“Yes, and she will do so gladly, for she loves Lizzy as much as I do. I shall send up a tray. Cook has prepared a chicken broth for Lizzy.”
“Thank you, Annie. You are very kind. I shall add thyme to her broth. She will take it more easily than as a tea.”
“Have you sufficient honey, Mary? It appears you have hardly any left.”
“I have enough for tonight, but if you would send more in the morning. It has eased her cough, though I have used it by the tablespoon.”
“Yes, her cough alarms me. It lies deep in her chest. We have received a note from Dr. Miller. He will come to Rosings as soon as he has prepared saline draughts and willow bark powder for her fever.”
“Thank you, Annie. I am concerned that I may have forgotten some treatment. Lizzy is very ill, and I fear for her. But if the physician is competent…”
Darcy paced the full length of the library. “Richard, I only pray that Mrs. Collins proves equal to the task of nursing.”
“I believe she is. Did you meet with any difficulty in procuring the herbs she requested?”
“None. The apothecary’s shop was well supplied. He inquired whether we treated an inflammation of the lungs. I must have shown surprise, for he laughed and said elecampane and horehound serve as effective expectorants.”
“Then you have your answer. Mrs. Collins is capable, and you need not concern yourself to such a degree. Darcy, I perceived you had formed an attachment to Miss Bennet. Had you not been so unguarded before our aunt, I believe your lady would have been spared the censure.”
“It is too late for regret, Richard. What remains is for me to ensure she receives the best care.”
“Do you intend to marry her?”
Darcy did not answer at once. “I offered her marriage, Richard. The truth is, we passed the night together, and she begged me to leave her behind this morning and return later, to avoid suspicion. She said she has always wished to marry for love.”
Richard raised a brow. “Love? I would swear that lady already loves you.”
Hope stirred in Darcy’s eyes. “I believed so as well. Why would she refuse my offer, especially after we spent the night together?”
“Because she knows that you are a gentleman and would not take advantage of her. Unless the circumstance becomes known, you may both go your separate ways. She does not wish to compel you. She speaks of marrying for love. She already loves you, but have you made your own feelings clear?”
Darcy fell into thought. “I do not know.”
“I think not, Darcy. I regret to say it, but you are more guarded than most and not easily read. I know you from childhood and can discern your feelings, but I doubt she has any notion of them.”
“I cannot dispute the truth of what you say. She seeks to spare me from being bound to a marriage I do not desire. Yet I do desire it, Richard. I wish to marry her. I have never felt thus for any woman, and I do not expect I shall meet another who can equal her.”
Richard lifted a brow. “There is Anne.”
Darcy allowed a brief smile. “Yes, my cousin also possesses many excellent qualities.”
“What do you intend to do?”
“I know not. I have not the talent some possess of conversing easily with those I esteem.”
“Cousin, admit it. You do not have the talent to converse with most people. You are reserved to a fault. Yet you need notdisplay ready wit or clever address. You need only show yourself attentive. Offer a smile now and then, and a compliment when it presents itself. She will understand in time. If you wish to hasten matters, you may offer to read to her while she recovers and walk with her when she regains her strength. You might even share something of your feelings.”
“And if she does not return them?”
“We have already settled that she does. I believe she loves you, Darcy, though she restrains herself, as propriety demands. She cannot share her heart until you make your intentions known.”
“There is truth in what you say. I shall do as you advise, though I do not yet know how I shall bring myself to speak and make my feelings known.”
“Then practice.”
“You show me no mercy, Richard.”
“It is time someone took you in hand. Will you allow a lady of such merit to slip away for want of effort?”
