Free Assumed Engagement by Kara Louise

the abyss, he became aware of something new. He found the muscles that controlled his eyelids. He put every ounce of strength into opening them. They fluttered and finally he succeeded in getting them open. When he opened them, it was to a vision more enchanting than anything he could imagine. Was she an angel? Her eyes… so fine.
    He only had the strength to keep them open for a moment, and uncontrollably they closed on him. But he knew now that he had won the battle. There was no longer any force pulling him down. He would come out of this struggle.
    This vision -- it was familiar --  yet not. He knew she was the source of the voice, the touch, and the scent. He was quite certain that he knew her. His mind would not yet let him remember presently, but he was confident it would come to him. With this knowledge and assurance, he rested and fell into a real sleep, as he had not slept in five days.
    *~*~*
    "Georgiana, come quick! I think your brother is waking up!"
    When Georgiana realized what Elizabeth was saying, she quickly jumped out of bed and put on a robe.
    "Heavens! Can it be true? What happened?" she asked ecstatically as she made her way to the door.
    "He opened his eyes! He actually opened his eyes!" Elizabeth related.
    "Is he now awake?" she asked.
    "No, but I believe he is in a real sleep; not unconscious as he was."
    They rushed back to the room and found him sleeping. There was a look of peace on his face that had not been present before. Elizabeth and Durnham informed Georgiana of their evening spent bringing down his fever. She was at first upset that they did not waken her earlier, but was later glad to have been spared the distress it most likely would have caused her.
    They all waited in his room standing around him; Bingley finally joining them as he woke up from the commotion. Winston finally returned with the doctor, who was encouraged by what happened and gave much praise to Elizabeth and Durnham for their help in bringing down his fever. He had been prevented from coming any sooner, as he had not been able to leave his patient in town until now.
    Their eyes were all on Darcy, anxious for another sign of life. The doctor checked his breathing, his temperature, and his heartbeat, announcing that they were all strong and improved. After examining him, he felt it was safe to leave him. He gave strict instructions that when he awakened, he was not to be allowed to overexert himself. He would continue to need plenty of rest.
    "Let him eat and drink what he wants, however just a little at first," the doctor advised them. "Keep him as calm and relaxed as possible."
    He then informed Georgiana that he was required to leave, but would return later in the day. When he left the house the sun was coming up over the horizon.
    Elizabeth suddenly felt all the weight of fatigue upon her, having been up all night, and announced that she would try and get a little sleep. Everyone else felt similarly and decided to retire except Georgiana, who remained by her brother's side. She would not chance missing any developing improvement in him.
    Georgiana eventually fell asleep, as well, with her head coming to rest on the edge of her brother's bed, but she slept lightly.
    The servants were just beginning to move about and begin preparations for a new day when Georgiana was awakened by some rustling. She lifted her head promptly and looked toward her brother. He was stirring a little. Her heart quickened as she gently called out his name. "Fitzwilliam…William. Can you hear me? Can you open your eyes?"
    She watched in awe as his eyes flickered and opened. Initially, it seemed they were not able to focus, but she was greatly encouraged. "Oh, William, you are back! Can you hear me?"
    He nodded weakly. Georgiana threw herself across him and hugged him, breaking down in joyful tears. "I have been so worried about you! I was so afraid you would never come back to us!"
    Darcy tried to lift his head to look at his sister, but she was