Chapter 31
Strangers
It was different when Elizabeth walked into Mr. Darcy’s room the second time.
For one, the physician and his valet were both present.
For another, his eyes found hers as soon as she walked in.
…only to flicker uncertainly to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s who was right behind her.
“Dr. Goodman, Clarence,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said to the other two men. “If you could give us a few moments?”
Once it was just her and the Colonel in the room with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth approached his bedside. Apprehension thrummed through her. Her heart hammered in her chest.
“Fitzwilliam?” Mr. Darcy rasped. He was partly groggy, but still aware.
He was still looking uncertainly at her.
“It is alright, Darce. Rest easy,” the Colonel said, settling into the chair vacated by Dr. Goodman. “Miss Bennet has come to see you.”
Mr. Darcy continued to stare at Elizabeth. And then quickly looked away. She wondered if he was embarrassed, though it was hard to tell with all the bruising on his face.
“Hello, Mr. Darcy,” she said, searching his face. “I hope you are feeling better.”
“Like death warmed over,” Colonel Fitzwilliam quipped from his post.
Mr. Darcy glared at his cousin. And then he looked at her again. This time she knew he was blushing underneath it all.
“Hello, Miss Bennet…” he rasped with difficulty. Then he tried to clear his throat and winced. “Thank you for your… kind wishes.”
They stared at each other.
Elizabeth could feel warmth spreading across her face. But she tried to stay calm on the outside.
“Did you… just arrive?” Mr. Darcy asked.
Elizabeth frowned.
She glanced at Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was watching the two of them like a hawk, but said nothing.
“Yes,” she said. An odd sensation was beginning to sprout within her.
Something was not right.
“Earlier… in the morning," she added.
Mr. Darcy tried to nod, and then winced again, closing his eyes for a moment in exhaustion. “Thank you… for visiting…” It appeared he had fallen asleep.
Elizabeth could feel the familiar prickle behind her eyes and nose.
…but this time, it came at the heels of an awful knowing in her gut. A disconcerting, gathering despair.
Did he not remember?
Surely that could not be true?
“I shall leave you to rest…” Elizabeth whispered, allowing herself one last look of Mr. Darcy's familiar face.
She steeled herself.
Then she dipped a quick curtsey for the Colonel, before quitting the room.