* * *
They returned to their studies, though Elizabeth suspected none of them gave the books their full attention.
After a time, Mr. Darcy set down his pen.
“Miss Elizabeth, would you mind checking on Georgiana? I am worried about her.”
“Of course, sir.”
Elizabeth found Georgiana awake and sitting up in bed. Some color had returned to her face.
“How do you feel?”
“Better.”
“Do you wish to remain here?”
Georgiana shook her head. “I would rather come downstairs.”
Elizabeth waited while she straightened her dress and hair, then accompanied her back to the study.
Mr. Darcy rose when they entered.
“Are you better, Georgie?”
“Yes.”
Dr. Wynn remained beside the table.
“Miss Darcy, I should like to ask you some questions about these spells of sickness.”
Georgiana looked at her brother.
Mr. Darcy said, “Dr. Wynn has my confidence, Georgie. He has been your physician for years.”
“I am not going to examine you,” Dr. Wynn said. “I only want to understand what has been troubling you.”
Georgiana glanced at Elizabeth.
“Would you prefer Miss Elizabeth to remain?”
Georgiana reached for Elizabeth’s hand. “Lizzy, will you stay?”
“Of course.”
Darcy looked at his sister. “I shall be in the next room.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam.”
He pressed her hand before leaving.
Dr. Wynn began by asking when the nausea had started and whether she had suffered from fever or pain. He asked about her appetite and whether eating made the sickness better or worse.
“The smell of eggs and fish makes me nauseous. I am also sick if I have not eaten.”
“Miss Darcy, when did you have your last courses?”
The color left her face as her fingers tightened around Elizabeth’s hand.