Chapter XII

L ongbourn was a pleasing estate. Situated just to the north of the market town of Meryton—a town Darcy did not think possessed half the charm of Lambton—it was an estate of rich fields and rolling hills, complete with a bubbling stream or two, providing moisture to the fields and a means of irrigating them when the weather was dry. It was not a great estate by any means—to the west, the uninhabited estate of Netherfield had far greater right to boast such grandness than Longbourn could ever claim. But it was solid and diverse, even given its small size, and even neglected had provided its previous master with a comfortable living in his last years.

? Much of the first days of his residence at Longbourn, Darcy spent in the saddle inspecting every inch of his friend's recovered property. While he could in no way speculate how previous masters bearing the Bennet name had managed their estate, Bennet proved sensible and practical, an apt student for a man who was, after all, still learning the best practices himself. While Darcy thought to praise him several times for his insight, a perception he did not think he had possessed himself when he had first gained the management of the family property, Bennet pushed aside all praise, showing his humble nature.

? "It is not much different from managing a parish, Darcy," said Bennet more than once in those days. "While I am now more concerned about their physical needs rather than those spiritual, the principles are the same when dealing with tenants as opposed to parishioners in Nottingham."

? "Yes, I suppose you must be correct," mused Darcy. "One thing that I found, especially since my father's passing, is that most issues on an estate are unique and require unique solutions."

? "Again, much like a parish," agreed Bennet, clear in his tone he thought he was being reasonable. "As no two people are identical, no two problems can have the same solution. Even when the individuals in a dispute do not change, solutions to multiple altercations must be exclusive to that issue. I mediated enough arguments between Mrs. Farnsworth and Mrs. Clayton to know the truth."

? Darcy grinned. "They sound like Mr. Peters and Mr. Bates."

? "I know not to whom you refer, young man," replied Bennet, "but if they are at all like the two ladies I mentioned, then I pity you. I never understood how two otherwise rational ladies could take such a decided dislike to each other for no discernable reason."

? "It is one of life's great mysteries, my friend. The families I mentioned are tenants at Pemberley, whose enmity for each other is near legendary."

? Bennet laughed and shook his head, and they rode on. That morning, they had visited the northern border of the estate, inspecting the rockier sections that served as pastureland for a herd of sheep, along with the fence that separated it from the estate to the north. As yet, Bennet had not made the acquaintance of the gentleman to the north, and they had heard little of him. While Darcy could not say much about the man, he was not impressed with what he had witnessed of his lands, for a tenant cottage within sight of the border had appeared in poor repair, the fields planted, but the orderly rows he might see at Pemberley replaced by an arrangement nearing straight, but with a decided bow. Of more immediate concern was the fence, which appeared to be in poor repair, with several places they had seen allowing for the potential escape of sheep. It suggested that this Mr. Pearce was as lackadaisical about the estate as Mr. Collins had been.

? "The fence needs repair," said Bennet, pulling Darcy from his reverie.

? "It does," said Darcy. "I would not recommend delay either, not if you wish to avoid the potential loss of sheep or conflict with the owner of the neighboring estate."

? Bennet regarded him deep in thought. "If the estate owner was a diligent man, he might have taken care of the problem already."

? "That is my thought as well," agreed Darcy. "There may be extenuating circumstances of which we are not aware; your previous steward was not an industrious man himself."

? The snort with which Bennet responded spoke to his feelings for that man. "Approaching Sykes would have been less than efficacious to be certain, and an appeal to Collins himself would not have been any more successful, I should think."

? "No, it would not have," said Darcy, shifting himself in the saddle. "A conscientious man would take action regardless, even without the approval of his neighbor."

? "Would that introduce other problems?" asked Bennet.

? "Not necessarily. While it is common practice to agree with one's neighbor on certain courses of action that are of mutual concern, there is no obligation. Mr. Pearce might have seized the initiative and taken on the expense of repairing the fence himself, for the cost of a fence is not significant. Had he done so, the fence would belong to him, though you could challenge its placement if you believed it intruded on your lands. Most gentlemen, however, do not wish the bother of fighting their neighbors for the hassle it would cause. Any amount of land he might think to appropriate would not be worth it."

? "Then I should approach this Mr. Pearce and see what he wishes to do," said Bennet.

? "That would be for the best," agreed Darcy. "If he proves intractable, then you may choose how to proceed."

? Bennet nodded and turned his attention back to the road.

? It was, Darcy thought, more than friendship that kept him entertained while at Longbourn. Bingley, his close friend, had often commented on his need to secure an estate according to his father's wishes, and Darcy had not hesitated to offer his aid when he realized that objective. Though he still considered himself a learner, Darcy enjoyed the work on an estate and was eager to share what knowledge he had with any who asked. As yet, Darcy had heard nothing from his friend about his investigation of Netherfield, and he did not know whether he had acted on the information Darcy had given him. If he did not, perhaps Darcy might write to him to prod him, for Bingley could become a little focused on his enjoyment of the season to the exclusion of all other concerns.

? What set Bennet apart from even Darcy's friend was Bennet's keen interest and the intelligent questions he asked as they went about the business of the estate. Bingley, Darcy thought, would not take nearly so much interest in the minutia of managing an estate, though he was not at all deficient and quite intelligent. Bennet, it appeared, wished to wring every drop of information about estate management he could, and was quick to understand Darcy's explanations when he answered the questions posed to him. Darcy hoped he had presented himself as apt a student to his father as Bennet did now, for he was a delight to teach, and his insights often surprised Darcy, suggesting angles he had never considered himself. It was clear he was gaining as much from this association as he offered his friend.

? In companionable silence they rode on for a time, making their way back toward Meryton in the distance but in no particular hurry to reach it. There had been some mention in their sporadic conversations with the other gentlemen of the neighborhood of a fine bookshop in the village. As they were both bibliophiles of the first order, they had agreed that morning to go thither after they finished their business at the northern edge of the estate. As they rode, they exchanged companionable conversation, superficial discussions of what they found in their investigations of Longbourn interspersed with other subjects of interest to both. That changed when they spied a pair of ladies walking in the distance through a break in the trees.

? "Jane! Lizzy!" hailed Mr. Bennet, urging his mount forward to greet his eldest daughters.

? The ladies turned at the sound of his voice and waved to their father as he cantered toward them, Darcy following behind. This, of course, was the other reason he appreciated his current residence at the estate, for a few days in Miss Elizabeth's company had informed Darcy that he had only scratched the surface of her qualities. The Bennet ladies were all excellent and genteel women, such that anyone meeting them would think they had been gentlewomen all their lives rather than lately raised to the estate. There was something fine about Miss Elizabeth, however, something that intrigued and attracted Darcy, the lure growing stronger the longer he stayed with them.

? "Hello, my dears," said Mr. Bennet as he dismounted before them, kissing each of their cheeks. "You are returning from the Johnson farm, I presume?"

? "We are, Papa," said Miss Bennet with her serene smile.

? "And how are they getting on?" asked Bennet.

? "Very well," replied Miss Elizabeth, "and grateful we are showing some attention to them. I cannot help but think they—and the other tenants—were neglected by Mr. Collins."

? "Yes, I must suppose you are correct," replied Bennet. "With no mistress of the estate for many years and a criminal as the steward, they must have fended for themselves."

? "Mr. Johnson is an industrious man, or so he appears," said Miss Elizabeth. "But I cannot but suppose that some attention from the family is more than welcome."

? "As it is on any estate, Miss Elizabeth," interjected Darcy. "The life of a tenant is not an easy one, and relief from the family is always welcome. A tenant can support his family unless some calamity befalls the estate, but there is never enough remaining for anything but the most basic of indulgences."

? "Not even that much," said Miss Elizabeth, shaking her head. "If you saw the state of Jenny's dress when we first made her acquaintance, you would not suppose that the Johnsons had anything in the way of luxury."

? "Which is why the support of the family means so much," agreed Darcy.

? The smile sported by Mr. and Miss Bennet did not escape Darcy's attention, and he knew a woman with Miss Elizabeth's powers of observation could not fail to see it herself. That Darcy preferred Miss Elizabeth's company to that of Bennet's other daughters was an open secret—the others found it most amusing.

? "It is important to see to the needs of those in your sphere of influence," said Darcy. "A happy tenant is an industrious tenant, and the success of those farming the land directly affects us."

? "It is not unlike looking after the parishioners in my father's parish," said Miss Elizabeth, directing a fond look at her father.

? "Darcy and I spoke of that point more than once," replied Bennet, "and in particular only this morning."

? "Then you should have no trouble managing the estate, Papa," said Miss Elizabeth. "Given that, you may allow Mr. Darcy to leave, for I am certain he must have more important matters to occupy his time. Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy, we cannot allow your dear sister to leave, for we enjoy her company far too much!"

? Had she ended her tease at Darcy's freedom to depart, he might have wondered if she were trying to let him know she did not welcome his attention. The way she phrased it, however, along with the sly look in his direction and the comment about his sister took any sting out of her words.

? "Believe me, Miss Elizabeth," said Darcy, "there is nowhere else that I would rather be at present, and no other business to which I must attend."

? "Then we are pleased to have you, Mr. Darcy." With an impish smile, she added: "I hope my comment did not offend you. We ladies need other ladies with whom to associate, and your sister is as dear a creature as I have ever met."

? "Not at all, Miss Elizabeth," replied Darcy. "I understood exactly what you meant."

? Miss Elizabeth grinned at him, but it was Miss Bennet who spoke.

? "Speaking of the company of other ladies, we had best return soon, for Charlotte was to visit this morning."

? "I hope you will excuse us, Mr. Darcy," said Miss Elizabeth with a slight and playful curtsey. "Though we had promised to visit the Johnsons this morning, Charlotte has become a dear friend. We would not wish her to return to Lucas Lodge without seeing her."

? "I would not suspend any pleasure of yours, Miss Elizabeth," said Darcy, bowing in response.

? The ladies curtseyed, and after sharing a few more words, they parted, their path taking them back toward Longbourn while Darcy and Bennet continued on their path south. Consumed as he was with thoughts of Miss Elizabeth, Darcy did not notice the lack of conversation with his companion, nor did he see anything of Bennet's sly looks toward him. Given their discussion the night of Darcy's arrival at Longbourn, he could not suppose that his friend would raise the subject again so soon as it was far too early to turn his thoughts to such things as love and matrimony. Yet Darcy was tempted all the same; having never met such a woman as Miss Elizabeth before, he was unprepared for the sheer magnetism of her allure. Unprepared, however, did not equate to unwilling. The prospect of being in her power was not onerous in the slightest.

? "Do your daughters often walk the estate alone?" asked Darcy a few moments later in response to a thought that occurred to him.

? Bennet regarded him and had Darcy known less of the man, he might have thought Bennet suspected him of being severe.

? "You have been here for almost a week now, Darcy," said he at length. "That is more than enough time to understand Lizzy's love of walking. Jane and Mary do not walk so often nor so far, but they enjoy it too."

? "Yes, I suppose you must be correct," said Darcy. While he had no wish to question his friend's parenting or care for his daughters, he ventured: "The estate is not large and this seems like a tranquil locale, but it may not be prudent to allow such freedom as this. Miss Elizabeth is now the daughter of a gentleman and a woman of means, given what I know of your finances. She may be the target of unscrupulous men looking for a quick way to enrich themselves. I have known men of that ilk myself."

? "I assume you speak of this man who caused problems with your father," observed Bennet.

? Darcy colored but did not deny it. "To a certain extent, yes. I am well rid of that particular man, though he pokes his head out of his hole far too often for my liking. Should he make himself known again, my cousin has promised to deal with him. Permanently. Yet he is not the only fortune-hunting wastrel in the world."

? "No, I suppose he is not," replied Bennet, his soberness evidence he had not dismissed Darcy's comment without consideration. "I understand the risks, yet I believe the danger on Longbourn's lands is minimal. When she goes out, Lizzy always informs Mrs. Hill of the path she means to take and the time she means to return. That is sufficient for the moment."

? "If you are willing," said Darcy, eager to move past any notion the man might espouse of any criticism on his part, "I could send for a pair of mares from my stables at Pemberley. If your daughters do not ride, now would be a most opportune time to learn, and it will give them a means of traveling to more distant parts of the estate."

? "I would appreciate that, Darcy," said Bennet. "None of my plans are fixed, but I had some thought of purchasing more horses, and perhaps breeding them. All my girls ride, but they have had little opportunity to practice their skills."

? "Then I shall send to Pemberley when we return to Longbourn."

? As they continued in companionable silence, another thought occurred to Darcy, a most pleasurable one. While Miss Elizabeth might have some experience in riding, Bennet's testimony as to the unpracticed nature of all his daughters' skills offered another opportunity. The notion of tutoring Miss Elizabeth as she improved was welcome, offering another avenue to be in her company. The thought pleased Darcy very much.

"Charlotte!" exclaimed Elizabeth as she and Jane entered the room to the sight of their new friend visiting with Georgiana and Mary. "I am happy we did not miss your visit."

? "Perhaps I should feel slighted by your absence, and this after I promised so faithfully to visit this morning."

? Elizabeth grinned at her friend's jest. "If you do, I shall not blame you, though I shall beg most pitifully for your forgiveness."

? The ladies all laughed at this; Georgiana turned to Mary and in a soft voice, though meant to be overheard, asked: "Does your sister always speak in such a sportive manner?"

? "Sometimes, Georgiana," replied Mary, winking at Elizabeth, "I wonder if my sister can find the gravity to speak without jesting!"

? "Oh, pish tosh!" said Elizabeth. "I can be grave when the situation demands it. It is only that I prefer to laugh whenever I can, for gravity is so very dull!"

? "Aye, that it is, my friend," said Charlotte, shaking her head, fondness evident in her warm smile.

? "We were just speaking of dancing," said Georgiana, appearing excited by the topic.

? "You were?" asked Elizabeth, turning back to Charlotte. "Dare I assume there is an assembly in our near future?"

? "There will not be one this month," replied Charlotte. "But my father has informed me there will be an assembly next month. Might I assume you all dance?"

? "We do," said Jane. "Lizzy and I enjoy the activity, though I cannot say that Mary agrees with us."

? "I have no disliking for a dance," replied Mary, a little primly it must be said. "I cannot count it as one of my favorite pastimes, but I do not shun dancing either."

? "What are dances in Meryton like, Charlotte?" asked Elizabeth with a grin for her younger sister. "Is there a plethora of young men all vying for the attention of the few poor maidens in attendance?"

? "Rather, there often seems a dearth of men, for young ladies often must sit out for the want of a partner."

? "That is unfortunate, indeed!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "For in Woodborough, a young lady wishing to dance does not sit out often, for there were usually more men than women!"

? "That must be a fine thing," said Charlotte. "In Meryton, the most popular ladies dance the night away, while those who are not so admired must sit out and wait for gentlemen to ask for their hands. It can be most distressing to watch others dance while wishing to enjoy the activity oneself."

? "You cannot mean to suggest you are not a popular partner." Elizabeth grinned at her new friend. "Why, I declare that any man who shuns you must need spectacles!"

? "No, I am not shunned," replied Charlotte, showing Elizabeth a grateful smile. "But at times there are not enough partners for everyone."

? "Do you not stand up with other ladies?" asked Mary curiously. "If I am honest, I never have so much fun as when I dance with one of my sisters, for I like their company much better than some prancing peacock who has a higher opinion of himself than he should."

? They all laughed at Mary's jest, though Elizabeth knew her sister was not entirely joking. Mary was a serious young woman, one who could not abide an unserious man, or prancing dandy, as she often said herself. Mary wished to marry, though she was not much interested in the estate yet given her tender years, but her wishes in a man were strict and she was uncompromising. To own the truth, she did not differ from Elizabeth or Jane, who had both decided when young that they would not accept a suitor unless they were in love with him.

? "I stand up with Maria occasionally," replied Charlotte. "Sometimes we band together and refuse to dance with a man in favor of staying with our friends. If they will not pay us the compliment of their attention, why should we favor them with our good opinion?"

? "Bravo, Charlotte!" replied Elizabeth. "If they do not know what they are missing, let them discover it through their lost opportunities."

? Charlotte favored Elizabeth with a wide smile and a nod, though her reply was more reserved. "You have plenty of time to yet attract a husband and are pretty enough to turn heads, so in that you are fortunate. Those who are not so blessed do not have the opportunity or the chances of attracting a husband."

? "What is this talk?" demanded Elizabeth. "You are a charming and pretty young lady, Charlotte—I cannot imagine the men of this neighborhood shun you, and if they do, they are not worth your time, regardless! As you are not yet five and twenty, you are not yet close to being on the shelf."

? Charlotte smiled, shining with gratitude for Elizabeth's praises.

? "Now is not the time for such dourness, my friend. Mark my words—you will attract a worthy man before long."

? "Thank you," said Charlotte, a mysterious smile suggesting she knew something. Elizabeth had a suspicion about what it was but did not think them well enough acquainted to press her new friend. "Perhaps you are correct, though I suspect it will not be a man of the neighborhood. Few are of the age to be looking for a wife, and fewer yet who may marry according to inclination alone."

? The inference, of course, was that Charlotte possessed little in the way of a fortune of her own, a condition Elizabeth thought common in the neighborhood. The Bennet sisters had said nothing of their improved and fortunate circumstances; they had agreed with their father that it was best to remain silent on the subject. None of the sisters had any interest in becoming the focus of a society starving for ladies of means and would not marry with such attention to wealth. It was best to allow their neighbors to believe that as daughters of a former parson, they had little to offer. Potential husbands may be told at the appropriate time.

? "Do you suppose I might attend?" asked Georgiana, the diffidence in the question displaying her character. "I have never attended a country dance."

? "That is because you are yet sixteen," said Jane to the girl, brimming with affection. "In the circles your brother frequents, it would be unseemly for you to be introduced at such a tender age."

? "Yet many a young lady of higher society often attends in the country," disagreed Elizabeth. "We have known many such ladies ourselves near Woodborough."

? "I do not disagree, Lizzy," said Jane. "Yet Mr. Darcy strikes me as being rather protective of Georgiana."

? "With good reason," opined Mary.

? "Then we must show him that there is no danger here," said Elizabeth. "If we all work on him, then he will have no choice but to give his consent."

? "Thank you, Elizabeth," said Georgiana, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Even if William limits my partners to you and your sisters, I shall be well pleased by the experience."

? "Nonsense, my dear," said Mary, patting Georgiana's hand. "For Mr. Darcy will no doubt wish to dance with you himself, and we may even persuade our father to take a turn!"

? "Yes, I suppose he will." Georgiana regarded Elizabeth with a sly glance and teased: "If I am any judge of the matter, however, I suspect William will wish to dance the first with Elizabeth."

? This, of course, led to a round of teasing in which Elizabeth was the focus of their gentle barbs, and while Elizabeth blushed at the notion of the handsome Mr. Darcy favoring her, she endeavored to give as good as she got. It did not help at all that she had noticed his budding interest in her, nor had she missed how he directed more of his comments at her than at any of her sisters. While she was still coming to know him, Elizabeth was well enough acquainted with his character to understand that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy would be an excellent husband. There was the matter of his standing in society to overcome, but she also knew that he would not allow such things to stand in his way if he wished to have her for a wife.

? Such talk was premature, regardless of their teasing, and Elizabeth pushed it to the back of her mind. That did not mean it did not work its way back into her consciousness, especially when the gentlemen returned, and Mr. Darcy was before her again. Despite Elizabeth's romantic nature, she was also practical and would not allow her heart to be overtaken by fancy. If Mr. Darcy continued in his earnest manner, however, she could not imagine remaining unaffected.