N'5

“Jane, my dear, you absolutely must go to Netherfield today,” insisted Mrs.

Bennet one morning, while the rain was drumming against the windows.

"Mr. Bingley did knowing that he would be delighted to see you. »Jane, ever gentle and obedient, responded calmly. “But mother, with this weather, Isn't it unwise to go out? »

Mrs. Bennet, however, was unwavering. “No, no, there is no better opportunity.

If you go now, they will probably invite you to stay until the time is improving. Think about what that could mean! »

Elizabeth, who was observing the scene with some concern, intervened.

“Mom, Jane might get sick in this rain. That would not be reasonable. » “Elizabeth, always wanting to contradict,” sighed Mrs. Bennett. “Jane is sturdy. A a little rain won't hurt it. Plus, this is an opportunity not to be missed. »

Seeing that his protests were in vain and that Jane seemed ready to give in so as not to not to upset their mother, Elizabeth accepted with good grace. “Very well, but I will accompany you, Jane. We'll go horseback riding, and if you feel bad, we can do U-turn. »

Jane smiled at her sister, grateful for her support. “Thank you, Lizzy. »

So, despite the incessant rain, the two sisters got ready and left for

Netherfield. The journey was difficult, the muddy paths slowing down their progress and the

icy wind biting their faces. Elizabeth kept casting worried glances at Jane, whose cheeks were becoming paler and paler as they were moving forward.

On their arrival at Netherfield, they were warmly welcomed by Mr. Bingley, whose face lit up when he saw Jane. “Miss Bennet, what a pleasure to see you,” he said, taking his hand with undisguised affection.

Jane, despite the fatigue and the cold, smiled weakly. “Thank you, Mr.

Bingley. I am happy

to be here. »Elizabeth observed with satisfaction the exchange between her sister and Mr. Bingley, but his relief was short-lived. She noticed that Jane was shivering and seemed more and weaker.

“Jane, you don’t look well,” Elizabeth said worriedly. "Maybe we should return to Longbourn. »

Mr. Bingley, attentive, approached. "Miss Bennet, if you are not feeling well, you should stay here. We have a room ready for you. It would be imprudent to return in this weather. »

Jane, too tired to protest, nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Bingley. If that doesn't don't bother. »

“Of course not,” he replied enthusiastically. “Miss Elizabeth, you can stay also, if you wish. »

Elizabeth, concerned for her sister's health, accepted the invitation.

“Thank you, Mr. Bingley. I

I'll stay to watch over Jane. »

Once installed in a comfortable room, Jane was quickly examined by the Bingley family doctor, who confirmed what Elizabeth feared: Jane had caught a nasty cold and had to stay in bed, warm, to prevent it from degenerating into something more serious.

Elizabeth watched over her sister, reading at her bedside and trying to distract her with light conversations. Jane, despite her illness, tried to stay in good spirits, but

Elizabeth could see that she was suffering.

Days passed, and while Jane battled illness, Elizabeth found herself often in the company of the inhabitants of Netherfield. Mr. Bingley came regularly

checking in on Jane, showing touching attention and concern.Caroline Bingley, for her part, did not hide her barely veiled disdain for Elizabeth, but the latter preferred to ignore it, focused on her sister's health.

One evening, while Elizabeth was reading quietly in the drawing room, Mr. Darcy entered. He greeted her with her usual cold courtesy, and Elizabeth, although still resentful of their previous interaction, replied politely.

"Miss Bennet, how is your sister tonight?" » he asked, sitting down opposite

of her.

"She's a little better, thank you," Elizabeth replied, surprised by his interest.

" THE

The doctor thinks she will be able to leave her bed in a few days. »

“I'm glad to hear it,” said Mr. Darcy, his serious gaze fixed on her. " YOU must be relieved. »

“Indeed,” replied Elizabeth. “Jane is the sweetest of creatures, and to see her suffer is a test for all of us. »

Mr. Darcy nodded. "She's lucky to have you watching over her." Your dedication is admirable. »

Elizabeth, touched by this unexpected remark, thanked him with a smile. " I do just what any sister would do. »

A comfortable silence settled between them, finally broken by Mr. Darcy.

“Miss

Bennet, can I ask you a prying question? »

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I guess it depends on the question, Mr.

Darcy. »He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I wonder what you really think about

Meryton and its inhabitants. »

Elizabeth couldn't help but smile. “I think it’s a place like any other, with its qualities and its faults. The people there may be simpler, but they are sincere and warm. And you, Mr. Darcy? What is your opinion? »

Mr. Darcy seemed to weigh his words. “I find that simplicity has its merits, but

I admit that certain attitudes leave me perplexed. »

“Perhaps you are too used to the great circles of London and

Pemberley,” Elizabeth suggested gently. “But I assure you, simplicity has often more depth than it appears. »

Mr. Darcy seemed to consider her words, and for the first time Elizabeth thought she saw a glint of approval in his eyes. “You may be right, Miss Bennet. There is things I still have to learn. »

This conversation marked a turning point in their relationship. Elizabeth began to see

Mr. Darcy in a new light, no longer just as a distant and proud man, but as someone more complex, carrying their own burdens and struggles internal.

Over the next few days, Jane continued to recover under the loving care of her sister and the household of Netherfield. Mr. Bingley, always so attentive, passed more and more more time with Jane, their conversations becoming more and more personal and intimate. Elizabeth saw with pleasure the growing attachment between them.

One morning, when Jane felt well enough to go down to the living room, Elizabeth helped him get comfortable by the fireplace. Mr. Bingley arrived shortly

afterwards, his face lighting up when he saw Jane standing there.“Miss Bennet, it’s wonderful to see you better,” he said with obvious sincerity.

“We really missed you in the living room. »

Jane smiled, a little embarrassed by so much attention. “Thank you, Mr. Bingley. Your kindness was of great comfort. »

Elizabeth, seeing the happiness in her sister's eyes, withdrew discreetly, leaving

Jane and Mr. Bingley enjoy this precious moment. She wandered the corridors of

Netherfield, his mind dwelling on recent events and conversations. There meeting with Mr. Darcy, his conversations with Mr. Bingley, all this was beginning to draw a more nuanced picture of the people of Netherfield.

Lost in her thoughts, she came across Mr. Darcy again, who also seemed to be prey to his thoughts. They exchanged a look and, without really knowing why,

Elizabeth felt compelled to start a conversation.

"Mr. Darcy," she began, "I wanted to thank you for your interest in the health of Jane. Your concern was greatly appreciated. »

Mr. Darcy seemed taken aback, but he responded with surprising honesty.

" He

It's natural to worry about those close to us, Miss Bennet. Your sister is an exceptional person, just like you. »

Elizabeth blushed slightly, taken off guard by this statement. " Thank you,

Mr. Darcy. It means a lot to me. »