4. Sickness in the Fleet

Our Lady of Longbourn

Lizzie gradually takes over the running of Longbourn after becoming aware of her father's neglect... with impacts far greater than she could have ever imagined.

Chapter Four – Sickness in the Fleet

In the year of our Lord, 1808

Eighteen year-old Elizabeth Bennet was enjoying her visit with Jane at Archer House in London. She enjoyed spending time with Stephen and Jane and holding their little baby boy, Benjamin. She enjoyed visiting the theaters, the museums, and the parks. But mostly she just enjoyed getting away from Mrs. Bennet.

oOoOOoOo

In the past two years relations between mother and daughter had deteriorated dramatically. When Bosun Jeremiah Toliver had arrived with a horse-drawn trap, Mrs. Bennet had been ecstatic. It was a pretty little rig and she had instant visions of riding around Hertfordshire in style. Mr. Bennet had explained the reason and purpose of the rig, but she had ignored him as usual.

So when Bosun Toliver, all six-foot two and two-hundred pounds of solid muscle, refused to take her for a ride, she went into a screaming fit. The big man was unmoved. She threatened to fire him instantly. He reminded her calmly that he was employed by Captain Archer. She threatened to have her stableman take the rig. He calmly reminded her that it was Archer property, and he would hate to be forced to restrain such an attempt.

Mrs. Bennet complained to all and sundry, in the house and in the community, until Mr. Bennet finally stepped in and told her that he would cut off her allowance for a year if she didn't desist. To prove his point, he immediately closed her account at the dressmaker's shop. Fanny Bennet gave in, but she made sure that Elizabeth felt her ire in a hundred small ways.

To make matters worse, Longbourn's operation had improved so dramatically under Elizabeth's management that it became a matter of gossip. Mrs. Bennet, in hearing the gossip, finally realized that the estate must be performing better than two thousand pounds per annum. When Elizabeth opened her bedroom door one afternoon to discover her mother tearing it apart in search, she was glad that she had moved everything important over to her study in Netherfield Park.

It had been over a year now since Lady Adele had passed. With Jane married and gone away, Elizabeth had felt terribly lonely. Her dear friend Charlotte was a help, but the Lucas family were even worse gossips than Mrs. Bennet, so she didn't feel safe confiding in her. Elizabeth had begun spending more time with both Mary and Kitty, but they were younger and only Mary could offer an intellectual challenge. Mr. Bennet's ongoing laziness had opened an ever-widening chasm between father and daughter. With nobody to turn to, Elizabeth threw herself into her work and her "accomplishments."

Lady Adele had attached one condition to her gift: Elizabeth was required to study with masters for pianoforte, voice, and languages. These gentlemen were mostly in London, which created a problem, but some were willing to travel the twentymiles to Meryton if room and board was provided and there was more than one pupil. Even Mrs. Bennet could not begrudge an expense that helped her daughters on the marriage mart. All of the Bennet girls were thus taught, though it was actually Elizabeth's own money which paid for the lessons. Mary learned the power of music to express herself and to touch others. Kitty showed a surprising knack for drawing. Lydia skirted in and out of lessons without concern, though she did turn out to have a beautiful singing voice... one benefit of which was that she modulated her tone and no longer screeched like her mother. Elizabeth attacked her lessons in the same manner that she had attacked her estate duties.

When a new gentleman moved into Purvis Lodge, Mrs. Bennet immediately claimed him for one of her daughters. The man was single, thirty-eight, and little inclined to personal hygiene, but she didn't care. Because she was especially angry at Elizabeth at the moment, she decided that her second daughter was the ideal match for Mr. Crupper. Mr. Crupper, taking one look at Elizabeth's light and now very pleasing figure, entirely agreed.

Elizabeth tried to avoid the man, but her mother kept engineering situations where she was alone with him. Finally, after he had become particularly obtuse about her disinterest and particularly aggressive in pushing his agenda, he suddenly found himself flying through the air. The little man's flight ended with himself in a very ripe manure pile, spluttering and spitting and hurling curses, but when he saw the huge footman staring at him, he slunk away.

When Mrs. Bennet heard about the incident… which had been seen and laughed about by half of Meryton… she again tried to get rid of Bosun Toliver… and was again denied. Elizabeth decided then that a separation was in order. After Mr. Matthews agreed to look after both estates, she and her faithful footman boarded the Netherfield carriage and departed for London.

oOoOOoOo

Jane Archer was now the mother of five-month old Benjamin Archer, a healthy and happy little bundle of joy. Thankfully her husband was also in London to share her joy and spend time with their child.

Captain Archer had taken his ship off on several missions in the channel, ending in a multi-ship engagement against a French fleet. He and his ship had defeated three others, sinking one and collected two prizes, but his own ship was mangled, more than a third of his crew were casualties, and he had taken several severe wounds. His ship was now in yard-hands, his crew paid-off to other vessels, and he was beached while he recovered. As a result, Captain Archer had been assigned to work for Admiralty House to check on the supply problem, catch the thieves working the system, and clean up the operation. It was a grueling task, made worse by the fact that so many top-ranking officers had their hands in the pie. Still, with the Archer name, and a powerful Earl for a father, he was getting the work done.

Nevertheless, he longed for a ship. Captain Archer worked long days, but he always tried to come home in time for dinner and always spent the evening with his beautiful wife and pleasant sister. His humor was closer to Elizabeth's, and his intellect just as powerful, so the two of them often had interesting and humorous "debates" on subjects while Jane looked on with loving resignation. All-in-all

Jane Archer, now twenty, had fully recovered her sense of security and had become much more confident under the loving support of her beloved. Jane never aspired to be a leader of the Ton, yet her beauty, grace, and gentle nature had opened doors that she never expected... of course the fact that her husband was the second son of an Earl also helped.

The positive result for Elizabeth was that when she accompanied her sister on her visits, it was nothing like the biting gossip sessions her mother enjoyed. Jane's friends were ladies of class, to be sure, but they tended to also be genteel, kind, and surprisingly pleasant to spend time with. Elizabeth's bright nature, intelligence, and humor made her welcome as well. In fact, several of the ladies were eyeing the girl as a potential mate for one of their sons or brothers.

When they weren't visiting, Jane and Elizabeth shopped, visited interesting sites, or simply sat happily in each other's company. Elizabeth kept up a running correspondence with Mr. Matthews about the estates, though there was little need for concern. She also wrote often to her sisters, encouraging them in their studies. To her mother she wrote nothing, but that entity sometimes wrote scathing and venomous letters to her. After the first one she consigned the rest to the nearest fire, unread.

Elizabeth often visited the Gardiners and their growing brood, becoming a favorite for the little ones when she was always ready to tell them a story or take them to the park. When not thus engaged, she spent time with her uncle in his study, giving attention to her growing investments and discussing various future enterprises. Though nobody but her aunt and uncle knew it, Elizabeth was becoming quite a wealthy young woman.

One night, a month after Elizabeth's removal to Archer House, Captain Archer came home looking less than his usual chipper self. "Dear, what is wrong?" Jane asked.

"Half of the fleet came in for repairs after that horrible winter patrolling the channel and the North Sea. Unfortunately, another problem was waiting for them. We have an influenza outbreak on almost every ship in harbor, both here and in several other ports."

"Is the influenza a bad one? Are people dying?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not too many so far, Elizabeth. But with half the fleet stuck in quarantine in harbor, it opens the door for the French fleet to come out. Napoleon would love to deliver a few tens of thousands of troops on our shore. The biggest problem is that this is the third major outbreak in London in two years. There just aren't enough supplies to take care of our sailors… especially when corrupt supply officers sold much of our stock during the previous outbreaks."

He scrubbed his hand through his hair, "I have to remain here, but Jane, I want you and Elizabeth to take Benjamin to Hertfordshire. I don't want to lose any of you to this outbreak."

Jane wanted to protest, but she didn't. The tiny baby was too precious and too vulnerable for her to risk. "We'll start packing, My Love."

oOoOOoOo

As their coach rode northward, Elizabeth was deep in thought. Jane had observed this attitude in her sister many times and she knew not to disturb her most-beloved sister. Finally, Elizabeth looked up to find Jane regarding her as she held her sleeping infant. "I need to meet with Mr. Jones as soon as we reach Meryton."

"Why? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I just don't know what is required to treat influenza. We are going to help. But I need information first."

Jane Archer had watched Elizabeth for many years. Whatever her sister set herself to accomplish, she accomplished. Of all the sisters, only Jane knew that Elizabeth owned Netherfield Park, and only Jane knew that her sister had invested all of the extra income from both estates, thereby ensuring that every Bennet girl would eventually have a respectable dowry. Even she didn't know the breadth and scope of Elizabeth's growing wealth, but she did know that her sister was a dynamo who powered through all obstacles to achieve her goals.

"I will help in any way that I can, Elizabeth."

When they arrived at Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet made much of her new grandson, exclaiming over the bewildered infant with loud proclamations of joy until the terrified child began to wail.

Using the distraction, Elizabeth turned to Toliver, "Boson, please get her trap ready." Next, she took a quick trip to her father's book room, exchanging greetings with her father, but not lingering. Finally, she went looking for Mary.

Mary, as usual, was making her escape from her mother's incessant voice by hiding in a corner and in a book. This book was Fordyce's sermons, a volume that Elizabeth had begun to read and quickly set aside, unimpressed. Now she smiled at her middle sister and extended her hand. Mary, not understanding her older sister's intent, handed the volume to her. Elizabeth bookmarked the page, closed the book dramatically, and extended a different book instead.

"Mary, you have a wonderful mind… and I have need of it. Toliver is hitching up my trap and I'm going into Meryton. Please come with me and I'll explain on the way." Mary looked at the book in her hands. It read Culpepper's Herbal Compendium. She raised one eyebrow, unintentionally copying her father, but she rose up and followed. Elizabeth could be bossy at times, but being around her was seldom boring.

Usually Elizabeth liked to hold the ribbons, but today she had the Bosun take the reins while she sat in the second seat with Mary and explained her plan. Mary was skeptical, but this was Elizabeth, so she agreed to try. When they arrived outside of the apothecary, the two young ladies were surprised to see ongoing construction adding on to the side of the structure. Mr. Jones, the apothecary, looked up from the counter and regarded the ladies, "Salts for your mother? Or willow bark for a cough?" He had recently treated Kitty's illness, so it was a safe prediction.

"Neither today, Mr. Jones. We need to know what you use to treat influenza."

"Is there a local outbreak," another voice intruded, "I'm not surprised, with the problem in London."

The ladies turned to look at a younger version of the apothecary… younger and handsomer. Mr. Jones grinned, "Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, allow me to introduce my nephew, the newly graduated Doctor Ezekiel Jones. He is setting up shop in the construction that you saw outside. Ezekiel, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Miss Mary Bennet."

"Honored to meet you ladies," the young doctor said with a bow. "Now, I'm sorry to rush to business, but is there an outbreak in Meryton?"

Elizabeth answered, "No Sir. But there is a major outbreak in the fleet at harbor. They are low in stocks of medicine and I intend to do what I can to assist. As such, we came here for information. What do you use to treat influenza? Can the ingredients be procured naturally? Which of these natural ingredients can be found locally? And what is the process required to make them ready for medicinal purposes."

"That is quite a lot of information… and you intend to help the fleet?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at the young doctor's amused tone. Mary, who had absolute faith in her older sister, bristled and glared. Mr. Jones, the elder, cleared his throat. "Ezekiel, you are new here, so I hope that these fine ladies will excuse you this one time. I will explain later. For now, why don't we all have a seat and see if we can answer Miss Bennet's questions."

Doctor Jones was still skeptical, but as the quartet talked, he discovered two young ladies of uncommon intelligence. Once he was invested in the discussion, he excused himself and quickly returned with several herb and plant books from his training. Once the right pictures were found, Elizabeth, ever the outdoorswoman, quickly recognized the plants and had a general idea of where to look.

Mr. Jones, the elder, added one more plant to the list. "I was with the army as a medical officer. I served in the territory of Lower Canada. The Montagnais, a tribe of Indians* from that area, use this plant for coughs. It helped more than anything I've ever used. I believe we call it purple cornflower. I couldn't pronounce what they called it."

After a few more questions about handling, Elizabeth excused herself and Mary and prepared to depart. Dr. Jones impulsively said, "If you are going out to collect tomorrow, then I would like to join in."

Mary gave the man another glare. She was used to being discounted herself, but she had been offended for her sister's sake. Elizabeth responded, "That would be appreciated, Doctor Jones. You may be able to keep us from ruining the specimens."

On the following day Elizabeth arrived at the base of Oakham mount with Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Lydia had not been interested until Elizabeth mentioned the new young doctor. Charlotte and Maria arrived minutes later. Then Bosun Toliver pulled the trap to a stop and the young doctor stepped out. Once introductions were made all around, Doctor Jones opened his books and showed everyone what they were seeking.

"It's a good thing that I didn't run sheep on this side of the mountain," Elizabeth said out loud, though with no intended audience. Doctor Jones raised both eyebrows in surprise, but said nothing. Everyone scattered to begin collecting.

Doctor Jones found a clump of feverwort* nearby where Miss Mary Bennet was working. After collecting a sizable pile, he glanced over. "Miss Mary, may I please apologize for my skepticism yesterday? I intended no slight. It is only that I've never encountered such… capable young women before. My uncle set me straight and told me all about your sister... all of your sisters in fact... and you as well. Will you forgive my ignorance?"

Mary, who had not looked up during this speech, finally glanced over, "Thank you, Doctor Jones, I will forgive you. My sister is truly different and special. I don't respond well when others denigrate her."

She is not the only one who is different and special, he thought, but he contented himself with a smile after that.

When everyone had gathered back at the trap with their bundles, they saw that Mr. Matthews had arrived with a wagon. Elizabeth explained, "Mr. Matthews has kindly agreed to help us and allow us to use the stillroom at Netherfield to prepare the ingredients. He assures me that the new owner will not object to our activities." Matthews had a twinkle in his eye at her statement, but he jumped in and helped everyone to load. Then the two vehicles transported the group to Netherfield.

After everything was hung for drying, Elizabeth turned to the doctor. "How much will this make, Doctor?"

He considered his own practical training and replied. Elizabeth looked at the full room in disappointed consternation. "We are going to need more help."

oOoOOoOo

In his usual fashion, Mr. Bennet was more amused than supportive of Elizabeth's latest venture. Luckily, at least for everyone except Mrs. Bennet, that worthy contracted a spring cold that kept her in bed that Sunday. The reverend Mr. Danvers, the rector of Meryton, heard Elizabeth out without condescension and with sincere interest. He agreed to allow her to address the congregation with the help of the young doctor.

Though many might have been offended at a woman speaking in church, they all knew Elizabeth and were willing to hear her out. She delivered an impassioned plea, not neglecting to mention the danger to the nation that an anchored, sick fleet represented. Then Doctor Jones took over and spoke about which plants would help, promising to visit the different groups to demonstrate proper preparation. Kitty, who had continued to develop her drawing skills, had made multiple illustrations of the desired plants.

The good doctor was young and handsome. Naturally, the ladies of the community were quite ready to join in. By Wednesday, the first crate of empty bottles arrived from Mr. Gardiner. By Saturday several crates were carefully packed.

Mr. William Lucas, the town mayor and Charlotte's father, became enthused and began visiting the different sites. Mrs. Bennet, recovered from her cold, was ready to throw stones at the entire operation, but the mayor's speeches made her re-think the idea. She joined in, mostly to give conflicting directions and generally make a nuisance of herself.

By the following Thursday, two weeks after Elizabeth and Mary met with the Mr. and Dr. Jones, the entire community and surrounding area had joined in and they had gathered and prepared four wagonloads of willow bark, purple cornflower (Echinacea), feverwort (boneset), sage, elderberry, yarrow root, and oregano.

Mayor William Lucas was so enthusiastic about the project that he appointed himself to drive the first wagon. He and his entire household had joined in the project with enthusiasm. The entire town cheered as four loaded wagons drove toward London.

Captain Archer, having been kept informed by Jane of the enterprise arranged to receive and distribute the items himself. He knew from months of investigation that the items would simply disappear into a hole if the supply system got their hands on it. Instead, Stephen Archer sent a call out to all of the ship's doctors. When the wagons were unloaded and sorted, sailors took them directly on-board.

It was a slow time for news that day and one ambitious writer heard about the wagons. By the end of the week, everyone knew about the amazing people of Meryton.

Even the King and Queen of England heard the tale and took note.

Author's Note: I used the term "Indian" instead of "Native American" in this chapter because it was the term used at the time and it appeared in dialogue. Before anyone declares me "racist," I should inform you that I am part Chippewa, and proud of it.