A special thank you to everyone who have been so encouraging.
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Richard Fitzwilliam awoke with much consternation and agitation. His legs tangled in the sheet, body covered in sweat, breathing ragged, nostrils again filled with the lingering memories of rot and watered death, Richard was scarcely able to sling himself to the floor before a full casting of accounts.
After performing rather lengthy ablutions, Richard found himself again astride his horse, allowing the animal to assist him is pounding the memories into dust under the hooves; to dissipate the uneasiness, and to flush the fetid smell which would not abate otherwise. He rode his mount hard for a time, then brought him back to a walk once sensing the horse beginning to fatigue. It was far too early to expect any gentleman to be about, let alone meet for an engagement. In his haste to make arrangements, he neglected to be through, and had overlooked agreeing upon a time with which to meet.. 'I lose more of my diligence the longer I am away from the red coat. This shall not be borne; not at all!'Richard chastised himself. He guided his horse in the general direction of the Lucas' home, desiring Mr. Lucas to have risen as early as he. 'I wonder if he recalls me', he said, for only his horse to hear.
...***...
John Lucas was glad to be awakened by the maids bustling about with their morning duties. In his quick discussion with Mr. Fitzwilliam to arrange a local journey for fish, they had neglected to settle upon a time, or even a location! Since the information of his fishing prowess has come through Jane, and he was far more likely to catch his thumb or a tree limb than an actual fish, he had come to the conclusion that information was sought rather than an actual fish. Word was left that he would likely return before the family sat down to break their fast, and rode in the general direction of Netherfield Park, leaving the neglected tackle in a web strewn corner of the garden shed.
...***...
'Mary. Mary! Do you hear a goat, or have I taken leave of my senses?' Lizzy whispered.
'The two statements are not mutually exclusive, Lizzy.' uttered a barely awake and slightly vexed Mary, ' You can have taken leave of your scenes and yet still hear a goat.', her dry wit clear.
Lizzy crossed to the window and pushed back the curtains, to Mary's objection,'There is a goat! It's Mischief! She's in the peppermint and the yarrow of the herb garden. Quick! Dress and help me!' Chaos ensued as the two young ladies dressed in simple morning dresses that required little assistance.
Mary chastised Lizzy,'If you are going to rush and go without your stays, at least don a Spencer to contain your bosom! What will we do once we catch her?'Asked Mary, as she secured herself as solidly as time would permit.
'I was going to attempt to lure her with an apple, then we could take her to Jimmy and ask her to return her to Mr. Jenkins.' Without further discussion, Lizzy opened the door and went below stairs far more rapid than was deemed proper, rushed through the kitchen, and into the herb garden. Sarah, with their morning tray nearly ready to take, turned and followed in quick pursuit. "Miss! Miss!'
Upon seeing Miss Elizabeth's intent, she knew she must divert her charge's impetuousness quickly. 'I'll take her Miss. To the stable?'
'Yes. Ask Jimmy to return her to the apothecary.'
'Yes, Miss.'
Mrs. Bennett was awake and sitting on her stool as the cacophony of chaos hit her ears. As quick as she might, she looked out her window to see one of the twins run beneath at a full run without her stays. The site through her window inflamed her to immediate tumult,' Whore! Running about with her diddeys unfettered like some three-penny upright! This shall not be borne!Your trumpery will not be allowed to taint the good girls in this house!' She threw her door open without regard, and lumbered towards the stairs. Her numb toes and feet caused her to lurch and sway as she took her first step. Her feet failed her, and no amount of clutching at empty air as she tumbled horribly down the stairs; and then silence.
Sarah was able to charm Mischief into following her with a stale crust of bread in her hand. Jimmy came to them with a rope, meeting them before they had walked all the way to the barn. 'When you take Mischief back, please ask Mr. Jenkins to pay a call. Mrs. Bennett has been most unwell these past days and has asked that he come.'
Mischief was led back to the barn, and Jimmy loaded her into the cart meant for small livestock transport. With practiced speed, Jimmy had the cart ready and proceeded to make his way to the apothecary without pressing haste.
Sarah entered the house through the kitchen, her nostrils assailed by the acrid pungency of the miasma of the most ill. She followed the thick odor, and was shocked by the scene she had come upon.
Mrs. Bennett lay at the base of the stairs, her legs still upon the last stair. Every woman within the household were gathered around her.
Jane, cleared her throat, straitened her shoulders, and knelt down to her. She stretched her hand across Mrs. Bennett's nose and mouth. She thought she felt breath, but was uncertain. 'Kitty, fetch a spoon from the dining room. You', she said to the maids, 'prepare her room for her. Put away any item that will not be readily needed. She will need rags and clean linen. You,'she looked at the cook,' I want you to start a thin broth, and she'll likely need hot water. Also, bring your herb kit. You,' She looked at Mary,' Make utmost haste to the barn and send Jimmy to Mr. Jenkins. You,'She looked at Lizzy,'Find Thomas and apprise him.' Jane, still kneeling upon the floor, sagged a little,overwhelmed at the enormity of it all.
...***...
Glossary:
consternation – a feeling of anxiety, often lingering, usually unexpected
casting of accounts -vomit
ablutions – washing/personal hygiene
spencer - a high waisted jacket
diddeys – breasts
three-penny upright – a prostitute who works standing up
trumpery – whore-like behavior
Relevant Information:
mint and yarrow are well known herbs for decreasing/drying up a milk supply