"A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably." ~William Penn

Chapter 8

As the weeks passed, Elizabeth found that a season in London was both exhilarating as well as exhausting. She was very pleased to see that Jane was welcomed into society as Charles' new bride but the continuous string of balls and engagements was staggering. Thankfully, she had found two new friends in both Miss Darcy and Miss Waldegrave. Spending time with Georgiana was enjoyable given the young woman's calm and sweet disposition. Amelia Waldegrave, who was quite the opposite of calm, proved to be an entertaining companion as well.

The trio had made a habit of walking about in Hyde Park together as often as social engagements would allow. Conversation flowed freely among the friends with the topics varying greatly depending upon who joined them during their walk. Companions, brothers or sisters would occasionally be of the walking party. Today, however, only a footman followed as they ambled along the path since Mrs. Annesley had the day off to visit a friend and their brothers were otherwise occupied.

"Well, Elizabeth, are you prepared for your journey home to Hertfordshire?" Amelia asked.

Elizabeth sighed before answering, "Yes, I believe I am. I will certainly miss my time in London; however, it will be good to see my family again and be back in the country as it welcomes spring."

Georgiana smiled while Amelia laughed and said, "Life in Town can be stifling."

With a smirk to Georgiana, Amelia continued, "Are you not concerned for the broken hearts that you will leave here in London?"

Elizabeth stopped and said, "You both know that I will miss you dearly. I fully expect faithful correspondence for each of you."

"Now, now, Elizabeth, I was hardly speaking of Georgiana and I. I was referring to all of the gentleman who have been swooning over you at every ball this Season!"

Georgiana gasped and said, "What is this? Why have I not been informed of such activities? Was an attachment formed that you failed to tell me of, Elizabeth?"

"Amelia! You are quite the trouble-maker. No, Georgiana, I am returning home with the same single status in which I arrived…much to Caroline and my mother's chagrin, I might add."

The three young women laughed as they continued walking.

"Regardless of what your marital status may be, I noticed several admirers amongst your acquaintance this Season. Contrary to what you claim, Jane did not receive all of the beauty, my friend." Amelia said with a small squeeze of Elizabeth's hand.

Elizabeth blushed at the compliment before turning the subject to her friend.

"Georgiana, do not allow Amelia to pretend she was not receiving continuous offers to dance as well. According to Caroline, Amelia should secure Sir Thomas Bertram's heir as quickly as possible."

Elizabeth and Georgiana laughed as Amelia scowled.

"Miss Bingley is welcome to divert Tom Bertram's attentions from me at her earliest convenience. That gentleman is exhibiting behaviors that he should be ashamed of! Unfortunately, my brother is quite fond of him so it has been difficult to avoid him altogether."

Elizabeth became serious once again.

"Certainly Col. Waldegrave would not expose you to unwanted attentions? His care and affection for you is obvious." Elizabeth asked.

"Oh, no. John would never encourage such a match. I am speaking of my eldest brother, George."
Amelia responded and then added with a smile, "John will be pleased to know that you think so highly of him."

Elizabeth chose not to respond to her friend's teasing again and they continued their walk. When they reached the beginning of the path again, Amelia turned to Georgiana.

"I am sorry that I was unable to accept your invitation for tea this afternoon; however, my aunt would not be put off."

"Of course, I understand." Georgiana replied.

Amelia was helped into her carriage and driven away as Georgiana and Elizabeth turned to the Darcy carriage to return to the townhouse for tea. As they drove down the bumpy road, Elizabeth noticed Georgiana's pallor.

"Are you well, Georgiana? You look a bit flushed."

"Yes, I am fine. I believe we walked further than we normally do and I am feeling it. I shall be perfectly well again once we have our tea." Georgiana responded with a small smile.

Although Elizabeth did not agree with Georgiana's assessment on the length of their walk, she did not push her friend further.

After arriving at the Darcy townhouse, the young ladies were settled into their seats. As always, conversation flowed easily and steadily between the two. When Elizabeth announced that it was time for her to depart, Georgiana rose to summon the carriage for her friend but then suddenly became unsteady on her feet. Elizabeth reached her just in time before Georgiana collapsed.

"Oh, Elizabeth, I am so very sorry but I suddenly feel quite ill." Georgiana whispered.

Elizabeth helped her friend lie down on the settee before gently touching her cheek.

"Georgiana, you are burning up! We must get you to bed immediately."

"Please don't go to any trouble…" Georgiana said before she closed her eyes and appeared to be sleeping.

Elizabeth quickly asked the footman to fetch the housekeeper. The Darcy's housekeeper, Mrs.

White, entered the room and, upon seeing Miss Darcy's state, took charge and had Georgiana carried into her room and the doctor summoned.

"Mrs. White, will you not also alert Mr. Darcy of Miss Darcy's illness? I am sure that her brother would want to be here when the doctor arrives."

"Yes, miss. I will send a man right away. Would you also wish to take the carriage home? I know that Miss Darcy informed our driver that you would require the carriage when your visit ended."

Elizabeth worried her lip as she decided how to answer the kind woman.

"If you are amenable, I would like to stay with Miss Darcy until her brother arrives."

"Of course, miss." Was the housekeeper's short reply before she curtsied and left the room to pen the message for Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth was very worried for her friend. She recalled that her health had been poorly last autumn and prayed that this was not a recurrence of such a malady. After touching her friend's cheek, she requested a washcloth and basin of water from the chambermaid and proceeded to cool Georgiana's forehead while she waited for either the doctor or Mr. Darcy to arrive.

Darcy rushed to his sister's room taking the stairs two at a time. He was quite distraught when he received the note from Mrs. White explaining his sister's feverish state. His natural tendency to worry over his loved ones only increased with the passing of first his mother and then his father. Georgie was all that was left of his immediate family so his mind raced with what he would find when he arrived home. Out of all of the scenarios that he thought up, the sight that greeted him as he opened his sister's bedchamber door was wholly unexpected.

Miss Bennet was gently wiping Georgie's brow with a washcloth. Darcy was touched by the worry that was etched into the young woman's face as she looked after Georgiana. She was so intent in her ministrations that she did not appear to have noticed his arrival. He cleared his throat as he stepped into the room.

"Oh, Mr. Darcy. I am so glad that you have arrived!"

Before he could reply, Mrs. White bustled into the room.

"Ah, Mr. Darcy, sir. I have just received a note from Doctor Thorne. He will be here within the hour."

"Thank you, Mrs. White. Has there been any change in Miss Darcy's condition since you wrote me?" Darcy asked as his eyes strayed questioningly between his housekeeper and Elizabeth.

"No, sir. She appears to be resting, albeit fitfully due to the fever." The elder woman replied.

Darcy nodded his head before turning to Miss Bennet.

"Miss Bennet, I thank you for your care of my sister in my absence."

"Truly, sir, it was no trouble. I only wish that I might do something more to help alleviate whatever it is that ails her."

"Yes, well, I am certain that Doctor Thorne might shed some light on the matter." Darcy responded as he glanced worriedly at his sister.

"I do hope that this illness might be of short duration, sir, and not a relapse?" Elizabeth dared to question.

Darcy appeared confused for a moment before understanding dawned.

"No, madam, I can assure you that this is not a relapse." Darcy said vehemently with a slight scowl.

It was now Elizabeth's turn to appear confused but she said nothing further and just nodded at his response.

Softening his features once again, Darcy asked if Miss Bennet was ready to return to the Bingley residence and offered to see her to the carriage.

"I thank you for the kindness, sir, but I am sure that you would wish to remain with your sister."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. White interjected and said, "I would be happy to escort Miss Bennet to the carriage. She has been a great help this afternoon."

Elizabeth colored at the praise and thanked Mrs. White before preparing to leave the room.

"Good evening, Mr. Darcy. I will pray for a good report from the doctor." Elizabeth said as she curtsied.

"Thank you again Miss Bennet. Georgiana is blessed to have your friendship." Darcy bowed and watched Miss Bennet and Mrs. White leave the room before returning to his sister's bedside.

A/N: I apologize for the unexpected hiatus. Life happens…writer's block happens. I'm back on track now though and thank you for continuing to follow this little story. Things are going to move along fairly quickly from this point forward. I hope you like it!

Also, while trying to get the creative juices flowing again, I participated in a one shot contest for another FF site. I submitted a Persuasion one shot and I'll be posting that on this site tonight too. Check it out and let me know what you think if you have a moment.

Thanks for all of your reviews & encouragement! I love hearing from you. : )