Netherfield Park Quarantined

by Schertz, Melanie

  NETHERFIELD PARK QUARANTINED

  MELANIE SCHERTZ

  Copyright © 2014 Melanie Schertz

  DEDICATION I dedicate this book to my family and friends, for all the support and love they have given me which has allowed me to explore my creative side. I would also thank all who have read my stories and their suggestions and comments which teach me to better myself ACKNOWLEDGMENT

  I am so grateful to Jane Austen for her amazing stories, which live on to this day, more than 200 years after they were first published. Her characters bring so much to our lives and make many of us wish for a Mr Darcy of our own. I would also like to acknowledge all my friends at A Happy Assembly and DarcyandLizzy.com for all their words of encouragement and suggestions on improving my skills. You are all my treasured friends.

  I would also like to acknowledge my editor, Pat Weston, for all her kindness, her support, and her work in polishing my work.

  This is a work of fiction, any resemblance to actual persons, places, or things is unintentional

  Chapter 1 The neighborhood was all abuzz with talk of occupants of Netherfield Park. After their attendance at the Meryton Assembly, the new family was invited to all the gatherings in all the finest homes of the area.

  Mr Charles Bingley had impressed everyone with his kind and pleasant nature, but it was obvious, to all who had eyes, that the man’s heart had become attached quickly since the assembly. From the moment the man was introduced to local beauty, Jane Bennet, he was smitten.

  Having taken the lease on Netherfield, Mr Bingley was making his first foray into becoming a member of the landed gentry. He brought with him his eldest sister, Louisa, and her husband, Gilbert Hurst, as well as his other sister, Miss Caroline Bingley. Also joining the party at Netherfield was Bingley’s closest friend, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, in Derbyshire. Darcy had been the master of his own estate for more than five years and had been training for the position all of his life. Bingley had asked his friend to join him, begging advice from Darcy, as the Bingley fortune was derived from trade.

  While Bingley made a wonderful impression on the neighbors, the rest of his party did not. His sisters were of the opinion that nothing in the neighborhood was worthy of their time, especially the people. They turned up their noses at the fashions the ladies wore, the dances at the assembly, the people in general. Mr Hurst was the sort to eat, drink, and think of hunting. Most of the time he was in public, he was intoxicated.

  The worst opinion was of Mr Darcy. At the assembly, the man made it clear that he was not pleased to be there. He stood around, refusing to even converse with any of the people. Bingley pleaded with Darcy to dance, even suggesting that his friend consider dancing with the sister of Miss Bennet. Without even turning to look at the young lady in question, Mr Darcy declared her not handsome enough to tempt him and that he would not give consequence to young ladies who were slighted by other men. Unknown to him, Mr Darcy’s words were overheard by the lady in question, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Embarrassed at first, Elizabeth quickly placed a smile on her face. Unfortunately she was not the only one to overhear Darcy. Several of the ladies from the community were appalled by his comments. Whispers raced through the assembly, and soon it was known throughout the neighborhood that Darcy thought himself far too good to even dance with one of their finest young ladies.

  Elizabeth and Jane Bennet were considered the jewels of the neighborhood. Both young ladies were pretty; Jane was blonde with blue eyes and a pleasant appearance which projected her sweet disposition. Jane was thought to be the most kind and gentle of young ladies, one who never thought badly of anyone. Elizabeth was dark haired with dark brown eyes. She was as intelligent as she was pretty, and was well known for her generous heart. Though her mother was always quoted saying that Jane was the most beautiful, many would debate that both sisters were equal in their appearance. They were both favorites at any gatherings in the neighborhood, especially as dance partners.

  Elizabeth was a lively young lady who had a great fondness for the outdoors. Jane was more sedate, preferring spending time in the drawing room with her stitch work. Elizabeth was well read, and had been educated as if she were a son to the Bennets. This was a bone of contention between Mr and Mrs Bennet. While Mr Bennet had no difficulty with his daughter’s thirst for learning, Mrs Bennet felt that their daughters should work on attracting eligible young men. With no sons, and the estate entailed to a distant cousin, Mrs Bennet’s greatest fear was of her husband’s early demise, leaving his widow and children destitute.

  ~~ ** ~~ That evening was to be a dinner at Lucas Lodge. Though Elizabeth knew that Mr Darcy and the Bingley sisters would be there, she would not allow them to spoil her fun. And watching Mr Bingley in his obvious infatuation with her dearest sister was thrilling to the second eldest Bennet sister. Being at Lucas Lodge, Elizabeth was also guaranteed spending time with her closest friend, after Jane, Miss Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte was five years older than Jane, and never married. This made Miss Lucas nearly desperate to secure a husband and a home of her own. Though a good natured and kind lady, Charlotte was not nearly as pretty as the Bennet sisters. Being a practical person, she also did not expect a love match in her marriage, and would be happy being settled in a marriage of convenience. This had brought about many debates between Charlotte and Elizabeth, who refused to think of marrying anyone for less than a strong and abiding love.

  The ladies were all ready for the dinner and waiting for their mother to join them. She had attempted to persuade Mr Bennet in allowing their youngest two daughters to attend. Lydia, who was only fourteen, and Kitty, only a year older than her baby sister, were far too silly to be out in society and Mr Bennet had refused to allow them to attend. Lydia was, by far, her mother’s favorite and had thrown a tantrum at being left home. Fortunately for the elder sisters, as well as all the others in attendance at Lucas Lodge, Mr Bennet had stayed strong to his decision. The few times he had allowed his two youngest, they had returned with such tales of their exploits that made him highly embarrassed.

  Finally giving up on her quest to persuade her husband, Mrs Bennet made her way down to meet her daughters at the foyer. “Lydia, Kitty, you will have to remain here. Your father could not be budged from his decision. I told you that you were foolish to carry on so at the assembly, you knew that he would receive word of your behavior. You have no one but yourselves to blame for this.”

  Lydia began a fit to beat all of her previous behaviors. “It is not fair. Denny was to be there and so was Saunders. They had hoped that I would dance with them.”

  “You should not be speaking so with officers, Lydia.” Elizabeth said. “You are much to forward with them and they will get the wrong idea of the sort of young lady you are. Do you want them to think that you are loose?”

  “Oh, la, you are such a bore, Lizzy. And you are jealous that they like me better than you.” “You are too young to behave in such a manner. If you are not careful, you will ruin your reputation as a young gentlewoman.” Jane said. She was all that was proper in behavior.

  “You are too perfect, Jane.” Kitty said as she pouted. “It is not fair that we cannot have fun, just because you have not secured a husband for yourself. Why should we be punished for your failure?”

  “Now girls, go up to your rooms. Mrs Hill will have your dinner brought up to you. And no waiting up for our return, your father was adamant that you need to go to bed by ten each night so that you will be able to rise in the morning before noon.”

  This news brought another round of wails from the girls. Finally, Mrs Bennet and her three eldest daughters made their way to Lucas Lodge. They arrived just after the carriage from Netherfield had left its passenger
s at the door. Hearing the noise of the Bennet carriage stop, Bingley, who had yet to enter Lucas Lodge, stepped to the carriage to hand the ladies out. Darcy had been near his friend and decided to be useful as well. After Bingley had handed out Mrs Bennet and Jane, he turned to his friend. Darcy stepped forward to assist Mary out, then turned to Elizabeth. This was shocking to her, as she would never have thought the proud Mr Darcy to aid a country miss from her carriage. Reluctantly, Elizabeth took hold of his hand and allowed his assistance. Once her feet were on the ground, Mr Darcy surprised the young lady further by offering his arm to escort her inside. She could not find it in her to be rude to the man, even though he had insulted her at the assembly. No, she would be polite and show him that she was brought up as a gentlewoman.

  Once inside, and having greeted their hosts, the Bennet ladies made themselves comfortable, each moving to speak to different members of their neighborhood.

  Elizabeth was speaking with Mr Hale, the physician who lived in Meryton. “I heard that Mrs Long’s niece was ill recently. How is she?” “Quite ill, as she has a sore throat, headache and fever. She just returned from Town, so she must have taken ill there. I am sure that she will be well soon enough.”

  “If there is anything that I can do to be of assistance, you know you only need ask.” Elizabeth said with a smile. “You have always been the best of nurses, Lizzy. I appreciate your offer, but I think that all will be fine. Mrs Long and her housekeeper are taking good care of Miss Jordan.”

  Darcy was standing nearby, listening to the conversation. He could not help but speak up. “Miss Elizabeth, you are well versed in tending to the sick and injured?”

  Mr Hale spoke up before Elizabeth could. “This young lady is a wonderful nurse. She had even spent time studying with me a few years ago. We had quite a few people in the community who came down with influenza. I was unable to take care of them all, so Lizzy was kind enough to volunteer to assist. She made the roads between four estates, tending to those who were ill. Her knowledge of herbs and medicines is amazing.”

  “Ah, a lady with many talents; it is a pleasure to know that I can call on Miss Elizabeth in case I take ill.” Darcy said with a smile.

  This surprised Elizabeth. “I would think that you would send to London for the finest physician you could hire, Mr Darcy.” “Sometimes the best care comes from the most unexpected places, Miss Elizabeth. Never underestimate the value of something just because it is not found in the most fashionable places in Town.”

  “I am surprised at your response, Mr Darcy. I had thought you had little use for our neighborhood, and would not approve of anything we have here.” “I find the neighborhood to be similar to that surrounding my estate in Derbyshire. The village nearby is similar to Meryton.” Darcy was beginning to enjoy his banter with the second eldest Bennet sister.

  “And what is the name of the village?” Elizabeth asked. “Lambton. It is only five miles from Pemberley and I spent much time there as a child, especially during chestnut season, as there was a fine old tree that was always brimming with chestnuts. I loved to climb the tree and assist in the harvesting. And we went to all the local gatherings.”

  “You said Lambton? My aunt was born in Lambton, and lived there until she met my uncle while visiting Town.” Elizabeth was shocked that she spoke so openly. “My uncle owns a warehouse in Cheapside, where he runs his business. Their house is nearby.”

  “What was your aunt’s family name?” Darcy asked curiously. “Thompson. Her father owned the bookshop in Lambton.” Elizabeth watched him carefully for any sign of distaste, she knew he would have looked down on her aunt’s family, as he would her own family having members in trade.

  “She is Mr Oliver Thompson’s daughter? It is a small world, indeed, as I spent many an hour in her father’s shop when I was younger. I was very fond of Mr Thompson, as he spent a great deal of time debating with me on many subjects. He was a kind and generous man, donating books to children for them to improve their reading skills. It was a sad day for all when Mr Thompson died. Is your aunt’s mother still living? I remember she was planning to live with her son, your aunt’s brother.”

  “Yes, Mrs Thompson is still living with Aunt Helen’s brother, Joshua. They live in Town, not far for Aunt Helen and Uncle Edwin. I enjoy visiting the Thompsons whenever I am in Town.”

  “If I might be bold as to inquire, could you possibly give me their address? I would like, very much, to send a gift and letter to Mrs Thompson. She was very kind to me when I was a child. When she knew I was coming to the shop, she would make the most delicious biscuits for me. A truly kind woman, she is.”

  “I have her address at home. I would be more than happy to copy it down for you and have a servant bring it to Netherfield.” Elizabeth could not believe her ears; the proud Mr Darcy was wishing to have contact with people of trade who lived in Cheapside. How could this be possible?

  Darcy decided to seize an opportunity. “That will not be necessary. If I remember correctly, you enjoy a walk in the morning hours. Were you, per chance, planning to walk tomorrow morning?”

  Seeing Elizabeth nod her head, Darcy continued. “With your permission, I would like to meet you atop Oakham Mount. Near dawn tomorrow morning? You could bring the address to me then.”

  Now, Elizabeth was extremely surprised and nearly speechless. Could he have really asked for time alone with her, walking about the grounds of Longbourn? She felt as if she was spinning with disbelief. “Yes, I do still walk out each morning, weather permitting. How did you know that Oakham Mount was one of my favorite places to which to walk?”

  With a slight smile, Darcy looked directly into Elizabeth’s eyes. “I make a habit of knowing as much as possible wherever I am, Miss Elizabeth, especially when I am in the company of a very accomplished young lady.”

  Elizabeth felt the heat of her blush growing in intensity. “Very well, Sir; I normally arrive at Oakham Mount just before sunrise, as it is one of my favorite sights.”

  “Then I will meet you there, bright and early. Thank you Miss Bennet.” Darcy then turned and walked away. Charlotte Lucas had seen the exchange between Darcy and her friend, and went to her friend to learn what had happened. “My, Eliza, you appeared to be quite surprised at whatever it was Mr Darcy had to say to you.”

  “I was amazed at how pleasant he was in speaking with me. I informed him of Aunt Helen’s being from Lambton, which is near his estate in Derbyshire. Mr Darcy knows my aunt’s family and thought of them fondly. Does this not contradict everything that you have come to believe of the proud man?”

  “I have told you before, Lizzy, that I did not believe he was truly too proud to associate with all of us. And I am also sure that he is quite fond of a certain young lady from Longbourn.”

  “Charlotte, how could you say such a thing? Mr Darcy has never looked at me except to find fault. No, I believe he was being polite as he was remembering Aunt Helen’s father. Mr Darcy has an extensive library from what I have heard Mr Bingley say, and Mr Thompson owned the bookshop in Lambton. It only stands to reason that the two men would have discussed books frequently when Mr Darcy would go there to shop.”

  “Believe what you wish, my dear friend. I for one will not be surprised to one day learn of his asking for your hand, if you are careful and do not scare him away.” With that, Charlotte turned and walked to where Jane and Bingley were conversing with Sir William Lucas.

  Across the room, Caroline Bingley had moved quietly until she had arrived beside Darcy. “Mr Darcy, I am sure that you are finding this evening to be utterly lacking in any social graces and trying to determine how best to escape such a gathering.”

  “On the contrary, Miss Bingley, I was just thinking of the joy that can be found in a pair of fine eyes.” Smiling at his words, and believing that they were meant for her, Miss Bingley decided to pretend no notion of whom he spoke. “And just whose fine eyes have drawn you attention?”

  Without thinking of the consequences, Darcy spok
e. “Those of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  This was not the news that she had desired. “Miss Bennet, well, I had not heard. When am I to wish you joy?”

  “I have not spoken to the lady of such matters. I would hope that you are polite enough not to speak of it to her either.” “Of course, Mr Darcy, you may be assured of my silence in this matter.” Caroline said as she thought to herself of the situation. I shall keep this information secret and pray that I can convince both Mr Darcy and my brother of the unworthiness of the Bennet sisters.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~~

  Chapter 2 Elizabeth took her time walking to Oakham Mount the following morning. She was not sure how she felt about meeting the Master of Pemberley there, though she planned to only speak with him for a moment as she passed him the address he had requested. Finally reaching the top of the hill, she was surprised to find Mr Darcy already there and waiting for her.

  “You must have been up before the rooster even thought of waking this morning, Mr Darcy. Or did you go to sleep at all since the last we saw of each other?”

  Darcy smiled. It amazed Elizabeth to see the man before her smile, and she thought he should do so more often. When he smiled, a pair of handsome dimples showed on his face which made him even more attractive than before. “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I hope that you slept well last night.”

  “I did, Sir, and am ready for another wonderful day. My sisters and I are finishing our harvest of flowers and herbs today, so that they can be prepared for the coming winter. Jane makes the most enjoyable rosewater and a cream with lavender and chamomile.”

  “You have quite a day laid out for you, it appears. I believe that my friend will be calling later on your sister.” Elizabeth smiled. “Jane will be pleased. She has come to have a very deep regard for Mr Bingley.” After the words escaped her lips, Elizabeth was dumbstruck as to why she would be so open with this man. Something about him drew the information from her lips.

  Darcy was curious. He had wondered about his friend’s relationship with Miss Jane Bennet. In his way of thinking, it was not easy to determine the young lady’s feelings for Bingley. As his friend was in and out of love often, Darcy warned him of being careful. Mrs Bennet was quite determined to marry off her daughters and it would not surprise Darcy if he were to learn that Jane was only doing her duty to her family rather than truly caring for Bingley. But here, before him, was a way to determine the truth.