Page 16 of Chasing Shadows
Nor could he forget her devotion to her sister. The mere fact that she was there to tend to Jane struck him anew. Was it not the very same impulse that had brought him to bring Georgiana here, to watch over her himself? In Elizabeth, he had glimpsed a spirit that matched his own.
And then there were her eyes. Those fine, dark eyes that discomposed his reason and would not let him look at her without being caught by them. Even with the shadow of a murderer looming over them all, those eyes unsettled him most of all. They drew him, troubled him, lingered with him long after he had turned away.
He exhaled slowly, closing his own eyes. The killer was still abroad, still free, and he must be found. That thought, grim and unrelenting, pressed itself upon him even as he felt sleep pulling near. Yet when slumber came at last, it was not dangerthat filled his mind, but Elizabeth. Her eyes followed him into the dark, the last image before the night carried him under.
Chapter Nine
Elizabeth woke to find Jane still flushed with fever. She sighed, smoothed her sister’s hair, and was about to ring for water when a knock sounded.
She opened the door. Miss Bingley entered first, her gown rustling softly, and behind her came Mr. Reeds, the apothecary’s assistant, bearing a small box in his hands.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said with a bow, “what a surprise. I had not thought to find you here.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “Nor I you, sir. It has been some time, has it not? Since Mr. Collins’s wedding?”
“Indeed,” he answered as he set the box upon the table by the bed. “I recall our dance—it was most pleasant.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Yes, sir, it was.”
His gaze lingered with a touch of warmth. “When Mr. Jones asked me to deliver a draught at Netherfield, I confess I never imagined he meant for your sister. It is a surprise, and a pleasant one, to find you here.”
Elizabeth smiled once more, then gestured toward Jane. “She has been unwell since yesterday. I thank you for bringing the medicines.”
He opened the box with care. “The draught will ease the fever, and the ointment is for her chest. Mr. Jones also asked that I examine the level of her progress.”
He moved closer to the bed and observed her countenance with a practiced eye, noting the flush upon her cheeks and the rapidity of her breathing. With proper decorum, he placed the back of his hand briefly against her forehead togauge the fever's strength, then checked the pulse at her wrist, counting the beats with careful attention.
“With the draught and proper rest, she should soon recover.” He declared when he was done.
“That is a great relief,” Elizabeth murmured.
Miss Bingley, as if weary of the exchange, interjected coolly. “I expected nothing less.”
Elizabeth offered her a polite smile, then turned back to Reeds. “You must have been much occupied of late.”
“Yes,” he admitted, his tone softening. “The town has been restless since… well, since the disturbances began. Many have taken ill from panic alone, and it has kept us much engaged. That is why Mr. Jones could not come himself. One does what one can. But I am glad to be of service here.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “We are obliged to you.”
At that moment, the slightly ajar door creaked wider once more, and Georgiana Darcy stepped quietly inside. Every eye turned toward her as she crossed the threshold.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” she said gently. “How does your sister feel this morning?”
Elizabeth smiled at her. “She rests still, but your inquiry is most kind. Thank you.”
Glancing back, she caught Reeds regarding Georgiana with a puzzled look, as though uncertain who this unfamiliar young lady might be. Of course, nearly all in Meryton knew the Bingleys and their household, yet here was a new face among them.
“May I present Mr. Reeds, assistant to Mr. Jones the apothecary,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “Mr. Reeds, this is Miss Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Darcy’s sister.”
Reeds bowed. “Miss Darcy.”
Georgiana returned the courtesy with a gentle smile.
Straightening, Reeds said, “I must be off—Mr. Jones will expect me. There is always more to prepare at the shop.”
Elizabeth thanked him again. He gave a brief nod and withdrew, leaving behind the faint herbal scent of his satchel.
***
