Jane was in the stillroom when she realised that Lizzy had not yet returned from her visits, and the weather had changed from the clear sharp blue of the morning. She watched as the clouds quickly gathered, and glued herself to the window looking for any sign of Lizzy. As the first flakes came hurtlingly down and the severity of the storm became clear, Jane made her way to her father's book room.
"Papa, Lizzy has not returned," Jane said once she had been granted permission the enter. She gestured to the window as the snow seemingly responded to her words by falling faster and thicker, swirling harder against the panes of glass.
Mr Bennet looked out of the window and then at her, his book was laid down as he took in the meaning of her words. "Where has she gone? Her walk should not have held her up so long."
Jane shook her head. "Lizzy was visiting the tenants. The Wrights, Brethertons, Mosleys, and Mr Kirkwood. She will have visited Mr Kirkwood last."
Mr Bennet frowned at the snow falling outside his window. "If she is not returned in the next quarter hour…," he trailed off. "I cannot send anyone out in this to look for her, it would be folly indeed."
Jane nodded acknowledging her father was correct but could not keep her countenance clear of her concern for her sister.
Mr Bennet reached out a hand and took hers in his. "Lizzy is a sensible girl."
Jane remained with her father, too concerned to return to the parlour with her sisters. After the quarter hour passed, she turned from the window. Lizzy would not risk walking in the snowstorm, her father was correct in that. She would have to believe that Lizzy had found shelter with one of the tenants.
Jane was subdued during the evening meal. Her eyes continually moved towards the windows which showed only unrelenting snow. When her mother enquired as to why Lizzy hadn't joined them for the meal Jane bit her lip and let her father answer, unable to offer something that would not cause her mother more distress.
"Lizzy was visiting with the tenants when the snow struck. She shall not be able to return to Longbourn until it has passed."
Her mother accepted the answer and mentioned the topic of Lizzy's absence no more. Jane spent the evening sitting with her sisters, but her embroidery lay forgotten in her lap as her mind wandered to her absent sister. She hoped that Lizzy had found shelter with the tenants. She would have to believe that was the case for the alternatives were something she did not wish to contemplate.
It was the small hours of the morning when the snow stopped. Jane was sat upon the windowsill, her lit candle shining out into the night, a beacon should her sister need one. The world was silent and still. The snow reflected the moonlight giving off an eerie glow almost bright enough to see by.
When dawn broke, Jane roused herself from her vigil. She dressed in her habit, determined that she would take a horse and search for her sister. She could not sit and do nothing, and she could reach the Kirkwood Farm in under an hour if she took care. If Lizzy was there, then she could accompany her home.
Jane left her room, descended the stairs and found that the servants were already bustling about their duties. She entered her father's study to see him tired and drawn, standing at his desk, a map spread out upon the top.
Jane approached to see that it was the map of Longbourn's lands and the surrounding areas. "Papa?"
"Ahh, Jane," Mr Bennet turned to her. "Come, my dear, you told me yesterday of the tenants Lizzy was visiting. I wonder if you might shed some light on the route she took. I have sent runners already to our neighbours to see if Lizzy is there, and out to the Kirkwoods and Mosleys, they shall report shortly, and we shall hopefully have good news.
Jane approached her father. "Papa perhaps while we wait for news, you should dress for the day?" she said delicately.
Mr Bennett stroked a hand over his face, the rasp of his unshaven whiskers illustrating Jane's point.
"Perhaps," he muttered. "You will not ride out until I return," he said nodding to her habit.
"No. I shall send Hill up with some hot water."
"Very good," he said tiredly and left the room with Jane on his heels to order the hot water for his absolutions. Half an hour later he returned to his book room where Jane had tea and a selection of food waiting for him and joined him in the meal.
They had just finished when Hill brought news from the first of the returning stable hands.
"Sir, Jimmy has returned, he has been out to the Mosley's farm. Miss Lizzy left them two hours before the snow started, saying she was heading to the Kirkwood farm. They haven't seen hide nor hair of her sir, but if there is a search to be started, they will take the paths towards the Kirkwoods. Mayhap she turned back towards them."
Mr Bennet nodded. "Thank you, Hill. Have Jimmy warm himself by the fire."
"Yes, sir."
Jane watched in silence as her father sat in thought for a moment before standing up and crossing back to the map laid out.
"Jane, how long does it take to walk from the Mosleys to the Kirkwoods? I confess I have only ever ridden the route."
Jane joined her father. Identifying the Mosley farm, she traced her finger to the Kirkwood property. "Lizzy could have gone one of two routes. Here, through these fields. That is the most direct, you cannot ride it unless you jump the hedges, but I have walked it with her once. Her preferred route is this one though," Jane traced another route. "This one takes you through the Mosley's southern pasture where they have their sheep. Lizzy takes an interest in the flock and prefers to take this route so she may see how they fare. Either route would take perhaps an hour if you were not rushing. If we believe that Lizzy left the Mosleys when they say she did she will have reached the Kirkwoods no more than an hour before the snow fell. Lizzy dislikes visiting Mr Kirkwood," Jane continued. "He knows she visits every sennight and never remains at home. He had that terrible cough; Lizzy will have had to search him out to ask after his health and check to see if he needed any more salve and tonics. Papa, I doubt she spent less than half an hour at the Kirkwoods. She would have been on her way home when the snow started."
Mr Bennet took Jane's hand. "Now my dear, I am sure Mr Kirkwood would offer Lizzy shelter no matter how little they liked each other."
"Lizzy would not ask it of him, Papa. I am sure of it."
Hill knocked on the door, interrupting them. "Mr Bingley is here sir, he asked to speak to you."
"Show him in Hill," Mr Bennet said. "I'm afraid we shall make poor company today."
"Mr Bennet, and Miss Bennet" Mr Bingley said as he entered the room. "Forgive me for intruding, but I was most concerned when your man told me of the matter. I have come to offer whatever aid I can. I hope you do not mind but I have brought some of my men with me to help with the search."
"I thank you, Mr Bingley, for your generosity. Lizzy was visiting tenants yesterday when the snowstorm began. As of yet, she has not returned to Longbourn. We are waiting on confirmation that she has taken shelter with the Kirkwoods, my most easterly tenants, but I fear we must prepare for a search nonetheless."
Hill knocked on the door again as she came into the room. "Sir, Thomas has returned. Miss Lizzy is not at the Kirkwood's."
Mr Bennet paled, then took in a breath. "Have my horse saddled, I shall be riding out just as soon as I may. Send in Jimmy and Thomas. I shall need to confirm the routes they took and where they shall need to start the search. They shall need to be accompanied by at least three men. We shall put your men to use as well Mr Bingley if you do not mind."
"Have Nelly saddled as well please Hill, I shall be accompanying my father."
"Search? Search for who? Mr Bennet, what is going on? What is all this rushing about?" Mrs Bennet asked as she came into the room. "Whatever is happening? Who is lost?"
Mr Bennet crossed to Mrs Bennet and guided her into one of the chairs by the fire. "My dear we have just received word that Lizzy did not wait out the storm with either the Kirkwoods or the Mosleys."
"The Kirkwoods? Oh no, Lizzy would not remain there."
"Indeed, but Lizzy is not here, and the Kirkwoods were her last visit."
Jane had never felt so keenly for her mother. She saw the realisation of Mr Bennet's statement dawn on her mother's face and was crossing the room to the chair as her mother let out a keening noise that startled everyone and had Hill running into the room.
"Lizzy!" Mrs Bennet cried. "Oh, my Lizzy! Oh, Mr Bennet, you must find her. You must! Oh! My Lizzy! What has become of her? Oh, Mr Bennet!"
Jane wrapped an arm around her mother and with Hill on the other side got her up and out of the chair. "We shall find her Mama. Papa and I will go and search for her, Mr Bingley will help, and our neighbours will come if needed. We will find her Mama."
As they reached the door, Hill nodded to a footman who took Jane's burden. "We'll take her upstairs Miss Jane," Hill said quietly over Mrs Bennet's sobbing. "Tea and perhaps her salts. You find Miss Lizzy."
Jane watched fighting her own tears as Hill led her disconsolate mother away. Kitty and Mary met them in the hall standing to one side as they passed before running to Jane.
"Jane!"
"What has happened? What is wrong with Mama?"
"Lizzy has not returned," Jane said quietly. "She left the Kirkwoods less than an hour before the snow started yesterday. She was likely caught in it."
"She has been out all night?" Kitty asked in horror.
Jane took hold of her hand. "I hope she has not. Papa is going to search for her, I am going to accompany him."
"What can we do?" Mary asked.
"Comfort Mama. Papa sent out messages looking for Lizzy to our neighbours. They will be returning with news and likely people to help search. You must receive them. I shall be going with Papa and Mr Bingley, we will be going on horseback towards the Kirkwoods before turning back. Hill will help you. We shall be leaving shortly, both of you, run upstairs and fetch me your winter shawls and wraps."
As Mary and Kitty headed for the stairs, Jane turned back to her father's book room. Mr Bingley had joined her father at his desk staring down at the map, discussing the directions the men would be taking.
"Do we know where else Miss Elizabeth might have walked? My sister once called her a prodigious walker, and I have discovered nothing that would persuade me otherwise." Mr Bingley turned to ask her as she drew up to the desk.
"I know Lizzy's walks, Mr Bingley," Jane answered. "My knowledge of Longbourn's land is not as detailed as my sister's, but Lizzy has always told me of her routes. When we were younger it assured us that someone would know in which direction to look should it be necessary."
Jane leant over the map; she placed a finger on the Kirkwood farm. "We must believe that Lizzy left the Kirkwoods with the aim of returning to Longbourn. There is only one route she could take from the property for the first half mile, but after that, there are three possible avenues."
"The first is this one, it is a westerly track that leads back towards the Mosleys but turns again and heads towards the lane to Lucas Lodge. The second is this one, it follows the stream over these two fields. But I do not think Lizzy would have taken it. That second field is quite wet and crossing on foot would be difficult. That leaves the final route here down through the most eastern fields.
"Miss Elizabeth is friends with Miss Lucas, would she not have set off to call on her friend?"
Jane shook her head. "Lizzy would not be dressed for visits, but if she felt it was close enough, she might have tried for it."
"I shall instruct Jimmy and Thomas to lead the searches towards the two other options and call upon Lucas Lodge, but I shall take the eastern fields route," Mr Bennet decided.
"I am coming with you, Papa."
"I shall join you as well, Mr Bennet, with your permission," Mr Bingley added.
Mr Bennet nodded, leading the way to the hall where Hill waited with his coat and hat. Mary and Kitty had piled the shawls and wraps Jane had requested upon the table. They hovered anxiously beside Hill.
Jane pulled on her gloves and bonnet. She secured her shawl more firmly around her shoulders then added more from the pile on the table, then finally pulled her heavy cloak about her.
"You fear to be cold Miss Bennet?" Mr Bingley asked puzzled.
Jane merely smiled as she wrapped the four scarves Kitty and Mary had also collected about her neck, aware of her father's growing impatience and need to be off. Finally ready, she nodded to her father and followed him out to the front of the house where the horses had been brought around.
Once mounted they headed out across the snowy ground. The going was slow as the deep snow disguised the paths and ditches and care had to be taken not to foul the horses on some hidden obstacle. There was little conversation to be had as they each scoured the landscape ahead looking for any sign of Elizabeth.
They reached the easternmost fields after an hour and a half of cautious progress. They rode carefully around the perimeter, and as they did so, Mr Bingley let out a startled exclamation. "Look!" he pointed at the ground in the next field over. Jane focused on what he was pointing to.
"Footprints! Do you think it could be Lizzy, Papa?"
Mr Bingley leaned over the side of his horse trying to get a better view. "They might be, see the drag marks, that might be caused by a lady's skirts."
"Then we must follow them," Jane declared.
"I regret," Mr Bingley replied shaking his head, "that I am not such a huntsman I can tell which way they are heading."
Mr Bennet twisted about on top of his horse. "The tracks do not lend themselves towards Longbourn, yet I fear that it is unlikely that any other lady would be this far out. We shall have to follow them, and as for direction, they head towards that gate. We shall have to see where they lead us from there."
They rode up to the gate at the top of the field. Whoever had left the footprints had climbed over the gate knocking the snow off. However, there was a large patch of disturbed snow where they appeared to have fallen and struggled to stand.
Jane said nothing only looking at her father whose face became a grim mask. They turned their horses to follow the footprints as they meandered across the field. The direction steadily led east away from Longbourn and any of the tenants. Jane's anxiety for her sister had long grown to nagging fear and the longer they searched for her and the further they went from Longbourn the more her fear grew.
They crossed three more fields before something caught Jane's eye. She turned her head sharply looking for whatever it was that she thought she had seen. Squinting against the sunlight that was bouncing off the snow, she thought she saw a dark green shape moving. Jane reined Nelly up as she stared harder at the spot. It was by the hedge, and despite the bright snow, the hedge was shaded. She saw it move again and Jane no longer doubted.
The cry of her sister's name had left her mouth before she could stop it, giving voice to her fears. Jane turned Nelly's head and applied the whip to the mare in the same instant. Heedless of the dangers presented by the hidden surface Jane cantered across the field towards the shape she had spied.
She hadn't quite reached the hedge when she saw her sister's deathly white face turn towards her. Lizzy raised a hand, but as she did so, Jane swore she saw her eyes roll back as her sister crumpled. Another scream of fear left Jane's throat as she savagely reined Nelly up and leapt from her saddle. Thankfully she landed on her feet, and she threw herself across the snow to her sister.
Gathering Lizzy up in her arms she looked up only to assure herself that Mr Bingley and her father were also dismounting. "She's cold, so very cold."
"We must get her up out of the snow," Mr Bennet said as he crouched in front of his daughters. Tenderly he took hold of Elizabeth's hands in his own.
Jane nodded, her fingers scrabbling at the fastenings at her throat. She stripped off her cloak and began pulling the extra shawls she wore from around her shoulders and scarves from her neck. She wrapped the shawls around Lizzy's shoulders and the scarves around her neck and head tucking them tightly so they would not become loose.
"Jane put your cloak back on," Mr Bennet instructed. "Let Mr Bingley catch Nelly then he can hand Lizzy up to me. We do not have time to wait for a cart, Lizzy needs to be taken home and warmed before the cold kills her."
Jane nodded retying her cloak around her hurriedly and fastening it. Mr Bingley brought Nelly back over to Jane before carefully lifting Lizzy from the snow. It took a moment for Mr Bennet to settle Lizzy's weight in front of him on top of his horse, but he managed to wrap one arm around Elizabeth and hold the reins with the other. Mr Bingley offered Jane his cupped hands so she could remount before leaping onto his horse.
"You will be unable to go too quickly with Miss Elizabeth in front of you and unconscious. I suggest that I ride ahead and fetch Mr Jones. I shall bring him directly back to Longbourn so Miss Elizabeth can be seen as soon as she may."
"I thank you, Mr Bingley, that is a sound plan. Jane and I will make haste, but as you say, it shall not be easy."
Mr Bingley nodded to Mr Bennet and gave Jane a lingering glance before turning his horse and cantering gently over the field.
"Come Papa we must return."
"Yes," Mr Bennet agreed, clutching Elizabeth tightly. "Lead on Jane."
Jane turned Nelly after Mr Bingley and set a brisk walking pace. "Do you think you can hold Lizzy if we increase our pace? I can lead Snapdragon."
"I think we shall have to make the attempt. I fear Lizzy has been too long in the cold." Mr Bennet pulled his horse up passing the rein to Jane who brought it forward over Snapdragon's head. Mr Bennet adjusted his hold on Lizzy so that she was cradled in his arms with her weight resting upon the horse. Jane gave her father a nod, and he put his heels to Snapdragon as Jane encouraged Nelly on. A short burst of an uncomfortable jog turned to a smooth trot as the two horses headed back to Longbourn.
The ride back was intolerable to Jane. Care had to be taken but every moment they were outside in the cold pulled across her nerves. Lizzy roused a little enough to mutter incomprehensible words. Mr Bennet tried to provoke her further but was unable to get any coherent response. Encouraged and fearful they increased their pace, following the trail that they had cut through the snow on their way out.
When Longbourn came into view, Jane felt like weeping. She led them to the front of the house where Hill, Kitty and Mary spilt out of the front door to greet them. Mary and Kitty ran forward but halted at the sight of an unconscious Lizzy clutched in her father's arms.
Hill directed a footman to take Elizabeth while calling for a maid to bring the copper tub and hot water to Elizabeth's room. Jane dismounted Nelly, her legs giving way slightly as she did so from the extended time in the saddle.
Mr Bennet placed a hand under her arm, offering support. "Come, my dear, you should get inside and warm as soon as you may. Have Mary ring for some tea for you."
"You should warm up too, Papa," Jane said accepting the support as they entered the house and stripped off their outwear.
"And I shall, my dear. I wish to see Lizzy first."
Jane shook her head. "Hill is calling for a bath for her. Sit by the fire Papa, I shall check on Lizzy."
Mr Bennet sent a lingering look up towards the stairs but nodded his head and moved towards the parlour.
"Mary, has Mr Bingley returned with Mr Jones?" Jane asked her hovering sister.
"Oh, yes, he is in the parlour. Shall I fetch him?"
"If Hill has not already informed him of our arrival, please can you take him to Lizzy. Kitty, can you bring Papa a cup of tea? And Mr Bingley, and perhaps some food."
"Yes, Jane. The Lucas's came when they heard, but Mr Bingley arrived and told them Lizzy was found, so they left again. I believe Charlotte will be calling again tomorrow."
"How is Mama?"
"She is resting. She has not been told Lizzy has been found yet as she was sleeping when Mr Bingley arrived."
"That is quite alright, I shall see her after I change." Jane nodded to herself and then headed for the stairs. She had noticed when she removed all the extra layers she had been wearing, that it was quite cold. While their return had been more active and quicker than the path out, she was feeling quite chilled. Jane paused outside her door, the maids were bringing jugs of hot water to Lizzy's room, and Jane wished to see her, to ensure that her sister was well. Determined she entered her room. She would change quickly, then see to Lizzy.
Hill had other ideas. The housekeeper bustled her out of the room. "You should go downstairs Miss Jane, we have everything in hand here. Miss Lizzy is in a warm bath, and Mr Jones has seen her. He is downstairs with your father. You need to get something warm inside yourself. Leave Miss Lizzy to us."
The gentlemen rose as Jane entered the room.
"Miss Bennet," Mr Jones greeted her. "You are suffering no lingering effects from your ride? Your father tells me you carried extra shawls and scarves to wrap your sister in. I commend your forethought, though I hope you have not taken a chill yourself?"
"No, Mr Jones, I am perfectly well but how is Lizzy? "
"Your housekeeper, Mrs Hill, an excellent woman, is seeing to the gradual warming of Miss Elizabeth, the process must be done slowly so as not to send the body into shock and perhaps convulsions. That must be avoided at all costs. The bath began cold and warmed by the fire, and the slow addition of warm water shall continue for a time. It is good news that Miss Elizabeth was able to speak when you found her even if her words were confused. The cold you see takes a toll on the body and the mind. Confusion, disorientation, these are all to be expected."
"Is that why Lizzy was so lost? My sister knows Longbourn's lands, it is nearly inconceivable she should be headed so wrong."
"Indeed yes, if as we suspect, your sister spent the night without shelter it is frankly a testament to her health that she is only as ill as she is. Miss Bennet, this perhaps is not for delicate ears, but I must stress that most would not have survived such an experience. Your sister is beyond fortunate. And because she has shown such strength of will in returning to you, everything that can be done to return her to herself will be done. As to that, Miss Elizabeth must be kept warm, I would suggest that the warming pans be replaced once they cool. If she should rouse, then she must be kept abed. Warm sweetened tea should be administered along with soups, warm food essentially. Miss Elizabeth will be sleepy and likely confused about her surroundings. She must be kept calm, as any excitement of her nerves will only tire her more quickly and elongate her recovery. I shall return tomorrow to see how she fared overnight."
"Thank you, Mr Jones."
Mr Jones nodded and then stood, Mr Bennet walked him out, leaving Jane and Mr Bingley alone.
"Jane, I fear you must desire my absence. Indeed, I must return to Netherfield. I only wish to convey to you my very deepest wishes for the swift recovery of your sister and, well my deepest admiration for you. As much as my absence shall pain me, I cannot be so selfish as to pull you away from caring for your sister. I know you shall be desirous to see to Miss Elizabeth as diligently as she saw to you at Netherfield. I propose then that I shall return in two days in the hopes that your sister is much recovered and that you feel that a half-hour visit would not leave her without care."
"You are very understanding Charles. I thank you for it. I do wish to care for Lizzy, but I do not wish for you to think that should you visit, I should consider it an intrusion. You would be welcome."
"Nevertheless, I shall return in two days. If you need anything at all, send a message to Netherfield, I shall come at once. At once, Jane." Mr Bingley took her hand, pressing it between his own to convey his sincerity.
"If that is what you wish, then I shall do so Charles. I do thank you for your kindness and help today."
"I confess I thought only of you."
