Chapter 8

Time moved on, and Mary grew up, blossoming in young woman of average grace and intelligence. She caught the eye of John's head clerk, Mr. Philips, and the two fell deeply in love. Their wedding was a joyous occasion, filled with laughter and hope for the future. After much persuasion, I convinced John to let Mr. Phil become his partner, knowing that Edward would not be taking over the business.

As the days of early winter unfolded, a sense of unease gnawed at my heart. I could not shake the foreboding knowledge of what this year held: smallpox was on the horizon, threatening to devastate our town. I felt an urgent need to protect my family and friends.

One evening, as John and I sat in our sitting room, the warmth of the fire casting a comforting glow, I decided it was time to broach the subject.

"John," I began, my voice trembling slightly, "I have been thinking. Perhaps it would be wise for you to take young Edward and the girls to London for a while."

John looked up from the book, concern etching his features. "Rachel, what's brought this on? Why would we leave now?"

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. "There is something coming, something dangerous. I can feel it. Please, just trust me on this."

Tears welled up in my eyes. I had hoped it would not come to this. "John, you know where I come from. I know the future. I know I promised not to let it affect me. Yet, I know this year, smallpox will ravage our town. It will take so many lives…please, you have to believe me."

John's eyes widened in shock, and he pulled me closer. "Rachel, but what about yourself? You ask me to leave yet you want to stay?"

I buried my face in his chest, sobbing. "I am protected, in my time that was a vaccination that prevents me from getting the disease. So, I must stay behind and help, perhaps I can prevent more people from dying, but you please, you have to go, I can't bear the thought of losing you, or the children. Please, take them to London. Save them."

He held me tight, his own emotions a tumultuous storm. "Rachel…if you have seen this, can't we find a way to prevent it here? With your knowledge, surely, we can do something."

I shook my head, desperation in my voice. "I have tried to think of everything, John, but this disease is relentless. The best change for our family is to get them away from here, where they will be safe."

John cupped my face in his hands, his eyes filled with love and determination. "Rachel, I cannot leave you here alone. If there's a chance, I can help fight this, I want to be here with you. I love you too much to leave you behind."

My heart ached with the weight of his words. "John, I cannot bear the thought of you getting sick. If you stay, you might not survive. Please, for me, for the children…go to London."

He wiped away my tears, his resolve unwavering. "Rachel, my place is by your side. We will face this together. I promise, with your knowledge and my determination, we will get through this. But I cannot abandon you. I love you, and that is not something I can walk away from."

I clung to him, a mix of fear and love coursing through me. "I do not know what I would do without you, John. I am so scared."

He kissed my forehead gently. "We will be alright, Rachel. We will do everything we can to protect our family and our town. Together."

The next morning, I decided to call on Elizabeth to see if her family would leave and take little Edward and Frances with them. Mary was in London for her honeymonth. As I approached Longborn, a sense of urgency quickened my steps. When I arrived, Elizabeth rushed to me, her face pale and eyes wide with worry.

"Rachel," she exclaimed, "Henry has been feverish all night. We do not know what's wrong."

My heart sank. It had arrived in town, I just knew it. I had not expected it to start at the Bennet house. John, who had come with me, squeezed my hand for reassurance.

"Elizabeth," I said, my voice trembling, "I need to talk to you and Harry. This is important."

She nodded, leading us inside. Harry was by Henry's bedside, looking distressed. He turned to us as we entered, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

"Rachel, what can you do for Henry." Harry asked.

"Harry, have a maid attend Harry, bring him the fever tea, and cooling rages while we talk in the sitting room."

"What is going on Rachel?" Harry asked as soon as we all sat.

John and I exchanged glances. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Harry Elizabeth, there is something you need to know. I have been dreading this moment, but it is here. Smallpox has arrived."

Elizabeth's eyes widened in horror. "Smallpox? Are you certain?"

"I am," I replied, my voice steady despite the fear churning inside me. "And it's going to spread rapidly. We need to act fast to protect our loved ones. Elizabeth, Harry, you both know I am from the future. I have seen what happens."

Harry's face hardened. "What are you suggesting, Rachel?"

"I am suggesting that you take little Edward and the girls to Oxford," I said, looking at Elizabeth. "Visit Thomas. Henry is already sick, and we need to contain this as much as possible. Harry, I know you feel responsible for your son and tenants, but your family's safety must come first."

Herry shook his head, frustration and fear evident in his eyes. "I cannot leave my tenants, Rachel, They depend on me. And I cannot abandon Henry in his condition."

Elizabeth gripped his arm. "Harry, please. We cannot risk losing everyone. If Rachel says it is serious, we have to believe her."

Harry looked lovingly into his wife's eyes, "I love you my darling, but you know, you must know I cannot leave my responsibilities. You and Rachel should take the children to Oxford. Keep them safe."

"Stubborn, stupid men!" I said, "I am vaccinated from this disease, I can help those without putting myself in harm, but you and John you are both stubborn ASS that what you are!" I burst into tears, Elizabeth came over and wrapped her arms around me, looking at the men with pleading eyes.

Both men looked at me shocked from the language I used. Then Harry face changed to a mixture of determination and worry. "Rachel, I understand your concerns, but I have a duty to my tenants and my son. I cannot abandon them, especially now when they need me the most."

John took a deep breath, his voice softening. "Rachel, I understand your fears, but you are right. You have the medical knowledge to help. We must do what we can to protect as many as possible, and you cannot do it alone. I can help. Eilzabeth, take the children and go to Oxford."

"Elizabeth," I spoke up, "to make sure that you have not caught the infection yet, you and the children should isolate yourselves for four days to ensure no one is contagious, then you may proceed to Oxford."

Harry nodded, his expression resolute. "Elizabeth, you must go. I will stay here to help Henry and look after the tenants. We cannot afford to lose you or the children."

Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears as she hugged Harry tightly. "Promise me you will be safe, Harry. We will return as soon as it is safe."

"I promised," Harry replied, as he kissed her head, his voice choked with emotion.

The urgency of the situation pushed us into action. Elizabeth quickly gathered their belongings, and I helped prepare Edward, Frances and Rachel for the journey. We then gathered the children to say goodbye. Little Edward clung to me, his eyes wide with confusion and fear. "Mama, why can't you come with us?"

I knelt down, holding him close. "Edward, Mama has to stay here and help the people who are sick. You will be safe with Aunt Elizabeth, I promise I will see you soon."

Frances looked at her father with tears streaming down her face. "Father, please be careful."

John hugged her tightly. "I will, Frances. Take care of your brother and Rachel."

Rachel held onto me, her eyes filled with worry. "Aunt Rachel, I don't want to leave you."

I kissed her forehead, my heart breaking. "Rachel, you need to go with your mother, I am counting on you to take care of my little boy and be nice to your cousin Frances. Stay safe, my dear."

She then rushed to her father's arms, "Come with us, papa, please."

Harry kissed his daughter's head, "You know I cannot my darling, but you must go and help your mother to look after your cousin Edward."

Elizabeth gathered the children, her own eyes filled with tears. "All of you promised to protect yourselves. Write to me and stay safe."

As they left, I stood with John and Harry, watching them go with heavy hearts. The coming months would be dark and challenging, but we were resolute in our decision. Together, we would fight to protect our loved ones and our community from the devastating impact of smallpox.

Once Elizabeth had left with the children, I knew I had to step up and put my medical knowledge into practice. The responsibility weight heavily on my shoulders, but there was no time to dwell on fear. Action was needed, and swiftly.

I immediately set about organizing Longborn into sick bay. John and I moved into the house to ensure we were at the center of operations. I designated separate rooms for those showing symptoms and instructed the staff on the importance of strict quarantine and isolation.

"Everyone must understand," I said to the gathered staff, "anyone showing signs of illness must be isolated immediately. NO exceptions."

Understanding the importance of hygiene, I enforced rigorous handwashing and sanitation protocols.

"Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently," I instructed. "Boil the linens and clothes to kill any possible contagion."

I gathered as much willow bark, chamomile and peppermint as I could find. These would be essential in managing fever and discomfort.

"Willow bark for fevers, chamomile and peppermint for their soothing properties," I explained to Sarah, who would be assisting me closely.

I spoke with the cook about preparing nourishing broths, porridge, and fruit juices for the patients. "We need to keep their strength up," I said. "Proper nutrition is vital."

Sarah, my every-reliable maid, now turn housekeeper, would be a pivotal in teaching the other maids. I showed her how to keep the patients' skin clean and dry and how to apply soothing herbal preparations to relieve itching and prevent scratching.

"Sarah, it's crucial that we maintain cleanliness," I said, demonstrating the proper technique. "Gently wash the skin, pat it dry, and apply these herbal salves to prevent infection."

Sarah nodded, absorbing every word. "I'll show the others exactly how to do it, ma'am."

The laundry was another critical aspect. Contaminated lines could easily spread the virus if not handled correctly.

"All laundry must be boiled and handled with care," I instructed. "Wear gloves if you can and wash your hands thoroughly after handling any soiled materials."

As the days went by, the atmosphere at Longborn became tense but focused. Henry was holding on but barely. We had added several families, most of them tenants, but I insisted and with Harry full support that they stay here along with anyone else. The staff worked tirelessly, and I ensured that everyone took breaks and stayed hydrated. Maintaining morale was as important as maintaining hygiene.

John was a constant pillar of support, helping wherever he could. His presence provided a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

"We will get through this, Rachel," he said one evening as we sat by the fire, exhausted but determined. "Together, we will make it."

And so, the battle against smallpox at Longborn began. It was a relentless and grueling fight, but we faced it head-on with courage and determination.