Page 10 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Richard glanced at the doctor.

“He has asked for her frequently,” Dr. Garrison said. “Miss Elizabeth has a calming effect.”

Darcy’s hand moved restlessly on the coverlet. “Where is she?”

“Downstairs.”

“Tell her.”

“Tell her what?”

Darcy looked annoyed by the question. “We are engaged.”

Richard stared at him. “Engaged.”

“Yes.”

“To Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Darcy gave him the look normally reserved for people who had made arithmetic errors in estate accounts. “How many Elizabeths are there?”

Richard sat down very slowly.

Dr. Garrison’s pen paused.

Darcy’s eyes closed again. “I love her,” he murmured. “Do not let Caroline talk to her.”

Richard bit the inside of his cheek. “An excellent precaution.”

“She said yes.”

“Did she?”

“In the lane.”

Darcy drifted away.

Richard looked at Dr. Garrison. “Has he been saying this since the accident?”

“Repeatedly.”

“Has the young lady confirmed it?”

“I am a physician, Colonel, not a gossip.”

“That means yes.”

“It means I have no intention of answering.” Richard laughed once under his breath and rubbed a hand over his face.

Then he became serious. “My parents must know. Our family physician as well.”

Dr. Garrison nodded. “Send him. I am competent, Colonel, but if Mr. Darcy’s own physician knows his constitution, I welcome consultation. “

Richard found paper in Mr. Bennet’s study and wrote two letters. The first went to Darcy House for Georgiana. The second went to Matlock House.

Darcy found in Hertfordshire after riding accident. Compound fracture of lower leg. Fever considerable. Cannot be moved. I am with him at Longbourn, home of Mr. Bennet. Send Dr. Morrison immediately. There is also, apparently, an engagement to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy has declared it repeatedly and with astonishing determination. I will explain when I understand it myself.

Richard sanded the letter, folded it, and sealed it. Mr. Bennet, standing by the window, said mildly, “You may wish to delay the sentence regarding the engagement.”