Darcy looked up from his book as Mrs. Evans bustled into the room. He smiled at her.
In contrast to Mrs. Nicholls' tall, slender elegance, Mrs. Evans was a tiny, well-rounded woman. Her white hair under it's cap glowed with the luster of new-fallen snow and her dark eyes twinkled in a face etched deeply with laugh lines. From the moment he arrived she had treated him as if he was one of her children or grandchildren. Darcy found he did not mind. It felt good to be so well cared for.
On arriving, Mr. Bennet had helped him into the house and introduced him. The introduction was barely complete before Mrs. Evans started to shoo Darcy off to his bed for a good rest. The sound of Mr. Bennet's laughter had followed him from the room.
By the time Parker had arrived and helped Darcy settle for the night she had heated some broth and fixed a hot toddy, both of which she insisted he finish while hot.
Despite the lingering cough and occasional bouts of sneezing, Darcy slept well that night. Mrs. Evans insisted he spend the next day in bed and he was of no mind to resist her. Not that he would have gotten far – she had ordered Parker to hide his clothes if he tried to get up. At intervals she brought him broth and herbal teas which he drank as ordered. In between drinks he slept.
After another mostly peaceful night Darcy felt almost himself again. He enjoyed the hot breakfast Mrs. Evans prepared for him. Now that he could smell and taste again he agreed with the high recommendation her cooking had received. Still not feeling very energetic, he lazed the morning away sitting by the fire in his new drawing room, reading while sipping at yet another cup of hot herbal tea.
"A carriage has just pulled in, sir" she said as she checked the small teapot to see how much remained. She had barely finished speaking when the door opened and Georgiana rushed into the room.
"Oh Will!" she cried, "I am so happy you sent for me!"
He rose and embraced his sister, pleased by her excitement.
She pulled back and looked at him seriously. "Your coachman said you had caught a bad cold. Are you feeling better?"
Smiling at her he answered, "Very much so, thanks to this kind woman here." He gestured to Mrs. Evans who was standing quietly nearby. "Let me introduce you to our housekeeper and cook, Mrs. Evans. She has been diligent in her care of me since I moved in here. Mrs. Evans, this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy."
Mrs. Evans bobbed a curtsy. Georgiana smiled at her and said, "Thank you so much for looking after him! I was worried over my dear brother being ill and alone."
"It is my pleasure, dear," said Mrs. Evans with a chuckle. "Now let me take your things and you can settle in for a cozy chat with your brother. Would you like some tea and cakes?"
Georgiana looked surprised as she realized she had not even stopped to remove her cloak when she had tumbled out of the carriage and rushed into the house. "That would be lovely, Mrs. Evans," she said,, "but I think I should go to my room and refresh myself before sitting down." She smiled apologetically at Darcy.
"Well then you just come along with me, dear, and I'll show you the way. Sir, you had best finish that drink up before it gets cold." Darcy watched her leading Georgiana out of the drawing room.
"Take your time and settle into your new chamber," he said. "I will be waiting here when you are ready to come down for your tea."
He slouched back into his armchair and resumed reading while sipping his herbal tea. The warmth of contentment was as soothing as the hot drink.