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“I am certain that David will still need his mother, just as Alice does,” Elizabeth murmured, whilst stifling a yawn.

Noticing that she was becoming tired, William stood and walked over to end the conversation. “Please feel free to visit Elizabeth again, Lady Morgan, now that she is awake more often. I am certain having someone to talk to other than myself, Georgiana or Mrs. Wickham will prove entertaining.”

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I would like that very much.” To Elizabeth she said, “I do love you, Lizzy, and I shall pray you continue to improve as quickly as you have in the last two weeks. Seeing you back on your feet again will truly be a blessing.”

“I love you, too, Jane, and I look forward to seeing you more often.”

Jane nodded again at William and left the room. Once she was gone, Elizabeth closed her eyes as she yawned again.

“You have had enough excitement for this morning, my love,” William declared, leaning in to give Elizabeth a kiss on her forehead. “Sleep for a while, and I shall be right here when you awaken.”

“There is … no need for … for you to …”

Elizabeth was asleep before she could complete the sentence.

Later that evening

William was at loose ends since Georgiana had asked Mrs. Barnes to have a tray with tea and cakes brought up to Elizabeth’s bedroom specifically for the purpose of joining Lydia there for a formal tea with her sister. Fortuitously, Elizabeth had awakened just in time for that to occur, and William hoped it might bring her a bit of pleasure to share tea with the others as she had in the past.

Georgiana had expressly asked him to leave them alone, as she dearly loved to tease her ill friend about her attentive brother, which she could not do if said brother was in company with them.

Unfortunately, that left only Mrs. Annesley to share tea with him in the conservatory. Whilst he was comfortable being in that lady’s company, he was so weary from keeping watch over Elizabeth the last few days that he could barely form a sentence and instead relied on Georgiana to carry the conversation whenever he was not in Elizabeth’s presence.

Having finally thought to remark about the day being a pleasant one, William was relieved when Georgiana’s companion said, “You do not have to entertain me, Mr. Darcy. In fact, at times I get tired of talk and had rather sit in silence and enjoy my tea whilst taking in the beauty of the gardens. So, please do not feel you are neglecting me if you had rather do the same.”

William was humbled, so he smiled. “You are not only observant, Mrs. Annesley, but kind as well. You recognised straight off that I am almost too tired to speak coherently and even gave me an excuse to remain silent. I am grateful for your insight and wisdom.”

“Then let us enjoy the silence together,” Mrs. Annesley said as she turned to look out the windows.

They had both finished their tea and several cakes apiece when the conservatory door opened and Lady Matlock entered. Nodding to Georgiana’s companion, she said, “Please do not let me disturb your tea, Mrs. Annesley, but I need to speak to my nephew. Shall we adjourn to your study, Fitzwilliam?”

Mrs. Annesley stood. “Please stay and have your conversation here. I was just about to go to my room to find the book I have been reading of late.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Annesley,” William said as she exited the conservatory. As soon as the door closed, he continued, “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Aunt? Or are you here again to see Elizabeth?”

Lady Matlock smiled. “You look completely spent, but you still know how to charm a lady.”

Shaking his head, he chuckled. “Old habit, I suppose.”

“To answer your question, since I saw her yesterday, I do not plan to see Elizabeth again today. I am here to tell you that the ton is going stark raving mad discussing you and Miss Bennet. I have tried to press the narrative that since she is Georgiana’s guest, there is no other solution than for her to recuperate at Darcy House; however, your performance the day she was shot made it clear to everyone present that you are in love with her.”

“I pray you realise that I do not care if they have figured that out.”

“I know you too well to think otherwise; however, there is the matter of Georgiana’s future. I hope you intend to make things legal soon, so that the harpies will have nothing to carry on about.”

“I was just thinking of that this morning. If Miss Elizabeth continues to improve, it is possible that she will be able to stand by herself in a day or two. As soon as that happens, I intend to marry her. In fact, I would marry her today, but I know she is too stubborn to agree to be wed from her bed.”

“And she has agreed to marry you once she is able to stand?”

“Not as yet, but she will.”

Lady Matlock smiled. “Do not be too certain. A woman likes to think she has a say in matters that affect her.”

“How well I know,” William replied, looking sheepish. “I once assumed she would jump at the chance to marry me and received a well-deserved set-down instead.”

“Richard told me about that.”

“Richard is too verbose.”