Notes: unedited chapter.
PPP
The Bennet family was gathered in de dining room finishing breakfast when a footman entered with a note for Mr. Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet, who was always curious about everything, asked "Well, Mr. Bennet, who is it from?"
Frowning, he replied, "It's from Netherfield Park."
As he read the note, a look of shock and pain washed over his face, and he clutched at his chest. He then placed the note on the table.
Mrs. Bennet, now concerned, asked, "What is wrong Mr. Bennet? What does the note say?" Relatively alarmed Mrs. Bennet asked.
Elizabeth, who was seated next to her father, picked up the note and read it aloud.
November 7, 1811
Dear Mr. Bennet,
I am the bearer of distressing news. Our coachman found Miss Bennet lying on the side of the road, half a mile away from Netherfield. She was drenched from the rain and shivering from the cold. The coachman assessed the situation and decided to bring her to Netherfield since it was closer than Longbourn.
Upon arrival, we immediately tended to Miss Bennet's needs by providing her with dry clothing and warm blankets; but she is not well.
We are currently waiting for Mr. Jones to arrive and examine Miss Bennet's health. We are doing everything we can to make her as comfortable as possible.
Sincerely,
Caroline Bingley
The dining room was filled with an uncomfortable silence that lasted several seconds. Not even Mrs. Bennet, who was known for her incessant chatter, said a word of complained of her nerves. Elizabeth's concern about Jane's health was palpable, and she was the first to break the silence, "Poor Jane! Father, I am going to Netherfield."
Mr. Bennet nodded and replied, "Yes, Lizzy. I will ask Mr. Hill to prepare the carriage as soon as possible." Without wasting any time, he rose from his seat and headed towards the door to give the necessary instructions.
Mrs. Bennet cried, "I am going with you, Lizzy. What better than a mother to take care of her daughter…"
Elizabeth nodded, and Mrs. Bennet continued to speak, "I am sure that in two- or three-days Jane will feel much better…. The most important thing is that she will have the opportunity to spend several days in Netherfield!"
Mary went to her bedchamber and handed Elizabeth her prayer book to read to Jane. Kitty and Lydia also expressed their desire to go to Netherfield, but Mr. Bennet prohibited them from leaving Longbourn that day.
In less than ten minutes, Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet set off for Netherfield. However, due to the strong storm, the road was in terrible condition, and it took them almost an hour to travel the three miles from Longbourn to Netherfield. During the ride, Mrs. Bennet constantly complained about the state of the roads, her nerves, and the fact that the carriage was not comfortable for her liking.
Elizabeth, who was worried about her sister's condition, almost lost her patience with her mother several times. She believed that her mother was the main reason for Jane's accident, and she was unaware of the severity of Jane's injury. Despite her mother's constant chatter, Elizabeth tried to remain calm, hoping to reach Netherfield as quickly as possible.