The Gypsy Blessing Read Free Page B

from the direction of the front hall. Mrs. Hill entered the dining parlor and crossed the room to speak to Mr. Bennet. “Sir, Mr. Jones is here—”
    Mrs. Bennet interrupted, “Tell him that he must wait, Hill.”
    “Yes’m, I did, but he says it’s urgent he speaks to Miss Elizabeth right away.”
    Mr. Bennet looked at Elizabeth. “To Lizzy? Whatever for?”
    His daughter only shrugged her shoulders slightly.
    “He didn’t say, sir,” Mrs. Hill answered.
    “Well, Lizzy, let us find out what the apothecary might need from you.” Mr. Bennet rose from the table and moved to help Elizabeth with her chair.
    “If you ask me, it is very rude to show up uninvited in the middle of our meal and break up our family party!” Mrs. Bennet commented.
    Mr. Bennet responded, “My dear, you know that Jones would not do such a thing unless it was particularly important. Come, Lizzy.”
    A few moments later, Mr. Bennet approached Mr. Jones with his hand extended in greeting. “Mrs. Hill says you need to speak to my daughter?”
    “Good day, Mr. Bennet. Yes, the Lucas family has returned home early from their visit to the North due to Miss Lucas coming down with a host of alarming complaints. The family was turned out of their relatives’ home due to a midwife , of all people, saying that she has the plague.” He shook his head. “It is not the plague—not even close to it—and after travelling so far, she is particularly unwell. I require the nectars from the roots of a certain plant to help her. It is rarely used, and I have found that my stock is tainted. Miss Charlotte’s life depends upon finding more. I was hoping that since you are so fond of nature, Miss Elizabeth, you might have seen the plant growing somewhere nearby.”
    “Of course, Mr. Jones. I would do anything to help Charlotte. Can you describe the plant in detail?” Elizabeth braced herself, suspecting that she already knew exactly what it looked like from the drawing her aunt had sent her.
    “I can do better than that!” Mr. Jones exclaimed, reaching into his pocket, and retrieving a piece of paper that he immediately unfolded. “I tore this page from one of my books so there would be no mistake.”
    Mr. Jones’s handing her the page seemed to take an extraordinarily long time. She swallowed hard—it was happening again, just as it had in the dining room with Lydia’s gown and the wine stain. What confused her most was that when she reached out to take the page from Mr. Jones, her hand moved slowly, as well. Was her mind working extremely quickly? She looked down at the page.
    It is the same drawing that Aunt Madeline sent me.
    As her eyes moved away from the page to Mr. Jones, his movements became normal in speed. Elizabeth reached out and leaned on her father’s arm.
    Mr. Bennet supported his daughter. “Elizabeth, are you well? You have become so pale.”
    Elizabeth nodded.
    Mr. Jones said, “I am very sorry to have shocked you with such serious news about your friend, but it is absolutely necessary that you tell me if you have seen this plant.”
    Elizabeth straightened her back as she released her father’s arm. Clearing her throat, she stated firmly, “I know where this plant grows aplenty. Give me a moment to retrieve my pelisse and bonnet from above stairs, and I will lead you there at once.” Elizabeth hurried to her room.
    I am glad I went out again directly after receiving the drawing to find the plant!
    “I will come along, as well.” Mr. Bennet turned away and called out, “Hill? Ah, there you are. Inform Mrs. Bennet that Lizzy and I will be going with Mr. Jones. We shall return as soon as is possible.”
    ~%~
    After leading Mr. Jones to the patch of plants where she helped him gather what he needed to tend Charlotte, she and her father had returned to Longbourn only to deal with Mrs. Bennet’s anger at their leaving during their meal. Her father quitted the drawing room soon after, saying that he should not be disturbed for