“Do not fret, Mary. I shall return with one of the footmen.” Anne hurried downstairs, where the physician and her two cousins were in conversation.
“Have you dined, sir?”
“Not yet, Mr. Darcy. Do you have dinner for me?”
“Yes, sir. Cook has kept it warm. Pray, come to the dining room. May I ask how you find Miss Bennet?”
“She is very ill, sir, but she is strong, and I have no doubt she will recover quickly.”
Anne spoke then. “Dr. Miller, neither Mary nor I could perform the treatment with sufficient force. We could not bring on the cough you deem necessary.”
“If you wish, I shall instruct one of the footmen before I leave. They possess the strength required.”
Darcy spoke then. “Doctor, that will not be necessary. Miss Bennet is a close family friend. I shall undertake the treatment. It will be less distressing to her to receive such care from those she knows rather than from strangers.”
The physician regarded Darcy with surprise. “You would assist in the care of this young lady, sir? That is most unusual.”
“You must understand, doctor, that Miss Bennet showed great kindness to my cousin during Mrs. Jenkinson’s final days. We value her as one of our own.”
“Very well, sir. Miss Anne and Mrs. Collins have received instruction.”
“Richard, please remain with Dr. Miller and see that he wants for nothing. Offer him the cognac I brought.” He turned to the physician. “It is very smooth, sir. I trust you will find it agreeable.” Then he addressed Anne. “Come, cousin. Show me the method. Mrs. Collins must be anxious.”
“Yes, Fitzwilliam. She is quite worried.”
When the two cousins reached the bedchamber, Anne tapped upon the door.
“Come in.”
Mary started at the sight of Mr. Darcy entering with Anne.
“Sir, I did not intend for you to offer assistance yourself. I would never presume…”
“It is no sacrifice, Mrs. Collins. Miss Bennet showed great kindness to Mrs. Jenkinson, and we wish only to return it.”
Mary hesitated. “What will Mr. Collins say when he learns of this?”
“He need not know, ma’am. He shall hear nothing of it from us, and if you do not raise the subject, it may remain between us.”
“Come, Mary,” Anne said. “Help me hold Lizzy.”
Mary went to her sister. “Lizzy, we shall perform your treatment. Mr. Darcy has come to assist us. Lizzy, do you hear me?”
“Yes,” came the faint reply.
Darcy was shaken at the change in Elizabeth. She looked worse, and her lips were a deathly hue. A sharp sense of urgency seized him like a blow to his gut. Did she stand in danger? Could the physician be trusted? He considered sending for his own doctor from London. He might arrive by noon on the morrow.
“Fitzwilliam, are you well, cousin? She is ready.”
“Forgive me. Her pallor startled me.”
Mary performed the treatment first, that he might observe what was required, then moved aside to help support her sister. Darcy bent near and, with cupped hands, struck along Elizabeth’s back. She began to cough. He paused and looked toward the ladies.
“It is well, Fitzwilliam,” Anne said. “Dr. Miller desires that she cough and clear her lungs.”
“We are to continue for twenty minutes, unless she cannot bear it,” Mary added.
Darcy continued for the full measure, and Elizabeth coughed throughout the treatment.
