Rounding the corner to the kitchen side of the building, he spied most of the men from the cellar, including Hurst, Colonel Forster, and Mr. Collins, relieving themselves on the side of the stable wall.
“You do realize that there is no door blocking the view from the kitchen to where you are standing, do you not?” Disgust at their disrespect increased his ire. He was grateful not to see his valet in the mix.
“The ladies were taking too long with the stillroom” was the excuse most commonly offered.
Darcy entered the kitchen to find Cook standing just inside with a heavy wooden rolling pin in her hand.
At the arch of his brow, she said, “I see who’s out there and what they are doing. Not one of them will enter my kitchen. The butler, who foolishly spent the night in the cloakroom, can let them in at his discretion.” She shifted her stance. “While they are outside, I will air out the cellar and stillroom until their smell is gone.” She sniffed.
“Very well.” He was not going to argue with an armed woman nor was he going to defend those men who drank themselves into a sorry state.
Behind Cook was a scowling Miss Bingley, her arms folded tightly across her chest.
“There you are, Mr. Darcy. You need to tell these people to go home. We are in no position to continue hosting them. Each one of our servants is needed to set this house straight enough that we can return to our chambers. Did you know that the main staircase no longer connects to the upper floors? How are we supposed to bathe and change into a fresh day gown? I tell you now, Mr. Darcy, that these people are in the way. We need water brought in and heated, enough food prepared to break our fast, and I need tea!”
Could she not see that what she asked was impossible? Without hesitation, he replied, “I see how it is, Miss Bingley. Do ask your brother or Hurst for assistance.” Bowing, he concluded with, “You will have to excuse me.”
“But….” she stammered.
Ignoring her, he asked Miss Elizabeth, “How is Mrs. Hammond?”
Clearing her throat, Miss Elizabeth replied, “When I asked, she said that she is comfortable under your care. Sir, the Lucas family and the Longs are planning to leave immediately for their homes. They are anxious to discover if their buildings are still standing.”
“And you?”
She exhaled sharply before she said, “My mother is hesitant to leave, as is Mrs. Hammond, though for different reasons. Mr. Collins intends to depart for Longbourn immediately to inspect his future inheritance before rushing off to Rosings Park in Kent to see if his patroness needs his help. As far as I know, the officers, including Colonel Forster and his wife, are preparing to depart.”
Richard was in deep conversation with Colonel Forster, his arms waving wildly. Even from a distance, Darcy could see his anger threatening to explode.
“What is your inclination, Miss Elizabeth?”
“I confess that I, too, am curious about whether or not Longbourn stands and how well my father and Longbourn’s servants endured the storm. However, I have not yet been out to check the sky. Can you tell me, are all four corners of the compass clear of looming clouds? Is there any breeze at all?”
“You are right to be cautious.” Darcy repeated what the tenant farmer and he himself noted. “The clouds can move swiftly, driven by unstable winds. I believe the course of wisdom is to remain in place until the danger passes. For as long as we have peaceful skies, we shall make arrangements for everyone who chooses to stay at Netherfield Park.”
“Leave Netherfield Park? Why, of course, we shall remain here.” Mrs. Bennet inserted herself into their conversation.”
“But, Mama. We add to the burden of Mr. Bingley’s servants.”
“Pshaw! Lizzy, in spite of my sister’s husband being in trade, he will look out for the welfare of his wife. Sir William will do the same for his family once they’ve returned to Lucas Lodge. As for us, what promise do we have that Thomas will give us the courtesy of welcoming us home? Why, it is likely he is not even aware that we are missing from Longbourn. We cannot count on a man who is buried in his book room. No, to have the protection of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam is something I have never experienced in all my years of marriage. I will stay under their care because they do care.”
“Mama,” Miss Elizabeth began when her mother again interrupted her, turning toward Darcy.
“Sir, on the evening we were introduced, you grievously insulted my Lizzy.”
Blood rushed to his cheeks, his shame and humiliation complete. Bowing deeply, he begged, “Do forgive me, Mrs. Bennet, I—”
“Oh, hush.” Mrs. Bennet put her hand on his arm. “I later told my husband that she did not lose much by not suiting your fancy, for you are a most disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth pleasing, and that you were high, and so conceited that there is no enduring you.”
“Mama!” Miss Elizabeth began when her mother shushed her, too.
“Well, I am not a woman to hold onto grudges when the evidence to the contrary is right in front of my face. You are a gentleman, Mr. Darcy, and no one can say differently, at least not in my hearing.”
“I beg your forgiveness, Mrs. Bennet.”
She wiggled her fingers at him. “Oh, do not be concerned, for I already have forgiven you. Whether Lizzy has or not, I do not know. I do wish she would, you know.”
He carefully studied the loveliest face of his acquaintance. He knew her well enough to know that she would not guard her expression from him. He found exactly what he had hoped.
