Page 119 of To Love And To Cherish
Guilt weighed on him for not seeing sooner the years of neglect, or worse, that had kept her in such a state. Darcy’s suspicions now felt entirely too plausible, and the thought chilled him. If Lady Catherine’s misguided zeal, or her pride, or her malice had indeed kept Anne unwell, then he would see to it she never had the power to do so again.
He leaned back, jaw set, his decision formed. Whatever bond had been awakened between himself and Anne today, whether it was the beginning of a deep friendship or something rarer still, true love, he knew one thing with certainty: he would protect her from their aunt, from danger, from anything that might rob her of the chance to recover her health and live freely.
Richard sat before the fire, the flames casting shadows across the library floor. His gaze was fixed, unseeing, upon the shifting embers as the weight of the day pressed upon him. The sound of a firm tread broke the quiet; the door opened, and Darcy entered.
“Richard, how is Anne?”
Richard looked up, his expression grave. “She is improved. Anne drank water unaided and took a little broth. She was coherent and even remembered the summer we three spent at Pemberley. She told me it was the only time she could recall feeling truly well. Lady Catherine had sent her with her medicines, but Anne refused them, and she was healthy all summer. Darcy… perhaps you are right. Perhaps my aunt has been slowly poisoning her daughter, whether through malice or blind folly, I cannot say.”
Darcy’s face hardened, the firelight striking sharp planes across his features. “When she is strong enough to travel, we must remove her from here without delay. Only away from Rosings can she be safe enough to recover. Do you agree?”
“I do,” Richard replied, his voice low but resolute. “I will take her in my aunt’s own carriage and deliver her to my mother at Matlock House. I shall remain there rather than lodge at the barracks, so I may watch over her myself. Dr. Russell will be at hand, should we require him.”
“How soon?” Darcy asked.
“The sooner the better,” Richard said, leaning forward. “I fear my aunt’s temper may drive her to violence. You saw how she flung that vase at you.”
Darcy gave a short laugh. “I should have to be very lame indeed to have been injured today. But what might she do to Anne, when her rage is turned upon her?”
Richard agreed. “Fortunately, the vase was heavy and our aunt is weak, but she could still harm Anne when she is asleep or insensible with fever. I fear our aunt has spent years keeping our cousin ill. If Anne is well enough to travel tomorrow, I will have a bed made up for her in Aunt Catherine’s largest carriage and take her away from here.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “We shall remain a few days longer, to give Lydia the opportunity of visiting with Mary and Charlotte. The road to London is no more than fifty miles, and you can be at Matlock House before nightfall.”
Richard inclined his head. “I will not leave her side until we have departed. I have moved my things into the chamber next to hers, and Mrs. Jenkinson knows she may summon me at any hour, day, or night.”
As Darcy departed, Richard remained before the fire, his mind turning over the information Anne had given him. Whatever the cause, whether intentional or not, he knew only this: Anne must be protected, and he would be the one to see it done.
Chapter 63: Epilogue
June 15, 1815
“Anne, let me prop your feet upon this stool.”
Elizabeth bent to lift the heavily pregnant Mrs. Fitzwilliam’s feet, arranging them upon the cushioned rest before settling to massage her swollen ankles and lower legs. Anne, in turn, rubbed her own wrists and hands with a small sigh that soon became a wail.
“I cannot believe the human body is capable of becoming so bloated. I am wretched, Lizzy. I cannot sit in comfort, I cannot lie down without pain, and I cannot sleep. I wish this child would come without delay.”
Elizabeth smiled with sympathy and patted her hand. “All in good time. You have but six weeks more, and by then Richard will have returned from the continent. You shall have him at your side for the birth.”
Anne’s eyes glistened. “Why must he be away now, of all times? The French Imperial Army is marching toward Belgium, and Richard is in Brussels! He is no longer in the military. What call had they upon him?”
Her voice trembled and broke. “I do not know how I shall bear the uncertainty, whether he is safe, whether he is well. What if he is caught in the midst of the fighting?”
Elizabeth’s hands paused in their gentle work. She longed to offer firm assurances, yet no words came that could carry conviction. She squeezed Anne’s hand in quiet understanding instead.
That evening, as the household assembled for dinner at Matlock House, a loud rap echoed from the front door. The butler entered moments later bearing a letter, which he presented to the Earl. Conversation ceased at once. All eyes followed the Earl as he broke the seal and scanned the final page before looking up.
“It is from Richard.” His voice was steady, though all present leaned forward in unspoken urgency.
He read aloud:
Father, by the time this reaches you, Napoleon’s army will have crossed into Belgium. They will soon meet the Prussian forces under Field Marshal Blücher and a coalition under the Duke of Wellington. I remain in Brussels, far from the field of battle. Comfort Anne with this knowledge and tell her she need not fear for me. My work here for the War Office is nearly concluded, and I expect to return to England within a fortnight, well before our child is born.
Phillip laid a reassuring hand upon his sister-in-law’s shoulder. “You see? I told you, my brother would not risk his life needlessly. Take comfort, Anne. Richard knows his duty to you and will be here when you need him most.”
Tears of relief ran unchecked down Anne’s cheeks. Darcy, however, spoke gravely. “Napoleon is even now advancing into Belgium. The armies will be engaged within days. Pray God Wellington prevails over that Corsican Fiend.”
Elizabeth moved to sit beside Anne. “All will be well. Richard will take care and return to you as swiftly as he is able.”
