When the door again opened, she looked towards it and called “Izabet,” but it was Georgiana who entered.
As soon as Georgie saw her brother, she rushed to his arms. They gave each other a comforting hug. “Georgiana, please do not be distressed. I know you are as worried for Miss Elizabeth as I . . . as we all are. We will do all we can to help her recover. And Dr. Chisholm has assured me that Ellie has suffered only bruises that will heal in time.”
“It is not only that, Brother. It is my fault. I am the reason Elizabeth was injured.”
“Georgie, you are not to blame. You could not have prevented it.”
“I let go of Ellie’s hand,” she sobbed. “Had I not let go, she could not have run into the horse’s path, and Elizabeth would not have had to save her.”
“Come with me, dearest. Let’s allow Ellie to rest.”
He led her to her room and, once inside, he tried to comfort her.
“You cannot blame yourself for this, Georgie. You thought she would be safe going to Miss Bennet. I would have done nothing different.”
“I should have been more cautious, Fitzwilliam.”
“Did you see anything else? Anything you thought was unusual?” he asked.
“No, Brother; I am sorry. I was looking only at Ellie.”
Darcy stayed with her for a while, trying to convince her that she was not the cause of this accident, but he left feeling he had not completely accomplished his task.
~*~
Jane Bingley could not be persuaded to leave Lizzy’s side. Her husband had tried unsuccessfully to coax her to come away and rest in their bedchamber, but she was unmoved. Elizabeth’s condition had not improved over the last several hours, and Jane refused to relinquish the care of her most beloved sister.
Darcy was growing more and more impatient. This waiting for some sign that Elizabeth was recovering tormented him. She still had not awakened. He needed to do something! Anything! He could not abide this helplessness. In the early morning light, he knocked lightly on Elizabeth’s bedchamber, but there was no reply. Slowly he opened the door and observed an exhausted Jane sleeping soundly in the chair.
He quietly moved over to where Elizabeth lay and, without thought to propriety, sat on the bed beside her. He reached for her hand, holding it in his, stroking it lightly. Her breathing was shallow but steady. Bending slightly towards her face, he softly called to her. “Lizzy, you must wake up. You must try for Ellie’s sake . . . and for me. Please try. I have so much to tell you, Lizzy. Please come back to me.”
The only response he received was a slight twitching of her fingers, and, although he knew it most likely an automatic reflex, he preferred to believe that she had heard his plea. He brought her hand to his lips, kissing her fingers and then pressed it to his cheek as tears filled his eyes. As he heard Jane stir, he reluctantly relinquished her hand and stood. His grief turned to anger as he left Elizabeth’s room and headed directly for the stables.
He conferred with Mr. Cassidy, his stable master, giving him instructions in regard to the black horse. He then had Marengo saddled and tried to ride off some of his frustrations. By the time he returned, there was much activity in the house he had left completely silent only two hours before.
He first encountered Mrs. Reynolds who immediately made him aware of the reason for all the commotion. “Miss Bennet awoke about an hour ago!” she exclaimed. As these words had a consoling affect upon him, he could not comprehend why his housekeeper’s look exhibited distress.
As he began quickly climbing the stairs to Elizabeth’s bedchamber he called down to her, “That is good news, is it not?”
As she looked up at him, he stopped his flight and demanded, “What are you not telling me, Mrs. Reynolds?”
Before she could speak, Darcy grabbed the banister and projected himself up the stairs, taking them two at a time until he reached Elizabeth’s room.
When he opened the door, his eyes immediately fell upon Elizabeth, who still lay motionless with her eyes closed. He then observed Jane sitting on the bed. She was crying, her hands shaking as one held Elizabeth’s while the other stroked her cheek. When she looked up, her eyes met his.
Startled by what he saw, Darcy could only think the worst. He felt the air leave his lungs as he stood there unable to move. Holding on to the doorway for support, he felt the tears welling in his eyes.
Then the most beautiful sound he had ever heard reached his ears as Elizabeth inhaled a shaky breath. He closed his eyes and silently thanked God.
He watched as Jane gently tucked Elizabeth’s hand under the covers and rose to meet him by the door.
“Mr. Darcy.” She allowed herself to breathe as she tried to keep her voice calm. “My sister awoke about an hour ago and in an extremely distressed state. The injury to her head must be grave indeed, for she was calling to Ellie, asking if her daughter was safe! When I tried to tell her that she had no daughter, that Ellie was not her child, she became even more agitated and tried to leave her bed. What are we to do, Mr. Darcy? She believes Ellie to be her daughter!
“I asked Mrs. Reynolds to send for Dr. Chisholm to make him aware of this delusional state Elizabeth is in, but she insisted that we wait for your return. But why should we wait, Mr. Darcy? The doctor asked to be informed immediately of any signs of mental impairment.”
Darcy again looked over to Elizabeth. Her looks had altered but little since he had seen her earlier except her breathing appeared more erratic. “How did you calm her?” he inquired.
“I had to restrain her from leaving her bed, and she seems to have gone back into an unconsciousness state. Will you not send for Dr. Chisholm now? I do not think we should wait any longer. Please, Mr. Darcy.”
At that moment Mrs. Reynolds appeared in the doorway. “Mrs. Reynolds, will you stay with Miss Bennet while I speak with Mrs. Bingley in private?”
Mrs. Reynolds nodded her head and proceeded into the room, taking the chair by the bed. She knew what their conversation would reveal, and she did not envy Mr. Darcy’s plight.
~*~
Caroline Bingley had not ventured from her rooms since the “unfortunate incident.” She sensed that both her brother and Mr. Darcy had been more than a little displeased with her, and she did not wish to face their wrath.
She would never have a better opportunity than now to achieve her goal of winning Mr. Darcy. With some satisfaction, she acknowledged there was no one left with whom she must compete for his attentions. She would have him all to herself for the next few days; this time, she would make sure of the outcome, even if she had to compromise herself to do it.
She decided to test the waters and make an appearance at the dinner table. Certainly she had been forgiven by now. Well, perhaps Jane might still hold some resentment towards her as she was such a devoted sister. But as far as her brother and Mr. Darcy were concerned, she was sure she would be able to convince them of her regret over the entire episode.
As she entered the dining salon, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy, and Bingley all rose in a gentlemanly manner until she was seated. Jane was not in attendance, as she refused to leave Elizabeth’s bedside, and Georgiana was still too distraught to leave her room.
“My, I certainly feel honoured to be surrounded by such charming gentlemen,” she cooed.
Darcy could hardly contain his contempt as he did his best to keep the look of disgust off his face.
An uncomfortable silence ensued.
“Tell me, Colonel, are you expected back at your regiment soon?” she inquired, unaware of the unease that pervaded the room.
“I have no desire to depart while the situation is so unsettled, but I must away tomorrow at first light to make it back to my regiment on time.”
“Unsettled? What is unsettled, sir?” she further asked.
He stared at her for a long moment. How could she not perceive the import of his words?
Another long silence filled the room.
“Perhaps we could play a game of card
s after dinner,” she suggested. All three gentlemen expressed their desire to attend personal matters.
As if it were a complete afterthought, she asked, “And how is Miss Eliza faring this evening?”
Darcy felt his ire build and could not even manage to look at her. Fortunately Bingley responded. “Her condition has not changed since this morning,” he said as he looked over to Darcy and witnessed the anguish upon his friend’s face.
“Oh, such a dreadful situation!” cried Caroline. “One cannot help but feel sympathy for the poor girl. Thank heavens Ellie was not seriously injured. That would have been far more grievous. Don’t you agree, Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy took the napkin from his lap and wiped his mouth. He rose and, with conviction, threw it down on the table before heading for his study.
~*~
Darcy slept ill that night. As he heard the chirping of the birds greeting the early morning dawn, he rose from his bed. Approaching the breakfast room, he was relieved at the sight of his cousin seated at the table.
“I was afraid I had missed you,” said Darcy.
“I’ve little time left before I must make my departure,” replied Richard.
Darcy poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down.
Richard observed the look of grief in his cousin’s eyes.
“I have never known another woman as strong willed as Elizabeth Bennet. I am sure she will recover soon, Darcy. The doctor said it might take a couple of days.”
“I pray you are right, Cousin. She has now become a part of my life. I cannot imagine a day without her in it. Ellie and I have become dependent on her for our happiness.”
“I have every faith that she will recover. She has already awakened once; she is finding her way back.”
They both sat quietly for a moment.
“Do you remember the night of the ball; you asked me if I still put my family’s expectations before my own happiness?”
Richard nodded.
“Elizabeth is my family. She is the woman I love and the mother of my child. I would gladly spend the rest of my life trying to live up to her expectations.”
“And you will have the chance; you will see. I have seen many such injuries in my career. She will awaken as soon as she has a chance to heal.
Richard pulled his watch from his pocket and, observing the time, stood. “I’m afraid I must depart, but I will be anxious to hear of Miss Elizabeth’s recovery. Write to me with any news.”
~*~
Jane Bingley sat and watched her sister’s uneasy sleep. Her head was still reeling from all she had discovered from yesterday’s conversation with Mr. Darcy. How could all of that have happened unbeknownst to her? How could Elizabeth have kept so many secrets from her?
Jane shook her head in disbelief. She had always been considered the one with all the goodness, but that was not the truth. It was Elizabeth who had sacrificed everything to help her family. She had to recover. She just had to! “Please, Lizzy,” she cried.
As if she had heard her sister’s plea, Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes. Jane immediately grabbed her hand as the words gushed from her to quickly ease her sister’s distress. “Ellie is well, Lizzy. She was unharmed. Do you hear me? Your daughter is well!”
Elizabeth stared back at her sister as tears formed. She managed to lightly squeeze Jane’s hand to let her know she had heard her words before she again closed her eyes. However, this time Jane witnessed an easier rhythm to her sister’s breathing as if she could now attend to her own wellbeing, knowing her daughter was safe.
~*~
Darcy paced the length of his study. For a man who had always been in control of everything in his world, he was finding this impotence impossible to tolerate.
There was a knock on the door. “Enter,” he commanded as he took his seat behind his large desk.
Mr. Cassidy rarely sought him out. He had worked at Pemberley through two generations and knew his duties well. Whatever business took him from overseeing the large stable of horses on Pemberley’s grounds must be of some importance. He was accompanied by Billy, one of several grooms employed on the estate. The young boy stood nervously next to Mr. Cassidy, fidgeting with the cap in his hands.
“Beggin’ your pardon, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Cassidy, “but Billy here seems to have somethin’ to say ‘bout the orders you gave me yesterday.”
“Regarding my orders?” asked Darcy. “My orders are not to be questioned, Mr. Cassidy. I will not have that horse in my stables. It could have killed Ellie, and because of that horse, Liz . . . a guest in my home has been seriously injured. I cannot allow such a dangerous and mean-spirited animal to remain at Pemberley.”
“He ain’t mean-spirited!” responded the stable boy. “He’s ain’t! He’s a good horse. I been tendin’ him since he been born. No, sir! He ain’t nothin’ but a good horse.”
The boy now looked down at his feet, fearing he would be punished for speaking to his master so disrespectfully.
Darcy eyed the young boy curiously. He obviously had a strong opinion on the matter.
“I tried explainin’ the way things are to ‘em, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Cassidy, “but the boy insists what happened was not the horse’s fault. He was so insistent that I thought it best he come speak his piece to you directly.”
“Come here, boy,” said Darcy. Billy cautiously took two steps closer to the large desk.
“Now, what is it you have to say in the horse’s defence?”
“He done nothin’ wrong, sir, is all I’m sayin’,” said Billy, unable to look his master straight in the eye. “No reason to be puttin’ ‘em down.”
“Why don’t you tell me what happened and why you believe the horse should be spared,” encouraged Darcy.
The young boy turned to look at Mr. Cassidy for support. “Go ahead, boy. Tell the master what you told me.”
The young boy swallowed hard. As he unconsciously pulled at the button on his cap, he finally looked Darcy straight in the eyes.
“I . . . I saw the little girl, sir, Miss Ellie, I saw her runnin’ towards that nice Miss Bennet lady. I was holdin’ the reins to her horse thinkin’ she was comin’ to get it, but she turned ‘round when Miss Georgiana called to her.” Billy stopped to look back at Mr. Cassidy and then back again to his master. Both men were intent on his story.
“What else did you observe, Billy? Go on, I am very interested in what you have to say,” assured Darcy.
“When Miss Ellie was runnin’ to Miss Bennet, I saw that other lady, who I ain’t never seen at the stables before . . .”
“Miss Bingley?” suggested Darcy.
“I guess so, sir. She had a real mean look on her face, but then I saw her smile. It was kinda . . . spooky. I mean . . . one minute she’s lookin’ real mean and the next she’s smilin’. She was lookin’ right at Miss Bennet.”
“What happened next?” Darcy heard himself ask, hardly able to breathe.
“I saw her raise her ridin’ crop and hit the horse real hard on the rump, and then she dug her heels into his flank. The horse din’t mean to do it, sir. He was forced to! That lady made him do it. Please, please don’t put the horse down. He’s always been a good horse,” cried Billy.
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
“Please, Jane. You must rest. You will be of no use to Elizabeth when she awakens if you do not get some sleep yourself. She will be in good hands with Mrs. Reynolds watching over her.”
Jane knew her husband was right. She could hardly keep her eyes open, and her back was sore from the uncomfortable position in which she had slept the last two nights. But when Elizabeth had opened her eyes and squeezed her hand last night, she was sure her sister would soon regain full consciousness.
Dr. Chisholm, who had attended Elizabeth early that morning, assured everyone that it was a good sign that she slept so peacefully. “She is giving herself a chance to heal,” he informed them all. “She will awaken when she is ready. In the meantime, continue your encouraging words to her.”
No mention was made to the doctor regarding any mental impairment, as Jane now understood Elizabeth’s mind was as sound as ever. It gave Jane much relief, knowing her sister was not some raving madwoman, claiming to be mother to the Master of Pemberley’s only child, while they locked her away for the rest of her days.
As Darcy climbed the stairs, his downcast eyes looked up, and he saw Bingley help his wife from Elizabeth’s room. He observed the exhaustion on her face and was relieved Bingley had finally removed her to sleep for a while in their bedchamber.
“I will stay with Elizabeth until you send for Mrs. Reynolds,” said Darcy.
~*~
Darcy entered the room quietly, his eyes immediately fixing upon the woman who had completely consumed his every thought for the last two days, if not the better part of the last two years.
He sat beside her on the edge of the bed and took her hand in his, gently caressing it. He stared at her face, willing her to open her eyes, but she remained unmoved, seemingly unaware of his presence.
He cleared his throat, knowing his voice would sound hoarse and unsteady.
“I am not good at expressing my feelings, Elizabeth, but if I am ever to improve, now would seem the ideal time to start practicing. It seems the only time I am capable of telling you my feelings is when I am sure you cannot hear me. I have told you so often in my dreams.”
He moved her hand between both of his, giving slight pressure.
“I love you, Lizzy. I imagine that I have always loved you. Perhaps even before it was proper to do so.” A tear slowly rolled down his cheek.
“I wanted to tell you so many times, but I had not the courage. I was afraid you would accept me for Ellie’s sake alone, without regard for me as a man who loved you. I was afraid you did not return my feelings…could not return them.” He did his best to swallow the lump in his throat; his eyes never left her face.
“I desire nothing more than to have the chance to make up for all the heartache I have caused you. I do not want you to stay as Ellie’s nanny. I wish you to stay as my wife; that is if you would be willing to bestow upon me such an honour. We will be a family, Lizzy, I promise you. And we will give Ellie brothers and sisters. When you awaken, Ellie and I will be waiting for you. I love you, my dearest Lizzy.”
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