Chapter 20 #2
“I am glad to hear that. And relieved. I know this is not the right moment to discuss it, but I hope to make her acquaintance soon.”
“I hope you will.”
As they talked, she kept glancing at his hand, and the change for the worse was obvious. He took his glass of brandy in his right hand and sipped from it.
“I should have listened to you and sent for the doctor immediately, or better yet, gone to him directly,” he said, frowning.
“Yes, you should have. I believe it would be more comfortable if you placed it on the table…or on something to support it. It would probably stem the blood flow… And we need ice. At the very least it will help with the swelling.”
He immediately obeyed, then attempted a little smile as she rang and asked for the ice.
“It is much better, indeed,” he admitted. “I am grateful for your care, Elizabeth. Truly.”
He paused a moment, then continued with obvious unease, “I hope you know that, while the need for money was my main inducement for a hasty marriage, your fortune was not the only reason I chose you. I remember mentioning that to you many times, even before our engagement. Despite the peculiarity of our arrangement, I have no reason to repine as I am certain I could not have made a better choice of wife.”
He spoke in earnest, and his countenance expressed such sincerity that she could not help but believe him.
“My sentiments are similar, sir. While I had no intention of marrying when my uncle first suggested it to me, I do not regret agreeing. And, while I am often frustrated with your behaviour, which I might call downright infuriating at times, you have also displayed several good traits of character. And you have proved to be a man of your word, which was my main expectation.”
“I appreciate your honesty, Elizabeth, when it does not flatter me.”
He smiled and sipped from his glass again; in doing so, a careless movement of his injured arm caused him to grimace, and Elizabeth noticed the cloth had turned a deep red.
“I should put something over it until the doctor arrives,” Elizabeth suggested, shivering.
“Another piece of fabric, perhaps. And the ice. You will find some neckcloths or handkerchiefs in my closet. But Dr Taylor should be here soon.”
She nodded and went to the closet, opening it.
His clothes — some of them intimate — were neatly ordered and gave Elizabeth nervous thrills and a lump in her throat.
Clumsily, she blindly felt for a white, soft fabric, when the door opened and the valet entered, together with a gentleman of middle years.
“Dr Taylor, please come in. Thank you for calling on such short notice. Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Mrs Elizabeth Darcy.”
“Mrs Darcy, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. Or I should have been if the reason for my visit was different. Still, let me wish you both joy and heartfelt congratulations upon your marriage. That being said, that hand looks troublesome, Mr Darcy. I must examine you immediately.”
“I shall be in my room,” Elizabeth said. “Please let me know the conclusion of your examination.”
“Certainly, ma’am,” the doctor replied, already busy untying the fabric from around the injury.
Elizabeth was once again alone in her chamber, pacing about nervously, yet for different reasons.
Her initial anger and offence were put aside, replaced by genuine concern — and this time with good reason.
On careful examination, things had not changed much — only her state of mind had.
Otherwise, she had still not found out how he had been injured or the identity of the woman who had looked so comfortable in his embrace.
For a fleeting moment only, she wondered about the feeling of being enclosed in his arms; then she prayed that his arm would heal properly — that was truly important.
Her patience was rewarded half an hour later, when she was invited back into Mr Darcy’s chamber. She immediately noticed his makeshift bandage had been changed to a proper one, and he was drinking something he seemed to dislike.
“Mrs Darcy, I shall not deny there are reasons for concern, but I hope not for long,” the doctor said.
“However, I insist Mr Darcy avoids any effort, and he must take three cups of this herbal medicine every day. It is a flesh wound, and nothing vital has been touched, but still it is a rather big gash and there is risk of infection. I shall come and change the bandage every day until I see a real improvement. Here is a draught for fever. If Mr Darcy is warmer than usual, he must immediately take it, and I should be fetched without delay.”
“Very well, sir,” Elizabeth answered.
“I hope I do not need to stay in bed. May I have dinner?” Mr Darcy asked petulantly.
“You may. Just try to rest your arm, even at the table. A good meal would certainly be beneficial, as you have lost some blood, but you must have another cup of this herbal tea tonight. And have the ice at hand — it will help with numbing your pain as well.”
The doctor gave the valet several other instructions, then took his leave.
“I feel better, truly,” Mr Darcy said in answer to Elizabeth’s enquiring gaze. “Marston will help me dress, and I shall meet you at dinner.”
“Are you certain? I may very well order you a dinner tray in your room, so you can rest and not change your clothes twice. I promise you, Papa and Jane will not mind.”
“It would be my pleasure to have dinner with you and your family, Elizabeth,” he concluded, and she reluctantly nodded in acceptance.