Page 77 of Through the Eyes of Love

Four daysafter Anne’s arrival, Darcy entered her chambers with Mr. Gilroy. She had grown weaker every day, and they all began to fear the worst.

“Anne, I am grieved to hear you are not well. I hope I can help you.” Mr. Gilroy removed a brown vial from his satchel and, as Darcy held her in a seated position, she swallowed the medicine. “Rest now, and I shall look in on you in an hour.”

“Thank you for coming, John,” Anne said in a soft murmur.

* * *

Downstairs,Mr. Gilroy’s anger could not be contained, and he raised his voice. “Why would a mother not provide her child with the medicine she needs? All those so-called experts from London did nothing but worsen Anne’s health!”

“Sir, what is wrong with my cousin? Is there any hope?”

“Mrs. Jenkinson told me of Miss de Bourgh’s improvement after the five doses I provided to her. Observing her present condition, I believe she suffers from a specific deficiency in her blood. The medicine I gave her in Kent was an iron supplement, and I have given her another dose today. I hope we are not too late, and that she can recover from her deteriorated state.”

* * *

Afortnight later

The ladies sat near the fire: Anne reclined on the chaise and Elizabeth sewed in a chair beside her. The sun shone through the windows, and the room was warm and cosy.

“Elizabeth, how can I ever thank you for your care these past weeks?” asked Anne. “You and Darcy have saved my life. I pray I shall be strong enough to return to Rosings soon and dispatchLady Catherineto the Dower House where she belongs. Darcy is helping me hire a new steward since I intend to learn how to run my estate. Mrs. Jenkinson will be in charge of replacing all my mother’s spies—they can continue to work for the old dragon in her new residence, if she can afford them, but as far as I am concerned, they can all leave Rosings Park without a character.”

“I am glad you have serious plans for Rosings. We could not be more pleased with your progress. Pray stay as long as you like; you are a very dear part of our family.”

“I wrote to Richard, and he said he would visit me as soon as he can. I suppose learning to manage his own estate is taking up a great deal of time.”

“Has he written of his engagement?”

“Yes, and I am so pleased for him. Have you met Jane Horton?”

“Prepare yourself to be surprized—Jane Horton is my older sister.”

“What? How did that happen?”

“Jane married shortly before my father’s death almost two years ago. A short time later, her husband died in an accident. She accompanied my relatives when they visited us in the autumn, and she has been living at one of the nearby Darcy properties since October. She met Richard here at the cottage, and over time they fell in love.”

“It sounds so romantic!”

“Yes, they have made a love match and are so good together. You will love my sister when you meet her. She is the kindest, loveliest woman I know.”

They looked up when the door to the drawing room opened and Fitzwilliam smiled as he entered the room. “Look who I found standing at the front door.”

“Richard!” Anne broke out in happy tears.

He strode towards his cousin, knelt, took her hand in his, and kissed it. “My dear, how well you are looking! You appear to be as healthy as when we were children.”

Elizabeth brought her sister over to the chaise. “Allow me to introduce my sister, Mrs. Jane Horton. Jane, Miss Anne de Bourgh, soon to be your cousin too.”

Jane sat beside Anne and took her other hand. “I am so pleased to meet you. Richard has spoken of you so often that I feel I know you already.”

Richard stood. “Anne, I cannot imagine how I have been so lucky. Somehow, I have captured the heart of the most beautiful woman in England.”

Fitzwilliam cleared his throat. “I believe my wife holds claim to that title.”

“Let us agree that they are equally lovely—after all, they are sisters.”

Anne smiled and looked at her two cousins. “I have not felt this joyful since we were children. I am delighted my two favourite people have found such happiness.”

“How are you, Annie? Darcy told me about your mother’s visit.”