Edited by nanciellen

PPP

Finally, on the sixth day, Darcy awoke without a fever. The doctor examined him thoroughly, and with a slight smile told him that he was out of danger. Unfortunately, he would have to rest for several weeks in order for his leg, wrist, and fractured ribs to heal properly.

Overjoyed by the wonderful news, Georgiana walked into her brother's bedchamber with a big smile on her face followed by Richard. Carefully not to further hurt his ribs, she hugged Darcy, and with tears in her eyes said. "Brother, at last, the fever has broken; I have been so worried all these days; you were so sick, and I was afraid of losing you."

"Please don't cry, Georgie. I am so sorry that you have been so worried about me." He smiled and involuntarily winced as he moved. "I already feel much better and, in a few months, I will be the same as I was before the accident."

At that moment Darcy saw Richard and his face darkened.

"Darcy, I am so glad you are feeling better."

Just then, Mr. Potter came into the bedchamber with Darcy's shaving tools and a jug of water. Darcy asked him to come back in about 10 minutes, and said to his sister, "Georgie, could you please ask Mrs. Reynolds to bring me breakfast in half an hour?"

Georgiana nodded and immediately went to speak to Mrs. Reynolds. She would write another letter to Miss Bennet this very day to tell her the good news...

Darcy looked at Richard and in an icy voice asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Georgiana sent me an express begging me to come as soon as possible, and as you might imagine, I could not leave her alone at a time like this. You were in a very serious condition, Darcy. We were very worried that you might not survive."

Darcy met his eyes and frowned. For so many years Richard had been his best friend, but he no longer trusted him, and he did not know if he was involved in Pemberley's fire. "I highly doubt that you were worried about my health. In fact, you know that if I die, you would be the sole executor of the estate, and also have full access to Georgiana's dowry."

Richard clenched his fists furiously and in an icy voice replied, "Do you really think that of me? You do realize that if I wanted full access to Georgiana's dowry, I would have let you go through with your engagement to Miss Bennet."

Darcy flushed and did not respond, and Richard added, "Believe me, Darcy, what I did, I did for Georgiana's sake. You will realize that one day."

Mr. Potter went back to shaving Darcy, and Richard stormed out of the bedchamber and went down to the dining room for breakfast. Georgiana was already sitting there with Mrs. Annesley.

"Richard, I am so happy. I have wonderful news! The doctor told me that he thinks that in a few months, my brother will be fully recovered."

Richard smiled. "Let's hope so. After breakfast, I will go to Lambton to notify my superior that I will be returning to London in 5 days, and then I will send an express to my father with the good news."

Georgiana smiled. "I have some letters to post too. Do you want John to deliver them?"

"No, it is not necessary. I want to exercise and buy some things in Lambton. Do you want to come with me?"

Georgiana smiled and for a moment hesitated whether or not to go with her cousin or remain at Pemberley. "No; I will stay at home since in the last two weeks I have not taken my lessons. Would you please take my letters to the post?"

After breakfast, Georgiana finished writing the letters to the Matlocks, her cousin Anne, and Elizabeth and gave them to Richard. At Lambton, Richard bought tobacco, and left all the letters, except Miss Bennet's, with the post. He hoped Georgiana would no longer write to her.