Netherfield Park Quarantined

by Schertz, Melanie

  Turning her attention back to her sister, Elizabeth noted the expression her sister wore. “What is wrong?”

  “Why did you ask for Mr Darcy to come?” Jane was surprised. She thought her sister disliked the proud man. “Mr Darcy and I have come to learn of our misunderstandings and clarify them. His insult was not meant for me, or for anyone. It was meant to persuade Mr Bingley to leave him be. When he learned that I had overheard his words, Mr Darcy was mortified. I spoke to him outside your room, and he offered any assistance he could provide.”

  A knock was heard on the door. Elizabeth walked to the door and opened it. Standing before her was the very man, a smile on his face from being summoned to her. “Miss Elizabeth, what can I do to be of service to you?” He spoke in such a manner in case anyone else over heard him.

  “Would you be kind enough to send someone to Longbourn for me? I will write a message to my father, there are some items that I will need brought here. Having assisted Mr Hale many times, I have come to learn many different treatments, and need my supplies from home.”

  “I will go there myself. As soon as you have the message prepared, send for me and I will be off.”

  “A servant can manage, Mr Darcy. There is no reason to put yourself out.”

  Darcy smiled. “Miss Elizabeth, it is my honor to be able to aid you. Besides, it gives me a reason to take my horse for a ride.”

  “Very well, Mr Darcy, though promise me that you will make sure my parents know that my sister is not in danger.” Elizabeth chuckled.

  ~~ ** ~~ When Darcy returned from his mission, he learned that Mr Hale had arrived and was up in Jane’s room. He went directly there, with Elizabeth’s travel bag in hand. Knocking on the door to her bedchamber, Darcy waited for someone to answer. After several moments, Darcy was pleased to see Elizabeth step from the room. “Thank you so much, Mr Darcy. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your kindness.”

  “Your father said to tell you that if there is anything else you need, send word. I believe that he was fatigued, I have not witnessed him appearing so tired before.”

  “I was concerned with him this morning. I will ask Mr Hale to stop there when he has a moment.” Elizabeth agreed. Just then, the door opened and the man himself stepped out. “Ah, Lizzy, good; I needed to speak with you and Mr Bingley on another matter. Mr Darcy, you might as well join us, it will most likely come to affect all of us.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other, both quite concerned. They followed Mr Hale who had asked a passing footman where Mr Bingley was. The footman escorted them to Mr Bingley’s study. They knocked on the door and waited for Bingley to invite them inside. When he did, they walked in, causing Bingley to become extremely concerned.

  “Mr Bingley, I have a matter of importance of which you must be made aware.” Mr Hale began.

  “Miss Bennet, is she…has she taken a turn?” Bingley choked on the words. Elizabeth took pity of the young man. “Jane will be well. I gave her something for her headache and will give her some other remedies to get her on her feet. She should be up and around in no time.”

  “Yes, yes, Lizzy is correct.” Mr Hale insisted. “No, I need to speak with you on another matter, one which could have devastating results. I have just come from the Longs, their niece has taken a turn for the worse, and it appears that she has scarlet fever. Two of their maids have it as well. One of the maids has a sister who works here at Netherfield, and that girl is sick too. I am afraid that I will have to insist that your family remain in your home, keep isolated from the neighborhood. I doubt that it will matter too much, as it is common to have it spread with family members of service rank families working at more than one estate. But we must try to keep it contained to the best of our abilities.”

  “What will we need to have on hand?” Elizabeth asked. “You have goosegrass, belladonna, meadowsweet, heartbreak grass? I will send to Town for more supplies of goosegrass, we will most likely need all we can get to make poultices for the rashes when they develop. We will have to fight the fevers and sore throats as well. I have some cough remedy at my office and I will send for more.”

  “I have some belladonna and meadowsweet in my bag. The goosegrass is in the storeroom at Longbourn. I do not have any heartbreak grass.” Elizabeth said as she began to search through her bag.

  “Not a problem. Now, Lizzy, I insist you wear a cloth mask when you are tending anyone, and wash frequently with hot water. All clothing and bedding should be washed in boiling water, to aid in preventing the illness from spreading. Cold compresses on the body to bring the fevers down, poultice to keep the rash calmed as much as possible, and the remedy for the sore throats.” Mr Hale explained. “Gentlemen, I know that most physicians prescribe bleedings. I am not in favor of them, as I believe they weaken a person too much and can lead to complications. If you do not agree with this view, then I suggest you send for a physician from Town.”

  Darcy shook his head. “I had done a great deal of reading and have heard the debates of bloodletting. I must admit that I agree with your view. When someone is already weak from a fever, blood loss does not strengthen them, it makes them weaker. Bingley, perhaps your sisters would prefer to stay in the dower cottage on the property, as it would be more isolated than the main house.”

  “I will suggest it to them when I inform them of the circumstances. It would be easier on us as well.” Bingley then turned to the physician. “Mr Hale, I suggest that we turn the ballroom into a hospital of sorts. We can set up bedding for those who are ill and make it simpler for those who are tending to them. I will speak with my housekeeper as to keeping a pot of boiling water constantly for use to clean, as well as the use of cloth masks. We can have whatever supplies needed sent here, and keep things as contained as possible.”

  “That would be perfect, Mr Bingley. You cannot know how grateful I am. If we can send patients here, it will be a great relief.” Mr Hale then turned to Elizabeth. “Lizzy, while I make the rounds and prepare people to come here, I will leave you in charge of making the ballroom into a hospital. I will have supplies sent here, as well as more bedding and towels from the mercantile. We can worry about the cost of the items later, after it is all over.”

  Darcy stepped forward. “Mr Hale, if there is anything I can do to assist in covering the expenses, please say the word. Should we send to Town for more supplies? More coverlets and cots? Whatever you need, I will cover the costs.”

  “That is generous indeed. I thank you, Mr Darcy, for our entire neighborhood. Lizzy, perhaps you could make a list of what we will need, including food supplies. What we cannot find in Meryton or within the community, we can send word for supplies. Mr Bingley, I am afraid we will need to post guards to keep people from entering the estate. The only ones we should allow into the estate are the ones who are ill, being brought here for care. Any supplies being brought should be dropped off at the entrance to the estate and your people can bring them the rest of the way to the house. No contact between the delivery people and your staff.”

  “I will speak to Mr Jeffers to gather willing tenants and staff to assist.” Bingley said as he rang for his housekeeper.

  Elizabeth’s brow scrunched as she spoke to Mr Hale. “Will Jane be in danger, with her current illness?” “No, I believe that your sister is suffering from a headache and the aching from the wet chill she had last night. She was already feeling much better when I saw her. I would recommend keeping her as far from those who are ill, for the time being, just in case. And, Lizzy, once you begin tending to the sick, do no go to your sister’s rooms. That should more than protect her.”

  “That will not be a problem. I wish to keep her safe. Also, would you stop by Longbourn? Papa was not well, and now I am very concerned for him.”

  Mr Hale nodded his head. “Of course, Lizzy, knowing your father, he will not admit to being sick if he is. My old friend has always been stubborn.” This brought a smile to Elizabeth’s lips. “Thank you. I will rest easier knowing his condi
tion.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Everyone went to work immediately. Elizabeth took a few moments to inform Jane of the situation, insisting that her sister remain in her rooms and away from the rest of the house, as much as was possible. Caroline Bingley and the Hursts decided to move to the dower house to stay as far from the illness as possible. A handful of staff were sent to prepare the house for them and would remain with Bingley’s family.

  Darcy wrote a letter to his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who was in London currently. He wished his cousin to see to his sister, Georgiana Darcy, and the news of the outbreak be kept from her.

  A letter was also written to Elizabeth’s uncle in Town, who was in trade. Mr Darcy wrote a letter to Mr Gardiner, verifying that he would cover all costs of the supplies that would be needed to be sent. The Netherfield housekeeper, Mrs Watkins, and Elizabeth made a list of items that would be necessary. Food, bedding, medicines, herbs; all were inventoried and items found lacking were added to the list. Within two hours, a list was finished, the letters sealed, and an express runner from Meryton was sent.

  After making sure that her sister was informed of the situation, Elizabeth went to the ballroom, taking stock of all that was being brought into the room. She then made her way to the conservatory, checking for any herbs that were growing there. With her mind engaged elsewhere, it took her by surprise when a deep, baritone voice came from behind her.

  “Elizabeth, what can I do to be of service?” Darcy asked.

  “Mr Darcy!” Elizabeth said as she tried to calm her rapidly beating heart.

  Darcy placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “Forgive me, Elizabeth, I did not mean to frighten you. Are you well?”

  “Once my heart refrains from running a race, I will be. What was it you asked as you gave me such a fright?” “Is there anything I can do to be of service? I know there will be a great deal to do in the coming days. Please know that you may count on me to aid you.” Darcy said as his fingers lightly caressed her cheek.

  “Mr…William, please, we do not wish to be caught.” Elizabeth said, even as she leaned into his touch. Her skin tingled where his fingers traveled.

  “Elizabeth, promise me that you will take care of yourself during this emergency. I cannot imagine what I would feel if you were to take ill and perish.” “I will take as much caution as possible, William. Now, I had best finish here so that I am back in the ballroom by the time the patients begin to arrive.” Elizabeth took hold of his hand and squeezed it lightly. “And I will ask you to be careful with your own health. You have become important to me as well.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 4 Mr Hale stopped by Longbourn on his way to the Long’s home. He heard the voice of an unknown man speaking with Mrs Bennet and her younger daughters in the drawing room. He was announced and welcomed into the room by Mrs Bennet. “Ah, Mr Hale, so good of you to come by, as Mr Bennet has taken ill. With Lizzy foolishly traipsing off to see to Jane at Netherfield, there is no one to tend to my husband.”

  “Fortunately, I spoke with both of your daughters. Miss Jane will be fine, though she will need to remain at Netherfield for some time. We have an epidemic brewing, Mrs Bennet. Mrs Long’s niece, two of her staff, and now three members of the staff at Netherfield have all developed scarlet fever.”

  “NO!” Mrs Bennet cried out. “My poor Jane is in danger by remaining there. She must come home immediately.” “I am afraid that it will not be possible. We have arranged for Miss Jane to remain upstairs, isolated from those who are ill with the fever. Of your two daughters that are at Netherfield, it is your second born who will be in more danger, as she will be tending to the ill. We are setting up a hospital of sorts at Netherfield, thanks to the generosity of Mr Bingley.”

  “Oh, Lizzy has always had a hardy constitution, not at all delicate as Jane is. Lizzy will not take ill, she has always been healthy.” “But she has never been exposed to scarlet fever. I pray that her health continues.” Mr Hale turned to the Longbourn housekeeper, Mrs Hill. “Is your master in his study?”

  “Yes, I believe he is resting on his sofa.” “Very good, I will see to him.” Mr Hale said as he stepped into the hallway outside the drawing room, which led to the back of the main floor, where Mr Bennet’s study was located. He knocked on the door as he opened it slightly. Seeing his friend having difficulty calling out, Mr Hale entered the room.

  “Bennet, I hear you are ill. Your Lizzy has charged me with informing you that it is not allowed.”

  In a harsh whisper, Mr Bennet spoke to his old friend. “Hale, good of you to come. I am afraid that Lizzy is out of luck this time, for I am quite ill.” “Do you have a sore throat?” When Mr Bennet nodded his head, Mr Hale continued. “The fever is not as high as it could be, but that does not mean it will not climb higher. I am afraid to tell you, we have an outbreak of scarlet fever. It appears that you may have caught it, as I am sure that the spots will come out soon enough.”

  “My family?” “No one else seems to have it as yet. Jane’s illness was nothing really, a headache and chills from the cold rain. She was already much recovered with Lizzy’s care.”

  “Thank the heavens. What can we do?” Mr Hale took a deep breath. “We will need to move you to Netherfield. We are making a temporary hospital in the ballroom for all those who contract the disease. Lizzy has, of course, volunteered to help nurse them.”

  Mr Bennet nodded his head. “When shall we go?” “Allow me to have your carriage prepared for you. I do not wish you to have any further contact with your family until you recover. Perhaps it is a good thing that you spend so much time hidden away in this room, your younger daughters are rarely around you. And Mrs Bennet has always avoided this room.”

  This caused Mr Bennet to laugh out loud, the best he could with his sore throat. “Will miss the rest of my cousin’s visit.” He whispered with a smile on his face.

  “Is that the chap waxing on about nothing in the drawing room? I only saw him for a moment and feel relieved to not have to endure much more. Are you sure he is related to you and not your wife? He seems to be an utter fool.”

  “My cousin’s son and the apple did not fall far from the tree. He is the heir to the estate.”

  “That explains why your wife is being so kind to him. I would not be surprised if she tries to marry off one of your daughters to him.”

  “I believe she will do just that. Fortunately, Jane and Lizzy are not here.” “Well, allow me to send for the carriage and we will get you to Netherfield.” Mr Hale said as he left the room. He thought to himself that Elizabeth would be more at ease with her father at Netherfield, where she could tend to him herself.

  ~~ ** ~~ Two patients had already arrived in the makeshift hospital and Elizabeth had already begun to tend to them. One of the maids came up to her to inform her of a new arrival. Elizabeth turned around and nearly ran to the stretcher that was carrying her father into the room.

  “Papa, oh Papa, forgive me for not being home to take care of you. I knew you were ill, yet I came here.” “Lizzy, dearest, do not fret.” Mr Bennet spoke with a scratchy voice. “There was nothing more you could have done for me than was already done, and now you are to tend to me when I need you most.”

  “You will be well again in no time, Papa. Let us put you on one of the cots that were brought in. This one, over here, there is a nice view from the window. It will give you some pleasure while you recover.”

  “You are a good girl, Lizzy. Just need some rest, I will be well soon.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head as she wiped the tears from her cheek. “I love you, Papa.” “As I love you, my Lizzy Bee.” Mr Bennet used her childhood nickname. It had been years since he called her by it, but felt that she could use the reassurance that she always seemed to garner from hearing it when she was younger.

  Darcy and one of the footmen took the stretcher and carried Mr Bennet to the cot that Elizabeth assigned to him. Once the Master of Longbourn was tucked into his cot, a drink of cool
water brought to him, and Elizabeth gave him some medicine, Mr Bennet fell fast asleep. Only when Darcy volunteered to sit by her father did Elizabeth feel she could see to her other patients.

  ~~ ** ~~ Mrs Bennet was beside herself with worry. What would happen to her if her husband died from this illness? She would be thrown from her home for the new Master to take possession. The settlement that her husband had made for her was small, barely enough to cover housing and feeding her and her daughters.

  And now the odious man who would inherit Longbourn was sitting in her drawing room, drinking her tea. He was a sycophant, and the way he carried on about his precious benefactor, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was repulsive.

  The only reason that she tolerated his presence in her home was that he declared that he was looking to take a bride and wished to choose from her daughters. This would allow her to remain living in her home after her husband’s death. So she would do what she could to appease him. Mrs Bennet decided that the daughter she would sacrifice to marrying this man was her least favorite, Elizabeth. It would do that foolish girl good to have someone set their foot down on her and make her behave properly.

  So Mrs Bennet began extolling Elizabeth’s goodness and beauty. She promised Mr Collins that Elizabeth would make him a good wife and that her daughter would accept his attentions. In her mind, Mrs Bennet was already planning the wedding. She would make a good impression on her future son in law so that he would be kind to her after Mr Bennet was gone.

  “Mrs Bennet, your daughter sounds delightful. I am quite sure that my patroness, the esteemed Lady Catherine de Bourgh, will accept your daughter. She will give Miss Elizabeth instruction on how to be the best parson’s wife and how to run a household. Miss Elizabeth will be blessed with such condescension paid to her.”

  “I am sure that Lizzy will appreciate Lady Catherine’s advice. Now, my daughter is still young. She is only twenty, and her father has allowed her to do as she pleases. So you will need to take a firm hand with her, make sure that she does as she is told. Once she realizes that you are correct, she will be more compliant in the future.”