She shifted and settled nearer, still asleep. He gave her shoulder a gentle shake.
“Miss Bennet, I fear you have taken cold.”
A cough broke from her, deep and heavy. Concern sharpened. He withdrew his arm and pushed himself upright, then shook her again.
“Miss Elizabeth, you must wake.”
Her eyes opened with effort, unfocused. “Sir, is it morning? Do you know the time?”
He drew out his watch. “It is but half past six, ma’am. How do you feel? I fear you may suffer an inflammation of the lungs. You are burning with fever.”
She raised her hand to her temple. “My head pains me, sir.” A cough seized her, and her hand pressed to her chest. “My chest pains me.” Another fit followed.
“You are very ill, Miss Bennet. We must return to Rosings and place you under a physician’s care.”
She turned her face toward him. “No, sir. Take me to the parsonage. Lady Catherine is angry.” A cough cut her short.
“Very well, if you will be easier there, though neither my cousin nor my sister may attend you at the parsonage.”
“They may visit me.”
“I shall saddle my horse and return for you.”
“No, sir, remember our plan.” Her voice failed beneath another violent cough.
“You would have me return alone, and then come back for you?”
“Yes.”
“I do not like to leave you in this condition.”
“I shall manage, sir.”
He rose.
She rolled over and pushed herself upright. “Take your coat, Mr. Darcy, or there will be questions.”
“I will not leave you alone in the cold, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Please, sir. Pray do this for me.”
He looked down at her. “Very well, ma’am, if you insist.”
He assisted her to her feet and took up the garment.
“Help me to the landing. I shall wait for you there, in the light.”
He offered his arm, and she leaned upon him as they made their way to the landing.
“Allow me to leave my coat with you.”
“No, sir. Questions will arise.”
“Yes. They will inquire where I lost it and under what circumstances. Is marriage to me so dreadful to you?”
“Sir, I have always wished to marry for love, not from compulsion.”
He guided her to a place where a shaft of sunlight fell and settled her there.
