The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Victoria Kincaid Page B

“Monsieur, your wife is very ill.”
    “She is not my wife,” Darcy corrected automatically.
    The doctor cleared his throat uncomfortably. Damn now he thinks she is my mistress! Darcy reminded himself it hardly mattered what the doctor thought. Flouret continued, “She has a high fever and her pulse is weak. I gave her some medicine and will return in the morning to see how she fares.” He could see that the doctor was speaking slowly and enunciating every word to ensure Darcy’s comprehension.
    “What can I – we do for her comfort?” The French came very naturally to Darcy after being in the country for so long.
    The doctor’s eyes were downcast as he made notes in his notebook, but continued to give instructions. “Cool compresses for the fever. If she is awake, she should drink water or weak tea so she will not become dehydrated.”
    Darcy thanked the doctor and the man left. When Whitmore came upstairs a few minutes later, Darcy was again sitting in Elizabeth’s room holding her hand. Darcy was aware of his friend’s scrutiny, but could not bring himself to take his eyes off Elizabeth’s face, which was beaded with perspiration and flushed. She did not sleep restfully, but rolled her head from side to side and shifted listlessly every few minutes.
    Anxiety closed around his heart. What he would not give to see her fine eyes open and smiling at him! All he wanted was to see her alive and well, even if he could never have her for his wife.
    When Darcy finally met Whitmore’s eyes, the other man’s face was full of sympathy. “Are you planning to ask Miss Bennet to marry you?”
    “No, well, yes. It is complicated.” Darcy was so worn down by exhaustion and worry it actually felt good to unburden himself. “I hope she will someday accept me.”
    Whitmore raised his brows at the uncertainty in Darcy’s tone. “You must love her very deeply.”
    “I do. She is a remarkable woman.” Darcy fell silent, his throat felt suddenly constricted.
    Concern was reflected in Whitmore’s face. “You should rest. I will send in a maid to stay with Miss Bennet during the night. She will awaken you immediately if there is a change in her condition.”
    “No!” Darcy realized right away that his exclamation had come out more fiercely than he intended and he moderated his tone. “Thank you, Thomas. I – I could never rest easy if I could not see her myself and know how she was faring. And when she awakens she will not know where she is. You can have the maid stay as well if you wish.”
    “Even with a chaperone, Darcy, you cannot stay in her room,” Whitmore said gently. “She is not your sister or your wife.”
    “I would never take advantage of a sick woman!” Darcy hissed.
    “I know that, but she is under my protection. I am concerned about her reputation,” Whitmore’s voice was soothing, but Darcy was in no mood to be calmed.
    “And I am thinking of her life !” Darcy spat out. He stood abruptly and strode to the window. The moon was rising, casting shadows on the surrounding grounds. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm his disordered nerves. Once he was in better control of his emotions, he continued in a more conciliatory tone. “No one need know of it save you, Marie, and your staff.” Whitmore was still shaking his head and Darcy swore. “Unless you summon your footmen to remove me bodily from this room, I am staying!” Darcy swung around and regarded Whitmore challengingly.
    Whitmore returned his gaze steadily for a moment and then sighed. “Very well. I do trust you Darcy – and I suppose what occurs here is unlikely to affect her reputation in England. I will have a maid wait in the hallway. Let her know of anything you need.”
    “Thank you,” Darcy said gratefully, watching as Whitmore left the room, closing the door softly behind him. Darcy settled himself into the brocaded chair near Elizabeth’s bedside. It would be a long night.
    Darcy woke with a start. He had fallen asleep