Chapter 22 The best nurse

Henry sat on a chair near the door with his head in his hands. He had put on different clothes but when he knocked on the door of the room again, he could not come in, for Sarah was changing Fanny's clothes.
He wished he could go back in, but for now he must respect her privacy.
Sir Thomas had gone to his wife to tell her what had happened. It must be shocking for her to hear what her sister had done.

The doors were opened in Maria and Julia entered with their friend and Mary. They had just returned from a ride.
"Mr Crawford! What are you doing here? Why are you sitting there?" Julia's questions were more curious than polite.
"Is something wrong, Henry?" his sister asked, a bit worried.
Henry swallowed. He did not wish to tell the news; he was sure he would start to cry and that would not do.

"Ladies," Sir Thomas emerged from the drawing room, his face grave.
"I'm glad that you are back. Girls, your mother has asked for you. Miss Crawford, would you please join them? Miss Jennings, why don't you go and change? I hope you have enjoyed your ride!" The young lady nodded, curtsied and walked away.
"Come," Sir Thomas said to the others. "There is something I need to tell you. Crawford, do you wish to give the good part of the news yourself?"
He nodded and they all went into the drawing room. Lady Bertram looked visibly shaken by the news she had just heard.
"Girls, there you are. It is a very sad business," she said.
All three ladies looked surprised.
"Sit down," Sir Thomas said. Then he nodded to Henry.

Henry managed a little smile. "Fanny has accepted my offer of marriage." His proposal felt as if it had happened yesterday, instead of merely some two and a half hours ago.
They were all surprised at this news, except his sister. Before they could say much however, Sir Thomas said: "Keep your congratulations for now. We have bad news as well, I'm afraid. Just after the happy event, Mrs Norris attacked Fanny. She is severely injured. Mrs Norris herself is upstairs, having suffered a stroke after the attack."
No one said anything. Mary stood up and walked to her brother. In a rare display of affection, she embraced him.
"Oh Henry!" was all she said. He answered her embrace and wished he could cry. Instead, he swallowed a few times. His throat was constricted.
"Excuse me," he then said, and went back to Fanny's temporary room. He could not face any well-meant comments.

"Nothing has changed yet, sir," Sarah said when he came in.
"Thank you, Sarah." He sat on a chair next to the bed and took Fanny's hand. He thought he might try to clean her face now, so he took a wet cloth and carefully started to wipe her face. The cold water seemed to sooth her, so he continued to apply the icy cold water for a while.
"Have you applied more ice to her stomach?" He asked. "Not yet," Sarah answered. "I will get some new ice."

As she left the room, Mary asked to come in.
She gasped when she saw Fanny.
"Poor Fanny! She looks horrible." Then: "I am sorry. It is quite upsetting."
He nodded. "I know."
"Sir Thomas gave some more details about what happened. I am truly shocked!" she said. "How is she at the moment?"

Henry shrugged. "She is unconscious because of the Laudanum. I can't even begin to imagine in how much pain she must be without it." He stroked her hand absentmindedly.
"She briefly woke before the doctor set her nose and we spoke a little."
"Poor Fanny. I had not expected this from Mrs Norris. I wonder why she did it."

Henry balled his hand to a fist. "I am too angry at her to talk about her. I hope she dies. She deserves it for all the misery she has caused Fanny during her life." Then he drew a shaky breath. "What if Fanny doesn't survive this? I do not want to live without her!"
Mary came closer and patted him on the back in a comforting gesture. "Try not to think about that. Focus on her recovery. She needs you to be strong."
"Thanks sister. I will try."

Sir Thomas knocked and entered.
"I have sent an express to Edmund. I hope he will be here soon." Then: "Has anything altered?"
Henry shook his head. "She seems to like the cold of the ice on her face. I guess it soothes a little."
"Ah. And where is Sarah?"
"She went to get some more ice."

Sir Thomas nodded. "I will have a room readied for you. I guess you will not want to leave."
"Thank you, sir. Mary, will you be going back to the parsonage?"
"I can do that. I will have some things packed for you. And I will tell Sophie."
"May I ask that you will not share too much of what happened?" Sir Thomas asked. "I think Mrs Grant should know, but I would not wish everyone in the area to know that my wife's sister attacked my niece. Also, Crawford, maybe you should have those settlement papers brought here as well. We might need them soon. Have you spoken about a date yet?"
At first Henry looked confused.
"For the wedding you mean? No, we haven't. I thought it best to wait until after we had your permission."
"I see. Well, I thought, given the circumstances, it might be necessary to marry soon." Henry's eyes widened.
"Just think about it. I will now go to my office. I believe I need some distraction." He greeted them and then left.

"I shall set off for the parsonage. Do you think it a good idea if Sophie came as well? She might keep Lady Bertram company. That lady was really distressed and I think she would welcome someone to distract her."
"I think that is a good idea. And I'm sure Sir Thomas will say the same. The papers he was talking about are on my desk. Be careful on your way."

When his sister had left, Henry turned his focus fully on Fanny. "I believe, Fanny, that your uncle thinks we should marry quickly. I guess he means it because of me being alone with you here. Even though we are betrothed, it still could cause talk. I would marry you tomorrow if I could. But I do not know what your sentiments are on the subject. I will have to wait until you wake up so we can talk about it. I do not wish to hurry you, love."

He had not noticed Sarah entering again, until she showed him a new bowl of ice. Sarah then showed him how she put some ice in a linen towel and laid it across Fanny's stomach. At the first touch, Fanny reacted, but then she settled again. It seemed to sooth her.

The afternoon passed by without much change. Every hour Henry would leave the room to let Sarah do her work. Every time when he entered again, he found her worried look. Fanny was still bleeding.
When the doctor came back, he was happy to see that her nose had stopped bleeding.
"It will take time, but I believe it will heal." He looked concerned when Sarah told him that nothing had changed in the amount of blood loss.
"I have written a colleague of mine in Northampton. I have asked his opinion and advice on ways of stopping bleeding like this. I hope he will send word back soon."

He then instructed them what they should give her to eat or drink whenever she would wake up. Certain types of food would help her regain some strength, which was necessary because of all the blood she was losing.
After telling them again that they should send word to him if anything changed, he took his leave to briefly check on Mrs Norris.

Henry sunk back on his place next to Fanny. He was exhausted. His worries and emotions were taking its toll. He sighed deeply and then could not keep back his tears. Taking Fanny's hand in his he whispered. "Oh Fanny. Please don't let her win! You must recover." He placed her hand to his lips and kissed it. He was surprised when she moved it and cupped his cheek.
"I will try, Henry."
"You're awake dearest! How are you feeling?" He was glad to hear her voice.
"Make her stop," was her answer.
"What do you mean?"
"Make her stop kicking me. It hurts." He now looked at her hand which was moving towards her stomach. He let the other one go too.
"Love, she is not here. You are safe now!"
"It hurts as if she is still doing it." She was restless and seemed to be in great pain.
"Let me put some more ice on your stomach. It should help a little."
Sarah came closer and helped him.
"Ah," Fanny exclaimed, when she felt the cold. Then: "Yes it helps a little."
"The doctor did not leave any more Laudanum behind. Do you want me to send word to him for more?"

"Perhaps. Can I have some water please?"
He helped sit straighter and gave her a drink.
"I believe you should try to eat something. Dr Jones said you need it to keep up your strength."
She sighed. "I do not feel I could eat. But I should try."
Sarah was sent to get some broth, as Fanny would have trouble with solid food.

"Fanny? Your uncle said something when he was here last."
"My uncle? Did he… give his consent?"
Henry smiled and then remembered that because of all that had happened, she had not heard the outcome.
"Yes, he did. He was not really surprised actually. But, with all this… he said we might need to marry soon."

She was now trying to open her eyes and winced. He gave her a cloth that was wet with ice water. "Here, hold this onto your eyes." She gingerly applied it to her face and sighed.
Then she asked: "Marry soon? Why?"
He blushed, although she could not see it.
"I think he meant for our reputation. I am now alone with you and caring for you. Sarah is here most of the time, but still it is not entirely proper, even though we are engaged. I do not really care for it myself; I do not wish to leave you."
"I wish for you to stay as well. If this means that we have to marry tomorrow, then so be it."
"Really?" Henry could hardly believe his ears. "If you are sure, then I am not at all opposed to it. Although it would not be a grand wedding like you deserve."

She smiled faintly. "All I want is you. I do not care for a big feast."
"Oh love, I am happy to hear you say that!" He bent over and kissed her carefully.

Sarah came back with the broth.
"Here is some food for you Fanny. Let me help you."
She tried to open her eyes again and succeeded this time.
"Ah, that hurts. But I can see you."
Henry smiled. "I am glad."
He held the bowl and helped her eat some spoon-fulls. But soon she had enough.
"I am sorry," she said and motioned that she wanted to lie down again.
Before she closed her eyes, he said: "I will talk with your uncle about our marrying soon."
She sighed. "Thank you, love."
It seemed she fell asleep straight away.

Now Edmund walked in.
"Crawford! I heard the news and came straight here!" He gasped when he saw Fanny.
His face darkened with anger. "I can't believe that woman is my mother's sister. What did Fanny ever do to her?"
Henry grimaced.
"Do not talk about Mrs Norris please."
"Sorry. How is she doing?" Edmund came closer.
"She is in a lot of pain. We talked just now and she has eaten something. I do not know how things will progress."
"You must hope for the best. I believe she is of stronger constitution now. It has to count for something."

Henry rubbed his face. "I am worried about her stomach. While the doctor says that her ribs and her nose should heal in time, he does not know what about her bleeding."
Edmund looked uncomfortable. "I see. Well, all we can do is pray for her. The Lord Himself healed a woman who bled for twelve years."
Now it was Henry's turn to look uncomfortable. "I am not really religious. But I will do anything if it helps Fanny."
Now it became really clear why Edmund chose to be a clergyman. "Have faith Crawford.
Now, I believe dinner will be served soon. Do you wish to join everyone else? I am sure Sarah can stay with Fanny."

Henry hesitated and then nodded. "Alright, I will come. Sarah, do warn me when she wakes up." He quietly placed a kiss on Fanny's hand. "I will be back soon, love."
Then he followed Edmund out of the room.

Dinner was a subdued affair. Sophie and Dr Grant were there. Henry greeted them. Sophie looked closely at him. "Are you alright?"
"As well as can be, given the circumstances."

Henry hardly noticed what he ate, his mind occupied. He appreciated it that he was more or less left alone with his thoughts. He was in no mood for small-talk and he did not wish to speak about the incident.

When dinner was over and the women left the room, Sir Thomas approached him. "Have you thought about my suggestion?" he asked.
Henry nodded. "We talked about it when Fanny was awake. She is not opposed to marrying soon. So I believe we should get a license."
"Good. Well, since your brother-in-law is here, we can ask."
They called Dr Grant and the three of them went to the office. Edmund went to the drawing room.
First they read over the settlement papers and signed what needed to be signed, with Dr Grant as a witness. Then Henry applied officially for a license, which Dr Grant promised to get him the next day.
"How fortunate, Sir Thomas, that you should have a private chapel which can legally be used for marriages," Dr Grant said.
Sir Thomas nodded. "We can place a bed there, so that Fanny can be as comfortable as possible during the ceremony."

Henry looked grateful. "Thank you, gentlemen. I think I speak on her behalf as well that we really appreciate your efforts."
Sir Thomas smiled at him. "Now, off you go. I am sure you are long wishing to be back to your betrothed's side."

Fanny felt as if she was slowly resurfacing from her sleep. With the regaining of consciousness the pain returned in full force. Someone was making noise. Only when Sarah asked her if she was alright, she realised that it was herself whimpering. She did not know what hurt most.
"Ice, please?" she asked.
She opened her eyes and was giving a cloth with some ice for her face. Sarah busied herself to put fresh ice onto her stomach.
"I was just about to change your rags, Miss. I do hope the ice has reduced the bleeding."
The movements that had to be made in order to be cleaned, made her nearly pass out again. This time she felt her ribs.

When she was all cleaned up again, she asked: "Where is Mr Crawford?"
"He went to have dinner with the others, Miss. Speaking of dinner, shall I bring you some more food? Dr Jones gave some instructions as to what would be good for you."
"Thank you, Sarah."
The maid curtsied and walked towards the door. Fanny heard her speak with a footman just outside.
"Food is coming, Miss. And Mr Crawford had asked to be informed when you woke up. He should be here soon."

Sarah then busied herself with clearing away the dirty clothes.
"How do you feel now, Miss?" she asked.
"The… ice helps a great deal against the pain. Sarah? Am I truly bleeding that much? It is not even my time of the month."
Sarah blushed. "The doctor says there must be damage in your stomach. That is where the bleeding comes from."

Henry arrived at the same time as someone brought food.
"Fanny! You're awake!" He quickly got to her side. He carefully kissed her, not heeding the other people in the room. It made her forget her pain for a moment. Then he helped her again to sit up a bit and assisted her in eating. After only a few spoon-fulls, Fanny held her hand up.
"No more, thank you. The pain makes me feel nauseous." He looked worried at her, but then put the bowl away.

"I have just had a conversation with Sir Thomas and Dr Grant. We sorted out the settlement papers and Dr Grant will get us a license. We can marry in the little chapel in the house, if that is alright with you."

Fanny nodded. Would she really be soon married? Despite her pain she felt happy. So happy, that she felt lightheaded because of it. Wait, no. That was not the reason. The whole room started spinning suddenly.

"Henry?" she managed. And then felt as if she fell into a black hole.