“Sit down, Beaumont. Yes, I filed the papers last week and expect my release by the end of the month. Matters have been expedited since my mother-in-law lies above stairs in grave condition.”
“Lady Catherine is unwell?”
“Yes. She suffered an apoplexy, and Dr. Miller does not expect her to survive the week.”
The gentleman said, “I am very sorry, Mrs. Fitzwilliam. I know you have always been close to your mother.”
Richard sought to turn the conversation. “One of our guests has likewise fallen ill. You danced with Miss Bennet at the Harvest Home festival, did you not?”
“I did. Miss Elizabeth is ill?”
“She was caught in the storm that was threatening when you left us last week. She has been brought low by an inflammation of the lungs. She now recovers under the care of her sisters. Miss Bennet came from Hertfordshire to nurse her.”
Sir Gareth inclined his head respectfully toward Jane. “My sincere wishes for your sister’s recovery, ma’am.”
“Thank you, sir. Dr. Miller assures us her recovery proceeds rapidly.”
“Miss Bennet, perhaps you would benefit from an airing. Have you been much confined indoors attending your sister?”
“I have, sir, though I do not complain. The Fitzwilliams’ hospitality has exceeded every expectation.”
“Miss Bennet, will you walk with me? The sun shines today, and the weather is unseasonably warm. I believe you would be quite comfortable wearing a pelisse and gloves.”
“I should like it very much, sir, if my sister may accompany us.”
“Certainly.”
Jane smiled. “I shall return in only a few minutes, sir. I must fetch my things and collect my sister.”
Darcy rose and followed after Jane.
He paused outside Elizabeth’s chamber as Jane stood in the doorway.
“Miss Bennet, perhaps Miss Elizabeth might also benefit from fresh air. This chamber adjoins a small parlor with a balcony overlooking the gardens. If you approve, I shall sit with her there while you and Mrs. Collins are out.”
Jane turned to her sister. “Lizzy, do you feel equal to sitting up for a few minutes?”
Elizabeth reclined upon a fainting couch, dressed in her nightdress, though wrapped in a heavy dressing gown.
He added, “Sarah may remain with Lady Catherine, and Georgiana may join us on the balcony. My sister has likewise been too much confined indoors.”
Jane’s face brightened. “That would be exceedingly kind of you, sir.”
He returned her smile with a bow. “I shall fetch my sister and make the necessary arrangements.”
When he had gone, Jane hurried to the couch where Elizabeth sat.
“There is a caller below stairs. Sir Gareth Beaumont, and he was very struck by me. I saw him start the instant he first looked at me, and afterward he scarcely ceased staring.”
All three sisters giggled like young girls.
“He has asked me to walk with him.” She turned to Mary. “But you must accompany us, sister, or it would be improper.”
“I shall fetch our pelisses,” Mary said.
Jane knelt before Elizabeth and slipped her shoes upon her feet. “Come, Lizzy, let me arrange your hair.”
Elizabeth rose while Jane straightened the wrapper and retied the ribbon at her waist. She then pinned back several loose curls.
