Page 8 of Roses from Pemberley
“That is very generous of you, Mr. Darcy. But…perhaps you might send for Jane instead. She is in London, you see, and is a bit of an expert on healing and medicinal herbs. And I am certain that Elizabeth would be comforted to have her sister by her side.”
“Yes, of course. I shall send my carriage for Miss Bennet. Pray, give me her direction in London and everything will be done immediately.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. It eases my mind greatly to know that everything is being done for Elizabeth.”
“It eases my mind as well,” muttered Darcy, though his mind was far from eased.
He bowed and took his leave, then entered the carriage after directing his coachman back to Rosings.
Once there, he left a confused looking Richard in the vestibule and went upstairs to write his letters. One would go to his physician in London. And the other - he decided - would go to Charles Bingley.
That afternoon, Darcy sat in his room, unable to think of anything more to do. He second guessed himself at every turn and wondered if he should just have sent his carriage for Jane instead of writing Bingley to ask him to bring her.
He considered the letter he sent to Bingley. He did not mince words as there was no time for that.
Rosings, Kent
Dear Bingley,
I am writing to ask a very big favour of you - namely, that you bring Miss Jane Bennet to Rosings. Her sister Elizabeth, who is visiting Mrs. Collins at the Hunsford Parsonage, is ill and is in need of Miss Bennet’s company and assistance. Furthermore, I regret to say that I was wrong when I told you she did not love you - she did. I am enclosing her direction in London and shall explain everything when you get here.
Your obliged and grateful friend,
F. Darcy
Thankfully he knew for a fact that Bingley was in London as Miss Bingley had called on his sister not long ago and mentioned that he had arrived from Scarborough the week before. And, assuming that Bingley was still in love with her, it made sense that he would wish to accompany Miss Bennet on a journey that would be both long and taxing. Furthermore, sending an express rider to Bingley would be faster than sending a carriage for Jane. Both riders had left even before nine that morning and, assuming they arrived in London within five hours (provided fresh horses could be obtained at every post) then there was a chance that the doctor, or Jane and Bingley, could be there by later this evening.
Lady Catherine had been surprised by his decision to stay but was thankfully so happy about it that she did not question him. And neither did Anne.
Eventually, as the sky began to darken, Darcy could take no more of it and decided to call at the parsonage again. He lefthis rooms without even bringing his hat, so anxious was he for an update on Elizabeth.
“Mr. Darcy,” said Charlotte Collins, who was sitting in the parlour when he was announced, “are you here to inquire after Elizabeth?”
“I am,” he answered without preamble. “How is she?”
“Not good, I am afraid. Her fever is still as high - or even higher - than it was before. And she remains incoherent. Although…”
“Yes, what is it, Mrs. Collins?”
Charlotte studied Darcy for a moment and wondered if he was in love with Elizabeth. She had always thought him to be, even back in Hertfordshire. And his behaviour, now, seemed to confirm this. Moreover, Elizabeth’s repeatedly calling out his name made her think that there was, perhaps, an understanding between them.
“I have heard her mention your name…on occasion,” she finally said. “And I do not know what to make of it.”
“She mentioned my name?”
“Yes, but nothing coherent, I am afraid.”
“May I see her?”
Charlotte was surprised but not altogether displeased. It would be the height of impropriety to allow him into Elizabeth’s room, especially when she was so ill, even if theywerechaperoned. But still…
“It would not be proper, sir…” she said eventually.
“Of course…yes, I understand.”
“And yet…”
“Yes, Mrs. Collins? What is it?”
