Thursday's Child

by Pat Santarsiero

  Mrs. Reynolds sat there for a long time. Her apron pocket held many secrets. Should she tell Mr. Darcy of Anne’s failing health? Surely, he was already aware of it. She was sure it had not escaped his notice that Anne appeared weaker and that her cough could be heard long into the night. No, it was not her place to divulge such information. That was between a wife and her husband.

  Of the other secret in her pocket, she knew what she must do. She would write to Mr. Darcy in London and inform him of Mr. Gallagher’s letter and reveal its contents. By her accounting, if all went right, the baby would be born sometime in May.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  The night held much promise for Jane Bennet, who arrived in anticipation of spending the evening in Mr. Bingley’s company. As she entered the townhouse, she was met by Miss Bingley, who looked upon her with dismay. “Why, Miss Bennet, I did not expect to see you again so soon. My brother evidently neglected to mention that he had invited you.”

  “I hope my attendance does not displease you,” said Jane feeling somewhat embarrassed.

  “No, of course not. I could not be more pleased that you were able to leave your employment on such short notice,” said Caroline as she did little to disguise the smirk on her face.

  Noting Jane’s look of distress, Bingley immediately made his way towards her. “Miss Bennet, how lovely you look this evening. Please come in. There are some people I would like you to meet.”

  Grateful for his presence, Jane took his arm, and they entered the parlour. As Jane looked around her, she recognized everyone she had met at the park. She again greeted Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss Darcy, and Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. As she looked back at Miss Bingley, she could see her in conversation with two other ladies, who took turns looking over in her direction. It was obvious that she was the topic of their conversation.

  She was introduced to Mr. Carlson and Mr. Wethersby, both of whom expressed their delight in meeting her as they eyed her appreciatively. Their enthusiastic approval alerted Mrs. Carlson and Mrs. Wethersby that their presence was required, and they immediately took their places beside their husbands. After a brief introduction, they steered their spouses away to another part of the room.

  Anne could not help but notice Jane’s unease. “Miss Bennet, we are so glad you were able to attend. Mr. Bingley especially, I believe.”

  She started to chuckle as she said this, but her chuckle soon turned into a series of coughs. Darcy was immediately at her side. As soon as she was again in control, Anne dismissed his concern, reassuring him she was now quite well.

  Upon seeing Jane in Mr. Darcy’s company, Caroline immediately made her way towards the parlour. “Isn’t it delightful that Miss Bennet was able to get this evening off to attend our little dinner party?” she asked.

  Jane’s red face belied the calmness she was trying to maintain. Bingley, Darcy and Anne all turned to Caroline with disapproving looks upon their faces.

  Of course, that did not deter Caroline from continuing; in fact, she was quite pleased to see she now had their full attention. “It has always been my experience that allowing the servants a night off keeps them content and helps maintain a more pleasant household. I dare say I often give our servants two evenings a week off to do as they please.”

  Bingley and Darcy both shifted uneasily from one foot to another. Wanting to ease the tension, Anne again addressed Jane. “Miss Bennet, I understand you have several sisters. That must have been a wonderful experience growing up. I am an only child, so I must admit I envy you such a situation.”

  “Yes, the five of us are so very different that at times it was difficult, but our diversity also made life quite interesting,” said Jane, grateful to move on to another subject.

  “Tell me, Miss Bennet,” asked Darcy, “do you get to see your sisters often?”

  “Not as often as I would like, Mr. Darcy, especially Li . . . Elizabeth. Being the two eldest, she and I have always been closer than the rest of our sisters. We only see each other occasionally when Elizabeth is not travelling with her companion, Mrs. Worthington, and when she has a chance to take a holiday. I’m afraid that has only happened once in the past year.”

  “So both you and your sister Miss Elizabeth are employed as domestics? Your family must have a calling for such employment,” purred Caroline.

  With that, dinner was announced, and they all entered the large dining room.

  Darcy was hoping to engage Miss Bennet in further conversation during dinner but was not seated near her. He looked down at the end of the table and saw her conversing quietly with Bingley. He also saw the look on Caroline’s face as she witnessed the same thing.

  Caroline tried to ignore the obviously smitten couple and turned to Darcy, placing her hand on his arm. “Tell me, Mr. Darcy, do you plan to stay on for a while in London?”

  His first reaction to her hand was to flinch and quickly remove his arm from her reach, but he managed to count to three before he nonchalantly reached for his wine glass, thus allowing her hand to fall to the table.

  “No, we leave the day after tomorrow. Anne and I are planning to visit Rosings upon our departure.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Darcy, surely you would like to spend some more time in London, would you not?” asked Caroline.

  “As much as I would like to enjoy the many diversions of London, it has been some time since I have visited my mother. I believe she desires my company,” said Anne.

  “But certainly you could spare another day or two to visit with us,” urged Caroline, hoping not to lose Mr. Darcy’s company again so soon.

  “As agreeable as that prospect may be, Miss Bingley, I believe we must leave for Rosings as originally planned,” said Anne, starting to get somewhat flustered at Caroline’s insistent manner.

  “Oh, I do wish you would reconsider, Mrs. Darcy. I’m sure Mr. Darcy would like more time to visit with his good friends. It has been so long since he has been in our company.”

  Anne looked over to her husband. Does he desire to stay in London with his friends? Am I preventing him from enjoying himself? Anne started to speak again, but her agitated state once again provoked another bout of coughing. Darcy became alarmed as he watched her try to catch her breath.

  After several minutes, she was finally able to bring her cough under control, and she started to breathe more easily. Darcy poured a glass of water and instructed her to take small sips as he placed a protective arm across her shoulders. Once he was assured that Anne was able to maintain a steady breathing pattern free from further hindrance, Darcy rose from his chair, and with a glare in Caroline’s direction stated, “I believe we must leave immediately.”

  “Fitzwilliam, I’m sure that I shall be fine now,” stated Anne, not wishing to be the cause of her husband’s departure from his friends.

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy,” interjected Caroline. “She now seems quite recovered.”

  Darcy had endured all he could take of Caroline Bingley for one evening. With an iron cold look in his eyes, he turned and directly addressed her. “Miss Bingley, I do not believe you are qualified to make such a determination regarding my wife’s health. We are leaving . . . now.”

  ~*~

  Colonel Fitzwilliam assured Darcy that he would see Georgiana safely back home. He also promised to meet him at Rosings in two days’ time. On the carriage ride back to their townhouse, both Anne and Darcy were still in an agitated state—Darcy, because of Caroline’s insensitive behaviour, and Anne because she was feeling responsible for having caused their early departure.

  “I’m so sorry I ruined your evening, Fitzwilliam,” said Anne, unable to look at her husband. He took her hand.

  “Anne, please don’t say that. You did not ruin my evening. If anyone ruined this evening, it was Caroline Bingley.”

  “But I’m the reason you had to leave your friends,” she said, almost sobbing.

  “Do you really think I care about that?” he asked astonished. “Anne, you must believe me; I care only for your wellbeing.”
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  After they had ridden in silence for several minutes, Anne turned to look at her husband. “Fitzwilliam, I think we should leave for Rosings tomorrow.”

  “Of course, Anne, I quite agree,” said Darcy. “I will make all the arrangements.” He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him, resting his cheek on her forehead. They remained like that for the rest of the way home. He wanted to comfort her. He did not need to be told that her health was deteriorating. He would do whatever he had to do, to make her happy.

  ~*~

  They arrived at Rosings the next evening. Anne was quite done in by the journey and went to refresh herself upstairs. Darcy headed immediately for the study to get a drink. He would need to speak to his aunt. Anne’s doctor should be summoned as soon as possible.

  As he sat down by the fire, Lady Catherine entered. “I see you have arrived safely. Where is Anne?” she asked.

  “She’s upstairs at the moment but will be down directly. She has been experiencing some alarming coughing bouts of late, and I think it would be best to have Dr. Adams come and examine her while we are here,” stated Darcy.

  “I’m sure it’s just a trifling cold,” his aunt concluded.

  “Indeed not; I would not be so concerned had I suspected it were merely a cold.”

  “Very well, if you think the doctor is necessary, I will send for him tomorrow,” said his aunt. “However, I’m sure that Anne is in good health and will be able to continue to fulfil her role as your wife.”

  “Of what do you speak?” asked Darcy, quite taken back by his aunt’s statement.

  “I speak of your heir, of course. An heir for Pemberley must be attained from your union with Anne. I am just assuring you that Anne will be able to fulfil her obligations in that regard. Anne will do what is required of her.”

  “I’m glad to hear you know more about your daughter’s health than her own doctor,” replied an agitated Darcy.

  At that moment, Anne entered the study. “Hello, Mother,” she said timidly as she walked to the matriarch’s side and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “It’s nice to be back at Rosings . . . and of course, to see you again.”

  It was amazing to Darcy how his wife’s demeanour changed so completely when in her mother’s company.

  “What is this I hear about you’re being unable to perform your wifely duties?” asked her mother. With a look of horror on her face, Anne looked over to Darcy. Her eyes filled with tears as she fled the room.

  Darcy glared at his aunt. “I did not say any such thing!” he growled at her as he immediately left the room to find his wife.

  Anne was upstairs in her old room, her frail body flung upon the bed. He was immediately beside her and pulled her into his embrace. “How could you have told my mother?” she said through her sobs.

  “I assure you, Anne, I did not say a word to your mother about . . . about our situation. I only suggested that we might have Dr. Adams examine you to see about your cough while we are here. I promise you, Anne, I did not betray anything to your mother.”

  “Oh, Fitzwilliam, why does it have to be like this?” Her tears were falling freely down her cheeks as she told him what was in her heart. “I would risk everything to be the wife that you desire. I want so dearly to be healthy enough to bear your child.”

  “I know, dear Anne, I know. But think upon it no more. I would not be able to endure the guilt should something happen to you.”

  “But what of your heir, Fitzwilliam? Will there be no heir to Pemberley?” she asked.

  He did not answer her. He held her tightly until her sobs subsided. He lay next to her until she was asleep.

  ~*~

  Having received word at his London residence on the previous evening, Dr. Adams arrived at Rosings the next afternoon. After spending a good hour with Anne, he made his way to the study to speak to Mr. Darcy.

  “Please come in,” said Darcy, anxious to hear the results of the doctor’s examination.

  Dr. Adams entered and gestured toward the side board, indicating his desire for a drink. Darcy nodded his head, and the doctor proceeded to pour himself a brandy.

  “I’m afraid my examination is not too encouraging, Mr. Darcy. There has been a great deal of damage to Anne’s lungs. I would like to make further tests, but it is my belief that she is in the early stages of consumption.”

  Darcy startled at the word. “Are you sure?” he asked. “I know she has been coughing a great deal of late, but consumption!”

  “Of course, I would understand if you would like to have Dr. Chisholm examine her to get a second opinion,” said Dr. Adams.

  Darcy did not reply. He could hardly comprehend the words he was hearing. Realizing the doctor was waiting for him to respond, he said, “Yes, I will send for him once we return to Pemberley.” He then hesitantly asked, “If it is confirmed to be consumption, Dr. Adams, how long . . . what kind of prognosis can we expect?”

  “That’s hard to say, Mr. Darcy. As I said, I believe Mrs. Darcy is still in the very early stages. Should she develop a fever, or should her cough produce blood, that would indicate a worsening of the disease. Anne has assured me that neither has occurred.

  Darcy was almost in shock. He sat down and tried to think calmly.

  “I know this is a difficult situation to face, Mr. Darcy. I also know that you have done everything you could to ensure Mrs. Darcy’s continued health.”

  The two men eyed each other at the doctor’s last words. Dr. Adams was well aware that Darcy had relinquished his marital rights for the sake of Anne’s wellbeing.

  “The only advice I can offer is to try to make her life as pleasant as possible. That is the only thing anyone can do. You are a good man, Mr. Darcy. You should have no guilt or regrets. I believe Mrs. Darcy’s fate was sealed long before your marriage took place.”

  “Does Anne know of her condition?” asked Darcy.

  “Well, I haven’t told her in so many words, but I would venture to guess that she is aware of the seriousness of her illness. I will leave that up to you, Mr. Darcy. It would be very hard for her to go on without hope.”

  Darcy nodded absentmindedly at the doctor’s words. “I should advise you that you may be susceptible to catching the disease yourself, Mr. Darcy, as it can be contagious. Even when Mrs. Darcy shows no symptoms of the disease, she can still be infectious. But since we have already established that you and Mrs. Darcy do not share . . . are not . . .

  “Yes, Dr. Adams, I understand perfectly,” interrupted Darcy.

  Darcy thanked Dr. Adams for everything. He promised he would keep him informed of Anne’s condition. As the doctor’s carriage pulled away, Darcy was already on his second brandy.

  He recalled Lizzy that morning of their walk on the beach asking the question, “Do you believe yourself to be a good man?” The doctor had just declared him so. But then again, the doctor did not know the entire story.

  ~*~

  He had yet to tell his aunt of the doctor’s prognosis. As she called for tea, he entered the parlour and greeted her. Anne had not yet come down from her room, and Darcy decided to take the opportunity to speak with his aunt.

  “I have had a long discussion with Dr. Adams regarding Anne’s health.”

  “And what has the doctor to say? I’m sure he agrees with me that she is in excellent health, except for perhaps a cold.”

  Darcy eyed her curiously. “I’m afraid that is not the doctor’s opinion, Aunt. He believes that she is in the early stages of consumption.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Darcy! The doctor is mistaken. Anne is in perfect health,” she insisted.

  “I know this is a most difficult fact that we must face, but I believe the doctor is correct in his opinion. Anne’s condition has been deteriorating for the last few months.”

  He could not imagine having to learn that your only child might have a very short time to live. In that respect, he could understand his aunt’s reluctance to accept what she was hearing as the truth. However
, he could not understand her lack of concern. Did she really believe that if she disagreed with the doctor’s prognosis, she could somehow change it? Could she really just ignore Anne’s failing health?

  “I, of course, will have Anne examined by my personal physician for a second opinion,” said Darcy, desiring to show his aunt that he had not given up all hope.

  “If it pleases you to do so, then do as you must, Darcy.” She signalled with a wave of her hand that this topic of conversation was ended. Darcy shook his head but remained silent.

  Anne joined them in the parlour a short time later. She looked pale. Darcy immediately rose and helped her to the seat next to his. He poured her a cup of tea.

  “Has the doctor left?” she inquired.

  “Yes,” said Darcy. “He left some time ago. You must have fallen asleep.”

  “Did he speak with you before he left?” she further inquired.

  “Yes, Anne,” said Darcy, not knowing how much he wished to reveal.

  “And?” She widened her eyes as she looked into his in question.

  Lady Catherine opened her mouth to speak, but Darcy cut her off immediately. “He believes that you are in much need of rest and some time to regain your strength,” Darcy prevaricated. Dr. Adams was right. It would be most difficult for Anne to live without hope. “After our visit here, we shall return to Pemberley where I will see that you get all the rest you require.”

  “Darcy is right, my dear. All you need is a little rest, and you will be fine. All this fuss over a trifling cold,” said her mother.

  Anne looked into her husband’s eyes. She knew he was not telling her the truth. She knew he was lying because he truly cared for her. And that fact was enough to sustain her.

  “Thank you, Fitzwilliam.”

  “Thank you for what, Anne?” he asked as he took her hand.

  “Just . . . thank you,” she said as she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

  ~*~

  After dinner, Darcy escorted Anne to her room. He made sure she was comfortably situated and then returned downstairs. After an hour had passed, he heard his cousin announced. Richard entered the study where Darcy was seated, alone by the fire. He immediately observed his dejected state.