Netherfield Park Quarantined Read Online Free Page A

suffer in such a manner when it was not necessary to capture Mr Bingley’s heart.
    As was the agreement, Elizabeth made her way to Oakham Mount in the
morning, and she smiled when she realized that seeing Darcy there was surprising
to her. She had expected his declaration to be a figment of her imagination.
When he heard her stepping near, Darcy turned, giving her his most dazzling
smile. Elizabeth laughed to herself as she thought about Mr Darcy’s dimples and
how they made her feel weak in the knees.
“Good morning, Mr…forgive me, this will take some getting used to. Good
morning, William, I trust you slept well.”
     
“I did indeed. In fact I slept better than I have in a long time. And yourself?
Did you find a peaceful night of rest?”
     
“Not peaceful, as I was concerned for my sister’s well-being all night long.
Have you any word on how she is this morning?”
     
“I heard Bingley saying that he had sent for Mr Hale, but that he had not
heard when the man would be coming to Netherfield.”
    “Mr Hale has several people who have taken quite ill recently. I am afraid it
may be some time before he is able to come to Netherfield. It would be best if I
were to come and tend to my sister. Do you think that Mr Bingley would object?”
    Chuckling, Darcy shook his head. “ Mr Bingley will not object at all. Miss Bingley will complain to the end of the world. So, as Mr Bingley’s friend, I invite
you to visit your sister and stay with her until she recovers. Miss Bingley will not
like it, but she would never refuse me, as her brother’s closest friend. Shall we
expect you shortly after breaking your fast?”
“That would be a most perfect time. I do appreciate your generosity,
William. Jane is dear to me and I do fret when she takes ill.”
    He could see the worry in Elizabeth’s expression. “Have no fear, Elizabeth,
if need be, I will send to Town for my family’s physician. Your sister will receive
the best care possible.”
“I am grateful to you, William. I should go, so that I may make ready to
come to Netherfield.”
     
“I will be awaiting your arrival. Stay safe, Elizabeth.”
     
~~ ** ~~
    Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield after walking the entire way from her
home. After the rain, the field between the two estates had become muddy,
leaving her with six inches of mud upon her petticoats and her boots covered.
Darcy could tell that something was wrong, she was obviously distressed over
something. He would try to find time to speak with her later, to learn what had
happened since he had last seen her.
    Once Bingley directed his housekeeper to take Elizabeth to her sister, Mrs
Hurst and Miss Bingley cackled like wet hens. “Did you see her? Covered in mud,
she must have walked here from Longbourn. What is the meaning of her traipsing
around the countryside alone?”
“And her hair, it was so wild. I surely would not wish to be seen in such a
fashion.”
     
Bingley spoke up in defense. “I find nothing more than her concern for her
sister and wishing to be of comfort to her.”
    “Oh, Charles, you are so naïve, my dear brother.” Caroline Bingley stated.
“I am sure that Mr Darcy would agree with us, that Miss Eliza has made a
spectacle of herself. You would not approve of dear Miss Darcy being seen in
such a manner.”
    “True, I would not wish Georgiana to be seen so, but then again, she has no
sister to journey to tend. Miss Elizabeth’s devotion to her sister speaks of the
great love and devotion she has for Miss Bennet and it is quite impressive.”
Darcy then stood up and made his way from the room, hoping to catch
Elizabeth before she was able to close herself in Jane’s room.
    Having just knocked on the door and been called to enter the room,
Elizabeth had placed her hand on the doorknob and began to turn the handle.
Just then, she heard a man’s voice call out her name. She turned to see Darcy
coming up the stairs towards her. He looked around to make