A/N Made some small but necessary changes to chapter 2 (after some feedback - thanks!) to the scene where Darcy visits Longbourn. Also the reasoning for Colonel Fitzwilliams being called.

13th November

Mr Bingley wrote a note to Mr Bennet and dispatched it via a footman to Longbourn, before sending a servant to rouse Mr Hurst from his bedchamber.

Some 20 minutes later, Mr Hurst entered the study. 'What is so urgent that I must be woken at this Godforsaken hour, Bingley?'

Bingley stood and moved around the desk to meet his brother. 'Sit down, Hurst. It concerns Louisa.'

'The Doctor has been, I hear. What news?'

'Yes, he's been and he will return shortly if you wish to speak to him yourself. The news is not good, my friend. First, I must ask and I apologise for the personal question…' Mr Bingley's ear tips turned red. 'Was Louisa in the family way? Did she say anything to you about the possibility?'

'Yes, yes. She suspected some weeks ago but just recently felt the quickening. We were going to announce it, but then she fell ill.' Mr Hurst's face fell as a thought struck him. 'Is it the baby?'

'The baby is an added complication.' Mr Bingley ran his hands over his face. 'Dammit man, there's no easy way to say this. Louisa has smallpox.'

Mr Hurst's jaw dropped. 'What's that? Smallpox, you say?'

'I'm afraid so. The Doctor has just been here.'

'Well, that's a damn nuisance. How long before she'll be well again? We're due back in town in a few weeks.'

'That's just it. According to the Doctor, if an increasing lady contracts the disease, it can cause miscarriage and even the death of the lady. It's too soon to know how this will turn out. You'll need to postpone your plans anyway, as we're now in quarantine.'

'Quarantine? I hope you've sufficient stocks of wine in your cellar, then. I'd better go up and see Louisa.'

'If you do, it would be prudent to keep some distance from her. I don't want you coming down with it as well. In fact, I suggest you take some time to talk with the Doctor yourself.'

Mr Hurst left to see his wife, and he had not been long gone when the study door swung open again and his sister, Caroline Bingley, strode in. 'Charles, just what is going on? Mr Hurst ignored me completely just now when I spoke to him.'

Mr Bingley, sitting behind his desk and staring at his hands, sighed. 'Louisa is very ill, Caroline.'

'No doubt influenza, just as I thought. Well, that is not unexpected, given we are living in the wilds of nowhere. Why you ever brought us here, Charles, I will—'

'It's not influenza, Caroline.' Mr Bingley looked up and his sister was momentarily stunned into silence by his expression. 'It's smallpox.'

'Smallpox? What, here?' She looked about wildly, 'I… We can't stay here. The risk is too great. I shall order the servants to start packing and we should leave for London immediately. We can hire nurses to care for Louisa until she's well again.'

'No. We cannot leave.'

'But I… we can't stay here. I refuse to stay and end up with my face all covered in pock marked like that hideous creature I saw—'

'We stay. I will not abandon my sister and her husband while she is ill. Besides, Netherfield is now in quarantine for the foreseeable future.' He sighed again then stood and moved around his desk. Taking her hand, he led her to a chair beside the fireplace 'Sit down. I need to explain more.'

Miss Bingley perched on the edge of the chair and looked at him, expectantly. 'Well, Charles?'

'The Doctor told me… Louisa… She is increasing.'

'Increasing? She never mentioned it to me. Are you sure?'

'Yes. Mr Hurst confirmed it. They were going to announce it once she was well again. However, it appears that her illness increases the likelihood of miscarriage.'

'Oh. Oh well.' Miss Bingley waved a hand. 'She can always have another.'

'It also increases her chance of…' Mr Bingley ran his hand through his tousled blond hair, tugging at the roots in distress. '…of not surviving.'

'What are you talking about, Charles?' Miss Bingley was all impatience. 'Are you sure you understood the Doctor correctly. Louisa isn't going to die.'

'I did understand him and, yes, she may die. We need to be prepared. Even if she survives it is possible the child will not. All ways lead to grief.'

'But…' Miss Bingley blinked rapidly, her face a mask of blankness.

Mr Bingley moved forward to place a hand gently on her shoulder. 'Courage, Caroline.'

While Mr Bingley was informing his family of Mrs Hurst's condition, Mr Darcy way paying a visit to Longbourn.

Mr Bennet was sitting behind his desk in his book room when Darcy tapped on his window.

Mr Bennet, curious at this unusual visitation, threw open his window as Darcy backed away and said, 'I must say, sir, this is not the normal way to visit your neighbours. Is there a reason you could not enter by the front door in the usual manner?'

Mr Darcy removed his hat and said, 'I apologise for the intrusion, Mr Bennet. However, given the news I have to impart, I think it best we keep this distance between us.'

'Please explain.'

Mr Darcy wasted no time in explaining the reason for his visit.

'Ah, in that case it seems I must forgive your unorthodox entry into my presence. So, Mrs Hurst appears to have contracted her illness from a servant at Lucas Lodge?'

Mr Darcy fiddled with hat brim and frowned. 'It appears so. She was hired as temporary help in the kitchens for the party, so it is possible there will be more infected that we do not know about.' He looked back along the drive, wondering if the Doctor was in sight. 'I left Dr Williams, Bingley's family physician from London, in discussion with Mr Jones, the apothecary. He was hoping to find out how many others he has seen recently with similar symptoms. He was to follow me here as I thought you might desire to speak with him. I apologise for his present absence, but time is of the essence in tracking down the source of infection or he would have been with me.'

'Yes, yes, I understand the urgency. It is not misplaced.' Mr Bennet's face drooped. 'Is my Jane also infected?'

'I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it is possible. Only time will tell. I beg pardon for the personal query, but I must ask… does anyone else in your family show any of the early symptoms… such as a cold, headache or fever?'

'Of those that visited Lucas Lodge two weeks ago, Mrs Bennet and Mary were well at breakfast. Kitty and Lydia are visiting my wife's sister, Mrs Philips, this morning but they seemed their usual silly selves at breakfast. My Lizzy, was she well this morning?'

Mr Darcy thought for a moment then nodded and stepped closer. 'I believe Miss Elizabeth was well. She breakfasted with her sister so I did not see her myself but the physician did. I will tell you that he said only those showing symptoms are contagious and should be isolated, so maybe...' He paused to smile, 'I could have used the front door after all.'

Mr Bennet returned the smile. 'You are already forgiven for that. Apart from the servant, are any others at Lucas Lodge displaying symptoms?'

'Two maids there apparently have colds but they say everyone else seems well. They have instigated quarantine procedures to prevent any more spread. Dr Williams plans on visiting the infected servant and her family, once he has finished speaking with the apothecary. However, it seems that Miss Maria Lucas has not been seen in public since the Lucas's party and no-one wants to talk about why.'

Mr Bennet's eyes glinted. 'Now, that is interesting. Maybe I should set my two youngest to finding out why.' He was lost in thought for a moment or two. 'Well, well. I assume Netherfield will also begin a quarantine. I am sorry that Mr Bingley will be obliged to house my two eldest for the foreseeable future. I would prefer them to be home, I must confess.'

'It is for the best and I am sure Bingley will be pleased to be of help. Do you want to send a message to them, or shall I take more clothing?'

'That is mighty good of you, sir. I will have Hill prepare some supplies for my girls, if you would be so good as to arrange transport, and I will have a note ready for my Lizzy by the time everything is ready. Please ensure I am kept informed about my daughters, if you would be so good.'

By mid-afternoon, Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley and the Doctor had reconvened at Netherfield. By this time, the number of confirmed and possible cases had risen to twelve. Six were confirmed - the servant and five members of her family, as well as Maria Lucas, who was apparently further advanced in the smallpox than Mrs Hurst. Two maids at Lucas Lodge had symptoms of influenza, as did the other suspected cases, all of them having been guests at Lucas Lodge for the party - Miss Bennet was included in this tally.

Information had been sent to all those households with members who had attended the party, advising them of the situation. The gentlemen were just closing their discussion when a messenger arrived with a note for Mr Bingley.

'Make that seven possible cases.' Mr Bingley said, his face solemn as he passed the note to the Doctor. 'This is a message from Mr Bennet. It seems Miss Lydia also has symptoms of influenza. She fell ill while visiting her aunt in Meryton, and is to be isolated there, along with his second youngest daughter, until she either recovers or develops the pox.'

Silence fell in the room as they contemplated the situation and prayed it was now contained. The possibility of a family losing a loved one, never mind two, was distressing to all.

The Doctor broke the silence. 'I know of two nurses who both survived smallpox and are now immune. With your agreement, sir…' he nodded to Mr Bingley, 'I shall send for them.'

Bingley started out of his thoughts. 'Yes, of course. A very good idea, indeed. How quickly can they be summoned?'

'An express sent now, would get them here by tomorrow lunchtime at the latest, if a suitable vehicle could be found to bring them,' he replied.

'Charles, if you arrange for an express rider,' suggested Mr Darcy, 'the Doctor and I can prepare messages to be delivered to the nurses and to my man in town to organise transport. I will also send for my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and have him escort the nurses here. I know he has been variolated and is immune to the smallpox and we will need someone to deal with the militia and co-ordinate with the authorities; they can help with any quarantines needed.'

'Excellent idea, Darcy. I'll have a rider summoned immediately.' Mr Bingley reached for the bell pull, and summoned the porter. 'You had all better start on your letters ready for his arrival.'

'By all means. If we may borrow your study?'

Mr Bingley waved them away, as he turned to speak to his man.

Mr Darcy took the Doctor to Bingley's study and provided him with paper, pen and ink, before seating him at a small writing desk, set in a window alcove. He then seated himself at Bingley's desk to dash off a note to his cousin and another to his steward, both currently at Darcy House. Sealing them, he removed his signet ring and pressed it into the wax on each missive.

Then he joined the Doctor, who was waiting for him having completed his own letters, and they went to re-join Bingley.

Soon the Express rider was on his way, the Doctor had gone to check on his patients and to discuss the situation with Miss Elizabeth, and those left had nothing more to do but wait.