“Thank you. I would appreciate it,” she murmured in reply, meaning it.
She took the seat the maid had vacated; Jane had not moved, but Elizabeth comforted herself with watching her breathe.
A few minutes later, the maid brought a pitcher of water, linen cloths, towelling, and a clothing brush. “I could help ye with the brushing,” Molly offered, leading her into a small attached sitting room; Elizabeth gratefully accepted. When she was returned to Jane once again, she felt at least a little less begrimed.
Quite some time passed before Jane stirred. Elizabeth stood, moving closer, and dared to lay her hand upon Jane’sflushed cheek. It was warm, but not the burning fire of that horrific illness at Longbourn. Jane opened her eyes, looking blearily at her sister, and Elizabeth held her breath, completely unsure as to her reception.
“Lizzy,” Jane said weakly. “My head hurts so. Kitty complained of her head hurting, do you remember?”
“Kitty was not healthy when the fever struck, dear. She was never very strong. But you are. All will be well.”
A tear leaked from Jane’s eye, slipping down her cheek. “It hurts.”
Elizabeth wet one of the unused linens in the pitcher, squeezing it out in the provided bowl. She gently laid the cool cloth across Jane’s forehead.
“Oh, that feels nice,” Jane murmured. “Oh, Lizzy, I am so glad you are here.”
For the second time that day, unexpected sentiment tried to overwhelm her, tears trying to escape. She would not allow it. “Try to rest, dear. I am right beside you. I will stay as long as I am able.”
When Molly returned at the end of the hour, Elizabeth asked for fresh water in the pitcher and barley water for Jane and then dared to direct her to her other duties. She knew that she would not be leaving until good manners or the Bingleys demanded she excuse herself.I can find my way to Longbourn in the dark, I am certain.
Her sister was restless and uncomfortable, and although she took frequent sips of the proffered water, she did not keep it all down. Still, she was sensible and could speak of her needs—something Kitty had been too delirious, for the most part, to manage in her final days.
Jane is not dying, she reassured herself.
Around three o’clock, Mrs Hurst reappeared. She spokevery kindly to Jane, enquiring as to her condition, and expressing appropriate dismay at the severity of her symptoms. Her tact was appreciable, as the woman determined for herself that Jane did not resent Elizabeth’s attentions. Once she was reassured on this point, her manner eased, and she spoke with considerably more friendliness.
“My younger sister also suffers from the headache today, although thankfully without any nausea. I believe it is a result of this endless rain. This is surely the wettest place in England.”
“We have had more than our fair share of late,” Elizabeth agreed. “Although usually, our weather is the mildest. At least I was not rained upon during my journey here.”
Mrs Hurst looked down at Jane with some sympathy. “I am sure your sister appreciates the sacrifice you made to attend her.”
It sounded like a hint that a farewell would be appreciated, and Elizabeth sighed. It appeared that Jane was in good hands here, itwasgrowing late, and she had no excuse to remain. Still, it was with great reluctance that she spoke. “I suppose I had better be on my way. I thank you for allowing me the imposition.”
“Of course, Mrs Ashwood, we can provide a chaise to take you anywhere you wish, whether it be to Longbourn or Stoke. It is no trouble.”
Jane suddenly opened her eyes. “Oh, Lizzy, must you go?”
It broke Elizabeth’s heart to think of it. “I am afraid I?—”
“There is no need, if you wish to remain,” Mrs Hurst offered, before Elizabeth could complete her sentence. “There is a chamber adjoining the sitting room of this one. I am certain we could make you quite comfortable.”
“Oh!” Elizabeth said, surprised. “I did not expect it—butwould be so grateful to stay with my sister. You are very kind.”
Mrs Hurst smiled, remaining at least half an hour in quiet but civil conversation before leaving them alone once more.
“I like your new friend, Jane,” Elizabeth said quietly.
Jane smiled weakly, but did not open her eyes.
I judged Mrs Hurst unfairly, simply because she obviously found our small country assembly dull.She must be accustomed to much grander entertainments, and ought to have been granted a bit more grace from the opinions of strangers.What did I name her? Mrs Jaded?Elizabeth shook her head, ashamed.
At half past six, Molly returned to sit with Jane, along with another servant to lead Elizabeth to the dining room. She did not want to be parted from her sister, even for the length of a meal, but after the kindnesses shown, she could hardly demand a tray.
Mrs Hurst introduced her to her younger sister, Miss Caroline Bingley, and Mr Bingley greeted her with all the fervour of a long-lost relation. It was a bit disconcerting.
“Mrs Ashwood, how glad I am that you have come, and have agreed to stay in my home to attend your dear sister! What a kindness you have performed for Mrs Collins! I am not certain my own sisters would have journeyed six miles in the mud and rain to reach me, should I be in similar straits!”
