“No of course not sir, I will treat anybody who requires my services. But especially somebody closely connected with the Darcys and de Bourghs”
“Very well, here we are then.”
Mr Darcy exited the carriage and without looking back to ascertain if the doctor was following he walked straight to the parsonage door and firmly knocked on it.
Ruby opened the door and moved out of the way for the gentlemen to enter, while curtseying hurriedly, “Mr Darcy sir, do you wish to see Mr Collins?”
“No,” Darcy looked at the maid, surprised, “I brought the doctor to see Mrs Collins. Did Miss Bennet not inform the household that the doctor would be coming tonight?”
“Miss Bennet is upstairs with the mistress sir, while Mr Collins is in the dining room having his supper.”
“Please lead the way to the dining room then, we will inform Mr Collins that the doctor is ready to attend to his wife.”
“This way sir,” the maid nodded.
Ruby knocked on the door and without waiting for permission pushed it open and made way for the two gentlemen to enter.
Mr Collins did not lift his head from his full plate of mutton, potatoes, peas and gravy, which he seemed to be enjoying greatly.
“Mr Collins,” Darcy called, “please accept our apologies for this intrusion during your dinner, sir.”
Mr Collins scrambled to his feet and using his napkin attached to his collar wiped his mouth, “Mr Darcy what do I owe for this honour, sir?” He asked surprised.
Darcy looked confused, “Did Miss Bennet not explain that the physician I sent for from London would be here tonight?”
“Physician? What physician?”
“My personal one; Dr. Denville.”
“Why would I need a doctor?” Mr Collins asked looking a bit miffed.
Darcy glared at the parson, “are you telling me that you are not aware of your wife’s need for a physician?”
“Well…” Mr Collins looked down, finally intimidated. “Mrs Collins is simply increasing, sir.” He said meekly.
“Simply?” Darcy raised his brows mystified. “From Miss Bennet’s distress I witnessed this morning as she tried to find help for your wife, there was nothing simple about this situation, Mr Collins.”
Finally Dr. Denville pushed past Darcy and addressed Mr Collins directly, “whether you knew of your wife’s illness or not, I am here now and I would like to examine my patient, if you please.”
“But…”
“Mr Collins,” Darcy stepped closer to the man looking down at him with all the authority he could muster, “you either leadthe good doctor here to your wife’s bedchamber this instant, or we try to locate it ourselves. One way or another, she will be examined by a proper physician.”
Mr Collins looked at his steaming plate of delectable food with yearning… then he focused on the two formidable gentlemen standing over him, “Very well Mr Darcy, Dr. Denville, please follow me.” He threw his napkin on the table, gave a disgruntled look to the maid standing aside and stepped out of the door with the other two gentlemen following him closely.
Mr Collins rapped on the door and waited.
Elizabeth opened the door and Mr Collins pushed his way past her, addressing his wife and completely ignoring his cousin, “My dear, Mr Darcy is here with a physician from London to see you.” He then turned his sour look toward Elizabeth, “although I have no idea why, since it was Cousin Elizabeth who requested it from Mr Darcy.”
Dr. Denville entered the room without ceremony and addressed Mr Collins, “you sir, may go. The young lady will stay for propriety’s sake.”
“I beg your pardon,” Mr Collins puffed his chest up, “this is my wife and I will not be going anywhere.”
“Yes you are,” the doctor said with authority, “Mr Darcy, please remove Mr Collins.” Then turning to Elizabeth he asked, “What is your name, miss?”
Elizabeth squared her shoulders, “Miss Elizabeth Bennet sir. What is yours?”
“Miss Bennet I beg your pardon,” Mr Darcy intervened, “this is Dr. Denville my personal physician. Doctor this is Miss Bennet and your patient is Mrs Charlotte Collins.”
