To Conquer Pride

by Jennifer Altman

  Darcy’s fist slammed against the surface of his desk, making Elizabeth jump.

  “It is out of the question. Besides, there is not even any guarantee that it would work.”

  Elizabeth regarded him quietly. “No, sir. There are never any guarantees.”

  Darcy looked away, draining the remainder of his drink, and his expression shifted from anger to agony. “I cannot lose her,” he whispered. “I have lost too much already. She is all I have left.”

  Elizabeth leaned forward, her hand closing around his fist which still rested upon the desk.

  Darcy stared down at her delicate fingers, her fair skin so much softer than his own. He understood that she meant to offer him comfort, but he could not accept her pity. This was not how he wished to appear before her—weak and afraid.

  Suddenly, all the grief and anguish he had held inside for far too long came crashing to the surface. He knew he was perilously close to tears and the thought of her witnessing such a display filled him with horror. Slowly, he withdrew his hand.

  “I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet, but I think I would prefer to be alone.” As he watched, the light in her lovely eyes flickered and went dim. Her body stiffened and she rose haltingly to her feet.

  “Of course,” she responded stiffly. “I shall return to your sister.”

  Darcy blinked, suddenly registering the hollowness in her tone. Drawing a sharp breath, he shoved back his chair. “Miss Bennet, wait…”

  But it was too late. She had already gone.

  Chapter 22

  BY THE TIME Darcy composed himself and returned to his sister’s chambers, it appeared the crisis had passed. Georgiana was sleeping fitfully, though Grant was quick to warn him that the next time they might not be so fortunate. Releasing Grant from his post, Darcy spent the remainder of the night at his sister’s bedside, leaving only when her maid appeared early the following morning.

  After a brief trip to his own apartment to change clothing, Darcy entered the breakfast parlor, relieved to find it empty. At her uncle’s instruction, Elizabeth would be dining in her chambers, but Darcy was in no mood to encounter Grant. Helping himself to a cup of strong coffee, he had just taken a seat when his attention was drawn to a muffled commotion in the front hall. Darcy shoved back his chair, but he had hardly taken a step before his cousin burst into the room, Hastings trailing closely behind him.

  His butler came to an abrupt halt just inside the door. “Colonel Fitzwilliam has arrived, sir.”

  “Yes. Thank you, I can see that Hastings.”

  Ignoring the butler altogether, Richard crossed the room in hurried strides. As he got closer, Darcy could see that his cousin’s uniform was splattered with mud, his dark eyes troubled. “How is she? I left the moment I received your express.”

  Hastings bowed, withdrawing from the room. Narrowing his gaze, Darcy took in his cousin’s harried expression, relieved once again that his sister had rallied from her crisis of the previous evening. He would not have wished for Richard to see her in that condition.

  “As of this morning, she is much the same, but no worse,” Darcy answered carefully. “Richard, come sit down before you fall down. Have you been riding all night?”

  The colonel pulled out a chair, collapsing into it as a footman approached with a fresh pot of coffee. “I stopped for a few hours’ sleep. I would have been here sooner if Baron did not need to be watered and rested. What news? Has Prescott arrived?”

  Darcy lifted his hands to rub his temples. “Not yet, but I expect him at any time. The surgeon is still here,” he added with a grimace. “I will acquaint you with his diagnosis as soon as you are settled.”

  Richard nodded, rising from his seat. “Very well. I will go to Georgiana now, if I may?”

  “Yes, of course. But, pray, take some breakfast first.” Darcy’s gaze swept his cousin’s rumpled form. “And you cannot go looking like that. You will frighten her out of her wits.”

  Richard began to protest, but a knock interrupted his speech. Both gentlemen turned to see Darcy’s housekeeper in the doorway.

  “Ah, Mrs. Reynolds, come in. As you see, Colonel Fitzwilliam has arrived and will wish to bathe after he has broken his fast. I trust you will see to those arrangements?”

  “It has already been taken care of, sir. Colonel, your usual room has been prepared and Mr. Pierce is at your disposal.”

  Darcy nodded, grateful for the capabilities of his dedicated staff.

  Turning in his direction, the housekeeper continued, “Mr. Darcy, Miss Bennet and Miss Georgiana have already breakfasted and the doctor awaits you in your sister’s chambers. The matter is not urgent, but he would speak with you when you have a moment.”

  Richard’s gaze sharpened, and Darcy coughed into his hand. “Er, yes, thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.”

  The housekeeper nodded, quitting the room and Darcy dropped into his seat. Reaching for his coffee, he took several swallows before finally turning to face his cousin, who was still studying him with rapt attention.

  “Darcy, you did not mention you had guests. Would Miss Bennet be Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Hertfordshire by chance?”

  Darcy’s jaw tightened and he looked away. Blast! He should have anticipated his cousin’s meddling and planned accordingly. Keeping his expression neutral he answered, “Yes. Forgive me, Richard, I have not had the opportunity to inform you before now. Miss Bennet was traveling through Derbyshire with her relations. I invited them to stay at Pemberley while they were in the vicinity.”

  “I see. And where are these relations now?”

  There was a brief pause before Darcy answered. “The Gardiners and Miss Mary Bennet departed several days ago for the Lakes. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was kind enough to stay on. She and Georgiana have become close.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam shot back a grin. “Ah, she stayed for Georgie. Of course.”

  “Don’t start, Richard. This is not the time. And I am warning you, I will not have you making Miss Bennet uncomfortable with your tactless insinuations.”

  “Very well. In light of the circumstances, I will desist. But you should know that I have every intention of continuing this conversation later. For now, cousin, you have been granted a reprieve.”

  ***

  One hour later, Darcy and the colonel entered Georgiana’s chambers to find Grant perched comfortably on the chair beside her bed. To Darcy’s dismay, Elizabeth sat immediately to his left, their shoulders touching and their heads bowed in quiet conversation.

  Darcy forcibly cleared his throat and Grant jumped to his feet. Georgiana looked to the door, and her gaze lit. “Richard! William did not tell me you were expected!”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped further into the room, offering her an easy smile. “What, can a fellow not pay a surprise visit to his favorite cousins?” Crossing the thick carpet, he bent to place a kiss on Georgiana’s brow, while Darcy turned to stare at the physician.

  What was the man about, sharing confidences with Elizabeth when he should be attending to Georgiana? “Mr. Grant, may I present my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, with whom I share guardianship of my sister?”

  The two men bowed to one another and Grant replied, “Your servant, sir.”

  “Likewise,” answered the colonel before turning warm eyes on Elizabeth, who had risen from her seat and now stood at the doctor’s side. “Miss Bennet. How good it is to see you again. Darcy mentioned you were visiting.”

  “The pleasure is mine, colonel.”

  Darcy cleared his voice, but before he could think of anything to add, Mrs. Reynolds entered.

  “Mr. Darcy, Dr. Prescott has arrived. Shall I show him up, or would you prefer that Mr. Hastings direct him to your study?”

  Darcy turned to face his housekeeper. About damned time! The elder physician was going to hear a few choice words about keeping his sister waiting with no one to care for her but a young upstart straight out of the schoolroom.

  “Pray, show him up, Mrs. Reynolds. I am certain he will
wish to examine Miss Darcy. We can speak afterwards.” Mrs. Reynolds nodded, departing from the room, and Darcy turned towards his sister. “Georgie, Richard and I will await Prescott below stairs.” He glanced at Elizabeth who made to follow, but his sister’s soft voice called out before they reached the door.

  “Miss Bennet, that is Elizabeth, would you… Do I ask too much to inquire if you would remain here with my maid?”

  A muscle twitched in Darcy’s jaw as his eyes slid from Elizabeth to Grant. “Georgiana, I do not think we can—”

  “I would be happy to,” Elizabeth interrupted “That is, unless you disapprove, Mr. Darcy?”

  Darcy stiffened. As far as he was concerned, Elizabeth had already spent far too much time hidden away in this bedchamber with Grant and no better chaperones than a maid and his sister, who could barely sit up. He opened his mouth to protest, but it was Georgiana who spoke. “Oh, William would not mind… would you?”

  Darcy released a sigh of defeat. “No. Of course not.” Darting one last caustic glance in Grant’s direction, he turned to his cousin. “Come, Richard, let us leave the doctors to their duties.”

  ***

  The soles of Darcy’s boots echoed off the varnished floor as he paced his study. “So, you approve of this scheme?” he hissed, fixing Prescott with a scowl.

  “I know it is unsettling, Mr. Darcy, but after examining your sister I agree with Dr. Grant. Miss Darcy is obviously in distress and I believe a lithotomy is your sister’s best option.”

  Darcy turned to face his cousin who sat beside Prescott. “And you, Richard? Surely you do not wish to expose Georgiana to such an ordeal? It is utterly obscene!”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam frowned. “Naturally I do not wish anything of the sort, but you have heard Prescott; it is the only thing likely to relieve Georgiana’s suffering. I know she was putting on a brave face for my benefit, but quite frankly I was shocked by how ill she looked. She is clearly in a great deal of pain, and without this operation…”

  Richard’s voice trailed off, but Darcy could not mistake his cousin’s implication.

  “Without it she might die,” Darcy finished, his tone flat.

  “I will not sugar-coat things, Mr. Darcy,” Prescott replied. “It is a distinct possibility.”

  Darcy’s stomach twisted. He was backed into a corner and he knew it. But how could he subject his sister to the type of procedure Grant proposed? On the other hand, could he live with himself if he did nothing and Georgiana died as a result? Playing for time, he turned to face his family physician, glad the younger doctor had remained above stairs. “And what of Grant? I know nothing about him. How am I to determine whether he is the person most qualified to perform the operation, should I agree?”

  Prescott sat straighter in his chair. “I hope, Mr. Darcy, that you do not think I would bring another physician into my practice without thoroughly checking his qualifications. I know he is young, but Dr. Grant comes with the highest possible character. It is rare to find a physician who is also a skilled surgeon. In truth, Grant is thought to be a bit of a prodigy. I was lucky to secure him. Moreover, I have never met anyone with such a profound understanding of the human body. He has read every medical text worth noting, and his ability as a surgeon is unmatched. If it were my own wife or daughter requiring such a procedure, there are few others I would trust to perform it.”

  At the end of this speech, Colonel Fitzwilliam released a low whistle. “Well, Darcy, you cannot get a stronger endorsement than that.”

  Pacing to his desk, Darcy released his breath in a heavy sigh. “Very well, I can see I am outnumbered. If Richard agrees, Grant may operate.”

  Chapter 23

  DARCY SLEPT FITFULLY that night and woke early. He was dreading speaking with his sister about the planned surgical procedure, but now that the decision had been made, he was ready to have it over with. Summoning his valet, he dressed quickly and strode the short distance to Georgiana’s chambers. The door was ajar but he knocked to announce his presence before entering the room.

  His sister lay in the vast bed, her head propped up upon a stack of pillows, her eyes closed. Darcy studied her from across the room, taking in her unnatural pallor. He could tell by the deep furrow between her brows that she still suffered. Beside the bed, Elizabeth sat reading aloud from a book of poetry. Taking in the scene, Darcy felt a knot forming at the back of his throat. His heart ached for his sister, but at the same time it swelled with gratitude and admiration for the benevolence Elizabeth continued to demonstrate.

  When she became aware of his presence, Elizabeth ceased reading and stood, closing the book and setting it on the bedside table.

  The room grew quiet and Georgiana opened her eyes. “Elizabeth, why did you… Oh, William, I did not hear you come in.”

  Darcy stepped closer to the bed, pulling his gaze away from Elizabeth and forcing a smile. “Good morning, poppet. How are you feeling?”

  Georgiana’s cheeks lifted slightly at the long-unused endearment. “I am well. There is still some pain, but I am certain I will be feeling better soon.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged a glance before Elizabeth excused herself and Darcy eased into the chair she had relinquished. His gaze wandered the room’s perimeter before coming back to rest on his sister’s countenance. “Has Grant been in this morning?” he asked, stalling for time.

  “No. Dr. Prescott was here earlier. I have not seen Dr. Grant since last evening.”

  Darcy nodded, briefly looking away. Even though he’d had an entire night to work out the best way to break the news, now that he was here, Darcy found the idea of putting such a subject into words damn near impossible. Taking a breath, he reached for Georgiana’s hand, covering her fingers with his palm. “Georgie, I have been speaking to Mr. Grant… about your treatment. I… That is, Grant believes—”

  A sudden knocking sounded at the door and Darcy drew in a harsh breath that was equal parts frustration and relief. “Enter,” Darcy called, and after a slight hesitation, the door swung open on its hinges.

  Grant stood at the threshold, but the gentleman did not cross into the chamber. Instead, his eyes darted in Georgiana’s direction before settling upon her brother.

  “Mr. Darcy, might I have a word?”

  Darcy lifted his gaze, glowering in the doctor’s direction. It was not lost on Darcy that the other man had barely spared a glance for his sister. Should the physician not have been in long before now to see to his patient’s well-being?

  “Can it not wait?” Darcy virtually snapped and Grant shifted where he stood.

  A shadow seemed to settle upon the doctor’s features. “No, sir. I do not believe it can.”

  Darcy’s mouth tightened. “Very well.” Turning to his sister he added quietly, “I will have your breakfast sent up. Pray, try to eat a little. I shall return shortly.”

  The two men proceeded in silence to Darcy’s study. Upon entering the room, Darcy was startled to see Prescott and his cousin already seated within.

  “What is going on?” he asked, turning to face the younger physician.

  Grant cleared his throat. “Forgive me, Mr. Darcy, but I do not believe I can operate. Prescott has agreed to attempt to locate another surgeon in the area; or if you would prefer, we might send to London, although that will likely take several days.”

  Darcy stared back at the physician as if Grant had just expressed his intention to fly around the cosmos. “What do you mean you cannot operate? You are the one who convinced me to go through with this procedure in the first place!”

  Grant did not answer immediately, but paced to the nearest window, staring out at the grounds for several moments before turning to address his host. “I beg your pardon, sir, but I would prefer not to elaborate. I will only say that I do not believe it would be to your sister’s advantage for me to operate. I am very sorry.”

  Darcy’s spine stiffened. Turning to his cousin he barked, “Did you know about this?”

  “No. This i
s the first I am hearing of it.”

  “And you?” he asked, fixing his gaze on Prescott.

  The older physician glanced towards Grant before turning his attention back to Darcy. “Dr. Grant informed me of his decision early this morning. I am not at liberty to say more, but I believe he is indeed acting in your sister’s best interest.”

  Good God in heaven, had they all gone mad? “How can this be in Georgiana’s best interest?” Darcy thundered. His head snapped around to face Grant. “I agreed based on the fact that you have performed this operation many times.” Shifting his gaze back to the old family retainer he asked, “Do you know of another surgeon in the vicinity who has done anything like this before?”

  “I do not. But if you would be more comfortable, we can send to London for a new surgeon as Dr. Grant proposed.”

  “And waste another week while my sister suffers? I do not want another surgeon. I want to know what the devil is going on here!”

  Before anyone could answer, a loud pounding sounded at the door. Without waiting to be given leave to enter, Hastings pushed into the room, his complexion ashen. “I beg your pardon, sir, but it is Miss Georgiana. I think you had better come.”

  The butler had scarcely finished speaking before Darcy was on his feet, racing for the stairs. His long legs carried him up to the landing and down the corridor in a matter of moments. Bursting into his sister’s chambers, his eyes flew to the bed as Grant, Prescott, and the colonel crowded in behind him.

  Georgiana lay perfectly still, her fine features damp with sweat, her eyes shut. Beside her, Elizabeth sat cradling her hand.

  Darcy’s heart plummeted to his boots. “Miss Bennet is she…”

  Elizabeth’s eyes found his. Her own face was leached of color, but he saw relief reflected in her gaze.

  “I believe the worst is over,” she said quietly. “But perhaps one of the doctors might examine her, as I am hardly an expert.”