“Miss Elizabeth? Mrs. Bennet has arrived, and Mr. Jones has come with her.”
Elizabeth straightened sharply. “Mama is here?”
“Yes, miss.”
Relief swept through her with unexpected force.
“I shall come directly.”
The maid withdrew.
Jane spoke from the bed. “You sound pleased.”
“I am pleased. Mama always knows precisely what ought to be done.”
“That is true.”
Elizabeth left the chamber and hurried downstairs with considerably less composure than propriety recommended. She found her mother already in the front hall, divesting herself of gloves while speaking to a servant about the carriage.
Grace Bennet turned at the sound of Elizabeth’s approach.
“There you are, darling.”
Elizabeth crossed the remaining distance quickly and embraced her.
Mrs. Bennet’s expression was reproving. “Now then, none of that frightened look. Mr. Jones says your sister is already much improved.”
“You have seen him?”
“He rode with me.” Mrs. Bennet glanced toward the stairs. “Take me to Jane without delay.”
Mr. Jones, removing his gloves near the doorway, inclined his head politely. “Miss Elizabeth.”
“Mr. Jones.”
Together they went upstairs.
Jane attempted to sit straighter when they entered, though Mrs. Bennet rapidly crossed to the bed and pressed her gently back against the pillows.
“You shall do no such thing,” she said. “You are ill, not receiving callers.”
Jane smiled. “I am glad to see you, Mama.”
“And I you. You have given us all a dreadful fright.”
Mr. Jones stepped forward then, opening his case with efficient familiarity.
“Let us see how our patient progresses today.”
Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth remained nearby while he conducted his examination. Jane endured it patiently, though another bout of coughing interrupted his questions more than once.
At length, the apothecary stepped back.
“The fever has broken cleanly,” he said. “That is the greatest danger passed. Miss Bennet remains weak, however, and must continue to rest for several days.”
Mrs. Bennet clasped her hands together. “May she return home?”
“If she wishes it, yes. The journey is short enough to be managed safely, provided she remains warm.”
