A/N: Ok, i know you dont always do this if you are in a coma, but it just makes things interesting. And i'm sorry if there are things i'm overlooking in this story, i am trying. But, rite now, i'm just happy to be updating. REVIEW! or i wont update in a month or something equally cruel. Without further ado...
Sitting down gently on the bed, Fitzwilliam reflected on the musings of his housekeeper. He was being distant for 'no plausible reason'? Mrs. Darcy 'will not be pleased with the state her husband has happened into'? Fitzwilliam did not know what to make of these speculations.
He could confess that he had not spent much time attending to Elizabeth in the past couple days, indeed he had hardly the time to spare her a thought. He had been too occupied with his business dealings; reading them, thinking through them, and executing their requests and necessities. He had never visited other parts of Pemberley, besides his study and his room. This would not do.
Contemplating this, Fitzwilliam came to a satisfactory conclusion. He would compromise with himself; he would tend to Elizabeth and care for her, but he would not spend all his time with her, allowing himself to fall back into a depressed state of mind. He could not permit himself to return to the dejected condition from which he had recently transcended. He would retain his positive frame of mind.
Getting up, he strode to the door separating his bedroom from Elizabeth's. Wrenching it open, he stepped inside only to stop. She was still laying there, hardly moved from the last time he laid eyes on her. She had regained most of the color in her face and her hair had long since been arranged. She was as beautiful as when he had first seen her. Struck by this, Fitzwilliam knelt down beside her. Holding her hand, he softly began to cry.
The next morning, Mrs. Reynolds' brother-in-law arrived. He was warmly received by Mrs. Reynolds and Fitzwilliam; the former was very pleased at his consent to visit Pemberley, while the latter was pleased for an entirely different reason. Fitzwilliam had been anxiously waiting for the diagnosis which only an expert on the subject could give; only then could he rest easy at night.
Dr. Jarvis insisted on examining the patient the instant their welcome was concluded. This was a favorable objective in the eyes of all concerned. After checking her pulse, taking her temperature, examining her eyes, and ascertaining her capability of response, Dr. Jarvis held a private conference with Mrs. Reynolds. His demeanor was a serious one, full of worry and disquiet. This quite threw the faithful housekeeper; she had not perceived there to be any thing of great concern about the mistress. However, this was not what troubled the good doctor.
"Mrs. Reynolds, I know of your master's ailments, I paid special mind to them when you wrote me. On my journey here, I reflected on what you had occasion to write. No!-You were perfectly justified in your missive; any amiable soul would have felt the same. Conclusively, I have a notion of what needs to be done in order to return your Mr. Darcy to his former state of mind; I am not speaking of incessant distress, mind you, more the consciousness with which he views his bride. Here is my proposition…"
Dr. Jarvis and Mrs. Reynolds reentered, both appearing grave; though, it may be observed that the latter had a fidgety look about her.
Dr. Jarvis, regarding Fitzwilliam with a critical eye, said, "Mr. Darcy, I regret to inform you that your wife has taken a turn for the worse. Internally, her bodily systems are putting up a fight. Although she appears to be in good condition, it is only a matter of time before the illness prevails. The only thing we can do is to wait and see; I am able to remain with you, if you so please. I assume your current doctor does not want for patients; it would be advisable to send him on."
Confused and more than mildly concerned, Fitzwilliam meditated over what Dr. Jarvis had communicated. "Dr. Jarvis, while I respect your expertise, I cannot help but question what you have said, therefore, please enlighten me on some thing. You said, 'it is only a matter of time before the illness prevails.' Pray tell what you mean by this, I had no knowledge of the…illness having any other side effects, excepting the ones obvious to the eye. And, also, I hope it would not inconvenience you to have Dr. Radcliff remain where he is; I wish to have the opinion of multiple doctors. Please tell me what you should think of this."
"In answer to your first question, it is not a well-known fact, but comas are wont to produce issues internally, especially pertaining to the organs. This knowledge can only be comprehended by those whom have studied the illness as much as I. Dr. Radcliff's remaining will not hinder me in my work. I could have no issue with him. As I can visibly see your distress, sir, excuse me if I depart. Mrs. Reynolds, it might be best if you follow." Shutting the door after them, the two could only rejoice in their success.
Fitzwilliam's days now held a sort of purpose: to see Elizabeth up and well. He strode with confidence now; working in the mornings, spending his afternoons consulting Mrs. Reynolds and others about household matters, and passing his evenings with Elizabeth. These evenings were the culmination of his day.
Mrs. Darcy seemed vastly improved; she often flinched when he held her hand, or tossed in bed, mumbling things not understood. On one such occasion, she said aloud his name.
"Lizzy? Lizzy are you awake? Come, Lizzy, I know you are capable of hearing." Gazing thoughtfully at her face, Fitzwilliam did not perceive any thing to be changed about her, and promptly dropt his attempts at waking her. However, it was yet to be repeated.
"…Darcy…"
"Lizzy? Elizabeth, wake up…" Again, she was not altered in appearance or behaviors. Fitzwilliam lost hope of her waking immediately.
Unbeknownst to Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Reynolds had spoke of his dejection to more than one person. She had felt it was wrong of him, even in his ignorance of the issue, to keep Mrs. Bingley unaware of her sister's condition. As a solution, she had secretly sent a letter to the Bingleys, explaining all that had occurred. A response had been sent, conveying their inexplicable distress. Fitzwilliam was, of course forgiven for forgetting to convey the incident to others. They did not think to impose on them by insisting on visiting; and neither did they impart the news to Mrs. Bennet or any of family, for fear or causing too much distress. As for a lack of communication between the two parties which must naturally ensue from Elizabeth's unconsciousness, they had thought to explain after her waking. Though they did not know when this was to be, they put faith in the belief that it would be soon.
Now, the Bingleys had been thinking of a way to distract Fitzwilliam from his wife's indisposition. Thus, they sent to him an invitation to visit for sennight, making it seem as if they had no knowledge of Elizabeth. Hesitant though he was that he should miss seeing Elizabeth if she should wake, Fitzwilliam accepted, knowing himself that he needed refuse from the current tension of Pemberley. Setting out, he did not know how many people were playing puppeteers.
A/N: So? REVIEW, please!!! and, check out my profile for future story ideas. vote, and the one with th most votes wins. rite now, things are tied, vote and solidify my choice. have a good day!