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E lizabeth hadn’t expected the party still to be at breakfast. If she had thought at all, it would be that Miss Bingley would meet her, sniff disdainfully, and send a servant to take her upstairs to Jane.

Elizabeth wondered if perhaps she ought to have taken the time to pat her hair back under her hat, and catch her breath a little more.

But there was no time for thoughts like that, and she kept her gaze on Mr. Bingley, who had risen hastily to his feet along with Mr. Hurst.

“Miss Elizabeth!” he seemed astonished. “Are you here to call upon your sister?”

“I am, sir, if you please. I am sorry to have interrupted your breakfast.” She curtsied, and turned to Miss Bingley.

“Thank you for your hospitality to Jane. Perhaps you will permit the housekeeper to show me to her chamber?”

Miss Bingley nodded, and a footman left the room. Mr. Bingley seemed anxious to assure Elizabeth of the adequacy of her care.

“I hope, madam, you will find your sister improved this morning. Mr. Jones has been sent for, and I hope he will advise us if there is anything that can be done to aid her recovery.”

Elizabeth smiled at his obvious intention to fulfil every wish that Jane might utter. “I thank you, Mr. Bingley. You are very good.”

His manners were certainly very gentlemanly — more so than some. She glanced round the table. Mr. Hurst had barely stood up, and had now retaken his seat and was eating through a plate piled high with food. The two ladies were now ignoring her and talking to each other in low voices.

Mr. Darcy had remained standing by the window, his expression sombre, his gaze fixed on her. Teasing, teasing man! She supposed that, to be fair to him, there was nothing he could say to add to his host’s welcome.

She was very glad when Mrs. Nicholls arrived to show her upstairs, and she dipped her head in a perfunctory curtsy to the room before following the housekeeper.

“Oh, Jane!” Elizabeth crossed the room to drop a kiss on her sister’s brow. “I’m so glad you no longer have to be on your own.”

The housekeeper smiled maternally. She and the Bennet family had been in the neighbourhood for many years. “I will have tea sent up, Miss Elizabeth, and some broth for Miss Bennet. She will soon be much improved now you’re here.” She went to the door. “I expect Mr. Jones will be along shortly.”

Elizabeth smiled at her. “Thank you, Mrs. Nicholls. I’m very grateful to you.”

Jane seemed very feverish, and Elizabeth knew she’d be glad to see the apothecary, who’d undoubtedly bring the willow bark powders for her to give to her sister.

When the maid brought up the tea tray, Elizabeth smiled. “Thank you. Please can you confirm with Mrs. Nicholls that she will be ready with hot water and honey when Mr. Jones arrives?”

The maid curtsied. “Yes, Miss Elizabeth.”

Mr. Jones confirmed Elizabeth’s thoughts that Jane merely had a cold and would do very well to rest at Netherfield, taking the willow bark tea three times each day.

“And, of course, you know what to do, Miss Elizabeth.” He smiled, as if he understood exactly what she was going to say.

“Thank you, Mr. Jones. We very much appreciate your call.” Elizabeth’s gaze strayed to Jane, who murmured agreement.

“But I want to ensure you know you must send the bill to Longbourn.” Elizabeth knew the apothecary was aware of her fierce independence.

He chuckled as he packed his medical bag away. “You have surprised me, Miss Elizabeth. I expected that to be your first comment this morning.”

She laughed. “But you will ensure it, will you not?”

“Well, …” he sounded hesitant. “I will have to tell Mr. Bingley. I do not wish to offend him.”

Elizabeth favoured the man with an arch look. “But you don’t wish to offend me either, I am sure. With Mama’s frequent attacks of nerves, I believe we are quite the last family in the town you would wish to offend!”

“Lizzy!” Jane remonstrated from the bed.

“I am detaining you from giving your sister the attention she needs.” Mr. Jones picked up his bag. “I fully expect to find the tray of hot water to be being carried up the stairs at this moment.”

Elizabeth lifted her chin. “You are quite wrong, Mr. Jones. I believe the tray is outside the door at this very moment.”

His laughter followed him from the room. “I will call again tomorrow, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth.”