AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I told her so, Lizzy! I had to prevaricate a bit, but I told her a nurse from the hospital assured me that he was well, only troubled in his speech and unable to express himself properly. I told her my aunt made unreasonable assumptions based on nothing except her doctor’s opinions. I reminded her that Mr Donavan is Anne’s doctor, and his experience lies in complaints of the belly.”
“Well done! Would she believe you?”
Georgiana’s shoulders slumped. “I do not think so. She said she certainly wished I was correct but hinted that in my affection for Fitzwilliam, I could be deluding myself, and in the meantime, I ought to remain hopeful while we await the results of the treatment. She claims that regardless, she does not possess any keys beyond the nursery door. She provides trays that the attendants fetch and carry and has never seen my brother for herself.”
It was all Lizzy could do not to groan in frustration. She ought to have expected it, of course. Lady Catherine’s whole purpose seemed much more about besting her brother, the earl, and proving she was the expert, rather than healing Mr Darcy—to whom she had yet to pay a visit. Her ladyship would maintain control of every detail possible, including terrifying Mrs Taylor into the highest possible discretion. Unfortunately, the housekeeper would likely know she could not rely upon Georgiana to protect her from the great lady’s wrath; if she was convinced that Mr Darcy would never be able to shield her either, her loyalty might be seriously diminished.
“Tonight, I will go with you, Lizzy, even if you must dump an entire pitcher of water on my head to waken me. Promise you will.”
Lizzy promised, feeling a return of sympathy for her friend. Her life had changed so drastically, and not for the better. Those who ought to protect the Darcys—their own family—had utterly failed them. Lady Catherine believed only what she wished to believe and would no more listen to Lizzy—or the king—than a gnat buzzing near her ear. Georgiana faced something more terrible than being tossed from Longbourn with nary a by-your-leave, and she deserved to support the brother she loved in any way she could, even if it was only an embrace.
It is all I can do for him, after all. At least he would see and know his sister loved him still. Then, perhaps, she could keep her own growing feelings for him in check.
