Darcy frowned as the Healer tripped over the leg of the bed and the realization hit him. He had been at the brandy bottle.
Bingley’s eyes widened as he came to the same conclusion. “If you will excuse us a minute, Mr. Sprocket? We need to consult with each other.”
“Take your time.”
“You cannot let him try to remove the branch, Darcy,” said Bingley, his voice full of outrage. “Have you seen how unsteady he is on his feet?”
“I agree,” said Elizabeth.
Darcy went to the closest room and rang for the butler.
“How can I help you, sir?” said Bartle.
“If you recall, I asked for Lady Cresswell, Bartle.”
“I know, sir. She is assisting at a difficult birth with her Healing Circle and is not expected to return tonight. The footman left word asking Lady Creswell to come here when she returns, then he went to find Mr. Sprocket.”
Darcy nodded. It was nobody’s fault. It was simply unfortunate. “Very well. Thank you, Bartle.”
He returned to Bingley and Elizabeth. “There is no one else.”
“The branch must be removed, and as soon as possible, or it will fester,” said Bingley. “Wecannot do it. We have no choice.”
“We will be risking my sister’s life if we allow him to do it.”
Mr. Sprocket must have overheard them, because he opened the door and Mr. Sprocket peered at them through bloodshot eyes.
“Are you doubting my skill? Outrageous! I am the product of the best Healing Academy in the Kingdom.”
“We are not doubting your skill, sir,” said Elizabeth, quickly. She looked to Darcy for help.
“You are foxed, Sprocket. That is what concerns us. Your hands are trembling.”
“Foxed? How dare you say such a thing! I have never been so insulted in my life! I am leaving immediately. You can be certain your aunt will hear of this.”
And with that, he walked away.
It was the last straw. As she watched Mr. Sprocket disappear down the hallway, Elizabeth burst into tears.
“What will happen to Jane?” she said.
Darcy pulled her against his chest and held her as her body was wracked with sobs. He searched in his pocket for a handkerchief before remembering he had given it to Miss King to wipe her hands.
“Hush, hush, my love. At least she is resting quietly, and there is no fever. I sent for a Healing Circle earlier. Apparently, they are dealing with a difficult childbirth. They will come as soon as they are able.”
But Elizabeth was inconsolable. “I think Bingley had the right idea. We should go back to Founder’s Hall tomorrow.”
“Or, if the Healers do not arrive by tomorrow,” said Bingley, “we will have to do it ourselves.”
Chapter 16
Elizabeth stayed with her sister all night, despite Mr. Bingley’s insistence that he would not move from Jane’s side until she recovered. He had placed a chair close to the bed and sat there, every now and then whispering to Jane.
Elizabeth dozed on and off. She would awaken with a start, hoping Jane’s injury was nothing but a nightmare, but then she would see her sister’s prone form on the bed and realize it was not. Every now and then she would go to her sister to check if she had a fever and to adjust her pillows and bedding in the hopes of making her more comfortable. The temperatures had tumbled, and Elizabeth shivered even in her traveling cloak. There was a damp draft in the bedchamber that seemed to smother all heat.
As daylight spread across the sky, Darcy made an appearance. He was accompanied by a woman he introduced as Mrs. Jenkinson, Anne de Bourgh’s companion.
“Mrs. Jenkinson and I will stay with Jane. Go, eat something, and then get some rest.”
