"God I can't believe mum was so stupid," Elle mumbled under her breath as she grabbed a sports bag and began filling it with thing Jane would need. She also grabbed a change of clothes for herself, as there was no way she would leave a sick Jane in a house with Will and Carol.

Charlie had called around seven o'clock that evening explaining how he didn't think she was well enough to come home. Mrs Bennet had been delighted of course; her 'plan' had worked perfectly. Elle seemed to be the only one who cared, her father was still in his study and hadn't heard the news, and her other sisters were too busy doing their own thing.

Elle began walking to the door with the bag on her shoulder, her novel and notes in her left hand, gently tucking them underneath the bags protective cover. "When do you think your going?"

It was her mother who was leaning against the door, arms crossed and her gaze switching between Elle's bag, her waterproof jacket and her face.

Elle sighed but didn't answer right away instead she focused on zipping up her bag. Her movements were deliberately slow, in the hope that Mrs Bennet would get bored and leave. No such luck, there only came a loud, rapid tapping of the foot to symbolise her impatience.

"I am going to the Netherfield estate to make sure Jane isn't seriously sick."

"You can't do that, " her mothers face turned to one you might expect to see when someone views a dead body. Mrs Bennet's face was twisted into a look of distaste and moderate confusion, "This is Jane's chance to get Charles to spend all his time with her, ensure their relationship is solid.

Mrs Bennet made it sound as though it was the simplest thing in the world. But when this sort of thing involves a person as shy as Jane it is easier said than done.

Elle walked the rest of the way to the front door, pulled it open to reveal heavy rain and chilling wind. "I'm call to let you know how she is and when we're coming back."

The door slammed shut leaving a read faced Mrs Bennet to stew in her own anger and wonder what was going to happen.

XXX

Netherfield Park was truly breathtaking. The beautiful flowering gardens were dominated by the magnificent Edwardian style building. The mansion was tucked neatly between two mighty oaks, partially sheltering it from view. The white walls were tastefully decorated with intricate mouldings around the windows and eaves. All the windows were arched giving a sense of grandeur, and multipliable balconies overlooked the surrounding grounds.

Elle was not easily intimated and had seen all this before, and so did not send more than five minutes taking in the site. Unlike the first time she was old enough to appreciate it's beauty, she had spent the better part of an hour simply walking around the grounds taking it all in.

She walked up the drive and stopped outside the beautiful solid pine door. She pulled the strap of her bag more securely onto her shoulder, took a deep breath and rang the ornate doorbell. It was a few minutes before she could hear movement on the other side of the door.

"I think that is the food," came a deep voice just as the door opened, " How much do I owe you?" Will asked as he pushed the door the rest of the way open, while opening his wallet.

"I'm here for my sister not your money, " Elle spoke which caused Will to look up.

His eyes took all of her in, starting from her feet and working his way up. Her once green boots were caked in mud, as well as most of her jeans. Her hands were white with the cold, her hair was tangled and verging on out of control, and her cheeks were flushed from the exercise. He did not seem to notice her dishevelled appearance but was focusing on her eyes. Her dark hazel eyes, flecked with gold seemed to spark in the fading light.

"Is that the pizza William?" Carol's croaky voice brought Will's attention back to the present. Carol's face dropped as she came out into the hall and saw Elle standing in the doorway.

"Sorry, I am actually here to see my sister. How is she?" Elle asked, her concern evident.

"She's upstairs. Charlie's just gone up to check on her," Will sated while pointing to the staircase behind him yet not once did his eyes leave her. " The room is to the right, then third on your left."

"Okay, thanks " Elle practically ran to the stairs to get away from both their strange staring.

Once Carol was sure Elle was out of earshot she began talking, " My goodness did you see her clothes, she looked like she had been dragged through a field." Carol had seen the Will was looking at Elle and this was her attempt at damage control. "And did you see her hair, she looked positively wild. Do you not agree William?"

Will only realised that she was talking to him when he heard his name. He gave a noncommittal nod of the head, which was enough to satisfy her. Carol decided to make the most of them being alone and wrapped one of her stick-thin arms around his neck.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked in a voice, which Will guessed was supposed to be seductive.

"A pair of eyes. Eyes that are brown but an unidentifiable shade," Will replied without thinking. He wished he had not said anything as Carol was now giggling and trying to act bashful. He realised that she was talking about her, even though her eyes are more green than brown. He decided it would be easier not to correct her and moved back into the room were he had been watching TV. He sat in a cream suede armchair which forced Carol to find her own seat as his was only made to hold one person.

XXX

As Elle walked up the stairs she could not help noticing that it was use as well decorated as she had imagined it would be. The elaborately coloured moulds of aubergine and gold lined the ceiling. She continued down the corridor following Will's instructions. She thought she might have made a wrong turn but she could just make one the sound of voices. She pushed open the door and saw Jane lying on a bed rapped up in about five blankets. Charlie sat on her right holding a cup full of steaming liquid.

Elle cleared her throat causing the scene between them to break up. She almost felt bad for disturbing their moment but she wanted to see her sister. Jane turned to the door with a look of confusion yet she was happy her sister was here. Charlie looked shocked as well but greeted Elle warmly, " I will leave you two alone, " he walked towards the door and Elle towards Jane, "I hope you will stay. I will have the room across from this one set up for you."

"Thank you Charlie that would be great and thanks for looking after her, it means a lot," Elle smiled at him as he exited the room.

"How are you feeling Jane?" Elle asked as she came and sat down on the edge of the bed. Elle felt Jane's forehead with the back of her hand, "You are really hot, I'll get you something." She walked into the adjoining bathroom, soaked a flannel in some cold water, wrung it out and walked back to Jane. She dabbed a Jane's face gently before resting it on her forehead.

"Thanks Ellie what would I do with out you," Jane whispered in a dry throaty voice.

"Probably have Charlie playing nurse," Elle replied with a sly smile.

Jane tried to laugh but it came out like a cough, " Please don't make me laugh Ellie, it hurts too much."

Elle stayed with Jane, and Charlie came in to check on her a few times, as well as bring some food up for Elle. When Jane was finally asleep Elle decided she had better make an appearance down stairs.

She walked to where she thought she heard people talking. She opened the door to find herself in the kitchen along with Carol, Will and Charlie. "Jane's asleep," she stated for Charlie's benefit more than anyone else's.

"Would you like to borrow some clothes Elle, as yours seem to be dirty," Carol asked in sweet tone, " I mean you did walk all the way here did you not?"

"Yes I did," Elle replied simply. She would try and play nice for Jane's sake but she didn't know how long she would last.

"Why walk?" Carol questioned further.

"I didn't think about it, as soon as I heard Jane was sick I was out the door. Besides I don't have a car."

"Well that is very… sweet of you but I know that if it was me I wouldn't walk, it could ruin my outfit," Carol stated almost as if she were proud of what she had just said.

"Thanks Carol, I love you too," Charlie answered with a laugh.

"Fair enough, after all it reflects more on you than it does on me," Elle countered and watched Carol's smile turn in to a thin strained line. Will had to agree with Elle it made Carol sound even more superficial than she already was.

"I think I'll go to bed now."

"Fascinating," Carol whispered as Elle turned and left the room.

Thanks to everyone who read my last chapter and thanks to those who reviewed. Hope you like this chapter. Until next time.