A Happy Accident Page 4

  Darcy declined entering the inn and strode about the courtyard as he waited for the Gardiner’s to gather whatever they felt they needed for the trip to Pemberley. The staff turned to watch him with curiosity but his aloof demeanour kept him safe from unwanted attention. He glanced at a small, red-haired maid who turned to look at him but averted her gaze with an embarrassed look when she saw she was observed. Darcy’s lips twisted into a wry smile. Elizabeth had told him he made no effort to make himself agreeable to strangers and he had been confused. Why would he wish to do that? But he had been forced to put his wounded pride aside and admit that she was right. He had been far too dismissive of others and look where it got him? Alone, rejected and nursing a broken heart.

  “It is a pleasant morning,” he ventured to the maid. She tensed and gazed up at him with startled eyes.

  “It is, sir,” she said in a high voice. Darcy nodded. He tried to think of something else to say but nothing came to him. So instead, he nodded and commenced pacing again. After all, change did not occur overnight and certainly not when one was already worried about their beloved. He was sure Elizabeth would forgive him.

  The Gardiners hurried out of the inn, looking slightly out of breath. Mrs Gardiner had a small bag with her.

  “Some letters and keepsakes belonging to Lizzy,” she said when Darcy gave them a curious look. “They might help her remember who she is.”

  Darcy nodded. “An excellent idea. I have ordered a carriage for you both. If you do not mind, I will ride on ahead to see Miss Bennet is well.”

  “Of course.”

  Mr and Mrs Gardiner looked after him in confusion as he hastened across the courtyard and reclaimed his horse from a groom. Elizabeth would probably tell them he merely wished to put distance between himself and people so decidedly below him but they were not sure they would agree. Mr Darcy almost looked distressed.

  How curious.

  9

  Elizabeth was sitting up in bed when Darcy returned. She started forward as though she was about to rise but she stopped when she saw him. She frowned.

  “You are alone. You did not find anyone?” Her face fell.

  “I did. You came here with your aunt and uncle Gardiner. Does that help you recall anything?”

  Elizabeth hesitated. A spark lit in her eyes and her lips moved slightly.

  “Aunt and Uncle Gardiner,” she said slowly as though savouring the names on her lips. “I cannot recall their faces but their names are familiar. Why do they not come with you?”

  “They are following behind. I arranged a carriage for them and rode ahead on my horse to see how you did.” He paused. “I hope you feel a little better?”

  Elizabeth gave him a wry smile. “I am less nervous if that is what you are asking. Now I know I have family here, I feel more assured. But I am stiff and sore and I ache all over. How far did I fall?”

  “I did not think to assess the height but it was several feet at least. I am not surprised you are in pain. Can I get you something for it?”

  Elizabeth nodded her head towards the table beside her bed then winced at the movement. Darcy saw a small glass there filled with a steaming liquid. Elizabeth gave it a distasteful look and wrinkled her nose.

  “Mrs Reynolds very kindly made up this concoction for me.”

  “And you do not care for it?”

  “I did not say that,” she replied quickly.

  Darcy laughed. “You did not need to. You have a remarkably expressive face. Everything you think is etched upon it. But I shall not tell her.”

  Elizabeth groaned and eyed the glass again as though it contained some deadly poison.

  “It is kind of her to make it. But it is —“

  “Vile? Revolting? The most disgusting thing you have ever tasted?”

  Elizabeth gave him a startled look then burst out laughing.

  “I did not say that. Those are all your words, sir.”

  “But you agree with me, do you not?” A small smiler tugged at his lips and Elizabeth relented with a sheepish grin.

  “Yes. But I did not say it.”

  “I will never repeat it. But you should drink it. The viler the taste the better the medicine.”

  “I never thought you of all people would speak like my mama,” said Elizabeth with a grumble. She picked up the glass and stared into it with suspicion. She took a deep breath to prepare herself and took a deep draught. Her face burned bright red and she squeezed her eyes shut as she forced herself to swallow the dreadful mixture. Darcy laughed at her response.

  “I wish I could tell you I sympathise, but I find I cannot. My sister and I grew up dosed with that thing. Every ache and illness meant a hearty draught of it. I have no pity for anyone who only drinks it for the first time as an adult.”

  “You are rather a beast,” said Elizabeth with a gasp as she swallowed the last of it. “Perhaps it is rude of me to say so but I think anyone who has just tasted what I have can be forgiven for neglecting the normal rules of propriety, even if only for a moment.”

  “Drink some more, Miss Bennet. It is the only way for you to recover…” Darcy trailed away as the door creaked and Mrs Reynolds bustled in. “Mrs Reynolds,” he said, a touch too cheerfully. “I was just telling Miss Bennet how you would dose us with your medicine whenever we were ill as children. I told her she will find nothing finer to help her recover.”

  “It was handed down through my family,” said Mrs Reynolds as she moved to Elizabeth’s bed and held a hand to her forehead.

  “What is in it exactly?” asked Elizabeth in a tone of some trepidation.

  “Oh, that would be telling. But let us just say, every part of the new calf was put to good use,” she said cheerfully. She moved about Elizabeth’s bed, rearranging the covers and fluffing the pillows to make sure Elizabeth was comfortable.

  Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged horrified looks. Darcy nodded to the glass.

  “I think you still have some left,” he said. “It is better if you drink it all, is it not, Mrs Reynolds?”

  “Oh, indeed. Drink it all up, my dear. You will marvel at the difference it makes.”

  Elizabeth threw Darcy a scowl. “I am sure I will,” she said, keeping her eyes fixed on his face. “Mr Darcy was telling me he has never found anything that helped him as much as this had. In fact,” she added, as a sly look came over her face, “he was just telling me how relieved he was that you have made up a batch. He was complaining of a headache when he came home, were you not, sir? And I should not wonder. Galloping about the country helping ladies in distress; it is enough to fell any man.”

  Darcy’s eyes widened. Elizabeth grinned at him; a grin which quickly subsided as she finished the remains of the glass. She averted her face to hide her disgusted reaction from Mrs Reynolds.

  “Sir, you should have said,” said Mrs Reynolds with a frown. “I will bring you a glass at once. No, you remain right where you are. I will have it to you in a moment.”

  Elizabeth gave Darcy a beatific smile as the housekeeper hurried from the room.

  “Now who is the beast?” Darcy muttered.

  “But I am sure you do have a headache, sir,” said Elizabeth innocently. “What a trying few days you have had. A glass of… of this… will be quite the thing. I am merely trying to repay your kindness by caring for you in return, after all.”

  “Are you not the very soul of generosity.”

  “I truly am.”

  Darcy was about to respond but he went still and turned his head towards the door. He looked back at Elizabeth.

  “Someone has arrived. I am sure it is your family. I will go and greet them.”

  “Please do,” said Elizabeth eagerly. Her lips curled. “And please do not rush yourself. Your headache, you understand.”

  Darcy declined to answer but her musical laughter followed him as he left the room, prompting a more heartfelt smile from him than he had expressed in months. How wonderful it felt to have Elizabeth under his roof. Even if they went their
separate ways afterwards, he would cherish the memories of having here here.

  10

  Mr and Mrs Gardiner stood in the hall and looked up as he hurried down the stairs.

  “How is she?” Mrs Gardiner asked anxiously.

  Darcy paused as Mrs Reynolds emerged into the hall and held up a steaming glass of her potion. She waved it gently at him. Darcy grunted.

  “Far better than she should be, considering the fall she took,” he said dryly.

  At first the Gardiners looked bewildered. Then they burst out laughing.

  “We do not need to ask what you mean, sir. Lizzy is a lively, mischievous girl. I do not believe even an accident can change that.”

  “Has her memory recovered?” Mrs Gardiner asked anxiously.

  Darcy shook his head. “I am not sure. Your name is familiar to her but she cannot recall anything else about you. But that may change when she sees you.”

  Mrs Reynolds stepped forward still holding the glass which they watched apprehensively. Darcy introduced them.

  “I will show you to the young lady’s room, if you will follow me. Sir, I shall leave this here for you.”

  “Thank you, Mrs Reynolds,” said Darcy gravely. He took the glass with resignation and stood back as Mrs Reynolds led the Gardiners up the stairs. He was just looking for a potted plant where he could throw the medicine when a cry caught his attention. He turned to the stairs and ran up taking two steps at a time as he did. Some of the medicine splashed on his shirt but he took no notice of it. He burst into Elizabeth’s room.

  “What is the…” he began. He trailed off when he saw Elizabeth in her aunt’s arms as she sat on the side of the bed. Mr Gardiner stood over them beaming. Darcy stared at the sight of Elizabeth as she pressed her face to her aunt’s shoulder.

  “Does this mean you remember them?” he asked eagerly.

  Elizabeth turned her face just enough to see him but kept her face pressed to Mrs Gardiner. Her eyes sparkled as she nodded.

  “I remembered them at once,” she said.

  Mrs Gardiner gently released her.

  “You gave us such a scare, Lizzy. Your uncle and I did not sleep last night. We were out searching for you even before the sun rose.”

  “It is not a night I care to remember,” said Mr Gardiner. He passed a hand over his face. “The worst night of my life.”

  “I am so sorry, Uncle.” Elizabeth held out her hand to him. He took it and pressed it between his own. “I should never have caused you a moment’s concern. I had already decided to return home so I could be there before it was dark. I heard someone coming behind me and when I turned…” She looked at Darcy. She blushed. “I was rather startled,” was all she could say.

  “Mr Darcy is rather imposing but I shouldn’t have thought he was so very terrifying,” said Mrs Gardiner with a little laugh. “And it is not like you to startle easily, Lizzy.”

  Elizabeth glanced at Darcy but withdrew her gaze instantly. Darcy cleared his throat.

  “I am afraid my horse is rather skittish. He is a powerful beast, and…”

  “And I have never been a horsewoman, you know,” said Elizabeth. “I was alarmed by his size and his spirit. I turned quickly to move away but I lost my footing. The next thing I could recall was waking up here this morning.”

  “Oh my dear girl!” cried Mrs Gardiner.

  “Where did she fall, sir?” asked Mr Gardiner.

  “From a ledge, over several feet.”

  “It must have been difficult to carry her,” he observed.

  “It was. Fortunately, Miss Bennet is light. It took some time but I had no doubt I would succeed.”

  “Well, thank goodness you did,” said Mrs Gardiner. “What does the physician say? Will he come to you at the inn?”

  Elizabeth glanced at Darcy but he was already moving forward.

  “He claims that is out of the question,” he said firmly. “Although Miss Bennet seems in excellent health aside from some bumps and cuts, he wishes to be careful about her head injury. He thinks it would be dangerous to jostle her about in a carriage over rough roads. He thinks it best if Miss Bennet remains here. It is no imposition. We are happy to care for her.”

  “Are the roads really so bad?” Elizabeth asked.

  Mr and Mrs Gardiner looked at one another helplessly. The roads had been quite rough on their journey there, even in a carriage as comfortable as the one Mr Darcy had arranged for them. The Darcy roads were in better repair than most at this time of year but that did not signify much after recent storms. Their concern about being an imposition warred briefly with their desire to do what was best for their niece. Fortunately, there was only one choice when it came down to it.

  “We cannot risk you, my love,” said Aunt Gardiner. “A head injury can be unpredictable. And if Mr Darcy does not mind…”

  “Not in the slightest. We would be honoured to care for Miss Bennet. And you are of course both welcome here as well.”

  “We will not impose on you too late into the evening but we would be easier if we could see Lizzy as much as possible…” Mr Gardiner began. Darcy shook his head.

  “Forgive me. I meant to be plainer. I mean both of you are welcome to stay here. At Pemberley. We will have a room prepared for you and you can be with Miss Bennet as much as you like.”

  “Oh, we could not possibly…” began Mrs Gardiner. She paused when she felt a tug of her gown. Elizabeth gave her a beseeching look.

  “I would like it very much if you would stay,” she said in a quiet voice. Mrs Gardiner frowned. Elizabeth was not normally a nervous person but there was something in her steady look that was impossible to ignore. She shared a glance with her husband and spoke in that silent way married couples tended to do. He nodded.

  “We would be delighted to accept, sir. It is very good of you to offer.”

  The men shook hands. “It is no trouble at all. If you wish to remain with Miss Bennet, I will send one of my men to the inn to gather your things and settle your bill. I think Miss Bennet will be far more comfortable with you both here,” he added without looking at Elizabeth. Elizabeth tried not to look too affected by his words.

  She glanced at the glass in his hands and arranged her face into a look of concern.

  “Your remedy is growing cooler, sir. And your headache must be agonising. Will you not drink?”

  Darcy glanced down at the glass. He shuddered at the memory of the taste.

  “Forgive me. I have been remiss. This is for you, Miss Bennet. You look so much brighter now after the first one. A remedy my housekeeper makes,” he added in answer to the Gardiner’s puzzled looks. “It is a marvellous cure for bodily aches and pains.”

  “Then you must drink it, Lizzy,” said Mrs Gardiner at once. “Come, I see you wince when you move. Medicine is just the thing.”

  “I have already had a glass, Aunt,” said Elizabeth through clenched teeth as she glared at Darcy. “I should not like to have too much as it may cause me more harm than good.”

  “Nonsense. This is perfectly safe. We would drink several glasses of it at a time when we were children,” said Darcy. “There is nothing in it that could cause harm by consuming too much of it.”

  “Yes, come Lizzy, drink up,” Mrs Gardiner urged.

  At that moment, Mrs Reynolds entered the room. She observed her patient critically then looked at the glass Darcy was holding out to Elizabeth. She frowned.

  “Oh sir, you are very good to think of Miss Bennet but I made that for you. I have plenty more to give Miss Bennet if she is in need of it.”

  “I believe she is,” said Darcy at once. “Will you be so good as to fetch her some at once?”

  Mrs Reynolds bowed and hurried from the room. It did not take her long to return with another glass for Elizabeth. She handed it to her then nodded at Darcy.

  “Drink up,” she said. “You know it will make you feel better more than anything.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth eyed one another, daring each other to go f
irst. But under the watchful eye of Mrs Reynolds, they had no choice. Averting their faces so their expressions could not be seen, they swallowed the liquid whole at the same time. Mrs Reynolds beamed at them.

  “That is just what I like to see. Model patients,” she exclaimed. “Now, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, I have a room ready for you if you would like to follow me…”

  “How did you know we were staying here?” asked Mr Gardiner as he and his wife rose to follow her.

  Mrs Reynolds glanced at her master who was flushed about the face from the ordeal of forcing himself to swallow the medicine.

  “I expected nothing less from a man like Mr Darcy.”

  11

  Elizabeth spent most of the day with her aunt and uncle. Mr Gardiner left the room during the afternoon to join Darcy in his study where he could write a letter to Elizabeth’s parents and inform them of her accident.

  “I believe I can hear Mama’s shrieks already,” said Elizabeth dryly.

  Mrs Gardiner shook her head at her but she found it hard to keep her lips from twitching.

  “She just worries for you.”

  “She worries far too much. Above all, she worries about us finding husbands.” Elizabeth leaned back against the pillow. “Coming here has been a welcome relief from it all. Between the officers leaving Meryton without any of us finding a husband among them — not that Lydia and Kitty did not do all in their power to flirt a proposal from every handsome redcoat — and then Jane…” She dropped her eyes.

  Aunt Gardiner patted her hand. “Dear Jane. I feel so sad for her. She really loved Mr Bingley, did she not?”

  “She did.” Elizabeth pressed her lips for a moment. “She still does, I believe, though she will not talk about him. I do not think she believes she will ever find a man she cares for more.”