Georgiana’s heart began to race, but she did not enter the room. She remained rooted to the floor.
“Her lips are blue, Jonathan.”
Mr. Grimes asked, “Does she still breathe?”
“Yes, I believe so. Ah, I can feel a weak pulse.”
“I shall send for the doctor. I believe it is a case of poisoning.”
Georgiana leaned against the wall, trembling. Would Mrs. Younge die?
Within a few minutes, Mrs. Elliot emerged. “Miss Darcy, my dear, you ought not to remain here. Return to your chamber and close the door. I shall come to you once the doctor has attended Mrs. Younge.”
Georgiana was not able to move.
“Jenny, come and assist your mistress.”
Jenny took her arm, and Mrs. Elliot the other, and together they guided her back to her chamber, settling her upon a chair near the hearth.
“You’re shivering.” Turning to Jenny, she said, “Stoke the fire and cover her with a blanket.”
Two hours later, Georgiana was dozing on the couch when there came a loud rap upon the bedchamber door, and a gentleman entered.
“Fitzwilliam!” She sprang from her chair and threw herself into her brother’s arms. He held her close, then drew her back to look upon her.
“Georgiana, are you well?”
She was weeping. “Yes, brother. How I have longed for you. I did not know what I ought to do.”
He held her until her tears subsided, then settled her on the couch.
“I must speak with the doctor dearest, and then I need to deal with Wickham. Shall I send Jenny to you?”
“Yes, please.”
Darcy left the room, closing the door behind him.
“Mrs. Elliot, send Jenny to attend to my sister. Has the doctor come out?”
“Not yet, sir. He should be out soon.”
Darcy found the physician to be a reliable man. The doctor recounted the events briefly and without embellishment. “Sir, Mr. Wickham administered a tincture of laudanum to Mrs. Younge. In combination with the quantity of wine and brandy she consumed, it very nearly proved fatal.”
“Doctor, you believe she will recover?”
“I believe so. The color has returned to her lips and skin, and I expect she will be fully awake within a few hours.”
“And what of Wickham?”
“He is completely recovered. Mr. Wickham took a lesser quantity, though he drank freely of the brandy, and did not wake until this morning.”
“In your opinion, has a crime been committed?”
“Had the companion died, it would indeed have been so. But he claims his design was merely to render both ladies insensible, leave the companion behind, and proceed to Gretna Green with your sister in your carriage. He insists he never intended the companion harm.”
Darcy paid the physician and saw him out. Then he went upstairs to his sister.
He tapped on the door. “May I come in, sweetling?”
