Netherfield Park Quarantined Read Online Free

their fast?”
    “You are correct, Mr Dar…William. It is time for me to return. Will you be
accompanying your friend when he calls on us today?” Elizabeth asked, a part of
her praying that he would.
    “If you would not object, I would find it enjoyable. I believe you were
speaking of harvesting flowers and herbs. It would be no bother to assist you in
this endeavor.”
    “Then I will see you later.” Elizabeth began to walk down the path, but
stopped abruptly and turned back to the gentleman who was causing her a great
deal of confusion. “I am pleased that you decided to allow me to know you
better, Mr…William. I look forward to learning more.”
    Darcy stood still, watching as Elizabeth continued to walk down the path
toward her home. How dearly he wished to run after her, pull her into his arms
and kiss her soundly. One day, Elizabeth, I pray that one day you will allow me to
win your heart.
~~ ** ~~
    The gentlemen paid their call to Longbourn, with a well enjoyed visit to the
gardens, where the men aided the sisters in gathering their desired items. It was
one of the most pleasant days that Darcy could ever remember.
~~ ** ~~
    The next day saw a note arriving for Jane Bennet. The note was from Miss
Bingley, inviting Jane to dine with Louisa Hurst and herself at Netherfield that
evening, as the men would be dining in Meryton with the officers who were
stationed there.
    Mrs Bennet insisted that Jane could not take the carriage, and must
therefore ride their old horse, Nell. Nell was slow, as slow as molasses in
wintertime. Elizabeth was surprised with her mother’s dictate. “Mamma, it
appears to be clouding up for a storm. Jane would be caught in the rain and take
ill.”
    “That is my point, Lizzy. With the men away from the house while Jane is
to dine, she must do something to prolong her stay so that she can see Mr
Bingley. If the weather is too bad, she will not be able to ride home on Nell and
will have to remain at Netherfield overnight. If she were to take ill with the
sniffles from being caught in the rain, more’s the better.”
“MAMMA!” Elizabeth said as her voice became harsher. “That is highly
inappropriate. And what if Jane were to become quite ill?”
    “Oh, phooey, it would only be the sniffles from being wet. No one ever
died from mere sniffles.” Mrs Bennet said as she left the room. Elizabeth stood,
staring at the back of her mother leaving. She knew of her mother’s desperation
to marry off all of her daughters, but this was far too much for Elizabeth to
understand.
As Elizabeth prepared to go to the rose garden to gather some fresh
blooms, Mr Hale arrived. “What brings you to Longbourn, Sir?”
    “I came to inquire as to everyone’s health at Longbourn. Mrs Long’s niece
is worse and now two of their maids have come down sick. One of the maids has
a sister who works at Netherfield, and the sister has taken ill just this morning. I
have instructed that they be kept from others until we can determine what the
illness is and determine the best course of treatment.”
    “I have not heard from any of our staff or tenants of anyone being ill. My
family is well, no signs of any illness. How is Mrs Long handling all of this? I know
that she cannot stand to be around anyone who is sick or injured.”
    “She keeps to her rooms as much as possible. Her housekeeper is tending
to the young lady and seeing to her care. Well, I must be off. If you hear of
anyone becoming ill, send word to me immediately and make sure they are
isolated as much as possible.”
“I will, Mr Hale. And thank you for coming to tell us.”
     
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
     
Chapter 3
    That evening, Mr Bennet received a message stating that Jane had been
caught in the rain and taken a chill. She was put to bed at Netherfield and would
remain there until she recovered from her illness. Elizabeth was put out with her
mother’s behavior. She hated the thought of her beloved sister being made to