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Elizabeth awoke and as soon as she tried to move became aware that her whole body was aching with jagged bursts of pain. She focused on where she was and became aware of two men and a woman standing in the corner of the room, talking quietly to each other.

“Where am I? And who are you?”

She was trying not to panic. A sensation that she was becoming far too good at dealing with. She saw the older man put out his hand, holding the younger one back. He came closer although he did not crowd her.

“You are in the treatment room of my physician, Dr. Dumfries. I am the man whose life you likely saved today, Baron Napier, although normally just called Lord Napier. I missed my footing on the steps down to the street, nothing but my own stupid fault. I was heading for an early grave upon sudden contact with the street. But then I was saved at the expense of injuring a young woman, you. I know that you likely have a thousand questions and I promise to answer them all. I am aware that your valise was stolen.”

He saw signs of a further burst of tears.

“Please do not cry or panic. I will be replacing everything you lost, as well as replacing your clothes which are somewhat the worse for wear. I have engaged Dr. Dumfries’ female assistant, Miss Smith here, and she will be your helper, companion and chaperone while you heal.”

He stopped talking and waited for her to process all that he had said. Elizabeth took her time, thinking through all that had happened. She had received a stay of execution. She responded with a slow nod.

“Where will I be staying? Is there a room here?”

She saw the Baron smile at her question.

“No, you will be staying at my townhouse for two weeks while you recover. Miss Smith will be with you for a couple of days until I can hire a similarly qualified companion and chaperone for the rest of your stay.”

If the Baron had been even 10 years younger then Elizabeth would have been suspicious to the point of refusal. But the man was clearly ancient, looking closer to 80 than 70. And he had just been for a visit to his doctor. She would like to think that she trusted him, but in reality she had no other choice. She had no clothes, other than the ruined outfit from that day. She had no money and no prospect of getting any unless she agreed.

“Thank you, my Lord. It is a generous offer and I accept.”

Elizabeth hoped she wasn’t making the biggest mistake of her life. If there was a nephew or grandson lurking at the townhouse then she would have to consider sleeping rough. She felt the tears at the back of her eyes. Less than six months previously she had a life of idle luxury. Now she had to weigh up these risks.

Peter Napier had thought the initial conversation had gone well. But was saddened and worried that the tears were back in the young lady’s eyes.

--

The dress was a poor fit, and at least 30 years out of date, but it was appropriate and gave Elizabeth a sense of security.

“Come in please. Sit wherever you like. Let me call for tea.”

10 minutes of pfaffing and the two of them were alone at one end of the room. The female assistant, Miss Smith, sat separately. She was present but not within hearing range. Clearly he had considered propriety, but even without Miss Smith, Elizabeth felt sure she could hold him off, and definitely outrun him.

“There is a lot to cover but let me start by thanking you. I was not exaggerating earlier. I was falling head first towards the pavement and thought my remaining life could be measured in under a second. While I am sorry that I abused you so thoroughly I am at the same time incredibly grateful. I not only hit you hard enough to knock you over I then compounded the problem by landing on top of you. All we can both be grateful for is that neither of our heads smashed into the stones of the pavement.

“Let me reassure you that I will be replacing everything you lost when your bag was stolen including the money. In addition, there will be a substantial bonus for all your pain and suffering.”

He was pleased to see her smile and relax, even if only slightly.

“This next part will be difficult for you to hear. You had an unusual reaction to whatever pain reliever Dr. Dumfries administered. Have you heard of the phrase ‘in vino veritas’?”

Elizabeth nodded, although looking worried.

“Well whatever he dosed you with had the same effect. You shared your recent troubles with the Doctor and myself.”

Elizabeth wanted to flee, her deepest and most damaging secrets. Shared with two complete strangers. Do you know what stayed her hand? The effort that the Baron was going through to rise. She would have been out the door and on the street based on his current rate of progress. She stepped over and took his arm.

“I will listen, although as you say it will be difficult. Let me settle you back down.”

Elizabeth had babbled on for close to an hour and the Baron was almost positive she was nothing more than a victim of circumstance. But her solicitousness tipped the scales. She was a genuinely nice person. Somehow, he thought this would make the conversation easier. And shorter.

“Thank you. Both for staying and for helping me back into my seat. Let me just jump right in. You talked for close to an hour. You did not name yourself at the beginning but the doctor and I were able to identify that you were, are rather, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. We did not capture all the names and places but we were able to understand that you had been abruptly awakened by a member of the host party when you were a guest at a manor house. Were you nursing a relative?”

“My sister.”