Page 11 of Master of Himself

While they waited, Charles paced, obviously undone by this latest development.

As expected, the apothecary presented himself to the sitting parlour and gave his report. “Miss Bennet has contracted a violent cold with a fever and headache. Her throat is inflamed, and she is heavily congested.”

Darcy watched his doppelganger turn pale at this news.

“I’ll send my shop boy with a draught and the proper dosage instructions. She’ll need plenty of fluids and perhaps some porridge, if she can manage it,” Mr Jones said, rising to take his leave.

“Yes, of course. I’ll see to it,” Darcy said.

“I’ll call again in the morning to check on her.”

“Thank you for your swift response, Mr Jones,” Charles said, shaking the man’s hand.

Darcy called for a footman to see the apothecary out.

“How dreadful,” Charles said, once they were alone. “She must be terribly uncomfortable.”

Henry Hurst pressed his lips together to stifle a comment, but his eyes gleamed with mirth.

Charles scowled at his brother-in-law. “If you make one more idiotic joke, Henry, I swear I won’t be held responsible for what I might do.”

Frowning, Hurst threw his hands up. “It’s not my fault you got yourselves into a scrape,” he said, now indignant. “I’ll be in the billiard room if anyone is looking for me,” he said, then stalked away.

“Relax, my friend,” Darcy said. “Your sisters and Miss Elizabeth will see to her care. Miss Bennet will soon have a draught, and she’ll be more comfortable.”

“To have her in my house without being able to see her and comfort her is unbearable.”

Although Darcy had never seen his jovial friend so downcast, he couldn’t help sympathising with him. He had often seen Charles in the throes of love. Since Miss Bennet was his new favourite, he would naturally want to pay every attention to her care. He rang for a servant and advised the answering footman to summon the housekeeper, just as he would have done in similar circumstances at home.

When Mrs Nicholls arrived, she advised them that she had already provided Miss Bennet with her own bone broth elixir, and the cook had a pot of porridge simmering in the kitchen.

Even with these assurances, Charles still appeared unsettled as he paced over the carpet.

Darcy wondered if their time would be better spent discussing their plans to reverse their current dilemma; however, at the moment, Charles was in no fit state to think clearly. What he needed was an amusing activity to distract him from his troubles.

“Should we challenge Hurst to billiards?” Darcy inquired.

Charles finally relaxed his shoulders. “Maybe we can win back some of our money.”

That’s precisely what Darcy was thinking.

Chapter 6

Having spent the better part of the day secluded in the safety of the billiard room with Charles and Hurst, Darcy dreaded the evening ahead. Not only must he pass himself off as Bingley and submit himself to Henderson’s fastidious attentions, but he must also endure supper with the horrid Bingley sisters. His one consolation was that Miss Elizabeth would dine with the family. At least he would have the benefit of her company for the supper hour.

The valet promptly answered his summons and prattled on about the lateness of the hour and the chill in the night air. Darcy steadfastly ignored him as he changed into a fresh shirt and breeches. However, when Henderson attempted to tie his cravat, Darcy forestalled him.

“Thank you, Mr Henderson. I’ll see to it myself.” Although stunned, the valet handed over the neck cloth, and watched as Darcy formed a simple knot.

Henderson sighed in resignation. “Yes, well, I suppose a square knot shall do quite nicely. A serviceable adornment, indeed.”

Darcy paid no heed to this commentary. For the sake of expedience, he had allowed the valet to arrange his cravat that morning, but under no circumstances would he succumb to the dandified frills and furbelows that Charles favoured.

Henderson handed him Charles’s watch, which had a golden charm dangling from the fob, followed by another fob with a gold seal, instantly crushing Darcy’s resolve. Despite his reluctance, he attached them both and stowed the watch in his pocket. Although these embellishments were the current mode, Darcy had never acquired a taste for them. In his opinion, they were far too flashy, but being without them wouldn’t go unnoticed, so he accepted them without complaint.

Next, Henderson held up a blue floral waistcoat.

Darcy scowled. “Not that one. I need something darker.” He absolutely refused to wear that confection.