Elizabeth's War

By Ginger Schlegel

With the country looming toward war, a young and naïve Elizabeth Bennett enters nurses' training with the anxious anticipation of supporting her king and country but the horrors of war she has become thrust into, soon consume her.

While attending a severely wounded Captain Darcy, Elizabeth and he fall in love, spend his respite together with a promise to meet again at the end of the war. Soon the realities of war- its sounds, disease, pain and the death of the soldiers Elizabeth attends, become a heavy burden to her.

Near the end of the war, the Spanish influenza pandemic takes the life of her family and a beloved nursing mentor.

Months after the armistice, Darcy fears he has lost Elizabeth to the many battlefields she had been assigned to, until his cousin, Col. Richard Fitzwilliam finally finds a physically and emotionally traumatized Elizabeth at an isolated sick sisters hospital in Belgium.

Her family dead, her home and belongings sold, Elizabeth agrees to go to Pemberley with Darcy with the promise to be his wife once she recovers from her injuries. Unfortunately, she faces the scrutiny of his parents, family and his privileged social life.

Is she suffering from war neurosis? She's lost so much of her life but with the help of Darcy and her medical team, will or can she ever recover enough to become Darcy's wife?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667859224

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Also by Ginger Schlegel

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s Secret

Dedication

For my grandson, Seth

I carry you on a chain around my neck and close

to my heart, you will always be with me.

"If you should wonder, you should not seek to know

what destiny the fates will give to me, and what to you…

In this way, I will better bear it, whatever it will be."

Quintus Horatius Flaccus, 65 BC - 27 BC

Acknowledgment

I will be forever grateful to Jane Austin for the delightful and many times colorful characters she created. May they always be with us.

As always, I thank my wonderful family, the children, the grandchildren, my brother and sister.

I wish to thank everyone of my nursing instructors starting from my basic training through my doctorate program, all of whom have inspired and encouraged my love and devotion to the lifelong learning of nursing.

For my editor, Jeanne Howell, thank you for the many hours, e-mails and chats that we have had to put into this manuscript together, getting it ready for print.

As always, I wish to thank my husband for his love and patience for this and the many other projects he has endured with me over the years.

Thank you Kim, for being honest about this and other stories.

Copyright © 2022 Ginger Schlegel

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any

form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording,

or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission

of the author, except where permitted by law.

This novel is the work of fiction. Any references to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales are intended only to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity, and are used fictitiously. All other names, characters, and places, and all dialogue and incidents, except those cited and portrayed in this book are the product of the author’s imagination.

The contents of this work are not intended as medical advise. Any treatment for

illness, injury or trauma needs to be obtained from a licensed medical provider.

The term nurse and sister are used interchangeably throughout this novel.

Please note: Any changes in spelling from the original Jane Austen version of

Pride and Prejudice (1813) with either the characters names or with any location mentioned, are authorial choice.

ISBN 978-1-66785-921-7 (Print)

ISBN 978-1-66785-922-4 (eBook)

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Epilogue

Prologue

"No one saves us but ourselves.

No one can and no one may.

We ourselves must walk the path:

Buddhas only show the way."

Karma: A Story of Buddhist Ethics (1903),

by Paul Carus, 1852-1919

1 JANUARY, 1914

The trip across the ocean was not as he had expected. He had never been prone to seasickness before, but the constant erratic motion of the boat and the crashing waves over the bow from the rough ocean was more than he had experienced on the journey to America approximately two years before. A general discomfort persisted in his chest and abdomen with every up and down and twist of the ship. He would miss his new American friends, fellow students and the faculty who had given him the education of a lifetime, but it was time to return home to England. The farewell party given for him just last evening, which was complemented with plenty of food and whiskey, certainly did not help his current ill feeling. He realized the ocean was vast and at times difficult, and the initial loss of the site of land usually would not upset him, but he now would be glad to set his feet on solid ground again. Fitzwilliam Darcy had been gone from home, his beloved Pemberley, his parents and dear sister Georgianna, for nearly two years. They had never been separated for this long before and he did not realize until now how much he had missed them. He had received many letters from his parents while being away, reassuring him that Pemberley was flourishing, but he also knew that the economy and political arena of the world in May 1914 was changing rapidly. Since his departure from England, he did not know how his home would be effected by these changes and was concerned that the Pemberley he left in 1912, would not be the same two years later.

He had been attending Cambridge, studying mathematics and applied engineering, and had almost finished his third year of schooling there, when he unexpectedly received an invitation to attend and intern at the prestigious Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts for advanced studies. When he was first notified of this honor, he was elated for the opportunity to extend his education and study abroad in America. Being chosen over many other candidates was not by chance. He had worked hard and was favored for this opportunity as a result of his dedication and the hard work by many of his classmates and members of the Cambridge faculty. The time of study abroad had gone by quickly, and his internship was now over; he was anxiously awaiting this final leg of the long trip home.

The last two years were adventurous and he had gained lasting friendships with many fellow engineer students and teachers. He admitted he had acquired significant knowledge in his fields of study. Bringing back plans and ideas from his American colleagues heightened his awareness of the growing field of engineering. The Americans were not as progressive in building architecture, but they were far more advanced than his European colleagues in road and bridge construction. America was a vast country, and the transportation of its citizens was an essential element for their continued, progressive economy and growth. For this, he was eager to present his newly gained expertise to his professors at Cambridge and hopefully apply what he learned to update the old and outdated road systems of England. He was not looking forward to another full year of study, but becoming a master mathematician and engineer had been a profound accomplishment for him. He was hoping to acquire a junior faculty position at his beloved Cambridge upon his return. Before this was to happen though, he knew he needed to get off this bloody boat in one piece; have a brief respite and reacquaint with his parents, sister and of course, with Pemberley. Unfortunately, with the current political arena, this was not to happen.

Over the past year, events in Europe were escalating. Tension was mounting between Germany, Austria/Hungary, Turkey and the rest of Europe over the change in industrial and economic power. Many of the European countries no longer saw their neighbors as friends, but instead, a sea of hatred and suspicion was developing between the once peaceful nations. The Americans were watching the situation closely, and he knew the American President, Woodrow Wilson had not yet committed to any alliance. President Wilson had stated he was determined to extract himself from the escalating and worsening mood of the world, but the President also knew that may not be possible. Fitzwilliam Darcy hoped a war would not occur between the countries of Europe, but if called for duty, he knew he would proudly serve his beloved king and country.

Chapter 1

"So never lose an opportunity of urging a practical

beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such

matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself."

Florence Nightingale, 1820-1910

Elizabeth, may I speak with you for a moment? asked Mrs. Gardnier, her maiden aunt. Elizabeth Bennett’s favorite Aunt Gardnier, who was her father’s sister, had been visiting Long­bourne, Elizabeth’s home for the past two weeks. They had enjoyed each other’s company immensely, talking about popular women’s topics such as fashion, embroidery and cooking. But todays conversation was to rally around a more serious subject, Elizabeth’s future.

Yes, Aunt Gardnier, did you call me? Elizabeth asked.

Yes, I did. I would like to talk with you about a concern of both your father’s and mine.

This sounds serious. Is there a problem with something I have said or done? Elizabeth asked with unexpected caution.

Heavens no, my dear. Please sit down. Your father and I have been discussing your future, what is probably going to be happening with our country over the next few years and how that will impact you. Aunt Gardnier took a deep breath and continued. You are a very intelligent woman, Elizabeth and it seems a shame, to both your father and myself, that you should waste both your common sense and your intelligence on trivial things such as fashion and embroidery. This is 1914, you know that Europe is now in an emotional and political upheaval. God only knows what the next few years are going to bring to our shores with regard to the trouble that seems to be brewing throughout the world. There is even talk of possible war. Because of this, we feel you should have a more formal education, something you can use to contribute to help those in this country who will undoubtedly suffer because of a that possible war.

Please continue, Elizabeth said with curiosity.

You do know that I am a trained nurse. I was with the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. I worked alongside the Royal Army Medical Corps toward the end of the Boer War and into the Second Anglo-Boer War. It was incredibly hard work, but the nurses provided safe and skilled nursing care to the sick and wounded. Your father and I have discussed this, and we both feel you should consider joining the Territorial Force Nursing Service (TFNS). Criteria for enrollment are strict. If accepted, you will receive two years of training in a recognized hospital. You will need to sign a declaration that you are willing to be mobilized in the event of war. You know the political climate is changing rapidly throughout the world. If war should be declared within the next few months, you would not be finished with your training until 1916, and hopefully, any possibility of conflict will be resolved by then, but if not, you would be ready to serve your country.

Nursing, I have not thought of that, but it sounds exciting. Being a nurse, means being a patriot to my country, an advocate for women and a source of hope for the sick and wounded, Elizabeth answered now with growing excitement.

Elizabeth, nursing is not romance, it is skill, knowledge and dedication from the women who administer the nursing care. Nurses fight against pain, disease, and death and at the same time they fight for the recognition of their skills and professionalism (Hallett, 2014). The education for nursing is long, vigorous, and intense, but at the conclusion of your training, you will be a highly trained and professional nurse. You will work closely with physicians, orderlies and volunteer nurses, some who have had less training than you, some with no devotion to the patients they care for. Working with these people and under less desirable conditions will require compassion, direction from you and sometimes self restraint when it comes to controversy in administering correct and passionate nursing care for your patients. You have this determination. I have seen this during your entire life. This Elizabeth is why your father and I feel you would do well in field of nursing.

Elizabeth was taken aback by her aunts suggestion, but certainly not opposed to the idea of becoming a nurse. She knew she was ready to marry and have a family. In the past, she had several men court her, but no man had sparked her interest enough for her to consider marriage. Two years of training was a long time, but not so much that she would not consider nursing as her ultimate profession. After all, women were having professions now. Long gone are the days of a woman sitting home at their parents’ home, waiting for a beau to call and propose marriage. Also gone were the days of one’s parents arranging marriages with unknown men for reasons of financial security, societal norms and other reasons only known to them.

It only took Elizabeth a few minutes to consider, when she answered, Yes, Aunt, I will do as you and father suggest and go to nurses training school. Quiet for a moment, Elizabeth continued. What will I need to do to get admitted to the training school? she asked.

Elizabeth, you will need to go to St. Thomas Hospital in London and apply to the Nightingale School for nurses training there. You will be given an entrance exam, but with your vast history reading so many subjects, I am sure you will be able to pass the entrance exam without too much difficulty. The school will tell you how to prepare but I feel reviewing your mathematics and Latin would be helpful.

Thank you, Aunt, thank you so much for all you have done for me since my childhood. At times, you are more of a mother to me than my biological mother has been. I have always had such a deep connection with you. Maybe nursing is the link between us that has held us together for so many years.

Maybe it is, my dear. They both hugged with tears in their eyes. Little did either know, with the upcoming conflict and its consequences, they would never see each other again. No one had any idea what was to come of the life they knew and what was to happen over the next five years.

Chapter 2

"It goes without saying that when survival

is threatened, struggles erupt between peoples, and

unfortunate wars between nations result."

Hideki Tojo, 1884-1948

Ignorance is the root and stem of all evil.

Plato, circa 428-348 BCE

The Darcy family retired to the library after Fitzwilliam’s welcome home dinner earlier that evening. James Darcy and Lady Anne Fitzwilliam were first to pour an after dinner drink, a snifter of brandy each, then proceed to their own small divan. Something they had long enjoyed during their married years, was an after dinner drink, sitting by the raised hearth of the fire, with their children beside them. Since Fitzwilliam’s departure to Harvard, they had missed their son’s ability for intelligent conversation and debate. As a youngster, he had acquired proficiency in the French, Latin, and German languages. Some nights he would just read to the family in whatever language they chose to hear. Lady Anne had especially enjoyed listening to his smooth baritone voice as it resonated throughout the room. Tonight, shortly after James and Lady Anne settled, Fitzwilliam, their daughter Georgianna, cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam along with his parents The Earl and Countess of Matlock, joined them. All except Georgianna, who was considered too young for alcohol, poured a drink of lemonade, and settled in for comfortable conversation, though unfortunately, the usual smooth topic soon turned to war.

Well Fitzwilliam, tell us, what is the opinion of the Americans regarding the events in Europe? asked James.

Oh James, it is Fitzwilliam’s first night home. Must we talk about such an awful thing, like a potential war? The thought of war is so unpleasant. said Lady Anne.

Anne, the world is changing rapidly and whether we like it or not, we need to face these changes. Men the world over, go to war for power and greed and to inflict their own views onto others. Everyone involved considers their ideals and thoughts are superior to others. Such stupidity exists. Britain will probably join in this fight, so we need to be strong and address this evolving conflict. Anne, you must understand that the economics and unbalanced power of Europe today needs to be controlled. Instability has developed among many of the countries in Europe and it seems that one particular country has been a major cause of this. We cannot allow any one country to develop more power than another. It could lead to monopolies and possible dictatorships.

I agree James, said the Earl of Matlock. France, Russia and Britain are far superior to any other country attempting to dominate the world. Britain alone is superior regarding technology, communications and military manpower to any other countries already established. Now, Germany has aligned itself with Austria-Hungary and Russia resents this. Russia wants control of the Straits but cannot accomplish this without provoking war with Austria-Hungary and with now Germany (Willmont, 2009). My God James, this turmoil has been ongoing for 30-40 years, but never to this extent. Now, Italy has an interest in the Balkans. It seems the national political and economic borderlines of all the European nations have been changing yearly but not more rapidly and aggressively as now.

Yes, and when France lost Alsace and Lorraine to the Germans, many years ago, the resentment felt by the French has continued to this day. If there is an increase in the German military abilities, France and Russia will make a strong alliance to prevent any defeat if war should break out, said James.

I must disagree with you in some aspect of what you say, uncle, said Fitzwilliam. Britain does have a significant command of military power and technology, but I think we are underestimating the gaining strength of our neighbors.

Father, Fitzwilliam continued, Germany has been quietly developing their military, so it now matches that of Russia. Railroads can transport large numbers of soldiers, weapons and supplies to any war fronts on the continent and beyond. Their weaponry has advanced tremendously over the past 20 years. They have now integrated the machine gun into their military and it is becoming a standard issue in military war. These guns have been shown to be superior to the US Gatling gun used in the American Civil War. We cannot overlook these weapons.

Please don’t forget, added cousin Richard. So many other countries have made significant advancement in their naval commands. They are building larger, stronger, and faster ships and submarines. Over the years, we have gradually diluted our numbers of warships, possibly leaving us vulnerable to enemy attack.

I have heard that Lord Kitchner, the new Secretary of War, has requested 500,000 volunteers to supplement the regular army (Wadsworth, J. 2014), said Lord Matlock.

The worsening political scene, the increase in the technology for warfare, being both in weapons and transportation, communications, and sheer military numbers makes for a very uncertain future. If war does occur, and I suspect it will, it will be worldwide and with such devastation and atrocities to human life that have never been seen before, said Fitzwilliam sadly.

I agree son, so we had better keep a close watch on what may lie ahead and be prepared for the worse, said James.

Please, everyone, let us stop this talk and just enjoy our company and this wonderful evening. Fitzwilliam is now home again and besides, it is not good for Georgianna to hear of such nonsense as war, said Lady Anne.

I agree, sister, said the Countess of Matlock. All this talk is so unsettling and disturbing. I cannot believe that a world war could possibly occur. Anyway, the king would never allow such a thing to happen to our country.

Mother, Richard said to the Countess. I don’t believe our king can control what might happen in this current political upheaval.

Either way, I cannot see anything as awful as war happening. Now, is everyone ready for another drink? Lady Anne asked, changing the subject.

Later that evening when cousin Richard and Fitzwilliam Darcy were alone, Richard said, Darcy (his childhood name for his cousin), I do not believe our families have any idea what is to lie ahead in regards to possible war. I fear they are both thinking in the past regarding our military strength, and capabilities. I agree with you though regarding the destruction that can occur with the type of changing technology so many other countries are developing, especially when applied to war. I am afraid this will not be a short-term war like so many suggest. It could drag on for years. Little did they or anyone else know that The Great War, also known as World War 1, would last 51 months, starting in 1914 and ending in 1918, directly and indirectly causing the deaths of some 15 million people (Finn, T.T., 2009).

I know, I am afraid our parents and many others are blind to what can happen, said Darcy. The Americans are also concerned. On many days over this past year at Harvard, we discussed the advanced weaponry, technology, etc. that is being developed by so many other countries outside of our mutual borders. Our neighboring countries are certainly ahead of us in mathematics, chemistry and physics. I fear the development of more lethal poisonous gas and like deplorable weapons, could be used in any future wars, despite the 1906 Geneva Convention, calling for the humanitarian care of sick and wounded.

If that happens Darcy, God help us all, said Richard.

•••

Several weeks later, on 28 June, 1914, the family was just sitting down to a late lunch when Mr. Hickey, the house butler came running into the small dining room.

Please excuse me, he said hurriedly and short of breath. This just came by express for the Colonel. It is marked urgent.

Thank you, Richard replied to Mr. Hickey as he took the letter from him. Mr. Hickey hung back in the room, fearful of what the urgent news might be. War fever was the talk all around Pemberley and the surrounding village. Richard opened the letter quickly while the family watched in anticipation. My God! he called out. Now all hell will break loose.

What is it son? asked the Earl. All eyes were on Richard as he pushed himself from the table and stood.

A Serbian civilian has just assassinated the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Countess Sofia. This may be the spark that opens the war gates. I am to report immediately to London for further orders. Please excuse me, I will let you know what I can as soon as possible. Goodbye Mother, he said, walking over to her and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Yes, son, the Earl answered slowly. Please, let us know. I will walk you out. Together they left the dining room and walked to the front door to an already waiting car. Quietly, the Earl returned to the dining room but no one spoke for the remainder of the meal. After the dishes were cleared, Fitzwilliam and Georgianna along with the Earl and Countess, left the room. Once alone, Lady Anne asked her husband what this tragic news would mean for them and Pemberley.

I just don’t know dear, he said sadly. But I know the world has suddenly changed. With that, he left the table, went to the library, and quietly shut the door.

•••

Several days later, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, under orders from his commanding officer, was now able to return to Pemberley with a specific request to speak with his cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy, heir to the vast Pemberley estate.

Richard, how are you? Holding up well? Tell us, what is the latest news? Darcy asked anxiously as soon as Richard entered the front door.

Hold on cousin, one thing at a time. You schoolboys have never been very patient. Richard answered with a laugh.

No, I suppose not, Darcy replied.

Well, so far, Germany has refused to participate in any peaceable conference. Russia would like some restrictions with Austria-Hungary but has also ordered some mobilization of troops (Willmott, 2009). Belgium and France will mobilize soon. Cousin, it won’t be long before we are in this war also.

I know, said Darcy soberly. We have all been hoping that war would not occur, but I agree it is probably inevitable.

Darcy, what will you do when Britain enters the conflict? You will join up, won’t you?

Yes, I will, Darcy said sadly.

I thought you would say that, so I have a plan for you to consider. Cousin, you are not a military man. You are an academic, and as an academic, we could use you in our intelligence agency as an interpreter for your engineering and mathematical background. Hell, your knowledge of linguistics alone, would serve us well. Hopefully, there will be little field duty, so you should be safe. I know your parents would be happy to hear that. Anyway, I told my commanding officer about you, and he would like to talk with you.

I was going to the recruiting office later this week. In that sense, I think I could contribute in to the war cause. Father has been quite anxious about this, and poor mother looks like she is going to cry at any time.

I’m afraid there are going to be a good many mothers crying before this is all over, said Richard soberly.

"Yes, but William Shakespeare said it best in Julius Caesar, Act IV, scene iii, There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune, said Fitzwilliam. Now, it is time to go to war and fight for humanity and the human rights of this world.

I agree, answered Richard.

Approximately six weeks after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, on 4 August, 1914, Britain declared war on Germany. Germany had already declared war on Russia, France and Belgium. All of Europe had now plunged into the total chaos and uncertainty that both Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam had feared.

Chapter 3

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in

stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."

Pericles, circa 495-429 BCE

For early June 1914, in London, the weather was cool with slightly drizzling rain. The hot summer season had yet to happen. Elizabeth held her rain slicker close to her and carried her tapestry valise while crossing the busy London street, up the stairs and into the lobby of St. Thomas Hospital. She could see nurses dressed in white uniforms with veiled head coverings walking about, some with patients and others with the families of patients. She set her valise down and looked for a sign indicating where she should report for her intake into the school of nursing. How glad she was that her father had insisted she read his adequate library. Many of the volumes she consumed during her childhood, covered mathematics, biology and chemistry, all necessary for her nurse’s training. Her knowledge of Greek and Latin were exceptional. Grateful for her aunt’s suggestion, she had reviewed these subjects. She had taken the entrance exam for acceptance into the Nightingale Training School three months ago and to her surprise, had passed with rather high scores. She knew the two years ahead of her would be intense, but she was looking forward to the challenge. Walking through the lobby, she approached a door marked ‘NURSING’. She gently turned the handle and entered. Directly in front of her was a large table with a rather stern appearing woman dressed in a white uniform with a white veiled head covering. Gray hair was slightly visible around the covering. She wore thin, brown colored, plain wire glasses, no facial make-up and her fingernails were clean, short and unpolished. She was writing and it took several minutes for her to look up and acknowledge Elizabeth’s presence.

May I help you? she asked.

Yes ma’am, my name is Elizabeth Bennett and I am reporting for nurses training.

Do you have your acceptance letter? the woman asked sternly.

Yes, ma’am I do. She opened her valise, extracted the envelope and produced the letter sent to her several weeks ago.

The matron looked over the letter, then said to Elizabeth, You may sit over there. Someone be coming here for the new pupils within the hour.

Elizabeth looked over to the side, where the admittance nurse pointed and for the first time noticed three other women like herself, waiting for further instructions. Elizabeth was given