Darcy accepted the message, stating he would read it with Mr Bennet and inform the butler if there was a response.
Sitting down in the chair beside Mr Bennet’s cot, Darcy opened the message and began to read.
Mr Bennet, You must return home immediately. We are in such a state of nerves. Just this morning, our Mary was found to have taken ill. She had taken to her bed last night without telling me she was ill, and this morning, she is covered with rash and is feverish. Then, just a few moments ago, Mr Collins collapsed with illness. I nearly fainted from all of this, my nerves are so poor. What will become of us if you were to die, and Mr Collins is taken as well? You must force Lizzy to do her duty and marry Mr Collins immediately, and then we can leave them alone in a bedchamber. Lizzy has to become with child before Mr Collins perishes. We cannot risk the chance. You must return home with Lizzy and see that she does what she has failed to do all these years, being born a daughter rather than a son. It is up to her to save us from poverty and ending up in the hedgerow. Hurry, time is of the essence. Your wife, F. Bennet
“I will see to a carriage being sent to bring Miss Mary and Mr Collins here.” Darcy stated. Two hours later, the carriage brought Mary Bennet, Mr Collins, as well as Mrs Bennet and her two youngest daughters. Mrs Bennet was wailing of not feeling well, and requiring Mr Hale to tend to her. The only cots available were located at the opposite end of the ballroom from Mr Bennet’s cot, though his wife’s voice carried through the entire room.
Mr Collins was obviously delirious, and fully under the notion that Elizabeth was his betrothed. The clergyman would cry out for his beloved Elizabeth, begging for her to sit beside him and bring him comfort. The few times she did sit beside his bed to tend him, Elizabeth was gifted with rather wet kisses on the back of her hand. Darcy was not pleased with the obnoxious man’s attention towards Elizabeth, and made certain to keep her from having to endure her cousin’s behavior further.
Mrs Bennet was not pleased to see Darcy’s success in separating her daughter from the heir to Longbourn. She was determined to see that her least favorite daughter did her duty and married Mr Collins immediately. “Mr Bennet, you must call for Mr Littleton to come and perform the wedding this very moment. We must see that Lizzy is married to that man, so when he dies from this fever, your daughters and I will be able to stay at Longbourn. I know he is not much of a man, but Lizzy will not have to endure him for long. I am sure she will become with child the first time they are together, then he will be gone.”
“You are the most foolish woman I have ever known, Mrs Bennet. Lizzy will not be marrying that man, not now or ever. Do you understand my words? NEVER. Stop plotting to marry Lizzy to that man. It will not happen.”
“But what will happen to me and our daughters when you are dead and buried? Do you not care enough to see we are protected?” Mr Bennet had finally had enough. He had planned on keeping Elizabeth’s marriage secret from his wife until after he had returned home, but he felt the need to put an end to his wife’s nonsense. “Lizzy cannot marry Mr Collins, not now or ever, because she is already married. Mr Littleton performed the ceremony a few days ago.”
Fury grew in Mrs Bennet. “Who did she marry? I knew of no attachment with Elizabeth.” “Our Elizabeth is now Mrs Elizabeth Darcy. And, as you can see, I am not at death’s door for the time being. Mr Darcy will take good care of our daughter and, when the time comes that I leave this world, I am sure that all of our daughters will be well settled. If you treat your new son in law kindly, I am sure he will see to your care of as well.”
“I do not wish to have to leave my home.” Mrs Bennet fumed. “I have lived most of my life at Longbourn, I wish to live there the remainder of my years.”
“Well, Mrs Bennet, if you are fortunate, I will outlive you and you will never have to move. Now, take the elixir to help with the fever, and rest yourself.”
With that, Mr Bennet poured out the dose of medicine for his wife and younger daughters. Elizabeth was tending to patients on the other end of the room, which infuriated her mother even more. After taking her dose of medicine, Mrs Bennet glared towards her daughter before drifting off to sleep.
~~ ** ~~ Mary’s fever continued to increase, and she became restless, tossing about on her cot. Miss Bingley and Mr Collins also worsened. The ballroom saw many changes as some people recovered, others were brought in, and still others were taken from the room after they succumbed to the disease.
Mr Bennet continued to recover, and spent time tending his family members. Jane had completely recovered from her illness, though Mr Hale declared it unsafe for her to assist in tending the sick.
Supplies were delivered to Netherfield, along with a letter from Mr Gardiner, stating he had been in touch with Colonel Fitzwilliam. More supplies would be sent within a few days, including food, herbs, bedding, and more. Darcy and Bingley aided in bringing the supplies inside the main house, as more of the servants took ill.
Elizabeth was returning to the ballroom, after taking a rest at her husband’s request. She had not slept in two days, and Darcy had arranged for a hot bath and sleep in a private room, which was near the kitchen. When she woke, Mrs Gentry made certain there was a fresh meal ready for Elizabeth. After being away from the ballroom for over four hours, Elizabeth returned feeling refreshed.
As she entered the room, she took note of everyone. Mr Collins was still thrashing about, Mary was still covered in rash and perspiration. Mr Bennet was seeing to cooling measures for his middle daughter. Caroline Bingley was demanding her brother bring Darcy to her side, believing in her delirium that she was married to the man and carrying his heir.
Mr Hale had just returned with two more ill, and he was seeing to their initial care. He turned when he heard Elizabeth returning to the room. “Ah, Lizzy, we have a couple more to join our party.” He said as he tried to lighten the mood. There was far too much gloom in the entire house for his liking.
“Mr Hale, it is difficult to say we welcome you, as we would prefer no more people took ill. But it is a pleasure to see you are still healthy.” “I have taken care to rest, as I see you have finally done. Do I have your husband to thank for seeing to your taking care of yourself?” Elizabeth laughed. “He seems to have a power over me which makes me wish to comply. After this crisis is over, I will have to take time to determine what it is he does, so I can regain my control. Or learn to use the same power over him.”
Mr Hale laughed. “Well said, dear girl. Now, would you see to some fresh broth being prepared for our new arrivals? It has been some time since they have been able to take nourishment.”
As she turned, Elizabeth saw her husband standing near a cot, looking somewhat wobbly. She began to walk towards him, when suddenly, Elizabeth watched him collapse to the floor. “WILLIAM!” she cried out as she raced across the room to his side.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 6 A month had passed since the first patient of the epidemic had been brought to Netherfield Park’s makeshift hospital. So much had happened, and Elizabeth took stock of all that had been gained and lost.
Mr Bennet made a complete recovery, though it made him more aware of what he owed his family. He made the pledge to be a better father and husband to his family, and see to their future. Mrs Bennet would have permanent damage to her heart from the fever, leaving her in a delicate condition. Unfortunately for the rest of her family, Mrs Bennet decided that she would take to her rooms and insisted they attend to her needs at all times.
Kitty followed her father’s path, and recovered from the slight case of scarlet fever she had contracted, unlike her dearest sister, Lydia. The youngest member of the Bennet family would be blind for the rest of her life as a result of the severe secondary fever she had endured. This news caused much wailing by her mother.
Of the five Bennet daughters, the worst imaginable outcome came in the loss of life of Mary. She had tried desperately to rally her strength, but she had not the constitution of her elder sisters wh
o spent much time walking in the outdoors. The middle sister was being tended by her father, who sat by her side and held her hand in his own, while Elizabeth tried everything she could to save her sister. Mary had been gone for nearly half of an hour when Mr Bennet took hold of his favorite daughter’s hands to still them.
“Papa, I must change the cloths on Mary’s head. Mr Bingley was going to fetch more ice; if we have ice, we can cool the fever and Mary will be well.” Elizabeth had tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Lizzy, dearest, our sweet Mary is gone. She is with God now. There is nothing more you or anyone else can do for her. Mary is now at peace, and she suffers no more.”
“NO! There has to be something I can do to save her.”
“Dearest, there is nothing more. I will ask Mr Jeffers to have a casket made for our girl. When it is ready, I will need assistance to make sure she is prepared properly.” Mr Bennet wrapped his arms around Elizabeth, allowing her to weep in the warmth of his embrace.
Thinking back at the moment, as painful as it was to watch her sister die before her eyes, the most difficult time during the month had been when her own husband collapsed to the floor, convulsing from the extremely high fever which had taken hold of him.
When Darcy first collapsed, Elizabeth ran across the room to his side. Caroline Bingley had heard the commotion and saw Darcy on the floor, and she cried out for someone to save her supposed husband. In an attempt to make her way to where Darcy was, in her delirious state, Caroline fell, striking her head against the floor, knocking her unconscious.
Elizabeth and one of the footmen were able to place Darcy on one of the cots, and she began to tend to Darcy. His chest, arms and neck were covered in the rash from scarlet fever, and his temperature was incredibly high. From experience, she knew it was vital to lower his fever as quickly as possible. The footman was sent to retrieve ice. For two long days and nights, Elizabeth worked hard save her husband. His fever would lower for a short time, then increase again and again. Darcy was delirious, thrashing about and raving insanely. Having witnessed her own sister’s death, as well as the deaths of many others during the epidemic, Elizabeth knew the chance was great that she could be a widow before she could ever be a true wife. She did not sleep or eat, spending all her time at Darcy’s side, administering the medicines and cooling measures. While tending to him, Elizabeth spoke to him, telling him of her wishes for the future. And that future included him at her side.
Finally, on the third day, Darcy’s fever broke and the young Master of Pemberley finally fell into a deep sleep. On the fourth day, Elizabeth fell asleep in her chair, with her head coming to rest against her husband’s chest. She was not certain how long she slept, all she knew was waking to the sensation of his hand caressing her hair. Sitting up suddenly, Elizabeth peered into the face of the man she had married. “William, you are awake.”
A weak smile graced his lips. “I am, and such a way to wake, with you at my side. I am truly a fortunate man.”
“You must take some nourishment. How are you, are you in any pain or discomfort?”
Darcy shook his head. “The rash is uncomfortable, but not painful. Just extremely tired.” “We will see that you are tended to so that you recover your strength soon. For the time being, it is best you eat each time you wake, and then sleep as much as possible.” Elizabeth smiled as she caressed his cheek, claiming to check for any signs of fever.
“Have any more been brought in? How long have I been ill?” Darcy asked, concerned for those who were still tending the sick. “Very few. You were overcome from illness four days ago, though you were ill, and did not tell me, for some time before. William, you must never do that again. If you are ill, you must tell me immediately. Do you realize how close I came to losing you? All because of your keeping silent of your condition.”
Darcy could see the concern in his wife’s expression. “Forgive me, Lizzy. I have had to take care of matters on my own for far too long, and have not been accustomed to others caring for my welfare. I will strive to be better in the future.”
Elizabeth placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Very well, if you keep this promise, I will forgive you.”
~~ ** ~~ Bingley had kept a close watch over his sister, as she remained unconscious after her fall. Mr Hale was unsure as to why she had not regained consciousness, and he was growing more concerned each day that passed. A little more than a week after she had struck her head, Caroline woke. She was confused and continued to ask for Darcy. When she placed her hands on her belly, Caroline began to sob. “Where is my baby? Bring my baby to me. I wish to see him. Is my child with his father?”
“Caroline, you do not have a child. You have never been married and have never had a child.” Bingley said, quite concerned for his sister’s welfare. “Do not lie to me, Charles. Fitzwilliam and I have been married for some time now, and I must have given birth to his heir, as my belly is flat once more. Was Fitzwilliam pleased with his son? I know it is a boy, I could not fail my husband’s need for an heir. “
“Sister, you are out of your mind. You are not married, nor have you ever been so. And you have never been with child. Darcy is my friend, but he is not married to you. Darcy married Miss Elizabeth, not you.”
“You are cruel, Charles. So very cruel to say such evil things to me. How could Fitzwilliam marry that country chit? He was already married to me, and I was with child when we came to this neighborhood. I demand you bring my husband and child to me immediately.” Caroline was nearly hysterical.
“Calm yourself. Allow me to bring Mr Hale to see you.” Just then, Caroline caught sight of Elizabeth across the room. “You evil harlot, what have you done to my husband and my child? What arts and allurement did you use to make Fitzwilliam forget his duty to his family?” She screeched at the true Mrs Darcy.
“Caroline, stop this immediately. You are not well.” Charles Bingley was beside himself with worry. “If you will not take steps to protect our family, then I must stand up for myself. This whore has made my husband forget what he owes to me and our child. I refuse to allow it to continue any longer. Find Fitzwilliam and bring him here immediately.” Caroline’s voice rang out through the entire ballroom.
It was when she looked back at where Elizabeth stood that she noticed who was on the cot next to her. “Get away from my husband!” Caroline said as she tried to leave her own cot. Bingley nearly had to sit on his sister to keep her from rising from the cot. “If you will not rid us of that whore, I will do so myself, Charles. I will not allow her to destroy our family. She is standing next to my husband, bold as brass.”
Mr Hale had just returned from checking on some other patients, and, hearing Miss Bingley’s ranting, he moved towards her. Pulling out a bottle from his pocket, Mr Hale prepared to give her some laudanum to calm her down. Though it was a struggle, requiring two other people to assist, the laudanum was administered, and shortly afterwards, Caroline Bingley drifted off.
“Mr Hale, what has happened to my sister? She has such delusions, believing herself married and having given birth to a child. And her jealousy towards Mrs Darcy, I fear what my sister might do to the lady.”
“We will need to take precautions, Mr Bingley. If your sister does not improve, it may become necessary for us to place her in a sanitarium.” Mr Hale stated calmly.
Bingley nodded his head. “That is my thought as well. Mr Hale, I should explain to you that Caroline is in fact my cousin, and her mother died in a sanitarium. Her delusions became violent and she got it into her mind that my mother was attempting to poison her. One night, my aunt crept into my mother’s bedchambers and attempted to stab her. Fortunately, my father heard the noise and came in time to save Mother. Caroline was only a year old at the time, and her father had abandoned them due to her mother’s insanity.”
“This explains a great deal to me. I will send messages to Town to find the best situation for Miss Bingley.” “My thanks, Mr Hale. Oh, neither of my sisters knows the truth. Louisa wa
s only a year and a half old when Caroline was born, and Father decided it was best to keep the truth from them. I only learned of it after Father died, leaving me in charge of the family.”
“I will use caution in all that I do, Mr Bingley.”
~~ ** ~~ Mr Collins was lying on his cot, watching the scene before him in disgust. He had been promised by Mrs Bennet that her second eldest daughter would be his, and yet, he learned that she had married Mr Darcy. He knew of Mr Darcy, as Darcy’s aunt was Mr Collins’ patroness. Jealousy coursed through Mr Collins. Mr Darcy is wealthy, and could have any of the fashionable ladies of high society, yet he steals my betrothed from me. And what of Miss de Bourgh? How many times have I heard from Lady Catherine of the engagement between Miss de Bourgh and Mr Darcy? When Lady Catherine learns of this development, she will see that this sham of a marriage is annulled immediately.
With this thought in mind, Mr Collins began to smile. Oh, yes, his young cousin would be left in a pitiful situation, and in need of a man to marry her to save her reputation. Then Mr Collins would be fortunate enough to gain his very pretty cousin as his bride. And he would make certain his bride knew how much she owed him for his kindness, and she would show her gratitude most fervently.
It would also serve Darcy to be stuck with a most unattractive and dour wife as Miss de Bourgh. With his attempt to steal the precious gift which Mr Collins believed his, Mr Darcy deserved to have such a pathetic excuse of a woman as Miss Anne de Bourgh.
As Mr Bennet walked towards his youngest daughter’s cot, Mr Collins called out to him. “Cousin, please, come and speak with me. I have a matter of the utmost importance to discuss with you.”
Mr Bennet was not wishing to have any discussions with his cousin, but felt it was necessary to be done with the foolish clergyman. “What is on your mind, Mr Collins? I must tend to my daughter’s needs.”
Netherfield Park Quarantined Page 5
