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    In Netherfield Library and Other Stories
    In Netherfield Library and Other Stories
    In Netherfield Library and Other Stories
    Ebook129 pages2 hours

    In Netherfield Library and Other Stories

    By Meg Osborne

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    A selection of short stories inspired by the works of Jane Austen…

     

    In Netherfield Library – Pride and Prejudice - Brought to Netherfield to care for her ailing sister and kept there by an ongoing rain-storm, Elizabeth Bennet seeks refuge from Caroline Bingley's perpetual gossip in the library – but she is not alone in her desire for peace. Fitzwilliam Darcy is surprised to find an able chess opponent in Elizabeth, and as the pair debate strategy and novels they find a rapport they never previously imagined.

     

    Mr Bennet Pays a Call – Pride and Prejudice - Despite his insistence to the contrary, Mr Bennet is eager to meet the newest arrival in Hertfordshire, and arranges to call on the party at Netherfield without the interference of his wife.

     

    One Dance at the Assembly – Pride and Prejudice - When Mr Darcy overhears his opinion of Elizabeth Bennet being discussed by that lady herself, he decides to remedy his bad manners immediately: even if that means inviting the lady in question to dance.

     

    Almost a Collision – Pride and Prejudice - Elizabeth loves to walk, even when the weather is a little inclement. She is less prepared for a London carriage hurtling down the pathway, narrowly avoiding crushing her but sacrificing its wheel in the process. Unfortunately, its owner, Mr Darcy, is more concerned with his carriage and the disruption to his journey than the mud-covered young woman who is responsible for the accident.

     

    Henry Crawford's Redemption – Mansfield Park – Henry Crawford gave up his plans to become a better young man when Fanny Price spurned his hopes of marriage. Will a chance encounter with another young lady encourage him to persevere in his reform?

     

    The Rumour of an Engagement – Persuasion – Captain Frederick Wentworth is enjoying a meal with his sister and friends, when he overhears words that ruin his appetite. "Miss Elliot is engaged to be married."

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMeg Osborne
    Release dateOct 29, 2017
    ISBN9781386595472
    In Netherfield Library and Other Stories
    Author

    Meg Osborne

    Meg Osborne is an avid reader, tea drinker and unrepentant history nerd.  She writes sweet historical romance stories and Jane Austen fanfiction, and can usually be found knitting, dreaming up new stories, or adding more books to her tbr list than she'll get through in a lifetime.

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      In Netherfield Library and Other Stories - Meg Osborne

      In Netherfield Library

      Chapter One

      There will be no chance of taking a walk today.

      With a wistful sigh, Elizabeth Bennet lifted one fingertip to the window, tracing the pattern of raindrops on the other side of the glass.

      I ought not to be surprised, she reminded herself. It had rained steadily since Jane began her disastrous visit to Netherfield, and it was on account of that rain - or the ill-health it had wrought on her sister - that Elizabeth had determined on coming to care for her. She smiled, remembering the look of horror that had adorned her hostess’s face when she arrived at Netherfield, drenched to the skin and tracking inches of mud over their sacred threshold. Her smile became a grim laugh when she recalled the look of horror another of Netherfield’s tenants had worn upon greeting her, although Mr Darcy, to his credit, had at least been quick to hide his disapproval in polite enquiry. Is there anything we might do for you, Miss Elizabeth? Anything you might require?

      Is there something amusing in the grounds of our home, Miss Eliza? This arch query had none of Mr Darcy’s courtesy, and Lizzy’s laugh became a groan. Somehow, despite her best attempts to remain invisible, Caroline Bingley had taken notice of her and that meant she was now fair game.

      Nothing amusing, Lizzy said, turning and summoning a smile with which to face her companions. I was merely recalling a conversation I had with my sister. It was a lie, but only a white one and surely better than revealing the full truth of her thoughts, which would not, she fancied, be so amusing to the others.

      Your sister? Mr Bingley visibly brightened, glancing up from his corner, where he was engaged in a lacklustre game of chess with Mr Darcy. She is well, then, today?

      A little recovered, Lizzy said, touched to see the compassion that underpinned his question. She must make sure to tell Jane how he specifically asked after her health and the smile that widened when Lizzy confirmed she was doing better.

      Might we expect her to join us this evening, in that case? Caroline asked. I must inform the kitchen staff.

      You are very kind, Miss Bingley, Elizabeth said, with an impression of patience she did not feel. But as I said, she is but a little recovered. I think it still too soon to expect her to join us for a meal and a whole evening of socialising.

      Oh. Mr Bingley’s face fell and Lizzy almost felt sorry for crushing the hopes that had been so recently raised in regards to Jane’s health.

      It bodes well for her joining us in future, though, and surely we must rejoice at any improvement.

      This was muttered in little more than a whisper, so that it took Elizabeth a moment to identify the speaker. Her eyes widened in surprise to realise that it had been Mr Darcy who spoke. He kept his eyes fixed on the chessboard, as if contemplating his next move with the utmost attention, but Lizzy fancied, not for the first time, but there was far more going on within Mr Darcy’s mind than was apparent on his features.

      Caroline Bingley seemed poised to speak again, and Elizabeth felt a sudden urge to escape further scrutiny. Standing, she took a step towards the door.

      I hope you will excuse me, she said. All this talk of Jane makes me realise I have neglected her for too long already this afternoon. I shall go and sit with her an hour or two if that will not unduly inconvenience you.

      She made for the door before anyone could respond, before Caroline could say a word to stop her. Yet she was not quick enough to the staircase to avoid catching Mr Bingley’s parting request that she pass on their heartiest good wishes for Miss Bennet’s continued improvement.

      Smiling, in spite of herself, Lizzy knocked twice at Jane’s door and pushed it open. Her sister was propped up in bed on a mound of pillows, but Elizabeth was pleased to note that there was considerably more colour in Jane’s cheeks than had been visible even a few hours previously.

      Lizzy? she asked, weakly.

      I am here. Elizabeth crossed the room, sliding into place beside Jane on the bed. Do you need anything, dear?

      How can I need anything when you are here? Jane asked, her eyes sparkling with a glimmer of fun. But since you ask, I would not refuse a cup of tea.

      Your wish is my command.

      Elizabeth glanced around the room and was encouraged to see a tea tray sitting close to the fire. There would be no saying how warm it would be, but it was worth a try before disturbing the servants again.

      She poured Jane a cup, testing the temperature of the teapot with her hand and determining it was still warm enough to drink, if not quite piping hot.

      Returning to her seat, she handed Jane the cup and was encouraged to see her take a few healthy sips before passing it back to her.

      You are looking much better, Lizzy remarked, returning the half-emptied teacup to the nightstand. How do you feel?

      Tired, Jane admitted. But more like myself than I have in a while.

      Mr Bingley will be so pleased.

      Jane flushed at the mention of their host.

      I don’t doubt he wishes me to hasten my recovery and go home! She bit her lip. Dear me, I must have been a dreadful inconvenience to them.

      Nonsense! Elizabeth exclaimed. You did not deliberately fall ill. They invited you here, it is only right that they should want to see you well. She lowered her voice to a mischievous whisper. And in any case, I wager Mr Bingley’s interest in your health is altogether more personal...

      Lizzy! Jane hissed, unable to prevent a smile from lighting up her pale features. What do you mean? I hope you have not been causing trouble in my absence.

      No trouble at all, Elizabeth said, smiling to see Jane so cheered by the mention of their host. Mr Bingley is most courteous to both of us. He never ceases to enquire after your health and whether there is any small service he might offer to hasten your recovery. I rather think he is half in love with you already, Jane.

      Now I know you are teasing me! Jane said, her laugh becoming a cough that took a couple of minutes to subside.

      Lizzy helped her to take another sip of tea, before she spoke again.

      You know that I admire him greatly, and find him to be a most agreeable gentleman.

      And he is clearly besotted with you, as well he should be, declared Elizabeth, who remained convinced that her sister was the brightest and most beautiful young lady in all of Hertfordshire.

      I cannot think too much on it at present, Jane said. I must work first of all at getting well, and be as small a burden as I can be to my hosts.

      If either one of us is a burden, it must be me. Elizabeth leaned back on the pillows next to her sister. Poor Caroline is having a deal of sport in attempting to engage me in conversation.

      I hope you are not being too unkind. Caroline has been very generous in allowing us both to stay until I am well enough to return home. I’m sure she did not intend on having houseguests quite so long!

      Then that is a matter she must take up with Providence, Lizzy remarked, nodding towards the window. The rain has not let up for more than a quarter of an hour all day! How could she expect us to even contemplate returning home when we would get soaked on the distance from the front door to the carriage?

      Is it still raining? Jane asked, clucking her tongue in sympathy. Poor Lizzy! You must be going out of your mind with boredom. Here you are, trapped in a house with people you dislike, caring for a sister who spends half her time asleep!

      If you spent half your time asleep, you might recover could more quickly, Lizzy said, with a teasing elbow into Jane side. Mind you, I am grateful to find you awake just at present, for the sitting room had become interminable, and I sought an escape.

      In that case, Jane said. You might care to tell me a little more of what Mr Bingley said...

      WELL!

      Caroline Bingley’s muttered exclamation at Elizabeth’s swift departure was barely audible, yet Darcy felt certain that there was an unspoken invitation to agree with her quiet despair at Elizabeth Bennet’s lack of manners. He felt certain, too, that this unspoken invitation was directed largely towards him. He had never been permitted to forget his first assessment of Elizabeth Bennet, though he had come, more than once, to rue the speed with which he formed so unflattering an opinion. He had repented at his leisure of so quickly forming a judgement of their neighbour, based purely on a brief moment’s observation. He knew her better now, although still not as well as he might prefer.

      I do think it a pity that poor, dear Eliza cannot be pressed to spend more than an hour in our company. Surely it must be a great strain on her to always be nursing Jane. A servant might do the work just as easily.

      Yet, Caroline, Charles protested. Do not you think it demonstrates the great sympathy that exists between the two sisters? I find myself very much endeared to Miss Elizabeth, upon seeing her concern for her sister which compelled her to walk all the way here merely to ascertain Jane’s well-being.

      "Yes, and probably catching

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