Elizabeth felt a surge of relief that Wickham was gone, mixed with frustration that he had once again escaped the consequences of his actions. “So he remains free to cause mischief elsewhere. How perfectly in character.”
The breakfast room was mercifully empty. Elizabeth helped herself to tea and toast, determined to fortify herself before the Bingley siblings appeared.
Their respite was brief. Caroline Bingley soon entered, immaculate in a morning dress of pale yellow muslin that made Elizabeth’s simple blue gown seem positively dowdy by comparison.
“Miss Eliza,” Caroline greeted her with a cutting smile. “How refreshed you look after your vigil. I trust Mr. Darcy passed a comfortable night?”
Elizabeth matched her smile with equal insincerity. “As comfortable as one might expect when recovering from a bullet wound, Miss Bingley. The fever broke near dawn.”
“How fortunate that you were there to witness it,” Caroline said, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Such intimate moments are rarely shared between unmarried persons.”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth agreed pleasantly. “Though I believe doctors and nurses frequently observe such medical milestones without romantic implications. Perhaps your experience differs?”
Caroline’s smile faltered briefly. “I merely observe that your position is rather unique. To be alone with a gentleman in such a state of undress would normally be cause for scandal.”
“How fortunate, then, that scandal appears to be my natural habitat these days,” Elizabeth replied. “One might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb, don’t you agree?”
Caroline’s eyes narrowed. “I wonder what Mr. Darcy thinks about this unusual arrangement?”
Elizabeth shrugged as she spread jam on her toast, but did not give her the pleasure of a reply.
Bingley entered the breakfast room, his face brightening at the sight of Jane. “Miss Bennet! I had not expected the pleasure of your company this morning.”
“I brought fresh clothing for Lizzy,” Jane explained, her cheeks coloring prettily.
“A welcome kindness, I’m sure,” Bingley said, his gaze lingering on Jane before turning to Elizabeth. “And how is our patient this morning?”
“His fever has broken, though he remains weak, as one would expect.”
“Excellent news,” Bingley said, seeming genuinely relieved. He hesitated, then added, “I’ve been thinking, Miss Elizabeth. This situation places an extraordinary burden on you. I would be happy to engage a professional nurse for Mr. Darcy if you wish to return to Longbourn.”
Caroline’s eyes lit with sudden interest. “What an excellent suggestion, Charles! A professional nurse would be most appropriate for someone of Mr. Darcy’s standing.” She smiled thinly at Elizabeth. “And it would allow poor Miss Eliza to return to her family, who must be missing her terribly.”
“I could, of course, oversee the nurse’s work,” Caroline added. “Having known Mr. Darcy for so many years, I am familiar with his preferences and could ensure his comfort is properly attended to.”
“That is thoughtful, Caroline,” Bingley replied, though his expression suggested otherwise. “However, any nurse would report directly to Mr. Johnson.”
“I assume your footmen are sufficient to attend to Mr. Darcy’s needs,” Caroline argued. “I fail to see the necessity for Miss Elizabeth’s presence.”
“Footmen have other duties to attend to,” Bingley explained. “They cannot spend hours monitoring fever, changing bandages, and administering medications. I only mean to relieve Miss Elizabeth of such duties.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bingley. That is most considerate.” Elizabeth considered his offer of a professional nurse carefully. It was tempting to escape from Caroline’s venom, the servants’ curious stares, and the constant proximity to Darcy himself. And yet…
How would she ever regain Darcy’s good opinion if she abandoned her duty at the first opportunity? He would see it as further evidence of her inconstancy and lack of principle. The thought was surprisingly intolerable.
“Then it’s done,” Caroline said. “Miss Elizabeth, we must show our gratitude for you filling in for a professional nurse. It must have been quite tedious for a lively young woman such as yourself.”
“It was quite engaging,” Elizabeth said, taking a slow sip of tea. “Mr. Darcy is surprisingly tolerable company when he’s unable to speak. But in all seriousness, I believe Mr. Darcy should have some say in who tends to him during his recovery. It seems only fair, as he is the one who must endure the attention.”
“Discuss with Mr. Darcy?” Caroline repeated, her voice rising. “My dear Miss Eliza, surely you don’t intend to trouble a gentleman in his weakened state with such trivial matters?”
“On the contrary, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth replied evenly. “I believe Mr. Darcy would prefer to have some say in who attends to his care, especially given the unusual circumstances.”
Caroline’s face flushed an unbecoming shade of crimson. “I never—that is to say?—”
“More tea, Miss Bingley?” Elizabeth offered sweetly. “You seem somewhat… overwrought this morning.”
The door opened to admit Mr. Johnson. He nodded to the assembled company before addressing Bingley directly.
