Page 31 of Until My Last Breath

She looked at the small cupboard and saw the towels and sighed loudly in relief. “Of course, Doctor, just give me a moment, please.” She wrapped herself and gave the towels to him.

Once she finished drying and dressing herself, she sat on the floor, hoping they would finish their task before she returned. After what she thought was enough time, she peeked into the room to be pleasantly surprised by Mr Darcy’s refreshed appearance. It was good to see him clean and comfortable again.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

“You are very welcome, Mrs Smith,” he replied. “I just want to remind you to keep watch. It is quite likely his fever will last the whole night, but if we are fortunate enough, he will be better by morning.”

Dr Hayford started gathering his own things and was about to leave, when he looked back at Elizabeth. “My dear, I know your appetite is probably not the best at such a moment, but you need to eat something. Have courage,” he said looking into her eyes. “Everything will be fine.” Turning to Brown, he added, “I know you are short of servants here, Mr Brown, but I urge you to try to keep these two well fed. Mrs Smith needs all her strength while looking after her husband. I am sure you understand.”

He walked to the door and without looking behind, he left saying, “I will see you in the morning, at first light. Have a good night.”

Elizabeth remained where she was as Brown approached her. “I hope you’re worthy of our efforts,” he said with disdain before leaving.

She sat beside Mr Darcy and examined him. His hair was wet, and his expensive clothes were now replaced by much simpler, but clean, ones. Despite his improved appearance, he did not seem to be feeling better. The expression of pain on his face concerned her.

Some minutes later, Elizabeth heard the door opening again. The same young man who had brought the water earlier entered carrying a tray with some food. He put down the tray and left without a word or even a glance in her direction.

The food was not appealing but considering she had only eaten a piece of bread many hours ago, she said grace and ate some of the stew with bread. The tea was very weak and there was no milk or sugar, but at least it was hot, and she took comfort from it.

She sat beside Mr Darcy and started spooning some tea into his mouth.

It would be a long night.

~ ♥ ~

That night, the local constable, Mr Brand, and Mr Duncan the detective sent from the Bow Street Runners, entered the library where Richard was sealing some letters.

“What news, gentlemen? I am in need of good news,” Richard said, standing up.

“Colonel, indeed, we ’ave some news. However, whether it’s good is yet to be determined,” Mr Duncan said, Richard recognising his strong accent from the east area of London. “In our investigation, we questioned every single soul in the village, includin’ the children. We also visited some of the tenants’ houses and after many hours, our efforts were at lastrewarded. We came across a blacksmith, who mentioned his younger son, earlier this morning, had come back ’ome with an extraordinary story about guns and criminals and people bein’ dragged into an old equipage. The man didn’t give his son too much attention, apparently the boy’s known for ’aving a vivid imagination, and the subject was dropped. We went to talk to the boy, but he was silent as a grave. He won’t talk to us.”

Richard scowled. “Why would the boy not talk to you?”

“He told his father that he was afraid we were the criminals who had taken the people he saw earlier,” replied Mr Brand, “and that we had come back to take him as well. Apparently, Mr Duncan’s accent was partially responsible for that,” he added, glancing at Mr Duncan.

Richard sighed. By this account, another person was involved, and quite likely, someone from London.

There was not much they could do without listening to the boy.

Pacing around the room, Richard rubbed his hand on his chin, looking at the two men. Then, he paused, his face softening. “I think I can help you with that.” He rang the bell, ordered a carriage to be prepared and went to change into his uniform.

It did not take long for the three men to be heading towards the parsonage. After the introductions, Richard explained, “Mr Bennet, Miss Bennet, we have some news and a request to make.”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Mr Bennet promptly agreed. “Now, tell us the news, Colonel. My heart is not as strong as it used to be, and this expectation is killing me.”

Richard informed them of the recent news about the boy. “As you can see, Miss Bennet, we have a delicate situation, but I believe you can help us.”

“Of course, Colonel. What can I do?”

“I thought the boy would be more comfortable talking to someone who was not so threatening in his eyes,” Richard explained. “And I think you would be the perfect choice. Would you come with us to talk to the boy, Miss Bennet?”

Jane did not think twice. “Of course. Just give me a moment to grabmy pelisse and bonnet,” she said, hastily rising to fetch her things.

Once they arrived at the blacksmith’s cottage, Richard asked the three gentlemen to stay in the carriage, while he and Miss Bennet talked to the boy.

He was correct in this strategy. The boy, who looked quite frightened when he heard another carriage approaching, relaxed when he saw Miss Bennet and an illustrious member of His Majesty’s Army in full regimentals entering his house.

While Richard thanked the blacksmith for receiving them, Jane was already inviting the boy to sit with her. The boy, quite in awe of Jane’s beauty, gladly complied.

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