“If we can isolate her from the fools she prefers to surround herself with, there will be no one to do her bidding.”
“That would require moving her to one of my father’s estates. He will be reluctant to bargain with his sister.”
Darcy halted. “Hissister’srector is in gaol. Her lackey has fled. Miss Lucas lies near death in the parsonage……” Darcy swung his clenched fists and took a deep breath before continuing. “Our aunt is a menace, and I am happy to make it clear to him that he must restrain her, or the ensuing scandal will be uncontrollable.”
His cousin looked out across the garden. “He will accept it better from you than from me. I will stay here at Rosings and speak to Anne while you go to Town.”
Darcy nodded. “Thank you.”
I am thirsty. So thirsty.Slowly, Elizabeth became more aware of her surroundings. Was that the rhythmic clicking of knitting needles she heard? She tried to open her eyes and immediately regretted it. The room was too bright.Why am I sleeping in the middle of the day?
“Are ya finally waking up, deary? Too much sun for ya, eh? Never you mind.”
The light dimmed as she heard curtains being drawn. Blessed relief. She blinked her eyes open. The widow Talbot was coming towards her with a glass of water. The water was cool and soothing.
“Slowly now, dear. That laudanum is nasty stuff.”
Laudanum? Ah, I remember. The chocolate…
“That’s right, I can see you got all kinds of questions. I’ll just let MrTomlinson know you are awake.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth’s voice was shakier than she might wish, but after sipping some water, her throat was no longer painful.
A moment later, a blond gentleman about the age of her father entered with brisk efficiency. Her perusal of the gentleman came to a halt as she noticed who followed him. “Uncle!”
“Yes. Did you think I would take kindly to receiving a vague note from MrsCollins that you needed to end your stay immediately? I knew something was wrong if you were not at liberty to write yourself. I am glad I came. Be patient and allow MrTomlinson to examine you, and then I will answer all your questions.”
Elizabeth addressed the apothecary, “You must tell me how Maria and Charlotte fare. Unwittingly, I gave Maria most of my chocolate.”
“MrsCollins sleeps peacefully and should be well in a day or two. Luckily, Miss Lucas received prompt treatment, so I remain optimistic. We will know more in the morning.” With her immediate anxiety assuaged, Elizabeth listened with rapt attention as her uncle related what he knew.
“I think my cousin must have read too many lurid novels,” Elizabeth said. “To attempt to place me in a compromising situation with Jones as a way to encourage MrDarcy to marry Anne seems truly nonsensical.”
MrGardiner clasped her hands. “I care not what justification he might put forth. MrCollins is in the hands of the magistrate, where he belongs, and you are well. That is what matters to me. The apothecary wishes you to remain here through the night, but as soon as MrTomlinson is satisfied, we are heading for Gracechurch Street.”
MrsTalbot approached her once more, giving her uncle a look that sent him scurrying out of the room. “If the room has stopped spinnin’, you can try ’nd walk about a bit. If that goes well, I’ll bring you some broth.”
Elizabeth was encouraged by the thought of a walk, yet a few steps to refresh herself left her longing to return to bed. As she drifted off to sleep again, she gave thanks for all who had contributed to her safety and prayed that Maria and Charlotte would be well.
Lady Catherine posed on her throne, attempting to portray an air of nonchalance, but the triumphant smirk gave her away. Darcy noted her old-fashioned gown, the excessive jewellery she wore, and the wrinkles her powder failed to conceal.An aged queen bee refuses to relinquish her position to the new queen.Clarity replaced the fury that had driven him to Rosings. His aunt seemed eager to confront him. It did not matter that a young gentlewoman lay near death; all she cared about was a chance to bluster and rage at him for not falling in with her plans. Determination to deny her welled inside Darcy. Lady Catherine was nothing to him. She only held sway over him if he let her. He abruptly turned to the colonel and said, “I am not sure there is any point to speaking with this woman.”
“How dare you—” Lady Catherine stood.
“She will simply deny that her lectures were meant to incite such behaviour—”
“Of what are you speaking?” Lady Catherine snapped.
“And frankly, it does not matter whether it was intentional or not,” Darcy said. “This woman is delusional.”
“I will not be ignored!” His aunt thumped her cane on the floor.
“Let us retire to my chambers. I need to see to my packing.” Darcy glanced in the direction of the parsonage.
“You will do no such thing!” Her eyes narrowed
“Darcy, are you sure this is how you wish to proceed?” The colonel rested his hand on Darcy’s shoulder.
“Yes, come.” Darcy inclined his head.
