“Come, Dr. Miller. I shall take you up to my mother-in-law.”
Dr. Miller extended his hand. “Congratulations, Colonel. I wish you every happiness.”
Richard grinned. “Thank you, doctor. I am exceedingly happy.”
They reached Lady Catherine’s chamber, and all three gentlemen entered.
The two cousins stood back while the physician examined his patient. Dr. Miller first checked her pulse, then placed his ear against her chest to listen to her heart. Afterward, he performed a curious test. Both gentlemen watched as he uncovered one of her feet and drew his thumb firmly along the sole. Her toes curled upward in a rigid spasm.
When he finished, he turned to Anne. “Mrs. Fitzwilliam, I am sorry, but you must prepare yourself. Your mother will not survive beyond the week.”
Tears slipped down Anne’s cheeks as he continued. “Lady Catherine’s pulse is weak and thready, and the spasmodic contraction of her foot indicates a grave injury to the brain.”
Richard moved to stand next to his wife, his arm about her shoulders to steady her. He placed his handkerchief in her hand.
“Doctor, is there anything we may offer my mother for her comfort?”
“Yes. Laudanum will prove a mercy to her. It should ease the spasms of the body. Increase the dose if the rigidity worsens.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
“I shall send my man with a bottle of laudanum.”
“No, you need not. I still have a bottle of what remained from my dear Maria.”
He inclined his head. “Send for me if you require more or if you should need anything at all. And now I shall attend my other patient.”
Richard drew a chair and settled next to his wife. Darcy, meanwhile, followed the physician.
They were admitted by Miss Jane Bennet. Dr. Miller introduced himself, and Jane led him to Elizabeth’s bedside.
After examining his patient, he turned to the two sisters with a comforting smile.
“She recovers quickly. Air now moves much more freely throughout the lungs. Does she still have a productive cough?”
“The coughing fits are very trying for Lizzy, but she is more wakeful and says her breathing is easier. She has taken broth, and Cook sent up a pudding which she finished.”
“Very good. She is beginning to regain her appetite and is taking fluids.”
From the far wall where he stood, Mr. Darcy asked, “Sir, if she improves, why does the fever remain?”
“Her body still labors against the inflammation, sir.” He turned to the ladies. “Is she as hot as she was when she first fell ill?”
Mary said, “No, sir. The fevers come and go, but they are never so severe as when she first fell ill.”
He turned to Mr. Darcy. “Continue the percussion treatments. She requires them at least three times each day. Ladies, continue with the tinctures and hot packs. I am greatly pleased with her recovery.”
Mr. Darcy escorted the physician out, and the ladies remained in Elizabeth’s chamber.
“Jane, I must soon return to the parsonage and to Mr. Collins.”
“Is he so very bad, Mary?”
After a long pause, Mary replied, “No, he is not cruel. He is respectful, he has never raised a hand against me, and he pays me every attention, yet I cannot like him, Jane.”
“What is it that troubles you, sister?”
“Jane, Mr. Collins is condescending, and all his remarks spring from a place of superiority. I am but a woman to him. An uneducated, penniless woman. He is forever instructing me, as though I cannot reason for myself. He speaks to me as if I were a simple child who knows no better, rather than a grown woman. I do not know how I shall endure a lifetime at his side.”
