Darcy was about to reply when a knock sounded at the door. “Enter.”
A servant appeared. “The doctor has arrived, sir.”
“I will speak with him,” Darcy told Richard and Lady Anne, who nodded their agreement.
He left the room and went downstairs, finding the physician already removing his gloves in the entrance hall. The man was middle-aged, with the calm, unhurried demeanor of someone accustomed to being summoned for every possible ailment.
“Doctor Adams,” Darcy said, stepping forward. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy gestured toward the stairs. “I am afraid I have two patients for you this afternoon.”
The doctor raised an eyebrow, and Darcy summarized briefly. “A young lady who was drugged last evening and hasonly just awakened after many hours of unconsciousness. She has taken a little water but has not yet eaten.”
“And the second?”
“My aunt. She was awake and quite well a short while ago, but fainted suddenly.”
The physician considered this. “I should see the young lady first,” he said at last. “If she has gone without food and water for that long, it must be addressed immediately.”
Darcy nodded and led him upstairs. When they entered the Rose Room they found Elizabeth sitting up in bed, speaking animatedly with Georgiana. The color had returned faintly to her cheeks, though she still looked pale and rather fragile against the pillows.
Darcy paused for a moment in the doorway.
The sight of her awake—truly awake—sent a quiet wave of relief through him. He went to her side and took her hand.
“Elizabeth, this is Dr. Adams. He has cared for my aunt and step-cousin for many years. Doctor, this is my betrothed, Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Miss Bennet,” the doctor said pleasantly.
“Pleased to meet you, sir,” Elizabeth replied with a faint smile. “As I have told Georgiana here, I am well enough. I simply need some rest and food.”
Darcy stepped forward and gently touched his sister’s shoulder. “Come, Georgiana,” he said quietly. “Let us give them some privacy.”
Elizabeth looked suddenly alarmed. “No,” she said quickly.
Darcy stopped and turned to look back at her. She glanced at the physician. “You will not be doing anything too… delicate, will you?”
The doctor smiled reassuringly. “No, miss. I shall examine your pulse at your wrist, your eyes, and ask you several questions. Nothing that requires privacy.”
Elizabeth relaxed slightly. “Then I would prefer Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy remain.”
Darcy exchanged a brief glance with the doctor, who simply nodded. “As you wish.”
The physician moved to the bedside and took Elizabeth’s wrist gently. Her pulse was counted in silence for several moments. Then he examined her eyes, asked her to open her mouth, and inspected her tongue.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
Elizabeth considered the question. “Very hungry,” she admitted. “And my head aches dreadfully. I feel weak… and rather sick to my stomach, in spite of my hunger.”
The doctor nodded thoughtfully and stepped back to his case. “That is quite to be expected,” he said as he withdrew a small notebook. “Your body has been under considerable strain.”
He wrote several items on a paper, then tore it off and handed it to Darcy. “Here are the receipts for several different herbal tonics. They will restore your strength and ease your headache.”
“I shall have the housekeeper prepare them right away,” Darcy said, beckoning to a maid at the doorway. He handed her the paper, and with a quick curtsy, she dashed away.
“In the meantime,” the doctor continued, “you are to remain in bed today and take only light nourishment. Broth and simple toast will be best. No heavy foods.”
