“Oh, my dearest Mary, I am so relieved. He is a good man.” With renewed energy, Mrs. Bennet asked if she and Mr. Barton had discussed a wedding date. As they had not, she suggested they choose a day no later than Michaelmas. With Mr. Bennet’s health issues, they dare not wait too long. Yet waiting until September would give her ample time to make the preparationsand oversee Mary’s wedding clothes. “As soon as I have changed and rested, I shall meet with Hill and begin this very day.”
At that, the sisters followed Mrs. Bennet from the parlour and upstairs, leaving only Elizabeth and her father. With the room quiet again, Mr. Bennet looked wryly at his daughter and chuckled. “Well, Lizzy, it seems all of your troubles have been forgotten for the present. Would you also care to go and change and rest before we have our talk? I saw you limping as you came in. Your uncle explained how you came to injure yourself. I hope you are not in much pain.”
“I admit, the carriage ride was a bit troublesome, but I can easily rest my ankle later. If you are up to it and do not mind my having just arrived, I would prefer to talk now.”
“Then let us do so at once.”
Reaching for his cane, Mr. Bennet slowly pushed up from his chair. While it appeared he had not lost any more weight, he was yet very weak. Elizabeth surmised there must be quite a bit of swelling in his feet and ankles since he could do little more than shuffle his steps when he walked. Moreover, his breathing was shallow and sounded a bit laboured. It bothered her to see him in this condition as she cautiously followed him into the study.
“Papa,” Elizabeth asked with concern, “did Uncle Gardiner write to you about Mr. Mitchell, the physician from Town whom Uncle Peter recommended?”
“Yes, he did. In fact, the doctor was very prompt in corresponding with me about my concerns. Apparently, the good doctor has worked with others who have had similar issues, and at your uncle’s request did send one of his specially formulated tinctures for me to take in addition to what Mr. Jones has prescribed. Not to mention he sent a whole list of dietary recommendations.”
“That sounds encouraging. Please, Papa, may I read his letter?”
Mr. Bennet rummaged through some papers on the side of his desk and handed the correspondence to Elizabeth who eagerly began reading.
“Papa, Mr. Mitchell seems very knowledgeable and has made several suggestions which may not only help with your heart, but should also help with your gout. Have you shared this information with Hill?”
“No, not yet, though I suppose it cannot be avoided. Frankly, I do not relish the thought of giving up my daily routine of port in the evening or wine with my meals, something Mr. Jones and I have previously discussed. As you can see, Mitchell suggests substituting tart cherry juice. Diluted or not, it will hardly be a good replacement.”
“What about the barley water?”
“Elizabeth, I have not had barley water since I was a child in leading strings, and I am not about to start now.” He guffawed. “Why, if I was to ingest barley water mixed with vinegar or baking soda as Mitchell suggests, I might cast up whatever was in my stomach on the spot.”
“It might not be so bad in small doses. You could also eat more fish as he favours, instead of your usual meat and potatoes.”
“I suppose, but I am definitely opposed to giving up all of cook’s sweets. Can you imagine a piece of toast without her delicious marmalade?”
“Oh, Papa, if there is a chance that any of these changes might help you improve, you must try. I implore you. I can hear how affected your breathing is, and I saw with my own eyes how difficult it was for you to walk just moments ago. Your gout appears to be far worse than before the onset of your heart problems.”
“You need not remind me.”
“I see he also recommended castor oil. Have you tried it yet? It is a simple enough remedy.”
“No, I have not!” he adamantly declared. “Vile stuff.”
“But, Papa, he is not suggesting you drink it. Mr. Mitchell insists that when the oil is applied regularly to your feet and ankles by compress you are certain to be in less pain. Not to mention he says it would be good for you to get out of the house and get some fresh air. Surely it will be much easier for you to do so if you can walk with less discomfort.”
“Yes, yes, I am aware of all of that. Elizabeth, I am not a child who needs to be lectured!” He grabbed the letter from Elizabeth’s hand and tossed it back on his desk. “I suspect your Uncle Gardiner is behind most of these recommendations, since he knows my personal habits only too well.”
Elizabeth remained firm as she continued. “Papa, I mean no disrespect, but I believe we should try. Please give me back the letter. I shall be happy to speak with Hill about some of these suggestions. We could start slowly. After all, the doctor comes highly recommended by Aunt Gardiner’s brother, and Mr. Darcy has said that Mr. Mitchell is one of the most sought-after physicians in all of London.”
“Mr. Darcy?” Mr. Bennet raised a brow, studying Elizabeth over the rim of his glasses as he picked up the letter and handed it back to her. “Is he not the man in question where you are concerned?”
“Yes, Papa.” She nervously bit her lip and blushed knowing how much she would have to relate concerning the gentleman as well as her interaction with Lady Catherine. “It is he.”
“Hmm…. I have read your uncle’s account, but I should like to hear it from you, Elizabeth. Let us ring for tea, and then you can tell me how you came to find yourself in such a predicament.”
While father and daughter spent the next hour in conversation, Elizabeth related how her first impressions of William were not favourable but had improved as they continued to meet. Prodding her for more information, Mr. Bennet quickly surmised that his favourite daughter had come to esteem the young man during the short time of their acquaintance. Elizabeth told her father she had expected him to ask for a courtship, that is, until he was offended by the foibles of her mother, Eliza, and Lydia at the ball. She then went on to explain what transpired with Lady Catherine.
“Papa, it is all very frustrating, and until Uncle sorts it out with Mr. Darcy, frankly I do not know what to expect.”
Mr. Bennet sighed. “Elizabeth, I am sorry that you are made to suffer in this manner. I fear much of this is my fault. With the reality of my illness taking over, I have had much to think on these past few months. Over the years I should have done more for our family. ‘Tis a pity I never followed your uncle’s advice in that regard and invested for all of you when I was younger and had the chance. Moreover, I have come to realise that I never should have indulged your mother or encouraged her silliness for my own amusement. I should have been more responsible and addressed her concerns as any honourable husband would have.”
“Papa….” Elizabeth had much love for her father, and though she would never chide him about his lack of responsibility, she knew that he should have taken better care. Reaching for his hand she said, “I understand your frustration. Still, it will not do to dwell on the past.”
“Your sentiments are appreciated, my dear, but for now I must remain accountable for my actions. Once this business with Mr. Darcy is settled, I suppose my guilt will pass soon enough. You say Edward was to meet with Lady Catherine de Bourgh this afternoon?”
