Chapter 14

The next morning the house was stormed by their youngest sister, who had been left alone with her parents at Longbourn for two whole days since Kitty had departed to the north with the Gardiners. "La, Lizzy, it's a dreadful bore being the only one left at home. And I've missed you all and Diane so awfully since you've been in London! Last night I was so dull that I barged into Papa's library, and told him that if he wants to call himself my father he must very well teach me something, or play a game of chess with me. And Diane! Poor Diane must not have had a single French lesson since you've left! I am sure she's forgotten everything I've taught her before you went away, but Miss Long has taught me loads, so I have told Miss Long that since I have less than two weeks to enjoy your company, that I will suspend my lessons with her until you've gone to Derbyshire, and I shall spend much of it with Diane, I hope!"

"We have kept up with what Diane learned from you, and taught her a few new phrases as well to keep her from forgetting anything," said Mary, who used the opportunity to start studying a small amount of French herself. Mary had taken up the mantle of teaching her niece, and the child was very precocious.

When Elizabeth had gone to stay in Cheapside, her grandfather the earl had died, of course, but her grandmother, Lady Giovanna Isabella, was still living. She passed away when Elizabeth was sixteen, but in the time they had together, she taught Elizabeth to speak and read Italian. Elizabeth had spoken in English and Italian in turn to Diane, and had since she was born. By the age of four, the child was fluent in two languages, which made teaching her French very easy, almost easier than teaching Lydia, who was picking the language up very quickly.

Elizabeth thought she would teach Lydia Italian herself if she continued to show an aptitude for French and became fluent in the language. It was always useful to encourage a talent for languages. They had also learned before they left for the season in London that Lydia was not inclined to any instrument, but in common with Elizabeth, had a very beautiful singing voice. Elizabeth sent a singing master to Hertfordshire while she was away, and had received very favourable reports.

"First, I must hear how Papa responded to your demand to be taught or to play chess," Elizabeth insisted teasingly.

"We played a game of chess, which I did not win, of course, but I felt like I played with a degree of credit," said Lydia. "He asked me what I was reading, and we spoke of books for a while. He gave me two to read, and told me to let him know what I thought of them."

"It is nice that you have opened discussion with Papa, Lydia." said Elizabeth. "Our parents have not been perfect, but I would see everyone get along if I could."

"I have a feeling that he might give me some attention for his amusement occasionally, now that I can carry a decent conversation. But that will be dependent upon me going to seek him out, because I am sure he will not trouble himself to do so," observed Lydia.

Elizabeth was amazed at how much Lydia's behaviour had improved. She conducted herself as a perfect lady, with only her endless chatter and the occasional "La!" to remind them of the old Lydia. The elocution lessons were doing their job. The sisters talked of their experiences during their absence, and Lydia exclaimed over her new bonnet that Elizabeth and Mary brought from London. "You spoil me, Lizzy. I am becoming known about the village for my fine collection of bonnets."

"You have earned it, Lydia. You have worked hard, and you are a credit to yourself and your family," assured Elizabeth. Lydia glowed with the praise, but not in the way she would have a year ago. Now she only appreciated that her sisters recognized how hard she had tried to improve, and vowed to keep working, but she felt no improper pride.

Colonel Brandon arrived shortly before luncheon, and was kind and polite to Lydia when they were introduced. Elizabeth gave him permission during the meal to speak about anything he learned in the village in front of Lydia, after making sure Lydia understood that it was all to be kept private.

"So far, everything seems to be as expected. I have been about the village and in the public room at the inn, and other than hearing an occasional shopkeeper speaking to their spouses or clerks about prospective orders from Netherfield, I have not heard anything about you, the Bennets, or Netherfield in general." said Colonel Brandon. "In addition, no one has been heard speaking of strangers in the village other than myself. I would take note if the villagers were gossiping about newcomers or strangers. My explanation for being in the village while waiting for my travelling party seems well enough accepted by those I have spoken to. Additionally, since I have asked for no credit, the merchants seem willing to be friendly and welcoming."

Elizabeth explained to Lydia about Colonel Brandon waiting in the village until Colonel Fitzwilliam returned. "Lizzy, you are surrounded by so many heroic officers," giggled Lydia. "I remember a time when I liked a red coat very well indeed, and still do, in my heart." Elizabeth and Mary avoided looking at each other and kept their faces straight as if the time Lydia was speaking of had not just been only three months before.

*****

The next day, Elizabeth and Mary called on their neighbours, starting with Mrs Bennet. The ladies sat in the drawing room at Longbourn while Mrs Bennet poured tea. "Mama, I am much impressed by what I hear from Miss Long and Lydia's French and singing masters. It seems our Lydia is well on her way to being a well educated and impressively accomplished lady," opened Elizabeth as Lydia blushed and stammered modestly.

"Our Lydia? Impressively accomplished? Dare I might ask when they added silliness to the list of desirable accomplishments for ladies?" asked Mr Bennet wryly as he entered the room. Lydia turned beet red with mortification and anger.

"If you took the time to pay attention to your offspring's education, you would be aware that Lydia has taken to French as if she has lived on the continent all her life," replied Elizabeth coolly. "Miss Long has taught her much, and thinks Lydia only needs a master briefly, to assist with her accent, which is already very good. It is very impressive indeed to have become so adept at a new language in such a short length of time, and is a good indicator that Lydia may also take to other languages easily. If she continues to excel so impressively at French, I will begin teaching her Italian. She may even enjoy Latin. If you were to trouble yourself to take an interest in her education, I believe you could help her excel tremendously, for she has a quick mind, sir.

"Lydia also has the loveliest singing voice that I have heard in all of Hertfordshire, and after hearing the reports from the master who meets with her when she visits Miss Long, I am all eagerness to hear her again. Furthermore, look at this handkerchief! It is a little thing, I admit, but Mary, show them the detail of the embroidery on the handkerchief Lydia sent you! Such skill! I have never seen the equal of it in any drawing room or among any group of ladies in London. It may not be drawing or painting, but it is a very genteel accomplishment, and talent of this sort would be the envy of every lady in London, including Her Majesty, who sets great store by her needlework and feminine accomplishments.

‘Lydia, I did not tell you yesterday, because I was waiting for Mama to be with us to tell you the news, but I showed my own handkerchief that you gifted me, that was too beautiful to use of course, to Her Majesty while we were in London. She was quite impressed and I must say, Her Majesty does the most beautiful needlework I have ever seen, and yours is almost better, although of course her Majesty did not acknowledge that. But she was so much enamoured by your work that I made her a present of it, knowing that you would be honoured to make her such a gift, and Her Majesty has sent you this handkerchief that she stitched, with her compliments, and asked me to tell you that she hopes you enjoy it as much as she has enjoyed yours," Elizabeth said as she handed Lydia a package wrapped in paper and string.

Everyone in the room was in awe as Lydia reverently opened the parcel to reveal a beautiful handkerchief in a frame under glass with a lovely rose pattern around the edge, and the Queen's monogram in the corner. The needlework was quite stunning, and the fabric of the handkerchief itself was of the most superior quality. "This is a gift for me from Her Majesty? THE QUEEN!" Lydia shrieked.

"My Lydia, as accomplished with a needle as The Queen herself, imagine that! I shall have a seizure, I am sure I shall!" exclaimed Mrs Bennet excitedly.

Mr Bennet stood and said "Very well, Lydia. If you must insist on being so impressively accomplished, you may begin visiting me in my library for lessons, so that you may expand your education as well. As your sister suggested, we can begin studying Latin if you like, or you may choose another subject. We will discuss it at a later time," He left the room with nothing further to say.

"Lydia, I would not allow that handkerchief to leave the house for any reason. Keep the frame in your chest to protect it from the sun, and you may bring it out when visitors are here to look at it, but I recommend never touching it with your fingers or heaven forbid, using it or removing it from the frame," Elizabeth said. "Mama, before we go, I would like to ask your permission for Lydia to stay with us at Netherfield until we leave for Derbyshire in a fortnight. She wishes to spend a great deal of time with Diane and I am sure you will agree that it is also good for Lydia and Mary to spend some time together as sisters should. We should be very glad of her company for a time before we take our leave of the neighbourhood."

"I shall be very lonely here with your father always in his book room, but I am sure I shall make do. I believe I would like to spend some time with my granddaughter as well. I shall call upon you tomorrow afternoon," replied Mrs Bennet amicably.

Elizabeth was amused at Mrs Bennet, who had barely laid eyes on Diane, now claiming her as her granddaughter, but said nothing, as she had hoped Mrs Bennet would come around all her life, and finally it was happening, so she would not discourage it. It was agreed that Elizabeth and Mary would continue their calls until just before luncheon, when they would return to Longbourn for Lydia and her trunk. Elizabeth invited Mrs Bennet to visit them for tea the following afternoon, promised to send her carriage so that Mr Bennet's horses would be available for the farm, and she and Mary took their leave to continue their calls.

They visited Lucas Lodge, where Elizabeth found all the latest news of Charlotte and Mr Collins. Elizabeth corresponded with Charlotte frequently, but had not received a letter in almost a month. Lady Lucas had more recent news, and stated that Charlotte's last letter indicated that all was well, but that Charlotte was in the family way. As a result, she found herself unwell in the mornings and tired in the afternoons, and was understandably behind in her correspondence. Elizabeth was thrilled for her friend, and planned to send Charlotte a letter and receipts for ginger tea and biscuits at the first opportunity. She, Lydia, and Mary began to plan a fine layette as a gift, which Mary and Elizabeth would piece together, and Lydia would embroider it.

They had time to visit with two more families before returning to Longbourn for Lydia, and proceeding to Netherfield to join Colonel Brandon for luncheon. The colonel had arrived when they returned, after spending the morning riding the estate with the steward and Miss Carmichael. During lunch, he recommended that the tiny hunting cabins scattered about the estate be temporarily locked up. Usually they would be left unsecured, in case there was bad weather, and someone out walking or riding required shelter. For now, Colonel Brandon suggested that they potentially offered anyone who may be watching her a free living space from which to watch her household unobserved. The steward planned to speak with Mrs Hill at Longbourn, and ask her to have a groom or farm hand lock up Longbourn's cabins until Elizabeth left the area or Mr Wickham was caught, for Mr Bennet employed no steward, and if he were approached directly he would disregard the request.

*****

The following days brought many calls from the local ladies who had heard from Mrs Bennet about Lydia's gift from Her Majesty. Unable to take Elizabeth's advice, Lydia had packed the frame in her trunk to visit Netherfield so she could admire it in her room. The treasure was brought down each afternoon, and much admired by the ladies of Meryton, who were very proud of Our Miss Lydia .

About a week after their arrival in Meryton, Mrs Hill sent a note to Netherfield, informing Lizzy that one of Longbourn's hunting cabins had been broken into. There not being enough farm staff at Longbourn to send someone to check each day, Mrs Hill had sent someone to check the hunting cabins every few days, only to find that morning that it appeared that one cabin had been broken into and used for at least a night or two, Nothing was left behind, however, and it appeared whoever used the cabin had moved on. The following day, the steward informed Elizabeth and Colonel Brandon that a cabin on the Netherfield estate was broken into and used the night before, although nothing identifying was left behind.

Elizabeth began to get nervous about the situation, when a black edged express arrived early the following morning from Kent.

Hunsford Parsonage,

Kent

Dearest Eliza,

Prepare yourself for the most unhappy news. Pray forgive my forwardness in asking for your aid, but we are much in need of assistance here in Kent. There has been a fire at Rosings Park early yesterday morning, and my poor husband William has been killed from inhaling too much smoke while attempting to save Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh in the blaze.

Lady Catherine has been behaving very erratically since the tragedy, blaming those who could not possibly be at fault, and refusing to remove herself and her daughter from the remaining parts of Rosings that have not burned. The physician is quite concerned for Miss De Bourgh's health in such a situation, and the magistrate is concerned that the remaining structure may not be safe for them to inhabit.

The situation here became more difficult when I attempted to call upon Lady Catherine to beseech her to remove herself and Miss de Bourgh to the parsonage temporarily, Lady Catherine demanded that I vacate the parsonage immediately and remove to the inn, and that my poor husband's remains be removed from the premises to make room for the Curate to take over. When the Curate demanded that Mr Collins must remain at the parsonage until the funeral and must not be moved, Lady Catherine dismissed the poor man.

The villagers have moved my poor William's body to the church, and stand guard over it, in case Lady Catherine should attempt to force another move. I have repaired to the Fox and Hare in the village, where I await my father. The funeral is in two days. Would you inform your father? He may wish to represent your family, since he is the last of William's male relatives.

I beg for your assistance for those who have been injured in the fire. A number of Lady Catherine's servants and tenant farmers have also perished, and many servants and tenants have been gravely injured attempting to assist with the blaze. Lady Catherine has refused to allow her physician to see to them, and though the local apothecary is doing his best, the situation is beyond what he can manage and the families of those killed and injured are already struggling. The magistrate is easily bullied by Lady Catherine and has been little help.

As the other primary landowner in the area, it occurred to me you may want to intervene in some way for the locals, and also knowing that you are acquainted with Lady Catherine's nephews, you may want to make them aware of the situation. The remaining servants that did not leave or perish as well as the physician say they are sure Lady Catherine has sent no messages informing her family of the tragedy. The physician is most concerned for Lady Catherine's state of mind, and most especially for Miss de Bourgh's health at such a time. He believes it may be appropriate for her family to intervene.

Your Most Grateful and Affectionate Friend,

Charlotte Collins

Elizabeth, thrown into a panic out of concern for her friend, began issuing orders, and the house was thrown into pandemonium. Colonel Brandon was sent for, and notes were dispatched to her father and to Lucas Lodge to ensure that Sir William had all he required for his journey, and inviting him to stay at Windmere during his time in Kent, assuring him that Charlotte would be removed there from the inn as quickly as possible. Mrs Bennet was applied to, requesting Lydia's company for the journey, for with many people injured, every pair of hands would be necessary, and Lydia could help with Diane. A groom was dispatched with all haste to Windmere, requesting the housekeeper open the house, and prepare as many rooms as possible for those who may need shelter or a physician's care. She included instructions to remove Charlotte to Windmere at the earliest possible opportunity, and place her in the family wing.

Colonel Brandon was announced; Elizabeth received him in the drawing room, and showed him the letter from Kent. "As you can see Colonel, it does not appear that I will be able to travel to Derbyshire later this week as planned, but I cannot delay your plans to travel there any further. I thank you for your protection and assistance, but I must away to Kent to assist my cousin and the village with all haste, and also render to Colonel Fitzwilliam's family what assistance I may."

"Lady Astley, please allow me to assure you that I am completely at your disposal. My plans for returning to Derbyshire were not fixed, and it does not signify at this time whether I return now or even much later. I have promised you my protection, and would see that through until the miscreant Wickham has been caught. Also, as a friend and comrade in arms to Fitzwilliam, my honour demands that I accompany you to render what assistance is possible to his family. I will gladly escort you to Kent this very day," assured Colonel Brandon.

"Very well Colonel, I am grateful for your support at such a time. I must insist that you stay with us at Windmere while in Kent. There will be a number of other house guests, including my newly widowed cousin, her father, and possibly my own father, as well as any who are displaced from Rosings or requiring assistance. It will be quite acceptable for you to stay in the house," replied Elizabeth.

"Has Fitzwilliam been made aware of these events?" Colonel Brandon inquired.

"Not as of yet. My very next task is to send express letters to the Colonel, his cousin Mr Darcy, and a physician in town whom I trust to assist with those who are ill or injured. I plan to leave for Kent in two hours, sir."

"Very well, I shall settle with the innkeeper, and pack my belongings. I will return here before then," stated the Colonel as he bowed and took his leave.

Elizabeth sat down to write the necessary letters.

Netherfield Park

Hertfordshire

Dear Colonel Fitzwilliam,

I regret to inform you sir, that my journey to Derbyshire must be postponed, as must your own. Rather than waste precious time writing about the upsetting events that I have learnt of this morning, I enclose this letter from my dearest friend and cousin in Kent, who is the wife of the Parson of Hunsford, under the patronage of your lady aunt. My Cousin Collins has passed away in the tragedy, and as the closest estate owner in the vicinity, I must away to Kent with all haste to assist his wife, and to provide what relief I am able to those affected by the fire. I assure you that regardless of any offences that may lay in the past, I shall endeavour to assist your aunt and cousin in any way that I am able, until the arrival of your family.

As you can see by my cousin's letter, Lady Catherine's equanimity has been badly affected by these events, and there is concern regarding her response to the needs of those injured in her service. I shall endeavour to provide what stability I can until the arrival of yourself or another in your family who can take charge of the situation. Please invite any of your relatives who plan to travel to Kent to stay at Windmere for as long as is necessary. The manor is quite comfortable, and more than large enough to house as many visitors as required, and is located only three miles from Rosings. The housekeeper has been made aware to expect you and your family.

I have sent for a physician I trust to meet us in Kent to assist with the situation, and I have also sent an express to your cousin Mr Darcy, informing him of these events, but recommending that he wait for news from yourself or your father before leaving his sister. I am sure you will contact him immediately to inform him if his presence is required. I have attempted to encourage Colonel Brandon to continue to Derbyshire without us. However, he will not hear of it, and will accompany us to Kent to offer your family what aid may be possible. We depart in two hours, and expect to arrive in Kent before dinner this evening.

Yours Sincerely,

Lady Astley

She then wrote a letter to Mr Darcy, acquainting him with the facts of the situation.

Netherfield Park,

Hertfordshire

Dear Sir,

I beg your pardon for seeking your attention in this manner, but it is incumbent upon me to relay distressing news regarding your family in Kent. I received a letter this morning from my dearest friend and cousin, Miss Charlotte Lucas as was, now Mrs Collins of Hunsford Parsonage in Kent. It seems that yesterday morning there was a great fire at Rosings Park. Your aunt and cousin are unharmed I believe, although my Cousin Collins died from his attempts to save them from the blaze. A number of other servants and tenant farmers have also perished, or have been injured, although how many or how severely I do not yet know.

I have been made aware that your aunt has been much affected by the tragedy, and her response has not been balanced. She refuses to remove herself or your cousin Miss de Bourgh from the remaining structure of Rosings, regardless of concerns for Miss de Bourgh's health or the possibility of the structure potentially being unsound. She has also turned the newly widowed parson's wife out of the Parsonage. When the curate insisted Mr Collins body must remain at the parsonage until his funeral, the curate was dismissed, and the villagers have removed Mr Collins to the church, and guard him there to ensure Lady Catherine does not interfere with his body again. She has forbidden her physician from seeing to those who were injured, and the apothecary struggles to manage.

I am travelling to Kent with my physician from town with all haste to open Windmere, and assist any who require it, and will also do what I am able to convince your aunt and cousin to remove to Windmere until their family arrives to manage the situation. I have sent word to your cousin the colonel, and I expect he will involve his father. I have made Windmere available to all of your family who travel to Kent.

It is my intention to make these events known to you with all speed. I am aware, however, that it may not be possible for you to leave your sister at this time. I have recommended that your cousin write to you immediately to inform you of what measures your family will take and whether you should travel south immediately. I am certain such news must be mere hours behind this letter. Please accept my invitation to stay at Windmere Manor at any time should you need to travel south to assist your family. Please do not make yourself uncomfortable about accepting the invitation. There will be a number of other guests, and I offer any assistance that I am able to provide most wholeheartedly.

Yours Most Sincerely,

Lady Astley

Elizabeth next wrote a brief letter to her late husband's mentor, beseeching him to come to Windmere with all haste to assist those in need of medical attention, then sealed all three letters and gave them to Mr Banks to be entrusted to the express riders, then turned her attention to her travel preparations. She received a note from her father, saying he would travel to Kent the following day if he could borrow a small carriage from her, as he was loath to leave Mrs Bennet alone at Longbourn with no transportation. He also gave permission for Lydia to travel with her sisters. Elizabeth responded that one of her carriages would arrive to collect him at dawn the next day, and requested that he bring a trunk with more clothes for Lydia. She then sent another note to Sir William Lucas, inviting him to share her father's transport, and to be at Longbourn before dawn if he were so inclined.

Colonel Brandon returned at the appointed time, three enormous baskets of food and cider appeared from the kitchens for the travellers and outriders who would miss luncheon while out on the roads, and the party set forth from Hertfordshire.

*****

The journey was easy, and the party arrived two hours before dinner time. Charlotte rushed from the house and threw her arms around Elizabeth. "Eliza, I thank God that you have come. Your servant brought your message to the housekeeper, and bade her ready the house and then he prepared your small carriage that you keep here for your servants, and he came to the inn to fetch me immediately. You must come inside, there is an express just arrived for you only moments ago."

Elizabeth and her party entered the hall and she tore open the express.

Matlock House

Mayfair, London

My Dear Lady Astley,

Forgive me for writing without an introduction, but I must express my gratitude for your haste in acquainting our family with the tragedy at Rosings Park, and for your generous offer of accommodation and assistance. We will be very grateful to accept your generous offer to stay at Windmere Manor. I should arrive shortly before luncheon tomorrow, although my son Colonel Fitzwilliam will come on horseback, and will likely arrive ahead of me. My wife is in Derbyshire with my niece and nephew. I have sent an express to my nephew Darcy, and if he is able, I expect he will arrive within a week. He is the most familiar with the management of Rosings Park.

I am concerned about my niece remaining at Rosings if, as you say, the structure is unsound or unhealthy. Miss de Bourgh's health suffers from the slightest inconvenience, and I am alarmed to think what condition she may be in after the fire. If it is at all possible to remove Anne from the house tonight, I would be greatly in your debt. Please inform the magistrate, Sir Jasper Oakley, who is a close friend of mine, that I approve of Anne's and, if possible, my sister Catherine's removal from the house by force if necessary. My sister has had a shock, and must not be allowed to risk my niece's health in her traumatised state.

I authorise any attention that is necessary for any who have been harmed by the fire, and guarantee payment to all of the physicians and tradesmen who have performed services to the estate upon my arrival. My sister is not to be heeded in any of her unreasonable demands.

Please do not think me insensible of your astonishing goodness, particularly after the loss of your cousin, and the uncharitable past behaviour of my sister to you and your family. My family is very much in your debt. I thank you again for all of your generosity and assistance in this difficult time, and offer my sincerest condolences to you and your family for the terrible loss of your cousin. Enclosed, I have returned to you your cousin's letter, and am,

Yours Sincerely,

Matlock

Elizabeth looked up from the missive to Charlotte and the housekeeper, Mrs George. "What has been done to prepare to assist Rosings Park?"

Mrs George spoke. "Lady Astley, I knew you would wish to spare no expense or comfort to those in need, or those working to assist, and your message said to do whatever was necessary to make the house ready. I have hired every girl and young man I can and have set to work. By late this evening we will have opened every chamber in the house, including all of the extra attic quarters for extra servants. The cook has been working all day to provide every sort of sustenance she can manage, and once your rider returned with Mrs Collins, I sent him back out with the carriage and he has visited the three closest villages, and has purchased every baked good, pie, egg, and ham or chicken he could find.

"None of the families on our own estate were affected by the fire, ma'am, and they are willing to help. The tenant wives have been delivering soups, stews, pies, and loaves of bread to the back door all afternoon. It will be a great help keeping everyone fed. Since there is a tragedy still being managed, and everyone will be working to help, Mrs Collins suggested setting up a buffet in the dining room, and another in the servants' hall, so the family, guests, and servants can eat quickly when they are able, and there will be no need to worry about meal times.

"I am told that the situation at Rosings is quite dreadful ma'am," the housekeeper continued. "The morning was exceedingly windy, the wind carried the fire to even the dower house and the stables. The storage barns burned as well, so all of their supplies to take them through the end of summer are gone, and there is only one barn left where the injured have been tended to. It is the largest building left standing besides the remains of the house. The man-servants have been waiting for you before going to Rosings to bring the injured here.

"We have it arranged so your family and friends will all go to the family and guest wings on the first floor, the injured servants and tenants and any of their family staying close to tend them in the secondary guest chambers on the second floor, and we should well be able to accommodate the visiting servants on the third floor, and in the attic quarters if necessary. Also, Mr James, the apothecary, has been notified that you are preparing the house for the injured, and he is preparing them to be moved."

"You certainly have used your time wisely, Mrs George. I commend you. Charlotte, have you been examined by the doctor? Is all well with you and are you feeling alright? I spoke to your mother last week," said Elizabeth cryptically.

"I know what you are worried about, and I assure you, Eliza, I am alright," answered Charlotte.

"Very well. You shall be under the strict supervision of my lady's maid. I insist you get some rest and remain here at Windmere, and not take on any upsetting tasks. I should like to put you and Mary in charge of deciding what rooms to put our guests in. Mary and I made a list on the way here of who we are potentially expecting, so I will allow the two of you to determine where to put everyone and to see to all of our guests and family's comfort," responded Elizabeth, making sure that Charlotte had something useful to do, without it being too taxing.

"Lydia, you can help by staying with Diane, and seeing to her entertainment and safety here at Windmere, and with so many new people in the house. Miss Carmichael, we still have our previous worries regarding Mr Wickham and the kidnapping attempt, and I worry for Miss Astley's safety with so much happening here. You will stay with Lydia and Miss Astley at all times. Do not go any further than the garden when exercising Beau, and always have three or more armed footmen with you outside. Andrew, Matthew, you will stay with Mary and Mrs Collins and assist them with their duties at all times, or remain outside the rooms they are in. We should all go to our rooms and refresh ourselves from the road now, and reconvene in the dining room in a half hour.

"Going forth to Rosings and removing Miss de Bourgh and Lady Catherine is not likely to be pleasant. We will all benefit from being fed and refreshed before we throw ourselves into our labours. Mr Banks, in a moment I shall give you a letter that I would like you to have sent over to Sir Jasper Oakley, asking him to meet us at Rosings in an hour and a half. Please also have all the man-servants that can be spared to prepare every cart and horse they can find to bring the injured here. Lord knows the poor souls should probably not be moved, but there is no help for it. They cannot stay in a barn, and must have proper attention. You shall be entirely in charge of that endeavour, along with the apothecary and the doctor if possible. Colonel Brandon, will you accompany me to Rosings shortly, to rescue Miss de Bourgh?"

"I certainly shall, Lady Astley. I will meet you in the dining room in half an hour," replied Colonel Brandon.

"Mrs George, we will have to manage our forces carefully. I expect that in the next several hours, many of us will have run out of strength, for we have already had a very long day. Please ensure that several maids, footmen, and your deputy housekeeper go upstairs now to get some rest, for they will be needed to take over helping with the injured later in the night," said Elizabeth.

Mary and Charlotte conferred with Mrs George regarding rooms, and led Colonel Brandon, Lydia, and the rest upstairs. Elizabeth wrote the note to the magistrate, ensured that Diane was settling into the nursery along with Lydia, whose suite was across the hall. She asked Mrs George to send a meal for Diane, Lydia and those remaining near the nursery, and then went to her own chamber. Sarah had pulled a fresh black gown from her trunks and Elizabeth went to the refreshing chamber, washed and took care of her needs, then went to change her gown. She then brushed out her hair and pulled it into a simple knot as Sarah entered the room.

"Sarah, Mrs Collins is with child, and I will be more concerned about her than myself over the next several days. All I will require from you is to set out simple, sturdy black gowns that I can get things done in, and otherwise I will see to myself. Charlotte is of a size with me, so please go through my black and see what is there that would suit her, and what alterations are needed. Make sure she has at least four or five nice gowns. I would like you to spend as much time as possible helping Mrs Collins with whatever duties she undertakes. I charge you with ensuring she eats well and takes rest."

"Of course, your ladyship," Sarah curtsied, then went into the dressing room as Elizabeth left her suite and made her way downstairs. Colonel Brandon was in the dining room, along with Mary and Charlotte.

"Charlotte, I am expecting my father tomorrow, as well as yours," Elizabeth spoke as she made herself a plate and sat down at the table. "Colonel Fitzwilliam will be here early in the day, and his father Lord Matlock will arrive before luncheon. I do not know when the doctor will arrive. Please place the doctor in the family wing, he is a close friend, and Diane's godfather. I am sure you and Mary will have everything ready to make everyone comfortable. Also, we shall hopefully return tonight with Lady Catherine, Miss de Bourgh, and a number of injured people. You would know better than I how many.

"I believe we should put Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh at the far end of the guest wing on the first floor," she continued. "I have a feeling that Lady Catherine might not be very quiet when she has been forced from her home, and we may not want her too close to the family and guests, or to the other injured. Also there is a staircase at that end of the house, so it will be easier for the doctor to go back and forth between Miss de Bourgh's room and those on the second floor. Please ensure they each have a maid assigned to their care, two when they first arrive, as a matter of fact. If they bring maids with them somehow, their servants are to be sent up to the second floor to rest, and our staff will assist them."

"Do not worry Lizzy, all will be ready. Charlotte and I know just how to manage," said Mary.