Page 2 of A Sisterly Bond

“If it is not too much trouble. We must be sure how affected our health is before we dare travel into Kent. We cannot bring any illness to Mr Collins or, God forbid, Lady Catherine and her daughter.”

“I see,” Mrs Gardiner replied, exchanging some glances with her husband and nieces. “Then I shall send a servant for Dr Green. In the meantime, you should rest. I trust you will find the guest rooms comfortable enough.”

While Mrs Gardiner directed the two Lucases out of the room, Elizabeth remained with Jane and her uncle.

The sisters were seated next to each other, holding hands after a separation of over two months.

“We are very happy to have you here, Lizzy,” Mr Gardiner declared.

“As I am happy to be here, Uncle. Always!”

“I missed you so much, Lizzy,” Jane said softly. “I am just sorry that you have to leave again so soon.”

“Well, she might not leave as soon as she planned,” Mrs Gardiner interjected, entering the room. “I thought Sir William was exaggerating, as he often does, but in fact he is quite feverish. I have sent for Dr Green, and Jenny is preparing a medicinal tea.”

“What a misfortune for him,” Elizabeth said with amusement. “People do not die from trifling colds, as Mama says, but the change of plans will surely hurt him and Mr Collins deeply.”

“Yes, he mentioned that several times.” Mrs Gardiner smiled. “We shall wait for the doctor to examine him and see what happens next. In the meantime, let us enjoy a cup of tea while Lizzy shares the news from Longbourn.”

Half an hour later, the doctor arrived. He diligently examined both patients and concluded they indeed had a cold. Furthermore, he recommended that both of them remain in their rooms for several days.

“I have had many patients, from the highest to the lowest social circles, with this type of cold this time of the year,” Dr Green said. “It mostly passes easily, with the aid of medicine for the fever and coughing, hot tea, and hot soup. Still, a servant should look in on them from time to time during the night, as the fever might increase and become dangerous.”

“Oh dear, it sounds quite serious,” Mrs Gardiner said.

“It is not life-threatening, but it is not to be neglected. I suggest keeping the children away from the patients until I say otherwise as it might be contagious to them.”

“Of course. We shall follow all your advice, Doctor,” Mrs Gardiner assured him.

“So…may I ask,” Elizabeth interjected, “when do you estimate they will be recovered so we can continue our journey to Kent?”

“Well, considering it is just a cold, you may travel if you absolutely must, though I would strongly advise against it. If all goes well, they should be fully recovered in about a week.”

“Yes, I remember it took me about a week last autumn, when I had a cold,” Jane whispered.

With that, Mr Gardiner accompanied Dr Green out, while the ladies debated his conclusions. It was decided they must write to Mr Collins; Sir William, as ill as he felt, insisted on doing so himself. Elizabeth also wrote a few words to Charlotte directly, explaining there was no real cause for concern. Another letter was sent to Longbourn, with the request that Mr Bennet inform Lady Lucas.

With those matters settled, the two patients were given food and medicine and finally fell asleep, while the family gathered for dinner.

Afterwards, Elizabeth and Jane withdrew to their shared chamber, finally having the chance to talk privately, something they both had dearly missed.

“What news do you have from Meryton, Lizzy? I, for one, have nothing new to share. Aunt Gardiner is very caring and attentive. She has taken me shopping and to the theatre and even to some parties…but I did not meet anyone of particular interest.”

“I am sorry to hear that, dearest. I have no special news from Meryton either. I saw Mr Wickham a few days ago, but I expect I shall not encounter him often in the future… He seems more interested in pursuing Mary King.”

“Oh…how unfortunate. I imagine this makes you sad…”

‘Not really,” Elizabeth answered. “In fact, it affected me less than I expected. I do consider him a friend, and I wish him all the best, but nothing more.”

“I am relieved to see you so reasonable, Lizzy. One must be prudent, sometimes against the whispers of one’s heart… Prudence might protect one from too much suffering.”

“Dearest, I understand your meaning,” Elizabeth replied, embracing her sister. “As for me, my heart did not whisper in particular favour of Mr Wickham. I mean, yes, he is handsome and amiable, but even if I had a significant fortune that would allow me to choose freely, I doubt I would have wished to marry him. I do like him, and I do pity him for all he has suffered at the hands of Mr Darcy. I wish him well but nothing more.”

“I truly admire your fortitude, dear Lizzy. You master your feelings so well.”

Elizabeth kissed her sister’s cheek with a short laugh.

“It is not fortitude, Jane, just carelessness. It is easy to master sentiments that do not exist. As for your feelings, dearest, please do not waste them on those unworthy of them. And I mean a certain gentleman as well as his dishonest sisters.”