Chapter 1.21 #3
“Well…what can I say? I am very displeased that my patient, after such a miraculous recovery, was not treated with more care. From what I can see, there is no physical damage, but the shock she suffered makes me wonder at the circumstances behind this. If I had found a girl on the street in such a state, I would assume she had been abused in the worst manner possible. But for something like this to happen to her in her own room…”
Lady Matlock assured him that she would explain in detail all he needed to know, but she asked for a full report on all that must be done for her niece.
“For the moment she is under the effect of the medications I gave her. I hope she will sleep until tomorrow morning and then be fine. I can say no more. As long as I do not know what to heal, I am as helpless as you are, Lady Matlock. I would suggest that someone be with her constantly, even during the night.”
“Of course,” offered Elizabeth. “I shall see to that. We shall not leave her alone for a moment.”
“Well then, Miss Elizabeth, would you be so kind as to have someone supervise my other patient as well? Molly will need someone to change her bandages at least once during the night, and you must make sure she gets plenty of rest until she is fully recovered. I shall return in the morning, but please do not hesitate to fetch me for any necessity.”
“I shall, sir. Thank you.”
The afternoon passed in anxious waiting, but no change occurred. Elizabeth and Lady Matlock did not stir from Georgiana’s room, hoping for any sign of improvement, but their hopes were not gratified.
Elizabeth checked a few times on Molly, and at least on that account she could be pleased.
The injuries were painful but not at all severe, and the young maid was almost ashamed by all the attention bestowed upon her.
She even pretended that she was well enough to return to work, but Elizabeth silenced her with an admonishment, ordering her to rest at least a week and not to leave her bed until the doctor agreed.
∞∞∞
Returning from Molly’s room, Elizabeth’s heart pounded at hearing voices in the library and recognising, beyond any doubt, that of Mr Darcy.
She forgot about proper manners and ran to meet him, opening the heavy door with the anticipation of finding comfort and help from him; however, she froze, frowning and not daring to go further at the image of Mr Darcy’s anger overflowing on Mrs Hamilton and Miles.
“I want someone to explain to me, very clearly, how this was possible? Is this house open to the public? Is anyone allowed to enter at any time? A few days ago, Caroline Bingley barged in on me in the library. Now, my aunt was allowed to move through the entire house and into my sister’s room without restraint.
Why do I keep thirty servants in this house—only to waste my money? ”
No answer came, and he continued, growing more furious. “Mrs Hamilton, did I not give specific orders that no visitors be allowed to see Georgiana except those approved by me?”
“You did, sir.”
“And did I revoke that order?”
“No, sir.”
“Well, I am pleased to see that at least you heard me, even if you did not obey me. And how did my aunt obtain the information that Miss Elizabeth was in the house? Why was she given such details rather than a brief announcement that I was not in town and would return the next day?”
“Sir,” interrupted Miles, “the doorman informed her ladyship, but he could not imagine that—”
“Imagine? Miles, what are you speaking of? Was it his duty to imagine things? And what of you, Miles? What important business kept you from interfering and settling the situation? “
Elizabeth could bear no more. “Mr Darcy, please believe me that Miles, Mrs Hamilton, and John are not to blame. Lady Catherine would not have listened to them.”
“Ah, Miss Elizabeth! It is good that you are here.”
He approached her and took her hand gently, but his tone was not a bit calmer. “Mrs Hamilton, did anyone ask Miss Elizabeth’s permission before allowing Lady Catherine into Georgiana’s room?”
“No, sir.”
“Mr Darcy, even if they had asked me, I would have had no reason to forbid your aunt to visit her niece. I never would have imagined that Lady Catherine could—”
“Perhaps. But even so, why did you agree to have that kind of conversation with her? Why did you not ask her to leave and return when I was at home? What could she possibly have said to put Georgiana into a state of shock that required her doctor’s intervention?”
At this point, Lady Matlock’s calm but determined voice interrupted him as the lady entered with elegant grace.
“Darcy, why on earth are you yelling like that? Keep your voice down! Did you inherit that remarkable quality from your uncle and Lady Catherine? Do not blame your staff! You know as well as I do that Catherine cannot easily be stopped. Calm yourself and ask for a bath; you look awful.”
His anger, heightened by fatigue and profound worry, was not easily released; his aunt’s words did not have the desired effect.
“Lady Ellen, please do not interfere in this. I am in no mood to be censured—not even by you.”
Lady Matlock slowly took a few steps closer, looking at him thoughtfully before speaking with the same imperturbable elegance.
“You may be in no mood, but you are in great need of being censured. And do not raise your voice to me, young man; I slapped Robert for far less a few days ago, and you must know that I have always treated you as my son.”
He looked at her disconcerted, then glanced from Elizabeth to Mrs Hamilton to Miles and back to his aunt while he felt as embarrassed as would a small boy. He had not the smallest doubt that she, indeed, would do as she declared if necessary.
“Lady Ellen, you must agree with me that this situation could have been avoided. Miles and Mrs Hamilton have been in my family’s employ for more than fifteen years, and they know my aunt only too well.
They disobeyed my orders. Miss Elizabeth did not handle the situation well enough either, but I cannot blame her as she was inexperienced in this matter. ”
It was Elizabeth’s turn to cast him a stern, wondering glare, pulling her hand from his. He turned to her, his voice calmer, smiling at her with a superior, conceited understanding.
“Do not be upset, my dear; I know you had the best intentions. However, you must learn that being kind, generous, and attentive are not always enough to be a good mistress. There are moments when you must show toughness, and severity; and you certainly must learn how to have your staff obey your wishes.”
Elizabeth continued to stare at him, her eyes like flint.
“Thank you, Mr Darcy, for pointing out my deficiencies so clearly. I shall keep your meaningful words in mind. Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to Georgiana; she might need me.”
She proceeded from the room without a backwards glance.
Lady Matlock inclined her head, vastly amused.
“Well, Darcy, she just slapped you—harder and more painfully than I would have done! Oh, for God’s sake, nephew, try to discern the particulars before making a complete fool of yourself. Mrs Hamilton and Miles might help you on that score.”
∞∞∞
Half an hour later, Mr Darcy entered Georgiana’s room, barely daring to lift his eyes to Elizabeth. She was sitting on the bed, holding Georgiana’s hand in hers and caressing it gently while the girl was lost in sleep. On the other side of the bed, Lady Matlock was caressing her niece’s hair.
Darcy was torn between the pain of seeing his sister in such a state and the shameful mortification for his unjust words to Elizabeth.
He knelt near the bed and tentatively took hold of the joined hands of the women he loved most. Elizabeth did not look at him or move her hand in his—nor did she pull her hand away.
Minutes later, Georgiana’s sleep became agitated, and senseless whispers escaped her dry lips.
Darcy moved towards her and called her name until she opened her eyes and, with obvious effort, searched the room to understand who was there.
Her brother’s presence seemed to calm her, and she turned from Elizabeth to her aunt.
She forced herself to smile shyly at them.
“I am so sorry! I gave you so much trouble again. Please forgive me.”
“Well, my dear,” answered her aunt, “indeed you gave us much trouble. Can you imagine that, because of you, I am still wearing the same clothes as I was this morning? I do not think that has ever happened before.”
Instead of raising her spirits, the teasing comment seemed to release a dam in Georgiana. She turned to her brother and began to cry. “William, it was all my fault… If not for me, Mother would still be alive. It was I who took Mother from you.”
Before Darcy’s surprise allowed him to answer, Lady Matlock’s severe voice startled them all.
“Georgiana, do not say that any more. It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.”
“It is the truth! Aunt Catherine told me. She said that Father…that my mother should not have had me…”
“Georgiana, stop that nonsense this instant! Your words would make your mother suffer more than anything else!”
Lady Matlock turned her back to them, fighting her own tears as Georgiana sobbed. When she regained her composure, she gave her niece a strange look and then addressed her nephew.
“Darcy, please leave. I must speak to Georgiana privately.”
He hesitated only a moment before obeying, his aunt’s intense stare worrying him even more. “Aunt—”
“Darcy, please; you cannot be part of this talk. It is not for you.” Lady Matlock’s gravity left Darcy with no argument; he left the room reluctantly, followed closely by Elizabeth, who assumed the demand to leave included her too.
“Elizabeth, you may stay if you wish. Your company would be most welcome. It will be a talk between the ladies of this family.” Elizabeth glanced quickly at Mr Darcy and then returned to his aunt, thanking her, deeply grateful for being invited to share in their private conversation.