This one is a bit longer. Enjoy.

Captain Carson arrived just past one. Mr. Darcy explained the matter to him in the study then the two men headed upstairs to Elizabeth's room. The three ladies were awaiting them. Captain Carson moved to the side of the bed. He did not have to wait long for Elizabeth's finger to twitch. Mr. Darcy schooled his features to show no sign of his inner turmoil. He was elated to see some movement from Elizabeth though was worried what it meant.

"Has there been any other changes?" Captain Carson asked.

"More bruising has appeared."

"Where?"

"On her back." Mrs. Taylor said. "I have been using poultices on the ones on her neck and arms but we dared not turn her without your say so."

"Let us turn her now and see."

The bed curtains were pulled then Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Annesley assisted turning Elizabeth on her side. Once she was lying with her back exposed the curtains were pulled back. Captain Carson examined the bruising, pressing now and again against Elizabeth's spine.

"It would seem likely this is the position she was in when the assault took place."

"How do you come to that conclusion, sir?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"First, the bruise on her arm."

Captain Carson raised Elizabeth's arm. It had two pronounced bruises, one on the upper arm and one on the lower arm.

"When standing most people tend to put their arms out to defend themselves. They try to keep the attacker beyond arm's reach. She was covering her head therefore her attacker was already closer."

He laid her arm back on the bed.

"Secondly, there are these bruises on her back. They all go one direction. If she had been standing then she likely would have been moving trying to get away. These marks are close in length showing the same amount of the weapon struck her each time."

"Can you speculate on what she was struck with?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"By the size and length of the bruises I would say a cane or walking stick. Likely with a rounded top."

He pointed near the center of Elizabeth's back.

"The top struck here where the marks are wider."

"Would it be safe to leave her on her side for now?" Mrs. Taylor asked. "I would like to put some poultices on her back."

"It should be fine. Do be careful when giving liquids in this position though."

"Of course, sir. She seems able to swallow on her own."

Elizabeth's finger twitched. Her hand lay palm up on the bed.

"What about the twitches?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"It could be a response to pain. If so it may be a good sign as it means she is feeling something. There is swelling along the spine and no reaction to touch so I cannot be sure if she is feeling anything. In the war such injures to the spine often resulted in partial paralysis, sometimes temporary, sometimes permanent." Captain Carson said. "I wish I could offer more than that but at present I cannot. If the twitches move to other areas or turn into steadier motions it could mean that she still has feeling and could heal. As the swelling goes down we will know more. I still hope she awakens."

"As do we all." Mr. Darcy said.

Again Elizabeth's finger twitched.

"The lumps on her head seem to be shrinking a bit. If she does awaken she may suffer some memory loss. It often occurs when one sustains heavy blows to the head. Have you contacted her family?"

"My friend is working to get the address. His sister has called on Elizabeth's sister while she has been in town. We will likely be speaking with her uncle tomorrow."

"Well you may share this bit of good news. I do not think she is bleeding internally. If she was it is likely the blood would have settled along her back as that is how she was lying so the bruises would not have been so defined. Also her breathing seems better."

Another twitch.

"I shall return tomorrow. I would like to keep a close eye on the swelling. As it goes down she might react more to touch. If so there is a chance she could recover."

Captain Carson was thanked then Mr. Darcy walked out with him. Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Taylor left to prepare a poultice for Elizabeth's back. Georgiana moved to sit on the side of the bed that Elizabeth faced.

"I do hope you wake soon, Miss Elizabeth." she said quietly.

Elizabeth's finger moved.

"My brother said you are the most interesting woman he has ever spoken to. I would dearly love to speak to you myself."

Another small movement.

"Perhaps when you are well you would like to see the gardens. My brother said you enjoy the outdoors. We have some lovely flowers nearly ready to bloom."

Another twitch. The door opened and the two older ladies entered. Elizabeth was given medicine for the pain then the poultice was applied and covered.

"You should go and practice your instrument, Georgiana." Mrs. Annesley said.

"Perhaps when Miss Elizabeth is better she would like to play with me. William says she plays very well." Georgiana said. "I do hope you will considered it, Miss Elizabeth."

Another twitch. Georgiana studied the lady on the bed for a moment.

"Come along you must not neglect your studies."

"Of course, Mrs. Annesley." she said rising. "Goodbye Elizabeth. I will check on you later."

As Georgiana watched carefully the finger moved again. She smiled and left with her companion.

It was late in the evening when Georgiana returned to Elizabeth's room. One of the long time maids sat beside the bed.

"Mable, would you give me a few moments alone with Miss Elizabeth."

"Of course, Miss Darcy. I will be in the sitting room."

Once the maid was gone Georgiana moved to the side of the bed. She leaned close to the figure on the bed.

"Can you hear me, Miss Elizabeth?" she asked quietly. "Please move your finger if you can."

After a moment Elizabeth's finger moved. Georgiana suppressed a squeal.

"I thought you may have earlier but did not want to appear foolish especially after what the doctor said. I hope you can forgive my lack of courage."

Another movement.

"I thank you." She paused a moment. "Do you know who did this to you?"

No movement.

"Either you do not know who they are or you do not remember."

Two quick movements.

"The second?" A twitch. "So you do not remember."

A movement proved her right.

"How much have you forgotten I wonder."

Georgiana thought for a moment.

"Do you remember going to Kent?" A movement. "Do you remember seeing my brother there?"

Another twitch. "Do you remember his leaving?" Another confirmation. "He has only been in town a week so you have not forgotten much. How many days after his departure do you recall?"

Elizabeth's finger moved five times in quick succession.

"Five days? That would be Thursday. You arrived here Saturday morning. So you must have been injured on Friday or very early Saturday."

Elizabeth confirmed.

"Should I wake my brother? He retired a short time ago. I am sure he would be glad to know you are able to communicate." Elizabeth's finger was still. "You wish me to wait?"

A twitch.

"You think he needs sleep as well."

Elizabeth agreed.

"I shall tell him in the morning then."

Again Elizabeth agreed.

"I would like him to be the first to know after myself."

A movement showed Elizabeth approved of the plan.

"Wonderful." Georgiana said. The clock in the hall chimed the hour. "I should allow you to sleep. Mrs. Taylor is likely coming with your medicine. Good night, Miss Elizabeth"

Elizabeth's finger moved in response. Georgiana smiled then departed. Once settled in her bed Georgiana gave into the desire to giggle. She buried her face in the pillow to muffle the sound of her joy. Elizabeth could hear them and could communicate. Her brother would be so happy and she was the one who was going to bring him the news. Her outburst left her tired but smiling. She sighed happily, rolled on to her back, and drifted off to sleep.