Page 198 of The Governess of My Heart
“What happened, Lord Anderson, what happened?” Darcy cried as he ran up the stairs to Elizabeth’s room.
Lord Anderson fought to control his tears.
I almost lost her, just as I lost Sarah!
“Someone say something: what happened to her?” Darcy yelled.
“She is well, Fitzwilliam. She just opened her eyes,” Lady Martha said, quickly explaining the accident.
“How could this happen? How could something like this happen?” he cried as he rushed inside Elizabeth’s room.
He could finally breathe when he saw her smile at him feebly.
“Elizabeth!” he cried as he kneeled beside her bed and held her hand.
“Do not be upset; I am well,” she said, coughing between words.
“What happened? Has the doctor seen her yet?” he asked with anger.
“He did; she is well but needs to rest. She fainted as she inhaled a lot of smoke.”
“How could you let this happen? I left her here as your responsibility,” he asked, his eyes blazing with anger.
However painful the situation was, Lord Anderson was grateful that Elizabeth had found someone who loved her beyond his own life.
“Fitzwilliam, please calm down,” Elizabeth said, trying to sit.
“No! Do not strain yourself. I was so scared; you know I cannot live without you,” he cried.
“I am not hurt. Please do not be upset. It was an accident; it was no one’s fault.”
“Why did you leave the house?” he asked, unable to understand anything.
Lord Anderson touched Darcy’s shoulder.
“Let us not distress her. She needs to rest.”
Darcy pursed his lips as he was very angry with him. He looked at her, but she was barely able to stay awake.Her beautiful eyes lacked sparkle, and he sensed she had experienced something terrifying.
“Are you in pain?” he asked.
“No! I am just tired, and everything feels like a bad dream,” she said feebly.
“You must sleep and do not worry. I have no intention of leaving Ashton Park tonight,” he said with resolve, watching Elizabeth close her eyes.
He reluctantly left the room along with Lady Martha and Lord Anderson.
“Do not worry, Mr. Darcy. I will stay with her tonight,” Lady Isabella said, and he nodded.
***
“Where were you?” Lady Anderson asked her daughter.
“What sort of a question is that? I was in my room, crying because of you. You insulted me in front of that girl.”
“Beatrice, the fire started moments after you left. How come you never heard us?” Lady Anderson asked.
“I did not see anything or hear you,” she replied dryly.
