Page 129 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Then one day, in the middle of an amusing conversation spiced with teasing and laughter, Lord Alveston suffered a sudden seizure which Elizabeth, Jane, and Bingley witnessed for the first time. Jane almost fainted from fright, and Bingley immediately took her out of the room. Elizabeth remained, staring petrified at Lady Kendal and the earl’s valet, who attended him calmly and gently. Apparently, they had done so many times before.

When the quivering eventually ceased, the earl was carried to his room in a deep, restful sleep.

Bingley took Jane home, but Elizabeth refused to leave. She could not gather her composure but was also reluctant to leave Lady Kendal alone.

“My dear, nothing would give me more pleasure than your company, but please do not worry. Such situations sadly happen rather often. Philip rarely remembers them taking place. I would only ask you not to tell him that it occurred in your presence. He would be ashamed and grieved that he scared you and dear Jane.”

“No, of course not. But…why? What caused it?”

“We do not know. Dr Gordon only taught us what to do but does not know if there is something that might induce it. A servant will go and fetch him in case he is needed tonight. Philip takes some herbal remedies several times a day, but lately they have been largely ineffective.”

Sadness burdened the lady’s voice, and she leant back into the sofa as if she had abandoned the fight. Elizabeth moved towards her, taking her hands.

“How may I help you, my lady?”

“Play something for me, my dear. Anything will do.”

∞∞∞

The following morning, Elizabeth’s life took another thrilling turn. She had been offered a chamber in Lady Kendal’s house that night, but she had had not had a moment of sleep—or rest. Hours had passed in the deepest turmoil, as she worried about Philip’s state.

At dawn, exhaustion finally defeated her, and she woke up only when a maid entered the room. It was almost noon.

“Forgive me, Miss Bennet, her ladyship sent me to ask if you need anything.”

“No… I am afraid I have overslept. How is Lord Alveston?”

“He is well, I believe. He is downstairs with the mistress.”

“Is he? Oh, I am glad to hear that.”

“Will you join them for breakfast, miss?”

“Yes, of course!”

Within half an hour, she found them, together with Dr Gordon, sitting around the table.

They greeted her—all looked calm and rested, in good health and spirits. Elizabeth was surprised and relieved, glancing at the young earl repeatedly.

“I was delighted when my grandmother told me you had spent the night with us, Elizabeth. You look lovely. I assume you rested well,” Lord Alveston said. His cheeks were lightly coloured, his eyes bright.

“You look well too,” she answered. “I apologise for oversleeping.”

“Do not worry, my dear,” Lady Kendal said.

“Would you like to play some chess after breakfast?” Philip asked. “Or are you in a hurry to return home?”

“I am in no hurry,” she answered.

“I am very pleased to hear that. After you finish your chess game, perhaps you could favour me with half an hour of your time,” Lady Kendal requested. “For a private, ladies’ talk,” she added in response to her grandson’s curious look.

∞∞∞

A couple of hours later Philip returned to his apartment to rest, while Elizabeth and Lady Kendal moved to her ladyship’s private study. Elizabeth was curious and concerned that more bad news would follow.

“My dear girl, this is one of the most difficult conversations I have had to undertake in my entire life. And I am counting on you that at such a young age you will have the wisdom to listen to me and to take my words as they are meant—respectful, caring, affectionate, and trusting. In truth, although we only met six months ago, there is nobody I trust more. Nobody I care more for except Philip.”

“This sounds grave and frightening. Has something happened to Philip?”