Chapter IX

C onvinced it was for the best, Darcy acted on Bennet's invitation for Georgiana to join him in Hertfordshire. While Darcy had not seen the Bennet sisters in several years and did not know them well, they had always struck him as genteel ladies, the eldest already showing signs of uncommon beauty. How the younger had matured in the intervening years he did not know, but he could not imagine they were anything other than excellent young ladies, given Bennet's character.

? "You wish to take her into Hertfordshire," said his aunt when he visited her house.

? Lady Susan Fitzwilliam was a confident and forthright sort of woman, though not overbearing like his other aunt, and as she had asked after Darcy's purpose when he arrived, Darcy had told her without hesitation. Unlike Lady Catherine, Lady Susan was not one to look down on the lower gentry for no other reason than their modest wealth or lack of connections to the highest of society. The first was of no concern to her, while the second might even be in their favor. It certainly was in Darcy's eyes.

? "I do," replied Darcy with a decisive nod. "I believe it will benefit Georgiana to meet new ladies, and from what I remember of them, I suspect they will help her from her reticence."

? Appearing amused at his comment, Lady Susan replied: "Do you suppose I and my daughters cannot do likewise?"

? "Not at all," replied Darcy. "Yet, I understand that Rachel's wedding is approaching, and as she is often in the company of her fiancé and Charity with her hordes of suitors, they do not have the time to devote to my sister."

? This time, Lady Susan laughed aloud. "In that, you might be correct, though I will point out that Georgiana finds Charity a little overwhelming."

? Lady Susan paused and considered what Darcy had informed her of the Bennets. "I remember something of this family connected to you. They were of the clergy, were they not?"

? "When Mr. Bennet's father lost his estate, my grandfather assisted him in obtaining his ordination. They have been a connection ever since, though my father was not as close to them."

? "That is no surprise," replied Lady Susan with a nod. "Your father was not a warm man, and he had some definite opinions about associating with the right sort of people. He was determined to marry the daughter of an earl as I recall—had I not already accepted a courtship with your uncle, he might have fixed his attention on me."

? Darcy frowned. "My mother was not the first noble bride in my family's history."

? "No," replied Lady Susan with affection, "she was not. The Darcys are high enough in society that most of the nobility, impoverished or not, would not turn up their noses at such a connection. Certain dukes might, but most of my husband's station would consider long and hard before snubbing your family."

? "Well do I know it," replied Darcy. He sighed and gave his aunt a wan smile. "I am well aware of my father's character, Aunt. He was a good man—the best of men—but yes, he was conscious of his position in society, zealously protecting it to an extent I never thought necessary."

? Lady Susan nodded and turned back to the subject at hand. "Is there a chance of your becoming enamored with one of these ladies?"

? Taken aback, Darcy gaped at his aunt, prompting her laughter. "Do not concern yourself that Hugh or I will have any compunction at all about welcoming her into the family, so long as she is respectable. Yet it is a question your uncle will wish to know."

? "It is far too early for such a conversation, Aunt," chided Darcy. "I have not met these ladies in seven or eight years. The eldest was naught but fifteen."

? "Perhaps it is precipitous," replied Lady Susan. "Yet I cannot but suppose it is possible. Should you decide to pursue one of this man's daughters, we will need to determine how to present her to society."

? Darcy understood his aunt's point and nodded. Lord Matlock was much as his wife had indicated, but he was also cognizant of his position in society, much like Darcy's father had been. The earl understood he could not direct Darcy and would not make the attempt, but he would also wish for assurance that Darcy had not allowed himself to be captured by an unsuitable woman.

? "Now, I suspect Georgiana will jump at the chance to join you when you leave the city." Lady Susan smiled and added: "Perhaps she will not jump at it, for she will hesitate when you inform her that you intend to introduce her to new acquaintances. In the end, I suspect she will not demur."

? As it turned out, Georgiana was not at all averse to the notion, though she was, as his aunt had suggested and Darcy knew she would be, uncertain of herself. Darcy did his best to inform her of everything he remembered of the Bennets, reassuring her of their amiability and her certain comfort with them.

? "When shall we go into Hertfordshire?" asked Georgiana when he told her everything he knew.

? "I can see no reason to delay," replied Darcy. "Let us make our preparations and go at once, for I am not inclined to stay in town when we can be in the country."

? Georgiana grinned, knowing of his aversion to most of society. His character was understood, such that no one would batt an eyelash at the notion he had quit town early. No one that Darcy considered a friend would consider it anything other than his eccentricity; Darcy cared little about any other opinion.

? "Before we go," said he to his sister, "I must visit Bingley, for Bennet informed me of a property in the neighborhood that may suit him."

? Georgiana cocked her head to the side. "Do you suppose Mr. Bingley will wish to depart while the season is still ongoing?"

? Darcy offered his sister a smile. "Perhaps he will not, but he will want to take up the lease on the next quarter day, which comes in June. By then, the season will have ended, and even Miss Caroline will wish to be in the country rather than the city."

? It was no surprise to Darcy when Georgiana made a face at the mention of Bingley's sister; in truth, he could not disagree with her, for he had never liked Miss Caroline. The woman was far too interested in improving her position in society, and while she was circumspect about sharing her opinion, he had never doubted her certainty that Darcy provided the surest means for her to attain it. That Darcy did not favor her and would not offer for her had not penetrated her consciousness, and Darcy was far too well-bred to speak on the subject unless there was no other choice.

? "If you please," said Georgiana, a little primly, "I would prefer not to associate with Miss Caroline more than I must. She will expect you to stay with her brother if he leases the estate—if these ladies prove as amiable as you suggest, I prefer to stay with them rather than brave Miss Caroline's ambition."

? "I will be at Longbourn for that reason," pointed out Darcy, amused by her suggestion.

? "Yet, Mr. Bingley will request the same of you."

? "He already has. I know not how assiduously he has searched, but I know he wishes to fulfill his late father's instruction, and I advised him to lease first."

? "Then should you stay with Mr. Bingley, I shall stay with the Bennets, thank you very much."

? With a laugh, Darcy drew his sister into an affectionate embrace. "Of course, you may do so, Georgiana. If it becomes necessary, I shall brave the spider spinning her webs alone. Snell will protect me with his life."

? The siblings laughed together, Darcy encouraged by Georgiana's recent recovery. Soon, Darcy went away, knowing he had much to do before they could leave the city. His sister would join him at his house again within three days, and they would prepare to go into Hertfordshire.

The trouble with Darcy's resolve to meet with Bingley was, of course, the aforementioned Miss Caroline Bingley. To say the woman was a leech was a disservice to all bloodsuckers everywhere, for no leech could be so persistent and annoying as his friend's sister. The most direct way of gaining his friend's attention was to go to his house and speak with him; that presented obvious drawbacks, for while Miss Caroline would not use excessive familiarity, her scrutiny had often made Darcy's skin crawl. While Darcy could send Bingley a note asking him to meet at Darcy's house or the club, he knew from experience that it could be some days before he received a response. Bingley was not careless so much as an avid participant in all the season offered, such that he could become rather single-minded. Thus, though Darcy would rather not come to Miss Bingley's attention and wished to avoid informing her of his imminent departure from town, he decided it was best to visit his friend's house and have done with the business.

? It went about as Darcy expected. The moment he entered the sitting-room, noting Bingley and both his sisters were present, Miss Caroline regarded him to the exclusion of all other concerns, her restrained manner preventing her from offering more than a civil greeting. Darcy had long wondered if she calculated her restraint to lull him to sleep, allowing her to spin her webs until she captured Darcy in a net of gossamer silk as strong as iron.

? "Mr. Darcy," said she, offering a curtsey as was proper. "How good it is of you to visit, for we have longed for your company. And how is your excellent sister? It has been too long since we enjoyed the pleasure we take in her acquaintance."

? "Georgiana is well, Miss Caroline," said Darcy, noting Bingley's interest. "I thank you for asking after her."

? "That is most excellent, Mr. Darcy. You must come around for dinner, for we would love to host you again. I shall plan a date and send around our card."

? "Yes, Caroline," said Bingley. "It has been some time, such that I would enjoy having my friend join us for dinner. I shall have Louisa send our card around when we decide upon a date."

? Miss Caroline nodded her agreement, though Darcy was certain her position as the younger sister, meaning she was not the mistress of his house, rankled given her quest to impress him. Miss Bingley, less forward than her sister, spoke of her pleasure to welcome him at any time convenient. While Darcy did not know either sister well, he liked what he saw of the elder better, as she at least did not make him feel like a fat hare every moment he was in her company.

? "It would be best to refrain for the moment," said Darcy, unwilling even at this point to inform her he was leaving soon.

? "Oh yes," said Miss Caroline, coming to the correct conclusion but the wrong destination. "As I recall you visit your lady aunt about this time every year."

? Darcy did not reply. In previous years Rosings would have been his destination, but this year his cousin James Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Banbury, had volunteered to go in his stead. After his last visit, when Lady Catherine had all but demanded he propose to her daughter, Darcy had dreaded the possibility of going again.

? "How are you, Darcy?" asked Bingley, taking advantage of his sister's momentary silence to interject into the conversation.

? "Very well, Bingley," said Darcy, seizing on the opening his friend had offered. "If you can spare a moment, I should like to discuss something with you, then I must be on my way."

? "Of course, Darcy," replied Bingley. "Let us go to my study at once."

? Darcy bowed, saying a few words to Miss Caroline along with a few compliments to Miss Bingley, and allowed his friend to lead him from the room. A few moments later they reached Bingley's study, as his friend prattled on about his pleasure at Darcy's visit.

? "You will pardon me, my friend," said Bingley, "but I suspect you have no intention of going to Kent this year. Did you not inform me that your cousin was to go in your stead?"

? "He is," replied Darcy. "But I shall leave town too, though my travels will take me in the opposite direction."

? "Indeed?" asked Bingley, interested in Darcy's assertion. "It is no surprise you would wish to leave town before the season's end, but returning to Pemberley before Easter is precipitous, even for you."

? "Ah, but there you would be incorrect," said Darcy, "for my destination is not so far as Pemberley."

? With that, Darcy explained a little of his acquaintance and connection with the Bennets, their recent return to their ancestral home, and his reason for going there. Bingley listened, nothing of the frivolous man he so often was in his manners, and when Darcy told him all, Bingley regarded him, appearing interested.

? "I have heard nothing of these friends of yours, Darcy, though they sound no less than estimable. There is only one question I wish to ask of you: dare I hope that one of these ladies is beautiful and in need of a dashing husband?"

? Darcy laughed along with his friend. "Remember that he is a friend of longstanding, Bingley. Bennet would not wish you to fall in love with one of his daughters, only to fall out of love with equal alacrity."

? Bingley was far from offended by Darcy's characterization, as evidenced by his further mirth. "No, I cannot suppose he would. You never know—perhaps one of these ladies will prove the death of my bachelor status."

? "Perhaps one of them would," said Darcy. "Then I can tell you that though I have not met them in many years, when she was fifteen, Miss Bennet showed much promise in that respect."

? "Excellent," said Bingley. "I shall anticipate making her acquaintance."

? "You may make their acquaintance sooner than you thought," said Darcy. "Are you still searching for an estate to lease?"

? Bingley released a hint of a nervous laugh. "I am, though I have paid little attention to it of late. I had thought to wade into those waters in earnest when the season ended."

? "Then I may have something for you," replied Darcy. "Bennet informed me of an estate next to his that is available for lease. He does not know everything about the property, but from what he told me, I suspect it is extensive. Perhaps if you direct your man of business to investigate, it may yield fruit."

? "And what is this estate called?" asked Bingley, his interest marked.

? "Netherfield Park," replied Darcy. "It is situated only four hours north of London near the market town of Meryton. With those details, I suspect it will be easy enough to learn something of the property. If you wish to tour the estate before deciding, your man could approach the leasing agent with the request. Bennet told me to extend an offer to host you at Longbourn if you wish to inspect the estate yourself."

? "That is most generous!" enthused Bingley. "I shall do as you suggest, Darcy. If it suits, then perhaps I may take residence in July."

? "Very good, Bingley," agreed Darcy. "Then I shall leave you to it, for I have much to do before I depart for the north."

? Bingley, the excellent chap that he was, preceded Darcy from the study, entering the sitting-room and distracting his sister while Darcy made his escape. Should he decide on Netherfield, Bingley would no doubt request Darcy's presence as Georgiana had suggested, and then Bingley would owe him. Staying for months under the same roof as Bingley's sisters was not so attractive a prospect as his upcoming residence at Longbourn.

With their father still away in London, the Bennet sisters continued with their efforts to make Longbourn a home of which they could be proud. While they had only contracted for the sitting-room's enhancement, many other tasks consumed their time in those days, from sewing new pillows, drapes, and blankets, to directing the new gardener in what they wished to see in the park. Jane was fond of roses and spent hours in the gardens planting new bushes in the plot they had designed, while Elizabeth and Mary attended to other parts of the park.

? In all this, they did not forget the tenants, for they also created new clothes for the children, supplied the tenant wives with bread and treats from Longbourn's kitchen, and listened to those who worked the land. It was not long before they got a sense of the issues that plagued their lives.

? "Do you not get the sense of mistrust whenever we visit a tenant?" asked Mary as the sisters returned from one such visit.

? "It is not unexpected," replied Jane. "They have not had the attention of the family for so many years now that it will take some time to earn their trust."

? "I suspect we have made an excellent start," said Elizabeth. "Little Jenny's eyes were like teacups when you presented her with that dress. I declare she claimed she had never seen a dress so lovely at least five times or more!"

? "She is a dear child," said Jane. "Her mother appeared grateful for the gift."

? "We must ensure they possess sufficient winter clothing for their needs," said Mary. "A threadbare dress in the spring is bearable, but in winter, a lack of suitable clothing may end in sickness or even worse."

? "In time, they will understand that we are in earnest," said Elizabeth, joining her arms to her two sisters'.

? While the sisters received some visits from the neighborhood in those days, there were few, speaking to their neighbors' caution, much the same as they received from the tenants. There were several among the younger ladies with whom they became friendly, including the Long sisters, Miss Goulding, and Miss Robinson, though there were a few of the sillier ladies they did not care for, among them the three Harrington sisters. Time soon confirmed Elizabeth's impression of Charlotte Lucas as the most agreeable, and soon the lady was in their company almost daily, even agreeing to assist them in their sewing and other endeavors, her cheery enthusiasm warming the sisters' hearts. In time, Charlotte drew them from Longbourn.

? "You are still a curiosity in the community; most of us like what we see, yet you remain here and do not go out among us."

? "There is much to do," said Elizabeth. "I dare say we will socialize and visit when the time comes, but for now we are much engaged at home."

? "Can you not do both? Come, let us walk to Meryton, for you have not visited and I am eager to show you what our little community offers."

? None of the sisters had any dislike for the scheme, so they donned bonnets and gloves, fastening spensers over their dresses in deference to the still crisp spring weather, and followed Charlotte down the road toward the town. The walk was pleasant, bordered by the fields producing the estates' wealth, interspersed with strands of trees waving in the breeze. As they walked, they came across a lane leading to the east, and Charlotte, noting Elizabeth's interest, was quick to explain.

? "That path leads to my home at Lucas Lodge. It is only half a mile away on the other side of that low hill."

? "I remember," said Elizabeth, "though when we attended your father's party it had grown dark and difficult to see."

? Charlotte nodded and pulled Elizabeth down the main road, her sisters following. "I hope to see you there, Elizabeth, for I know my mother would welcome you." Charlotte laughed a little and added: "She would see it as her duty to mother you."

? "Just like Mrs. Harper back in Woodborough," said Mary.

? The three sisters laughed at the reminder of the woman, infamous in their former home for her need to mother everyone that came within reach. Seeing Charlotte's uncomprehending amusement, Elizabeth explained Mrs. Harper's character to her new friend, provoking Charlotte to shake her head.

? "My mother is not so... determined as this lady of whom you speak. Yet she considers you three girls in need of guidance and will not hesitate to offer it should you give her the slightest chance."

? "As I recall," said Mary, "she made a few such comments to me when we attended your father's party."

? Charlotte grinned at Mary. "Then you know something of what I mean. I expect she will visit in the next few days to dispense of her wisdom."

? "Do not concern yourself, Charlotte," said Elizabeth, trying but failing to keep a smile from her face. "I am certain we shall accept your mother's meddling in the spirit with which she intends it."

? The sounds of laughter accompanied the four ladies as they strode from the path onto the main street in Meryton. To call it even so humble a term as a principal street was perhaps a little splendid for the town that greeted them. As they had noted as they had traveled through on the way to Longbourn, Meryton was small for a market town, its buildings old and weathered, the streets unpaved, unlike the cobbled lanes that comprised Woodborough. In inclement weather, Elizabeth thought they would become messy, indeed, a sovereign threat against unwary petticoats and the boots that would sink deep into the morass.

? There, Charlotte took them into the principal shops where they perused wares and allowed her to introduce them to the proprietors. As Elizabeth expected, they were nothing compared to what they experienced in Nottingham, and not even so fine as those in Woodborough, which was a much larger town than Meryton. They exuded a sort of charm Elizabeth did not find displeasing. Elizabeth was content with what she saw and expected she would visit these shops, perhaps more often than she should. As they made their way along the street, they came across several young ladies of the neighborhood, always stopping to exchange a few words.

? "This is all of a tour you have to offer, Charlotte?" teased Elizabeth when they came to the last building on the street. "It seems to me there is not enough here to warrant such a grandiose term."

? Charlotte laughed. "You seem to have a talent for provoking laughter, Elizabeth."

? "That is our sister," said Jane with affection. "If Elizabeth is not laughing, something must be wrong."

? "Of course, it is!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "For whom would not prefer laughter to the alternative?"

? A loud snort caught their attention, and they turned to look as one, seeing a tall, imposing man, hair jet black except for the gray at the temples, his eyes piercing as he looked at them with disdain. Without knowing how, Elizabeth was convinced that this was Mr. Philips, the man about whom their father had warned them.

? "Mr. Philips," said Charlotte, nodding to the solicitor, confirming Elizabeth's conjecture.

? The man returned Charlotte's gesture, but his attention never left the Bennet sisters. The contempt that filled his eyes and pushed his lips into the rictus of a sneer fell on them where they stood, judging them as unworthy. What he might have said Elizabeth did not know or care, for at that moment, her father's admonition to avoid him returned to her, and she gathered her sisters to depart.

? "Is there anything else you wish to show us, Charlotte?" said Elizabeth, ignoring the hateful man.

? "No, that is the extent of our little town," said Charlotte, sensing Elizabeth did not wish to speak to Mr. Philips, who still glared at them. "Shall you return with me to Lucas Lodge and take tea?"

? The sisters all agreed, Jane and Mary appearing no more eager to exchange words with Mr. Philips than Elizabeth was. Charlotte nodded to the solicitor again and turned to lead the Bennet sisters away, and while it may be rude, Elizabeth made not the slightest gesture to the man. It was not as if she had the benefit of an introduction.

? "So that is Mr. Philips," said Mary when they had achieved a little distance. When Elizabeth looked back, she noted Mr. Philips, rooted to the same spot, his heated glare never diminishing.

? "It is," said Charlotte, understanding some of the tension in the sisters. "I understand there is a matter of some bitterness between your families."

? Though Charlotte phrased her words as a statement, Elizabeth sensed the question inherent in them. Thus, she turned to her friend and offered her a smile.

? "There is, indeed, Charlotte, though we prefer not to speak of it. Suffice to say that we shall have no congress with Mr. Philips and my father has engaged a solicitor in another town to see to his legal needs."

? Charlotte appeared concerned. "Is there something about Mr. Philips I should know? Papa would not wish to deal with an untrustworthy man."

? "We can say nothing of Mr. Philips's business practices," said Jane, throwing Elizabeth a warning glance. Not that it was required, for Elizabeth had no interest in spreading the story to her new friend. "If there are no rumors about his deceitful practices, I suspect he is true in his dealings with you all."

? "The disagreement lies between our families, and should not affect you," said Mary.

? With a nod, albeit distracted, Charlotte continued to lead them from the town to the north. Elizabeth risked one more glance behind them, only to see that Mr. Philips had disappeared from her sight. For whatever reason, the knowledge heartened her, such that she put the matter from her mind.