“Miss Bennet, I cannot reconcile it to myself to leave you here alone and exposed to the cold. Are you certain you will not return with me?”
“Yes, sir. I shall wait for you here.”
“I shall return for you as swiftly as I am able.”
He left her then, determined to return to her within the hour.
“Fitzwilliam.”
Georgiana hurried down the stairs. “Did you find her?”
“No, my dear. Has Richard returned?”
Anne stood at the entrance to the drawing room. “He has not. I fear for him.”
“You need not fret for Richard, Annie. He is a seasoned soldier. He has endured far worse than an autumn storm.”
“What you say is true, yet those ancient trees drop branches with every strong wind, and I cannot help but fear for him.”
Lady Catherine spoke with irritation. “Why should you concern yourself with that soldier? You ought to feel gratitude that your betrothed has returned apparently uninjured and in good health.”
“Mamma, not now. This rests upon you, and if any harm comes to Lizzy, I shall hold you to blame.”
“It is well, Anne. Do not quarrel with your mother. Pray pack a few boiled eggs and toast for Miss Bennet while I go up and change, and then I shall ride out again. She is certain to be hungry by the time she is found.” He turned to the butler. “Drake, I will leave Rowan. Have them bring Ares.”
“Georgie, remain with Anne. Sister, do not fret yourself. I hold no concern for either Miss Bennet or Richard. All will be well.”
“Yes, brother.”
Clothed in dry garments and supplied with a woolen blanket and breakfast, he mounted his horse and set out. The brook had fallen within its banks, but the path lay in a thick mire, so he took another route along the higher ground at the foot of the hill. When he reached the tower, he called out.
“Elizabeth.”
She did not answer.
He secured Rowan to the vine and hastened up the stairs. She leaned against the cold stone wall in the corner, her curls fallen across her face. He brushed her hair aside.
“Miss Bennet.”
No reply.
“Elizabeth.”
He roused her, yet she did not answer. He raised her, and a violent cough seized her. He gathered her against him.
“Elizabeth, you must stand so I may place you upon the horse and take you home. Can you manage it?”
“Yes.” The effort to speak produced another spasm of coughing.
“I shall carry you down. When we reach the bottom, you must try to stand.”
She did not speak, but offered a tiny nod of ascent.
He lifted her and began the slow descent. At the foot of the stair, he set her upon the lowest step.
“I shall bring Rowan closer.”
He led his horse as near as the ground would allow, then returned to her, helped her to her feet, and wrapped the blanket about her.
