Chapter 1.19 #4
It was dark, so very dark that Cassandra could see nothing, not even herself.
And cold…freezing…She wanted to wrap her arms around herself for warmth, but they would not move.
She was trembling from cold as well as fear.
She was alone; she was lost. The hole in which she was trapped was so deep there was no possible escape alone.
She was too small—too powerless. She tried to run, but her feet would not obey, and where could she run?
There was no hope left. She was lost. She could scream, praying someone would help her, but if they came after her, they would punish her for being disobedient.
They always told her a little girl should not ride like that…
yet, any punishment was better than the darkness that surrounded her.
She had never been afraid of darkness, so why was she so frightened now?
And why was her voice so weak? She must cry louder, louder.
If she could only cry loud enough so he could hear her…
he would surely come and save her…David… David…
∞∞∞
A day and night of torment and fears had passed—a time spent in prayers and dim hopes.
Early in the morning before breakfast, Mrs Spencer and Lady Cassandra’s personal doctor arrived at Netherfield.
Though she was relieved to have the second doctor’s assistance and Mrs Spencer’s presence, Elizabeth was deeply concerned that Darcy had not accompanied them.
Mrs Spencer mentioned briefly that Mr Darcy had some last-minute business and most likely would return later.
How could that be? What kind of business could possibly keep him in London when his lifelong friend, as dear to him as a sister, was in grave danger of losing her life?
Even worse for Elizabeth’s peace of mind was the revelation that Mr Gardiner himself had travelled to Town to carry the news of the accident and had remained there to return with Mr Darcy.
She desperately struggled to find a reasonable explanation for such a strange event, but she was exhausted, and her mind refused to provide the answers to so many questions.
There was nothing to do but wait—and spend time at Cassandra’s side, together with Georgiana and Mrs Spencer.
Unfortunately, Cassandra did not awaken, and her state showed little improvement.
As the doctor predicted, she had developed a high fever, and they watched helplessly as her body shivered almost continuously despite the laudanum and their united efforts at cooling her hands, cheeks, and forehead.
Yet, it was encouraging that Cassandra did move and speak although she remained unconscious.
In truth, her movement was a result of the high fever, and the words she muttered were unintelligible.
Nevertheless, it was better than they had feared the previous evening.
Elizabeth remained in the room, lost in her thoughts, watching as her friend struggled and whispered the same name: “David.” Elizabeth could no longer bear it; if Darcy brought the colonel with him when he returned, she would have an honest, forthright talk with the colonel.
“Miss Bennet, if you do not get some rest this instant, I will ask Mr Bingley to see that the servants tie you to your bed,” said Mrs Spencer, entering the room.
“You ate nothing at all! This is not to be borne, and I will surely not accept it! I will not have you ill; I cannot bear to have two ladies suffering.” Her decided voice admitted no resistance, and Elizabeth could only smile back at her.
“You must not fear, Mrs Spencer, I will not become ill. I simply cannot eat anything. As for sleep, it is out of the question for now.”
“Out of the question? Young lady, do you know to whom you are talking? I have asked that a bath and some food be prepared for you in your room, and then you will go and sleep for at least a couple of hours. Only then, if you wish, may you come and take my place while I sleep a little. I will send Georgiana to rest too, and I will not allow any of you to disobey my order. Do I make myself clear?”
Her severity was half in jest, yet she was not joking. Even more, Elizabeth could see the reason and wisdom in Mrs Spencer’s demands. And in truth, she dearly longed for a warm bath.
“Very well, Mrs Spencer. I can see I stand no chance of winning this argument.”
“Indeed you do not. So let us not fight in vain.”
∞∞∞
After half an hour spent in the tub, surrounded by hot water and immersed in her thoughts, Elizabeth felt significantly better; her spirits rose as her body relaxed, and she was certain she would need no sleep at all—only a few moments of rest on the bed.
All would be well; her hopes were stronger than at any time in the last few days.
And Darcy would return soon; she could sense that.
If he were only there, half of her worries would vanish, and the other half would be easier to bear.
She allowed her thoughts to fly to him and her memories to recollect the comfort and safety she felt in his arms. Her mind was still full of him as her exhausted body claimed its long-needed rest. His face was the last thing she “saw” before she fell asleep, and she smiled in her dreams, her heart melting from love and longing.
A few hours later when she opened her eyes, struggling to awaken and understand where she was, Darcy’s face was the first thing she saw.
She certainly was still dreaming, and she closed her eyes, desiring the image to linger.
But his lips gently pressed upon her eyelashes to open them, as his fingers caressed her hair; his scent, more powerful than any essence, and the tenderness of his touch proved to her—again—that no mere dream was as wonderful as the reality of his presence.
He was finally there—and all would be well!