The Eldest | F. Darcy

Chapter 5: Heart's Desire

Adele was a fiercely protective sister, her affections for Jane deep and unwavering. The moment she saw her lying ill, all else faded from her thoughts—her sole focus became restoring her beloved sister to health. A true admirer of nature's wonders, Adele had long been curious about the healing properties found in plants and herbs. She placed little faith in physicians, trusting instead in remedies derived from nature itself.

The next morning, determined to begin Jane's treatment in earnest, she wasted no time in making preparations.

"Albert," she said to the butler in her usual tone of quiet authority, "please deliver this list to the gardener and ask him to meet me with the supplies."

"Aye, madam," Albert nodded and departed at once.

From the far side of the room, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Hurst observed the scene in silence. Darcy, in particular, was astonished. That a lady of Adele's standing had taken the time to study such an intricate subject—and was now putting her knowledge into practice—was remarkable.

"Giga," Adele continued, turning to the maid, "please fetch clean rags and two bowls of warm and cold water. Also, instruct the other maids to prepare a cold bath immediately; it will provide temporary relief. And ask the cook to warm a cup of water with holy basil, ginger, honey, turmeric, and cinnamon."

Giga curtsied and left to fulfill the requests. Within minutes, the necessary items arrived, and all the gentlemen were promptly dismissed from the room.

Adele directed two maids to press the warm and cool rags alternately on Jane's face while the bath was being prepared. When the gardener arrived, she met him in another room and, with his assistance, ground a selection of herbs to make her own medicines for Jane. She also prepared a medicinal infusion for herself, knowing she would need the strength to oversee her sister's care.

At last, Jane was placed in the cool bath, where Adele gently massaged her temples and scalp, whispering reassurances all the while. Gradually, the color returned to Jane's cheeks. Adele exhaled in relief and, for the first time since Jane's illness, allowed herself to rest.

Darcy, who had observed her quiet competence with growing admiration, finally spoke. "Should you not do the same for yourself, Miss Bennet?"

Adele glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "I am not prone to illness, sir, for I take basil and turmeric regularly, along with other medicinal plants. You need not trouble yourself on my account."

She offered him a small, almost absent smile before adding, "Would you be so kind as to direct me to the library? I should like to read for a while."

Darcy nodded, wordlessly offering his escort. Adele did not leave Jane's bedside, however, until a maid had been summoned to sit with her.

Though she dismissed any concern for her own health, she felt the fever creeping into her bones. Too proud to acknowledge it, she merely wrapped herself in a warm shawl and took a seat near the fire in the library.

Darcy, who had originally meant to sit and read in companionable silence, soon found himself utterly distracted.

At first, he merely admired her devotion to her sister. But as he stole glances at her, he noticed the paleness of her cheeks and the way she huddled near the fire—closer than necessary.

"Are you quite certain, Miss Bennet, that you are well?" he asked quietly.

"I am quite fine, Mr. Darcy," she assured him. "Though I will admit to some fatigue."

Darcy nodded, yet he remained unconvinced.

As he attempted to return his attention to his book, his eyes betrayed him—drifting back to Adele more times than he cared to count. She read intently, her lips moving in silent recitation as she absorbed the words on the page.