“Indeed, Jane and I were just thinking of visiting Mrs. Bingley,” Elizabeth contributed, equally eager to avoid the topic of the Christmas dinner. Mrs. Bennet enjoyed discussing food, and could easily hold forth for an hour on the benefits of goose over pheasant. The two girls had heard it all before and were not anxious to hear it again.
“Oh! Well, in that case, I shall not keep you,” Mrs. Bennet declared. This was good; Lizzy would see Mr. Darcy and perhaps smooth over whatever difficulties had arisen between them.
She went to her husband’s study and knocked on the door.
“Come in, Mrs. Bennet.”
“Mr. Bennet, I have a task for you.”
“I am busy, Mrs. Bennet.”
“I do not care; I am quite determined.”
Mr. Bennet sighed; there would be no reading until this task was completed. “Very well; what is it?’
“I need a sprig of mistletoe, complete with berries,” she informed him.
“Why do you – oh! Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.” The two exchanged knowing glances. Mr. Bennet lumbered to his feet and headed out.
***
“Did she do that on purpose, do you think?” Elizabeth asked Jane, as the carriage was readied for their journey. “Threaten to talk of menus so that we would go to Netherfield? I know she wants Mr. Darcy and I to reconcile our differences.”
“It is hard to know with Mama, but it is best not to underestimate her, particularly in matters of matrimony,” Jane advised.
The girls were greeted at Netherfield by a butler they had not met before; they divested themselves of their winter outerwear and were ushered into the drawing room. “I will advise Mrs. Bingley of your presence,” he intoned, as Elizabeth and Jane sat near the fireplace.
Mr. Bingley appeared almost immediately. “My wife is resting, but will be down shortly,” he said.
“Oh! We do not want to disturb her,” Jane said, sincerely, leaning forward.
“No, no; she is eager to see you.”
“Very well,” Jane said, sitting back in her chair.
“You have a butler!” Elizabeth said. “I am so glad; it has been some time since Netherfield was fully staffed.”
“Georgiana hired Mr. Jameson,” Mr. Bingley said, with an air of great satisfaction. “She also found a lady’s maid for herself, as the one she had at Pemberley has long been hired elsewhere, and is in the process of getting an additional kitchen maid.”
“She is a good mistress for Netherfield, then; I am glad.”
“She is the very best mistress! Not only did she hire more staff, but she pays them well and bought better uniforms for everyone. She says what servants usually wear is coarse and uncomfortable. Caroline was too busy trying to impress Darcy to put her mind to the comfort of anyone else in the house.”
The two girls traded surprised glances, which Mr. Bingley did not notice.
Georgiana entered the room; Jane and Elizabeth rose and curtsied. “I am so glad you are here!” their hostess enthused. “I will send for refreshments.” She pulled the bell cord and then sat beside her husband on a sofa.
“You look well, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said.
“I feel so, so much better! My brother and I finally – finally! – made some progress this morning.” Seeing her husband’s astonished look, she explained, “I told Lizzy that Brother was angry with me, and I with him.”
“It is none of my business, of course,” Elizabeth said, quickly. “But I am very happy to know that your feelings are improved.” There was hope at last! She almost trembled in her joy.
“Darcy made a good point, though,” Mr. Bingley mused. “It is hard to know how much to protect one’s womenfolk from the harsh realities of life.”
“Not all women have the benefit of protection, of course,” Georgiana said. “Many woman – indeed, I imagine most women in England – are more familiar with those harsh realities than they would like.”
Mr. Darcy spoke from the doorway. “Sadly, you are right, Georgiana. Perhaps that is what makes men such as myself and Bingley here all the more eager to shield the ladies we love.” So saying, he moved to sit on the chair nearest Elizabeth. They traded quick glances before Elizabeth dropped her eyes.
