Jane Is Too Ill To Move, Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction
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Jane Is Too Ill To Move By Lucie
Section I,
Chapter 1Posted on Wednesday, 6 February 2002
Elizabeth put on her bonnet and started out the door with her mother trailing after her wailing, "This is foolishness Lizzie, Jane will be well cared for at Netherfield I am sure. You would do better to go to town with Kitty and Lydia to meet some of the soldiers. Who knows, you might meet the younger son of an Earl or even a Duke. You will find no husband at Netherfield. Only Mr. Bingley and that dreadful Mr. Darcy are there and neither of them are interested in you, Miss. Mr. Bingley is in love with Jane and Mr. Darcy cares for no one but himself."
As Lizzie trod over the fields wet from yesterdays rain she grinned thinking how her skirts would be wet and muddy by the time she reached her destination. "How Mama would scold, she thought, she would head for her fainting couch in all haste."
As she rounded the tall hedge near the house at Netherfield Park, she was met by the unwelcome presence of Mr. Darcy, who looked startled at her sudden appearance.
Darcy could naught but smile as he looked into the blushing face of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, noting the state of her skirts.
When he enquired if she had walked from Longbourn she cooling answered, "As you see."
With a cold look in her beautiful dark violet eyes she asked the way to her sisters room.
Darcy grinned as he followed her swift footsteps to the house where he instructed a maid to take her to her sister.
"Miss Eliza Bennet has walked all the way from Longbourn in the wet and the dirt, Miss Bingley sniggered, you should have seen her skirts sister, mud to the knee's."
"Turning her attention to Mr. Darcy she cooed, I am sure you noticed, Mr. Darcy, I am sure you would nor condone such actions in you own dear Georgiana. Did you not think she was a dreadful sight.
"Indeed she was, Caroline, but what else can one expect from these country barbarians," Mrs. Hurst replied.
Caroline, however was interested only in Mr. Darcy's thoughts as she said "What say you Mr. Darcy, you would never want our dear Georgiana to act in such a manner I am sure."
"Why Miss Eliza looked almost wild, her hair awry, her face flushed from her exertions. Perhaps this little escapade has lessened your admiration for, her fine eyes."
"Indeed not, they were brightened by the exercise," Darcy replied, setting his cup down on the sideboard and leaving the room.
"Caroline looked at her sister in dismay, she had not expected this response, she did not like this, she did not like it at all. Mr. Darcy was showing too much interest in Miss Elizabeth Bennet and she meant to put an end to it or her name was not Caroline Bingley.
The first day Jane seemed to be getting on well and it seemed to be just a cold. Elizabeth stayed with her through the day and went to the dining room for dinner.
Mr. Bingley had insisted that she stay until Jane was better and had sent to Longbourn for some clothes for her.
She returned to her room after and encounter with Mr. Darcy. She found his remarks about not knowing a dozen accomplished women food for an argument, which she enjoyed.
The second night she again went down to dinner and after the meal she again had a disagreement with the arrogant Mr. Darcy.
She smiled to herself as she walked down the hall recalling the look of suppressed anger on his face as the conversation progressed from arrogance and pride to her deliberately misunderstanding his statements.
She was alarmed when she entered Jane's room to find her sister gasping for breath.
Catching a maid in the hall she sent her to tell Mr. Bingley to send for the apothecary Mr. Jones at once.
Mr. Jones came in all haste and after doing what he could told Lizzie that he felt Jane need a doctor but he didn't know when Doctor Adams would return from London. He assured her that if she did as he instructed Jane would improve.
A week passed and Jane was no better. Elizabeth had not been downstairs in that time. She was so afraid to leave Jane.
"Well I for one would rather Miss Bennet stayed with her sister and not interrupt the tranquility of our evenings with her impertinence and disrespect. How nice it will be when they are gone and we have the house to ourselves," Caroline sighed, watching Darcy out of the corner of her eye as she walked around the room displaying her finery for his benefit.
"Caroline, Charles, said in a shocked tone, "How can you be so cruel, Miss Bennet is very ill and I for one find her sister's devotion to her quite heart warming."
Caroline walked from the room in a huff, muttering, "I am sick to death of Bennets.
Darcy walked down the hall from his room early the next morning and saw Miss Elizabeth leave her room and start toward her sisters, she staggered and clutched the wall for a moment before straightening her shoulders and starting to go on.
"Miss, Bennet, you are unwell, he exclaimed, you mist send for the doctor, you cannot bear this burden alone. You will become ill yourself and that will be of no help to your sister."
Elizabeth looked at him with tear filled eyes, "The doctor has gone to Kent from London, she replied, he will not be back for at least a week."
As she turned into her sisters room Darcy heard her sob.
Returning to his room with quick strides he instructed his man to go have the carriage made ready in all haste so that he could go to town as quickly as possible.
Grabbing a few muffins and some bacon from the breakfast sideboard he left the house quickly before he could be waylaid.
Urging his driver to get to London as quickly as possible he sat thinking of those beautiful eyes, so weary, so tear-filled. The long dark lashes wet. That wonderful smile no longer there, replaced by worry and fear.
Dr Benchly was startled when Darcy dashed into his office speaking so fast that he had to slow him down in order to understand what he was saying.
After getting the story of two young girls in Herdfordshire who were in dire need of help and no doctor available he wondered why Darcy was so involved.
After the promise of good shooting he agreed to go to Netherfield with the distraught Darcy.
They had to wait for the two women who Darcy insisted must come along to nurse the sick girl so that her sister could get some rest.
Darcy paced the floor impatiently.
"You will find it difficult to make the younger sister leave her sister to rest he said. She is devoted to her and will not leave her. I fear she will become ill herself if she does not get some rest, but you will find her very stubborn, especially where her sisters health is concerned."
"Hmmm, Dr Benchly said, I might need a dash of this, putting a vial in his pocket. Have no fear Darcy, I can assure you the sister will be asleep soon after we arrive.
Mrs. Winston and Mrs. Barch wondered what was afoot as they walked into the house at Netherfield Park.
"This is a curious case, Mrs. Barch whispered, we are sworn to secrecy and rushed out of town to this place to nurse a girl who the doctor has never heard of. This is curious, is it not Marian."
"Let us not pass judgment, Mary, she replied, I want to keep working for Dr Benchly, the pay is good and I will do ask he asks."
"Of course, Marian, I feel the same but it is a puzzle."
Darcy stayed in his room until he heard a disturbance in the hall.
Walking out he say Elizabeth arguing with one of the nurses.
"Now, Miss, the doctor told you to get some rest, you had better do as he says, go to your room now, dear."
"I will not leave her, Elizabeth said stubbornly, Jane needs me. I am fine."
"Well my dear if that is the way it must be at least you can have a cup up my special herbal tea. It is just what you need."
Bringing out a chair for Elizabeth she brewed her tea while Elizabeth sat on the edge of the chair waiting for the doctor to come out to tell her about Jane."
"Oh, this is vile," she said, making a face as she sipped the tea.
"Now you finish that up, Miss Bennet or I will not let you see your sister again today, and I assure you I can keep you form her side, so drink up now, Miss."
"You had better do as she says, Miss Bennet, Darcy said, I do believe her quite capable of barring you from the room."
Elizabeth quickly drained her cup as she saw the doctor coming out of the room.
As she stood up the room turned upside down and she felt herself falling.
Darcy caught her before she could reach the floor and lifted her in his arms.
"This way sir, carry her to her room, I will take care of her after you get her there."
Lying her gently on the bed, Darcy looked at that lovely face for a long moment before turning to Mrs. Larch saying, "Take good care of her madam."
Chapter 2Posted on Saturday, 16 February 2002
Ross looked out of the corner of his eye at his master standing looking out the window while he finished his duties.
Something was afoot with Mr. Darcy but Ross knew not what. He shook his head as he remembered yesterday. As a matter of fact it had started the day before when Mr. Darcy had sent Mr. Ross to London in great haste with a letter to Dr Benchley along with the widows of two of Pemberley estate's farmers telling them that they were needed here at Netherfield.
Dr Benchley had been urged to come to aid in the recovery of Miss Jane Bennet and the ladies to relieve Miss Elizabeth Bennet of the burden of nursing her sister 24 hours a day.
Why had Mr. Darcy taken it upon himself go send for the doctor Mr. Ross could not fathom. was it not Mr. Bingley's place to do so. They were his guest after all.
However even before Dr Benchley could finish his preparations Mr. Darcy had arrived himself saying that the doctors carriage was not large enough to accommodate him and the two ladies and all that they would have to bring for their stay.
The promise of good shooting and a fortnight stay after the Bennet sister was on the mend was all that was needed to put the spur to Dr Benchley and they had arrived back at Netherfield yesterday in the late afternoon.
Mr. Bingley greeted them with great enthusiasm. He was becoming more and more worried about Miss Bennet's condition, and was more than happy to see the doctor and the nurses.
His sister's were less happy to see the entourage with Mr. Darcy.
"Really, Mr. Darcy, I see no reason for this fuss, Miss Bingley snapped. After all these country girls are a hardy sort and I am sure Miss Bennet would recover without the help of a London physician. If her sister chooses to nurse that is her prerogative. I see no reason to bring those two ladies to do the nursing duties."
"This is a great waste of the time of all three, Mr. Darcy, I am sure Mr. Jones can handle this after all he is well acquainted with these country bumpkins and their ailments."
Doctor Benchley with a look at Darcy had followed him up the stairs to Miss Bennets room to examine her and confirmed Mr. Darcy's fears that Miss Bennet was indeed very ill.
"I fear it is pneumonia, Darcy he said, I think we are in time though."
Her sister was in a state of great agitation while waiting for the doctor to minister to her sister.
One of the ladies had brewed her some herbal tea and she had drunk it quickly, but when she was given permission to return to her sister she had collapsed into Mr. Darcy's arms and was carried to her room in the hope that she would get some much needed rest.
As he finished he asked his master if there was anything else he needed.
Mr. Darcy had thanked him and said no and excused him.
As he left the room he took on last look back in worry about Mr. Darcy. He was not himself he seemed so agitated . It was not yet sunrise and here he was dressed for riding and watching out the window as if willing the sun to rise.
Darcy leaned against the cool pane of the window. He must get out of this house and away from her. She had danced through his dreams all night. He must go riding and try to fathom why it was he could not get Miss Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind and his dreams.
Turning from the window he put on his coat and ran down the stairs to the kitchen to grab some cheese and a muffin. Quickly drinking a glass of milk as he headed for the door he thanked the cook and told her to tell Mr. Bingley that he was riding if he should as for him.
Saddling his own horse rather than awaken a stable boy he rode off into the misty dawn.
Chapter 3Posted on Thursday, 11 April 2002
"Master Darcy is about early this morning, even for him," John the stableboy said to Mr. Michaels the Stablemaster.
"Aye, even earlier than yesterday, then he waited for the sun to be up completely before he was of. Seems to me he has something on his mind this morning," he murmured quietly, almost as if talking to himself.
"Get on with ye now, boy, you've duties to get done, be off with you," he said to John while watching Darcy and his big hunter disappear into the morning mist.
Darcy rode slowly up Martin Mount thinking about all that had happened in the last few days.
He dropped the reins to the ground, knowing that his horse was well trained and would stay where he was cropping the grass until the reins were picked up again.
Stepping around a fallen log Darcy walked to the edge of the mount and looked at the peaceful scene before him in the light of the rising sun.
A smile crossed his handsome face as he saw a doe leave the meadow below for the safety of the grove across the way.
Tossing his hat down beside the fallen log he sighed, what was wrong with him, he thought. Why did this country nobody have such an effect on him. She was impertinent, sometimes even uncivil to him, yet he sought her out at every opportunity.
Women had always thrown themselves at him because of his wealth and position in English society, the worst being Miss Caroline Bingley.
Miss Bennet, however, seemed unimpressed with either. She seemed to enjoy any chance to disagree with him and start and argument. An argument which he usually enjoyed immensely.
Sometimes though she went too far though, he thought as he remembered their disagreement three nights before when she had accused him of arrogance and pride.
This time, in his mind, it was not the usual good-natured banter but an assault on his character. He had found himself becoming increasingly angry as their confrontation went on and for the first time he was glad for Miss Bingley's interference, which put and end to things. Miss Bennet, he was sure had realized she had gone too far and bade them all good night and left the room with a gentle, warm smile for Bingley.
Darcy remembered the flash of anger he had felt at his friend. Why did she not look at him with the same soft look and smile. Why Bingley. Even now he scowled at the thought.
Sitting down on the log he ran his fingers through his thick dark hair.
"Darcy, Darcy, he whispered, how could you act like such a cad. How could you do such an ungentlemanly thing."
His mind had traveled from the music room at Netherfield to the last evening.
He had caught her as she started to fall and Mrs. Barch had tucked her head up on his shoulder, under his chin.
Even now he could feel the softness of her hair and the scent of her.
The same scent that wafted up through the windows of Pemberley. The scent his mother had loved so dearly and the vines she had tended so diligently.
Jasmine, the heady scent of jasmine. So soft, so subtle coming from her, enveloping him.
He recalled brushing his lips across her cheek as he placed her down upon the bed.
He was shocked at his actions and quickly left the room, praying that Mrs. Larch had not seen what he had done.
"How could you Darcy, he said aloud, how could you kiss her. She was unconscious, you cad."
"You know that you can trust Mrs. Larch, but, just pray that she didn't not see you. She would be shocked at such actions from the son of Mr. George Darcy, the landlord who she had loved and respected for so many years.
Picking up his hat he took up the reins and put them over Hadrian's head and mounting him turned back toward Netherfield. He wanted to have his breakfast before Miss Bingley and the Hursts came down. He didn't know how much he could stand of Caroline Bingley this morning, especially after their confrontation last night.
Mrs. Barch had seen his kiss, and smiled each time she thought of it.
"So Master Darcy is in love, and such a lovely young woman too."
Mrs. Barch knew what Fitzwilliam Geoffrey, Alexander Darcy had not yet figured out for himself. That he was completely and irrevocably in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Chapter 4Posted on Tuesday, 28 May 2002
Darcy looked at his watch as he started up the stairs.
"Good," he thought, "it is just past seven o'clock, I have plenty of time to have a good bath and write a letter to Fitzwilliam before I go down to breakfast."
Mrs. Hurst was inclined to be a bit snippy if one came into her presence smelling of horse.
As he strode down the hall Mrs. Barch met him outside Miss Bennet's door.
"Please, sir, you know the young lady, Miss Bennet," she inquired,
"Yes, Mrs. Barch, I an acquainted with the young lady," he replied.
"If you please sir, would you come and have a look at her for me. She seems far too pale to me. I fear sir that I might have given her too much of the sleeping draught Dr. Benchley gave me. I would feel right bad, indeed if I have put Miss Bennet in danger."
"But Mrs. Barch, I could not go into the lady's bedchamber. That would be most ungentlemanly."
Mr. Barch was close to tears.
"Please, sir, I beg of you. There is no one about to see and you are the only one I trust to help me."
Darcy looked about the hall and seeing no one he agreed, with great reluctance to take a look at Miss Bennet.
Mrs. Larch was and old and trusted friend whose husband had been one of the tenant farmers at Pemberley and he did not like to see her so distressed.
Approaching the bed he looked at the young lady sleeping there.
He could scarcely breathe, she was so lovely and turning on his heel he rushed into the hall.
Mrs. Larch followed, wringing her hands in dismay.
"Oh, it is as I feared, is it not, I have put the lady in danger."
"No, no, Darcy replied, I can assure you Miss Bennet looks well, very well."
"Oh, bless you sir, Mrs. Larch sighed in relief. Her skin is so fair, I was troubled. I am too accustomed to seeing the ladies in town with all their makeup. I failed to remember that these country girls have such natural fair skin. I thank you sir, from the bottom of my heart. I am much relieved, I can tell you."
"I will never tell anyone that I asked for your help in such a way, not even Mrs. Winston. You are a true gentleman Mr. Darcy, just like your dear father."
As she watched his retreating form she whispered, "You love her, Mr. Darcy, and I don't think you even know it."
As his man prepared his bath Darcy stood looking out the window. He could see the dog running around the lawn. The same dog that he had watched Elizabeth playing with just a few days before. A smile crossed his faced as he remembered.
Garth wondered what had brought such a pleasing look to his master's face as he turned to climb into the steaming tub.
As he settled in Darcy said to the man fussing with his clothes a few feet away.
"Go down and have your breakfast, Garth, he said, I will ring for you when I need you. I shall be here for a while and then I want to write a letter or two. You will have plenty of time."
Darcy laid his head back and closed his eyes. As he did so Elizabeth's face swam before him. Her long dark hair spread out on the pillow an unruly mass of curls, one hand up by her cheek and the other on the comforter. Her eyes closed in peaceful sleep, the long thick lashes curling softly on her high elegant cheekbones.
"Good god she is beautiful, He whispered. I must stop thinking of her. She is a country nobody, I must put her out of my mind."
Standing up abruptly, he toweled himself off and put on his robe.
Striding to the writing desk he prepared to write to his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.
Bingley had asked him if he would like to invite his cousin to come Netherfield, At first he had demurred, but the more he thought about it the more he thought it would be best if indeed Richard could come to Herefordshire. It would be diversion. He had to have someone there who could keep his mind off Elizabeth Bennet and Richard was just the man to do it.
As he tried to write the letter her face keep coming between him and the page.
"Darcy you fool, you are in love with her. It is useless to deny it, he thought. You must find the opportunity to ask for her hand. You will never be happy until she is your wife."
"No, Darcy, you cannot, she is too far beneath you. Your family, your friends, what would they think if you married this girl of whom no one has ever heard. She has no money, no connections, she is entirely wrong for you."
"Fitzwilliam, you must come," he said aloud. "You must help me cast off this spell she has put upon me."
Chapter 5Posted on Wednesday, 12 June 2002
Darcy shook himself awake, slamming his feet to the floor.
Snatching his watch from the nearby table he cursed under his breath as he noted the time.
"Curses," he said, nearly nine o'clock. "I had hoped to have breakfast before Miss Bingley and the Hurst's come down. Perhaps if I hurry I can finish before they are about. Miss Bingley and her sister do not like to rise early."
Hearing his master's feel hit the floor Ross hurried into the bedroom to see Mr. Darcy putting breeches on. Reaching for his shirt he said, "Good Ross, I am glad that you are here. I wish to get to the breakfast room in all haste. If you will help me with the finishing touches here I will be off."
As he hurried down the corridor he saw Dr Benchley exit Miss Bennets Room and start down the hall.
"Benchley," he said, "I am glad to see you. Is Miss Bennet any improved?"
"I believe so, the doctor replied. She is resting well now, so, I thought I would go down and have some breakfast before she awakes. Mrs. Winston will send someone to fetch me if I am needed."
"Mrs. Barch tells me that her sister is still sleeping. I am glad to hear it. I told her to let her sleep as long as she can. The poor girl needs it."
"Yes," Darcy said quietly, "he is very stubborn and refused to let anyone else care for her sister even though we tried to get her to let the maids sit with her. They are very close, it seems."
Darcy breathed a sigh of relief as they entered the breakfast room to find no one there.
Helping themselves from the sideboard they took seats and the table ready to enjoy a good conversation.
"It has been all to long since we have been in each others company," Mark, Darcy smiled; "It looks like we can have a pleasant meal and catch up with each other. It is pleasantly quiet this morning."
Dr Benchley laughed, he knew what Darcy meant. He could never understand what his old friend saw in Bingley's two younger sisters, especially Miss Caroline.
"Such an arrogant overbearing snob," he thought. "She thinks herself far above her station. A most disagreeable young woman, in his opinion."
Their pleasure was short lived however for within ten minutes of their arrival the Bingleys and Mr. Hurst arrived.
Miss Bingley was first to the sideboard taking a muffin and some eggs.
"Mr. Darcy, Dr Bentley," she cooed, "How nice it is to have breakfast with ones peers without any of the locals to abide"
"But, where is Miss Eliza Bennet this morning. She is usually leaving about the time we arrive."
"Dear me, is she out walking already. It must be damp yet, but that doesn't seem to deter our country lass."
"She is still sleeping," Darcy replied.
"Still sleeping, Good heavens, did you hear that Louisa, our early rising guest is still abed. Dear me don't tell me that Miss Eliza Bennet it becoming a slug a bed," she giggled.
"I hope she sleeps for a good long time," Dr Benchley said coldly. "The poor girl was totally exhausted. I understand she has been attending her sister around the clock. That kind of devotion is certainly not found in the families who reside in London."
"Yes," Bingley chimed in, "I find her devotion to her sister very pleasing. It speaks of an unselfish and loving nature."
"Do you remember when you had that dreadful cold last winter, Louisa? Caroline would not come near you until you were completely healed."
Caroline shot her brother a look of anger but was afraid to give the sharp retort that was on the tip of her tongue and give Mr. Darcy the wrong impression about her.
"Louisa did not want me there," she said, testily, "I would have gone if she requested my company."
"If I remember, brother---," she stopped as the maid announced, Miss Charlotte Lucas.
The gentlemen rose and bowed as Charlotte entered.
"I am sorry I did not wish to interrupt your breakfast, I thought you would be finished," she said as she looked at the clock on the mantle.
"I have come to inquire about Miss Bennet. her father tells us she is truly very ill."
"Yes she is," Mr. Bingley replied, "I am sure though that a call from a friend and neighbor will help her considerably."
"May I introduce Dr Benchley, he can tell you more than any of the rest of us."
Dr Benchley smiled as her looked into her clear hazel eyes. "She was no great beauty like the Bennet sisters," he thought, "but she has a beauty of her own. A kindhearted, sensible young woman I think."
"Miss Lucas," Caroline said, "what a surprise, I did not hear a carriage, did you, Sister."
"No," Louisa replied, "perhaps like your friend Miss Bennet you are a great walker and came across the fields," she sneered.
"Yes Mrs. Hurst, exactly, it is such a lovely morning for a walk," Charlotte said, a touch of humor in her voice. She knew the Bingley looked on Elizabeth and herself as being too far beneath them for their notice and she found it quite amusing after listening to Elizabeth's imitations of the sisters.
Rising, Dr Benchley offered his arm to Charlotte saying, "If you would like, Miss Lucas I will take you to Miss Bennet and you can satisfy yourself about her condition."
"Thank heaven, Dr Benchley was here to escort her upstairs," Caroline snapped, "I do not believe I could stand a morning with the likes of Charlotte Lucas. I don not think I could abide any country manners this morning.
Darcy slammed his chair back in disgust and rose to take his leave.
"I find it pleasing that Miss Lucas should take the time to come herself to see how her friends do," he snapped.
As he went through the door Miss Bingley cried, "Mr. Darcy I would have a word with you, it is of great importance."
"Not now Caroline, Bingley," said sharply, "Darcy is I think going for his morning walk."
"OH good, Charles, I shall go with him," she smiled.
"Caroline, Louisa, stopped her, I think it would behoove you to let Mr. Darcy go alone right now, I don't think he wishes any company."
After a few minutes of arguing with her sister and brother Caroline gave up saying, "It is too late now, I wouldn't know where to find him. I shall find time this afternoon."
Elizabeth awoke to find her dear friend Charlotte sitting quietly...
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