Page 20 of Grief and Grievances
As the final notes of the song floated through the air, Elizabeth noticed with astonishment that Anne’s lips appeared to move ever so slightly, as though attempting to sing along with her cousin. She glanced at Georgiana, whose own eyes had widened in surprise and hope at this unexpected response.
“Did you see that, Miss Bennet?” Georgiana whispered, her excitement barely contained. “It seemed as though Anne was trying to join us in song!”
“It did indeed,” Elizabeth replied, her heart swelling with a mixture of awe and joy. “Perhaps the power of the music has reached her in some way.”
“Perhaps,” Georgiana mused, but there was a tremor of hope in her voice, a fragile thread of optimism that wove itself around Elizabeth’s heart and refused to be broken.
Despite their fervent hopes, the initial flicker of response from Anne remained an isolated event. Elizabeth and Georgiana tried everything in their power to elicit further signs of life from her, yet all their efforts proved futile. They spoke to her in soothing tones, held her hand and implored her to squeeze it even slightly, or to open her eyes and gaze upon them once more. But Anne’s countenance remained as impassive as ever, her breathing steady but shallow, as if she were caught in a twilight realm between life and death.
The atmosphere within the room was heavy with worry and disappointment, but neither Elizabeth nor Georgiana were willing to relinquish hope entirely. As they sat side by side in their vigil, their thoughts were consumed with fervent prayers and desperate wishes for Anne’s recovery.
“Please, Anne,” murmured Georgiana, her voice barely audible as she clasped her cousin’s limp hand in hers, “we are here for you. Give us some sign that you can hear our voices, that you know we are near.”
Elizabeth watched Georgiana’s tender entreaties with a pang of sympathy. “Let us sing to her again,” she suggested. “What other songs did you and Anne sing together? If she gains even a small amount of comfort from the music, I am more than willing to sing my throat hoarse.”
“She would not want that.” Georgiana gave her a small smile. “Let us take it in turns, to sing. I am sure you know some songs I do not, and it is a pleasure for me to listen to you, too. My brother was right.”
“Your brother?” Elizabeth blinked at her, startled.
“Indeed; he said that hearing you play and sing gave him very great pleasure.”
Elizabeth had not the slightest idea how to respond to this very unlikely praise, but fortunately she was saved from the necessity when Georgiana began to sing once more.
The fading light of the afternoon cast warm hues across Anne’s chamber, bathing Georgiana and Elizabeth in a soft glow as they continued their tireless vigil. The quiet intimacy of the room was suddenly broken by the sound of footsteps approaching, drawing nearer until the door creaked open to reveal an unexpected visitor.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened with delight and disbelief as she caught sight of her beloved sister Jane standing in the doorway, accompanied by their affable uncle, Mr. Gardiner. “Jane!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion as she sprung from her seat to embrace her sibling.
“Dearest Lizzy,” Jane responded, her radiant smile lighting up the dimly lit room as she wrapped her arms around her sister. The warmth and affection that passed between them seemed to fill the very air, banishing any lingering shadows of despair. “I could not stay away when I received your letter, so I begged our dear uncle to convey me to you.”
“Oh Jane, I am so very glad to see you! Your arrival brings new hope for us all, dear sister.”
As the two sisters stood entwined in each other’s arms, Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to the present. “I trust my presence will not be considered an intrusion,” he said, his kindly eyes twinkling with mirth as they took in Elizabeth’s flushed cheeks and Jane’s beaming smile. “Mrs. Collins assured me that Rosings can bear my presence for the night, before I must return to London tomorrow.”
“Of course, Uncle,” Elizabeth assured him, her own smile contagious as she reached out to grasp his hand. “Your counsel and support are always welcome, especially in times such as these.”
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, having been apprised of the unexpected arrival of Jane Bennet and Mr. Gardiner, made her entrance into the room with her usual air of regal authority a few minutes later. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, swept over Jane as she extended a hand to welcome the newcomer.
“Miss Bennet,” she began, her tone unexpectedly warm, “your presence at Rosings is most welcome. Mrs. Collins has advised me that you possess great skill in nursing, and your assistance with my dear Anne’s care shall be invaluable.”
Jane curtsied gracefully, her cheeks flushed with the mixture of the slight embarrassment and pleasure. “Thank you, Lady Catherine, it is an honour to be of service.”
Elizabeth observed the exchange from across the room, feeling a curious blend of relief and apprehension. She knew all too well the haughty nature of Lady Catherine, and feared for the reception her gentle sister might receive. Yet, it appeared as if even the formidable lady of Rosings Park was capable of expressing gratitude when the occasion called for it.
As Lady Catherine turned her attention towards Georgiana, however, some of her customary snobbery reasserted itself. “Miss Darcy,” she said, her voice now firm and reproachful, “it is not seemly for one of your station to involve herself so directly in the care of the sick. Your kindness is commendable, but there are servants better suited to such tasks.”
Beneath the weight of Lady Catherine’s disapproving gaze, Georgiana seemed to wilt ever so slightly, as if she were a delicate bloom exposed to the harshness of the midday sun. Her fingers trembled in her lap, and for a moment, it appeared as though she might yield to her aunt’s demands. Yet, when she raised her head to meet Elizabeth’s concerned eyes, there was a quiet resolution shining within their depths.
“Very well, Aunt,” she murmured, the softness of her voice belying the strength that lay behind it. “If you believe it is best for me to refrain from nursing Anne, I shall defer to your judgement.” With these words, she rose from her seat, offering a slight curtsy before leaving the room.
Elizabeth hesitated briefly before daring to speak up. “I do believe Miss de Bourgh has drawn comfort from Miss Darcy’s presence, Lady Catherine,” she said. “Miss Darcy has been singing, and there was a very slight response from Anne.”
Lady Catherine’s expression softened somewhat at this, her stern features relaxing into a contemplative frown. “Is that so?” she said, her voice low and thoughtful. “I have always believed in the power of music to soothe the soul. Perhaps there is some merit to Miss Darcy’s efforts, after all. I will consider the matter.”
Elizabeth allowed herself a small sigh of relief. She was glad that Lady Catherine was not immune to the persuasive powers of reason, and hoped that Georgiana would be able to continue her ministrations to Anne.
The distant sound of raised voices made Lady Catherine’s back stiffen even further and she scowled. “Your cousin, Miss Bennet,” she said, “is becoming distressed by his wife’s continued absence from their home.”
Jane looked at Elizabeth, confused. “Mr. Collins... and Charlotte?” she asked quietly.
