Page 19 of Infamous Relations

Both Jane and Charlotte smiled to hear Elizabeth sounding so much like her usual pert self. Hurrying to her sister’s side, Jane clutched her hand. “Oh Lizzy, dearest, you have given us all such a fright!”

Elizabeth’s smile was bemused. “Jane – I cannot understand – why are you here?”

Jane looked at Charlotte, unsure what to say. Charlotte seated herself on the other side of the bed reached out to take Elizabeth’s other hand in hers. “What do you remember, dearest?”

Elizabeth’s head still hurt abominably, though the small dose of laudanum Charlotte had administered was dulling the pain to a slow thump, instead of frantic drumming. She frowned, glanced at Jane.

“I remember Mr. Darcy coming to see me,” she said haltingly, “when you were all gone to dinner at Rosings. We – argued, and he left. I was upset, and I went to bed before you returned.”

Charlotte shook her head. “That was the day before yesterday. Do you remember anything of yesterday at all?”

Wide-eyed, Elizabeth started to shake her head, grimaced, and said “No! Why, what happened?”

“You suffered a nasty fall,” Charlotte said after another speaking glance at Jane. “Colonel Fitzwilliam found you fallen down a bank into the stream that runs along the eastern lane. Your head was bleeding.”

“Oh,” Elizabeth blinked a few times. “Well, that explains why my head feels as though it is cracked open; it is!”

“Do not joke about it, Lizzy!” Jane said fiercely, clutching at her handkerchief and blotting her eyes. “I have had the fright of my life! But do you truly not remember what happened before your fall?”

“You should rest now, Lizzy,” Charlotte said, cutting her eyes meaningfully at Jane. “Doctor Trent will be back to see you soon and I do not doubt he will have a lot more questions for you.”

Elizabeth sighed, her eyes closing. “I feel so very tired.” Her fingers tightened around Jane’s for a moment. “I am glad you are here, Jane – I’m so sorry about Mr. Bingley…” her voice trailed off to a whisper, her fingers going lax.

“I care nothing for Mr. Bingley!” Jane cried out, very much overwrought. “Only that you should be well again, Lizzy!”

But Elizabeth had once again lapsed into unconsciousness.

Jane covered her face with her hands and sighed raggedly, rubbing hard at her cheeks. Moving behind her, Charlotte laid her hands on Jane’s shoulders gently and rubbed, trying to ease her.

“Breathe, dear Jane. All will be well. Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam will help us to find whoever did this terrible thing and bring him to justice.”

“But Lizzy,” Jane said into her hands. “Lizzy’s reputation. She will be ruined, Charlotte!”

“I am assured of the gentlemens’ discretion,” Charlotte said quietly, “and other than the two of them, only you, I and the doctor are apprised of the truth of the situation. We will endeavour to limit the knowledge to that group only.”

Jane only shook her head. “The truth will out, Charlotte, you know it as well as I…”

“The truth is that nothing happened,” Charlotte said fiercely, “at least as far as Elizabeth remembers!”

“Someone knows, Charlotte,” Jane said quietly but coldly. “The man who did this to her knows.”

They looked at each other for a moment.

“The man who did this to her knows,” Jane repeated slowly, “and only we two, the doctor, and the two gentlemen, besides?”

“That’s right,” Charlotte nodded. “So if we hear anyone else speak of it…”

“We could trace the rumour back to its source, and find the culprit!” Jane brightened excitedly.

“I do not think that should be our task, dear Jane,” Charlotte managed a small chuckle. “Colonel Fitzwilliam offered his services to track down the miscreant, and I have no doubt that Mr. Darcy will be just as eager to help.”

“Who is this Colonel Fitzwilliam you keep speaking of?” Jane asked in confusion.

“Why, you met him downstairs – oh, I daresay you did not,” Charlotte said, and Jane blushed.

“No, I fear I was too agitated – oh dear, I believe I must go and apologise to Mr. Darcy.” Jane touched her fingers to her brow agitatedly. “I struck him! Whatever must he think of me?”

“He will think that you were quite rightly inflamed with rage on Elizabeth’s behalf, and think the more of you for it,” Charlotte embraced her warmly. “But I am afraid you really should apologise to him anyway.”