Chapter XIV

W hile the family anticipated making the acquaintance of Mr. Bingley—a return letter had informed them of his intention to arrive three days hence—there were other matters to occupy them while waiting. The Bingley family was a topic of much conversation in those days, unsurprising given the Bennets' curiosity, despite what the Darcy siblings had already shared. The chief topic was Mr. Bingley, as they were not to make the ladies' acquaintances at this time, which relieved the Darcys from the temptation to speak further of their opinions concerning the character weaknesses of one Caroline Bingley.

? One matter of some importance presented itself only the day before Mr. Bingley's scheduled arrival. As Darcy had promised, he sent a missive to the north concerning the man he had in mind to manage Longbourn's lands, and soon thereafter, the man presented himself at Longbourn for Bennet's inspection.

? His first impression of the man was no less than positive. Mr. Matthew Whitmore was a tall man, within an inch or two of Darcy's impressive height, his hair dark and wavy, his face pleasant and honest. When he spoke, it was with a quietude that was pleasing, yet he exuded confidence, speaking with no hesitation or false modesty. His handshake was firm, not excessively so, but also not the limp, fishlike attempt at a handshake so often favored by the dandies of society. Darcy, he greeted, with some familiarity, which he explained further when Bennet asked after his background and knowledge.

? "I have been an under-steward for several years now," said Whitmore, "working at an estate in Oxfordshire."

? "The estate is owned by a friend of mine," added Darcy. "Graham is a good sort, perhaps a few years older than I am, and lately married."

? "This estate of your friend's," said Bennet, "is it a substantial property?"

? "Tavershall is an estate of perhaps seven thousand per year," said Whitmore. "The estate produces crops as you might expect, though I do not suppose the ground is as fertile as your property, Mr. Bennet. Mr. Graham also has an extensive timber industry in the northern edges of his estate, and he raises sheep."

? Bennet nodded. "A diverse enterprise. Then I wonder why you wish to become the steward of an estate less than half the size. Longbourn has suffered many years of neglect, yet I doubt it will produce more than two thousand five hundred per annum even when returned to its full capacity."

? "The explanation is simple, Mr. Bennet," said Mr. Whitmore with a smile and a nod. "Tavershall's steward is a man of only five and forty—it will be many years before I can take over his duties."

? "You are not yet thirty?" asked Bennet.

? "Nine and twenty," confirmed Mr. Whitmore. "I am at the time of life where I should like to have a position of my own, for I wish for stability and the ability to take a wife."

? Bennet exchanged a knowing look with Darcy, yet his friend offered no hint of abashment, even given Darcy's ability to predict Whitmore's reason well in advance. Unable to get a rise out of him, Bennet returned his attention to the steward.

? "Perhaps I am prying, but I am curious if you have a young lady in mind."

? Whitmore smiled and nodded. "I do, Mr. Bennet, a lovely young woman who is the daughter of the parson near Tavershall. Should you agree to hire me, I shall propose to her upon returning to the north. I hope we shall be married before the end of the summer."

? "That is excellent, sir," said Bennet. "I wish you success and all the joy of your future situation. Now, if you will forgive me, though I am new to this business of owning an estate, I would like to discuss your qualifications and determine if we have similar notions of how to proceed."

? "Please," said Whitmore.

? It was, Bennet supposed, something of conceit to suppose he could determine the suitability of the man before him. In that, Darcy was an excellent resource, for not only did he provide his expertise, but he offered his fair assessment despite his obvious esteem for the other man. When they had spent the better part of an hour discussing the position, Whitmore's thoughts concerning best practices and his notions about what steps they should take to return Longbourn to its previous prosperity.

? After they had discussed matters, Bennet asked Whitmore to excuse them while they deliberated, and when he had exited the room, Bennet turned a raised eyebrow on his friend. "I do not suppose you would advise against offering him the position at this late date, but I would hear your thoughts regardless."

? "No, I will not counsel against Whitmore, especially as you are considering him based on my advice. My opinion of him is the highest—he will do his utmost to see to Longbourn's prosperity if you hire him."

? Bennet nodded while eyeing his friend with no little curiosity. "It occurs to me to wonder how you know so much of him. I understand your friend employs him, but most gentlemen have little to do with his friends' employees."

? "Yes, I suppose it is a matter of interest," said Darcy with a chuckle. "Knowing my character as you do, you already apprehend that I have trouble making friendships with my peers, let alone with others of another class altogether. After my father passed away, his steward followed him soon thereafter, leaving me alone as master of the estate without guidance. As his under-steward had departed the estate not long before, I asked my friends if they had some advice for who I might hire, with no little desperation, I might add."

? Darcy settled back into his chair with a smile. "Whitmore was new to Tavershall, but my friend sent him to me to assist. For the first several months after my father's passing, Whitmore and I learned how to best manage an estate together. I owe much to him, for his support was invaluable."

? "Given this," said Bennet, "I wonder you did not hire him yourself."

? "I might have at that," agreed Darcy, "notwithstanding his youth and inexperience. Before I could make that decision, however, my friend's steward broke his leg, and Whitmore returned to Oxfordshire to take up the management of the estate while he recuperated."

? Darcy shrugged. "By that time, I had gained confidence in my abilities. Soon thereafter, a good man came to my attention, and I installed him as my steward. Though I suspect he would have done well had I hired him, Whitmore claims to this day that he was not ready to manage Pemberley. Neither was I, but I believe I am not too much of a disappointment."

? They laughed together, and Bennet nodded to his friend. "No, Darcy. I suspect your father would be most pleased if he could see how you have grown."

? Touched as he appeared to be by Bennet's praise, Darcy nodded his thanks. Calling for Mrs. Hill, Bennet instructed her to summon Mr. Whitmore back into the room, and when he arrived, Bennet gave him the good news.

? "If you are willing to take on an estate much smaller than what you are accustomed to, I wish to offer you the position. When considering your stated need to attend to certain matters in Oxfordshire, how long do you suppose it will be before you can take the position?"

? "Thank you, Mr. Bennet," said Mr. Whitmore. "I shall return to Tavershall and inform Mr. Graham. When I have taken care of the matter of the young woman to whom I referred, I shall gather my effects and make my way back to Hertfordshire. Thereafter, if I am allowed leave once more to attend my wedding, I can start next week."

? "Then let us consider it settled," said Bennet, offering his hand, which the other man accepted with alacrity.

The following day, the family welcomed Mr. Charles Bingley to Longbourn. Curious as she was about this man of whom Mr. Darcy spoke with such fond appreciation, Elizabeth watched his approaching carriage, noting as the gentleman stuck his head out the opened window and waved his hat as they entered the drive.

? "Well, he appears to be a happy sort of fellow," said Mr. Bennet as the carriage drew to a stop before them.

? "You have no idea, my friend," said Mr. Darcy.

? Mr. Bingley bounded from the coach, his hat still in his hand, bowing low to them all, his cheerful greeting to Mr. Darcy's introduction warming them all. Had Elizabeth focused more on the man, she might not have noted how he lingered on Jane's introduction a little longer than the rest of them, the light in his eyes upon seeing her evidence he found her excessively agreeable. When all the introductions were complete, the housekeeper led Mr. Bingley to his room to refresh himself while the family gathered in the sitting-room, waiting for their newest guest to join them.

? If there was one word to describe Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth thought that word was jovial, for his spirits appeared irrepressible, his garrulity endearing to the company. He was a handsome man, perhaps standing a little shorter than Mr. Darcy, his blond hair tending toward redness, his open features pleasing, his eyes a light blue. For Elizabeth's part, he was not so handsome as Mr. Darcy, but she could understand how a lady might find him irresistible. If Jane's interest was not so marked as Mr. Bingley's had been, Elizabeth could still see how her sister regarded him and knew that the man had made an immediate impression upon her eldest sister.

? "Well, Mr. Bingley," said Mr. Bennet when they were all together again, "your friend has given you an excellent name, and thus far, I cannot say he overstated his praise."

? "Is that so, Mr. Bennet?" asked Mr. Bingley, his laughing gaze finding his friend. "Then that is curious, indeed, for my friend offers praise only when he must. When he compliments at all, it is universally restrained."

? "Not at all, Bingley," said Mr. Darcy, enjoying his friend's company. "It is only that my standards are high, such that most of those in the world disappoint me. I would never speak of you so, for I dare any man to find anything wanting."

? Mr. Bingley laughed and looked at them all as if to say: "There! You see what I must endure?"

? Out loud, all he said was: "Trust me, Darcy—I understand your character very well, indeed."

? Then he turned back to Mr. Bennet. "According to Darcy you recently inherited this estate?"

? "In a manner of speaking. Two months ago, I was a parson in Nottingham and unaware I would ever be anything else."

? "Yes, Darcy mentioned that, besides your peculiar connection to Longbourn. In that case, I congratulate you for your good fortune, however it happened. I hope to follow in your footsteps and find a situation of my own."

? "Do you suppose you will settle at Netherfield Park if it proves suitable?" asked Jane.

? "At present, I do not know," said Mr. Bingley. "I am unfamiliar with the exact terms of the lease, though I understand there may be an option to purchase." Mr. Bingley turned and directed a grin at his friend, saying: "Certain members of my family would advise me to look for an estate to purchase further north, but I shall keep my own counsel about where I shall settle."

? "That is for the best, Bingley," said Mr. Darcy, though everyone present understood the meaning behind Mr. Bingley's tease.

? "For the moment," added Mr. Bingley, turning back to Jane, "leasing Netherfield would be convenient because of its proximity to town. For anything more than that, we must wait and see."

? Mr. Bingley was everything Mr. Darcy had told them about his friend. With such cheerful manners, Elizabeth was unsurprised the gentleman enjoyed the benefits of society during the season, such that she considered it a wonder Mr. Darcy had pulled him away from his amusements at that time of year. When she made that observation, Mr. Darcy nodded his agreement.

? "As I said before, he can become intent upon the season, excluding all other concerns. His father's charge regarding the purchase of an estate weighs on his mind, which I suspect has played a part in convincing him to put such considerations aside for a few days."

? "Well, I suppose he will be a most interesting neighbor," said Elizabeth, turning her attention back to their guest, who was speaking with some animation to Longbourn's eldest daughter. "It appears he finds Jane quite agreeable already."

? "That he does," said Mr. Darcy, following Elizabeth's glance across the room. "Bingley, you understand, is several years younger than I am myself, and he often finds young ladies agreeable. While he is eager to pay his respects, however, Bingley does not single a young lady out for his attention."

? Elizabeth turned back to Mr. Darcy and nodded, fixing him with a smile of gratitude. "Jane will guard her heart until a man shows unmistakable signs of interest. Mr. Bingley's interest is easily marked, and his acquaintance is only a few hours. Yet he seems like an excellent man, such that I shall give Jane leave to like him as much as she wishes."

? "You control your sisters' ability to esteem a man?" jested Mr. Darcy.

? "Yes, for it is easier that way. If I, the most discriminating sister, approve of a man, my sisters know they may like him to their heart's content, knowing I cannot possibly be in error."

? They looked into each other's eyes for a long moment, then burst into quiet laughter—it was a silly conversation and no mistake.

? "Then I hope you will take Georgiana under your wing and offer her the same protection."

? "I shall be happy to do so, Mr. Darcy."

? Aside from their jesting, each understood the other very well. Mr. Darcy had reassured Elizabeth that Mr. Bingley was not some rake who would fall in and out of love in an instant, and with this Elizabeth was content. Not that she had thought him capable of it. Mr. Bingley appeared nothing less than an amiable sort of man. Regardless of whatever sorts of sisters he would bring with him, she had little doubt the gentleman himself would be an agreeable neighbor. Jane appeared to think so, for she spent the entire evening with the man. Though, as she had stated, their acquaintance was no more than a few hours old, Elizabeth had rarely seen a more promising inclination.

"Well," said Bingley as he approached the windows in the music room, pushing them aside to look out on the gardens at the back of the house, "Netherfield Park appears to be a worthy estate. What say you, Darcy?"

? "I can find little to fault with it," replied Darcy, "as I already told you several times. Whatever the owner's current situation or the amount of attention he pays to the place, the steward appears to know his business."

? Bingley nodded with an absence of mind as he continued to look out the window. The gardens were not a major consideration on an estate, as they did not add to the income or produce anything useful. Still, if the gardens were cared for, they could tell the story of the estate's general health—they had not toured the grounds at the back of the house and Netherfield was not large enough to boast widespread gardens, but what they had seen had not given Darcy any concern. The house itself, while it was perhaps not the most visually pleasing, at least appeared solid and maintained, a squat brick structure with ample bedrooms and all the modern amenities. It was nothing to Pemberley, but few houses were.

? "What of the grounds?" asked Bingley. "Do you suppose we should engage in more thorough examinations to determine whether everything is sound?"

? "You could spend days in such an endeavor, Bingley," said Darcy. "There appears to be no deficiency that I can see, for the house is well maintained; such a man who takes pride in his house would not allow the fields to exist in a state of neglect. The parts of the estate we have seen have satisfied me that whatever problems there are will not affect its profitability."

? Bingley turned to regard him. "Then I suppose I should take it, for if I do not, I suspect you will do so in my stead."

? "Oh?" asked Darcy, knowing to what his friend referred. "Why would you suppose that?"

? "Because, Darcy, I saw you in close conference with Miss Elizabeth last night. Tell me: should I take offense on behalf of my sister? Had you paid a tenth as much attention to Caroline she would have announced your engagement in the Gazette and seen to all the pesky details involving matrimony to ensure you did not dither."

? "Trust me, Bingley. Your sister has no reason whatsoever to take offense."

? "No, I do not suppose she has," replied Bingley with a chuckle. "That will not prevent her, of course, but I cannot see you concerning yourself for her opinion."

? "You are correct," agreed Darcy. "As for your comments concerning my interest in Netherfield, I have no notion as to your meaning."

? "I was not so focused on Miss Bennet that I did not note your closeness with Miss Elizabeth," said Bingley, the comment far blunter than usual.

? "Ah, but I have a place to stay at present," said Darcy, enjoying their banter. "Is it not much more convenient to stay in the same house as the woman in whom one is interested?"

? "To be certain, it is. The lack of a place to stay in the neighborhood, however, becomes an issue once you reach an agreement, does it not?"

? "Do you suppose me so lost in infatuation for Miss Elizabeth to suspect me of the intention to propose at once?"

? "Given you never pay more than the most basic civility to any woman, I find myself wondering."

? "Do not suppose that I am that close to a proposal, Bingley," replied Darcy. "I shall not deny my interest in Miss Elizabeth, but our acquaintance is yet new."

? Bingley nodded and turned serious. "If I take this estate, you know I cannot prevent my sisters from joining me." Offering a rueful shake of his head, Bingley said: "Louisa and Caroline may act as each other's chaperon, but Louisa often finds Caroline tiresome. If Caroline learns of your presence nearby, she will insist upon joining me here."

? "I am not unaware of it," replied Darcy. "And I would never presume to prevent you from welcoming your sisters to your home."

? "No, I do not suppose you would. While I understand Caroline has no claim upon your attention, you must understand what her reaction will be when she learns of your interest in Miss Elizabeth."

? "Yes, Bingley, I understand this. If you are trying to allow me an opportunity to advise you against Netherfield Park, please do not concern yourself another moment for my comfort. I know your sister, but her displeasure will not affect me."

? "Even if I ask you to stay at Netherfield and assist me in learning how to manage the estate?"

? "Even then," replied Darcy. "If you feel that Netherfield Park is a suitable investment, I advise you to take it without reference to me, Miss Caroline, or anyone else. I can handle your sister if needs must."

? "Thank you, Darcy. As I already have your opinion of the estate, I believe I shall do just that. Come, let us return to the leasing agent."

? The solicitor who was acting as the leasing agent was a tall, thin man, with black hair speckled with gray, blue eyes, and an arrogant demeanor. Darcy had not liked the man, his opinion born of instinct rather than understanding, and knew he would not have thought much of him even if he did not know of the Bennet family's misfortunes and this man's connection to them. Bennet had not stated it outright, but Darcy knew that Mr. Philips was the reason Bennet had not accompanied them despite an interest in knowing more of Netherfield Park himself. As Mr. Philips had not mentioned Bennet, Darcy kept his own counsel.

? "Well, Mr. Bingley?" asked Mr. Philips, a faint hint of demand in his tone. "Do you have any further questions about the property?"

? Bingley frowned, as well he might, for the man's tone was not that of an agent dealing with respect for a prospective buyer. Darcy could not help but wonder if this was the man's usual conduct or if he knew something of their present residence at Longbourn and it affected his judgment.

? "Everything appears to be in order, Mr. Philips," said Bingley, ignoring the man's discourtesy.

? "Very well," said Philips. "If you wish to proceed, that would be a boon. It has been some time since the owner put the property on the market; in all that time I have yet to receive an eligible purchase offer."

? The glance Bingley shot at him did not escape Darcy's attention. "Is there something amiss that has prevented serious consideration?"

? "There is nothing the matter so far as I can determine," replied Mr. Philips, his manner all impatience. "The steward would be better positioned to answer any lingering questions. The leasing market has been soft for some years as there is a glut of such places for lease. I showed the property to several gentlemen, but none of them were interested in proceeding."

? "It is not unusual for an estate to languish on the leasing market for no discernable reason, Bingley," said Darcy.

? Mr. Philips, he noted, nodded in thanks, though unwilling. While Bingley would not accept Mr. Philips's assurances, he had great faith in Darcy's opinion and nodded to his comment.

? "Then the property appears situated to my needs. I should like to proceed."

? "Excellent," said Mr. Philips, though his tone did not change. "Then let us return to my office, where I have the papers prepared for your signature."

? Mr. Philips had his own conveyance, leaving Bingley and Darcy to make their way to the man's Meryton office on horseback. They were not long on the road to the town when Bingley turned to him and offered a wry grin.

? "He is not the most genial man, is he?"

? "Perhaps he has some connection to the nobility," said Darcy, not wishing to say anything about what he knew of the man.

? Bingley snorted. "That is not likely. I cannot imagine a man with such a connection being content to spend his days as a country solicitor."

? "Then his disposition must be natural," replied Darcy.

? His friend agreed and they fell silent, which they maintained until they arrived at the man's offices in Meryton. There, Mr. Philips produced the aforementioned papers, and once Bingley had read them over, he signed, agreeing to take possession of the estate on the coming quarter day in June. When he had signed the papers, Bingley turned to Darcy with a grin.

? "Thank you, my friend, for making me aware of Netherfield Park. And I shall offer my thanks to Mr. Bennet for his kindness in allowing me to visit while inspecting the property."

? "Not at all, Bingley," said Darcy. While he spoke to his friend, Darcy noted Mr. Philips's dark look at the mention of the new master of Longbourn. "I was pleased to assist, and I know Bennet was eager to make your acquaintance."

? "Well, I hope you will offer me the same aid as you offered Mr. Bennet. I should like you to stay at Netherfield for a few weeks to teach me something of what I must know." Bingley laughed. "You know I will cock it up if you do not!"

? "Estate management is no mystery, Bingley," replied Darcy. "Some knowledge of what must be done cannot go amiss, but it is, at heart, naught but good sense."

? "I am eager to discover it."

? Bingley turned to Mr. Philips and offered his hand, which the other man did not hesitate to accept. "Thank you, Mr. Philips. It must be a relief to have the matter decided for the moment."

? "It is," was the man's gruff reply. He appeared ready to say something more, but then he grimaced and turned to Darcy.

? "You are staying at Longbourn at present, are you?"

? The question was an impertinence, and the tone with which the man spoke raised Darcy's hackles. While he considered reprimanding the man, Darcy swallowed such retorts and responded with more civility than he thought Mr. Philips had a right to expect.

? "Yes, I have that privilege."

? Mr. Philips's distaste was no less than clear. "Then I commend you for your endurance. I must own that I possess little tolerance for members of the Bennet family and will not deal with them. If you accept a word of advice, I will caution you against listening to anything Bennet says. In my experience, the Bennet clan have ever been dishonest."

? "And you should know," retorted Darcy, unwilling to allow this man to slander his friend's good name, "that I enjoy the privilege of a long association with the Bennet family and know of no shade on their characters. I know much of the history and understand what lies between you. As a man of the law, you understand the penalties for slandering another, do you not?"

? Mr. Philips's jaw clenched, but he did not respond to Darcy's reprimand. "If you gentlemen will excuse me, I must attend to other matters."

? "Then we shall wish you a good day," said Bingley, his wide eyes showing shock, but with an obvious intention to avoid further hostilities.

? Darcy nodded tersely and rose, departing with his friend without a backward glance.