Page 22 of Roses from Pemberley
He held the cup to her lips, warm but not scalding. How thoughtful he was for making it just the right temperature! She swallowed the wonderful brew and felt herself smiling again. She drank and wished for more, but her hands could not seem to move. Yet he seemed to understand this as she heard him chuckle softly.
Do not worry, love, you may have all the tea you want. I most certainly shall not allow you to go thirsty.
When she had drunk enough, she turned away again. She collapsed back against his chest and that cocoon of sandalwood.
Sleep now, love,he said.
Do not leave me,she thought.
I will not leave you,he said.
*****
He was still holding Elizabeth in his arms when he heard a sound coming from behind him. It was Charlotte Collins. She looked from him to the empty bowl and cup on the side table, then back to him.
“You have held her for several hours now, Mr. Darcy,” she said softly.
“Do you wish for me to leave?” he asked in an equally low voice.
“Are you not tired?”
“No,” he answered, not wishing to leave Elizabeth.
“But I can see that you are, Mr Darcy,” she said with a frown. “How long has it been since you slept?”
“I cannot remember. The day before yesterday, perhaps…”
She nodded understandingly. “However, it seems that you are the only one who can feed her and make her drink.”
“I do not mind being here.”
She smiled. “Yes, I know. For your attendance has been ceaseless. Nevertheless, please take a few moments to refresh yourself. And then you may return.”
He nodded, lay Elizabeth gently upon the bed then stood up.
He was just about to leave the room when Charlotte stayed him by saying, “I do not know why Elizabeth refused you but…do not give up.”
“No, I will not,” he answered, then left the room.
He did not know if she meant not giving up on Elizabeth’s life. Or not giving up on his suit. Regardless, he would not give up on either.
He went downstairs and saw Jane Bennet in the parlour having tea. She told him that the doctor had gone to Netherfield with Bingley, Mr. Collins and his cousins, and would return in an hour or so.
She poured him a cup of tea and handed him a plate of sandwiches. “Thank you for your assistance with my sister, Mr. Darcy. I know that I can never repay you but you have my heartfelt thanks nonetheless.”
He looked towards the floor. “I only hope she gets better.”
“She will,” said Jane. “I was worried before, but am not anymore.”
CHAPTER 12 Improving
He finished the tea and sandwiches then returned to Elizabeth’s room and fed her again an hour later. She finished the broth and drank the tea then appeared to sleep more soundly than before. The doctor returned and pronounced - guardedly - that Elizabeth had improved. Darcy remained at Hunsford till late evening, still beside her and holding her hand. At one point Mr. Collins returned home, sat with him and attempted to make conversation.
“Lady Catherine is not happy with your plans to marry Miss Elizabeth,” he said.
He wished to berate the man but did not want to be asked to leave. Therefore he settled for giving Collins such a cold stare that the man thankfully said no more on the matter, and eventually left the room.
Jane Bennet also sat with him for some time, doing some embroidery. She sat a little behind him and occasionally left the room in order to allow him more time with Elizabeth. And while he was alone with her, he was able to say things that he hoped would generally soothe her.
