Chapter 6
Elizabeth’s Dilemma
“Ido not know what the matter is with you, Eliza!”
Charlotte sat on the edge of the bed and touched Elizabeth’s forehead. The latter moaned and burrowed under the covers as chills swept through her.
“I do not know…” she said, shivering.
Charlotte tsked and poured a generous cup of sweet tea for her. Then she blew on the steam curling over the rim. “Here, drink this.”
Elizabeth accepted the offering, her freezing fingers eagerly wrapping around the warm porcelain. She sighed.
“Charlotte… I think I am losing my mind.”
She took a sip. Once again, the sugar did its trick almost instantly.
“What nonsense! If I can tolerate Mr. Collins’ quirks and keep my wits, surely you cannot be any worse for wear after only a few days.”
Elizabeth gaped at her friend in surprise.
Then, a startled laugh bubbled out of her.
“I’m afraid, Mrs. Collins, that your husband is not to blame for my lack of wit.”
Charlotte brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Then pray, tell me, what is the matter?” she asked gently.
Her eyes searched Elizabeth's face.
“I am afraid something has befallen you, Eliza, and you do not wish to tell me.”
Tears pricked Elizabeth’s eyes. She tried to blink them away, fixing her gaze on a stray thread on the covers over her knees. Her fingers were beginning to feel cold again, despite the steaming cup in her hands.
“I am afraid you will not believe me.”
Another shudder swept through her as she remembered the sudden appearance and disappearance of a certain apparition. Elizabeth finished the rest of the tea in a single gulp.
Charlotte tsked again, taking the empty cup from her hands.
“You will be surprised at what I think is believable and unbelievable after seven-and-twenty years of life.” She poured more tea into the cup. “Truly, will you not tell me?” She fixed a steady gaze on Elizabeth.
Elizabeth huffed. “I know all your tricks, Charlotte. We have been friends for too long.”
“Then, tell me, does it have something to do with Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth gasped. Charlotte gave her a rueful smile.
“I remember you were telling me something about him, the last time you were like this. Before we were interrupted.” Charlotte added two more heaping spoonfuls of sugar to the fresh cup of tea and stirred it.
Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment.
“You are not wrong. But in this instance, you will have to trust me, Charlotte.” She accepted the offered tea.
“I wish to resolve this matter on my own.”