Chapter 12 #2
“Oh…I am sorry,” she whispered, touching her flushed cheeks.
Mr Darcy carried her? The thought was so distracting that she put it to the back of her mind until she could properly reflect upon it.
But should she thank him? Should she even mention it, or was it a mere polite gesture he would have done for anyone?
“There…you are all done, Miss Elizabeth. I shall give you some more tea for the fever — I advise you to take it for another day, even if you do not feel the need of it. And you must eat, or else you will weaken further.”
“I shall, sir, as soon as I have seen my sister.”
“Will you not join me to have breakfast with the family?”
“No. Please convey my apologies to them. I shall ask for a tray to be brought up.”
As she hurried to Jane’s room, Elizabeth noticed she still felt pain in her injured leg, and her entire body ached, so she slowed her pace.
In the daylight, she glanced down the long corridor — there were several doors leading off it.
Next to her chamber was Jane’s, then there were two other doors, which she assumed belonged to an apartment on the corner.
On the left were Felton’s and Mr Jones’s rooms.
“Miss Elizabeth? May I help you?”
Janey, the maid designated to assist Jane, and Mrs Nicholls, the housekeeper, were gazing at her with puzzled expressions.
“Oh no, thank you. I was about to see my sister.”
“Miss Elizabeth, the master asked that breakfast be sent to your chamber,” Mrs Nicholls said. “Are there any particular dishes you like or dislike?”
“I thank you and Mr Bingley. Anything you send me would be appreciated. And some tea, please.”
“Of course. Sarah will bring it to you shortly.”
The housekeeper left, while Elizabeth and the maid entered the room. At first glance, Elizabeth panicked seeing Jane still lying down. She sat on the edge of the bed, taking her hand.
“Lizzy! I am so happy to see you!”
“How are you, dearest?”
“I am…I am not sure… I would say I am well, but everything hurts when I move.”
“Can you not sit up? You do not seem to have a fever.”
“Mr Jones insisted I remain lying down. It pains me when I breathe, and he is worried I might have bruised or broken some ribs.”
“Oh…I see… He is right, of course. You must stay still for now. Would you like me to help you eat?”
“Janey has already given me some tea and bread. I am just a little sleepy. Mr Jones said it is due to the medicine he has given me.”
“I see… Then I shall let you rest.”
“And you, Lizzy? You look well, I must grant you that. And Felton? Oh, and please thank Mr Bingley on my behalf. He is so considerate… I cannot believe he insisted on carrying me in his own arms,” Jane mumbled, her words barely audible.
“Mr Jones gave Miss Bennet some medicine this morning,” the maid explained in a low voice. “He said it will soothe her pain but will make her dizzy and sleepy.”
“I shall stay with her,” Elizabeth replied. “You may attend to your other duties, Janey. Or you may rest — you must be tired too.”
“I am not tired, miss. And I have no other duties. The master said I should only take care of Miss Bennet for as long as she is here — nothing else.”
“I see.” Elizabeth smiled, then gently touched her sister’s forehead. Mr Bingley’s attentions towards Jane were admirable and clear proof of his admiration.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, then there was a gentle knock on the door, and Janey hurried to open it.
A servant whispered something to the maid, who then turned to Elizabeth.
“Miss, your presence is requested downstairs. Your father and uncle are here.”
Elizabeth gasped in surprise, then nodded and moved hastily towards the door until the pain reminded her once more that she must slow down.
In the dining room, the table was filled with food, indicating the gentlemen had arrived in the middle of breakfast. Her father and uncle were standing, talking to Mr Jones, while Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley waited a few steps away.
As she entered, all eyes turned to her.
“Lizzy, how are you, my child?” her father asked, embracing her.
“I am reasonably well, Papa. Uncle, I am so happy to see you!” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
“Are you truly well, Lizzy? Mr Jones was just apprising me of the situation, and I shall go and examine Jane and Felton now. I shall return to you in a little while.”
“Do not worry about me, Uncle. I am well.”
“Dr Gardiner, would you not eat something? You must be hungry after leaving London so early,” Mr Bingley offered.
“After I see my patients, sir. Now, please excuse me.”
Dr Gardiner and Mr Jones left; Elizabeth and her father remained there, standing.
“How is Mama? She must be distressed,” Elizabeth asked her father.
“She is…distressed and agitated. I had to fight her to keep her away as she insisted on coming and seeing you girls. Thank goodness my brother Gardiner helped me to convince her. But I suspect she will come tomorrow. I cannot keep her away for too long.”
“Mrs Bennet is welcome to come and visit her daughters at any time, sir,” Mr Bingley declared. “Would you two not sit down and have some breakfast?” They did so, but Elizabeth asked only for a cup of tea and Mr Bennet one of coffee.
“I cannot believe Uncle Gardiner is already here. Thank you for sending for him, Mr Darcy,” she said. “And thank you for all your considerate care, Mr Bingley.”
“Do not mention it, Miss Elizabeth. Our only concern is your and your sister’s well-being. And Felton’s too, of course,” Mr Bingley said.
“You look very well, Miss Eliza,” Miss Bingley said. “I am glad you recovered so quickly. Will you return home today?”
Elizabeth was unsure how to reply, and she glanced at her host.
“What kind of silly question is that, Caroline?” Mr Bingley asked, frowning. “I am sure Miss Elizabeth wishes to stay until her sister is completely recovered too.”
“I would like to take care of Jane,” Elizabeth replied in a low voice. “If you do not mind, of course.”
“I expected nothing less from you, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Bingley answered. “Please consider Netherfield your home for as long as you need.”
“Dr Gardiner will stay a few days too. I am considering allowing him to stay in my apartment, so he can be close to Mr Jones and his patients,” Mr Darcy interjected, and Elizabeth gazed at him, puzzled. Mr Darcy noticed her confusion and explained further.
“My apartment is on the same corridor — the one on the corner.”
“Oh…” Elizabeth whispered, then took a few sips of her tea.