Notes: Last part of the chapter.
PPP
Two days after the accident, Thomas Bennet woke up to the joy of the Bennet family. He was very sore, thirsty and hungry. Mr. Jones instructed that he be fed light food and, if he was in pain, he could take a small dose of laudanum with his tea. After seeing his daughters and his beloved wife, he fell asleep again with his wife's hand intertwined with his.
Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived, since the next morning Thomas woke up with a fever and in the afternoon, he became delirious. Despite the efforts of Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Hill, they could not contain the fever.
A week after the accident, Thomas opened his eyes and smiled weakly when he saw his wife. She was visibly tired, sad and worried. He knew he had very little time, and difficult times were ahead for his family. But he relied on his wife's strength and common sense to comfort and guide his daughters.
His will was in order. His brother-in-law, Mr. Carey, would be his daughters' guardian until they came of age. He was certain, Mr. Carey would help Lizzy in her new role as mistress of Longbourn.
Seeing that her husband had woken up, Elizabeth smiled and gently caressed his cheek. She asked tenderly, "You are awake, my love. Would you like a cap of tea or water?"
Thomas shook his head slightly, and answered with effort, "No; please… come closer… love… there is little time left…"
She took his hand and Thomas added, "I love you… you and our daughters… are the best… thing that ever happened to me…"
"I love you too, Thomas. Please, you have to make an effort to recover-"
He interrupted her, "You know I cannot… Could you please kiss me… for the last time?"
She nodded and kissed him softly on the lips. Thomas smiled slightly and soon fell asleep, never to wake up again.
In the early hours of November 25, Thomas Bennet passed away.
End Part II