He closed the letter and set it aside. “She will not die, Mrs. Bennet.”
“I shall go to Jane, Papa,” Elizabeth said at once. “I can leave in an hour.”
Mrs. Bennet nodded. “You have always been the best in the sick room, Lizzy. You are the sensible choice to go and tend to her. Oh, I am very glad Jane took the carriage yesterday. Imagine how much worse it would have been if the rain had drenched her, too!”
The carriage was readied to transport Elizabeth to Netherfield. She packed a small valise with her necessities, tucking a few books inside at the last minute. Perhaps she could discuss them with Mr. Darcy. The thought of being able to spend more time in his exclusive company excited her. She liked him very much and anticipated the intellectual stimulation his company always seemed to provide.
She left the house before ten o’clock, eager to be with Jane and to ascertain her sister’s condition for herself. The carriage went slowly, ruts and mud in the road hindering their speed. Impatiently, she watched the scenery outside the window, wondering if there would ever be a more convenient method of travel. It seemed ridiculous that a little weather could completely halt their means of transportation.
The carriage turned onto Netherfield’s drive, and she sent up a prayer of gratitude. Her anxiety for Jane’s health had mounted the closer they had approached, and she eagerly pushed the carriage door open as soon as the conveyance came to a stop. A footman appeared and assisted her down, after which she hurried up the steps.
The butler, Mr. Griggs, welcomed her and took her outerwear. Mrs. Nicholls appeared and led her down the hall to the breakfast room. “The household dines late this morning,” she said. “Mrs. Hurst keeps to town hours.”
And as she is the hostess, she has likely ordered the house to her liking.Elizabeth mentally rolled her eyes. She ought not to judge the lady—after all, they had exchanged but a few words when she called at Longbourn with her brother. Perhaps she was not as high and mighty as it seemed upon their first meeting.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, sir.” Mrs. Nicholls stepped aside, and Elizabeth entered the room. The gentlemen, save for Mr. Hurst, all stood as she entered. Mr. Darcy smiled broadly and bowed. Mr. Bingley’s greeting, whilst more subdued, did not seem to hold the same perplexity and scrutiny as before.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” he said. “I am pleased that you made haste. Miss Bennet rests upstairs.”
“May I see her?” she asked.
“Of course. A room has been prepared for you. It connects to your sister’s chamber. Wilson, will you show her the way?” Mr. Bingley signaled a footman waiting by the door. The man stepped forward and bowed. Elizabeth recognized him as theson of one of Netherfield’s tenants.
“May I inquire where I might find you once I have assessed my sister?” she asked politely.
“I believe we will be in the drawing room. Wilson will show you the way.”
She nodded, curtsied, and followed the footman from the room. They climbed the marble staircase and walked the length of the guest hall until they stopped at a door.
“This is Miss Bennet’s room,” Wilson said. “Yours is to the left.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth smiled warmly. “Have my things been brought up?”
“Yes, madam.” He bowed and stepped aside, positioning himself to the side of the door.
Elizabeth tapped lightly before pushing the door open and closing it behind her. The curtains were open, and a fire crackled in the fireplace. Jane lay on the large bed, curled on her side and unmoving.
“Dearest?” Elizabeth hurried forward and crouched next to the bed. “Pray, speak to me so I might know how you fare.”
“Oh, Lizzy. I have never been so sick in all my life.” Jane groaned. “It must have been the fish—it tasted off, and I only had a few bites.”
“Did anyone else consume it?” Strange that only Jane had fallen ill.
“No. Mrs. Hurst had it prepared especially for me. I told her I enjoyed fish when she called last week.” Jane groaned again, blindly reaching for a chamber pot. Elizabeth retrieved it and offered it to her, holding her sister’s hair back as she retched.
“Have you been able to eat anything?” she asked, setting the container aside.
“Only a little tea and broth. I am not hungry, anyway. Please, tell me you will stay until I feel better.” Jane reached out and grasped Elizabeth’s hand tightly.
“I promise.” Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed her sister’s golden head affectionately. “I believe I shall send a note to Mr. Jones. He may have a suggestion that could ease your discomfort.”
“Hurry back.” Jane pulled the coverlet higher around her shoulders. “I shall try to rest whilst you go.”
Elizabeth nodded and stood. She left the room and closed the door quietly behind her. “Will you show me the way to the drawing room, Wilson?” she asked the waiting footman.
He obliged, and they took a very direct course to that room. Elizabeth felt she could easily remember the way back to Jane.
Mr. Bingley stood as she entered, as did Mr. Darcy. The Hursts did not even acknowledge Elizabeth’s presence.
