CHAPTER 4 Calling to Take Leave
By half past eight that morning, Darcy and Richard were in the parlor at Hunsford awaiting their hosts. Presently Charlotte Collins walked in and greeted them, explaining that her husband had already left to visit his parishioners.
“We apologise for calling so early,” said Richard, standing and bowing, “but we are departing for London and wished to take our leave.”
“Oh, I see,” said Mrs. Collins, distractedly. “I hope it is not something unpleasant that calls you away. Your aunt did mention that you would be staying for another few weeks.”
Richard looked reprovingly at Darcy for a moment before turning back to her and saying, “Nothing alarming, I assure you. Simply…personal matters.”
“And is Miss Bennet out on one of her walks?” asked Darcy abruptly, wondering if Elizabeth had purposely not come down in order to avoid him. She must hate me that much, he thought to himself.
“Not at all,” said Mrs. Collins. “In fact, my friend is quite ill this morning.”
“Quite ill!” cried Darcy, before he could stop himself.
Mrs. Collins looked curiously at him before saying, “Yes. She went to bed with a fever last night and it is even higher this morning. I have sent for the apothecary and am awaiting him even now.”
“But what about Miss Bennet? She has a fever, you say?”
Charlotte nodded worriedly. “Yes. I have given her some willow bark tea and applied cool compresses to her forehead but, other than that, I know not what else to do. Hopefully, the apothecary will arrive soon.”
Darcy sat in stunned silence while Richard said, “In that case, we shall leave you now. For we would not wish to be underfoot at such a time.”
He stood up, then Darcy stood up as well.
“Please give our best wishes to Miss Bennet,” said Richard.
“Yes, of course, Colonel.”
A few minutes later they were standing outside the parsonage in front of their waiting carriage.
“A pity Miss Bennet is ill,” said Richard, turning towards the carriage. “Perhaps I shall write Anne or our aunt in a few days to ask how she fares.”
“Write our aunt?” asked Darcy distractedly, still standing there and not moving. What if Elizabeth does not get better? he thought to himself. What if I never see her again?
“Darcy?”
He knew, at that moment, that he could not leave. Not yet…not when Elizabeth’s life hung in the balance. Perhaps he was being overly anxious. But even young healthy people had been known to die of fevers. And Darcy could not rest till he knew he had done everything for her.
“I think we had better stay, Richard,” he said finally.
“Better stay! But it was you who wished to leave so precipitously! Insisted upon getting an early start, even.”
“But Miss Bennet is ill! How can we simply leave like this?”
“And what do you think you can do about it, Cousin? Mrs. Collins has already sent for the apothecary. And it seems to me that she has everything well in hand.” It then occurred to Richard that his cousin had developed an interest in Miss Bennet.
Was perhaps even in love with her. It would explain a great deal.
“I can send an express rider for my doctor in London,” continued Darcy. “and he may even be here by late this evening.”
“Yes…of course,” said Richard, his suspicion now confirmed. “Let us return to Rosings and you can send an express.” Richard decided to discuss the matter with Anne.
“But allow me just another moment, Cousin,” said Darcy.
With that, he turned back to the parsonage and re-entered it without even waiting for a servant to let him in.
When Darcy reached the small entryway, he saw that Mrs. Collins was still there, but now conferring with a servant.
“Mr. Darcy.”
“Mrs. Collins. After having heard you describe Miss Bennet’s illness, I have decided to remain and send for my doctor in London; and I…simply wished to know if this would meet with your approval.”
Charlotte blinked, then eventually nodded. “Yes, Mr. Darcy. I wholly approve of your plan. For I begin to think that Elizabeth may be even more ill than I had originally thought her to be.”
“More ill! In what way?”
“I believe she is delirious, Mr. Darcy,” said Charlotte, wringing her hands. “She speaks but is incoherent. And I was beginning to think that a mere village apothecary may not be up to the task of caring for her.”
Darcy tamped down his feeling of panic and forced himself to think. “Yes, I shall send for the doctor immediately. And if you think her family should also be made aware, I would be happy to send an express to Longbourn as well.”
“That is very generous of you, Mr. Darcy. But…perhaps you might send for Jane instead. She is in London, you see, and is a bit of an expert on healing and medicinal herbs. And I am certain that Elizabeth would be comforted to have her sister by her side.”
“Yes, of course. I shall send my carriage for Miss Bennet. Pray, give me her direction in London and everything will be done immediately.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. It eases my mind greatly to know that everything is being done for Elizabeth.”
“It eases my mind as well,” muttered Darcy, though his mind was far from eased.
He bowed and took his leave, then entered the carriage after directing his coachman back to Rosings.
Once there, he left a confused looking Richard in the vestibule and went upstairs to write his letters. One would go to his physician in London. And the other - he decided - would go to Charles Bingley.
That afternoon, Darcy sat in his room, unable to think of anything more to do. He second guessed himself at every turn and wondered if he should just have sent his carriage for Jane instead of writing Bingley to ask him to bring her.
He considered the letter he sent to Bingley. He did not mince words as there was no time for that.
Rosings, Kent
Dear Bingley,
I am writing to ask a very big favour of you - namely, that you bring Miss Jane Bennet to Rosings.
Her sister Elizabeth, who is visiting Mrs. Collins at the Hunsford Parsonage, is ill and is in need of Miss Bennet’s company and assistance.
Furthermore, I regret to say that I was wrong when I told you she did not love you - she did.
I am enclosing her direction in London and shall explain everything when you get here.
Your obliged and grateful friend,
F. Darcy
Thankfully he knew for a fact that Bingley was in London as Miss Bingley had called on his sister not long ago and mentioned that he had arrived from Scarborough the week before.
And, assuming that Bingley was still in love with her, it made sense that he would wish to accompany Miss Bennet on a journey that would be both long and taxing.
Furthermore, sending an express rider to Bingley would be faster than sending a carriage for Jane.
Both riders had left even before nine that morning and, assuming they arrived in London within five hours (provided fresh horses could be obtained at every post) then there was a chance that the doctor, or Jane and Bingley, could be there by later this evening.
Lady Catherine had been surprised by his decision to stay but was thankfully so happy about it that she did not question him. And neither did Anne.
Eventually, as the sky began to darken, Darcy could take no more of it and decided to call at the parsonage again. He left his rooms without even bringing his hat, so anxious was he for an update on Elizabeth.
“Mr. Darcy,” said Charlotte Collins, who was sitting in the parlour when he was announced, “are you here to inquire after Elizabeth?”
“I am,” he answered without preamble. “How is she?”
“Not good, I am afraid. Her fever is still as high - or even higher - than it was before. And she remains incoherent. Although…”
“Yes, what is it, Mrs. Collins?”
Charlotte studied Darcy for a moment and wondered if he was in love with Elizabeth.
She had always thought him to be, even back in Hertfordshire.
And his behaviour, now, seemed to confirm this.
Moreover, Elizabeth’s repeatedly calling out his name made her think that there was, perhaps, an understanding between them.
“I have heard her mention your name…on occasion,” she finally said. “And I do not know what to make of it.”
“She mentioned my name?”
“Yes, but nothing coherent, I am afraid.”
“May I see her?”
Charlotte was surprised but not altogether displeased. It would be the height of impropriety to allow him into Elizabeth’s room, especially when she was so ill, even if they were chaperoned. But still…
“It would not be proper, sir…” she said eventually.
“Of course…yes, I understand.”
“And yet…”
“Yes, Mrs. Collins? What is it?”
“And yet,” said Charlotte, “I would not deprive Elizabeth of any comfort, if it is at all possible to give it to her.”
“Are you certain?” asked Darcy, recalling the anger on Elizabeth’s face the day before.
True, she had mentioned his name but…what if it was more of a nightmare than a dream that involved him?
Still, he could at least see her and, if she seemed unhappy with his presence in any way, he would not hesitate to leave.
With that settled in his mind, Darcy said, “Pray, take me to her,” then allowed Mrs. Collins to lead him up the stairs.
Elizabeth was asleep when he walked into the room. But, as Mrs. Collins had described, it was a restless sleep. For, every few seconds, she turned her head and mumbled something incoherent.
“Has the apothecary seen her?” asked Darcy.
“He has and, other than recommending bone broth and willow bark tea, had no particular advice to give.”
Darcy frowned and took a tentative step forward into the room.
Not wishing to tower over Elizabeth, he perched on the chair beside her bed.
She looked so pale and, if it could be believed, her cheeks seemed more hollow than they did only yesterday.
He did not wish to distress her but, if he could be of some help, he wished to try.
“Miss Bennet,” he said softly. “Elizabeth.” He knew that Mrs. Collins stood just behind him but did not care. He took her hand and continued, “You shall be well, Elizabeth. My doctor is coming from London to see you. And you shall be well.”
She had been moving her head restlessly back and forth but, at the sound of his voice, she stilled somewhat. Nevertheless, her breathing remained laboured.
“Only get well, now, Elizabeth,” he continued gently, “and think of nothing else.”
He turned around and looked at Mrs. Collins who nodded in approval.
“It seems that your voice has calmed her somewhat,” she said.
“I hope so,” he murmured.
“I should probably not have let you see her,” said Charlotte.
“Do you regret it, then?”
“No, not at all. I believe you were of some help to her and…you may visit again anytime you wish to.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. I shall not abuse your hospitality.”
Charlotte nodded somberly, then changed the subject by saying, “When do you think the doctor will arrive?"
“It is difficult to say. I was hoping it would be this evening. Do you think it will be too late for him to call?”
“No, not at all. Considering Elizabeth’s condition, the doctor may come at any time. And, as I said before, you may come as well.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. I shall see you soon.”