Netherfield Park Quarantined

by Schertz, Melanie

  Placing a kiss on her brother’s cheek, Georgiana smiled. “And that advice pertains to you as well, William. You will do your wife no good if you take ill as well.”

  “Yes, little sister, I will follow my own advice. Now, off with you.” Richard walked down the hall with Georgiana, following one of the maids, who was to show Georgiana to a room for the young girl to use. Once they arrived, Richard kissed his cousin on the cheek and bid her goodnight, as the maid remained with Georgiana to aid her in preparing for bed.

  “This gown has seen better days.” Georgiana said as she slipped her arms from the sleeves. “I will have to sleep in my camisole, as I have no nightgown.”

  “Mrs O’Rourke had a nightgown brought from her rooms for you. She knew you would have no clothing aside for what you were wearing. Tomorrow, we will see if we can find you something simple to wear until more gowns can be purchased for you.” The maid, Lucy, stated.

  “Did you see my sister? How is she?” Georgiana asked as she yawned again. “I have not gotten to meet her yet.” “She was quite feverish, when I saw her. I took some cold water in the room for Mrs O’Rourke to use to cool her. The cut on her side had a poultice on it, I am not sure how bad it is. But there is a look about her, a look that says she is a good lady, one with a gentle heart and kindness.”

  Georgiana was surprised. “You can tell such just from looking at her, even though she is quite ill?” “I have been able to tell what a person is from looking at them, ever since I was a little girl. There was a man who came around selling meat at a good price. This was when I was a wee slip of a girl. I felt something was bad about the man, and I told me mom. She did not purchase any of the meat. Later, we heard from neighbors, the meat was bad and it made many people ill. I know that you are sweet natured, shy, and musical.”

  “How can you know these things?” Georgiana asked, as she stared at the maid.

  “As I said, I can tell people from the moment I meet them. Now, is there anythin’ else you be needen?”

  “No, I am fine. Will you be close by? In case I need someone to talk to?” “I will be in the servant room off your dressing chamber. Iffin you need anythin’, call out. I sleep light, so I will hear you.”

  “Thank you, oh, I forgot to ask your name.”

  The young maid smiled. “I be Lucy. Sweet dreams, Miss Darcy. I will tend to you in the morning.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Lady Matlock stepped from Elizabeth’s bedchamber in the early hours of the morning, carrying an empty pitcher. Seeing Darcy and Lord Matlock sitting on chairs which had been brought to the hallway, she scolded them. “Why are you both not asleep in a bed? There are plenty of rooms, you should be taking care of yourselves.”

  “I was waiting for you, my dear.” Lord Matlock stated. “I wished to make sure you had any assistance you might need. And I did not wish to leave William alone in his vigil.”

  “I have appreciated the chance to speak with you, Uncle. There have been so many misunderstandings of late, it is good to have the chance to speak openly with you.”

  Lord Matlock smiled. “And not have Catherine to interfere and cause problems for all of us.”

  “Ah, yes, a day without Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a day filled with sunshine and happiness.” Darcy said. “How is Elizabeth?”

  “She is still holding on, which is a blessing. The poultice needs to be changed on the cut, and we need some more cold water to cool her with.” One of the footmen came as if from nowhere, and held out a hand for the pitcher. “Your ladyship, I will fetch the water for you.” And just as quickly, the man disappeared back where he came from.

  “Mrs O’Rourke runs an efficient house, with dedicated and hardworking staff.” Lady Matlock stated. “Henry, I think we should offer to purchase the estate from Anne. She will never utilize it, but I think it would be pleasant to come here for a holiday once in a while.”

  “I was thinking the same, my love.” Lord Matlock took his wife’s hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. “Now, you need to rest for a little while.” “I was just thinking the same thing. Will you join me?” Lady Matlock inquired of her husband. “The suite of rooms at the end of this hall are available for our use.” Lord Matlock stated. Turning to his nephew, he asked. “Are you staying here in the hall or going to the rooms available for you to use?”

  Darcy shook his head. “I plan to rest in my wife’s room, even if it is on the floor. I do not wish to be far from her side.” Lady Matlock placed a kiss on her nephew’s cheek. “There is a chaise in the room, and we moved it to the side of the bed. I knew you would not wish to be far from Elizabeth.”

  “Thank you, Aunt, for all you have done for us.”

  “We will see you in the morning, dear boy. Now sleep, and pray.” ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 15 Darcy woke when he felt movement within his fingers. He had fallen asleep while grasping his wife’s hand within his own. “Lizzy, dearest, can you hear me? Wake, my love. I wish to see your beautiful eyes.” He spoke as he placed a kiss on each of her fingertips. “Come back to me, Lizzy.”

  As if by command, there was a fluttering of Elizabeth’s eyelids. Finally, they opened. Darcy could see how ill she was, the usually bright flecks of her eyes were dull and nearly lifeless.

  “William…” She whispered. “Is it really you?”

  “It is, my love. And I will not leave your side again. Please, Lizzy, you must recover. I cannot survive this world without you.”

  “So weak.” She replied. “I know, dearest. Let me send for some broth to help strengthen you. The physician said we must insist you take nourishment whenever you are awake. And you must drink as much as possible. I will be with you, lean on me. Allow my strength to flow into you and aid you in recovering.”

  “I love you.” Her voice was so soft, so filled with suffering, Darcy’s heart nearly broke. “As I love you, my beloved Lizzy.” Darcy moved to pull the cord. Soon, a maid arrived. “Please bring some broth and maybe some soft bread. And tea, with a little honey.”

  “Of course, Sir. Cook has been up for an hour preparing items for the young lady. I will return shortly.” Smiling at the warmth of the people who served this house so diligently, Darcy could not help but notice it was a stark difference from the three culprits who had taken up residence just days before. It seemed like just moments before the maid returned with a tray overwhelmed with items the cook had hoped would entice the patient and assist in her recovery.

  Propping his wife up with pillows, he brought the table with the tray of food and drink to the other side of Elizabeth’s bed. “I believe the cook was preparing to feed a small army with all this food.” He chuckled.

  “Smells good.” Elizabeth said, a weak smile gracing her lips. “I am glad to hear that. Let me see, what should we start with? Would you like some toast with jam on it? It appears to be strawberry jam. Or there are some soft cooked eggs, some delicious pastries, some beef broth, tea, oh, and there is some bacon.”

  “Some toast, please.” Darcy held the slice of toast as he smeared it with the jam. He then brought it to his wife’s lips. After she took a small bite, she licked her lips. “Tastes so good.”

  “I am sure it does. From what we have learned, it has been quite a few days since you last had a good meal. That did nothing to aid your body in recovering from the cut you received. You took an infection and then fever from the ill care you received.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes darted around the room. “Where?” “Mrs Younge is in custody, and will be handed over to the constable as soon as he arrives. You will have no fear of Mr Collins and Wickham causing you or anyone else harm from now on. They are both dead.”

  “Where are we?” “The estate to which you and Georgiana were brought is one my uncle, Sir Lewis de Bourgh owned when he was alive. Lady Catherine had sent Mr Collins here, to meet Wickham and his captives. The servants here helped to rescue you and Georgiana, and they have been so kind to all of us.”

  “How is Georgiana?”

 
Darcy smiled at her concern for his sister. “She is well. She cannot wait to meet you. When you are stronger, I will send for her.” Elizabeth nodded her head. She ate a couple more bites of toast, and then took some broth from an invalid feeder. Finally, after some tea, she was full and sleepy. Though her fever appeared to be lower than it had been, it was still battling with her. He knew she needed to sleep to recover her strength.

  “Close your eyes and rest, my love. I will be here when you wake again. Rest, so you may grow strong.” Darcy said as he settled his wife back down on the bed, placing the pillows to the side. “And dream of happy things, such as our going home to Pemberley.”

  Closing her eyes, Elizabeth had a sweet smile on her lips. “I cannot wait.” “Neither can I, my love. Neither can I.” He kissed her lips gently, and then, after eating some of the food on the tray himself, he returned to the chaise to rest mores himself. For the first time in weeks, contentment found its way into Darcy’s heart.

  ~~ ** ~~ Lady Matlock arrived at Elizabeth’s room near midday to find Darcy and Elizabeth still sleeping, Darcy’s arm lying on the bed so he could hold his wife’s hand.

  She walked over to the side of the bed, placing a hand tenderly on Elizabeth’s forehead and cheeks. There was still a slight fever, though nothing in comparison to the night before. When she had gone down to the dining room for some repast, Lady Matlock was informed that Elizabeth had awakened, and both Elizabeth and Darcy had eaten from a tray which had been sent up. This news encouraged Lady Matlock, and seeing the improvement in her new niece, she decided to allow the couple to sleep more.

  Leaving the other Darcys to rest, Lady Matlock made her way to the youngest member of the Darcy family. Georgiana was fatigued, as she had not slept in days and had little to eat or drink. Otherwise, the girl appeared to be recovering physically. Lady Matlock was concerned for the shy girl’s mental wellness after such a horrifying event.

  “Aunt Rebecca, I am so pleased to see you.” Georgiana said as she ran to her aunt’s embrace.

  “Georgiana, I am grateful to have you returned to us. How are you faring today? Have you eaten much? Did you sleep at all?” Georgiana smiled. “I slept very well, which surprised me. I believe it is due to the maid, Lucy, who stayed in the servant’s room nearby. She said she would be able to hear me if I needed her assistance. Just knowing someone was nearby and would be able to come to my aid made it comfortable enough to be able to sleep. I had Lucy bring a tray up earlier. It amazed me at how hungry I was, I ate more than Richard would have.”

  A laugh escaped Lady Matlock. “That is indeed a great deal of food, as Richard can out eat all of us.” “Well, as a soldier, Mother, I am never sure from where my next meal will be coming.” Richard said from the door, which Lady Matlock had not shut all the way. “May I join you ladies?”

  “Of course, Richard.” Georgiana replied. “Has anyone seen William and Elizabeth? Is she improving?” “I was just at their room, and both were sleeping. Elizabeth’s fever has decreased tremendously, which is a blessing. And she was able to take some food this morning, so that will give her strength as well.”

  “I cannot wait to meet her. When I learned she was here, I wished so much to be taken to her room. I even asked Mrs Younge if I could be taken to my sister. But she refused.”

  “Elizabeth will be recovered soon, and then we can return to England.” Lady Matlock stated. “We still have one more culprit to deal with, and, unfortunately, she will be the most difficult one.”

  Georgiana was confused. “Did Mrs Younge escape?”

  “No, dearest.” Richard said. “The other person involved in your kidnapping and Elizabeth’s was Lady Catherine.” A gasp was heard from Georgiana. Lady Matlock drew her niece close to her. “Do not fret, my sweet girl. Lady Catherine de Bourgh will never harm you again. Your uncle Henry is planning what he will do with his sister.”

  “And whatever he decides, he will have my backing.” Richard stated. “It is high time Anne was to take control of her own life. She became the Mistress of Rosings two years ago.”

  This news shocked Georgiana. “Truly, Anne is the mistress, not Lady Catherine?” Lady Matlock nodded her head. “My sister in law has abused her daughter by refusing to relinquish the title and authority. Anne has been kept under her mother’s thumb for far too long.”

  “What will become of Lady Catherine?” Georgiana asked. “We do not know for sure, much will depend upon what she does when confronted with what she has done.” Lady Matlock responded. “I have a feeling she will be her own undoing, no matter what.”

  ~~ * * ~~ Sitting in his study, Mr Bennet was going over his books with his steward. A knock on the door announced Mr Bingley’s arrival to the room, as he wished to garner advice from the two men on estate matters at Netherfield.

  “Mr Bingley, come in. Are you ready to discuss estate affairs?” “Yes, Mr Bennet, but first, a letter just arrived for you.” Bingley stated as he handed the elder man the missive. “Ah, it appears to be from my son in law.” Mr Bennet quickly opened the letter and began to read. The letter had been sent from Dublin, and explained that they were closing in on finding Elizabeth and Miss Darcy. “How I wish the mail traveled more quickly, as I wish to know if they found the girls.”

  “Are they closer to knowing where they are?” Bingley asked. “According to William, they have tracked them to an estate some twenty miles from Dublin. It is my fervent wish that at this very moment, William is holding Lizzy safely in his arms.” Mr Bennet could feel tears welling up in his eyes.

  “It is my wish as well. I pray they are correct as to where Miss Darcy and Miss Elizabeth are and the ladies are well.” Bingley stated. “I know Jane will not rest easy until we know her sister is safe and secure.”

  “Jane and Lizzy have always been close. Speaking of my eldest daughter, where is she at the moment?” The mere thought of Jane brought a smile that brightened Bingley’s face. “She is reading with Miss Lydia, in the garden. With the weather being as pleasant as it is, Jane thought her youngest sister could do with some fresh air.”

  “I am pleased. Lydia has been inside far too much since the fever. She needs to move forward, find what she will be able to do for herself. There are many things she will be able to learn to do for herself, though she must wish to learn or it will do her no good.”

  The steward, Mr Mercer, stated what he had learned. “The school I told you about has a lady who can be hired to come here to Longbourn to instruct Miss Lydia. The price for her services is reasonable. Also, from what I have heard, the withdrawal from the world is normal, though it is best to begin training her as soon as possible. If allowed to continue to withdraw from life, bitterness and self-pity will erode away at her desire to do better.”

  “After we finish here, I will speak with Jane to ascertain her opinion.” Mr Bennet stated. As the men became involved with the books and what changes needed to be done for the estate, sounds of shouting could be heard from outside, coming nearer.

  Mr Denny rushed into the study. “Mr Bennet, the far north tenant house is on fire. It is quite a blaze.”

  “How many men can we send there, without leaving the main house vulnerable?” Mr Bennet asked as he stood up. “We can send a dozen men, the other tenants as well. And, if need be, we can send word to Sir William Lucas. His estate is close enough, and I am sure he would be willing to lend us aid.” Mr Mercer replied. “That will leave a dozen men to stay around the main house to protect it.”

  “Very good.” Mr Bennet was already heading for the door of his study to accompany his steward and the other men to the tenant house. Turning, Mr Bennet called to Bingley. “Can you keep watch over the main house? If there is any trouble, send word to us immediately.”

  “Of course, Mr Bennet.” Bingley replied. “I will keep the guards close to the house, and have Jane and Miss Lydia come inside.” Mr Bennet nodded, racing out of the house with the other men. Bingley went directly to the garden, bringing the young ladies into the
house. Denny decided it was wisest to stay at the main house, as he had a sinking feeling that there was more to come.

  An hour passed by when a rider came towards the house. Denny went outside to see who it was. Finding it to be a footman from Netherfield, Denny escorted the young man inside to speak with Bingley.

  “Sir, there is a fire at Netherfield. It is in the barns, and threatening to move towards the main house.”

  Bingley was shocked. “What happened? Is anyone harmed?” “We cannot find two of the hands who work in the barns, and a beam fell upon Old Jim, but he only has some cracked ribs. But, as I said, the house is in danger as well. The wind is blowing the flames towards the kitchen and servant quarters.”

  “Call on all the men to aid you, including the tenants. Do all that you can to contain the blaze, and save the house from burning. I have to remain here, as there is a fire at one of the tenant farms here. Mr Bennet went with the men to deal with it. I must remain with the ladies here at the house.”

  The footman nodded his head. “Someone has deliberately started these fires, have they not?” Denny was standing close enough to have heard the conversation. “One fire is a coincidence, two at the same time is deliberate. Take extreme care. Whoever it is, they wish to draw all the men from this house. We believe they are the same men who killed Mr Phillips.”

  The footman gasped. “Very good, Sir. We will keep you updated as to the progress. With the fire here, there will be no aid coming from the men here.”

  “Do the best that you can. If it comes down to it, the safety of the people of the estate are important. The buildings can be replaced, lives cannot.” Bingley stressed to the footman.

  “Of course, Mr Bingley. And, might I say, thank you. Some great men would hold the servants to blame if they could not control the flames and protect the grand house.”