(Authors Note: I always try to keep a few chapters ahead in case I wish to change something, I can do it without having to admit it. I just finished a the chapter where Darcy proposes[this being during the Netherfield Ball] and I must say, WOW. Can't wait to post that chapter! Thanks for your reviews and insights!)

Chapter Four: Sick Sisters And Dirtied Hems

"Post, sir," Hill entered the study and deposited a few letters on Mr. Bennet's desk.

It was late morning and Mr. Bennet was perusing the news that he received from London to catch up on politics. He waited until Mrs. Hill had left the room before rifling through the letters. One was from his heir, a Mr. Collins whom he had never met before. He remembered his cousin from years gone by, the only other living relative he had. The man had been a bumbling idiot and Mr. Bennet wondered if the son took after the Father. He read the contents of the letter and smiled.

"So Mr. Collins feels he would like to appraise Longbourn, eh? Not to mention my daughters, no doubt." He had kept up a steady correspondence with his cousin, meaning he had written him once a year letting him know he was still alive, until he died a few years ago. He had never written Mr. Collins and had never received any letter by him.

Should he tell the family? Not quite yet. If Mrs. Bennet knew that at the end of the month the heir to Longbourn would be arriving her nerves would be excited to the point he would not be able to endure her presence. Best let it keep until later.

After another half hour of reading up on London intrigues, he decided he had better see to the estate. He had received the funds needed to purchase seed and other such equipment that was needed, and have some left over for the household expenses. Mrs. Bennet had remarked the other night about that very topic. Didn't Mr. Bennet know the girls would be in need of new dresses if they were to impress their new neighbors? He simply replied that every dress the girls owned were new to the neighbors, and therefore newly made dresses would be a waste of money. Elizabeth looked at him quizzically, knowing there must be another reason, but had had no occasion to ask.

As Mr. Bennet rode through the estate, asking the farm hands and tenants about the work being done on the fields, he couldn't help but think what would become of them all if this year's crops didn't bring in enough money to cover the debt. Or, as Mrs. Bennet was oft to remark, if he should die before the girls were settled. Shaking his head Mr. Bennet cast those thoughts aside. He hated thinking of the future, especially a bleak one. He only hoped everything would work out in the end.

The women of Longbourn, however, unburdened by the grim thoughts of their Patriarch, were busy entertaining and being entertained. Not only were those of Netherfield a constant presence at the parties of the local families, but the Officers of the newly installed militia were often invited as well. Mrs. Bennet's heart leapt at so many prospects for her daughters. True, to lose a daughter to a traveling soldier would be hard upon a Mother's heart, at least one of her daughters was bound to settle nearby, perhaps as close as Netherfield Park.

Jane and Mr. Bingley saw each other at least once a week for the next three weeks, and occasionally happened upon each other in Meryton. They were always seen together, sequestered in a quiet corner, speaking of who knows what. Elizabeth was extremely happy for her sister for Mr. Bingley seemed to be the exact match for her dear Jane. His temperament and manners suited Jane's exactly.

One evening, while the family was gathered in the parlor listening to Mary read aloud, Hill came in with a letter for Miss Bennet. When Jane said it was from Netherfield Mrs. Bennet snatched it up in a heartbeat and read the contents. Jane was to be invited to dinner the next night, to dine with Caroline and Louisa, as the gentlemen would be dining with the Officers. It was the first invitation from Netherfield to any of the family, and Mrs. Bennet couldn't help but lament that Mr. Bingley wouldn't be there.

"Though, I suppose if the sisters wish a better acquaintance with you that must speak of something." Mrs. Bennet said then retired for the evening.

"Jane," Elizabeth said, sneaking into her sister's room that night.

Jane had been combing her hair in the mirror and stopped when she saw Elizabeth.

"How can you brush your hair so calmly?"

"How else would I brush my hair?" She laughed, continuing with her nightly routine.

"Tomorrow you shall be dining at Netherfield. Does that not excite you in the least?"

Jane stopped brushing and Elizabeth took her hair in her hands and began to braid the long strands together.

"I am a little nervous, but Charles will not be there," Jane said.

"Charles?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, staring at Jane through the reflection of the mirror.

Jane bowed her head to try to hide her blush, but it was to no avail. Elizabeth had already seen it.

"I do believe Mama is correct. His sisters must wish a more intimate relationship with you, and there could be only one reason why."

"Lizzy, perhaps they wish to be friends for my sake alone?"

"Perhaps," Elizabeth said, kissing her sister on the forehead goodnight.

s-s-s

"Papa!" Elizabeth stormed into her Father's study. "Did you know?"

Mr. Bennet stared over the cover of his book at his angry daughter in confusion. "Know what?" He finally asked.

"Mama sent Jane to Netherfield on horseback. In the rain!" Elizabeth pointed out the window where huge torrents were falling form the sky to illustrate her remarks.

Mr. Bennet stared out the window, then back at his irate daughter. He shrugged his shoulders, and said, "She shall be fine."

Mr. Bennet returned to his book, and Elizabeth was left speechless. She had known her Father had taken a rather lite hand in the raising of his daughters, but she supposed it was because they were girls, and he felt a Mother would be better suited to raising girls. But to be completely lacking in feeling to the welfare of a daughter! Elizabeth rushed out of the study, and into the parlor where she sat by the window, staring at the falling rain as if by sheer will she could see across miles.

"Oh Jane," she murmured, "I hope you are well."

Elizabeth's fears were realized as the family sat to their own dinner and a note delivered from Netherfield came stating that Jane had taken a cold and would be staying the evening at Netherfield until she felt better. Mrs. Bennet preened, as if it was all her doing. Elizabeth cast an icy glare across the table at her Father, who seemed oblivious.

That night Elizabeth found it difficult to sleep. Jane was more than just a sister to her, she was her dearest friend and confidante. True to her Mother's words, people did not die of trifling colds, but Jane never had a strong constitution. Her activities out of doors were relegated to walking in the garden or picking flowers. Even the walk to Meryton often made her breathless. It was Elizabeth who had all the stamina of the much longed for male heir.

The next morning at the breakfast table Elizabeth stated she would go to Netherfield directly to inquire after Jane, and see for herself how she fared.

"Netherfield?" Mrs. Bennet cried. "Pish tosh, Jane shall be fine. She is being cared for by the physician. You had best go to Meryton and mingle with the Officers."

"I am quite determined," Elizabeth replied.

"I shall have the carriage readied," Mr. Bennet said before his wife could argue against the idea.

"No, Father," Elizabeth said quickly, "I shall leave right away, and can get there quickly through the fields, than waiting for the carriage to be prepared."

Elizabeth dabbed at her mouth with the table cloth, then rushed out of the room before either parent could prevent her. She grabbed her bonnet and a pelisse, then was out the door. The sun was shining brightly, a stark contrast to yesterday. The fields were muddy, but Elizabeth took no notice as she made her way through them, across streams, and finally to the edge of Netherfield Park. The house loomed in the distance, surrounded by neatly manicured gardens. Elizabeth paused to take it all in. It was a very beautiful home, but her only interest in the estate was her sister.

Making her way up the grand staircase up to the front door, Elizabeth became aware of her appearance. There were large clumps of mud falling off her boots, and her skirts were stained. Self-consciously she pushed loose coils of hair back into her bonnet before knocking. The door was opened by an elderly man, and once she gave her name and her purpose, he led her to the breakfast room where Bingley and his guests were at the moment. Elizabeth took a deep breath before the doors were opened and she was announced.

s-s-s

"Will you be hunting this morning?" Caroline asked her brother over the breakfast table.

"No, I don't believe so, not today." Bingley replied.

Darcy stared at Charles, wondering how attached he had become to Miss Bennet if he denied himself the pleasure of hunting for her sake. He had been so occupied with a certain wood nymph he hadn't taken into consideration the sister's influence with his friend.

"Did you look in on Ja—Miss Bennet this morning?" Bingley asked, expectantly.

"Yes, but she was sleeping." Caroline frowned, then continued eating.

"How did she appear? Better?"

Caroline chewed her food a moment, then said, "Her face was red, and her nose was runny. Very unbecoming."

Just then the door opened and a servant announced Miss Elizabeth into the room, looking as if she had walked the four miles from Longbourn. Her hair was in disarray, her cheeks were flushed, and the hem of her dress was covered in mud. The men rose from their seats while the women merely stared.

"Miss Elizabeth!" Mr. Bingley rushed to her side.

"I came to inquire after my sister." She said, her head held high.

Darcy quickly mastered his emotions, preventing himself from smiling. By God, she did walk all this way to check on her sister. And alone, it would seem.

"Yes, yes of course. I'll have someone show you to her room."

Charles left the room and Darcy and Hurst resumed their seats.

"Whatever could she mean by walking all that way?" Caroline snorted.

"She could have just as easily sent a note." Louisa added.

For the next few minutes the two girls abused Miss Elizabeth, commenting on her looks and her rashness in walking all that way unescorted. It would never have been borne in polite society. Such audacity!

When Charles returned and sat back at the table, Louisa said, "I cannot believe her Father would allow her to walk unescorted over country roads…or fields."

"No, our Father would never have allowed it." Caroline said.

"She was anxious for her sisters welfare. Besides, Ja—Miss Bennet has told me Elizabeth dearly loves to walk, and often traverses the woods in these areas alone."

The two sisters exchanged a look, one which Darcy couldn't help but notice.

"Would you allow Georgiana to walk alone?" Caroline asked.

"No." Darcy simply stated. "Georgiana is a young girl, and naïve about the world around her. Miss Elizabeth is a grown woman and I'm sure knows her own limits."

This whole conversation brought to mind the near debacle of the last summer with his sweet sister. If he hadn't arrived a day early… Never mind. Feeling unable to positively contribute to this new topic he excused himself, and went to his room. As he walked down the hall he saw Elizabeth exit the nearest door, the one Miss Bennet was staying in.

"Oh, excuse me!" She said, surprised to see Mr. Darcy so close to herself. "I did not see you, and I was trying to be quiet in closing the door."

"Is there anything you are in need of?" Darcy asked, staring at face. She looked troubled, the fire in her eyes nearly extinguished.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. I was hoping to be able to get some broth to feed to Jane. And some water."

Darcy took in her appearance, from her curling, dark hair, to the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. A warmth surged through him, and sudden, uncontrolled images began parading in his head. Shaking the thoughts away he said, "Yes, of course. Follow me." He held his arm out for Elizabeth, who hesitantly took it.

Walking slowly, so as to savor every second that her hand laid in the crook of his arm, he led her down the hall and to the nearest servant. He made the request for the broth and water, then escorted Elizabeth back up to the sick room.

"If there is ever anything else," Darcy said.

"Thank you, I shall call on Mr. Bingley." She quickly curtsied, then entered the room, shutting the door firmly behind her.

s-s-s

Who did he think he was? Elizabeth yelled within herself as she closed the door on his face. Did he think she didn't notice him staring at her hair? Her clothes? So her hair wasn't perfectly coiffed, and her clothes were stained with mud. What did it matter to him? It was of no consequence to him! He was nothing to her! Absolutely nothing!

Trying to calm herself, she breathed slowly, then once she stopped shaking she made her way to Jane's bed. Jane's eyes were half open, staring out the window. Her hair hung down her shoulder in a thick braid, her face was pale, but her eyes were red. Jane's fever was negligible, but Elizabeth still worried.

"I'm having some broth brought up, dearest," Elizabeth said, sitting in the chair she had placed beside the bed.

Jane turned her head and smiled, "Thank you for coming. I know the Bingleys are taking good care of me, but it comforts me to have you near."

Elizabeth smiled, and took Jane's hand in hers. Moments later there was a knock at the door, and a maid with a tray entered, followed by Caroline Bingley. Caroline excused the maid after the tray was set at the small table. Elizabeth took the bowl of broth in hand and began to spoon feed Jane, who took a few sips, then asked for water.

"Charles has asked again how you are faring." Caroline said.

"Better, now that Elizabeth is here."

Caroline looked Elizabeth up and down then returned her attention to Jane. "Is there anything else we can get you?"

"No, I think after this I'd like to sleep. I'm so tired."

Elizabeth managed to get a few more tablespoons full of broth into her mouth before Jane said she had had enough. Elizabeth replaced the bowl on the tray and Caroline rang the bell rope to have the food removed. The two ladies exited the room and went down to the parlor where Charles was pacing back and forth in front of the fire place.

"Well?" He asked, staring from one to the other.

"I do not think she can be moved today," Elizabeth said. "She is resting now."

"Yes, of course," Charles thought a moment. "I'm sure she takes comfort in your presence. I shall send to Longbourn for your things. You must stay here, Miss Elizabeth, until Jane is well."

Caroline cleared her throat rather audibly before Elizabeth thanked Bingley profusely for his generous offer.

"I know I'd feel miserable being so far away from her. Is there a room near hers that I might occupy?"

"Yes," Caroline said, "the one across the hall is available."

"Well," Charles said, clapping his hands together. "It is settled then."

As Elizabeth was showed to her room by Caroline she couldn't help the mixed emotions within her. She had longed to be near Jane, to personally minister to her. But to be under the same roof as Mr. Darcy? She doubted either of them would survive.