Page 27 of The Wager
“Jane…”
Whatever it was that Mary wished to say would never be known because she promptly rolled to her side and vomited onto the rug. The outraged gasps of Miss Bingley would sustain Elizabeth for days, but only after her sister recovered. Any further outbursts were stymied by the arrival of Mrs. Nicholls, who bustled into the room with a couple of maids, bringing water and clean rags.
“Thank you, Mrs. Nicholls,” Jane said, overriding any comment Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst may have made. “Prepare the green guest room for Mary and have Cardston direct Mr. Jones there when he arrives.”
“Right away, La−, Miss Hamilton.”
“Who are you to give orders to my servants, Miss Hamilton?”
“I have neither the time nor the inclination to answer your questions, Miss Bingley. My sister’s recovery is my only priority.”
Although she wished to lend comment, Elizabeth stayed quiet. This was Jane’s fight, not hers. Two hours later, an exhausted Mary lay sleeping in one of the guest rooms after a thorough examination by Mr. Jones. Fortunately, she had only taken a bite of one small cake.
“Will she be able to come home tomorrow?” Jane asked, her attention riveted to the still form lying in the bed.
“Your sister has suffered one of herIdiosyncrasy’s. It is as I told you when she had her last spasmodic symptom, her body reacts differently to some foods. The last time it was lobster. Do we know what she ingested today?”
“Miss Bingley has learned some of the cakes had crab in them,” Elizabeth offered in reply.
“Ahh…this is good to know. It seems Miss Bennet must avoid ingesting any type of fish.” Mr. Jones paused, as if in deep thought. “Has she ever reacted to fish caught from a lake or stream?”
“Not that I am aware of,” Jane said. “We have trout regularly during the summer months. Our Uncle Gardiner is an avid angler and loves to cast a line in our stream, allowing us to enjoy the spoils of his labor.”
“Fascinating,” Mr. Jones murmured. “It seems Miss Bennet only reacts to oceanic species of shellfish. I will write one of my colleagues in Town and see if he has any further insight into these types of maladies.”
“Do you anticipate that Mary can come home tomorrow?” Jane asked.
“As far as her reaction to food, she is fine. However, she struck her head quite hard, which is the reason she became violently ill. She must rest quietly, and it is imperative she is awakened every four hours.”
“I shall stay with her,” Elizabeth offered.
“Are you certain?” Jane asked.
“After your little dust-up with Miss Bingley, I believe a strategic retreat is called for.”
Once Mary had finally drifted into a quiet rest, they made their way back to the elegant drawing room. Jane wished to properly farewell her hosts, and Elizabeth needed to confer with Miss Bingley about the recommendations made for Mary’s care and comfort. The doors to the drawing room remained partially open and upon their approach, the strident tones of Miss Bingley carried into the hall.
“What did Miss Hamilton mean? Ordering our servants around like this was her estate. She and her orphaned sister were not even invited! I declare those women from Longbourn are the main reason I wish to quit this horrible place.”
Quick footsteps could be heard along with a low murmur from Mrs. Hurst.
“I do not care, Louisa. They are below us, practically dirt farmers with two impoverished step-daughters and their estate entailed away. We must get Charles away from Miss Hamilton. She will drag him down into the mud with her and ruin my chances of making a successful marriage.”
Elizabeth not only felt Jane stiffen but saw her draw back her shoulders.
“Do nothing you will regret later,” she cautioned her normally placid sister. “Words may pierce our pride and sting our memories but they cannot change who we are and the life we will lead once Trenton returns.”
“While our lives will alter when our brother comes home in a few short weeks, I am tired of the snide remarks and underhanded comments that perpetually spring forth from Mr. Bingley’s sister.” Jane turned cerulean blue eyes toward her sister and smiled wide enough to crinkle their corners. “I believe it is time for those twoladiesto be schooled in proper etiquette.”
“As you know, there is no love lost between Miss Bingley and me, and in most circumstances, I would wholeheartedly agree, but – think on this – if you reveal our rank, are you prepared forthatwoman and her sister to grovel and toady for your attention?”
“Now that I am aware of their true sentiments, I have no desire to acknowledge them in any form.” Jane paused and her expression turned thoughtful. “Unless I continue to accept Mr. Bingley’s attentions.”
“Is his affection worth the twin tentacles of doom waiting for us in the next room?”
Jane took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
“I confess I am uncertain. I suppose we shall find out over the next few weeks.”
