

“ You are so very kind Mr. Bingley. I do not know how I can possibly thank you for the generosity you and your family have shown me.” she said quietly ignoring the pounding in her head. She found it entirely endearing that although she was suffering from a mere head cold he was treating her as if she were gravely ill.

“ I am very pleased to hear that the weather has improved and your ride was pleasant.” she said politely although secretly she was quite pleased to hear that he had been thinking of her. For she had been thinking of him as well. “ Oh no, not at all. I could hardly wish to be a burden on your lovely sisters or you for that matter.” she objected using her hands to illustrate her point , the Bingleys had been the kindest of hosts to her. “ There is not much amusement in sitting with someone in my state and I could hardly wish to impose when there are other guests in the house that need attending to.” she added instantly drawing any blame away from the masters of the house.

Jane was sure her smile might burst if it stretched any wider when he declared her to be in his heart. She bit her lip and nodded animatedly with him when he added in his sisters heart as well. “ Might I enquire as to whether my letter might have been sent off now that the weather has cleared? I wrote a letter this morning with the intention of informing my family on my well being. Miss Bingley said she would take care of it.” she asking hoping to have him stay for a few minutes more. Jane felt it was a neutral subject that would afford Mr. Bingley an honorable way out should anyone discover him in her room without a chaperone.

[MR CHARLES BINGLEY]

“Oh, you deserve it, Miss Bennet, most undoubtedly,” he reassured her quickly. She was everything a young lady ought to be – soft-spoken and kind, with a lovely and musical laugh which she had once or twice bestowed upon him during their dances, not the raucous kind that might have perturbed him, but pleasant. She was also very handsome, almost ethereal, he might say, with her blue eyes and golden hair. And to think that she believed herself undeserving of care!

He reached for her hand and pressing it gently before he realized the impropriety of this and released it again, setting it back against the bed with a flushed cheek and returning to his seat more soberly. He hadn't thought that she might have sneezed into a handkerchief held in this hand or that he could become infected himself. It was only a head cold, one that had been caused by an ill-advised ride through the rain – of no fault of Miss Bennet's, to be sure; it was only an accident. “You need not worry about thanking me – us. We very much enjoy having you here ill.” His brows furrowed and he corrected, “I mean, we very much enjoy having you here at all, not because you're ill.”

He nodded when she spoke of his ride, glad of the change of subject. “It always is,” he commented happily. “But you're not missing anything, of course, being cooped up in here as you are.” This was added hastily, lest it seem like he was cruelly reminding her that she was stuck in here while he got to go outside and enjoy the fine weather. Oh, to be reduced to speaking of the weather with this angelic creature!

Wetting his lips, he watched her for a moment as she spoke, content to be seated once more now that he was engaged in conversation. “You give yourself far too little credit,” he assured her with a smile. It did not occur to him that he was perhaps being too free with his speech, too liberal with his compliments, with a young lady whom he barely knew. When Charles Bingley fell in love, he did it as he did many things: quickly. Whether he had fallen in love thoroughly as well, time would tell. “And as for my other guests, they are quite content as they are.” Even though he and Darcy were intimate acquaintances, Bingley had realized (after some length of time) that the man did like to spend some time in solitude.

He had not even considered that this would be entirely untoward; she was ill, what would they possibly be doing? And so, he was somewhat blissfully ignorant of the other motive Miss Bennet had in asking if the letter had been posted. “Oh, yes, of course,” he murmured, brows furrowing. “I... saw it on the drawing room table this morning when I returned. I would be happy to have it sent myself.” He knew that if he did not go do it himself immediately, he would forget all about it, but he could not bring himself to stand and go.

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane had no words to describe how she felt when she was around Mr. Bingley. Although she had only known him a short time he had seemed to wrap himself around her heart and Jane was quite content to let him stay there. It was a feeling that both shocked and scared her for the last time she had allowed a man to get close to her he had deserted her. But strangely enough when she let eyes upon Mr. Bingley those fears merely evaporated into thin air. She was certain he would never willfully hurt her.

When he reached for her hand and pressed it gently Jane had found she lacked the wits to speak. She could merely look down and stare at her hand pressed to his. They fit together so well, as if his was made for hers to hold or vice versa. Although the touch was brief, seconds at most before Mr. Bingley remembered the rules of propriety it was enough to leave a lasting impression upon her. Upon the removal of his hand Jane subtly clutched the linens of the bed beneath her in an attempt to stop herself from reaching for his hand again. When he claimed that they enjoyed having her here sick or not she smiled ruefully at him.

Thank you.” she replied. She had no wish to embarrass him for his slip of the tongue. But rather pressed on and changed the subject. When she claimed she was not missing much she laughed and nodded in agreement. “ I suppose. My poor horse is probably seizing the opportunity to dry out now that the weather has broken.” she joked hoping perhaps to draw a laugh from Mr. Bingley.

When he said that she gave herself far to little credit she smiled shyly and looked at him as he sat down beside her again. Perhaps it was having grown up second in all those who knew her affections or her own shy nature but it was difficult for Jane to put herself first in any circumstance. “ You are kind to say so.” she said quietly. But inwardly Jane was so very pleased that he had such regard for her. Perhaps it was not to terrible to think that there might be some sort of affection growing? When he continued on and talked of his other guests she tried to sound interested. She knew that shortly after the ball at Meryton most of his party had left for more grand amusements but a few had stayed.

“ I am glad. I had wondered how you and your party would fair with only country amusements to contend with. London must be so very exciting and offer no limit to entertainments.” she said hoping perhaps to draw him into some conversation that would allow her to find about his interests. Jane had not had the pleasure of getting to travel very far beyond the limits of Meryton and she was always keen to hear tales of far off places.

When he spoke of being happy to have it sent himself she was immediately afraid that it might prompt him to leave. “ It is no matter. With five daughters at home I doubt my absence is noted at all. There is no rush.” she said quickly her eyes willing him to stay with her for just a bit longer.

[MR CHARLES BINGLEY]

Laughing merrily when Miss Bennet said that her horse was probably enjoying the opportunity to dry out and rest, Mr Bingley was quick to assure her, “And my stableboy Jonny is giving the mare the finest care she could have.” He would never presume to say that the horse was getting better care here than she would be at home wih the Bennets, but she had been allowed to rest here for a while, and Jonny was most apt as a groom. He was proud of his horses, and proud of his staff.

“It's only the truth,” he insisted when she murmured that he was kind to say she gave her too little credit. He was certain that everyone must hold Miss Bennet in high regard. She was kind, and she was gentle, and she was beautiful. He didn't like her just because he fancied her; everyone must be fond of her. Come to think of it, perhaps that was something that might be of concern. He hadn't thought to ascertain whether someone else fancied her – or worse, if she fancied someone else. He only knew that he was happy the way things were, and Miss Bennet was very pleasant company.

Of course, Bingley made and had friends everywhere, including London. His face lit up when he thought of all of its attractions. “London is most diverting,” he admitted. “There are the assembly rooms, of course, and the gardens, and the theatre, and...” He trailed off after a moment, realizing, belatedly, that Miss Bennet might not have any idea what he was talking about. It was one thing if he thoughtlessly tormented her about how he could be outside when she was trapped in bed; if she was trapped in Hertfordshire for a longer period of time, and not because of illness, but a lack of purse money for travel... that was something else entirely. As a man of relative wealth, he did not worry too much about money or how much of it he had, and he was too happy to be much aware of the difference in wealth that might exist between him and Miss Bennet. He knew of its existence, but he didn't give it much thought; it was not important to him. He liked being around her, and he had the liberty of wealth to marry for love, not money.

Bingley relaxed again, giving her a smile when she said that there was no rush, even though his smile faltered a little when she said that she doubted that her absence was noted. “Oh, I doubt that, Miss Bennet,” he replied somberly, meeting her gaze for a moment before glancing down at his lap, his cheeks heating slightly. As unaffected as his manners were, even he knew better than to say that he would miss terribly if she were to leave him. It should not be that much of a tragedy if she were to go home again to her family, because that would mean that she was healthy again. And he would see her again, of course. He still had to keep Mrs. Bennet's invitation to dinner, after all.

[MISS JANE BENNET]

It was rather refreshing for Jane to see someone who was so proud of his staff. It only served to make him far more in her esteem. “I shall have to thank him for looking after my mare so diligently. Do you house many horses at Netherfield?” she asked curiously. Although she knew Mr. Bingley was an avid horseman, she was curious just how many such a family would need. At Longbourne the stables were somewhat limited and often Mr. Bennet gave the carriage horses to the farmers to work out in the fields. The girls had one horse to share between all of them, and as such Jane had little more than basic skills on a horse.

“ Have you been to the theatre many times? I’ve always wanted to attend. It sounds magical. When my aunt and uncle visit from London they always regale us with wonderful tales of the performances they’ve seen. ” she said telling him a bit about herself. Jane had not meant to make him feel guilty or put him in a awkward position she had only hoped that perhaps he might enjoy speaking of his home. Although Jane’s mother was only to aware of the differences in wealth between Jane and Mr. Bingley, for Jane it mattered very little indeed. Sure occasionally it might be intimidating to sit across from his sister dressed in all her finery. But when she was around Charles it didn’t matter in the slightest, both were far to content to enjoy each other’s company. Jane had always told Lizzie she cared not a whit for money and would be quite content to be the wife of a butcher than the wife of a gentleman.

It was the issue of the entail that frightened her. If she had only herself to think of she was sure she would be happy marrying for love despite whatever circumstances befell her husband. But Mrs. Bennet never failed to remind her that she was the only hope of the family to save them from certain destitution upon Mr. Bennet’s death. Jane felt torn between her heart and her head. But ultimately she knew that she didn’t have it in her to marry someone she didn’t love so the decision was made for her.

“ Of course, I was merely speaking in jest.” she responded with a quiet smile hoping to coax him back from his faltering smile. Jane didn’t want him to assume that she thought so very poorly of herself. In an effort to turn the discussion towards something more favorable she decided to inquire as to what was on the menu for tonight’s entertainments. “ Will you be partaking in any entertainments this evening? Your lovely sisters had mentioned you would be staying in this evening.” she asked hoping to spur on the conversation.

[MR CHARLES BINGLEY]

Bingley nodded eagerly. “I am sure he would appreciate that.” He didn't know how proper it was to have her approach Jonny, and it might make him a little uncomfortable, as from what he could ascertain, the boy seemed rather shy. Perhaps that was how servants were supposed to be, not speaking until they were spoken to and that sort of thing, of course. “As many as we need – perhaps more,” he answered with a laugh. “The white thoroughbred you have seen I'm sure, and the black one I rode when I returned your father's visit. Then there are the others, a pony for Caroline, and those that pull the carriages.” He wouldn't strain his own steeds to pull more than a phaeton!

“Oh, yes. My sister enjoys it very much.” He hadn't realized that he had failed to specify which sister this was, as he had multiple. He preferred to do something more active, like riding or dancing, but at least he didn't fall asleep like Mr. Hurst often did, and if the story was truly engaging, he would watch it most earnestly. He could get caught up in it to the point of sitting on the edge of his seat for the entirety of the performance. “Your aunt and uncle! How delightful,” he cried, putting his hands on his knees and leaning forward in excitement as he smiled widely. He had heard his sisters speak before of the family that Miss Bennet had in Cheapside, but he was always quick to defend any family member of Miss Bennet's, who he was quite certain must be wonderful if they were nearly as agreeable as she was. He wasn't supposed to know about her family, as Miss Bennet hadn't spoken about them herself, but Caroline had spoken of them often, in a tone that he thought was not quite fair.

She was quiet for a moment, and he realized that perhaps she might be tired. Oh dear, he might have exhausted her with all of his babbling on. But then she spoke again and he gave a relieved smile. “Oh, of course.” He gave her another quick smile. Sometimes he thought things were funny when they weren't supposed to be, and other times he failed to laugh at things he was supposed to understand. Miss Bennet made no mention of it though other than with her gentle reminder so that he wouldn't worry; she was so thoughtful that way. He laughed then, albeit belatedly.

“Entertainment?” he repeated, his brow furrowing slightly. “Yes, I will be staying in, but it would be horrid of us to think of anything besides your comfort while you remain with us.” Caroline and Louisa often had the goodness to sit with Miss Bennet, even if it was only for a short while, and he did not want anyone to do more than play cards or read. “I am certain Mr. Hurst would have us play Vingt-un,” he mused, before coming back to himself and asking solicitously, “Do you enjoy the game, Miss Bennet?”

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane had no desire to make anyone feel more uncomfortable than was absolutely necessary. But she was of such a nature when someone did them a kindness she felt the need to thank them for it. Whomever this Johnny person was seemed to be held in great regard by Mr. Bingley and she was sure her little mare was in the very best of hands. When he mentioned the two horses she nodded eagerly. “ I’m often a marvel at how gentlemen such as yourself control such large beasts. I would surely be terrified to handle such horses.” she commented. Jane’s mare was a stout little thing and absolutely perfect for the role in which it was intended. To carry young ladies to and from various points and do very little else. Jane was not sure her fat little mare could manage a gallop if it was being chased by a pack of wolves!

When Mr. Bingley made mention of his sister enjoying the theatre Jane made a mental note to keep that it mind. She had discovered that although she was quite at ease in Mr. Bingley’s presence she was perhaps a touch intimidated when speaking with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. They had such fine and elegant London manners and Jane felt ever so slightly the country bumpkin in comparison. “ Yes, my Uncle Gardiner practices law there.” she said ever so hesitantly. It was a source of some embarrassment for the Bennet family that their Aunt and Uncle were so much better off than them but Jane was truthful to a very fault and couldn’t help but tell Mr. Bingley the truth.

Jane’s heart melted a bit when he spoke of seeing to her comfort. It was an unusual thing indeed for Jane to be the focus of someone’s attention but perhaps it was what Jane needed. Often she was so busy taking care of others, that she forgot about herself. “ Well there is no need for everyone to be dreadfully bored. Whilst I lie up hear like a log except for the occasional sneeze.” she said playfully.

When he mentioned Vingt-un she smiled and nodded enthusiastically. “ Oh very much so. That is a favorite rainy day pastime at Longbourn. I much prefer it to Whist.” she said as she sunk back into her bed a little bit. Her head was starting to pound again but she did not wish to mention anything in fear that he might leave and she would be on her own again. “ Perhaps if I am feeling up to it later I might venture down and impose upon you for a game?” she asked as she unconsciously placed her fingertips to her temples where it was beginning to hurt

[MR CHARLES BINGLEY]

Charles laughed softly when Jane mentioned that controlling horses was difficult. “My horses and I get on quite well. It's not a matter of control as much as it is trust.” He smiled slightly, threading his fingers together and twiddling his thumbs for a moment as he thought of his rides – the freedom, the joy. “Perhaps that sounds silly,” he realized, glancing down at his lap. A moment later, he glanced up again, tilting his head. “Do you enjoy riding? For reasons other than just getting from place to place?” he asked Miss Bennet. “I am certain your mare must be very calm, but if she suited for purposes of pleasure as well... might you want to go riding with me?” He ran a hand through his hair. “That is – when you are well. Of course. If-if you want.” He gave her a little smile.

“Law is a very respectable profession,” he replied politely. He thought he detected a note of concern in her voice, or... something unpleasant. He had Caroline and Louisa laughing about her aunt and uncle, but he thought it was very admirable that her Uncle Gardiner was so hardworking. Sometimes he thought that he would like to do something besides sitting around and riding horses... As much as he liked his family, and Darcy, sometimes he felt a bit lonely and unoccupied.

Her next words made his eyebrows jump. “Oh, no, Miss Bennet! You're hardly a log,” he insisted. “And your sneezes are far too delicate for us to hear downstairs.” His brows furrowed, not entirely certain why he'd said that. “We're not bored,” he assured her with due haste. They didn't do things much differently when she was gone, mostly juts sat around, talked, read, played piano, rode horses, and observed Darcy writing his letters to Georgiana. “Certainly not because you're here.”

“Truly? How fortuitous!” Bingley exclaimed. “We will play sometime, when you are well.” There were lots of things he wanted to do with her when she was well, he was realizing. Not that he expected to be invited back to Longbourn, but if he was, he certainly would not complain! Mrs. Bennet had seemed to enjoy his company, and he hoped Miss Bennet did as well. He knew that he enjoyed being there. He also enjoyed having Miss Bennet here, though she was ill. When Miss Bennet sank back against the pillows, he seemed to realize again that she was ill, and did not perhaps the fortitude at present to listen him prattle on for hours. “Oh, dear... It seems I've talked your ears off, haven't I?” He gave a slight, sheepish smile as he moved to fluff the pillows gently, and reached to press the cool cloth to her brow briefly before he stood back. “Perhaps it would be better if you rested,” he said gently, his eyes searching her flushed face for a moment before he swallowed, taking slow steps back to the door. “I shall, ah, post your letter, then.”

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane could tell by the timbre of his voice that he was passionate about riding. It made her smile to see him so happily conversing upon a topic. Upon hearing him proclaim it was not so much control as about trust she couldn’t help but lean closer wishing to absorb all the excitement he felt on the topic. “ Oh no, not at all. I believe my father said something similar when he was teaching me to ride as a young girl.” she reassured him reaching out to touch his forearm unconsciously when he claimed his views might be silly. A pink blush tinged her cheeks as she had realized what she had done and withdrew her hand shyly. It amazed her the ease in which she could talk to Mr. Bingley, a man she had known mere days when she had trouble conversing with those she had known all her life.

When asked if she enjoyed riding she looked away for a second to collect her thoughts. “ Well I do enjoy riding. I have since I was little. But unfortunately the mare I came upon is shared between myself and four other sisters…” she said trailing off, embarrassed that she was not as an accomplished rider as a lady of her class should be, nor could her family afford a horse for each of them. “ The poor thing needs to rest at some point between use.” she said looking down at the floor between them. “ It would give me no greater joy than to go riding with you.” she said quietly but she didn’t know how it could be done.

In truth Jane wished she was not sick at all. It was dreadful to lie here wondering what her new friends could possibly be thinking of her. She was sure that Caroline and Louisa must be bothered by having to attend to a sick woman. “ Well I am glad I am not to bothersome.” she replied.

“ Oh yes.” she nodded her head in agreement. “ I would love that.” she added her face breaking out into a full smile. Jane could only sit back and marvel at how attached she was growing towards Mr. Bingley. Not merely because of the things they shared in common but they seemed to connect on a deeper level as well.

“ I enjoyed our talk very much.” Jane murmured as she sank back into the pillows, her body betraying her. She wanted nothing more than for Charles to stay with her for moments longer but her head was truly beginning to throb again. [ B] What a double edged sword, were I well we would not have gotten to talk at all. But now that I am sick I am loathe to give up your company in favor of my throbbing head.” [/B] she added softly,the disappointment evident in her voice that her illness was winning out in favor of Mr. Bingley keeping her company. Jane couldn’t help but have a warm feeling nestled deep in her heart for the sweetness of his gestures in taking care of her.

“ Thank you.” she said softly, her eyes succumbing to the lure of sleep. But before she nestled fully in the pillows she found herself asking as he moved towards the door. “ Will you come see me again?” she asked hopefully, not wanting her time with him to end.

[MR CHARLES BINGLEY]

"Did he?" Charles leaned forward with a smile. He had not gotten to spend extensive time with Mr Bennet, aside from a few minutes in his library and at a dinner where Mrs Bennet had done most of the talking, but he found the man to be wise during his moments of intimidatingly quiet seriousness, and most amusing when he desired to be! "Being in company with your father on an opinion reinforces it heartily, I believe. It is..." He trailed off as Miss Bennet touched his arm, his own cheeks flushing slightly when he noticed that hers had done so. With a smile that was perhaps a bit tremulous, he finished his previous sentence: "...most wondrous."

Even though Charles' high spirits were dampened somewhat by Miss Bennet's quiet statement that their family had one horse for all four of them - when he had two horses of his own! - he recovered quickly. "Well... then you must ride with me!" he insisted. "Caroline does not often care to be out of doors, and her poor little pony must pine for a rider." His sister preferred to remain inside with Darcy all the day long, protectig her complexion or some such nonsense. Simply because Caroline was not using her pony did not mean she would approve of someone else having use from it, but Charles was certain he could persuade her. He would never stoop to the argument that everything was legally his anyway, especially because Caroline was the one who took care of most of it, and he detested disputes. He was certain, though, that Caroline liked Miss Bennet very much, from her praise of her, and would not mind at all allowing their new friend the use of her pony.

Satisfied, he sat back once more. Miss Bennet had agreed to come - and with such a smile as made his heart thump in his chest! He laughed merrily. "Miss Bennet!" he exclaimed. "It would be bothersome if you weren't here." It was fortunate for him that Miss Bennet spoke again, tiredly, so that he did not have time to realize the senselessness of his answer - or worse, say something more foolish. Suddenly he felt nervous, realizing again that she was ill and delicate. "So did I," he agreed, speaking softly now. He smiled, uncertainly, as she sank back. "Well, a throbbing head does take precedence. After all, it will go away, I hope, and I have no plans of doing so." Yes - they would speak again.

Bingley watched her eyes close, sighing softly. He was surprised, but pleased, when she spoke once again. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Miss Bennet," he said sincerely. Then he had to add, "...unless you weren't ill, of course."

Swallowing, he lingered by the doorway, gazing upon the serenity of her angelic form when asleep. She was truly the most beautiful creature he had ever beheld. To be so near her made him giddy. When he believed she would no longer be conscious of it, he moved towards her, simply looking upon her for another moment with fond admiration before he allowed himself a tender touch of her hand. Contented, he withdrew.