Then he retired to his apartment, leaving the Bennets in utter confusion.
“Do you think we shall move to Netherfield Park?” Jane asked suddenly.
“My God,” exclaimed Mr Bennet, “this is a blessed moment for the family, but I confess I hesitate to change and dearly love my little old library. Still, I shall impose nothing upon any of you.”
His voice seemed hesitant yet; in truth, he was already making plans, considering renting Longbourn and securing an additional source of income, which might become unexpectedly necessary if they were to live in a house as large as Netherfield. He was not pleased at the prospect of leaving his old home, but the idea of a larger library tempted him as well.
“What do you think, Mrs Bennet?”
Mrs Bennet was already perfectly certain they would move. Plans crowded her imagination, though she tried not to display her delight too openly. Balls at Netherfield immediately presented themselves to her mind, along with the image of her friends received in that elegant parlour.
“And each of us shall finally have a room of her own!” Lydia cried to Kitty, who looked far less pleased by that particular prospect. She enjoyed sharing her room with Lydia. Even Jane and Elizabeth felt some sadness at the thought, though they also liked the idea of possessing a little private space.
“I shall come to your room constantly,” Jane promised her sister with a smile.
And so they discussed all those little matters, though none of it yet seemed entirely real. It felt more like a delightful game which daylight would surely dissolve.
Chapter 9
However, the fairy tale did not end.
“We must make a decision, Mr Bennet,” Mrs Bennet said only a few days later. “After all, you have signed the papers and the place is ours.”
They agreed that a little more time was necessary to grow accustomed to the idea and prepare themselves for the new house.
“But only a little more, not until next year,” Mrs Bennet concluded.
Meanwhile, Uncle Thomas moved into a spacious apartment at Netherfield, where his possessions were also taken. He hired maids, and the horses were installed in the large stable on the estate.
“Tomorrow afternoon at three o’clock, I expect both of you at Netherfield,” he told Elizabeth and Jane during dinner.
Every afternoon, he dined at Longbourn before walking back to Netherfield, often accompanied by Mr Bennet, who was slowly reconciling himself to the idea that the estate would soon become his home.
“I admire you greatly,” he told his uncle one evening. “You change not merely houses but countries and continents with such ease.”
“Yes, it is something you ought to learn. At Netherfield, your life will not differ greatly. The library is larger, certainly, but you may move the Longbourn library there.”
“That is precisely my intention, if only to preserve the illusion that I am still at home.”
“You are at home, my son, at last. Netherfield Park belongs to your family now, and you must accustom yourself to the thought.”
“And what is to become of Longbourn?” Mr Bennet asked with visible anxiety.
“Nothing unfortunate. As you decided we shall rent it out and enjoy an additional income, though Heaven knows you no longer require one.”
“But we cannot continue living entirely at your expense.”
“Edward, I enjoy this life with you all, though now I also require certain comforts which my former life could not provide. Whether in Hertfordshire, London, or elsewhere, we shall live together. That is my reward. And as for my great-nieces, it is time they received a few more surprises.”
“What are you saying?” Mr Bennet asked, already somewhat alarmed by his uncle’s surprises.
“The former tenant comes tomorrow afternoon to collect his possessions.”
It took Mr Bennet only a moment to understand. “No!” he cried, laughing. “Mr Bingley?”
“Yes. Mr Oswald, the former owner, invited Mr Bingley to discuss the possible continuation of the lease with the new owner, and he has agreed to come tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Uncle, you possess the wit of the devil! I am far older in spirit than you are in years.”
