The smell of safety and warmth surrounded her. She was being carried. Was that a kiss to her brow?Am I dreaming? I amso tired.Where am I?Ah, yes, the voice of security. Wherever she was, she would ascertain later, when she was less tired.
As Darcy approached the parsonage with Elizabeth clutched in his arms, he hoped that the presence of his coach meant the apothecary was within. And he wondered about a cart that his coachman had blocked. Somehow, he was not surprised that one of his own grooms opened the door for him as he approached.
“MrTomlinson, the apothecary, is seeing to Miss Lucas, but if you bring Miss Bennet to the parlour the colonel will let him know to examine her. We are still waiting for the magistrate. MrCollins has returned, and the colonel had to secure him in his book room.”
“Any sign of Jones?” Darcy queried.
“He was driving that cart, but when he saw your coach approaching, he attempted to depart. When that was not possible, he fled on foot.”
The colonel waited in the parlour. “You found her!”
“Argos found her.”
With a roll of his eyes, the colonel left to apprise MrTomlinson.
Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered as he laid her down on the settee. “Rest, dearest Elizabeth.”
Darcy heard voices: “It is good you recognised the signs. Promptly purging the remaining drug has given her a chance to recover. The next day will be the most critical.”
“Well, here is Miss Bennet, your next patient. She was able to walk away from the parsonage, so let us hope her case is not as severe,” the colonel replied.
Darcy stood aside as the apothecary approached. “Her pulse is steady. She murmured as I carried her.”
“I can tell from her colour that indeed her case is not as severe.” After a quick examination during which Elizabeth seemed to object to her eyelids being opened, MrTomlinson continued, “Her breathing, her pupils, and her pulse all show the effect of what I would consider a safe dose of laudanum. I would expect her to wake in a few hours. In the meantime, keep her warm. If you do not mind, I would like to return to Miss Lucas and MrsCollins.”
Before Darcy could interject with any questions, the colonel said, “Of course. I will apprise my cousin of your report on their health.”
MrTomlinson exited as Darcy’s groom escorted the magistrate, Lord Metcalfe, into the room. “Darcy, Fitzwilliam, it is good to see you. What could be happening in your aunt’s parsonage that would require a magistrate? All I see are men in Darcy livery. Does…?” Lord Metcalfe broke off as he became aware of a blanket-covered Elizabeth on the settee.
With military efficiency, the colonel took charge of the conversation. “In short, MrsCollins and her sister appear to have been given a significant amount of laudanum.” Gesturing to the settee, he continued, “Her friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, appears to have received only a moderate dose and may wake before nightfall. MrsCollins will be ill for a day or so but is expected to make a full recovery. Unfortunately, it is unclear whether Miss Lucas will recover.”
Lord Metcalfe’s mien sobered. “Let me prepare to take notes.”
“Certainly. I suggest you use the writing desk in this room.” The colonel sat next to the desk.
Darcy stood by the mantel as his cousin apprised his Lordship of the past few days, including that morning. The sound of the colonel’s voice washed over him as he observed Elizabeth’s reflection in the mirror. Some of the particulars in the account occasionally caught his attention:
“Luckily, we were able to examine the remains of breakfast.”
“MrTomlinson believes laudanum was added to the chocolate.”
“We found an almost empty bottle on MrCollins’s desk.”
“The parson readily admits to his involvement in this ‘noble and just’ cause.”
The magistrate stood. “Let me speak to him.”
“Right this way,” replied the colonel.
Alone with Elizabeth, Darcy took a deep breath and moved to stand near her, pleased to see her colour improved.
A moment later, the apothecary returned. “I have done as much as I can for now for Miss Lucas. Might I trouble one of your men to bring a message to a woman in the village? MrsTalbot often assists me with caring for patients through the night.”
The gravel of Rosings’ formal garden paths crunched beneath Darcy’s boots as he marched beside the colonel to confront their aunt. Elizabeth’s uncle Gardiner watched over his niece at the parsonage. Her uncle had decided to fetch Elizabeth himself that morning after receiving a cryptic message from MrsCollins. Given the righteous fury of MrGardiner after he understood this situation, it was fortunate for Collins that Lord Metcalfe had already taken him away.
As Darcy’s thoughts turned to his uncle, he said to the colonel, “It is time your father came to Rosings to transfer control of the estate to Anne, and to judge for himself the soundness of mind of Lady Catherine.”
“Do you think my father has the power to curb her actions?” The colonel matched Darcy’s stride.
