Then there was the concern for the girls. Suspicions had been aroused as to his intentions regarding them, thanks to Mrs Bennet’s boisterous glee and general approval of his plans toward marriage. It would be Mr Bennet’s place to either sanction or forbid such a match, but as he was indisposed, no one wanted to see any undue pressure placed on the girls to secure their future.
“Miss Jane sent an express to their uncle in London, but I expect it will be a day or two at least before he can arrive. I wonder, should we send word to Netherfield?” Mrs Hill suggested.
Jones arched his eyebrows. “On what grounds?”
She settled her cup between her hands, pursing her lips. “Certainly, the serious injury of a neighbour warrants the news being shared. I wonder if Mr Bingley could be prevailed upon to offer any assistance with the estate, as they are the nearest neighbours.…” She left unspoken what they were all really thinking.
There was a general expectation that Mr Bingley might soon offer for Jane, thus securing her future and making the family’s circumstances somewhat less precarious. Even should he not make Jane an offer immediately, the current Master at Netherfield Hall was known to everyone as a kind, generous soul who would compassionately exert himself for a neighbour.
The men nodded, agreeing that her reasoning was sound and would not be overstepping their bounds. Jones stood, thanking them for the hot coffee. “It is a little out of my way, but I can detour to Netherfield on my way back to Meryton. Good day Mr Hill, Mrs Hill.”
“Jane,heisamonster!” Elizabeth slammed the door of their shared bedroom, her cheeks flushed scarlet. She plopped down heavily on the bed, snatching up her pillow and crushing it to her chest. Jane—dear, ever-faithful Jane—came comfortingly to her side. She pressed a cup of tea into Elizabeth’s hand and stroked her sister’s hair.
“Dearest Lizzy, I am sure he is only trying to help. Our cousin is not a clever man, but I do not believe he means any harm.”
“Oh, Jane, you did not see his face when he heard about Papa. He is probably taking measurements of the master bedroom as we speak!”
Jane’s charming, bell-like laugh bubbled forth. “Oh, Lizzy, surely not! I cannot believe even he would be so callous. Besides, we have only to avoid him for a few days, which we can easily do while caring for Mama and Papa. You will see, Papa will wake soon, and all your fears can be put to rest.”
Elizabeth grunted her disbelief. Only Jane could attribute disinterested motives to their vulgar houseguest. “You are too good, Sister. But you are right, there is little else we can do, and Mama and Papa need us. Will Mama rise today, do you think?”
Jane shook her head. “You know Mama. Mrs Hill was downstairs while I sat with her, but Mama has kept her close since then and has demanded constant attention. We should relieve her so she can tend to other matters. Mary is still sitting with Papa.”
“What of Kitty and Lydia?”
Jane shrugged vaguely. “I do not know if they are even dressed. I spoke with them earlier, but I have not seen them out yet.”
Elizabeth’s lips thinned. She would see to their younger sisters. “Jane, you go to Mama. I will find out what needs to be done about the house.” They rose and went to set about their separate duties.
Elizabeth stormed into Lydia and Kitty’s room, interrupting a fit of giggles. They still tittered but sobered quickly under her fiery gaze. Her eyes narrowed at her younger sisters. Their lives had been careless and unstructured for far too long, in her opinion. That was the doing of their mother’s enabling and their father’s indolence.Well, decided she,that is at an end for now. While Jane and I are managing things, they will pull their own weight!
“How dare youremain here gossiping while your father lies unconscious down the hall?” she roared. The girls’ eyes rounded. They knew Lizzy to have a temper when goaded, but it had been years since any such display had been witnessed from her. She usually preferred to turn the tables with her considerable wit, and for a moment, they were shocked at her departure from her normal behaviour. It was noisy, heedless Lydia who recovered first.
“Oh, listen to you, Lizzy. Anyone would think that Papa will wake up this afternoon and catch us still in bed. What matter if Kitty and I remain here? It is not like we can rouse him!”
Elizabeth’s face purpled in rage. “Would you disrespect your own father so? And Mama needs our help! You both need to dress and find something constructive to do. Mary has been sitting with Papa and needs a rest, and Mrs Hill has too much to do. I insist you dress and go downstairs at once to help her!”
“Help in the kitchen?” Kitty’s face clouded in dismay. “But we’ve already dried all the herbs, and Iwon’thelp make candles. Last time I burned myself, you know.” Inspired by her giggling younger sister, she pulled a face at her furious sibling.
Elizabeth stood speechless for an instant. A string of biting retorts came to mind, but the mortifying evidence of her own sisters’ insensitivity stung her. With sudden fierceness, she snatched the bedcovers they still hid behind, bundled them into her arms, and heaved them through the second-floor window onto the wet ground below. Kitty screeched in horror, but Lydia just crossed her arms, staring right back in challenge.
When Elizabeth slammed the door shut, Lydia turned to her sister. “I know, Kitty, let’s walk into Meryton. We shall wait for Maria Lucas; you know she said she would call this morning. I want to see if Wickham has come back!” The girls squealed in delight and hastened to dress.
Darcyemergedfromhisrooms, refreshed after a hot bath and a shave. Wilson, his valet, was busily packing the remainder of his personal effects for a morning departure. He and Bingley had settled between them the previous evening to leave shortly after the morning meal. As he struck up his long stride down the corridor, an unwelcome voice arrested his progress.
“Mr Darcy!” Miss Bingley oiled her way toward him. Clearly, she had been lying in wait for his arrival, contriving for him to escort her to breakfast. With an inaudible sigh, he bowed and offered his arm. A debilitating waft of her powerful musk perfume assaulted him, but he was long practised at ignoring it.
“I imagine you are well pleased to be leaving this country!” Miss Bingley sidled comfortably up to him, incidentally brushing his arm with more bits of her anatomy than was strictly necessary. “Such insipid company. Why, the conduct last evening! Louisa and I were agreeing that we could not fathom such behaviour.” She batted her eyelashes at him, to no avail, since he refused to look in her direction. Neither would he be baited into a reply. She tried harder.
“I noticed that Miss Eliza’s fine eyes were rather bright last night during her family’s performance. Her mother was so well-spoken! Such accomplished dancers they all are, and so popular with all the officers. And the middle sister with suchexquisite talent on the pianoforte. You really must introduce them all to Miss Georgiana. How delighted she would be to meet such distinguished company!”
Darcy only clenched his jaw, a subtle mannerism that the oblivious Caroline was unlikely to observe. As they stepped into the breakfast room together, he noted Bingley’s downcast attitude.Reluctant to leave Miss Jane Bennet, Darcy mused.This is one time when I agree with Miss Bingley. Better to get him far away from temptation, as well as myself!
Caroline released his arm and blithely helped herself—or rather, forced the maid to help her—to the sideboard, which was generously laden with imported fruits, hot meats and fresh pastries. Mr Hurst was busily tucking into his plate while his wife surveyed her fingertips and toyed with her coffee. Bingley stirred his tea dejectedly, his uneaten food scattered on his plate.
Caroline pouted and picked at the young maid she had required to fill her plate. First, it was too full, making her look slovenly and ill-bred. Another attempt revealed it to be too lightly furnished, and Caroline knew for a fact that Mr Darcy disdained the unhealthful habit of fine ladies who ate too little. After a third try, she scolded the poor girl for forgetting any sort of meats to round out her selection. At last, she was satisfied. Caroline dismissed the relieved girl, then proceeded to ignore the offering set before her.
Darcy cannily waited until Caroline had settled herself in a seat before taking one himself—as far from hers as possible. Her mouth crinkled in disappointment, but she said nothing. The gathering around the table was shrouded in unnatural quiet after the gaiety of the previous evening. At length, Caroline and her sister began trading their mirthful observations from the ball.
