William looked at both of them and took charge of the situation. “My name is Fitzwilliam Darcy and your sister requires attention.” William stated. “My house is only a block from here and if you can move the carriage...”
Charles Bingley interrupted, “I do not know if it can be moved. The wheel is cracked here and my father is going to kill me! But we must get my sister help, sir!”
William saw the crack on the wheel as well. “I will have my servants come back to fetch it.” He looked inside the carriage and saw that the lady was watching them with more alertness, sitting upright on the seat now. “Miss, can you step out of the carriage? We must send for a doctor.”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Darcy. Thank you for your assistance. I cannot believe what happened and I feel faint that I nearly died.” She stood up and reached for his proffered hand.
As soon as she stood up by the doorway, the young woman fell forward, with William catching her fall with his one good arm into his embrace.
“Oh, you are truly my hero, Mr. Darcy. My ankle is injured and I believed I was going to die until you opened the door to rescue me.” She began to cry. “Thank you for catching my fall.” She looked around and saw her brother. “Charles! You nearly killed me! Papa is going to murder you for damaging his carriage and for hurting me.”
“I know, Caroline.” Charles responded. “I am so sorry. The horse’s nearly ran over this gentleman and the rear of the carriage caused him to injure his shoulder. I did not think I was going that fast until I lost control of the reins.” He helped his sister to stand straighter and rubbed her hand.
William closely observed the woman he had been holding in his arm and softly smiled. She was very beautiful and had long red hair that was falling out of place from the accident. She appeared about eighteen years old or so, with alabaster skin, and was tall, with a light and pleasing figure. He saw the damsel in distress and wondered if it had been destiny to meet her right now.
He nearly laughed out loudly as he recalled his thoughts only moments before about wishing for a worthy lady to drop in front of him from the sky, and how John Knightley had teased him about a Scottish or Irish lass with beautiful red hair. “Miss...”
“I am Miss Caroline Bingley, sir.” The pretty lady blushed as she attempted to walk on her own after being in a stranger’s embrace for a while. “I apologise for my brother’s actions today. I hope you are well, sir. I feel awful that my brother has caused you pain.”
William reached for her hand and placed it back in his right arm. “Miss Bingley, as you are injured and the carriage is broken, please allow me to invite you to my home. It is only a short walk from here and you can seek rest while your brother calls for your father.” He offered kindly. “Perhaps take some tea and have a doctor see you for your ankle? I will need my shoulder to be examined also. I must insist on having you recover at my home.”
Miss Bingley flustered, “Although I know nothing about you or your family, sir, it is a great honour to make your acquaintance and you appear to be very trustworthy. I would be happy to accept your offer and I will attempt to walk to your home, even if I must limp there. I hope you will not be mortified to see such an unladylike manner of walking.”
“I will certainly not judge you for it this time, Miss Bingley.” He flirted. “I apologise I cannot carry you in your time of need. It would have been most chivalrous to do so if only my shoulder had not been injured.”
Miss Bingley beamed, “Perhaps you might continue to offer me one arm so I can lean on you. You are so much taller and stronger than my brother and he can follow us. Thank you again for your assistance, Mr. Darcy. You are most charming.”
“It is a pleasure,” William returned her smile. “Perhaps it was providence that we met in such a fantastic fashion. Let us go now.”
William walked with the red-haired woman on his arm and paced very slowly as she limped her way to Darcy House. He called for the butler to see to the carriage and to call for the doctor.
“My parents are not at home at this moment but will be pleased to meet you when they return.” William explained. “Please sit and rest while I change my coat.” He pointed to the tear on his shoulder. “Mrs. Mason will bring you some tea while we wait for the doctor to arrive.” He showed Charles Bingley the quill and parchment to send a note to his father. “I will return shortly.”
Miss Bingley nodded graciously, “I am most thankful, sir. My brother will tend to me and we shall be quite safe here. It is a beautiful home, Mr. Darcy.”
William smiled and kissed the lady’s hand. “I shall return as quickly as I can. Please excuse me.” He rushed up the stairs to change his dirty clothes. He was eager to speak with the beautiful woman again as soon as possible and gather more information about her.
~*~
“Oh, Charles,” Miss Bingley spoke as soon as they were left alone. “I should murder you for causing the accident but it was most fortuitous that we literally ran into the most prestigious gentleman in all of England. Mr. Darcy is absolutely the most eligible bachelor and he seemed very pleased to meet me. Wait until I tell Miss Grantley about our meeting such a distinguished man. He
