“Anything is better than nothing.”
A few minutes later, Anne appeared. “Darcy has said you are setting up a Circle, Elizabeth? I would be happy to help. I do have some Healing Talent, but I should warn you, I tire easily.”
“Yes, Darcy has already mentioned it. I would be grateful for your help.”
She had given a great deal of thought to it last night, when she was watching over Jane. Now she explained in detail what her plan was, and what each person’s role was.
If everything worked out the way she envisioned it, they might well be able to save Jane’s life.
Chapter 17
The next morning, when Lady Cresswell and her Healing Circle did not put in an appearance, Darcy enlisted Miss Bingley’s help to take her brother’s place in the sick room. Bingley, of course, was resistant to leaving, as was Elizabeth, but Darcy was adamant.
“Elizabeth, if you are to perform the Circle as we planned, you will need all the rest you can get. Miss Bingley has kindly agreed to take your place here.”
Elizabeth gave a wide stretch and stood up. “For once I am in perfect agreement,” she said, and, without further argument, she left the room.
“The same applies to you, Bingley. Come, I will walk you to the breakfast room.”
“I do not know if I can eat,” he admitted. “There is too much on my mind, Darcy.”
“Then you cannot participate in the Healing. You cannot put Miss Bennet in jeopardy because you are too foolish to look after yourself.”
The threat produced the required effect. Bingley caved in. Darcy took him to the breakfast room and gave him a plate with a few of Cook’s pastries.
Bingley took a few bites, then pushed the plate away, looking ready to gag.
“How do you expect me to gorge myself when Miss Bennet is in danger? You cannot imagine what I am going through.” Bingley threw his head back and groaned loudly, forking his fingers through his hair. “I should have had the courage to ask her to marry me a second time. I was staying away because I wanted to be sure she really wanted to be with me.” He peered closely at Darcy. “If I had not been such a coward, we would have been engaged, and we would have journeyed together, and this would not have happened.”
He swallowed hard, his shoulders folding forward. “Now it is too late.” His voice broke.
Darcy was appalled to witness Bingley’s state of mind. “Courage, my friend. In heaven’s name, do not give in to despondency. Miss Bennet is very much alive, and she is fighting to stay alive. You cannot simply throw the towel and give up on her.”
“Give up on her? No, no, of course not.” He glared at Darcy. “How could you say such a thing, Darcy? I would never give up on Miss Bennet.”
“That is what I thought,” said Darcy, his tone uncompromising. “Chin up! You must stay strong for her sake.”
“I am well aware of that, thank you,” said Bingley, in an irritable tone. “But tell that to Lady Catherine. She has sent Mrs. Jenkinson to order me – a Royal Mage – not to enter the sickroom.”
“I suppose she wants to safeguard the young lady’s reputation under her roof.” Though Darcy could not help but wonder whyLady Catherine would care, when she was quite happy to cast Jane out.
“It is rather too late for that.” He gave a bitter laugh. “I have already ruined Miss Bennet’s reputation.” He began to pace. “That is what bothers me most. If Miss Bennet –” he took a deep breath, “—whenMiss Bennet recovers, she will have no choice at all. She willhaveto marry me. I did not want to put her in such a situation for the second time.”
“Then there is no point agonizing about it,” said Darcy. He did not know how Jane would feel. She was reserved, and did not show her feelings often. “You are a good person. I am sure she will come to care for you.”
“You think so?” said Bingley, wistfully.
“I do.” It was impossible not to like Bingley.
The tightness in Bingley’s face disappeared. “Good, because I will not leave her alone, no matter what Lady Catherine declares.”
“Of course not,” said Darcy, pushing Bingley’s plate in front of him. “But first you must rest and eat, so we can help Jane get better.”
Some time later, Darcy woke Elizabeth up.
“I think we had better get started, my love.”
Elizabeth got up, smoothed down her gown, and went to the pitcher and bowl to wash her face.
