Page 8 of Grief and Grievances
“Thank you, Miss Bennet,” he said, offering her a small, grateful smile as Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam came to lift Anne into the awaiting carriage.
“Doctor, what say you?” Mr. Darcy asked. “Will my cousin be well?”
His expression was almost desperately hopeful, and Elizabeth felt an intense pity for him. While she had not seen him show the slightest bit of lover-like affection towards the woman he was supposed to marry, he obviously did care deeply for Anne as a beloved cousin, and was shattered by her accident.
The doctor did not speak aloud, and Elizabeth turned to look up at him, just in time to catch the expression of deep sorrow and the slight headshake he was offering in response to Mr. Darcy’s question.
Chapter Four
Witheachbeatofhis heart, Darcy felt the weight of the doctor’s ominous silence pressing down upon him. He could barely breathe as he stared into the eyes of the man, searching for any trace of hope that might counteract the dread that had taken hold of him. Anne’s fate hung in the balance, and Darcy could not help but feel responsible for her well-being.
Finally, the doctor gave a very slight shake of his head, the sadness in his eyes confirming Darcy’s worst fears.
The gesture struck Darcy like a blow, leaving him reeling. He clenched his fists at his sides, desperately attempting to keep his emotions in check. It was not merely Anne’s suffering that weighed heavily upon him; it was also the knowledge that her passing would devastate those who cared for her—Lady Catherine, her Fitzwilliam relations, and his own sister Georgiana, whose tender heart would be broken—yet again!—by her cousin’s fate.
“Thank you, Doctor,” Darcy said, his voice trembling with the effort it took to maintain his composure. “I trust that you will do all within your power to help her.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy,” the doctor replied, his expression softening with sympathy. “I shall attend to her diligently and provide the best care possible.”
As the conversation drew to a close, Darcy’s thoughts turned once more to Elizabeth. He marvelled at her ability to remain composed and practical in such dire circumstances, even as he grappled with his own turbulent emotions. In the midst of tragedy, she had proven herself to be a source of strength and reason, and it was this realisation that served to deepen the love he felt for her.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy found himself addressing her, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity borne of admiration, fear, and hope. “I am most grateful for your assistance during this trying time.”
“Mr. Darcy,” she responded, her voice steady despite the shadow that darkened her usually bright eyes. “We must do what we can for Anne, and I am glad to be of service.”
“Your presence has been a great comfort,” he admitted, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat. “I do not know how we would have managed without your level-headedness.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I only wish there were more that I could do,” she replied quietly.
As the weight of their shared concern hung heavily between them, Darcy could not help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, ignited by Elizabeth’s unwavering dedication to those in need. In this moment of crisis, she had truly shown herself to be a woman of remarkable character, and Darcy found himself more certain than ever that she was the one woman he desired above all others.
With an uncertain future ahead and the grim prospect of loss looming over them, Darcy clung to this newfound certainty with quiet determination—hoping against hope that, together, they might find a way to navigate the trials and tribulations that lay in wait.
“The carriage is ready,” Colonel Fitzwilliam announced, his voice strained with concern as he broke the uneasy silence.
“Thank you, cousin,” Darcy replied, nodding his appreciation. “We must transport Anne with the utmost care.”
It was then that Elizabeth demonstrated her quick thinking and practicality once more. “Might I suggest, gentlemen,” she said, addressing both Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, “that Anne should travel on the floor of the carriage? Placing her on blankets there would minimise the movement caused by the uneven roads.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s eyes widened at the suggestion, and he turned to Darcy, who nodded in agreement.
“Miss Bennet, that is an excellent idea,” Darcy said, his admiration for her intellect shining through despite the grim circumstances. “Your resourcefulness never ceases to impress me.”
“Indeed,” added Colonel Fitzwilliam, his expression reflecting a mixture of gratitude and relief. “We shall make the necessary arrangements immediately.”
As the servants hastily prepared the carriage according to Elizabeth’s instructions, Darcy couldn’t help but marvel at her ability to remain calm and composed in a crisis. She had not only demonstrated genuine concern for Anne’s well-being but also provided invaluable guidance during this difficult time.
The doctor, having observed the careful transfer of Anne to the carriage floor, turned to Elizabeth with a nod of approval. “Miss Bennet,” he said, his tone reverent, “your suggestion is most prudent and speaks to your clear-headedness in this dire situation.”
“Thank you, sir,” Elizabeth replied modestly, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink at the praise. She hesitated for a moment before venturing to inquire, “Doctor, if I may ask, what of the unfortunate woman whose labour you were attending? Is she faring well without your assistance?”
A shadow of concern passed over the doctor’s features as he momentarily averted his gaze. “I regret that I left her care unfinished, Miss Bennet. But given the urgency of Miss de Bourgh’s condition, I felt compelled to prioritise her immediate needs.”
“Of course, Doctor,” Elizabeth responded gently, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the difficult decision he faced. “I merely wished to express my concern for all involved, including the mother and her child. We must not forget our duty to others even amidst our own tribulations.”
The doctor hesitated, his brow furrowed as he considered Elizabeth’s inquiry. “I fear Lady Catherine would not take kindly to my absence from her daughter’s side,” he admitted, glancing nervously in the direction of Rosings, as if expecting the formidable woman to materialise before them.
Darcy, who had been observing the conversation with growing concern, stepped forward, his posture exuding a quiet authority. “Doctor, I understand your predicament,” he said firmly, his gaze never wavering from the older man’s face. “You must return to the birthing mother and ensure her well-being. Attend to Anne at Rosings when you are able to safely leave your other patient; I will personally see to it that Lady Catherine is informed I gave this instruction, so no repercussions will fall upon you.”
