Author's Note: Enjoy the latest chapter! I can't believe the response and following this fic has received. I never thought this fic would be as well received as it has been. Thank you so much!
Doctor Perry arrived within half an hour. He went directly to Elizabeth's room where he found Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley. They were sitting on either side of her bed and they were not speaking.
"Has there been any change in her condition?" he asked as he set his bag down to begin the examination.
"There have been some signs of improvement," Darcy said, "She has stirred a bit but has not woken. She appears to be sleeping restlessly."
"That is good news and a good sign," he said. He saw Darcy's face light up as he heard the positive sentiment.
Jane smiled at the revelation. "That is such good news. I am so pleased."
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I will examine Mrs. Darcy."
"If you do not mind Doctor Perry, I wish to stay in the room while you examine my wife."
"That will not be a problem." He had expected Mr. Darcy to wish to stay. He liked to know what was happening, especially when it came to his wife. When dealing with powerful men, he knew he often had to defer to them and their wishes.
"I will go check on my husband. Let me know when the examination is over," Jane said as she rose from her seat. She left the room quickly to check on her husband while Darcy remained.
Doctor Perry began to examine Mrs. Darcy and was pleased with what he found. "Since she has shown signs of improvement, I believe it is best to try and wake her with smelling salts."
"It will not harm her?" he asked with concern. It was clear from his expression how much he cared for his wife.
"No. If the salts can wake her then she is healed enough to be awake."
"Alright," Darcy nodded and Doctor Perry removed the salts from his bag.
He placed them under her nose and she began to stir. Darcy clutched her hand and she groggily opened her eyes.
"Elizabeth," Darcy breathed out in relief. His eyes filled with tears of joy as he looked upon his conscious wife.
"Fitzwilliam?" she cried grasping his hand tightly. "My head hurts. Everything is cloudy."
"Oh darling, I am so very happy you are alright."
"The baby!" she said remembering her condition, her hands flying to her stomach.
"Everything is alright," he said placing a hand on her stomach, "Doctor Perry made sure of it."
"Doctor Perry," she began, noticing him beside her bed from the first time since she had woken up, "you are sure that everything is fine?"
"You are alright, aside from the head injury," he reassured her.
She started to cry, "Thank the lord. Goodness, my head hurts. How long have I been asleep? Is Jane here?"
He placed a kiss on her cheek for comfort. "You have only been out for a day. We rushed back last night once we heard what happened."
"What happened?"
His eyes went wide. "Do you not remember?" he asked with concern.
"I… I remember falling. I hit my head, but I remember wrapping my arms around my stomach, to protect the babe."
"Yes you did. You fell, my dear, but it was not an accident. Do you remember?"
She winced in pain at a memory, "I remember screaming. There was a fight… I fought with Lydia!"
"Yes, yes, that is exactly what happened."
"Where is she?"
"Away. I sent her away. She lied about the whole thing, but she got tripped up trying to tell the story to me. She then revealed the truth. Miss. Bingley is gone as well. She was a part of the cover up."
'This is so much to handle at one time. I cannot believe all that has happened."
"I know. I share the same feelings. Elizabeth, Doctor Perry is going to finish the examination. I will fetch Jane and Georgiana if you would like."
"I would like that very much. I am very tired, but I would like to see my sisters."
"Of course."
Doctor Perry finished his examination, but he did have news for her that she did not like. He gave his recommendation that she rest in bed for the remainder of her pregnancy. She opened her mouth to argue with him but stopped. If it were best for the child then she would do it. She would write to Kitty and have her come earlier to keep her company. Georgiana was supposed to leave for town to start the season in a few weeks, but she feared she would not wish to go. Fitzwilliam would have no objection to his sister missing another season – he still thought she was too young for marriage and the London season, but she thought it would be good for her to enjoy the season. The season would be over in time for the baby's birth and she would encourage her sister to leave for town until then.
She would have Jane and she would have Kitty. She would make sure she always had someone by her side to keep her company. She feared she would die of boredom but there was nothing else she could do. She would never endanger her child.
After Doctor Perry left, Jane and Georgiana came to sit with her. Neither wanted to overwhelm her and took turns reading quietly to her. Jane left to have a quick lunch, while Georgiana remained.
"Dear sister," Georgiana began, "now that you are going to be on bed rest, I wish to stay with you."
"Georgiana, do not worry about me. Go to town with your Aunt Matlock and enjoy the season."
"But I do not think I will be able to enjoy the season knowing that you are confined to a bed."
"Do not worry about me. You should go and see plays and operas and meet new people, and maybe fall in love."
"But, I cannot, not when I will be worrying about you."
"Oh Georgiana, it is so sweet for you to worry, but I will feel terrible if you miss your first season."
Georgiana was set on missing the season to stay with her new sister and to wait for her new niece or nephew. "I will talk about this with my brother. I have a lot to think about."
"Very well, Georgiana. I think I wish to take a short rest. Would you mind sending in your brother?"
"Sure, I will fetch him at once," she said as she left the room.
She sighed as she snuggled deeper into her pillows. At least she could not complain that this bed or her chambers were uncomfortable. She had not spent much time in her chambers since she had been married. She hoped she would be able to move to her husband's room where she was used to sleeping, but it would probably be impossible. No, Fitzwilliam would have to come and sleep in her room.
"You wished to see me?" Came Darcy's voice from across the room.
"I am tired and I wish to take a nap, but you know I cannot sleep without you."
"I can certainly get away for a few hours to rest with you."
"Good," she smiled. He removed his shoes and climbed into bed beside her. "You are not going to change?"
"No. I will have to change for dinner anyway in a few hours. I just wish to be close to you."
"Alright," she said as she snuggled into his arms. He was careful not to accidentally touch her injured head as he wrapped his arms protectively around her. They drifted to sleep in each other's arms.