Page 21 of Grief and Grievances
“Lady Catherine’s housekeeper, Mrs. Watson, has been indisposed,” Elizabeth explained. “Charlotte stepped in during the crisis and has been here ever since.”
“I do believe it is time Mrs. Collins returned to the Parsonage, Miss Bennet. I am given to understand that Mrs. Watson is now up and about, at least, and should be fit to resume her duties. If not, well.” Lady Catherine paused ominously. “I shall know how to act.”
“I am sure Mrs. Watson will be very capable of managing,” Elizabeth said quickly.
Jane nodded in agreement, casting a worried glance towards the door. “Perhaps I should go and speak with Mr. Collins myself. I am sure I can help to calm him down and reassure him that Charlotte is doing all she can to aid Miss de Bourgh.”
Lady Catherine’s expression softened somewhat at Jane’s words, and she nodded her approval. “Very well, Miss Bennet. Your kindness is appreciated. Please inform Mrs. Collins that she is free to depart for the Parsonage at her earliest convenience.”
As Jane made her way out of the room, Elizabeth couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for her sister’s calm and level-headed nature. She knew that Jane would be able to handle Mr. Collins with grace and poise, and she was also sure that even without Charlotte’s steady hand on the reins of Rosings’ household, she and Jane would be able to ensure Anne received the very best of care for however long it would be necessary.
Jane returned only a few minutes later, and left alone with her sister at Anne’s bedside, Elizabeth almost threw herself into Jane’s loving arms. “Oh, dear sister, I have missed you so!” she could not restrain her tears.
“And I you, dearest Lizzy. Would you had written to me sooner; I would have come at once.” Jane framed Elizabeth’s face between her hands, scrutinising her features. “You look quite exhausted.”
“It has been a long few days,” Elizabeth understated. In truth, she was no longer certain exactly how many days it had been since Anne’s accident; day and night blurred together in the sickroom.
“Well, I am here now, and I shall not allow you to work yourself to the bone, compassionate creature that you are.” Jane turned to look at the slight, pale figure in the bed. “So this is the famous Miss Anne de Bourgh,” she murmured compassionately. “Does she show any signs of improvement?”
“No.” Elizabeth slumped wearily into a chair. “Nor is she likely to. That bandage covers it, but the doctor said that her skull is severely fractured. She will not wake.”
“Her poor family.” Jane’s voice was filled with empathy as she gazed at the motionless figure on the bed. “What a tragedy.”
Elizabeth nodded, her eyes misting over. “I cannot imagine how Lady Catherine must feel. Anne is her only child.” She paused, rubbing her tired eyes. “And then there is Mr. Darcy. I am not really sure if they were ever betrothed as Mr. Collins claimed, but certainly he is very fond of Anne, and has been quite devastated by her prognosis, as is Georgiana.”
Jane reached out to cover Elizabeth’s hand with her own. “And how have you been holding up, Lizzy? I can only imagine what it must be like to watch over someone in such a state.”
Elizabeth leaned her head back against the chair, closing her eyes. “It has been difficult. But I cannot leave her, Jane. I feel as though I owe it to her, somehow.”
“You barely know her,” Jane pointed out gently.
“I know,” Elizabeth agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. “But she is so young, and so helpless. I cannot help but feel a sense of responsibility towards her.” She opened her eyes, her gaze fixed on the still figure in the bed. “Mr. Darcy said something to me right after the accident, that he knew how good a nurse I was after seeing how devotedly I cared for you when you were ill at Netherfield, and I could not help but think... Anne has no sisters. Nobody to care for her in that way. I am glad to do it.”
Jane squeezed Elizabeth’s hand, her expression one of sympathy. “You are a good person, Lizzy. Well, I am glad I am here now to share this duty with you.”
“I was never so glad to see anyone as I was when you walked through that door,” Elizabeth said honestly.
Jane smiled softly. “Then let us take turns watching over her so that we can both rest. It is important that we do not wear ourselves out, especially when we have Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy to consider as well.”
Elizabeth nodded in agreement, grateful for her sister’s level-headedness. As they settled into a routine of alternating shifts by Anne’s bedside, Elizabeth found that she was able to relax somewhat, knowing that Jane was there to share the burden with her.
Chapter Eleven
Theafternoonsuncasta warm glow upon the lush gardens at Rosings, dappling shadows across Mr. Darcy’s furrowed brow as he stood by the window in the drawing room. His thoughts were occupied with Anne’s frail condition and the burden of her impending loss weighed heavily on his heart. A sudden commotion in the hallway jolted him out of his reverie.
“Mr. Darcy, sir,” a footman announced, “Miss Jane Bennet has arrived.”
“Miss Bennet?” Darcy repeated, both astonished and curious. He had not anticipated her presence at Rosings, but her arrival spoke to the strength of the bond between the Bennet sisters. As he moved towards the door, his thoughts drifted naturally to Elizabeth, whose own compassionate nature was well known to him.
“Mr. Darcy,” Jane said, curtseying gracefully as she entered the room, a well-dressed older gentleman following behind her. Her countenance displayed her usual air of calm serenity.
“Miss Bennet, I am genuinely surprised to see you here,” Darcy admitted, stepping forward to greet her. “I am sure your sister will be most grateful for your assistance during this difficult time.”
“Thank you, sir,” Jane replied, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “I could not bear the thought of my sister facing these trying circumstances alone. I hope my presence may provide some comfort to you all.”
“Undoubtedly it shall,” Darcy assured her, unable to suppress a feeling of admiration for the eldest Bennet sister. How foolish he had been to once deem her unworthy of Bingley! The kindness and warmth she exhibited now only served to strengthen his growing conviction that he had greatly misjudged her character.
“Miss Bennet, I must express my gratitude for your willingness to come to Rosings in our time of need,” Darcy said sincerely, his voice betraying a hint of emotion. “I am certain that your presence will be a source of solace for both my cousin Anne and your sister.”
