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him.
    Suddenly, the door swung open; a servant announced, “Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” and she stood framed in the doorway. Her appearance took all of them by surprise. Mud steeped her petticoat, her hair windswept, and her clothes disheveled.The Bingley
party sat in shock—in momentary suspension—at an unannounced visit so early. Simultaneously, both Bingley and Darcy recovered; they sprang to their feet to acknowledge the entrance of a lady into the room. Mesmerized by her image, Darcy stood dumbfounded; in all his nightly musings, he never envisioned Elizabeth to look as such; she was lovelier than ever.
    Bingley, thankfully, had the good sense to leave the table to approach her.“Miss Elizabeth,” he began,“please, join us.” She motioned his plea away.“You have come to see your sister. I am so glad to see you. Miss Bennet will benefit by having her loved ones close.”
    Sarcastically, Caroline said,“Miss Elizabeth, did you walk here?”
    â€œI did, Miss Bingley. I was worried about Jane,” Elizabeth reasoned.
    â€œThree miles?” Louisa added incredulously.
    Elizabeth smiled at their being astonished at her need to see Jane. “I believe so,” came her simple reply. Then turning to Mr. Bingley she asked, “Would it be too much trouble for me to see Jane?”
    â€œWe will have someone show you to Miss Bennet’s room,” Bingley chimed in. “When you are able, please advise us on her condition; our apprehension grows. If Miss Bennet needs anything, we are your servants.” Bingley turned to the doorman and indicated for him to take Elizabeth to attend her sister. During this exchange, Darcy did not move; the picture of Elizabeth, which he would add to his mental gallery of her, amused him.
    When she was safely out of earshot, Caroline could not contain her distaste for the display made by Elizabeth Bennet. “Did you ever?” she began, but Darcy cut her short by removing her immediate audience. “Bingley, it appears we will be unable to ride out today and look at more of your holdings, but we still may address expenses for the renovations you have considered.” Bingley looked relieved at the possibility. He needed to be away from his sisters and to contemplate what he should do in regard to Miss Bennet.They hurriedly retired to the study.

    â€œDarcy, would it be inappropriate to bring a physician from London to attend to Miss Bennet?” Bingley began tentatively.
    â€œIt would be a break in propriety,” Darcy responded in a halting speech. “May I suggest if Miss Bennet’s progress is delayed, her sister should also be given accommodations so she may attend to Jane Bennet. From what I observe of Miss Elizabeth, I find her to be very sensible. She would never allow decorum to get in the way of her sister’s health; Miss Elizabeth would ask, maybe demand, you do more if need be.”
    â€œOf course, why did I not think of that? When Miss Elizabeth joins us later, I will ask her to stay.Your good counsel never ceases to amaze me, Darcy.” As Darcy turned back to the plans for Netherfield, he wondered whether he did the correct thing.
    At three in the afternoon, Elizabeth entered the sitting room; she attended Jane all day, with the occasional help of the ladies of the house.The apothecary declared Jane to have a violent cold and in need of more care, and Elizabeth hated to leave her sister, but she must return to Longbourn as evening approached. Wanting to be rid of the competition, Miss Bingley, graciously, offered Elizabeth her carriage, which she accepted reluctantly and then prepared to take her leave. Bingley and Darcy entered the room as this last exchange occurred; Bingley shot Darcy a sideways glance, and Darcy nodded his approval. Bingley’s affirmation could not be questioned. “I will not hear of it, Miss Elizabeth; you must stay and tend your sister. Miss Bennet will recover