The Gypsy Blessing (22 page)

~%~

“I apologize for the time it took me to get here, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Jones laid opened his bag of supplies on the table Elizabeth had been using as a writing desk earlier in the day. “The entire Long family is ill.”

“I hope it is nothing serious?” Elizabeth’s statement came out more like a question.

“We shall see.”

“Mr. Jones, Jane accompanied my mother to see Mrs. Long two days ago.”

The apothecary’s frown was his only reply.

Jane was only partially aware during Mr. Jones’s examination. As Jane had not mentioned feeling ill before she swooned, there was very little Elizabeth was able to say in answer to his questions.

While returning his supplies to his bag, Mr. Jones declared, “Miss Bennet seems to be suffering from the same malady as the Long family.” After donning his coat, he reached into a pocket. He removed a vial containing dried herbs from his pocket and handed it to Elizabeth. “Steep this mixture twice as long as you normally would for tea. Miss Bennet should sip a little at a time, four times a day. I’m afraid I have no more with me now; I will inform Netherfield’s housekeeper to expect a boy to come ’round with a package for you later this evening. Included in the parcel will be a blend that you, Hanna, and any other caretakers should take instead of tea until Miss Bennet’s fever has broken. I will also enclose laudanum should Miss Bennet become too uncomfortable to sleep.”

“Mr. Jones, as I have not been invited to stay at Netherfield, I will inform Hanna of your instructions.”

His eyebrows rose high on his forehead. “Your sister will be more comfortable with you here. I will see to it.”

Elizabeth smiled gratefully. “Thank you, sir.”

He lifted his bag and took a step towards the door, then hesitated and turned to face Elizabeth. “You say Mrs. Bennet called on the Longs along with your sister?”

She nodded.

“I shall stop at Longbourn to check on Mrs. Bennet on my way home and return here in the morning.” He looked at Jane, sleeping fitfully, and then returned his gaze to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, I trust your opinion. If you feel your sister’s condition requires my presence, you need only to send for me. I will come as soon as I’m able.”

His grave tone concerned Elizabeth further.

Mr. Jones added, “But do not worry, Miss Elizabeth. Miss Bennet is young and strong.”

With that, Mr. Jones quitted the room.

~%~

October 16, 1811

The night was long. Hanna never left the Bennet sisters’ room except to fetch hot water for the medicinal teas and cold water for Elizabeth to use to cool her sister’s fever. Jane finally fell into a sound sleep about the time dawn broke. With much coaxing, Hanna made certain that Elizabeth had taken something to eat before Hanna retreated to her own room for some rest.

Elizabeth lay down beside Jane and dozed lightly until a noise woke her. After finding Jane still sleeping, she sat up to look around the room.

“Sorry ta’ wake ye, ma’am,” whispered a maid Elizabeth recognized from the day before as she curtsied slightly, her arms full of fresh linens and a tea service. “Mr. Jones sent more tea for Miss Bennet. Mrs. Robinson says I can help Miss Bennet so’s ye can get some sleep. I always nursed me father an’ three brothers, Miss Elizabeth.” She put down her load and stoked the fire.

Elizabeth slipped from the bed and answered quietly, “Thank you, Agnes, but if you help, you must take the same tea as I do.”

“Yes’m. Mr. Jones said so. If ye’d like, there’s fresh water in the basin in the dressin’ room. I made up the bedchamber beyond for ye’ and laid out a night shift. A man brought gowns, too.”

Elizabeth laid her hand on Jane’s cheek and forehead and moved away. “Her fever is lower, I think.” Elizabeth pulled the pins from her hair, shook it out, and began to plait it. “Please, wake me when Mr. Jones arrives. Can you help me with the top buttons of my gown? I can get the rest myself.”

Agnes did as she was asked, and Elizabeth was about to walk through the door connecting the two bedchambers when there was a tapping on the door to the hallway. Elizabeth gestured that she would answer it herself. She rushed into her bedchamber, opened the door to the hallway, and peeked out. When she saw it was Georgiana, she waved her friend into her chamber.

~%~

Darcy and Bingley stood as Georgiana and Mrs. Younge entered the breakfast room. Darcy moved to help his sister and her companion with their chairs.

Once everyone was settled, Bingley asked anxiously, “Do you know how Miss Bennet fares?”

“Miss Elizabeth reports that Miss Bennet is feeling a little better this morning and is resting more comfortably,” Georgiana answered.

“And Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy asked and then wished he had not. Neither Georgiana nor Bingley seemed to recognize his interest in that lady, though he was unsure about Mrs. Younge, who always seemed to try to blend into the background whenever in company. He was certain that had Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst been present, his question would not have gone without comment.

“She said that she is only tired, but she does not look well, Fitzwilliam. I am concerned that Lizzy will fall ill, as well.”

Darcy frowned. “What was her answer as to whether or not I should send for our London physician?”

“When Mr. Jones comes this morning, she will ask if he thinks it is necessary.”

“I have heard only the best about Mr. Jones,” Bingley said, “but if Miss Elizabeth feels a doctor necessary to ensure Miss Bennet’s well-being, one will be sent for directly.”

~%~

“Come, now, Jane. Mr. Jones said you should try to take some nourishment.” Elizabeth assisted her sister with taking another spoonful of broth. She knew very well that Jane was forcing herself to eat in order to please her.

Jane closed her eyes and rested her head back on the mountain of pillows Elizabeth had piled behind her. Having delayed the inevitable for as long as was possible, Jane swallowed and grimaced.

“Perhaps you should take some laudanum for the pain in your throat and head?”

Jane answered hoarsely, “It makes me sleepy. I do not want to leave you alone.”

“Well then, perhaps I will leave you with Agnes or Hanna and dine with the others instead of having a tray brought up here. Would you rest then?”

Jane smiled as well as she could, which was not much at all.

~%~

Elizabeth dressed for dinner and, after seeing Jane was well situated, slipped into the hall to make her way to the dining room.

As she approached a footman stationed in the hallway, she hesitated. “Roger, is that you?”

The footman’s eyes shifted to search the corridor. Finding no one else present, he smiled. “Yes, Miss Elizabeth.”

“I heard you were working as a footman, but in Sussex.”

Roger nodded. “I was, ma’am, but the house were closed when the master passed on. On my ways ta’ London lookin’ fer work, I stopped to see me family. Me sista’ tol’ me there was jobs at Netherfield, wit’ the new master and all, so I took a chance. ’Tis nice bein’ close ta’ home.”

~

As Darcy approached his chamber door leading to the hallway, he could hear Elizabeth’s voice beyond it. The well-oiled hinges made no noise as he opened the door and stepped out into the corridor. He was not prepared for what he found.

Elizabeth stood before a tall, handsome footman, who was smiling from ear to ear under the lady’s attention.

Elizabeth said, “That livery makes you look almost distinguished, Roger.”

The footman replied, though Darcy could not hear what he said. Elizabeth’s musical laughter echoed down the corridor in response.

Is she flirting with a servant?
Darcy’s nostrils flared as he walked quickly towards the stairs, which happened to take him closer to them.
My attraction has certainly blinded me—I am finally seeing her true character.

Elizabeth turned towards the sound of his footfalls. Though the footman paled, his mien changed to one more fitting his duties.

~

“Good evening, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said
. If Mr. Darcy’s eyes were daggers, Roger and I would certainly not survive the hour!
“Jane is sleeping, so I thought I would accept Mr. Bingley’s invitation to dine downstairs this evening.”

Keeping watch on Darcy from the corner of her eye, Elizabeth turned to the footman and said in a deliberate tone, “Roger, as tomorrow is your day off, I assume you will go home to visit with your parents. Will you please stop at Longbourn on the way? I will write a note to Mrs. Hill and send it to you through Hanna or Agnes this evening. From what you have told me, some of Mrs. Hill’s special liniment will be just the thing for your mother’s shoulder. Please tell her that as soon as Jane is well and we have returned to Longbourn, I will come to see how she is feeling.”

Roger did not take his eyes away from a spot on the wall opposite him as he answered, “Yes, ma’am.”

Elizabeth looked up at Darcy and smiled slightly. “Are you on your way to the dining room, sir?”

He nodded and gestured for her to precede him.

She began to walk in the direction of the stairs. “Roger came in second place.” Elizabeth almost laughed when she glanced at Darcy in time to see his eyebrows shoot upward on his brow. “In the tree climbing contest I told you of.”

“Ah.” Darcy nodded.

“As children of tenant farmers at Longbourn, Jane and I have known Roger and Hanna, one of the maids who have been helping care for my sister, all our lives. They are good people and come from hard-working families. Mr. Bingley chose wisely when hiring them.” She pretended not to notice that the frown had smoothed away from his features. “For years, Hanna had helped at Longbourn when she was needed, but this is the first time I have seen Roger in a uniform. While at work, they both seem so different from my memories of them as childhood playmates.” She tilted her head. “But in a way, no matter what our station in life, I guess we
all
end up wearing a uniform of sorts.”

As the pair came to the bottom of the staircase, the footman opened the door to the dining room. Elizabeth nodded her thanks to the footman and passed into the room. Darcy followed and helped Elizabeth with her chair before finding his own.

After rising upon Elizabeth’s entrance to the room, Bingley resettled into his chair and asked expectantly, “Miss Elizabeth, may I assume that your joining us means Miss Bennet is feeling somewhat better?”

“I am happy to report that her fever is not nearly so high as it was last evening at this time, sir. I do believe she is on the mend. Thank you for inquiring,” Elizabeth replied.

“Are you certain? I have heard from the stablemen that the Longs are quite ill, and a doctor has been sent for. Perhaps I should send for the Longs’ doctor to attend Miss Bennet, as well?”

“In my sister’s case, I feel there is no need, sir. Perhaps she does not have the same affliction as the others.” Her brow furrowed. “Is the entire Long family ill?”

Bingley nodded. “From what I understood, the eldest gentleman’s condition is quite serious.”

Elizabeth startled when Miss Bingley spoke from the doorway. “If we are to escape this fever, perhaps we should return to London immediately, Charles.”

It was obvious to Elizabeth that the gentlemen had not heard her enter the room, either. Both rose in greeting. A footman held Miss Bingley’s chair.

Darcy said, “If there is the risk of an illness spreading, we should remain in the country. Our physician had advised me that epidemics move quickly through densely populated areas. If you remember, that is why we were preparing to leave for Pemberley just before Georgiana came down with influenza.”

“Oh, Mr. Darcy! What a wonderful idea! Removing further away from London to Pemberley would certainly be of benefit to us all.”

Darcy’s back stiffened. His tone was firm when he answered, “And risk having to stay two nights in crowded inns along the way with others who may be ill? I think not. We would do better remaining at Netherfield.”

Miss Bingley’s disappointment was almost palpable.

Chapter 16

After dinner, the gentleman retreated to Bingley’s study for cigars and brandy. More often than not, whilst in the company of Bingley and Hurst, Darcy would join in their conversation, but this night, Darcy stood by a window, staring out into the darkness.

The evening thus far had seemed as if he were living within a bad dream.

Darcy’s embarrassment over what he had assumed was occurring in the corridor outside his chamber was great. He could hope only that Elizabeth had not guessed his thoughts, but he feared her reaction proved that she had. Darcy closed his eyes, unable to look at his own reflection in the glass.

After every encounter with Elizabeth, he found himself thinking she was unlike other women of his acquaintance; yet, after all the years of being carefully taught to examine other’s motives when they befriended him, his prior expectations were almost impossible to ignore.

The popular adage, “Old habits die hard,” is certainly true in his case.

It saddened him to think that Mrs. Hurst’s and Miss Bingley’s conduct towards Elizabeth did not surprise him in the least. It was what he had learned to expect from women, proving his prejudice correct time and time again.

Do
any
single women of the ton truly form friendships, or are all their alliances part of a game of strategy?

Whether Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had noticed his interest in Elizabeth mattered not, for he knew from experience that
any
lady of marriageable age would be treated by them in the same fashion, especially when amongst gentlemen. Although Bingley tried his best to make their guest feel comfortable, his sisters had practically ignored Elizabeth throughout the entirety of the meal, and it was obvious that they brought up subjects of conversation in which they assumed Elizabeth would not be able to participate. At least there was not a repeat of the enumeration of the Bennets’ connexions, which had often been the subject of discussion since his arrival in Hertfordshire and which Georgiana had also told him had taken place the day before.

Georgiana.
Darcy sighed. The most disturbing event thus far this evening was that, after being distracted by Elizabeth’s presence in the corridor, he had actually
forgotten
to knock at his sister’s door and escort her to the dining room as he had told her he would. Even if he lived to be a very old man, he would always regret being the cause of the worry and disappointment marring Georgiana’s features when she caught his eye as she entered the dining room, attended only by Mrs. Younge.

Soon after the gentlemen rejoined the ladies in the parlour, a maid entered the room and crossed to speak to Miss Bingley, who then announced that Elizabeth would remain above stairs with her sister. After the way Elizabeth had been treated by himself in the hallway and by Bingley’s sisters at supper, he would have been surprised if she
had
returned.

Before the maid left the room, Bingley called out, “Has Miss Bennet’s condition worsened?”

The maid answered, “Miss Bennet’s fever rose whilst Miss Elizabeth was at supper, sir. Miss Elizabeth don’t want to leave ’er again.”

I have done it again—assigned selfish motives to Elizabeth’s actions!
Darcy thought, closing his eyes.
My ingrained suspicion must end! I will disregard my worries about her letter, as well. She has done nothing but good for us.

Darcy’s attention was redirected as Bingley responded, “Please inform Miss Elizabeth that I am sending a boy to the Longs’ home with a note requesting that the doctor come to see Miss Bennet as soon as he is able.”

The maid curtsied and quickly left the room.

~%~

October 17, 1811

The following morning, Elizabeth joined the others as they were almost finished breaking their fast.

“What says the doctor, Miss Elizabeth?” Bingley inquired even before Elizabeth had the chance to take her seat.

Elizabeth replied, “I am pleased to say that Jane does
not
have the same illness that is plaguing the Long family. She has nothing more than a cold. There is no need for further visits from Mr. Coburn. Rest and Mr. Jones’s teas will be enough to restore her to full health.”

Bingley responded, “Excellent news!”

Georgiana asked, “And how is Jane feeling this morning?”

“She slept soundly and is feeling a little better.” Elizabeth looked at Miss Bingley before saying, “I apologize for being unable to join you last evening.” Unwilling to witness any facial expression Miss Bingley might display in response to her apology, Elizabeth immediately redirected her gaze towards Georgiana. “When I stopped in to see Jane after dinner, she was feeling quite poorly. I was concerned that her fever might rise as high as it had the night before last. I am thankful it did not.”

“As are we all, I am sure,” Darcy said. After catching Elizabeth’s eye, he continued, “Please send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to your sister. Is Miss Bennet feeling well enough for visitors? Georgiana has been eager to see her.”

“I believe so, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth answered. “A short visit, perhaps.”

Georgiana’s smile matched her friend’s.

“Louisa and I will visit, as well,” Caroline cut in. “It will be so good to see dear Jane once again.”

Elizabeth looked away quickly but not before a hint of disappointment flitted across her features.

~%~

Dressed for the outdoors, Elizabeth descended the stairs. Hearing footfalls on the steps behind her, Elizabeth stopped to greet the person who followed her. It was Darcy, dressed in riding attire.

“Mr. Darcy, your kind sister suggested I take a little time to myself whilst Jane had other visitors. I thought a short walk in the garden close to the house might do me some good.”

Darcy raised both eyebrows. “No tree climbing today, then?”

Elizabeth chuckled. “Only a bit of fresh air today, sir. As I am unused to being indoors for such a long time, I will admit to becoming a little restless.”

“I was just on my way to the stables,” Darcy said as the butler approached with a letter on a silver tray.

The butler bowed before them. “This letter came for you, Miss Bennet.”

“It is early for the post, is it not?” Darcy asked.

“Yes, sir, but this did not come by way of the post. One of the maids found it on the table just over there while she was dusting, sir.” He gestured to a table against the foyer wall.

Noticing Darcy’s gaze was directed at the missive, Elizabeth quickly took the letter from the tray and slid it into her pocket. “Thank you.” She turned and continued towards the front door.

Darcy easily caught up to her. “I find a short walk might be just the thing I need this morning, as well. Would you mind some company, Miss Elizabeth?”

Although the letter felt as if it were burning a hole in her pocket, Elizabeth replied, “Your company would be welcome, Mr. Darcy.” She added in her thoughts,
But please, do not ask me any questions about the letter!

When she had returned from her holiday with the Gardiners, Elizabeth had asked Mrs. Hill if she had forwarded any letters to her while she was away. The housekeeper had informed her that she had not.
Now they are coming to Netherfield, too!
How do the gypsies know where I will
be
?

A footman opened the front door to allow the pair to pass through, and they descended the stone steps in silence. Elizabeth took Darcy’s proffered arm as he directed their ramble to the formal garden on the south side of the house.

“You seem distracted, Miss Elizabeth. Would you rather I find you a seat so you may have some privacy to read your letter?”

“I thank you, sir, but I was just lost in a memory. The last time I visited Netherfield, a Mr. Allen leased the property. During that visit, I was disappointed to find this garden was growing quite wild. Although I enjoy a natural garden more than the formal variety, it is not what was intended here. It is a good to see that Mr. Bingley has taken an interest in taming it.”

“Having a formal garden close to the house was a specific requirement when Bingley was looking for an appropriate house to lease—at the request of Miss Bingley, I believe.”

“I understood from a conversation between Georgiana and my aunt that Pemberley has a beautiful formal rose garden—” Elizabeth began to say, but she stopped speaking when the memory of one of her drawings pushed into her mind... one of Darcy and her walking among the roses at Pemberley. Elizabeth turned her head to hide her blush, and movement at a third story window attracted her eye. In what she thought was a window in Jane’s bedchamber, the curtains were quickly dropped back into place. She wondered who had been looking out at them.

Certainly, it could not have been Jane.

Darcy seemed not to have noticed her hesitation. “Yes, it is said that my great-grandmother began the rose garden. My mother was quite fond of roses and made many additions to the plantings. Whenever she was out of doors, I always knew where to find her—in the rose garden either with a gardener, directing his pruning, or with her sketch pad and charcoals.” He raised his eyebrows. “In fact, you may have seen one of her paintings in the music room at Darcy House.”

“A vase full of many different types of roses, I believe.” Elizabeth smiled brightly. “I am not an expert in judging art, but that painting did catch my eye. I thought it clever to have fresh roses also displayed in that room, but only on tables along the wall behind the main seating arrangement. As I was listening to Georgiana play, I had the impression that the painting had come to life.”

He smiled. “Yes, that was exactly my mother’s goal. Georgiana and I have continued her tradition.” The light in his eyes twinkled. “Mother crafted that painting while wintering in London. It was from a series of sketches she had done in the garden at Pemberley during several previous summers. It was her idea of what the perfect bouquet would look like if all her favourite roses were to bloom at the same time.”

They walked on for several minutes before Darcy broke their comfortable silence by saying, “Georgiana takes after my mother with her talent in both music and drawing.”

“And in beauty, as well.” Darcy stopped walking and furrowed his brow. Elizabeth continued, “Do you not remember my examining the miniatures on the mantelpiece in Georgiana’s sitting room at Ramsgate? The resemblance between Georgiana and her mother is striking.”

Darcy’s confused expression betrayed his thoughts. “I am embarrassed to admit that I had not noticed until just now. I believe—”

“Mr. Darcy! Miss Eliza!” Caroline’s shrill voice cut off what he would have said next. The pair turned towards the sound and found that lady and her sister were headed in their direction, complete with parasols shading their fair complexions.

They certainly did not sit with
dear Jane
for long.
Elizabeth stifled a chuckle.
It must have been one of them I saw at the window.

As the ladies approached, Elizabeth released Darcy’s arm and clasped her hands behind her back. Darcy sighed and began to fidget with his signet ring.

Caroline approached Darcy’s side opposite to where Elizabeth was standing. Wrapping her hand around his elbow, Caroline sidled up to him. “If we had known you were planning to take a walk, we would have joined you. It is a beautiful day, is it not?”

Elizabeth pressed her lips together in an effort to hide her smirk.
Does Miss Bingley know how obvious she is?
“Yes, it is, but I was about to return to the house.”

Darcy caught her gaze with a questioning expression.

“I have been too long away from Jane,” Elizabeth clarified.

“We shall be happy to keep Mr. Darcy company on his constitutional, will we not, Louisa?”

“Of course.” Mrs. Hurst smirked at Elizabeth and moved between her and Darcy, almost brushing Elizabeth aside.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and took two steps back. “Excuse me.” As she rose from her curtsey, Elizabeth said, “Enjoy your stroll.”

She briefly met Darcy’s gaze once again. His expression reminded her of a trapped animal who wanted nothing more than to bolt. Both his eyebrows were raised, and he glanced up at the sky, as if asking for divine intervention. “Good morning to you, Miss Elizabeth.”

Darcy tried to reach up to tip his hat, but Caroline tugged at his arm. “Come along, Mr. Darcy. Charles told us just this morning that the gardener completed the new pathway along the other side of the house, as per my instruction. Shall we see how it turned out?”

Elizabeth chuckled and walked away. Now that Bingley’s sisters were finished with their visit with Jane, she looked forward to spending some time with Georgiana and her sister.

~%~

Elizabeth returned to her chambers to freshen up before joining Jane and Georgiana in the chamber next door. The moment Elizabeth was alone in her rooms, she slipped the letter from her pocket. Breaking the seal, she unfolded the missive.

Happiness bubbled up within her chest at what was revealed on the page. It was a drawing of Bingley and Jane alone in the front parlour at Longbourn. Jane was sitting in her usual seat, and Bingley was on one knee before her. He was proposing marriage! The expression of joy upon Jane’s face was exquisite!