Netherfield Park Quarantined Read Online Free Page B

certain that they
were alone before he spoke.
    “Elizabeth, did you walk here from your home?” Seeing her nod, Darcy
shook his head. “You are more than welcome to have asked for a carriage to be
sent for you, I would have sent mine straight away.”
    Elizabeth chuckled. “And how would that have appeared, William, if I sent
you a private, highly improper, message asking you to send the carriage to me so
that I might come to Netherfield to tend to my sister? Miss Bingley and her sister
would both be having their tongues wagging at such news, and they would do
anything in their power to make certain I was ruined. It was only three miles; I
have walked such a distance many times in my life.”
Darcy thought for a moment before speaking. “You are correct, Elizabeth,
but I pray you know that I would send a carriage anytime you were in need.”
     
“Thank you, William. Now, I wish to check on my sister.”
    Darcy placed a kiss on the back of her hand and prepared to leave, stopping
suddenly. “If you need anything for your sister’s care, send a maid to me
immediately. When Mr Hale arrives, I will send him directly to you.”
    Smiling as she opened the door, Elizabeth entered the room and went to
her sister’s bed. Jane’s eyes fluttered open, and a look of joy came over her
feverish face. “Lizzy, I am so pleased you came to see me. I have been longing to
have you here. Miss Bingley has made it quite clear that she is not fond of the sick
room.”
    “You knew I would come, I could not stay away. Of course, Mamma was
not pleased. She kept ranting about you not needing me and that I would only be
in the way. Papa sends his love. He did not sleep well last night and looked quite
fatigued.” Elizabeth straightened out the covers and stepped over to the nearby
table to pour a glass of water for her sister. “Now, tell me how you are doing.
Are you in pain? Do you need anything?”
    “I believe your headache remedy would be perfect at the moment. I have a
headache that has been building since last night and will become unbearable
soon without your magic.”
    Elizabeth reached into the pocket of her gown. “I thought that it would be
wise to bring a few items with me.” Smiling, she rang for the maid. When the girl
entered, Elizabeth requested a spoon, tea, and some bread. She also asked the
girl to ask Mr Darcy to come to the room.
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