Page 14 of Regrets

“This is Triticum,” the doctor said, solemnly. “It is a new medicine, imported to us from India, and known to be highly effective.”

“Oh, my,” Mrs. Jenkinson said, deeply impressed.

“Three times a day,” the doctor said again. “Breakfast, luncheon and dinner. In addition, you are to walk as far as you can every day. Exercise and fresh air are required for the Triticum to do its job properly. Mrs. Jenkinson, I rely upon your good sense to make certain that my prescriptions are carried out to the letter.”

“You may depend upon me, Doctor,” Mrs. Jenkinson said, nodding her head vigorously.

“And you, Miss Darcy, may help your cousin get her exercise. There is nothing so beneficial as exercise, and young ladies get far too little of it, sitting about with their embroidery and whatnot.”

“Yes, Doctor,” Georgiana said, obediently.

He gave her the quickest wink, so quick that no one else saw it, and then he went downstairs to confer with Lady Catherine.

***

Dear Brother,

The best thing in the world happened today! Well, I suppose it did not start off as very good, for we learnt that Anne’s old doctor had died, and a new one had already come to take his place. Aunt Catherine was in quite a state upon learning that the old doctor was gone, and in even more of a state that the new doctor had not yet presented himself to her.

At that very moment, the new doctor came in to introduce himself! He asked if he might examine Anne, and so upstairs we went, Mrs. Jenkinson, Anne, the doctor and I. He did not bleed her; no, he said that blood was best left inside the body, not outside. He said there is nothing whatever wrong with her, only that she must eat more and get a good deal of exercise! Which, of course, is what I have been saying all along!

Then Anne said that her mother would not be happy if there was not something done, at least some medicine for her to take, and so he promptly reached into his bag and took out a bottle of little brown pills. He pronounced this to be a special medicine imported from India, and everyone was very impressed.

The bottle now has a place of honour on the dining room table, and she very solemnly takes one at every meal. And because she has been instructed to eat three times a day, she is actually doing so, and not missing luncheon, as she used to.

Mrs. Jenkinson is taking this all very seriously, and plans to write down how much exercise her charge gets every day, so that she might present this to the doctor when next he comes.

I am glad I decided to come to Rosings; it is not the most exciting place in the world, but I believe I have been able to contribute to Anne’s comfort, and that makes it all worthwhile.

Your loving sister,

Georgiana

Chapter Twelve

Mr. Bingley could scarce contain his excitement. His sisters were not at all interested in Netherfield Park; Mr. Hurst lazily wondered if there was sport to be had, a question which Mr. Bingley did not answer. Of course there would be shooting; this was the country, after all, but Mr. Bingley certainly did not want to encourage Hurst to accompany him.

And of what importance was shooting compared with the overall goal of learning to manage an estate? He could only shake his head at Hurst.

He poured out his excitement to the one person he thought would understand.

Darcy,

I have leased Netherfield Park! It is perfect in all respects! The owner lives abroad, but expects to move back to England at some point, and thus is insistent that the property be maintained and the servants employed so that it is ready for his eventual return. Is that not everything excellent?!

Here is the thing, though, Darcy. I know nothing whatever about managing an estate, and scarce knew what questions to put to the tenants. Happily, Mr. Stanley spoke for me, so I did not look as much the fool as I felt.

I know how busy you are at Pemberley, but might you not come and help me? You will recall that you promised me your support in this regard, but it was some time ago, and I will understand if you are unable to assist me. I know that I have already imposed myself upon you by asking you to recommend an estate to me, and I know that I am now imposing again, but - well, what am I to do? I plan to take possession just before Michaelmas; do let me know if I may expect you!

I must tell you that the Hursts and Caroline will not join me; they prefer to stay in London. Apparently, the country is too dirty to suit them. I would ask if you have ever heard anything so absurd, but I shall not bother.

Bingley

Chapter Thirteen

Mr. Darcy’s duties as master of Pemberley kept him quite busy; however, his friend’s letter caused him to consider putting those responsibilities into other hands for a few weeks. It was true that it would be impossible for Bingley to learn to manage an estate without help; it was also true that some years ago he had promised Bingley to assist him in this regard. And it was true that Hertfordshire was quite close to Kent, which would enable him to visit his sister at Rosings Park. In fact, he could bring Georgiana with him to Netherfield Park, and then the two of them would return to Pemberley together.

All in all, he concluded that it was certainly possible for him to join Bingley at Netherfield Park shortly after his friend took possession of it. And knowing that Miss Bingley would not be in attendance made it all that much more appealing.