When she opened it, the signature was just as she expected.
“It is from Miss de Bourgh,” she said, trying to control the trembling of her hands.
“Why would my daughter write toyou?” said Lady Catherine, sounding outraged. “There must be some mistake. That letter must be addressed to me.”
Elizabeth was too agitated to answer. She stood up, excusing herself. A part of her mind registered that Lady Catherine was insisting on seeing the letter, but Elizabeth was too worried about Jane to care. She ran to her room, where she could read it in peace.
A moment later, there was a knock on the door. “It is me, Darcy.”
“Come in.”
She was glad he was with her, in case it was bad news. Now that it had come down to it, she was frightened to read the letter.
“Do you want me to read it first?” said Darcy, gently.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and prepared to face whatever Anne had to say.
“Thank you for offering, but I will read it myself.”
Dear Mrs. Darcy,
I am writing to let you know that Miss Jane Bennet is recuperating, thanks to the Rochester Healers’ efforts. Her legis still paining her, but she has improved enough to be able to sit up in bed for a short time and eat some broth.
Unless something unexpected happens, the Healers are saying they will expect her to recover her strength in a few days. It will take some time for her leg to heal, obviously, but they are optimistic that she will be able to walk eventually. Most of the Rochester Healers have departed, but they left one behind, just in case.
Meanwhile, I hope Napoleon will take one look at the fearsome Royal Mages and run as fast as possible.
Your friend,
Anne
Elizabeth dropped the letter into her lap. Her throat was tight with emotion. She was relieved that Jane was doing well and was touched by Anne’s kindness.
“Anything the matter?” said Darcy, alarmed by her silence.
“No. All is well. It was so good of your cousin to write to me. I did not expect it.”
She handed him the letter. He read it quickly. As he reached the end, he let out a huge breath.
“Why, this is excellent news, my love!” he said.
“We must still exercise caution. Anything can happen, of course.”
“Naturally, but this is much better than I would have expected.”
The news was starting to sink in. Jane was safe! The Healers were confident she would heal! Her sense of relief made her giddy. It was real! Jane would pull through!
She threw her arms around Darcy and kissed him, joy bubbling up inside her.
“I am so happy!” She did a little pirouette across the room.
“I am very glad, my love,” he said, his eyes following her, a wide grin on his face. “You might want to let your father know. He was looking anxious when you left the breakfast table.”
She struck her brow with her hand. “Oh! Goodness. Yes! I had quite forgotten Papa! Thank you for reminding me. I will go at once and give him the good news.”
Needless to say, Mr. Bennet was overjoyed to read Anne’s letter. He even went as far as smiling at Lady Alice, who met his inexplicable friendliness with suspicion. Meanwhile, Lady Catherine demanded to see whose name was on the letter, still insisting Anne must have written to her. However, she was forced to be satisfied when she saw Elizabeth’s name written in a sprawling hand on the envelope.
“Anne would have had the best handwriting among my acquaintances,” she remarked. “She would have been a true proficient if she did not tire easily when gripping the pen. It is unfortunate that her illness prevents her from pursuing her interest in calligraphy.”
