Page 76 of Through the Eyes of Love

“Did Anne ever see him again?” Elizabeth asked.

“Mrs. Darcy, your husband can confirm that Lady Catherine only hires sycophantic servants who are well paid to be fiercely loyal to their mistress. It took some doing, but I arranged for us to meet Mr. Gilroy while we were out driving. He gave us a few vials; not certain the medicine would be effective. I secretly gaveher the tonic every night, and by the fifth morning”—she stopped to wipe the tears from her eyes—“my dear Anne had colour in her cheeks for the first time in many years.”

She no longer retained that improved appearance, and his aunt was likely behind it. “Why has she not continued to take the medicine?” Darcy was aware his voice sounded suspicious.

“Sir, you know your aunt well. When she saw how much healthier Anne looked, she knew her daughter had gone behind her back to seek medical treatment. Since then, Anne and I have not been allowed to leave the house without several of your aunt’s spies accompanying us and as a result, we have had no further contact with Mr. Gilroy. Her health has deteriorated more every day.”

He wiped his hand over his face. It was as bad as he expected. “Would it be possible to ask Mr. Gilroy what was in the medicine he gave Anne? Surely, our local man can duplicate it. On second thought, I shall send my carriage to Kent and bring Mr. Gilroy here. If there is a way to improve Anne’s health, Mrs. Darcy and I shall do anything we can to help.”

“How can I thank you? I have Mr. Gilroy’s direction, and if you could write to him, it could save Anne’s life.” The poor woman could not control her tears, and Elizabeth took her hand.

Darcy’s heart swelled with pride when Elizabeth said to Mrs. Jenkinson, “We only have the one room for Anne, but I should be glad to sit with her at night and her maid can also watch over her. We shall arrange for you to stay at the local inn, and a carriage will pick you up in the morning to bring you here.”

“Mrs. Darcy, Anne was correct when she said you are a kind woman. If I may, I shall look in upon her before I leave.”

* * *

“How didyou know to come back here so quickly?” Elizabeth asked.

“Based on past experiences, whenever Lady Catherine stormed into the house, Mrs. Reynolds would send a footman to find me as quickly as possible. In this case, he told me it was urgent that I return to the cottage.”

“I cannot believe a mother could be so cruel to her own child.”

“I told you my aunt was tyrannical, but this time she willnothave her way. I shall send an express to Mr. Gilroy today and send a carriage for him—I pray he can help Anne.”

“Fitzwilliam?”

Elizabeth bit her bottom lip, and Darcy sat beside her. “What is troubling you, my dear? Is Anne being here too much bother?”

“No, Anne is as welcome here as my own sisters. It is just something your aunt said about the archbishop having our marriage annulled. She cannot do that, can she? Can she take my baby from me?”

“My love, you must learn not to believe anything my aunt says. She falsely imagines her self-importance allows her to control the lives of others. We are married, and nothing or no one can ever change that.” He placed his hand on his unborn child. “Nor will anyone ever takeourbaby from us. Do you believe me?”

“Yes, but it all happened so suddenly and was so upsetting. One minute I was sewing a baby blanket and the next thing I knew, this termagant in the ugliest hat I have ever seen was yelling at me and calling me names. Your aunt said she would pay me to leave you and give my baby to Anne. She said your mother would be disgraced by me being your wife.” Elizabeth’seyes filled with tears, and he became angry because the woman he loved had suffered such pain at the hands of his aunt. He reached out and drew her close to him.

“More of her nonsense—my mother would have absolutely adored you for all the same reasons I do.”

“Mayhap my mother is not so bad after all—evenshewould never behave as your aunt did.”

“Feel better?”

“Yes, all is well.

“Elizabeth?”

“Yes?”

“I hope you will allow me to ‘impose’ on you after our heir is born.”

“Sir, I assure you—it will be no imposition at all.”

* * *

Later that night

Darcy found Elizabeth asleep in a chair next to his cousin’s bed. She looked so peaceful that he could not bear to wake her. He signalled Anne’s maid to move closer as he lifted his wife, then the maid took the seat. He carried Elizabeth to their chambers. Darcy then gently placed her on the bed and, after he removed her slippers, covered her with the counterpane. His heart was full as he watched her sleep. His beautiful wife had lovingly cared for Anne, a complete stranger, from the moment she met her, unlike his aunt. How could he ever be embarrassed by anything the Bennet family did when due to his aunt’s desire to maintain control, she may have killed her own child? When he pushed an errant curl off Elizabeth’s face, she reached for his hand in her sleep.My dearest wife, how could I love you more than I do at this moment?She was the mother of his child—a child created from their love, not mandated by a contract as itwould have been with Lady Beatrice.My sweet Lizzy—meeting you is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

* * *