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Please do not let him tell me that she is beyond help, Lord. I do not think I shall be able to bear it.

Reaching over to gently move a curl away from her eyes and brush another behind one ear, he asked Mr. Graham, “You mentioned having her drink water. How can we do that if she stays unconscious?”

“That is one reason I have the head of the bed elevated, and a multitude of pillows stacked behind her. I plan to have a spoonful of water lifted to her lips to see if that prompts her to take a sip. If not, we may get her to take some water from a clean washcloth soaked in cool water and placed on her lips.”

“And if she is too insensible to drink …”

“Let us not discuss that yet, Mr. Darcy. There is still time for her to come around, and it is a good sign that, thus far, her fever is still low. That new concoction I created using tannins must be keeping an infection from developing … well, that and all the prayers being said for her. All we can do for now, is to continue to pray that she regains consciousness soon.”

The doctor began to put items back into his black bag. “I shall stop by the kitchen and give Miss Bennet’s sister an update on her condition, and I shall check on Miss Bennet often during the day.”

“Lady Morgan is here now, as well as Mrs. Wickham.”

“Good. That will kill two birds with one stone.”

Richard, having helped carry Elizabeth to her new room, was quietly standing off to one side after Mr. Graham left. “Do you wish me to go, too, Darcy?”

“No. Much as I would rather focus solely on Elizabeth and her recovery, you and I have a lot to discuss. If we speak quietly, I do not think we shall disturb her.”

“As you wish,” Richard replied, crossing the room to stand next to William. “Before we begin, however, may I remind you that the ton will have an apoplexy when they learn that you have been at Miss Bennet’s side throughout this entire ordeal.”

“Frankly, I could not care less what the gossips say. As soon as Elizabeth is in her right mind, I intend to marry her—even if she has to say her vows from the bed. I will not have her think that I have abandoned her, as the ton would, no doubt, consider appropriate.”

“That is just what I thought you would say. Now, what did you wish to discuss?”

“First, I want to say I appreciate all you have done. I know you must be overwhelmed, what with helping to convict Lord Addison whilst also assisting me during Lady Morgan’s case and now—” William motioned to the still form of Elizabeth lying in the bed. “I do not think I would have my sanity at this point without your support.”

Richard placed a hand on William’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “We are like brothers, and whilst I may not always agree with you, Cousin, I will always defend your right to seek your own happiness.”

“Thank you. Now, as for other matters, if you do not have to return to headquarters right away, will you go to Darcy House and ask Adams to pack a bag and bring it here? Just tell him to pack what he usually does for a short trip; however, he should exclude all formal clothes. There is a dressing room through there,” William motioned to a door on the other side of the room, “and I intend to use it to wash and change clothes.”

“I am at my leisure for the next day or two, so that will not be a problem.”

“Then would you also consider staying at Darcy House and passing along to Georgiana all of Mr. Graham’s pronouncements regarding Elizabeth? Given that I have little time to inform her of what is happening, I know she must be worried sick. Moreover, Graham insists on no other visitors until Elizabeth is awake, which precludes Georgiana coming here.”

“I should be glad to ease Poppet’s mind; besides, hearing it from me will probably do more to settle her anxiety. She trusts me not to downplay the truth to make it more palatable.”

“That is true. Again, thank you for making yourself available.”

“You do not have to thank me constantly, Darcy. I am only doing what family should.”

William managed a small smile. “Have I told you that I feel blessed to count you among my family?”

Richard chuckled. “Just remember that the next time I borrow one of your bottles of French brandy without asking.”

Darcy House

Later that day

As soon as Richard walked in the front door, Mr. Barnes hurried to take his hat and gloves, whilst simultaneously asking, “Colonel Fitzwilliam, do you have any news regarding Miss Bennet?”

“It is good to see you, too, Barnes,” Richard replied, grinning widely.

“Forgive me, sir,” Mr. Barnes said. “Mrs. Barnes and I are so worried about Miss Bennet that it is all that occupies our minds of late.”

“No apology is necessary, Barnes,” Richard replied. “We are all worried sick about her, and to answer your question, the only thing I can tell you is that there has been no change. She has not yet regained her senses and things may get worse if they cannot get her to take some fluids soon.”

Barnes’ expression became more troubled. “I am sorry to hear that, sir. She is such a kind person, and I know the master cares deeply for her.”