Netherfield Park Quarantined (3 page)

“I believe I can be persuaded to do such. Now, shall we plan on meeting
here each morning, weather permitting? It would allow us the most privacy to be
able to speak openly.”

“Your suggestion is gladly accepted, Miss Elizabeth. Shall we return to the
world below, as we have been here for some time now? Will your family wonder
where you are when they gather to break their fast?”

“You are correct, Mr Dar…William. It is time for me to return. Will you be
accompanying your friend when he calls on us today?” Elizabeth asked, a part of
her praying that he would.

“If you would not object, I would find it enjoyable. I believe you were
speaking of harvesting flowers and herbs. It would be no bother to assist you in
this endeavor.”

“Then I will see you later.” Elizabeth began to walk down the path, but
stopped abruptly and turned back to the gentleman who was causing her a great
deal of confusion. “I am pleased that you decided to allow me to know you
better, Mr…William. I look forward to learning more.”

Darcy stood still, watching as Elizabeth continued to walk down the path
toward her home. How dearly he wished to run after her, pull her into his arms
and kiss her soundly.
One day, Elizabeth, I pray that one day you will allow me to
win your heart.

~~ ** ~~

The gentlemen paid their call to Longbourn, with a well enjoyed visit to the
gardens, where the men aided the sisters in gathering their desired items. It was
one of the most pleasant days that Darcy could ever remember.

~~ ** ~~

The next day saw a note arriving for Jane Bennet. The note was from Miss
Bingley, inviting Jane to dine with Louisa Hurst and herself at Netherfield that
evening, as the men would be dining in Meryton with the officers who were
stationed there.

Mrs Bennet insisted that Jane could not take the carriage, and must
therefore ride their old horse, Nell. Nell was slow, as slow as molasses in
wintertime. Elizabeth was surprised with her mother’s dictate. “Mamma, it
appears to be clouding up for a storm. Jane would be caught in the rain and take
ill.”

“That is my point, Lizzy. With the men away from the house while Jane is
to dine, she must do something to prolong her stay so that she can see Mr
Bingley. If the weather is too bad, she will not be able to ride home on Nell and
will have to remain at Netherfield overnight. If she were to take ill with the
sniffles from being caught in the rain, more’s the better.”

“MAMMA!” Elizabeth said as her voice became harsher. “That is highly
inappropriate. And what if Jane were to become quite ill?”

“Oh, phooey, it would only be the sniffles from being wet. No one ever
died from mere sniffles.” Mrs Bennet said as she left the room. Elizabeth stood,
staring at the back of her mother leaving. She knew of her mother’s desperation
to marry off all of her daughters, but this was far too much for Elizabeth to
understand.

As Elizabeth prepared to go to the rose garden to gather some fresh
blooms, Mr Hale arrived. “What brings you to Longbourn, Sir?”

“I came to inquire as to everyone’s health at Longbourn. Mrs Long’s niece
is worse and now two of their maids have come down sick. One of the maids has
a sister who works at Netherfield, and the sister has taken ill just this morning. I
have instructed that they be kept from others until we can determine what the
illness is and determine the best course of treatment.”

“I have not heard from any of our staff or tenants of anyone being ill. My
family is well, no signs of any illness. How is Mrs Long handling all of this? I know
that she cannot stand to be around anyone who is sick or injured.”

“She keeps to her rooms as much as possible. Her housekeeper is tending
to the young lady and seeing to her care. Well, I must be off. If you hear of
anyone becoming ill, send word to me immediately and make sure they are
isolated as much as possible.”

“I will, Mr Hale. And thank you for coming to tell us.”

 

~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

 

Chapter 3

That evening, Mr Bennet received a message stating that Jane had been
caught in the rain and taken a chill. She was put to bed at Netherfield and would
remain there until she recovered from her illness. Elizabeth was put out with her
mother’s behavior. She hated the thought of her beloved sister being made to
suffer in such a manner when it was not necessary to capture Mr Bingley’s heart.

As was the agreement, Elizabeth made her way to Oakham Mount in the
morning, and she smiled when she realized that seeing Darcy there was surprising
to her. She had expected his declaration to be a figment of her imagination.
When he heard her stepping near, Darcy turned, giving her his most dazzling
smile. Elizabeth laughed to herself as she thought about Mr Darcy’s dimples and
how they made her feel weak in the knees.

“Good morning, Mr…forgive me, this will take some getting used to. Good
morning, William, I trust you slept well.”

 

“I did indeed. In fact I slept better than I have in a long time. And yourself?
Did you find a peaceful night of rest?”

 

“Not peaceful, as I was concerned for my sister’s well-being all night long.
Have you any word on how she is this morning?”

 

“I heard Bingley saying that he had sent for Mr Hale, but that he had not
heard when the man would be coming to Netherfield.”

“Mr Hale has several people who have taken quite ill recently. I am afraid it
may be some time before he is able to come to Netherfield. It would be best if I
were to come and tend to my sister. Do you think that Mr Bingley would object?”

Chuckling, Darcy shook his head. “
Mr
Bingley will not object at all.
Miss
Bingley will complain to the end of the world. So, as Mr Bingley’s friend, I invite
you to visit your sister and stay with her until she recovers. Miss Bingley will not
like it, but she would never refuse me, as her brother’s closest friend. Shall we
expect you shortly after breaking your fast?”

“That would be a most perfect time. I do appreciate your generosity,
William. Jane is dear to me and I do fret when she takes ill.”

He could see the worry in Elizabeth’s expression. “Have no fear, Elizabeth,
if need be, I will send to Town for my family’s physician. Your sister will receive
the best care possible.”

“I am grateful to you, William. I should go, so that I may make ready to
come to Netherfield.”

 

“I will be awaiting your arrival. Stay safe, Elizabeth.”

 

~~ ** ~~

Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield after walking the entire way from her
home. After the rain, the field between the two estates had become muddy,
leaving her with six inches of mud upon her petticoats and her boots covered.
Darcy could tell that something was wrong, she was obviously distressed over
something. He would try to find time to speak with her later, to learn what had
happened since he had last seen her.

Once Bingley directed his housekeeper to take Elizabeth to her sister, Mrs
Hurst and Miss Bingley cackled like wet hens. “Did you see her? Covered in mud,
she must have walked here from Longbourn. What is the meaning of her traipsing
around the countryside alone?”

“And her hair, it was so wild. I surely would not wish to be seen in such a
fashion.”

 

Bingley spoke up in defense. “I find nothing more than her concern for her
sister and wishing to be of comfort to her.”

“Oh, Charles, you are so naïve, my dear brother.” Caroline Bingley stated.
“I am sure that Mr Darcy would agree with us, that Miss Eliza has made a
spectacle of herself. You would not approve of dear Miss Darcy being seen in
such a manner.”

“True, I would not wish Georgiana to be seen so, but then again, she has no
sister to journey to tend. Miss Elizabeth’s devotion to her sister speaks of the
great love and devotion she has for Miss Bennet and it is quite impressive.”

Darcy then stood up and made his way from the room, hoping to catch
Elizabeth before she was able to close herself in Jane’s room.

Having just knocked on the door and been called to enter the room,
Elizabeth had placed her hand on the doorknob and began to turn the handle.
Just then, she heard a man’s voice call out her name. She turned to see Darcy
coming up the stairs towards her. He looked around to make certain that they
were alone before he spoke.

“Elizabeth, did you walk here from your home?” Seeing her nod, Darcy
shook his head. “You are more than welcome to have asked for a carriage to be
sent for you, I would have sent mine straight away.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “And how would that have appeared, William, if I sent
you a private, highly improper, message asking you to send the carriage to me so
that I might come to Netherfield to tend to my sister? Miss Bingley and her sister
would both be having their tongues wagging at such news, and they would do
anything in their power to make certain I was ruined. It was only three miles; I
have walked such a distance many times in my life.”

Darcy thought for a moment before speaking. “You are correct, Elizabeth,
but I pray you know that I would send a carriage anytime you were in need.”

 

“Thank you, William. Now, I wish to check on my sister.”

Darcy placed a kiss on the back of her hand and prepared to leave, stopping
suddenly. “If you need anything for your sister’s care, send a maid to me
immediately. When Mr Hale arrives, I will send him directly to you.”

Smiling as she opened the door, Elizabeth entered the room and went to
her sister’s bed. Jane’s eyes fluttered open, and a look of joy came over her
feverish face. “Lizzy, I am so pleased you came to see me. I have been longing to
have you here. Miss Bingley has made it quite clear that she is not fond of the sick
room.”

“You knew I would come, I could not stay away. Of course, Mamma was
not pleased. She kept ranting about you not needing me and that I would only be
in the way. Papa sends his love. He did not sleep well last night and looked quite
fatigued.” Elizabeth straightened out the covers and stepped over to the nearby
table to pour a glass of water for her sister. “Now, tell me how you are doing.
Are you in pain? Do you need anything?”

“I believe your headache remedy would be perfect at the moment. I have a
headache that has been building since last night and will become unbearable
soon without your magic.”

Elizabeth reached into the pocket of her gown. “I thought that it would be
wise to bring a few items with me.” Smiling, she rang for the maid. When the girl
entered, Elizabeth requested a spoon, tea, and some bread. She also asked the
girl to ask Mr Darcy to come to the room.

Turning her attention back to her sister, Elizabeth noted the expression her
sister wore. “What is wrong?”

 

“Why did you ask for Mr Darcy to come?” Jane was surprised. She thought
her sister disliked the proud man.

“Mr Darcy and I have come to learn of our misunderstandings and clarify
them. His insult was not meant for me, or for anyone. It was meant to persuade
Mr Bingley to leave him be. When he learned that I had overheard his words, Mr
Darcy was mortified. I spoke to him outside your room, and he offered any
assistance he could provide.”

A knock was heard on the door. Elizabeth walked to the door and opened
it. Standing before her was the very man, a smile on his face from being
summoned to her. “Miss Elizabeth, what can I do to be of service to you?” He
spoke in such a manner in case anyone else over heard him.

“Would you be kind enough to send someone to Longbourn for me? I will
write a message to my father, there are some items that I will need brought here.
Having assisted Mr Hale many times, I have come to learn many different
treatments, and need my supplies from home.”

“I will go there myself. As soon as you have the message prepared, send
for me and I will be off.”

 

“A servant can manage, Mr Darcy. There is no reason to put yourself out.”

 

Darcy smiled. “Miss Elizabeth, it is my honor to be able to aid you. Besides,
it gives me a reason to take my horse for a ride.”

 

“Very well, Mr Darcy, though promise me that you will make sure my
parents know that my sister is not in danger.” Elizabeth chuckled.

 

~~ ** ~~

When Darcy returned from his mission, he learned that Mr Hale had arrived
and was up in Jane’s room. He went directly there, with Elizabeth’s travel bag in
hand. Knocking on the door to her bedchamber, Darcy waited for someone to
answer. After several moments, Darcy was pleased to see Elizabeth step from the
room. “Thank you so much, Mr Darcy. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate
your kindness.”

“Your father said to tell you that if there is anything else you need, send
word. I believe that he was fatigued, I have not witnessed him appearing so tired
before.”

“I was concerned with him this morning. I will ask Mr Hale to stop there
when he has a moment.” Elizabeth agreed.

Just then, the door opened and the man himself stepped out. “Ah, Lizzy,
good; I needed to speak with you and Mr Bingley on another matter. Mr Darcy,
you might as well join us, it will most likely come to affect all of us.”

Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other, both quite concerned. They
followed Mr Hale who had asked a passing footman where Mr Bingley was. The
footman escorted them to Mr Bingley’s study. They knocked on the door and
waited for Bingley to invite them inside. When he did, they walked in, causing
Bingley to become extremely concerned.

“Mr Bingley, I have a matter of importance of which you must be made
aware.” Mr Hale began.

 

“Miss Bennet, is she…has she taken a turn?” Bingley choked on the words.

Elizabeth took pity of the young man. “Jane will be well. I gave her
something for her headache and will give her some other remedies to get her on
her feet. She should be up and around in no time.”

“Yes, yes, Lizzy is correct.” Mr Hale insisted. “No, I need to speak with you
on another matter, one which could have devastating results. I have just come
from the Longs, their niece has taken a turn for the worse, and it appears that she
has scarlet fever. Two of their maids have it as well. One of the maids has a sister
who works here at Netherfield, and that girl is sick too. I am afraid that I will have
to insist that your family remain in your home, keep isolated from the
neighborhood. I doubt that it will matter too much, as it is common to have it
spread with family members of service rank families working at more than one
estate. But we must try to keep it contained to the best of our abilities.”