Blurb: Lizzy goes to visit her sick sister, to the tune of the Christmas carol, "Over the River".

In my mind, "Over the River" is less of a Christmas song and more of a Thanksgiving song, but I'll allow it for my Austen Carol Collection. I've written enough of these that every year I have to ask myself, "Is this the last year? Was last year the Last Year?"

Anyway, happy Whatever You Celebrate!

Over the River, to Netherfield

Verse 1: Getting Jane's Letter

While sitting at table and drinking my tea,
A servant brings a note.
From Netherfield, Jane
is "not in much pain"
Despite her aching throat!

While sitting at the table and sipping my tea,
"To Netherfield!" says I.
Mama tries to scold,
"Just a trifling cold,"
But to Netherfield I fly.

Verse 2: Arriving at Netherfield

Over the puddles and through the fields,
And Netherfield awaits.
There's mud of my skirt --
what care I of dirt
While Jane's in dire straits?

Over the puddles and through the fields,
To Netherfield's front door.
With host unimpressed
by my state of dress,
Tis Jane that I am here for.

Verse 3: The Sickroom

Up the grand staircase and down the hall,
Jane lies in bed awake.
Her throat is still sore,
and what is more:
Her poor head's a mighty ache.

Up the grand staircase and down the hall,
I care for my dear Jane.
Charles Bingley affirms
till Jane's not infirm
At Netherfield we'll remain.