Chapter Nine #2
Reaching for his cane, Mr. Bennet slowly pushed up from his chair.
While it appeared he had not lost any more weight, he was yet very weak.
Elizabeth surmised there must be quite a bit of swelling in his feet and ankles since he could do little more than shuffle his steps when he walked.
Moreover, his breathing was shallow and sounded a bit laboured.
It bothered her to see him in this condition as she cautiously followed him into the study.
“Papa,” Elizabeth asked with concern, “did Uncle Gardiner write to you about Mr. Mitchell, the physician from Town whom Uncle Peter recommended?”
“Yes, he did. In fact, the doctor was very prompt in corresponding with me about my concerns. Apparently, the good doctor has worked with others who have had similar issues, and at your uncle’s request did send one of his specially formulated tinctures for me to take in addition to what Mr. Jones has prescribed.
Not to mention he sent a whole list of dietary recommendations. ”
“That sounds encouraging. Please, Papa, may I read his letter?”
Mr. Bennet rummaged through some papers on the side of his desk and handed the correspondence to Elizabeth who eagerly began reading.
“Papa, Mr. Mitchell seems very knowledgeable and has made several suggestions which may not only help with your heart, but should also help with your gout. Have you shared this information with Hill?”
“No, not yet, though I suppose it cannot be avoided. Frankly, I do not relish the thought of giving up my daily routine of port in the evening or wine with my meals, something Mr. Jones and I have previously discussed. As you can see, Mitchell suggests substituting tart cherry juice. Diluted or not, it will hardly be a good replacement.”
“What about the barley water?”
“Elizabeth, I have not had barley water since I was a child in leading strings, and I am not about to start now.” He guffawed. “Why, if I was to ingest barley water mixed with vinegar or baking soda as Mitchell suggests, I might cast up whatever was in my stomach on the spot.”
“It might not be so bad in small doses. You could also eat more fish as he favours, instead of your usual meat and potatoes.”
“I suppose, but I am definitely opposed to giving up all of cook’s sweets. Can you imagine a piece of toast without her delicious marmalade?”
“Oh, Papa, if there is a chance that any of these changes might help you improve, you must try. I implore you. I can hear how affected your breathing is, and I saw with my own eyes how difficult it was for you to walk just moments ago. Your gout appears to be far worse than before the onset of your heart problems.”
“You need not remind me.”
“I see he also recommended castor oil. Have you tried it yet? It is a simple enough remedy.”
“No, I have not!” he adamantly declared. “Vile stuff.”
“But, Papa, he is not suggesting you drink it. Mr. Mitchell insists that when the oil is applied regularly to your feet and ankles by compress you are certain to be in less pain. Not to mention he says it would be good for you to get out of the house and get some fresh air. Surely it will be much easier for you to do so if you can walk with less discomfort.”
“Yes, yes, I am aware of all of that. Elizabeth, I am not a child who needs to be lectured!” He grabbed the letter from Elizabeth’s hand and tossed it back on his desk. “I suspect your Uncle Gardiner is behind most of these recommendations, since he knows my personal habits only too well.”
Elizabeth remained firm as she continued.
“Papa, I mean no disrespect, but I believe we should try. Please give me back the letter. I shall be happy to speak with Hill about some of these suggestions. We could start slowly. After all, the doctor comes highly recommended by Aunt Gardiner’s brother, and Mr. Darcy has said that Mr. Mitchell is one of the most sought-after physicians in all of London. ”
“Mr. Darcy?” Mr. Bennet raised a brow, studying Elizabeth over the rim of his glasses as he picked up the letter and handed it back to her. “Is he not the man in question where you are concerned?”
“Yes, Papa.” She nervously bit her lip and blushed knowing how much she would have to relate concerning the gentleman as well as her interaction with Lady Catherine. “It is he.”
“Hmm…. I have read your uncle’s account, but I should like to hear it from you, Elizabeth. Let us ring for tea, and then you can tell me how you came to find yourself in such a predicament.”
While father and daughter spent the next hour in conversation, Elizabeth related how her first impressions of William were not favourable but had improved as they continued to meet.
Prodding her for more information, Mr. Bennet quickly surmised that his favourite daughter had come to esteem the young man during the short time of their acquaintance.
Elizabeth told her father she had expected him to ask for a courtship, that is, until he was offended by the foibles of her mother, Eliza, and Lydia at the ball.
She then went on to explain what transpired with Lady Catherine.
“Papa, it is all very frustrating, and until Uncle sorts it out with Mr. Darcy, frankly I do not know what to expect.”
Mr. Bennet sighed. “Elizabeth, I am sorry that you are made to suffer in this manner. I fear much of this is my fault. With the reality of my illness taking over, I have had much to think on these past few months. Over the years I should have done more for our family. ‘Tis a pity I never followed your uncle’s advice in that regard and invested for all of you when I was younger and had the chance. Moreover, I have come to realise that I never should have indulged your mother or encouraged her silliness for my own amusement. I should have been more responsible and addressed her concerns as any honourable husband would have.”
“Papa….” Elizabeth had much love for her father, and though she would never chide him about his lack of responsibility, she knew that he should have taken better care. Reaching for his hand she said, “I understand your frustration. Still, it will not do to dwell on the past.”
“Your sentiments are appreciated, my dear, but for now I must remain accountable for my actions. Once this business with Mr. Darcy is settled, I suppose my guilt will pass soon enough. You say Edward was to meet with Lady Catherine de Bourgh this afternoon?”
“Yes, but he assured me he would not proceed with any arrangements on my behalf unless he had a direct communication from Mr. Darcy or spoke with him in person. He is yet hopeful that Mr. Darcy will do the honourable thing and marry me.”
“And what about you, Elizabeth? Do you wish to marry the man?”
“If it would save our reputations, why of course.”
He studied her for a moment before responding. “You may say that, but somehow, I sense there is something you have not told me.”
“Oh, Papa. At the ball Eliza overheard Mr. Darcy telling his aunt, the countess of Matlock, that meeting my relations had given him pause and that his sense of obligation demanded he walk away and forget he ever met me. How can I, in good conscience, be happy about being forced to marry a man who feels thusly?”
“Ah, now I understand your hesitation. ‘Tis not the most desirable way to begin a marriage, is it?”
“No, Papa, it is not. Jane and I had always wanted to marry for love, and when we resolved to seek marriages of convenience for the sake of our family, I assumed I would at least marry a man whom I could esteem and one who would regard me in the same light.”
Mr. Bennet held out his hand to his daughter. “I am so sorry, Lizzy. Would there was something I could do to remedy this situation. Hopefully we will have some communication from your uncle which will shed a more definitive light on how we are to proceed.”
“I hope so, too, Papa.”
“Thank you for telling me all of this, my dear. It has not been easy, has it?”
“No, Papa. I admit it has not, but I am trying to rally as best I can.”
“Good, very good, my dear.” Bennet nodded momentarily closing his eyes and appearing quite weary.
“Lizzy, I believe I would like to rest here for a while. You should go on and change out of your traveling clothes and do the same. If you wish to speak more of this later on, do not hesitate to seek me out.”
“Yes, Papa.” Elizabeth rose and kissed her father on the forehead. “Can I get you anything before I go up to my room?”
“No, my dear, for now I am fine. I shall see all of you at dinner.”
Two Days Later
Bennet’s Study
“Papa,” Elizabeth said as she tapped lightly on the door. “May I come in? Hill said you wanted to see me.”
“Yes, my dear, come ahead.” After she entered he continued, “Ah, it looks like your foot is better today. Why, your limp is barely noticeable.” He raised a questioning brow. “Hill tells me I am not the only one to be using the castor oil compresses.”
Elizabeth smiled warmly. “Yes, Papa, the castor oil has greatly helped. My ankle is far better, thank you. I have been getting some exercise in the garden and hope to be able to walk to Oakham Mount by Friday.”
“I am glad to hear it. Please, my dear, do sit down. I have received an express from Mr. Darcy this afternoon. It is lengthier than the one your uncle forwarded to me after his meeting with Lady Catherine.”
“Please, may I see it?”
“Of course; here you go, my dear.”
Elizabeth eagerly took the letter in hand and began reading.
Mr. Bennet: