Chapter 12 Convalescent

Elizabeth lay on the bed that had been brought into the room next to Mary. Mr. Jones and Dr. Pace had just exited the room to conference regarding Mary's treatment. Because the bone in Mary's arm had broken through the skin, her injury was of most serious. Mr. Jones had first thought they would have to amputate a portion of her arm.

Upon inspection he was able to put the bone back in place, but needed a surgeon to put the muscle and skin back together as neatly as possible. Thankfully, Mr. Gardiner had brought a surgeon with him from London. The surgeon expertly manipulated the bone, tissue, and skin. He said when she was completely healed, there would be some scarring, but nothing monstrous. Both doctors warned the Bennet family should Mary develop fever, it could very well be life threatening.

Elizabeth pulled the cover up for Mary who had not been awake since the accident. Elizabeth was determined to be there when her sister opened her eyes. Jane, Kitty, and Lydia had been with Mary for some time earlier, but had been greatly affected by her open wounds. They were able to stay for a short period of time.

Elizabeth thought to herself, she never knew Mary could be so determined. Elizabeth supposed she should have realized more about Mary's character upon reflection. Mary volunteers in town at the Jamerson's store, practices the pianoforte for hours, and learns to ride –in secret. It was not a secret, however, because most of the people at Longbourn knew Mary could ride. The secret was Mary does not know everyone knows – poor sister.

Elizabeth smiled. Mary was different from her other sisters. She did not care about others' opinions as much as she cared about what she felt mattered or what she felt was right. If it seemed her actions would cause an uproar or she would be censured for her actions, she just did it in secret. People often thought she was quiet. They, of course, were mistaken.

Mrs. Bennet entered the room. "Elizabeth, you will need to rest so your ankle can heal. I will sit with Mary. No argument, I will wake you when she wakes. I moved you in here so you could be close to her, but I will move you to another room if you don't rest properly. I will not have you girls get any worse. Do you understand what I am saying?"

Confused by her mother's actions, Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement. Her mother tucked her into bed, and after trying to turn a few times she fell asleep. Dr. Jones had included medicine in Elizabeth's porridge to help her rest. He knew she did not like the medicine because at times it would give her fitful dreams, but this was necessary. Her ankle was in a splint and traction. If not careful, she would be limping for the rest of her life. Knowing how much she loved to be active, even as a small child, he was determined she would not further injure herself. Bad dreams would have to be endured.

Mrs. Bennet sat next to the child she had had in her care for many years. She felt ashamed that her actions from the previous night had caused both girls to be so grievously injured. She was not proud of the way she treated Mary, but Mary's mother had been her most cherished childhood friend. Mary's mother had been Fanny's brother's beloved wife, and she had died giving birth to Mary. She loved Mary. In fact, she never thought of separating the girls into two categories – my girls and Mary. They are all my girls.

It was just something in Mary's attitude, even as a child that scared her. She felt this child would cause her grief. Just like Mary's mother had left her with so much pain, the daughter would do the same. Now, just looking at Mary lying on the bed, she had been right. Mary's arm was sewed together like a piece of cloth, wrapped in that hard white shell, and tied down so it could not move.

For so long, Fanny wished to tie Mary down — keep her safe. She knew Mary would sneak and do whatever she pleased. She would sneak off and work in that store, anything could happen. Why did she feel it was necessary to ride that blasted horse? She could have at least found a more tame one. "Oh, this child has worried me! " thought Mrs. Bennet as she, too, adjusted Mary's cover and prayed she would wake up soon.

Edward Gardiner knocked softly on the door, "Sister, do you need to rest? If so, I will sit with the girls for now."

Fanny knew that Edward wanted to sit with Mary alone. She saw the longing in his eyes as he entered the room, so she reluctantly left.

Mr. Gardiner, Mary's father, sat down and cried.

Elizabeth had heard the knock on the door. She did not want to alert anyone that she was awake, so she sat quietly. She was not prepared to hear her beloved Uncle crying. Then, she heard the second most shocking thing she had in her life.

"Mary, my daughter, I am so sorry. I have wronged you for too long. When you are well, I am taking you back to London. You will live with me, and you will never be hurt like this again."

Mary pulled down the covers and replied, "I do not want to live in London, at this time, father. I never have. I have known who you are for a long time. So, do not be shocked. I have been awake for some time, but I did not say anything because everyone that comes in seems to need to talk and unburden themselves. Most of the time, I do not think they know they are speaking aloud.

So, I sat here listening. I thank you for bringing the surgeon. I know it was you who had the people in town watching over me, was it not? I know all that, but what I would like is — Who is my mother? What happened to her and please be prepared to explain to myself and Elizabeth, because she is awake and listening."

Edward turned to see Elizabeth sit up as they both spoke with no small amount of shock, "What?" and "How did you know?"