Chapter 9
Colonel Fitzwilliam overtook Lizzy in the hall as she was returning to the Master's chambers.
"I hope you will forgive me for disobeying orders and abandoning my post at Darcy's side. I was afraid I'd receive a lecture when I arrived in the drawing room."
"I'm afraid I barely noticed. I trust you did not leave Mr. Darcy alone."
"I am not so unreliable as that. Georgiana wished to spend a few moments alone with her brother, and I thought it a reasonable request."
"Of course. Do you suppose that we should not return to them yet?"
"I think she has had long enough."
"I do hope that she has not kept him from resting; I know he is exhausted."
"I would not worry. Georgiana will take good care of her brother."
The two stepped into the room to find that both of the Darcy's had fallen asleep; Mr. Darcy was resting comfortably in his bed while Miss Darcy had fallen asleep in the bedside chair with a book open upon her lap.
"Poor Georgiana!" Colonel Fitzwilliam exclaimed, "She so wants to nurse her brother, but she is truly still quite ill." In a single motion the Colonel scooped up his young cousin as though she were a small child and carried her off to bed.
Lizzy, having verified that Mr. Darcy was resting peacefully and in need of nothing, rang for a servant to bring her some writing supplies so that she might send letters to her friends and family while her husband rested. However, before the supplies arrived, another servant came to the door announcing that there was a visitor insistent on seeing her.
"Do you have his name?"
"I'm afraid I did not learn it. I only know he was turned away, but then Lord Matlock insisted he be allowed in to see you."
"I will go down to see him then. Would you wait here with Mr. Darcy? I do not wish to leave him unattended."
"As you wish, mistress."
Elizabeth sighed as she walked away, feeling uncertain about the new responsibilities she had undertaken as mistress of this home and wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Thankfully, so far all those around her seemed to have faith in her ability to perform her duties.
When she arrived at the bottom of the stairs, though, Lizzy forgot all thoughts of duty; her Uncle Gardiner stood before and she rushed to him with an enthusiastic greeting.
"Oh Uncle! I am so glad to see you."
"This is my third attempt to visit. Thankfully, Lord Matlock championed my cause this time and convinced the servants to allow me an audience with you."
"Oh dear, I suppose I shall have to speak to them and tell them to add you and Aunt Gardiner to the list of people admitted."
"You speak as though you have authority to command the servants."
"I suppose that I have."
"What do you mean, niece?"
"Only that I am the mistress of this house now, however ill prepared I may be for the position."
"Your father mentioned such a possibility, but I hardly expected it to be so soon. May I assume then that you are well and Mr. Darcy is recovered." Lizzy shook her head and explained to her Uncle Mr. Darcy's current conditions and the doctor's prognosis.
"Perhaps these shall help," Mr. Gardiner handed Lizzy the package he had brought.
"What are they?"
"Ginger and honey candies. Your aunt insisted on sending them, they help soothe a cough and settle your stomach."
"Perfect, Uncle."
"I hope they do help. If there is any other way we can help, please let us know. I wish we could have been here to see you become Mrs. Darcy."
"I wish you could have been as well, but as everything happened so quickly there simply wasn't time."
"Is it possible I could meet your young man now?"
"He is sleeping now. I would be happy to introduce you soon. Perhaps you might call again tomorrow morning." Mr. Gardiner gave her assurances that he would, then he gently squeezed Lizzy's hands.
The two continued to speak for several minutes more, but Mr. Gardiner sensed that his niece wished to return to her new husband; thus, he bade her farewell much sooner than he might otherwise have done.
After Mr. Gardiner left, Lizzy spoke with the butler about who was allowed entry during Mr. Darcy's illness.
"Miss Darcy said that family was allowed but no else."
"I can understand her reasoning perfectly; nevertheless, my family members ought now to be included."
"Of course, Mistress."
"Also, my uncle mentioned having made multiple visits to the house. If anyone else comes to call repeatedly I would appreciate being informed so that I might make a decision on whether or not to allow their presence."
"Certainly. I suppose I should tell you now that Mr. Bingley has come to call nearly everyday since Mr. Darcy became ill."
"Has he stated a purpose for his visits?"
"He has not?"
"Since he is Mr. Darcy's very close friend, please let me know when he next visits. When my husband wakes, I shall ask if he would like Mr. Bingley to visit him." The butler nodded his understanding and agreed to give the new directions to all the pertinent staff. Lizzy thanked him and returned once again to her husband's side.
The new Mrs. Darcy quietly sat and wrote letters for most of the evening –breaking only for a short repast, though she was troubled by her husband's labored breathing. The gentleman slept for quite some time; though his rest was punctuated by groans and fits of coughs, he did not wake.
When it came time to retire, Lizzy opened the door and ventured in to the mistress' chambers for the first time. Betty, who had already arranged Elizabeth's belongings in her new room, helped Elizabeth change into a nightgown. Once her hair was braided, Lizzy returned to her husband's room. She knew she wished to remain close enough to Mr. Darcy that she could tend him through the night, so she decided to climb in bed beside him. After a time of quite reflection, Mrs. Darcy entered the land of dreams.
Sometime around midnight Darcy awoke, having dreamt –or so he thought- the most peculiar dream. He felt something warm pressed against him, and a light floral scent drifted to him. The realization hit him There is a woman in my bed. As his eyes adjusted to the faint light he knew exactly who it was, but he could scarcely account for her being there.
"Miss Bennet!" Lizzy lifted her head up to look at her husband, "Why are you in my bed?"
"Oh dear, sir. It seems your memory fails you somewhat. I am not Miss Bennet."
"I could not forget you."
"I should hope not, but I am not Miss Bennet. I am Mrs. Darcy. I hope you do not regret your marriage vows so soon."
"I thought –I thought it was a dream."
"It was rather surreal, and you are rather ill, so I shall grant you some reprieve. Does my presence in your bed disturb you? You were already asleep so I could not ask, and I wanted to stay close."
"I want you here." Darcy reached out his arm to draw Lizzy closer.
"Since you are awake, would you like some broth?" Darcy nodded.
"I shall have some sent up straightaway and some tea as well."
After ringing for a servant for the broth and tea, Elizabeth opened the package from her uncle and handed Darcy a piece of candy.
"What is this?"
"Ginger candy. My Uncle Gardiner brought them to us. It's supposed to help with the cough." Darcy put the candy in his mouth. "My uncle is hoping to meet you. Would you mind having him come to visit tomorrow." Darcy grimaced and Lizzy returned a stern look.
"I will meet him."
"Oh, and apparently Mr. Bingley has been trying to come see you nearly everyday. Would you wish for him to be able to visit?"
"I would."
"Is there anyone else who might visit that I should allow in?" Darcy shook his head.
By this time the broth had arrived, and Elizabeth held the bowl and began to feed her husband. At first Darcy was surprised, but he quickly decided he liked having Lizzy care for him, so he offered a grateful smile. When she saw the smile, she thought to herself that Mr. Darcy was even more handsome when he smiled, but she could also see in his eyes the great pain with which he suffered.
Darcy could not stomach more than a few spoonfuls of broth, and when he had had all he could tolerate he reached up and stilled Elizabeth's hand with his own.
"Hopefully, you will be able to handle more in the morning." Darcy nodded, and Elizabeth observed him closely, "It hurts to breathe, does it not?"
"It burns."
"There is a salve Mr. Stinson has been putting on your back and chest to help with the breathing. I could ring for him to apply more." Lizzy paused and gulped, "Or if you prefer, since we are married now, I could apply it so we would not need to bother him at this hour." Lizzy felt somewhat mortified at the suggestion although she knew it was not improper. Darcy found her obvious blush most becoming.
"If you do not mind?"
Elizabeth felt incredibly awkward as Darcy helped her to raise his shirt so that she could apply the cream. Her embarrassment was somewhat relieved when she saw that Mr. Darcy's cheeks were also flushed.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, sir? Or are you ready to sleep more?"
"Lie close to me?" Elizabeth snuggled close to Mr. Darcy and was surprised at how comforting it was to lie with his arm wrapped around her.
Sometime later, in the wee small hours of the morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam came to check on Darcy to see if he was needed to sit up with his cousin. When he stepped inside and saw Mrs. Darcy sleeping soundly in her husband's embrace he quietly walked away, smiling to himself. The Colonel was absolutely convinced that his cousin could not be in better hands.
Because of Mr. Darcy's cough and labored breathing, the night was not particularly restful for that gentleman or his new wife, and as a result both slept quite late into the morning. Lizzy was surprised to find when she awoke that a breakfast tray had already been sent up for her, with a bowl of broth for Darcy. She contentedly nibbled on a sweet roll and drank a cup of tea before her husband also woke.
"My love?"
"Yes, sir? Would you like some broth."
"Not particularly."
"Well, sir, unless you feel ready for a more substantial repast, I will insist on serving it to you anyway." Darcy pretended offense, but was secretly pleased with his wife's insistence.
"I suppose, sir, that you are not used to being commanded, but here you are at my mercy."
"Indeed."
As Lizzy fed Darcy, she noted how chapped his lips had become. "When we have dry lips, Mama tells us to put butter on them to stop the peeling skin."
"Oh?"
"Would you like butter for your lips? There is some on this breakfast tray."
"If you put it on them." Lizzy thought she saw a twinkle in Darcy's eyes, and willingly surrendered to his request.
As she rubbed the butter on Darcy's lips, he nibbled at her fingers. Lizzy giggled. Unfortunately, the chamber door was opened, though the would be visitor took only a few steps into the room before he turned and fled.
A few moments later, the two heard loud guffaws from the hallway.
"Who?"
"Lord Mallory, I believe. Now he shall have even more reason to believe me unsuitable and not a proper lady."
"Nonsense!"
"I suppose I ought to go and change into a morning gown."
"I'd rather you stay here." Darcy had a wistful look as he spoke.
"I promise to return swiftly, sir."
"Fitzwilliam."
"You wish me to call for your cousin?"
"I wish you to call me Fitzwilliam."
"I will return soon, Fitzwilliam." Then Elizabeth placed a kiss on Darcy's forehead and departed.
After Betty helped Elizabeth to dress, she was sent downstairs to inform Darcy's cousins that they might now visit. It was not too long before Colonel Fitzwilliam entered the room.
"I am truly sorry for my brother's intrusion this morning. I warned him he should not enter so without a welcome; however, I must say I was thoroughly entertained by the look of complete mortification he wore when he exited your room. I will not ask what he witnessed, though I cannot imagine it was too risque given the state of your health." The Colonel began to laugh when he saw the newlywed's embarrassment.
"Is your brother still here?"
"No, he left almost immediately."
"By any chance," Elizabeth asked in order to change the topic of discussion, "do you know who was responsible for my lovely breakfast this morning?"
"I believe you have Mrs. Thompson to thank, though I do not know for certain. She returned this morning. I know she wishes to meet with you whenever you can spare her some time."
"I would be pleased to do so. I am certain I will be relying on her a great deal."
"I believe that you will quickly earn her approbation, and she yours."
"I hope that you are correct."
"He is," Mr. Darcy affirmed.
"Well, then, why do I not go and meet Mrs. Thompson, and leave your cousin to entertain you for awhile." Darcy raised her hand to his lips before he allowed her to remove her hand from his.
Mrs. Thompson was a one of those people whose age was indiscernible; her hair was white as snow, but her face still carried the glow of youth. Lizzy quickly discovered that the housekeeper was mixture of fastidious manner and maternal caring.
"Mrs. Darcy, I find that I selected a particularly inconvenient time to be away from home."
"Indubitably, Mrs. Thompson, of course, your daughter could scarcely have imagined the happenings here when she set her wedding date." Lizzy returned with a smile.
"Still, it is hard not to castigate myself for being away while the master was so ill. I understand he owes his life to your tender care."
"I am not the only one whose care has aided in Mr. Darcy's recovery."
"I was surprised, you must understand, when I came home to find Mr. Darcy had married in my absence and to a woman whose name I had never heard. The whole house seems eager to sing your praises, though."
"I imagine a great deal will change in the household, but I expect routines to change gradually. At the moment I do not seek to take over management of the household; my attentions are required in the improvement of Mr. Darcy's health and seeking his comfort, so please feel free to continue on in the manner you have been." Mrs. Thompson sighed in relief. "I would, however, like to view the books and the menus so I can begin to to understand the way this house is run."
"Certainly. I shall send them up to your chambers in a little while if that is your desire."
"Thank you."
"I am about to send out an order for a good many items for the household, is there anything you would wish to procure?"
"Well, I have not brought any of my needlework, and I will have ample time to stitch as I sit by Mr. Darcy's bedside. Perhaps you might acquire some supplies, though, I expect Miss Darcy might have something I could borrow to work on."
"Oh it should be easy enough to find some for you. Have you a project in mind?"
"Honestly, no. Though perhaps there might be someone among the staff or the tenants at Pemberley who suffers hardship that I might aid in my work." Mrs. Thompson beamed on her new mistress in approval.
"Indeed, there are." Mrs. Thompson then went on to detail the circumstances of several families and offer ideas of various projects that might be helpful. Lizzy, responded by authorizing her to purchase the materials necessary for a few of those projects.
"I do have one other request to make?"
"I should be happy to oblige."
"Do you think that you could perhaps give me a tour of the house?
"Have you not seen the house yet?"
"Obviously I have seen many parts of it, but no, I have not seen the whole."
Mrs. Thompson led Elizabeth through the house offering a plenitude of details about each room. She was pleased to see that the young lady was far more interested in tales about the Darcy family and its history than she was in the furnishings and décor.
"I believe I shall be happy to serve you, Mistress." Mrs. Thompson offered as their tour ended.
"And I believe I shall be very much dependent on your good service."
As Elizabeth was about to depart the housekeepers company, another servant came upon her.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Darcy, we have a caller here and I was uncertain as to whether she ought to be admitted."
"Is she family?"
"No she is not."
"Oh? I had thought it was clear that the only exception to be made was for Mr. Bingley."
"It is Miss Bingley. Generally I would turn her away, but she claims a need to speak to Mr. Darcy regarding an urgent matter concerning her brother."
"I can see why you would bring this to my attention. Could you inquire from her, please, as to the nature of her brother's troubles. If he is in imminent danger requiring immediate help, I will see her, as I am certain Mr. Darcy would wish us to help his dear friend. If, however, the troubles are not of that nature, would you inform her that Mr. Darcy would be able to see Mr. Bingley if he should call."
The servant left to speak to Miss Bingley, and Elizabeth was not surprised that she was not needed for a conference with that lady. Perhaps Mr. Bingley's trouble was real, but it certainly must not be as urgent as his sister had implied.
On hearing that Miss Bingley had called, Mr. Darcy wondered what the lady's reaction to his marriage had been. When he asked his wife, she laughed, "As far as I know, she has not been informed. I did not actually see her. The servants may have informed her, but I would have anticipated a greater disturbance if they had.
"Shall I read for you, Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth asked as she settled into her chair.
"Please do."
"I shall leave the two of you then," Colonel Fitzwilliam added, as he stood to leave his cousin's chambers, "I do believe the two of you will scarcely notice my absence.
It was not long after Elizabeth began to read, that Darcy fell asleep once more. Dr. Winters arrived to examine his patient, but Elizabeth bade him to please see his other patients first.
When the doctor returned, he was able to happily announce that Mrs. Annesley was near fully recovered and that Georgiana would be soon. Most of the servants who had taken ill were beginning to heal as well. He was so pleased with his observations that he exclaimed, "Soon nearly all the house will be back to normal."
Elizabeth looked at him incredulously, "How can you say such a thing?"
"I should not be so glib. Doubtless, life here at Darcy house will never be the same. Nonetheless, I am given good cause to hope regarding your husband's condition. He has certainly recovered more than I thought possible. I cannot predict what the ultimate outcome will be."
"His breathing does not seem to improve, sir."
"I see that you continue to keep the boiling water in the room. I do not imagine the air of London is helpful to him. Sea air would be beneficial, but I do not believe he could survive a long enough journey to go to the seaside. At the moment, he is not in shape for even the shortest of journeys."
"Is there any more we can do?"
"We could attempt another blood-letting."
"Do you think that would be helpful?"
"It would help to balance his humours."
"I will think on the matter."
After the doctor left, Elizabeth sat and read for most of the morning while her husband slept. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bingley arrived at about the same time, and both were invited into Mr. Darcy's chambers together. After gently waking her husband, Elizabeth greeted both men.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet! I am all astonishment, I hardly expected to find you here!"
"I must understand then, Mr. Bingley, that your sister was not informed this morning."
"I imagine not, for she would certainly have mentioned your presence. Still, Miss Bennet, can you account for your presence here. You must confess that it is most irregular."
"Firstly, Mr. Bingley, I am Miss Bennet no longer. Mr. Darcy and I were wed yesterday. I was sent for due to the severity of Mr. Darcy's illness. He has recovered a great deal, by now." Bingley's eyes were wide with amazement. After a short pause, he finally turned to see Darcy.
"Good God man! You look dreadful!"
"Thank you." Darcy smiled sardonically as he spoke.
Finally, Lizzy brought her uncle, who had been watching the entire scene with some amusement, to Mr. Darcy's side.
"Fitzwilliam, I would like to you to meet my uncle, Mr. Gardiner. He is the one who brought the ginger candies last night." Darcy smiled.
"I am... most grateful."
"They have helped his cough tremendously."
"Was the eucalyptus oil helpful as well?" Darcy looked confused.
"It is in the cream." Lizzy explained to him. "I believe it has been helpful."
"Ah," was all Darcy said in reply.
"Well, Mr. Darcy, I can see you are very tired. I do not wish to impose; I just wanted make the acquaintance of the man who married my favorite niece."
"Thank you, Mr. Gardiner."
"You're most welcome. And please let us know if there is anything else we can procure for you."
After Mr. Gardiner left, Darcy stared peculiarly at Bingley. If Charles Bingley had not been so well acquainted with Mr. Darcy he might have been disconcerted.
"You look well, Bingley."
"Is that unexpected?"
"Your sister."
"Yes."
"Said you needed my help." Bingley laughed aloud.
"I believe she wanted you to convince me not to return to Netherfield." Darcy looked unsurprised, but did not speak, so his friend continued, "I plan to return there tomorrow."
"Do you?" Lizzy inquired with a dull voice.
"I do. Would you wish me to send any messages to your family, Mrs. Darcy?"
"I wrote to them all yesterday, so that is not necessary. You may tell them that you have seen me and that I am well."
"Of course I will." Though Bingley saw the dark circles under Lizzy's eyes and wondered if it was really true.
Bingley continued to ramble cheerfully for awhile before realizing that his host was quite exhausted.
"Before I take my leave, Darcy, you must promise to tell me someday how all of this came about." Darcy nodded.
Once Mr. Bingley departed, it was only a few moments before Darcy was dozing again. Thus, Lizzy quickly returned to her book. She was surprised by a gentle knocking on the servants' entrance to the room. When she answered the door, she found Julie holding a good many parcels. Understanding that these were her new needlework supplies, she directed the maid to place them in the mistress' chambers.
"Mrs. Thompson asked me to bring you this as well." Julie held out a basket to her. On the lid of the basket was a beautifully painted landscape. "I believe it belonged to the late Mrs. Darcy."
"Oh, please let her know that I am most thankful."
Lizzy opened the basket and found inside some beautiful stationary bearing the Darcy crest, an ink pot and quills, and seal to use on her letters. It was one more reminder to Lizzy that she truly was mistress of the manor.
After setting the basket beside the desk, Lizzy walked to her own room and sorted through the parcels to find a project to start. While there, she heard strange noises emanating from the master's chambers and rushed back to find Mr. Darcy in the middle of a violent seizure. She held his hands and spoke calm words until the seizing ceased. When it was done, he looked to his wife with fear in his eyes.
"What happened, Elizabeth?"
"You were having a seizure, sir. You have had many, but this is the first since you woke yesterday is it not?" Darcy nodded.
"We thought it was caused by the fever and that they would go away when it broke, but that does not seem to have happened."
"Oh?"
"Whether or not you continue to have seizures, Fitzwilliam, I am here to take care of you. I wish I could say that all will be well, but honestly I do not know."
"Thank you."
"Dr. Winters recommended more bleeding today. I know that's common advice, but I honestly am not convinced bleeding is helpful. However, if you would like to try, it is your decision."
"I hate being bled."
"In that case, we'll hold off for now."
Lizzy moved to head back to the mistress' chambers and find her sewing project, but Mr. Darcy held her hand tightly. "Mr. Darcy, I promise I'll return in just a moment. I want to grab my needlework."
"Come back quickly?" Lizzy marveled in the knowledge that the proud Mr. Darcy had grown so dependent upon her presence.
"I promise."
Elizabeth was true to her word, and hastily returned. She quickly set to work on an infant's gown. Seeing Mr. Darcy's confusion, she explained the gown's intended recipient. The gentleman was delighted to know that his wife was already taking her responsibility to Pemberley's tenants seriously. All his erstwhile reservations began to seem more ridiculous, as Mr. Darcy saw that Elizabeth was a wife of whom he could be proud.
"I love you, Elizabeth." Elizabeth walked over to her husband. She felt guilty for not saying the words to her husband in return. She could not speak of love, if she was not certain she meant it. Instead, she placed a kiss upon his forehead as she had done before. Darcy reached his hands up and placed them on her cheeks, he tentatively pulled her closer and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips.
Lizzy felt almost dizzy from her husband's kiss, and she granted him one of her brightest smiles. She took up her work again and sang softly to her husband for awhile.
The rest of the day past relatively smoothly. The Colonel and Georgiana both made further visits and brought lovely conversation. Darcy spoke little, as it was difficult for him to talk, but it was clear he was pleased with his company.
The next several days brought little change in Darcy's health, and a clear routine began to be established. Darcy's relatives visited often, though he appreciated the times when he was alone with his wife as well. Lizzy tended her husband's needs as much as she could, but his health seemed stagnant. She tried to be always optimistic, although her hope often flagged. During the day Lizzy divided her time between reading, needlework, and learning more about her new household. Then at night, Elizabeth snuggled into her husbands arms, and was comforted as she drifted off to sleep.
Nearly a week after waking, Mr. Darcy still struggled tremendously with every inhalation. Lizzy knew he could not travel to the seaside, but she wondered if simply leaving London would be helpful, so when Dr. Winters came by for a routine visit, she broached the subject.
"Do you have a suggestion, Mrs. Darcy?" The doctor politely inquired.
"Indeed, I have an idea that just might help."
