Unfortunately for the household and Darcy's health, Lady De Bourg stayed in the manor. Whenever she passed by Fitz's bedchamber, whomever was watching him would close the door until she passed. Bingley, of all people, was the one who could see that with every breath that his friend was slipping away. Each breath seemed more hollow than the one before. There was one time when Charles could swear that the breathing stopped completely, thankfully it was just a false alarm and another breath was drawn. Two weeks passed, and thanks be praised; Darcy was still living. There was one time when Darcy was half-asleep when Bingley took his hand.

'Fitzwilliam Darcy, you are beyond the strongest man I have had my forunate to know. You have made it this far and don't you dare quit on us now! Lizzie still needs your strength, Darcy. She is going to have your child, Fitz. Why was it not when we were both bachelors of the ton that we made a gleeful bet as to who would be wed first and bare a child. I won that, hands on. But YOU never back down from a challenge, especially one as rewarding as the blessing of parenthood. Lizzie and this baby aren't the only ones who need you here, I need you here. I need to know that when Catherine leaves me and Jane that I won't be alone, selfish, I know. But...Maybe I just want what is best for you. Is that so hard to understand? I want to see you and Lizzie live on with many years ahead with your child. You have to hang on to Lizzie' Charles declared.

There was a brief pause, suddenly Darcy opened his eyes all the way. Bingley felt a beam come to his face.

'I know, I know' Darcy whispered weakly

'You heard me?' Bingley asked as he laid a hand on Darcy's damped brow, Fitz could only nod

'It's so cold in here' Darcy shivered, Bingley quickly grabbed another blanket off his sitting chair and threw it over him.

The two heard footsteps and saw De Bourg walking up the stairs, Bingley blocked Darcy's view of her and grabbed another soaking cloth and rubbed it against Fitz's cold cheekbone.

'Rest Darcy...just rest' Bingley said soothingly, Darcy finally drifted to sleep

Charles was suddenly struck with an idea, he knew someone who could help Darcy in any scenario. He gave Fitz's hand a final squeeze and left the chamber. Jane was in the drawing room, Catherine was playing with her doll Luciana.

'Georgiana...I have to send for her' Bingley said firmly