Four
The next day, immediately after breakfast, Dr Harris returned with two other gentlemen who appeared to be about his age, and he introduced them as esteemed and experienced physicians. The three of them spent half an hour with Anne, then returned with a report not much different from the previous one.
“Dr Harris,” Darcy said, “you treated my dear mother for years, till the end. Do you think Anne might have inherited her illness?”
“We cannot be certain yet, sir. This is what I have been debating with my colleagues. We need more time to observe her. In the meantime, we would like to give her some medicine that we have used in similar cases and observe her progress. We are all in agreement that Miss de Bourgh should remain in town. We also noticed her pale complexion. Has she not been taken to the sea? The summer sun and some sea bathing might be an excellent remedy for her.”
“I do not believe my cousin has been to the seaside in the last ten years. I do not remember any such discussion.”
“This is one of our recommendations for the future.”
“I shall insist it be followed, Doctor. I shall write to my aunt and uncle to come and discuss the best solution for Anne. Could she be moved to my uncle’s house? It is a short distance from here.”
“I see no danger in her making such an insignificant journey,” the doctor agreed. “But no farther.”
“Of course.”
“If you wish me to,” Dr Harris continued, “I shall speak to Lady Catherine myself. Perhaps my direct opinion would be of some use. And I may answer her questions, if there are any.”
The other two doctors declined any invitation for refreshments and left. Georgiana went to Anne, while Darcy penned a quick note to Lord Matlock.
“Dr Harris, I must apologise beforehand for whatever Lady Catherine might say. I expect she will be strongly opposed to Anne remaining in London and will probably question your advice and expertise. Please do not take offence.”
“I shall not — I have seen too much to be easily cowed,” the doctor replied.
Darcy was proved right when his aunt arrived. She was accompanied by Lord and Lady Matlock, for which Darcy was grateful. The earl was likely the only man in the world who, as an elder brother, could keep Lady Catherine under some control.
Darcy invited them in, but Lady Catherine was anxious to see her daughter.
“We are in a hurry to leave for Kent,” she said.
“I am afraid that is impossible, Aunt,” Darcy answered. “Dr Harris will explain the situation to you.”
“Darcy, you cannot tell me what is impossible!” the lady said angrily. “Unless you have decided to marry Anne, you have no right to any opinion in regard to her!”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Catherine, do not speak of this marriage foolishness again!” the earl cried. “Let us show some decorum in front of Dr Harris!”
“Dr Harris is nothing to me. I have a doctor who has treated Anne since she was very young.”
“Not very successfully, I may say,” the earl continued.
“I shall not criticise my colleague in Kent,” Dr Harris intervened. “We are still uncertain of the nature of Miss de Bourgh’s illness, which is why I insist on her staying under our supervision for another fortnight. Nobody would be happier than me to see her improve enough to travel safely.”
“This is absurd! She cannot stay in Darcy’s house by herself. And I have no intention of staying here! In truth, one might already consider that Anne’s reputation has been ruined by sleeping under Darcy’s roof!”
“Doctor, do you have any medicine for a sudden headache?” the earl asked with sharp mockery, rolling his eyes at his sister.
“I am aware of the delicate situation,” Darcy said. “This is why I suggest Anne moves in with you and my aunt, Uncle. I believe everyone will be content with such an arrangement.”
“Certainly not me!” Lady Catherine declared.
“But I believe that Anne would be,” Darcy responded. He turned to Lady Matlock. “Aunt, please be so kind as to speak to Anne. Georgiana is with her now.”
“Ishall speak to my daughter — nobody else!” Lady Catherine shouted.
“Honoria will join you,” the earl declared. “Unless you prefer it to be me.”
Eventually, the two ladies went to Anne, while Darcy, his uncle, and the doctor continued conversing over a drink.
