Gradually the worst of it passed. She leaned back against the pillows, breathing carefully until her stomach settled again. When she opened her eyes, Darcy was watching her with intense concern.
“Better?” he asked quietly.
“A little,” she managed.
Her head had begun to pound now, a dull heavy ache behind her eyes, and her limbs felt impossibly heavy—as though each arm and leg weighed several stone.
She tried to focus on the room again. “What is going on?” she asked weakly. “Who is that on the floor?”
Her voice sounded slightly stronger now, which was a relief.
Darcy studied her for a moment before answering. “Tell me first—what is the last thing you remember?”
Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly.
For a moment her thoughts drifted uncertainly.
Then the memories came rushing back all at once.
The argument with Mary.
Her father’s voice through the study wall.
The tea.
The letter to Charlotte, pleading for her to fetch Darcy.
Her eyes flew open.
She lifted one heavy hand to her cheek—and winced as soon as her fingers touched the tender skin.
The bruise throbbed painfully beneath her touch. Tears filled her eyes.
“Mary…” she whispered. “My father…” Her voice trembled as she continued. “I sent a note to Charlotte.”
Darcy nodded. “Yes, Miss Lucas brought it to me.”
He glanced briefly toward the tall officer standing near the door.
“My cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam,” he said, gesturing slightly. “Came with me to rescue you.”
Elizabeth’s gaze flickered briefly toward the colonel before returning to Darcy.
“Did… did my father simply allow you to take me?” she asked faintly.
Darcy hesitated. “No.”
Elizabeth blinked. “Then how—?”
A faint shadow of something—perhaps grim humor—crossed his expression. “I will tell you the full story when you are stronger,” he said gently. “For now, you must rest. The doctor has been sent for.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly. “The woman,” she said again, remembering suddenly. “What happened?”
Darcy glanced across the room where Lady Anne and Richard were now assisting the prone figure.
“I brought you here to Rosings,” he explained. “It is my aunt Lady Catherine’s home. I believed it safest.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened slightly. “Lady Catherine?”
