Netherfield Park Quarantined (7 page)

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 who 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
was 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.”

“It is a matter of extreme importance, Mr Bennet, as your daughter’s
marriage to Mr Darcy will end up being annulled as soon as his beloved aunt,
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who is my esteemed patroness, learns of it.
According to Lady Catherine, Mr Darcy is engaged to her own daughter, Miss
Anne de Bourgh. It is my understanding that the engagement has been since
their births, and was the wish of both of their mothers.”

“Mr Darcy is married to my daughter, and he has stated to me that there
was nothing to prevent his marriage to my Lizzy. Why should I believe you
over the word of Mr Darcy?”

“Sir, Mr Darcy is used to having his way, and must have thought he could
enjoy the pleasures of such a pretty young thing before entering into marriage
with his betrothed. Or, perhaps, he was feverish and out of his mind when he
decided to marry Miss Elizabeth. Either way, your daughter will require
protection when she is left abandoned and ruined.”

“I suppose you wish to be the one to protect her when Darcy abandons
her.” Mr Bennet could see what his cousin was getting to.

“Of course, cousin, as I was betrothed to her with the approval of her
most devoted mother. It would be most proper for my marrying Miss
Elizabeth, and it would protect her reputation, as well as the reputations of
the rest of your family.”

“There is no need to fret over my daughter’s marriage, or her
reputation. You will not need to make any sacrifices to take my Lizzy as your
wife, as I am sure that Mr Darcy is a man of honor.”

“He cannot be truly honorable if he marries your daughter while
engaged to his own cousin. In my opinion, you would be wise to demand
restitution for the harm Mr Darcy has brought to your daughter’s reputation.
It is well known amongst society that Mr Darcy and Miss de Bourgh are
betrothed.”

“Obviously, Mr Darcy did not agree with this notion, as he married
Elizabeth. I will ask you to refrain from any further talk of an engagement
between Mr Darcy and his cousin. Now, I am going to tend my youngest
daughter. You had best rest and recover your own health so you will be able to
return to your home.”

Mr Bennet made his way down the row of cots to the one where his
daughter, Lydia, was resting. Once he had left, Mr Collins began to formulate a
plan of action. As soon as possible, he would send an express letter to Lady
Catherine. Whether Mr Bennet agreed or not, Mr Darcy would be forced to
comply with the demands of his family.

~~ ** ~~

The epidemic finally came to an end. Of the four and twenty families in
the neighborhood, as well as the people in the village of Meryton, the tenant
families and the servants, over one hundred people had taken ill with scarlet
fever. There was not a family or estate which was not affected by the illness.

Sir William and Lady Lucas had lost their eldest daughter, Charlotte, to
the fever. This was as difficult for Elizabeth to witness as was the death of her
sister, Mary. Charlotte had been Elizabeth’s dearest friend aside from Jane.
The Lucas’ younger daughter, Maria, was disfigured with scars from the rash,
and this had sent the young girl into a severe depression. The eldest Lucas
son, Robert, lost his wife to the fever, as well as his unborn child.

The Gouldings lost their son, and Mrs Goulding was weakened from the
damage of the fever. Of course, Mrs Long lost her niece, but she also lost her
own life as well. Of the community, one in every three either died or was left
with lasting effects from the disease. The neighborhood was overwhelmed
with loss and damage.