Death Comes To Netherfield

By Jacqueline Steel

Mr. Darcy has led a charmed life. Born into wealth, life has grown boring as others seek to get within his good graces. A gentleman of means, he has also found women quick to gain his favor in the hopes of marrying into a good life. He was ill prepared for the willful nature of Elizabeth Bennet when he meets her at his friend’s ball, thrown to introduce himself to the town. Her stubborn willfulness throwing him off guard as she makes no airs pretending to agree with him, as the other women always do.

Elizabeth Bennet was drawn to Mr. Darcy, despite his arrogance. Drawn to a strength that seemed restrained. Despite her anger at his aloofness, she can’t deny the butterflies that are tying her stomach in knots. Best to put those foolish ideas of attraction aside anyway. Surely, he would never entertain a woman who comes from a family so far below his own. Besides, she had her own ideas on marriage anyway, and was certainly never going to marry a man because of money.

The rumors seemed fantastic as they circulated the ball. Talk of a plague turning people into mindless cannibals in America. Surely an exaggeration, everyone thought. Except for Charles Bingley, scientist and friend of Mr. Darcy. The man whose genius will be called upon to save the country as the plague reaches its way across the ocean and destroys civilization with a speed no one could have predicted.

A time for heroes, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley set out to save mankind, as horror turns to the supernatural. The demon who preys upon humans offering to ally himself with Mr. Darcy in his need to save his food supply. But can a vampire be trusted to help those he feeds upon? Elizabeth prays that her love will make it home safe, after she learns the evil truth of the one known as Dracula.

*Previously released as a three novella trilogy.

1- An Unlikely Hero, An Unlikely Love

2- A Heroes Guilt for Mr. Darcy

3- An Unlikely All for Mr. Darcy

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacqueline Steel
• Release date: May 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386496977

Book preview

Chapter 1

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This is Mr. Charles Bingley, and his sister, Caroline. Elizabeth smiled at them. I would like the two of you to meet Miss Jane, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. They are members of one of the local families, so, if you did want to learn more about the area, then they are the people to talk to.

Jane nodded, her own smile much brighter than Elizabeth’s. Are you new to town?

Yes, we are. Charles smiled back at Jane, and Elizabeth was certain she saw a flicker of attraction between the two of them. It was equally possible she was imagining it. I recently leased Netherfield Park. We’re here in the hope we can meet new people. He gently nudged Caroline. It’s a pleasure to meet both you.

Charles is right. Caroline didn’t look pleased to meet either of them, but that wasn’t something that was going to bother Elizabeth. I would like to have some local friends. I was planning on staying with Charles for a little while. Maybe you could show me around town.

I’d love to. Jane, fortunately, was good at pretending with people. Elizabeth and I had good relations with several the local shopkeepers, so it would be good for us to introduce you to them.

Elizabeth gave Jane a look, and then she realized someone else had walked over to where they were. Charles glanced over his shoulder at the someone, smiling once more, before gesturing them forwards.

Miss Bennet’s, this is my good friend Fitzwilliam Darcy. Darcy, this is Miss Jane, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Pleasure. Mr. Darcy tilted his head. You are local?

Nodding again, Jane smiled at Mr. Darcy. We are. The Bennet’s are an old family.

Landed? His tone implying he already knew the answer.

Once. Jane shrugged. I don’t know the whole story, but our situation is not the same as it once was. Fortunately, that doesn’t matter too much around her. We are lucky to live in a town where who you are matters more than what you have.

Doing her best not to smile too much, Elizabeth studied Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. He was attractive. His dark brooding eyes would have been far too easy to lose herself in, if she were that sort of person, but she wasn’t. She could see past his good looks, to who he was from what he asked. He was one of those people who only cared about money. Well, his money could make him happy. After a moment, he must have felt her eyes on him because he looked at her, their eyes meeting for a moment. She didn’t mind that she’d been caught staring. It had never bothered her.

There are other people for us to talk to, Jane. Elizabeth smiled at their new acquaintances. It was a pleasure to meet the three of you. I hope we have a chance to talk again later.

With that Elizabeth took Jane’s hand, and the two of them made their way deeper into the house. When they were far enough away Elizabeth turned to her sister. I’m sorry. I know that was rude.

You weren’t comfortable?

No, I wasn’t.

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Darcy watched as Elizabeth and Jane walked through groups of people, unable to take his eyes off the darker haired sister. There was something about her, even though she’d barely said anything to him. But he knew better than to think it was possible he might be able to find someone. Sighing, he turned to look at Charles. I really wish you hadn’t dragged me here.

You didn’t have to come. I said that. Charles smiled. For some reason, my friend, you made the decision you wanted to keep an eye on me, even though I am fully capable of looking after myself.

I know.

Up until he stepped into the house Darcy had wanted to leave Netherfield Park, but then he remembered what it was like to deal with groups of people. That was something he’d never been good at. People saw him as aloof, because he wasn’t good at opening up, and he was certain that Elizabeth was going to be another one of those people. Pushing all thoughts of a woman he barely knew aside, he turned to look at Charles.

Charles, being Charles, was in his element, and it seemed that even Caroline had found someone to speak to. That was unusual, but not unheard of. Sighing, Darcy made his way around the edge of the gathering, in the hope he might be able to find something worth drinking. Any gathering got better if he had a good glass of whiskey in his hand.

As he did he looked out at the groups of people. Elizabeth Bennet was talking with someone, and seemed a lot more animated than she had done before. For a few seconds, Darcy watched her, unable to stop himself, as she talked with someone it seemed she had to know. Her face was expressive, as were her hands, and he tried not to wish he was the person she was talking to. There was something about her he liked, even though he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. Shaking himself, he started walking once more, telling himself sternly there was no reason for him to be attracted to someone like her. She was just going to be like all the others.

Having the whiskey he found in his hand did make Darcy feel a little better. As he sipped it he looked around the room once more, and his eyes, even though he hadn’t been looking for her, found Elizabeth Bennet once more. She had moved onto another friend, maybe, and was talking to them. Standing where he was certain she couldn’t see him he watched her, trying to work out what it was about her that he liked. There was no reason for him to like her at all. It wasn’t as though she’d even said a word to him.

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There is news coming from America. Charles looked at Jane, grateful he’d been lucky enough to find her. I’m not sure it’s the sort of thing I should talk about in a gathering like this.

You can talk about anything you want, Charles. Their eyes met. I would like to know what you’ve learnt.

Nodding, he made the decision to take her at her word, even though he probably shouldn’t. Honestly, I’m not certain how real this is, but I have heard of a cannibal illness. He brushed a hand through his hair excitedly. It is something that people get, from friends or family, and when they wake up they have become this mindless being that only wants to eat the flesh of the people who are around them.

Flesh eaters?

Yes, Miss Bennet. He shook his head. I can change the subject.

Don’t. How did you find out about these flesh eaters?

I have friends who know people. That’s why I can’t be certain the stories I’ve heard are true. It’s entirely possible nothing I’ve heard has been the truth.

If it is, do you believe this illness might reach England?

As much as I hate to say it I think it is possible.

Someone else stepped over to where the two of them were, and Charles found himself looking at Elizabeth Bennet. A friend of a friend has told you about this illness?

Charles nodded. It could easily be a story. I know that, but the fear it may be real is enough, and what I have heard... sometimes the stories seem too strange not to be real, and there are certain details that have been shared that make me believe this is true.

Elizabeth ran her tongue over her lips, their dryness seeming to come from the bizarre news she was hearing. Then it is something I think I might pass on to Father. He might well have heard about the same things. He does have a few contacts who know people in America.

I’m the same way. My contacts know people, and those people have told stories about what is happening. I am very careful with this sort of information, because there is no reason to scare people for no reason, but I have heard enough similar stories that I have come to think it can’t possibly be them all telling he same story. When that happens, certain details are lost. I believe, if this were a story, the same thing would happen.

You are likely to be right.

It was almost a relief that someone believed him, even if that someone was a woman who could do nothing to help the situation. Thank you.

Sometimes all we need is someone to accept that what we’re telling is the truth we know, and you are right. With stories, details do often change. You find that when children lie about what they’ve been doing. Elizabeth glanced at Jane. We were never very good at keeping the details straight when we were trying to lie to Mother. She always knew when we were making things up, because she would ask us about little details and we would never be able to give the same answer.

Chapter 2

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You have spoken with Miss Bennet? Darcy studied Charles. What did you think of her?

Their eyes met. I have spoken with both, Darcy, so which of the two of them were you asking about? His eyes twinkled knowingly as he teased his friend.

Elizabeth.

She is... interesting.

Interesting?

Honestly, I don’t know what you’re after. I spent a short time talking to her, while I was also talking to Jane, and I must say I did like her. I think before she was slightly overwhelmed with meeting all of us at the same time, especially as neither you or Caroline was exactly talkative. Had you said something more it’s entirely possible you would have been able to get your own first impression.

I have my own first impression. Just seeing how she acted when she was introduced to us was more than enough for me to be able to see who she was.

Really, Darcy? Charles shook his head. Have you ever thought you might actually want to give someone a chance?

From how she acted I don’t believe she is someone I should give any chance. She wasn’t exactly polite, Charles, and she was staring at me in such a way it was obvious she was just going to be another of those women who was purely interested in what I can give her.

You could well be very wrong about that.

I’m not. I have dealt with women like her before. Money is what she wants, more than anything else, and I am not going to give her any sort of chance to get her claws into me. Darcy sighed. I’m not going to say she isn’t attractive, because she is, but that attraction isn’t enough for me to not see who she truly is.

When the time comes that you’re proved wrong you’re going to regret ever saying that about the Bennet’s. Jane, I know, isn’t that sort of person, and I truly doubt Elizabeth is either.

You have always been the sort of person to give your trust to anyone, even if that someone is a woman whose family once had land. I have dealt with women like that before, Charles.

Not everyone is the same. I enjoyed speaking with Jane. I plan on getting to know her better, even if you don’t think it is a good idea, because I think she is a good person.

That is your mistake to make, Charles. I’m not going to stop you from making them, but you will soon find out you are making a mistake. Just be careful.

Shaking his head Charles walked off. As he did Darcy noticed that Caroline was standing close by, and their eyes met. How are you getting on, Caroline?

I have met a few people, but none that I can see myself taking the time to get to know more. She shrugged. I think I’m going to miss home.

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Elizabeth was doing her best to keep her distance from Fitzwilliam Darcy, but it seemed like everywhere she went he was there. After hearing what he’d said about her she was sure she didn’t want to get anywhere near him, yet it almost seemed as though he was following her, and Caroline Bingley seemed to be keeping close to Darcy. Sighing, Elizabeth shook her head. The last thing she wanted to do was get involved in something like that. Other people in her life had done silly things like that, and she knew better than to do anything quite that stupid.

Just when she thought she might have lost him Elizabeth found herself almost walking into Darcy, and their eyes met as she looked up at him. There was a frisson of attraction that was quickly dampened by the reminder of how he’d talked about her. Yet that wasn’t going to stop her from being polite. I’m sorry, Mr. Darcy. I was lost in my thoughts.

Anything interesting?

Not really. Just trying to understand why people feel they have the right to say certain things about someone they don’t actually know.

He raised an eyebrow. You don’t believe in first impressions?

I do, but I also believe that those first impressions can be very wrong. You see there are people who might think, and I believe they do, I am a gold digger purely because my family once had money. Should they bother to take the time to get to know me, even though I very much doubt they will, they would find that I have no interest in having money, as I have never had it. Having it would change my life, I think, but I’m never going to marry for money.

You might think twice if the aforementioned man had a lot of money.

Laughing, Elizabeth shook her head. What rich men seem to fail to understand is that no amount of money can give them a better personality. I want to be with someone who doesn’t take their first impression of someone, an impression they quite obviously only have because of other people in their lives, and use it to create some sort of idea of that person in their mind that isn’t real. Their eyes met for a moment. People like that are going to have very lonely lives, Mr. Darcy, and if you don’t want to be one of them I suggest you open your mind a little.

Before he could reply Elizabeth walked away, knowing that was the best thing she could do. Her heart was beating faster than it had done before, and she was glad she’d said something. It probably wasn’t going to help at all, but she felt better, and that was all she really needed. She could feel his eyes on her. Part of her wanted to look back at him, to see what his reaction was. She stopped herself, not wanting him to know she cared, and went to find one of her friends.

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Are you okay, Miss Bennet?

Nodding, Jane looked up at him. I am, Mr. Bingley, and I would like it if you would call me Jane. There are too many of us for you to call me Miss Bennet. I’m never quite certain exactly who is being spoken to.

In that case, Jane, I would like it if you would call me Charles. No matter how old I get my father will always be Mr. Bingley.

It would be my pleasure. Their eyes met, and Charles felt it again. She was easily one of the most beautiful women he’d ever met, but that wasn’t the only reason he liked her. There was something about the way she smiled, the gentleness in her eyes, and the way she spoke. Did you come out here for a reason, Charles?

Mostly to get away from Darcy. He shook his head. He is my oldest, and dearest, friend, but that doesn’t mean I always agree with him. He and I are very different people.

You seemed it, before.

‘Sometimes it’s a good thing. He’s always much warier than I am about people, as he’s dealt with a lot of unhappiness in his life, while I have tried to make him a little more open minded. A lot of the time it doesn’t seem to have worked, but there are times when he does seem to be a little more trusting."

People can only change if they want to. You can’t make them change.

I know. I just... Charles shook his head. Darcy could be happy, if he let himself, but he won’t.

Focusing on yourself is probably the best thing you can do. You said before you were a scientist.

Smiling, he took the seat next to her. I am a biologist. My interest in in the human body, and how it works. I also have some interest in chemistry, but mostly how it links into the human body. He looked at her. You’re going to have to tell me if I’m boring you.

You aren’t.

Yet.

Charles, I think it’s very unlikely you could bore me. She reached out to touch his hand, and their eyes met. I like you.

I like you too. He ran his tongue over his bottom lip. Would you like to come to Netherfield Park?

You want me to visit you?

I do. He put his hand over her hand. I would like a chance to get to know you properly, and I think that would be much easier to do in a more private environment. You’re welcome to bring your sister Elizabeth as a chaperone if you think it would be for the best.

That’s something I might do, or I might not. Jane smiled at him, and he felt his heart flutter. Do you have any specific day you might like me to come?

Before he could convince himself to be sensible he shrugged. Tomorrow, maybe.

Chapter 3

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Jane is ill, Mother.

I’m well aware of that fact.

The letter had come that