“You ought to discourage Beaumont from visiting. There is no sense in raising his hopes.”
“Yes, I will,” Richard agreed.
Darcy said, “I bear the blame for this morass. I ought to have exercised greater restraint in front of my aunt. I knew better.”
“She possesses a jealous temper. We saw it in her treatment of Uncle Lewis. The poor gentleman could scarcely draw breath without her remarking upon it.”
“I cannot conceive how he endured it. I would have remained in London for most of the year, yet he did not. He loved his estate, and even our aunt could not drive him from it.”
“He would have done better to establish her in London for the season.”
“She would never have gone of her own will, and he shrank from contention. He never knew peace after he married our aunt. Poor Uncle Lewis, I held him in great regard.”
Anne entered then, and all turned toward her. She served herself and took a seat beside Richard.
“Annie, how is Miss Bennet?”
“She is very ill, Richard. I have sent the carriage for Mary.”
Darcy finished his breakfast. “I need air. What can be detaining Dr. Miller?” He made for the grove when he caught sight of the Rosings carriage. He turned back to welcome Mrs. Collins.
When the carriage drew up, all four relations stood waiting at the entrance.
Darcy handed Mrs. Collins down. “Ma’am, if there is anything you require, pray inform us.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.” She turned to Anne. “I shall need onions for a poultice and rags for the hot packs.”
“You shall have them within the hour.”
She addressed Mr. Darcy. “Sir, I require herbal syrups or tinctures. I do not know where they may be obtained.”
Anne spoke. “Fitzwilliam, there is an excellent apothecary in Westerham.”
“Mrs. Collins, what shall I procure for you?”
“Elecampane and elderberry syrup, or tinctures if they may be had. If not, horehound and coltsfoot will answer. Should neither syrup nor tincture be available, the dried herbs will suffice until the apothecary can send for them.”
“I shall go at once, Mrs. Collins.”
She opened her reticule.
“No, ma’am, that will not be necessary. My cousin will explain, but Lady Catherine bears responsibility for Miss Bennet’s illness, and I shall meet all expenses for her care on behalf of the family. Allow me to offer our apologies for what has occurred.”
He marked her concern and added, “You have nothing to fear for your sister, nor for your husband’s position as rector. Miss Bennet has shown every kindness and propriety, and we owe her a debt for the care she extended to Anne’s dear companion, and to Anne herself.”
Mrs. Collins said with a look of relief, “Thank you, sir, for your assurance.”
She turned to her friend. “Miss Anne, may I go up to Lizzy?”
“Yes, of course. Come.” Georgiana followed behind.
Richard clapped Darcy upon the shoulder. “I will join you. There is a pastry cook in Westerham who makes excellent puddings. We may bring some back with us. Perhaps Miss Elizabeth may be persuaded to eat.”
“Mary, will you join us at dinner?” Anne entered the bed chamber quietly.
Steam from the hot pack curled the tendrils of hair at Mary’s temples.
“Lizzy requires my attention, Annie. Pray make my excuses. I shall come down after dinner to the drawing room, if you will send Sarah up to sit with my sister.”
