“Is there no way that does not involve suffering?”
“If there is, I do not know it.”
“What do you want from us?”
“Simple confirmation of his identity. I will assume it is the Bingley coach unless you contradict me.”
The sisters exchanged a glance.
Mary said, “Tell me the details of the two methods of instruction.”
“The first involves a good thrashing. I believe it is Kep’s turn to learn this part of the trade. We never break bones, so the boy will heal in a few weeks, and he will either take safety seriously or he will not. If he does not, we repeat the procedure until it sinks in, or he finds another profession.”
The ladies gasped.
“And the second alternative?” Elizabeth asked.
“I will tell Mr Bingley what happened, and he will discharge the man without reference, or accost his sister which will accomplish the same thing.”
“Is he married?”
“Yes, with a young son.”
“So, the second option would punish a wife and child for the father’s transgressions—even though those amount to following instruction.”
Mr Newton and Kep nodded.
“Do as you must, but I vote for the short and painful approach. It was, in fact, the Bingley coach. Mary saw Miss Bingley and the Hursts inside. Miss Bingley saw us clearly and started laughing as they went past. I have no idea whether the coachman saw us.”
Both drivers nodded, and Mr Newton asked, “May I convey that information to Mr Bingley?”
Elizabeth considered and glanced at Mary, in case she wished to add anything. “I will ask you not to. I approve of your traditional training methods, while not implying that you need my approval. It seems sensible. Mary and I will be clean and dry in an hour, and I prefer your methods of educating the coachman to penury. My experience with men suggests little short of a beating ever makes lasting change.”
“It worked on me. I will give the boy the same opportunity.”
Mary nodded. “I concur, much as it pains me.”
“Miss Elizabeth, you asked me not to tell Mr Bingley about the incident. Why not, if I may ask?”
Elizabeth sighed, resigned and afraid to think of the answer, let alone convey it. “May I ask a few qualifying questions? I ask you to decline to answer anything that your personal ethics would forbid.”
“Of course. I am at your disposal.”
“Is Netherfield closed?”
“Yes, ma’am. Mr Darcy left 2 hours ago. Miss Bingley asked me to start preparing 2 days ago.”
Elizabeth grimaced at Mary. “2 days, you say. Did Mr Bingley take part in these plans?”
“I know not. He was not involved with Kep or me directly.”
“Is it your understanding that nobody in the party is to return?”
“I am not privy to such information.”
“But you would agree that, with the house closed and you hauling a wagonload of furniture, Mr Bingley’s imminent return seems… unlikely?”
“Logic would dictate so.”
