Page 35 of He Taught Me to Hope (Darcy and the Young Knight’s Quest #1)
“I say that is a good idea. I did not wish to alarm her either, but the truth is some of the men in my regiment came across the child in a precarious situation.” Richard went on to explain how Ben had been involved in a scuffle with three or four older boys who all ran off when his men came across them.
“Ben appeared to have been unscathed. Nonetheless, you are correct, one never knows, especially seeing as how he did not even stir when I attempted to rouse him to quit the coach, and he remains asleep even now.”
“How did your men know of a possible connection between you and the child?”
“As they were donned in their regimentals, young Ben asked if they knew of a Colonel Fitzwilliam. He even brandished your card to prove his connection to me by way of you.”
“I am eternally grateful to your men. You must bring them around to my club, as my special guests, so I might reward them.”
Richard was not apt to argue with Darcy’s gesture of gratitude.
They sealed the deal with a handshake. Darcy’s thoughts immediately returned to Ben’s health.
On a more sombre note, Darcy continued, “Pray tell, how was Ben’s behaviour when you and he first were united? Were there any signs of lethargy?”
“No, none at all. In fact, he was overly excited, giving me a full account of his adventure from way across town. He mentioned he had come from Cheapside, but he was unable to recollect which street or even the direction whence he had ventured. Judging from the location my men came across him, I would say he had walked at least a mile, possibly two. He was a little spitfire, racing about the quarters by all accounts, only to fall asleep once we entered the hackney coach to come here.”
“Again, I am indebted to you. There is another matter I wish to discuss with you. I need you to grant me a favour.”
“Would this have anything to do with Georgiana?”
“Indeed, you are correct in your assessment. I need her to come here to act as hostess in my home whilst Elizabeth and Ben are residing under my roof.”
“It is only proper,” Richard began, “but what of her engagement to Mr. Geoffrey Collins? Do you not imagine he will object to her being here?”
“That gentleman is the least of my concerns. I only pray that the arrangement has ended. I can think of no other way to explain her presence in town. However, answers to such questions can wait. Ben’s safety is uppermost in my mind.
” As Richard prepared to take his leave, Darcy added, “There is also the matter of informing Elizabeth’s family of what has occurred—a Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.
They reside in Cheapside, though I have no knowledge of which street. ”
“Enough said, I shall take care of it,” Richard promised.
A quarter of an hour later, Darcy and the physician ascended the long staircase, headed for the room where Ben slept quietly. Darcy’s soft knock went unanswered, so focused on her son was Elizabeth.
“Pardon me, Mrs. Carlton,” Darcy spoke quietly as he approached Elizabeth’s side. “I have asked my physician to have a look at Ben.”
Elizabeth felt a wave of emotions threatening to overcome her. He placed his hand lovingly on her shoulder. “Do not be alarmed, please. After Ben’s ordeal, I simply wanted to make certain nothing is overlooked, that he is perfectly safe and unharmed. ”
“Mrs. Carlton, I am Mr. Darcy’s personal physician, Mr. Everett. If you will allow, I wish to examine your son.”
Once again, Darcy placed a calming hand on Elizabeth’s upper arm to reassure her, settling her almost immediately with his gentle touch as they stood by whilst the doctor examined Ben.
His scrutiny of the young child’s arms and legs revealed a minor scratch or two; no such evidence existed on his body.
Though there were no clear signs of a head injury, the physician recalled Colonel Fitzwilliam’s words that there had been a scuffle, upon his arrival.
He suspected should the child have suffered a blow to the head or blow to the body, it might be the cause of his deep slumber.
In endeavouring to explain the nature of Ben’s malady, the physician gave his prognosis and recommended quiet rest and vigilance.
“I appreciate your advice. I will adhere to every word you have said, most diligently. However, pray tell, how long shall my son remain asleep? When might we expect improvement?”
“There is a possibility your son may have suffered what is known as a concussion. With that being the case, then only time will tell. It might simply be a matter of hours. Prepare yourself madam. Though your son seems healthy and strong and he may recover quickly, there is a chance he may not.”
Elizabeth went weak in the knees with that dire prognosis and was forced to rely on Darcy’s arm for support.
“Please forgive me my bluntness, madam, Mr. Darcy.”
“What must we do to guarantee he does awaken?” Darcy asked.
“Much the same as you are doing already, is my advice. Continue doing all you can in assuring his comfort.”
The physician directed his attention to the nurse whom Darcy had hired, who by then had joined them at Ben’s bedside.
He gave further instructions for the next several days.
She then went away long enough to gather the necessities for Ben’s care.
Taking over for the nurse, Elizabeth immediately reached for one of the moistened linen cloths.
In spite of the silent tears etching their paths down her face, Elizabeth sat next to her son on the bed and dabbed the cloth on his forehead.
The early morning hours found Elizabeth at Ben’s bedside. Her own eyes closed in silent prayer, curious eyes regarded the evidence of her fallen tears intently.
“Why are you crying, Mama?”
“Ben, you have awakened! Thank Heaven! I could not have imagined going on without you.” She stood to climb next to him on the bed and gathered him in her arms. Ben then noticed a beaming Mr. Darcy, who, despite his eyes filled with unshed tears, smiled as widely as the joyous occasion warranted.
“King Arthur!” Ben shouted, nearly breaking away from his mother’s embrace. Elizabeth held him tightly, not quite willing to relinquish the overwhelming bliss of her son in her arms.
Darcy knelt beside the bed and took Ben’s hand in his own. “Yes, I am here. How are you feeling, my young friend?”
Ben smiled as widely as did Darcy and eagerly declared, “I am famished!”