Page 9 of Roses from Pemberley
“And yet,” said Charlotte, “I would not deprive Elizabeth of any comfort, if it is at all possible to give it to her.”
“Are you certain?” asked Darcy, recalling the anger on Elizabeth’s face the day before. True, she had mentioned hisname but…what if it was more of a nightmare than a dream that involved him? Still, he could at least see her and, if she seemed unhappy with his presence in any way, he would not hesitate to leave. With that settled in his mind, Darcy said, “Pray, take me to her,” then allowed Mrs. Collins to lead him up the stairs.
Elizabeth was asleep when he walked into the room. But, as Mrs. Collins had described, it was a restless sleep. For, every few seconds, she turned her head and mumbled something incoherent.
“Has the apothecary seen her?” asked Darcy.
“He has and, other than recommending bone broth and willow bark tea, had no particular advice to give.”
Darcy frowned and took a tentative step forward into the room. Not wishing to tower over Elizabeth, he perched on the chair beside her bed. She looked so pale and, if it could be believed, her cheeks seemed more hollow than they did only yesterday. He did not wish to distress her but, if he could be of some help, he wished to try.
“Miss Bennet,” he said softly. “Elizabeth.” He knew that Mrs. Collins stood just behind him but did not care. He took her hand and continued, “You shall be well, Elizabeth. My doctor is coming from London to see you. And you shall be well.”
She had been moving her head restlessly back and forth but, at the sound of his voice, she stilled somewhat. Nevertheless, her breathing remained laboured.
“Only get well, now, Elizabeth,” he continued gently, “and think of nothing else.”
He turned around and looked at Mrs. Collins who nodded in approval.
“It seems that your voice has calmed her somewhat,” she said.
“I hope so,” he murmured.
“I should probably not have let you see her,” said Charlotte.
“Do you regret it, then?”
“No, not at all. I believe you were of some help to her and…you may visit again anytime you wish to.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. I shall not abuse your hospitality.”
Charlotte nodded somberly, then changed the subject by saying, “When do you think the doctor will arrive?"
“It is difficult to say. I was hoping it would be this evening. Do you think it will be too late for him to call?”
“No, not at all. Considering Elizabeth’s condition, the doctor may come at any time. And, as I said before, you may come as well.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. I shall see you soon.”
CHAPTER 5 Arrivals from London
That night, during dinner, Darcy could hardly eat a bite he was so worried about Elizabeth. He pushed the food around on his plate and stared absently at nothing in particular. Thankfully, Anne and Richard kept up a running conversation, thereby shielding him from Lady Catherine’s attention.
But eventually, evenshenoticed his distraction. “What has come over you, Darcy? You have hardly said a word all evening.”
“I…”
“He has a megrim,” said Anne all of a sudden.
He looked at his cousin in astonishment, then back to Lady Catherine, and said, “Yes…my head does feel rather heavy…”
“I know the feeling,” said Richard.
“As do I,” said Anne, somberly.
If Darcy didn't know better, he would think that his two cousins were colluding to keep Lady Catherine’s attention away from him. He did not know why they would do such a thing but was grateful for it nonetheless.
He was just about to ask to be excused when the butler, Mr. Cullen, entered and announced, “Mr. Charles Bingley.”
