Chapter 23

 

March 10, 1813

 

“I tell you, there is something very wrong with her!” Lady Catherine stood at the edge of the bed, looking at her daughter with evident concern. At Anne’s insistence, she had waited three days to call the doctor but Anne looked worse than ever.

“Lady Catherine, please calm down. You will not do your daughter any good being this upset.” The doctor motioned to his nurse to get the woman a glass of water. After she had taken a few sips and seemed to have calmed, he continued. “Would you please describe her symptoms? Let's start with this rash you noticed.”

“Well, she used to have skin as white as porcelain. But now, she will often break out in this pink blotchy rash. I notice it most often when it appears in her cheeks. While it was erratic at first, it is becoming a more permanent fixture. And,” Lady Catherine paused, almost too distraught to go on, “I have noticed brown spots have begun to appear across the bridge of her nose. I think I have noticed some on her hands as well. They are quite faint, but let me point them out.”

Lady Catherine urged the doctor closer to the bed and pointed out a series of small flecks that appeared on Anne's skin.

The doctor took out his notebook and diligently wrote down “patient has a nice rosy complexion and freckles” before returning the notebook to his pocket. “I see. And what about this change in eating habits?”

“Well, I simply cannot account for it. She used to eat like a bird, and now she seems to consume everything in sight. Not only has she begun to eat like a horse, she now requires a corset to fit into any of her dresses. Of course, she has always worn a corset on principle, but now she wears it out of necessity. And did I mention, she is fidgety? She used to be so calm, but now she is often up and about. Why, she has even been seen climbing the stairs. And all by herself! This all started shortly after her fiancé departed, quite suddenly. Could she be suffering from a broken heart? Of course he is coming back to her, but I imagine being so far apart from him may be causing my poor Anne a strain.” Lady Catherine wrung her hands, and appeared to be holding back tears.

The doctor took out his notebook and jotted down a few more notes before looking over the rim of his glasses at the patient with a gaze that appeared quite grim. “Lady Catherine, I am sure it must be very distressing for your daughter to be separated from the young gentleman. I will be able to assess if this might be the cause of her condition, with more accuracy, if I might be permitted to speak with her privately. With the assistance of my nurse, of course.”

Normally, Lady Catherine would have balked at the suggestion that she leave the room. Anything Anne had to say could be said in front of her. But, at present, she was so concerned about her precious Anne, she simply nodded her assent and exited the room without protest.

The doctor sat down on the chair next to the bed. It had been placed there when the odd symptoms had first started. It allowed the servants some measure of comfort during the late hours as they maintained their nightly vigil over Anne. Not being medical professionals, many of the servants could not see the necessity of watching the girl sleep, but being experienced employees of Lady Catherine, they all understood the importance of not questioning their orders.

“Well, Miss de Bourgh, contrary to your mother's assessment, it seems to me that your health is rather improved. This 'rash' appears to be the rosy flush that accompanies young healthy adults who exercise, as they should, mingled with a smattering of freckles. Have you been going outside against your mother's wishes?”

Anne looked away with an expression of a child caught coming to dinner with biscuit crumbs covering her dress. “I truly did not mean to. I did not even enjoy it at first, but as time passed, I grew to enjoy the practice. At first, it was because there was always something new to see, but soon, the act of walking itself seemed pleasing. Have I done any great harm to myself? I know my lungs are weak and my legs frail.”

A warm smile spread over the doctor’s face. “On the contrary. I think walking agrees with you. As a child you may have been sickly, but you seem perfectly fit now. For those able to endure it, exercise is often beneficial. In your case, your legs now appear stronger, and it is a positive sign that you have an appetite. I believe your body is building muscle and your change in appetite is the result. But this does not address why you have suddenly changed your behavior so drastically. Have you, as your mother suggested, taken up new interests to distract yourself from your fiancé's absence?”

“Oh! Mother is quite mistaken. I do not have a fiancé. But please do not mention that to her.” Anne was shocked at how forthright she had been with the doctor. He had a kind look which encouraged her to be open, but her admission had happened by accident. Maybe it had slipped out because she trusted him and had so few friends to confide in. He had also lowered her defenses by giving her such surprising news. The concept that she was not sickly seemed foreign to Anne. Could it really be possible? If it was so, how would such news change her life? She had been reading about so many new places. Was she well enough that she could travel and see these places in person? How would her mother feel about this? Anne froze. She knew exactly how her mother would feel.

“Doctor, please do not mention my walking to my mother. She would think I was behaving in a most unladylike manner. I am certain she would put a stop to my outings entirely.”

“Surely if she knew it was aiding your health and adding to your strength….”

“Oh no. If you tell her that, she will believe you mistaken and bring in another doctor that will confirm her beliefs. Maybe you can come up with another explanation to explain the changes she has noticed? Maybe you could suggest time outdoors would aid in my recovery?”

The doctor considered Anne's words. He certainly did not want to alienate Lady Catherine. Being seen providing services to Rosings Park had helped his business immensely. In addition, rumors spread through town like wildfire and his own servants had spoken on several occasions to the servants on this estate. The general opinion was that Lady Catherine kept a very firm grip on her daughter and that, although she was well meaning, her strongly held belief that her daughter was sickly had been an impediment to improvements in Anne's health. While the doctor did not condone dishonesty, his loyalty was to his patients. If a falsehood to Lady Catherine would allow Miss de Bourgh to continue to get exercise and gain strength, he would protect her through a small white lie.

“There are several spas available that offer treatments to help with various ailments. I could suggest to your mother a course of treatment at such a facility.” Much had been made of such facilities in the medical journals so it could be presented as a plausible treatment option. But for the doctor, the true advantage of this plan was that, with Miss de Bourgh out of sight, Lady Catherine would be less likely to repeatedly question why her daughter's supposed symptoms were still present.

Anne considered this proposition and decided it might be her best alternative for gaining the freedom to continue in her pursuit of enriching her mind and body. “Do any of these spas happen to be on the continent?”

March 16, 1813

Darcy read through Georgiana's letter one more time. She had taken up correspondence with Elizabeth. This was torture. Fortunately, her letters did not contain any details about Elizabeth's upcoming wedding or her precious little lawyer. Darcy felt sick even thinking about having to listen or read about such things. Instead, Georgiana's letters were filled with funny little antidotes, observations, and opinions Elizabeth had shared with her. This was nearly as bad. He had left England to forget about her, but every week a package of letters would arrive from his sister. Darcy would feel, as he read these missives, that he was sitting in the parlor at Longbourn watching the two loves of his life conversing, and all the while, his Lizzy was claiming more and more of his heart.

Darcy walked to the sideboard. He poured himself a generous helping of bourbon and downed it with one flick of the wrist. He had tried everything he could think of to get her off his mind...running away, alcohol, women, cards. Why, he had even gotten involved in some business dealings hoping that the work might provide adequate distraction.

But it was all in vain. If he was going to be forced to think of her—no, if he was going to be forcefully reminded of her—that might as well happen in Pemberley, where he could at least be among his beautiful woods and welcoming brooks. But he had promised himself he would wait until the wedding was over. At some level, his mind was refusing to accept that his cause was lost, but the wedding would put an end to that. Besides, until she became Mrs. Kent, every time Bingley would speak of his Jane, Darcy would hear the words “Miss Bennet” and think they were speaking of his own precious Elizabeth. No, it was still too fresh. His heart wasn't ready to be any closer to her.

 

March 29, 1813

Dearest Lizzy,

Mother and I arrived safely in London the day before last. It is such a bustling city, it will take some getting used to once I am to live here. I shall miss the woods and, of course, you very much. Edward has promised that we shall visit my parents as often as I would like and I do hope I will be able to see you during these visits.

Edward brought us to the theatre yesterday evening. It was most enjoyable. I insist that you come to stay with us after our honeymoon, and I will make sure to keep you entertained. I am afraid you will find yourself quite sorry for having discarded my Edward so carelessly. He is the most kind, attentive, thoughtful, and handsome man of my acquaintance. But you have now lost your chance, and you shall not get him back. But as I have said, London is a large city and perhaps we can find a second handsome man here in town that meets your exacting standards. Look at that. I am not even married but have become a little matchmaker. Our mothers would approve.

Perhaps, you will come visit before I have redone the parlor. This way, you can aid me in some of the design choices. Your help in guiding me through the wedding breakfast preparations has been invaluable. I cannot imagine how Jane will manage all the duties of being a hostess once she finally becomes Mrs. Bingley. Yes, I know. You are currently rolling your eyes, saying “if” she becomes Mrs. Bingley, but we both know it is now simply a matter of time. If your prediction that Miss Bingley will be whisked away to Pemberley, by the elusive Mr. Darcy, does not come to fruition, will she continue to live with Mr. and Mrs. Bingley?

Speaking of Mr. Darcy, I did have an opportunity to speak with Edward about him. He will be playing cards with his friend this evening and will endeavor to see if he can help Miss Darcy in her search. Edward indicated that Mr. Darcy handles most of his business, in this particular venture, through the mail, but he is uncertain if these letters are sent directly or through Mr. Darcy's solicitor as is the case with his sister's letters. I will let you know what I discover as soon as possible.

With fondness and affection,

Charlotte

P.S. I was delayed in posting this letter thus I am able to report the outcome of Edward's query. Unfortunately, his friend does not have Mr. Darcy's current location. I am so sorry I could not be of more help. We are going to tea in a moment, but I will write you another letter once I get home with some suggestions on what you might tell Miss Darcy.