Mr Bennet rolled his eyes, a deep sigh escaping him. “Mr Collins, if you would kindly keep your suggestions to yourself. We did all that was possible under the circumstances.”
“But Mr Bennet,” Collins persisted, “if we had constructed a temporary dam or even used sandbags—”
“Mr Collins, your theories are endless, but none were practical today. The stream’s force was beyond anything sandbags could contain.”
“And what about my idea to reinforce the barn? Surely, that would have saved some of the hay and grain.”
Elizabeth could see the weariness in her father’s eyes and decided to intervene. “Mr Collins,” she said gently, stepping forward, “Mrs Hill has seen to it that your room is made quite comfortable. A hot bath awaits you, as our honoured guest.”
Mr Collins straightened, clearly pleased with the recognition. “Ah, Miss Elizabeth, your family’s hospitality is unparalleled. I shall retire, then, to refresh myself after such a taxing day.”
Elizabeth nodded, watching as he ascended the stairs. She turned back to her father, who sank into a chair, rubbing his temples.
“Papa,” Elizabeth asked softly, “what happened?”
Mr Bennet leaned back, exhaustion cracking deep lines in his face. “The stream rose from last night’s rain, washing out the foundations. The house is a total ruin. We’ve moved the family to the dower house for now.”
Jane sat beside him and offered him a cup of tea. “And what of their livestock and possessions?”
Mr Bennet sighed heavily. “We managed to save the cows and pigs, but I am afraid they lost most of their hens. As to their possessions, we carried away what we could, but much was lost. We will have to support them through the winter until repairs can be made.”
Elizabeth came to sit on her father’s opposite side. “Perhaps we could arrange for some additional shelter for the livestock? The old stable might be made to suffice with a little work.”
“That’s a sound idea, Lizzy,” Mr Bennet agreed. “And perhaps we can spare some of the winter feed from our stores.”
Jane added, “We could also collect clothing and blankets from the village. I’m sure everyone would be willing to help.”
“Let us hope.”
“Oh, I cannot think there would be any doubt,” Elizabeth insisted. “Surely Mr Wickham will be the first to offer some help. He has the means and influence.”
Mr Bennet stared into his cup of tea, his expression darkening. “Wickham did offer help, but not in the manner you think. He proposed to buy the tenant’s farm from Longbourn and make it part of Netherfield.”
Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open. “Buy the farm? But that would leave our tenants at the mercy of Netherfield.”
Mr Bennet rubbed his eyes and set his teacup back on its saucer, passing it back to Jane. “Would that be such a terrible thing, Lizzy?”
“Well… Yes, I think…” She shook her head. “Mr Wickham is only the lessor, not the owner of Netherfield. How can he propose to do such a thing?”
Her father shook his head and leaned it on his fist. “I have no idea. But I am inclined to accept if he is able to find some means of making it work.”
“But Papa!”
“Think, Lizzy. Longbourn itself is entailed, as well as most of the farmlands, but there is some liberty in the disposal of the tenant farms acquired in my father’s lifetime—Harris’ farm being one of them, and Rogers’ being the other. They are currently held in fee simple and are, in fact, the only inheritance you can look forward to from your dear Papa. However, they are become something more of a liability than an asset, thanks to this sodden ruin of a winter. Mr Wickham has the means to invest in the properties to make them prosperous again. So long as there is no encumbrance—and that will be up to the men who keep books and read laws—if Netherfield can purchase the farm, thenMr Wickham will bear the expense of the house repairs. And we…” He looked up with a weary attempt at a smirk. “We might burden Mr Collins somewhat the less, eh?”
Elizabeth swatted at her father’s arm. “Papa! You are incorrigible.”
Mr Bennet chuckled softly, but the weariness in his eyes did not fade. “Ah, but there is some truth in that, Lizzy. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe I shall retire for the night.”
As he stood and made his way toward the stairs, Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a concerned glance. Once their father was out of earshot, Jane turned to her sister. “Lizzy, why do you think Mr Wickham would want just one tenant farm? What could he gain from it?”
Elizabeth frowned. “I am sure he is thinking of becoming a more permanent fixture at Netherfield. Perhaps he is trying to increase his rents, long term. Acquiring more land would certainly give him more standing.”
Jane nodded thoughtfully. “That is possible. But do you think it is purely for that? Could there be another motive?”
Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head. “I cannot imagine Mr Wickham having any ulterior motives beyond that. He has always been kind and generous. Maybe he simply wishes to help in any way he can.”
Jane’s expression remained uncertain. “It seems such a strange proposition, though. To buy one farm when he could just offer assistance. Why go to such lengths?”
