Page 16 of Roses from Pemberley
“And was he able to lower it?”
“Yes, but with great effort.”
Bingley nodded, “I can understand your worries, my friend.”
“What do you mean?”
Bingley swallowed a piece of ham and said, “Do you recall when Jane was ill at Netherfield? I was beside myself with worry. We were not even married then, nor betrothed. And yet I knew, almost from the beginning of our acquaintance, that she would figure for quite sometime in my life. And I also knew how such fevers can suddenly turn for the worse. My own mother, you see, died in that way. So…I was happy to be near her, Jane, I mean…but worried that she would die.”
Darcy turned away, and nodded. It seemed that Bingley did understand. He ate rapidly then finished his coffee with a few swallows, then stood up.
“Ready?” asked Darcy.
“Yes, let us depart.”
They left through the front entrance this time and decided to walk. Darcy strode along, wishing to get there as soon as possible.
“You do not think it is too early for a call, do you?” Bingley asked Darcy as they walked along the lane.
“If it is,” said Darcy, “then they may send us away. But if we can be of any use then I wish to be there.”
“Of course, Darcy, of course.”
“Besides,” muttered Darcy, “I have been told that Dr. Stephens went there more than half an hour ago.”
They continued their walk in silence. There was a fragile beauty to the budding trees that Darcy had not noticed before. Everything seemed fragile to him at the moment - especiallywhen he considered how recently he had walked here with Elizabeth, seemingly happy. But it was all an illusion. In his mind he had been courting her, and he had thought that she was enjoying their time together. He realised now that she was only being polite, that she probably barely tolerated his company. If only he had asked her more questions and attempted to learn more about her. Perhaps they could have gotten to know one another better. And perhaps she could have come to like him just a little. Unfortunately, he had been a deluded fool.
When they arrived at the parsonage, they found that Charlotte and the doctor were having tea in the parlour.
“Miss Elizabeth is sleeping,” the doctor told them. “Likely because her fever has prevented any restful sleep over the past two days.”
“Is her fever gone then?” asked Darcy.
“Unfortunately, not. However, it is not as high as it was yesterday and that, at least, is reassuring.”
After a few minutes, Charlotte Collins stood up and announced that she would relieve Jane at the sick bed.
“Would you care to come up with me, Mr. Darcy?” she asked, looking significantly at him.
Darcy nodded and followed her out of the room, leaving Bingley to chat with the doctor.
“She said your name again,” whispered Charlotte as they headed up the stairs.
“Oh, I see…in what context?”
“Nothing in particular. She simply said your name.”
“So she has not actually awakened…” said Darcy worriedly.
“No, unfortunately.” Charlotte paused in the upstairs hallway and added, “Jane wondered why you seemed so concerned about Elizabeth’s wellbeing and so I told her that you admired Elizabeth. I apologise if I overstepped in doing this.”
“No, pray, do not apologise. For it would have seemed strange to Miss Bennet if you had offered no explanation at all.”
When they reached Elizabeth’s room, they were told by Jane that she seemed to be sleeping soundly and only occasionally mumbling something.
CHAPTER 9 A Conversation Within the Dream
“Why do you not go downstairs for a while, Jane,” said Charlotte, “while I sit with Elizabeth? Mr. Bingley is in the parlour with the doctor.”
