21st November

Mrs Hurst slept, mostly peacefully, from then on, and Elizabeth lost track of time. The nurse, Mrs Turner, got up to check her patient a couple of times and each time she returned to her seat would shake her head.

Dr Williams eventually returned, having again been visiting Mr Collins, who was seemingly constant in demanding the Doctor's attention to the frustration of everyone.

'How is our patient?' he asked.

't'will be soon,' said Mrs Turner. 'She'll wake no more.'

The Doctor sighed. 'I feared as much.' He went over to the bed felt Mrs Hurst's pulse then lifted an eyelid. 'She's weakening.'

Elizabeth stood and went over to stand by the Doctor. Mrs Hurst lay, pale and still, her chest barely moving the counterpane covering her. 'Should I fetch her family?'

He nodded. 'I think it would be wise to summon them.'

Elizabeth nodded, slipped from the room and hurried along the passage to the stairs. At the bottom she asked a footman where she could find Mr Bingley. He directed her toward Mr Bingley's study and she hurried to knock on the door before entering and finding all the gentlemen within.

'Miss Elizabeth!' exclaimed Mr Bingley, then on seeing her expression said, 'What has happened?'

'I am so very sorry,' she blurted before gathering herself. More calmly she continued, 'The Doctor sent me. He thinks it is time for the family to gather. Mrs Hurst seems to be fading.'

Mr Hurst, lounging on the sofa, pulled himself to his feet, his face paler than its usual ruddy hue. 'Thank you, my dear. It's a bad thing… a bad thing. I never thought… Louisa… I always thought… assumed… I would go first.'

Mr Bingley went over and awkwardly patted his shoulder. 'Steady, old boy.' Looking to the other men in the room, Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, he said, 'We should go to her now. Miss Elizabeth, would you be so kind as to find Caroline and let her know?'

'Of course, Mr Bingley.'

Mr Bingley and Mr Hurst left the room, and with a quick curtsy to those remaining, Elizabeth followed to seek out Miss Bingley. She'd just reached the door when her name was called.

'Miss Elizabeth…'

Turning, she found Mr Darcy behind her. 'Yes?'

'Would you prefer I find Miss Bingley. It will not be a pleasant task.'

'That's very brave of you, sir, but unnecessary.' A snort came from the room beyond, which she ignored. 'I will be fine. I don't suppose you know where Miss Bingley is?'

'I've not seen either for some hours now. I am sure it would be better that you rest and let me find Miss Bingley.'

'I am well, I assure you. I am not tired and I'm sure a servant will know where she is to be found. Good day, sir.'

She turned and left the room before he could delay her any longer.

Elizabeth eventually located Miss Bingley in the drawing room and, ignoring the supercilious look she was given, explained the situation.

'… so Mr Bingley asked me to let you know.'

Miss Bingley was silent for a moment, before saying, 'Did he…' She swallowed. 'Did he want me to join them?'

'I think he would like your support at this time, but he did not demand it,' Elizabeth replied.

Miss Bingley sat, looking down and smoothing her skirts over her lap. 'I see.' She hesitated. 'How did Louisa seem?'

'She was sleeping peacefully when I left. The nurse said it was likely she would simply slip away peacefully in her sleep.'

Miss Bingley swallowed, struggling to keep her composure. 'I have never… I mean, I was away at school when my parents died. I don't know… I don't know if I can watch someone die.'

Miss Bingley seemed almost human at this point, so Elizabeth sat on the sofa beside her, reached out and touched her hand. 'If you would like, I will accompany you upstairs to the door.'

Miss Bingley hesitated for a moment, appearing torn, then said, 'Thank you, but I think I will go alone. This is for family.' She stood.

Elizabeth nodded, and watched Miss Bingley walk unsteadily to the door. Once she was alone, she slumped back into her seat; this was turning into a terrible week. She would wish Mr Bingley had never taken Netherfield, were it not that Jane's happiness stemmed from it.

With the household in a turmoil, she needed to help in the only way she could. She stood and made for the kitchen.

She informed the housekeeper of the situation, and then went to the kitchen and requested that they prepare to dispense tea and coffee, a cold collation and spirits on demand. Elizabeth then retired to check on Lydia. Finding her asleep, she jotted a quick note to Jane and her father about the situation, picked up her book, and went downstairs. Handing her note to a footman for delivery, she heaved a great sigh and sought out those not in the sickroom, joining them in their vigil.

Over an hour passed before Mr Bingley returned. He was drawn and pale and flopped down onto a chair before heaving a great sigh. 'It is over.'

Mr Darcy handed him a large measure of brandy and put his hand on his friend's shoulder. 'I am sorry to hear that, Bingley.'

Bingley tossed back the drink, holding it out for a refill. Colonel Fitzwilliam topped up his glass and put the decanter on the small table beside him.

'I can scarce believe it myself.' Mr Bingley threw back his second drink. 'Caroline has gone to her room, she was very disturbed. She has never seen death before as she was away when our parents passed. Mr Hurst is more upset than I had expected. He wanted to be alone with Louisa for a time.'

Elizabeth stood and moved toward him, holding out her hand when she stood in front of him. 'Mr Bingley, I am very sorry for your, and your family's, loss.'

He stood and took her hand, lifting it to drop a swift kiss on her knuckles. 'You are to be my sister, Miss Elizabeth. I am glad you could give Louisa some small comfort before she passed, and I thank you for your compassion.'

She nodded her acknowledgement, adding, 'I have arranged for refreshments and a small cold collation for later, just pull the bell and it will be delivered. I did not think you would be wanting a formal dinner. I will leave you now to your friends and your memories, as I must check on Lydia. I will not return again tonight, so I bid you goodnight' She dropped a curtsy and left the room.

A few seconds after the door closed, Mr Bingley dropped back into his chair and said, 'Miss Elizabeth is a lovely woman. I am so pleased she will be my sister. Dammit though, I must send a note to Mr Bennet. We were to have the first banns called this Sunday.'

'I will write the message for you, if you would like,' said Mr Darcy.

'No, no. I would enclose a note for my Jane as well.'

'Very well, then. We will instead keep you company as you write.'

'Indeed, there is no need for you two to leave. Stay and help me with this brandy!'

More glasses were brought and filled, then Mr Bingley held his aloft. 'To Louisa!'

'To Louisa!'