If Darcy had not already been absolutely sure Miss Bingley would never be mistress of his estates and houses, this cavalier attitude towards a sick guest in her house would have convinced him. For all of her boasting about herexclusiveeducation, the woman had not a clue how to be the mistress of anything, not even a tenant’s cottage.
Before he went to bed, Bingley made sure his staff and servants knew to do whatever was needed to make Miss Bennet comfortable.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
The maids on duty did what they could to cool Miss Bennet down as her fever raged through the night, while she suffered from delirium.
Chapter 6
Elizabeth was about to go out from the kitchen to check if the conditions would allow her to walk, when a groom from Netherfield Park arrived at the kitchen door.
Cook wiped her flour laden hands on her apron and retrieved the note the lad was holding. “For you Miss Lizzy,” Cook sang as she handed it over.
The script was not familiar to her; it certainly was not Jane’s hand. Wanting to know how her sister was, Elizabeth tore the missive open and digested the words hungrily.
16 October 1810
Netherfield Park
Miss Elizabeth,
Please excuse my forwardness in writing to you. I know from what my sister has told me that you and Miss Bennet are the closest of sisters, hence this is addressed to you.
Miss Bennet arrived at this estate soaked and freezing cold. Unfortunately, there was a delay in her getting to a bedchamber where I had a hot bath waiting for her. She took ill during dinner and has been in the bed in her suite ever since.
Your sister had a very high fever through the night and was somewhat delirious. The maids did what they were able in order to cool her. The fever, although still on the high side, has come down this morning, and Miss Bennet is resting more comfortably.
Due to another circumstance beyond my control, Mr Jones was not sent for until this morning. The groom who delivered thismissive rode to his house first. I suggested Mr Jones come in his gig to collect you as it will be much quicker than your carriage being readied or you walking.
If you want to let your father know, a groom can be sent to the stables here to retrieve the horse Miss Bennet rode yester-afternoon.
I trust I will see you shortly,
Mrs Althea Nichols
As much as she would have liked to remonstrate with her parents at that moment, Elizabeth knew she did not have much time to prepare herself before Mr Jones arrived. Having experienced Jane’s illnesses before, she was sure it would be some days before her dearest sister would be well enough to come home, hence while she went to retrieve her warm coat, she sought out Mrs Hill.
Once Miss Lizzy told the housekeeper what was needed, she decided she would have a trunk packed for both sisters. To accomplish that, she dispatched the upstairs maid, Sarah, to do the packing. She assured Miss Lizzy it would be sent with the groom as soon as it was ready. She knew that there was no question, but that Miss Lizzy would stay at Miss Jane’s side until they could both come home .
The only other one up was her father. Elizabeth burst into his sanctuary and spoke before he could react. “Jane is ill, Mr Jones will collect me momentarily. I will be with Jane. I trust you and my mother will be well pleased with yourselves,” Elizabeth growled and left the study before her father was able to reply. She did not enjoy speaking to her pater in such a fashion, but she had no time for niceties.
Mr Jones’s gig pulled to a halt at the front door as Elizabeth completed buttoning her coat and tying the ribbons of her bonnet.
Bennet was still sitting frozen as he had been whenLizzy threw the door open and admonished him. Had he not admitted how much he had deserved her anger, he may have felt some outrage at his second daughter taking him to task in that fashion. As it was, all he felt was shame.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Darcy had just descended the stone stairs from the veranda to the drive when a gig arrived. He recognised Mr Jones, and saw Miss Elizabeth next to him. Darcy stepped forward before the footman could, and made ready to hand the lady, to whom he was losing his heart, down from the small carriage.
“You have come to see your sister?” Darcy asked what he owned was a rather stupid question. What else would she be doing here at the estate before eight in the morning.
“As you see,” Elizabeth bit back. She stopped herself, she had no reason to be angry with Mr Darcy, he had done nothing wrong. “Please pardon me, Sir. I am on edge when Jane is ill. I wish it were not so, but she does not have the hearty constitution with which I am blessed.”
“As brother to a most beloved sister, I understand your worry,” Darcy responded kindly. “If this was Giana—my sister Georgiana—who was ill, I dare say I would have less equanimity than you.”
“Will you show Mr Jones and me to Jane’s chambers, please?” Elizabeth requested.
“Of course, it is my pleasure to assist in any way I am able,” Darcy averred.
