by Head, Gail
“May I see him?”
“I do not think it would be prudent, Lizzie; especially after the way he brought you home yesterday. It would be impossible to recover your reputation if it were discovered you were in his room; and I am afraid Caroline would be more than happy to have that happen.”
“And what if he does not get well enough? What then? I must see him, Jane! Would you stay away if it were Charles?”
“No, I would not, knowing how much he loves me.” Jane's eyes filled with a deep concern. “But are you certain of Mr. Darcy's affection? There would be no turning back – and if the worst should happen, you would be left with nothing. You would have no future.”
“It does not matter! A future without him would hold nothing for me in any case. I cannot just sit here and do nothing. Please, Jane, let me be near him.”
Jane sighed with an understanding smile, unwrapping Elizabeth's arms and taking her hand. “Very well then, come along. It is time I returned. I told Charles I would not be long. Perhaps you will be more successful than I in getting the patient to take his medicine. He is in such a fever that I cannot get the spoon to his mouth without him thrashing about and spilling half of it.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath, bracing herself for what lay ahead. Regardless of the outcome, she would not, could not turn back now. “I shall do my best.”
* * * *
Benjamin Lawrence listened to his patient's even breathing and felt the cool brow with a sigh of relief. After two long days, the rampant fever had finally broken. It was a very good thing he had brought a surgeon with him. Had the surgeon not found the bit of cloth carried into the wound by the bullet, young Darcy's chances of recovering would have been slight, if any.
With an acknowledging nod to Denham who was quietly straightening the bedside table, Dr. Lawrence turned to the figure sleeping in the nearby chair and gently shook her awake.
“Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth started from her fitful sleep. “What is it?”
Lawrence caught her as she jumped forward toward Darcy's bed. “Rest easy, young lady. The fever is gone and he is sleeping.”
A quivering sigh escaped as she relaxed in his hold. “Thank heavens!”
“As you see, he is resting comfortably now, so I suggest you do the same or you will be in no condition to see him when he awakes.”
“You are quite certain he is out of danger?”
“Quite. He will sleep the rest of the day. I have given him enough medicine to make certain of it. That is all he needs now for a complete recovery. If you do not take care, you will be my next patient!”
“I am quite well, Dr. Lawrence, truly.”
“One might question that statement from the looks of you. Two days with only what sleep you could manage in that chair is not very healthy for even one as young as you. You have been a tremendous help, especially in administering the medicines; but now I am prescribing something for you – at least eight solid hours of sleep.”
“Eight hours?! I really do not think that is necessary.”
“Nevertheless, you will not be allowed back in this room until I am certain you have had enough rest.” He cast a meaningful glance to the valet. “Denham is very good at following my orders.”
Seeing Denham's obliging bow at the implicit orders, Elizabeth conceded defeat and allowed the doctor to usher her toward the door.
“Remember, not a moment before I say. Shall I give you something to help you sleep?”
“I thank you, no,” Elizabeth replied, stifling a yawn. “I am quite sure I will have no trouble.”
Reaching the door, Dr. Lawrence opened it and was startled to see Caroline Bingley bent over as if she had been listening at the door.
“Dr. Lawrence, you surprised me! I hope I did not disturb you. I was looking for my ruby pin. It seems to have fallen from my dress and I thought it might have happened when I was here earlier to check on Mr. Darcy. Have you seen it?”
Lawrence listened to Miss Bingley's feeble explanation with little sympathy. As far as he knew, there was no connection between young Darcy and Mr. Bingley's sister; but from the moment he arrived, the woman had been nothing but a nuisance, devising every conceivable reason to be hovering at Darcy's door, trying to gain admittance. It was bad enough that one young woman's reputation was compromised, but then he was fairly certain that Darcy would remedy Miss Bennet's dilemma as soon as he was able.
“No, Miss Bingley, I have not noticed. If you will excuse us, I am escorting Miss Bennet to her room before she falls down from exhaustion.”
“I am so sorry to hear you are ill, Miss Eliza! Pray, doctor, allow me to take her place at Mr. Darcy's side. I would be happy to watch over him while she rests.”
“Thank you, but that will not be necessary. Mr. Darcy is now out of danger and sleeping quite soundly.”
“Why, that is wonderful news; but should he be left alone? I can sit with him while you attend Miss Bennet.”
“Again, that will not be necessary. Denham is with him. That is enough.”
Elizabeth wavered a bit on his arm and he considered his course of action. If he took Miss Bennet to her room as planned, Miss Bingley would undoubtedly take advantage of his absence and attempt to enter the room and perhaps even disturb Darcy, which was something he could not allow.
“However, there is something you can do for me that would be most helpful.”
“Why of course, Dr. Lawrence! Anything! Anything at all!”
“I have just remembered that I have additional instructions for Denham and Miss Bennet really must get some rest before she collapses. Would you be so kind as to escort Miss Bennet to her room?”
“Oh! Well…yes…I suppose I could,” Caroline stammered weakly. “Are you certain I cannot be of more help? Perhaps when I return I could do more?”
“No, no, that is quite enough, I assure you,” Lawrence beamed gratefully as he handed Elizabeth over to Caroline. “Once Miss Bennet is safely to her room, I am sure you will want to continue the search for your pin. Perhaps you will have better luck on the staircase. Jewelry is sometimes shaken loose as one descends.”
Caroline's stilted smile did not hide her obvious disappointment.
“The staircase? I had not thought of that. That is a very good idea. Thank you, Doctor.”
Lawrence watched with satisfaction as the two women made their way down the hallway. Because of Elizabeth's injured foot, it took much longer than he was sure Caroline wanted, but at last they turned the corner and disappeared from sight.
Once the ladies were gone, Lawrence stepped back into Darcy's bedchamber. He had not deceived Miss Bingley after all, for he did indeed have additional instructions for Denham: to keep Miss Bingley out of Darcy's room at all costs!
* * * *
Sitting across the desk from her husband of three days, Jane let her needlework fall to her lap as sounds of a heated exchange near the front door reverberated down the hallway. She met Charles' puzzled frown with one of her own.
“Were you expecting anyone, dear?” she asked.
“No, no one. Since our wedding plans were for us to be gone a fortnight, I cannot imagine who would even think to come calling.”
“Perhaps one of the neighbors inquiring after Mr. Darcy?”
“If that were the case, my dear, there would be no cause for the uproar their arrival seems to be causing.” More argument was heard and Bingley rose to his feet. “Extraordinary! I best go see what it is.”
Bingley had barely emerged from his study before he came face to face with a very wroth Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
“Where is he? Where is my nephew? I demand you take me to him immediately!”
A flustered Wilson was doing his best to curtail the zealous arrival of the unexpected guests; however, at Bingley's appearance, the one visitor who was paying any attention to the butler, broke off his inquiries and came forward. He was a distinguished looking gentleman of considerable years, though not as old as Lady Catherine
. Bingley answered Wilson's anxious look with an understanding nod of his head. He doubted the man had ever witnessed the full force of rank and privilege being brought to bear. Once the butler had made his retreat, Bingley turned his full attention to the man now standing beside Lady Catherine. Although he was prepared for a temperament very much like Lady Catherine's, it was a pleasant surprise when the man spoke.
“Please forgive our coming unannounced. I am afraid it could not be helped. As you see, my sister is most distressed by the news of our nephew's grave condition; and I must confess that I am concerned as well.”
“We are wasting time!” Lady Catherine snapped, peering at Charles. “I suppose you are the one in charge here. Are you going to show us the way or not?”
With a quick sidelong glance to his sister, Lord Matlock offered a short bow. “I take it you are Darcy's friend, Charles Bingley?”
“Yes, sir, I am,” answered Bingley, cautiously eyeing Lady Catherine. He had heard enough of Darcy's family to know that they were used to having their wishes carried out. However, this was his house, and he would not have any more harm done to Darcy no matter how well-intended. “I am sorry, but Darcy is not in any condition to receive visitors.”
“We are not visitors, we are family!” hissed Lady Catherine.
Lord Matlock placed a restraining hand on his sister's arm. “We have not been formally introduced, but I am Darcy's uncle, Robert Fitzwilliam, and this is my sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Dr. Lawrence sent word before he left London that Darcy had been injured. It is important that we see him.”
“I regret I cannot take you to him at present, Lord Matlock. He is finally sleeping and Dr. Lawrence has ordered that he not be disturbed for the next several hours at least. Once he is awake, I will be happy to do so. Shall you take some refreshment while you wait?”
Angrily, Lady Catherine opened her mouth to reply, but was prevented by Lord Matlock's swifter response. “We shall be happy to accept, Mr. Bingley. I thank you for your hospitality.”
Imparting another warning glance to his sister, the earl offered his arm and turned to follow Charles to the drawing room. They were settled comfortably and a tray was ordered before Charles excused himself and went in search of his wife. She was still in his study, sitting exactly where he had left her.
“Jane, my dear, we have company. Darcy's uncle, Lord Matlock, and aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh have come.”
“Oh, my! And that was the commotion at the door?”
“Yes, they are rather anxious over Darcy's condition and wish to see him as soon as possible. I have offered refreshments in the drawing room until the doctor deems it safe for Darcy to receive them. Do you mind?”
“Not at all. Of course they are welcome! They must be beside themselves with worry. I shall ask Caroline if she will join us. Perhaps some music will help calm their minds while they wait.”
Charles smiled softly and pulled his dear, sweet Jane into an embrace. “I thought the very same thing myself, and have already sent for her. This certainly is not the honeymoon I had intended for us, my love; but as soon as we are able, you shall have all I promised and more!”
Returning his smile, Jane gently stroked his cheek before bestowing a tender kiss to his lips. “I am content, Charles. All that matters is that we are together, wherever we are. What is important now is that Mr. Darcy get well – for everyone's sake!”
By the time they rejoined Darcy's relations, Caroline had already arrived and was taking the opportunity to astound their esteemed guests with an impressive display at the pianoforte. Lord Matlock seemed to appreciate her efforts, but Lady Catherine did not, making it abundantly clear that she was displeased with everyone and everything about her. Her peevish expression brought to Charles' mind a picture of one of his cousin's small daughters who pouted mightily when she could not have her own way.
More than once, Charles and Jane exchanged perplexed glances as the afternoon passed in a succession of failed efforts to entertain their guests. After Caroline had tired of playing, an attempt was made to carry a conversation, but the weather was unremarkable and Charles' endeavor to find any subject of common interest was eventually abandoned. In desperation, it was decided to bring out the table for cards, which proved to be no more successful than any of the other diverting activities that had been tried. It seemed there was nothing that would pacify her ladyship's ill humor.
Late in the day, the doctor finally appeared with a report on Darcy, announcing that he was awake, but very weak. The news was welcomed with audible sighs of relief all around. It was only when the doctor added that visitors to the sick room would not be allowed until after the patient had had something to eat and Denham had an opportunity to attend him that there was a resurgence of petulance from Lady Catherine. She was in the midst of voicing her displeasure when Elizabeth quietly entered the room.
Stopping just inside the door, Elizabeth saw Mr. Bingley struggling valiantly to converse with Lady Catherine de Bourgh and another gentleman who bore a striking resemblance to Colonel Fitzwilliam. It was not difficult for Elizabeth to deduce that the older man was Mr. Darcy's uncle, the Earl of Matlock. Although it was a moment before the others in the room noticed her presence, Lady Catherine's response was immediate.
“How dare you show your face here!” she cried at the sight of Elizabeth. “You stupid, insolent girl! You have nearly killed Darcy!”
Elizabeth's shoulders squared as she came under the Earl's somber examination. “Is this the one, then?” he asked without taking his eyes off of her.
“Of course it is!” Lady Catherine retorted. “Can you not see her scheming, deceitful nature? It is quite evident.”
“I do not believe you have met my wife's sister, my lord,” Bingley quickly interjected before Lady Catherine could say any more. “May I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. Miss Bennet, this is the Earl of Matlock, Darcy's uncle, and I believe you are already acquainted with his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Not wishing to aggravate the situation, Elizabeth made a concerted effort to display a pleasant expression as she made her curtsey. “Lord Matlock, Lady Catherine. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. Your nephew speaks very highly of you. Have you come to see him?”
Lady Catherine did not wait for her brother to respond. “You know perfectly well why we have come, Miss Bennet; though I do not see that it is any business of yours!”
“Oh, but it is, your ladyship!” All eyes turned to Caroline, whose insincere smile glittered with malice. “I have nothing but praises for Miss Bennet. Did you not know she has taken it upon herself to assist Dr. Lawrence in Mr. Darcy's care? Yes, she has been quite devoted – in his room night and day for two whole days without a single thought of her reputation, or his.”
Lady Catherine fairly sprang from her chair. “You impudent chit! You presume to wait upon my nephew in his sick bed? This is not to be borne! It is evident you have no feelings for the scandal you brought upon our family and continue to do so, but it shall not be tolerated. I forbid it! You have done enough damage. If not for you, Darcy would be in Kent, even now, fulfilling his duty to his family!”
Frowning at Caroline's disclosure, Lord Matlock rose from his seat as well. “Miss Bennet has not breached the bounds of propriety, has she?”
Looking nervously to Elizabeth, Bingley quickly answered. “Well, you see – there are extenuating circumstances that I am not at liberty to disclose at the moment; but Miss Bennet has been – ”
“Thank you for rising to my defense, Mr. Bingley, but I believe his lordship deserves the truth. As soon as I discovered Mr. Darcy's health was in grave danger, I came to Netherfield. I do not deny I have been assisting Dr. Lawrence these past two days. I do not regret it for one moment, and I intend to continue. Say what you will, my lord, but I shall not be dissuaded. I shall not leave Mr. Darcy's side until he himself tells me to do so.”
Lord Matlock eyed her frankness with interest. “Is that so? Am I to be
lieve you have some special interest in my nephew?”
“Of course she does! Do not be deceived by her arts and allurements, brother. She is a scheming fortune hunter, inferior in every way. Darcy has been bewitched by her, but no more! We shall take him away from here, away from her, this instant! Doctor, you will make my nephew ready immediately.”
“No!” Elizabeth cried in sudden alarm. A vision of Darcy's pale countenance flashed in her mind. “You cannot! Mr. Lawrence? Surely it is too soon!”
“Miss Bennet is right,” the doctor nodded. “He cannot be moved yet. It is too dangerous.”
Lady Catherine was unmoved. “Nevertheless, he is leaving. Do what you must to prepare him for the journey back to London, doctor, we are taking him home. I will not have this woman near him another minute. She has done quite enough already!” Lady Catherine glared in Elizabeth's direction. “You are a bane to his existence! A disease to be purged! You shall never see him again if it takes every resource I have!”
“Whatever resources you bring to bear will not be enough to separate us if he does not wish it. Perhaps you have been long accustomed to directing the lives of those around you, but you will not succeed with me, nor do I believe you will succeed with Mr. Darcy.”
Lady Catherine's cane thumped loudly, emphasizing her already heightened hostility. “Selfish, impudent girl! I will not be contradicted!”
“And I shall not be dictated to by anyone so wholly unconnected to me as you!”
“You have no say in the matter!”
“That is quite enough. Darcy will make his own decisions.” Lord Matlock's resolute words to his sister drove her further into her rage.
“It is not enough! Darcy must be made to see where his duty lies! The daughter of Sir Lewis de Bourgh shall not be cast off for a person of inferior birth, a nobody! Elizabeth Bennet must be cut out of his life completely before it is too late!”
Elizabeth's eyes widened with a growing understanding. “It was you! Why did I not see it before? You made it possible for Mr. Wickham to separate me from my family before Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy returned to Hertfordshire.”