On a chilly November morning, the Bennet family was gathered around the breakfast table when a footman entered with a note for Miss Jane Bennet from Netherfield Park. Mrs. Bennet's eyes immediately sparkled with pleasure as she eagerly urged her daughter to share the contents of the letter.

"Well, Jane, who is it from? What does it say?" Mrs. Bennet asked, her curiosity barely contained.

"It is from Miss Bingley," Jane replied, unfolding the note and beginning to read aloud.

My dear friend,

If you are not so compassionate as to dine to-day with Louisa and me, we shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives; for a whole day's tête-à-tête between two women can never end without a quarrel.

Come as soon as you can on the receipt of this.

My brother and the gentlemen are to dine with the officers.

Yours ever,

Caroline Bingley.

"With the officers!" exclaimed Lydia.

"I wonder why my aunt did not mention this!" Kitty commented.

"Dining out," Mrs. Bennet remarked with a note of disappointment, "that is very unfortunate."

Jane turned to her father with a hopeful expression. "Papa, may I have the carriage to go to Netherfield?"

Before Mr. Bennet could respond, Mrs. Bennet interjected, "Oh no, Jane! The horses are needed for the farm today. Mr. Bennet cannot spare them."

Mr. Bennet, wishing to avoid a dispute, reluctantly nodded in agreement with his wife's statement.

Mrs. Bennet continued, "You should go by horse."

Elizabeth, who had been listening with growing concern, voiced her objections. "But Mama, it is quite chilly, and there is a chance of rain. It would be far more sensible for Jane to travel by carriage."

Mrs. Bennet was resolute. "Nonsense, Lizzy! Should it rain, Miss Bingley will likely extend an invitation for Jane to stay overnight!" Excitedly she added, "This would allow Jane the opportunity to enjoy Mr. Bingley's company!"

Despite Elizabeth's strong protests, Mrs. Bennet's resolve was unyielding. "It is settled then. Jane shall ride to Netherfield."

With a resigned sigh, Jane reluctantly agreed, hoping to avoid further conflict. "Very well, Mama. I shall ride Nelly."

A few hours later, as Jane prepared to depart for Netherfield, the sky had darkened significantly, and it was evident that a storm was imminent.

Bottom of Form

"Jane, did you hear the thunder?" Elizabeth asked, her voice filled with concern as she peered anxiously out the window at the gathering storm clouds.

Jane, already aware of the distant rumblings, nodded as she adjusted her coat. "Yes, I heard it. I suppose I should be on my way."

Elizabeth stepped forward, taking Jane's arm with a look of apprehension. "Jane, please reconsider! It is bitterly cold, and the storm could break at any moment. Nelly is quite old, and the ride will be long and uncomfortable. If it starts raining heavily, you will arrive at Netherfield drenched through."

Jane tried to offer a reassuring smile, though it was clear she was resolute. "Lizzy, I have already agreed to go. I am sure I will manage just fine. This coat is quite warm, and I hope to reach Netherfield before the rain starts in earnest." She added with a faint smile, "It is only three miles…"

Elizabeth sighed; her concern unabated. "But Jane, I'm afraid you might not reach Netherfield before the rain starts!"

Jane shook her head gently. "I appreciate your concern, Lizzy, but it's already decided. I will be careful."

With a heavy heart, Elizabeth watched as Jane stepped out into the biting chill of the November air. She stood by the window, her eyes following her sister as she mounted Nelly and set off down the path, hoping fervently that the storm would hold off long enough for Jane to make it safely.

Unfortunately, no sooner had Jane departed than the storm unleashed its full fury. The wind roared, and rain began to pelt down in relentless sheets. Mrs. Bennet, her excitement barely contained, looked out with an expression of satisfaction. "I knew it was going to rain! Now Jane will certainly have to stay the night at Netherfield. It's just as well—she will be in Mr. Bingley's company!"

Elizabeth's heart sank as she watched the deluge intensify. She turned to her mother; her face etched with worry. "Mama, this storm is dreadful. I fear for Jane's safety. She is out there alone, and Nelly is quite old for such weather."

Mrs. Bennet waved off Elizabeth's concern with a dismissive gesture. "Oh, she'll be fine. Miss Bingley will take good care of her."

Elizabeth shook her head, unable to shake her anxiety. She returned to the window, her gaze fixed on the storm-swept landscape, her thoughts consumed with the hope that Jane was managing to navigate the treacherous conditions and that she would arrive at Netherfield unharmed.