Chapter Thirty-Six
Hours later, Jane took a seat in the second row of the church with the Hursts and Miss Darcy.
They had been gone for three hours on their walk that morning, and when they returned sometime after eight o’clock, six inches deep in mud, Mrs Bingley was having conniptions, and swept her sister up the stairs with all haste.
The entire household was in an uproar, footmen and maids dashing everywhere, Mr and Mrs Nicholls instructing in the preparations for the wedding breakfast, and the guests and members of the household sneaking into the breakfast parlour to pile plates with a small amount of breakfast, then returning with them to their rooms, where they were out of the way of the very busy household staff.
No one rang their bells that morning except for Lizzy and Mrs Bingley.
Now, all was finally calm. Mr Darcy stood at the altar with Mr Abbot and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The Bingleys and the Bennets, save for Mr Bennet, were all in their pews. All they awaited was the bride and her attendants.
Suddenly the doors opened, and one of the ladies of the parish began to play the church organ.
The congregation stood as Mr Bennet led his brightest daughter to the altar, followed by her sister Mary.
Elizabeth wore an emerald green gown that was very well enhanced by the loan of the embroidered wrap Jane had given Mrs Bingley.
Mrs Bennet wept, as did Lady Matlock and Mrs Bingley.
Jane could not help but weep herself. She was exceedingly relieved that she had been able to help Elizabeth and Darcy find their happiness.
As the happy couple rushed out of the church, Jane felt a familiar pounding behind her eyes. Oh dear, not now. Just a little while longer. Let me see them off.
An hour and a half later, Jane stood in a quiet corner watching Elizabeth and Mr Darcy accept the well wishes of their family and friends.
“Whatever happens with the search for your family, I am sending a carriage for you this summer, wherever you happen to be.” Elizabeth had promised her just a half hour before as they hugged one another tightly. “Our wish will come true, I know it! But still, you will come to us?”
Elizabeth looked at Jane carefully as her friend nodded, and she said, “Oh dear, your poor head is bothering you again, is it not?”
“Only a bit, but Lizzy, I implore you not to make a fuss about me at your wedding breakfast!” Jane begged. “Mrs Nicholls has brought me a headache powder, and I might quietly slip away if necessary, but please promise me you will not fret.”
Elizabeth promised, but Jane could see that she was still watching her closely as the bride conversed with Sir Alastair.
It was obvious that Elizabeth had informed the physician of her worries, for he began watching Jane as well, much to her irritation, which instantly increased her headache.
Jane did not wish for him to view her as an invalid.
She turned away, joined Mrs Bennet and Lady Lucas, and listened to their conversation about the elegance and good taste of Mrs Bingley’s arrangements.
It warmed Jane’s heart to see Mrs Bennet hand over her crown for best hostess in the village to her daughter with pride, without an ounce of resentment.
She felt a rush of fresh affection for the Bennet family and all of their charms and oddities.
She winced suddenly as a spoon clattered loudly nearby when someone dropped it into a serving bowl.
Jane realised the sound probably was not as loud as it seemed, it only disturbed her head so much.
She rose and walked back to the darkened corner.
She had already said her goodbyes to Elizabeth and Mr Darcy.
If she did not feel a bit better in a moment, she would ask a footman to send Daisy up to her with some tea and laudanum, then retire quietly.
“Miss Jane?” Sir Alastair’s brogue interrupted her thoughts. “I beg your pardon, but do you feel quite well?”
It was on the tip of her tongue to send him away and then go to her room with all haste, such was the pain in her head. Before she could even form a response, the pain became intolerable, all went white, and she swooned.
Half an hour later, Jane faded in and out of consciousness as voices spoke in her room. She was aware that she had been changed into a nightgown by Daisy and another maid, and that Sir Alastair had administered a few drops of laudanum to her tongue.
“I assure you, there has been every indication of these megrims improving,” said Mr Jones.
“It is true that she has continued to have frequent headaches. But their frequency and severity were lessening, and she has not had a collapse like this in some days. Perhaps she had too much punch. It is the season to overimbibe.”
“I do not believe that was the case today.” Sir Alastair’s voice came from closer by the bed. “I will still be here tomorrow. I will examine her again when she wakes. I have a friend in London who studies headaches and head injuries. I know that Darcy would ensure his fee.”
“Mr and Mrs Bingley would not hesitate to do so either, and I understand that their household moves to London this week. I shall leave it in your hands then,” Mr Jones said agreeably.
“Beg pardon sirs, Miss Ben–that is–Mrs Darcy – they are to leave in a moment. Mr Darcy wishes to make it to London before it becomes late, and Mrs Darcy wishes to know if Miss Jane is well before she departs.” Jane heard James’s voice, but the laudanum was taking hold of her and she could not summon the urge to speak or open her eyes.
“I shall come downstairs and deliver the report myself.” Sir Alastair then gave instructions to Daisy, and the men left the room, but Jane had already slipped into oblivion.