Assumed Engagement by Kara Louise Read Free Book Online

do."
    "That is a good idea, Jane. He knows Miss Darcy very well and will know how best to handle this."
    Jane was prepared for bed, and they talked as Elizabeth readied herself. "Tomorrow, Jane, you shall be united with your Mr. Bingley."
    " Lizzy , he is not my Mr. Bingley. But I am rather looking forward to it. I scarce believe I will be able to sleep at all tonight!"
    "I am sure you shall, and you shall have very sweet dreams." Elizabeth went over to Jane and kissed her goodnight.
    Elizabeth then walked over to the candle and blew it out, leaving the room in darkness, but for the light from the moon that came through the window and the embers that burned softly in the fireplace. She slipped into bed and from there she could see the moon. It was full, but there were dark clouds that obscured it as they occasionally drifted by. She shivered as she thought of the light that had been Mr. Darcy's life, and how it had now been obscured by this accident. How she prayed that this too would pass, as the clouds above passed in front of the moon and moved on; finally giving way to its luminance again.
     
    *~*~*
      Elizabeth slept fitfully through the night, images from the evening resurfacing in her dreams, but more bizarre. Mr. Darcy's lifeless body sometimes appeared like a skeleton, or very white and ghostly. She awakened once, fearful that it was a sign of what was to come. Had she cried out? She looked over at Jane, who did not stir, so she felt most likely she had not, but she feared closing her eyes again and of sleep, knowing that the same images were lying just beyond, waiting to assault her again.

Chapter 4
    A s morning broke, Georgiana was up early and at her brother's side. There was still no change. She had been hoping that Elizabeth 's presence would make a difference, but it had not. He lay still; the only sign of life was the very faint sound of his breathing.
    Elizabeth came down and decided to spend a short time with the young girl at Darcy's side. She could not say much. What more could be said; what further encouragement could she give? She was beginning to wonder if it was now too late to still hope for any improvement, but she would not let herself give in to this despair, so as not to worry Miss Darcy.
    After sitting with her for a respectable amount of time, Elizabeth left her to visit the dining room. She determined to bring something back for Miss Darcy and when she entered the dining room, she filled a plate with a variety of foods, not knowing what the young girl would be inclined to eat. She poured a cup of hot water and set some tea in it to begin brewing, and then carried it to Miss Darcy herself.
    Georgiana spent most of the morning by her brother's side, barely touching any of the food that Elizabeth brought in, although sipping occasionally at the tea. Feeling somewhat weakened by the stress of late, her lack of sleep and appetite, Georgiana crumpled over Darcy's lying form in tears.
    The doctor arrived soon after and upon entering, saw Miss Darcy crying upon the bed. He walked over to her and gently patted her back. How difficult it was for him to see her thus! She lifted her head, acknowledged him, and gave a mumbled apology for her lack of composure.
    "Please do not apologize to me, Miss Darcy. It is to be expected. You have been under much stress the past few days, getting very little sleep, and your concern for your brother is very great." He looked over at the plate of food in the room. "It appears you have not eaten very much. Am I correct?"
    She shook her head.
    "I think you must eat something. Go down and get a fresh plate of food and give me some time to examine your brother. Will you do that for me?"
    "Yes, thank you, Dr. Brisby . I believe it might do me some good. Let me know as soon as you have finished."
    "I will give him a thorough going over. I will also make an attempt to get some liquid down him and give him a good bath. Give me an hour or two."
    Georgiana nodded, looked