Chapter 5 - Chaos and Confusion

The kitchen at Netherfield was warm and steamy despite the chill autumn day, filled with the usual clatter of pots and bustle of preparation for the evening meal. But today, the normal rhythm of work was disrupted by an undercurrent of excitement as news filtered down from above stairs.

"They say Mr Darcy carried her in himself," whispered Jenny, the scullery maid, as she scrubbed at a pot. "Right past Miss Bingley and straight to his own bed!"

"Hush your nonsense," Mrs Winters, the cook, said sharply, though she couldn't quite hide her own interest. "That's not for the likes of us to discuss. And mind you don't let Mrs Nicholls hear such talk - she runs a proper household, she does, even if the family's only here for the hunting season."

"But it's true!" piped up Tommy, one of the stable lads who'd come in seeking warmth. "I saw them arrive meself - him carrying her like she weighed no more than a feather, both of them soaked through. And Miss Bingley just standing there, her mouth opening and closing like a fish."

"Well, I heard from Sarah, who heard from Betty, that Miss Bingley had sent the young lady home in the chase despite the weather," said Jenny, abandoning any pretence of scrubbing. "And now look what's come of it."

"That's enough of that," Mrs Winters warned, though her tone had softened. She had her own opinions about Miss Bingley's ways, but such thoughts weren't for sharing. "The bread needs kneading and those vegetables won't peel themselves."

The kitchen door burst open, letting in a blast of cold air and Jack, another stable boy, his face flushed with excitement. "They're back! Mr Bingley and the others - and you should see the state of them!"

Mrs Winters brandished her spoon at the mud he was tracking in. "Close that door before we all catch our death! Now, what's this about Mr Bingley?"

"They've just come in through the stable yard - Mr Bingley and four others, all of them looking like they've been swimming in the pond. And Thomas…" Jack paused for effect, clearly relishing being the bearer of such exciting news, "they had to carry him between them. White as a sheet, he was."

"Heavens preserve us," Mrs Winters muttered, already moving to put more water on to heat. "Jenny, run and tell Mrs Nicholls they'll be needing hot drinks and - where do you think you're going, Tommy?"

But the stable lad was already darting back out the door, no doubt to see for himself. Jenny lingered, caught between duty and curiosity.

"The chase is completely ruined," Jack continued eagerly, shaking rain from his coat. "They've just brought Thomas in through the stable yard - took four men to carry him, and him moaning something awful. Mr Bingley's with them, soaked to the skin."

"What happened to him?" Jenny asked, forgetting Mrs Winters' warning in her excitement.

"Well, however it happened," Mrs Winters interrupted firmly, "the poor man needs tending. Jenny, what did I tell you about fetching Mrs Nicholls?"

Jenny had barely reached the door when Mr Morris entered, bringing with him a gust of cold air and an air of authority that made even Mrs Winters straighten her apron.

"Hot water and bandages to the blue guest room immediately," he instructed, his usually impeccable appearance somewhat dampened by the weather. "And Mrs Winters, a light broth for Thomas when he's settled. Mr Jones has been sent for, but this weather…" He shook his head grimly.

"Of course, Mr Morris," Mrs Winters replied, already moving to comply. "Jenny, stop gawking and fetch those bandages. Jack, make yourself useful or make yourself scarce."

But Jack lingered by the door. "Mr Morris, sir - is it true about the chase? They're saying in the stables…"

Morris fixed the stable boy with a quelling look. "That's not for discussion. Now, if you've no duties to attend to in this weather, you can help carry water up to the blue guest room."

"Yes, sir," Jack mumbled, properly chastened. But as he followed Jenny out with the bandages, they could hear him whispering, "I heard from James that the whole thing's smashed beyond repair…"

"That will do," Morris called after them sharply. He turned back to Mrs Winters. "Mr Bingley and the others will need hot drinks when they've changed. And…" he hesitated, glancing at the few remaining servants hovering nearby, "perhaps it would be best if any discussion of today's events remained below stairs."

"Of course, Mr Morris," Mrs Winters agreed, shooing away the lingering kitchen maids. "Though you might want to have a word with Sarah - she's been up and down these stairs a dozen times in the last hour, and not always with good reason, if you take my meaning."

"Indeed." Morris's expression suggested he'd already noted more than a few servants finding excuses to pass by Mr Darcy's chambers. "Mrs Nicholls is dealing with that matter. Now, about that broth…"

A crash from the passage, followed by the sound of water splashing and Jack's voice raised in protest, interrupted whatever else he might have said.

Morris closed his eyes briefly, as if praying for patience. "I trust someone will see to that immediately."

"I'll deal with it, Mr Morris," Mrs Winters assured him, already moving toward the door. "Though if they've spilled that water outside Mr Darcy's chambers…"

"Heaven preserve us," Morris muttered, following her out. The last thing they needed was more servants clustering around that particular corridor, all eager to help mop up the spill while straining their ears for any interesting sounds from within.

ooOoo

Caroline paced her chamber while Wilson finished with her dress. The rain still lashed against the windows, though with less fury than before. Much like her own temper, she thought grimly. The initial shock of Mr Darcy carrying that bedraggled creature to his own chambers had given way to a simmering frustration.

The sound of heavy footsteps and male voices from below drew her attention. Charles and his party had finally returned - and from the commotion, they were making as much of a mess as Mr Darcy had. Were none of the men in this house capable of maintaining proper dignity today?

"Wilson, my pelisse," she said sharply. She needed to go down and take charge before the entire household dissolved into complete chaos. But even as she moved toward her door, she could hear Mrs Winters' voice raised in the passage, scolding someone about spilled water.

"That will be all, Wilson," Caroline said, dismissing her maid. She had no intention of being caught in her chambers like some invalid while her household fell into disarray. Though really, she thought as she adjusted her dress one final time in the mirror, it was Eliza Bennet who had caused all this disruption. First Jane's illness - clearly a ploy engineered by their mother - and now this dramatic accident.

The noise from below increased. She could hear Charles's voice now, giving instructions about Thomas. So like her brother, to concern himself with servants while his house descended into chaos. And Mr Darcy… her lips tightened at the thought of his behaviour. Carrying Eliza Bennet through the house like some hero in a gothic novel, installing her in his own chambers without a thought for propriety.

She moved toward the door with determined steps. Someone needed to take proper control of the situation, to restore order and decorum to the household. And more importantly, someone needed to ensure that this incident didn't become fodder for gossip beyond Netherfield's walls. The last thing they needed was for news of Mr Darcy's… impulsive behaviour to reach London society.

Opening her door, she nearly collided with Jenny hurrying past with an armful of bandages. The maid bobbed an awkward curtsy without slowing. Caroline pressed her lips together - even the servants were forgetting themselves now.

She made her way toward the stairs, noting with displeasure the trail of muddy footprints leading up from the entrance hall. Voices drifted up from below, her brother's among them, and that dreadful scraping sound of boots being cleaned against the doorstep. More mud, no doubt.

A burst of activity from the direction of Mr Darcy's chambers caught her attention. Mrs Nicholls emerged, giving instructions to two maids about fresh linens. The housekeeper noticed Caroline and gave a small curtsy. "Miss Bingley. I was just seeing to Miss Elizabeth's comfort."

"Indeed." Caroline's tone could have frozen the rain still beating against the windows. "And how is our… guest?" She paused as the sound of men's voices and heavy footsteps echoed up from below. "Though it seems my brother has returned. I trust you can spare some servants from this… situation to attend to them."

"Miss Elizabeth is resting now," Mrs Nicholls replied with perfect composure. "Mrs Winters has sent up some broth, though she's hardly in a state to take it yet, poor thing."

Caroline's lips tightened at the housekeeper's familiarity. "I shall look in on her myself before going down." It wasn't a request. "After all, as hostess, I should ensure she has everything she needs. In Mr Darcy's chambers." The slight emphasis was deliberate.

Mrs Nicholls merely curtsied and stepped aside. Caroline swept past her into the room, where the fire had been built up to a roaring blaze. Two maids were gathering up wet clothes and linens while Martha arranged a fresh blanket over the sleeping figure in the bed. Elizabeth lay pale against Mr Darcy's pillows, her dark hair a stark contrast against the white linens. She appeared to be sleeping, though her cheeks were flushed with what might be fever.

Caroline allowed herself a moment to observe her rival - for that's what the girl had become, whether she knew it or not. Asleep, she looked impossibly young and vulnerable. It was difficult to reconcile this fragile creature with the woman who had walked three miles through mud to visit her sister, who had captured Mr Darcy's attention with her impertinent wit.

The maids bobbed quick curtsies as they gathered their bundles to leave. Just then, two footmen appeared in the doorway with steaming cans of water, stopping short at the sight of the occupied bed.

"That will be for Mr Darcy's bath in the blue guest room," Caroline said sharply, noting their confusion. "Not here."

Only Martha remained, settling into a chair by the bed with her mending basket. Caroline's irritation grew at how at home the servants seemed in Mr Darcy's private chambers.

"I trust someone has informed Miss Bennet's sister of her condition?" she asked, though she already knew Jane must still be sleeping.

"Miss Bennet is still resting," Martha replied quietly, her attention on her mending. "Mrs Nicholls thought it best not to disturb her yet."

Caroline moved toward the door, having seen quite enough. She needed to speak with Charles about this situation - about the impropriety of having Elizabeth installed in Mr Darcy's chambers, about the constant stream of servants through private quarters, about the entire household being thrown into chaos for the Bennet sisters.

She paused in the doorway as more footsteps approached. Surely not more water carriers? But no, it was Mrs Nicholls again, this time with clean towels. Really, this was becoming quite ridiculous.

Caroline turned toward the stairs, her skirts rustling with barely suppressed agitation. The noise from below had increased - she could hear multiple voices now, and what sounded like furniture being moved. No doubt more chaos to manage.

Caroline caught up with her brother as he headed for the stairs, leaving muddy footprints in his wake. "Charles, this situation is completely unacceptable. The household is in complete disarray."

"Caroline," Charles's tone held a warning as he took the stairs two at a time, "this is hardly the time. The poor girl nearly died, and Thomas…" He broke off, pausing on the landing. "Where have they put Miss Elizabeth? I should check on her condition before I change."

Caroline's lips tightened as she joined him. So he didn't know yet. "Mr Darcy took it upon himself to install her in his chambers."

"He what?" Charles's exhausted expression shifted to one of surprise.

"Yes, brother. He carried her straight up to his chambers, past everyone, with no thought to propriety or appearances." She followed him down the corridor. "And now the servants are constantly streaming through his private rooms, as if it were a public thoroughfare."

"Good God." Charles ran a hand through his hair as they walked. "Though I suppose… well, his chambers do have the best fire, and they would have been ready… Still, he might have…" He seemed to be talking more to himself than to his sister.

"Might have what? Remembered his position? His dignity? Really, Charles, you must speak to him. This simply cannot continue."

"I hardly think Darcy will appreciate my advice on where to put an injured guest in my own home," Charles said dryly, turning down the passage that led to the blue guest room. "Has Mr Jones been sent for? Both Miss Elizabeth and Thomas will need attention."

"Yes, though in this weather…" Caroline's lips tightened at being diverted from her point. She hurried to keep pace with him. "Really, Charles, you must see that this situation—"

"I must change first," he said firmly, reaching for his door. "Then I'll check on our guests."

"I'll come with you to see Darcy," Caroline said quickly, following him. Someone needed to make him see reason about this situation. "After all, as hostess—"

"As hostess, perhaps you might see to Miss Bennet," Charles interrupted, still walking. "She should be told about her sister, though gently. We don't want to alarm her unnecessarily."

"Miss Bennet is still sleeping, I believe," Caroline replied, though her brother's concern for Jane only increased her irritation. "And surely—"

The sound of a door opening made them both turn. Jane stood in her doorway, her hair still in its nighttime braid, hastily wrapped in a shawl over her nightdress. "I heard voices - has Lizzy gone? I had hoped to see her before she left."

Charles immediately stepped between his sister and Jane, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Miss Bennet, you should not be up. Please, allow me to fetch your maid…"

Caroline watched with mounting irritation as her brother's face softened. Really, did the Bennet sisters have no sense of propriety at all?

"Your sister is still here, Miss Bennet," Charles said gently. "There's been a slight… accident. Perhaps you should sit down and let me explain."

"An accident?" Jane swayed slightly, her face growing even paler. "Is she hurt? Where is she?"

"She's being well cared for, I assure you," Charles said quickly, offering his arm for support. "Though perhaps we should—"

"She's in Mr Darcy's chambers," Caroline interjected, unable to contain herself. "Where she was installed without any consideration for—"

"Caroline!" Charles's sharp tone surprised even Jane. "Miss Bennet, please, let me help you back to your room. I'll explain everything."

Jane's hand flew to her throat. "Mr Darcy's chambers? But why would…" She took an unsteady step forward. "Please, I must see her."

"Of course," Charles said, shooting a quelling look at his sister as he supported Jane's elbow. "Though perhaps you might want your maid to help you dress first?"

But Jane was already moving toward Darcy's chambers with surprising determination for someone who had been so ill. "Please, Mr Bingley, I must see her now. Lizzy would never…" She broke off, clearly distressed.

Caroline followed, her own concerns momentarily forgotten as she watched her brother practically carrying Jane down the corridor. Really, the drama of these Bennet sisters was quite beyond bearing.

They rounded the corner to find Darcy himself standing outside his chambers, his cravat still undone, clearly in the middle of an argument with Mrs Nicholls.

"—must insist on seeing her condition for myself."

"Mr Darcy, sir, it wouldn't be proper. The young lady is not yet…" Mrs Nicholls broke off at the sight of their approaching party, her eyes widening at Jane's state of undress.

Darcy turned sharply, taking in the scene - Jane supported by Bingley, Caroline hovering behind them. For a moment, he seemed at a loss, caught between propriety and his evident concern for Elizabeth.

Note: Apologies for the delay in posting. You will notice that there have been several changes to the earlier chapters, particularly Chapters 1 and 2, as I worked to refine the story. As always, your feedback and comments are greatly appreciated.