Notes: This is a difficult chapter (half-chapter).
PPP
Upon arriving at Netherfield, the housekeeper, Mrs. Norris, accompanied them to the dining room where Caroline Bingley and her sister were finishing breakfast.
After a few brief greetings, Mrs. Bennet asked, "Miss. Bingley, we received your note this morning. How is my dear Jane?"
Worriedly, Miss Bingley replied, "I regret to inform you that he is not well. Since yesterday, he remains unconscious, and has a high fever."
Elizabeth turned pale, and with visible concern asked, "Has Mr. Jones examined her?"
Caroline nodded and responded, "Yes, he examined her last night and will return in a few hours to examine her again. He suggested that we should administer cold water cloths to her forehead and neck to help reduce the fever. She had a blow to the head, and he cannot determine the full extent of the consequences of her injuries until she wakes up." She paused briefly, then added, "I assure you that we are doing everything we can to help Jane recover. Even this morning, Mr. Darcy sent an express to his doctor in London requesting him to come to Netherfield as soon as possible."
Elizabeth closed her eyes, trying to contain her tears. Although Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst didn't explicitly say it, from the look on their faces and tone of voice, Elizabeth understood that Jane's condition was grave, there was a chance that she might not wake up.
Mrs. Bennet, who had not yet realized the severity of Jane's condition, said, "We are so grateful to have such thoughtful and caring neighbours like you! This morning after learning that Jane was sick, I told my daughters that I was convinced that you were going to take good care of my dear Jane. I am certain in a few days, she will recover…"
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were astonished to hear Mrs. Bennet's remarks. Elizabeth, growing impatient, interrupted her mother and asked, "Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, we would like to see Jane, would you be so kind as to tell us which room she is in?"
Both ladies nodded and escorted Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet to an elegantly furnished bedchamber located in the family wing of the house.
The room was dimly lit, and the windows were closed, causing the temperature inside to be warm. Upon entering, they were greeted by a young maid, who appeared exhausted from her duties. With Miss Bingley's permission, the maid got up from her seat near the bed and retired to rest.
As Mrs. Bennet approached the bed where Jane was sleeping, she noticed that her daughter looked unwell. Upon closer inspection, she saw that Jane was very pale, her breathing was heavy and laboured, and she was visibly agitated and delirious. It was at that precise moment that Mrs. Bennet realized that Jane was seriously ill.
For a few moments, Mrs. Bennet just stood there, looking at her daughter in shock and disbelief. Then, in a fit of desperation, she began to scream, "No, no, no…, Jane…, my dear Jane…, no, no, no…, this cannot be happening…. No, no, no…. I have palpitations." Before anyone could do anything, Mrs. Bennet touched her chest and collapsed.
Elizabeth, who was standing nearby, immediately attempted to stop her mother's head from hitting her head. However, her mother's weight caused Elizabeth to lose her balance, and she was unable to prevent the impact. Panicked, Elizabeth tried to rouse her mother, but to no avail. Mrs. Hurst quickly ran over to assist Elizabeth, while Miss Bingley went in search of a footman to help lift Mrs. Bennet. In addition, Miss Bingley requested the housekeeper to prepare a bedchamber for Mrs. Bennet.
Since the commotion was heard from the library, Darcy and Bingley – and even Hurst who was sleeping on the sofa – ran up the stairs, and saw when a burly footman carried Mrs. Bennet's lifeless body in his arms.