Wishing to lighten her spirits, Elizabeth added, “I shall race you,” and set off in a full run toward the house. To her surprise, Miss Anne kept pace. They reached the door together and stood laughing as they caught their breath.
At last, Anne said, “You are the first woman I have ever known who can run.”
Elizabeth made a wry face. “Then I shall tell you a secret. I run every morning at sunrise.”
“You do? Where?”
“There is a track beyond the stables, near the old shooting range.”
Anne laughed. “That is the very place where I run each morning!”
“Then perhaps we may meet tomorrow and run together.”
“At what hour will you come?”
“I was here this morning at half past five. It was still dark, for I would not risk being seen, lest idle tongues in the parish fasten upon my sister and the rector.”
“Very well. I shall meet you at half past five. But come, let us go up and see what may be done to ease Maria.”
Miss Anne tapped at the door and entered her companion’s chamber. The maid at the bedside rose at once.
“Remain, Martha. We are to give Maria her medicine, and then we must go down to join my mother.”
“Yes, miss.”
The two young ladies drew near the bed, and Elizabeth heard the woman within it moaning. “Annie, where is the laudanum?”
Miss Anne went to a cupboard, brought out a small bottle and a glass rod, and placed them in Elizabeth’s hand.
Elizabeth read the directions, then bent toward Mrs. Jenkinson. “Ma’am, the instructions advise half a measure for moderate pain, and a full measure for severe. Which shall I give?”
“A full measure, if you please,” the lady whispered.
Elizabeth complied, dispensing the drops inside the patient’s cheek. When it was done, both women waited in silence.
Within a few minutes, they saw the tension leave the poor woman’s brow and shoulders.
“It has eased her. She sleeps. Come to my room, that we may refresh ourselves, and you must set your hair to rights.”
Elizabeth addressed the maid. “Pray inform Miss de Bourgh when Mrs. Jenkinson wakes again in pain.”
“Yes, Miss Bennet.”
They slipped from the room, refreshed themselves, and then went down to the drawing room to join Lady Catherine.
Elizabeth was soon prevailed upon to play and sing, and afterward they took tea together.
“Miss Bennet, have you a beau at home?”
Elizabeth lifted her eyes to meet Lady Catherine’s inquisitive gaze. “No, my lady.”
“You are a pretty enough girl. What is amiss with the gentlemen in your neighborhood?”
“The young men I grew up with have either gone to university or are serving in the Peninsular War.”
“Ah, of course. And your father has not thought to send you to London for a Season?”
“Not yet, Lady Catherine. He is in no haste to see us married.”
