"We need to contact her family." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked as they took seats in the sitting room. "Are you going to write her father?"

Mr. Darcy explained his thinking on contacting Elizabeth's family.

"I guess it is possible that those in Kent could find out about her presence."

"We need to find out what happened. Surely Elizabeth has been missed by now."

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked grim.

"What?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"I was only thinking, why would Anne put Miss Elizabeth in a trunk?"

"I doubt she did. Anne is not malicious."

"Exactly. So she must have discovered her in the trunk."

"That is a logical assumption."

"Why would she not bring the situation to the attention of those at Rosings?"

"Perhaps she did not have the time. She may have only had enough time to change the address."

"That could be."

"You have another theory?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"I do but it is not pleasant."

"I do not think much about this matter is pleasant."

"I think those at Rosings may have known Miss Elizabeth was in the trunk."

"You think Aunt Catherine's staff would have done this?"

"Maybe not but perhaps Collins..."

"He is a fool but I do not think he could do such a thing. Surely Mrs. Collins would send word to Elizabeth's father if Collins raised a hand to her." Mr. Darcy reasoned. "She most certainly would not have allowed her dear friend to be locked in a trunk and dumped in London."

"That's true but who else but Collins would have reason to be angry with her."

"I doubt he is still upset over her refusal. He allowed her to visit his home. He is married to another. Why would he still be angry?"

"Stranger things have happened." Colonel Fitzwilliam said. He thought for a moment. "Do you think Aunt Catherine could have found out about you proposing to Miss Elizabeth?"

Mr. Darcy was quiet for a few moments.

"I do not think that Elizabeth would mention it to her."

"Maybe she would have told Mrs. Collins. If Mr. Collins discovered it he would surely tell our aunt."

Mr. Darcy rose and began to pace.

"If my letter was discovered...this could be my fault. She suffers because of me."

"Darcy, it is all speculation until we know different."

"We must find out."

"Surely Anne will write..."

"She might not dare lest her mother thinks us engaged."

"I could ride back to Rosings."

"What reason could you give for returning?"

"I do not know. I will think of something."

Mr. Darcy moved to the window.

"Perhaps our time would be better spent finding Elizabeth's family in London. We could also check the address that the trunk was to be delivered to see it there is any connection to Rosings."

"I know a few men who know that area. I could make some inquiries."

"Thank you, Fitzwilliam."

The men fell silent each immersed in their own thoughts. Mrs. Taylor entered the room. The discussion about who would be allowed to know of Elizabeth's presence was thorough. It was decided that those who would be entrusted would be gathered in the sitting room after the doctor had seen Elizabeth. Captain John Carson arrived a short time later. Once the situation was explained Mrs. Taylor assisted him with his examination while the gentlemen waited in the sitting room. Mr. Darcy paced the room. When the doctor emerged, the man seemed paler.

"Well Carson?" the colonel said when doctor did not immediately speak.

"I recommend you locate the family soon or send one of your men to her father with a letter." the older man stated. "I have never seen a woman beaten so and survive."

"You can offer no hope." Mr. Darcy asked.

"If she wakes within the week she may live but I will not give you false hope. From what I can tell she sustained several blows to the head. Whether they were from the initial assault or from a journey in a trunk I do not know. The bruising on her body is...extensive. More bruises may appear over the next few days. As we do not know when the assault took place it is hard to tell. They may get worse before they improve, if they improve. It is difficult to tell if she is bleeding internally. If she is there is not much I can do to assist."

Mr. Darcy sat down looking defeated.

"I have given your housekeeper instructions to help manage her pain. Mrs. Taylor had several recommendations to assist with the bruising and swelling. There is a chance they may help. If the young lady wakes or if there is any change send for me and I will come immediately. Do you have any problems with her staying here?"

"None." Mr. Darcy said.

"Good. She should not be moved unless absolutely necessary unless she wakes first. I will be able to tell you more if she does."

"Thank you Carson." Colonel Fitzwilliam said.

"I wish I could do more. I will call again in a couple days to see if there is any change."

Everyone bid the man goodbye. Colonel Fitzwilliam walked out with him. Mr. Darcy asked Mrs. Taylor to assemble the staff that would assist with Elizabeth's care and protection. Once the sitting room was empty he stared at the door to Elizabeth's room. Almost without his knowledge he rose and entered Elizabeth's room. Seeing her still form on the bed he moved to sit beside her and took her hand.

"You once told me your courage rises at every attempt to intimidate you." he said quietly. "Do not let your courage fail now. Do not allow the monster who did this to you frighten you away from life, Elizabeth."

A knock came at the door. It opened a moment later and his cousin's face appeared.

"Darcy, you should not be in here with her alone." he said. "Propriety is already being pushed by the situation."

"I know, Fitzwilliam, but I needed to see her." Mr. Darcy replied. "It is terrible to have her so close and not speak to her. I miss her eyes and her laughter."

"You shall be terrible when she recovers and returns home."

"I will follow her when she leaves. I will beg for her hand, every day, on my knees if I must until she accepts."

"I wish you the best of luck until then you need to speak to your staff."

Mr. Darcy nodded and rose. He lay her hand back on the bed. Giving in to impulse he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"Rest well, my love." he whispered in her ear.

He turned and left, closing the door as he went. He did not see the solitary tear that rolled down Elizabeth's face and disappeared into her hair.

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