Page 20 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“We have, sir. Our parents passed away in May.”

“I am very sorry for your loss. I lost my own father but a year ago, so I know something of your sorrow.”

He rested a hand upon the volume he had selected.

“I have long wished to purchase an estate of my own, but my friend advised me to lease for a year or two before making such an important decision. I am enamored of Netherfield Park. It enjoys the advantage of lying within an easy distance of London, and I hope to learn something of estate management while I am here.”

He laughed. “I expect my friend to join me and my sisters shortly after Michaelmas. Until then, I intend to read as much as I can, so I shall not appear a complete simpleton when he undertakes my education.”

Both sisters laughed with the gentleman.

Jane said, “Lizzy has assisted Papa with the estate ledgers for many years.”

Mr. Bingley looked to Elizabeth.

“Are you conversant with crop rotation and the improvement of soils, Miss Elizabeth? My friend has set me a task. I am to discover what crops thrive in this part of Hertfordshire, prepare a list of the soil amendments I shall require, and determine what ought to be planted in each field.”

Elizabeth said, “There is little mystery to it, sir. The farmers in this district grow much the same crops. Netherfield, however, has stood idle for nearly five years. Your friend will likely know what soil amendments the land now requires. I do not know what farming implements remain upon the estate, and three of the tenant farms stand vacant.

Mr. Bingley's brow furrowed. “Vacant? Is there some difficulty with the estate of which I ought to be aware?”

“No, sir. Nothing that I know of. The tenants surrendered their leases when their sons left to seek their fortunes in the war. With the estate unoccupied and the steward neglectful, I imagine there is much to be put to rights.”

Mr. Bingley looked genuinely alarmed, but when Elizabeth explained all, he offered a half-smile.

“Miss Elizabeth, I pray that I have not taken on more than I am capable of managing. Might I have permission to call upon you and learn more? I ought to bring pen and paper, for I shall wish to make notes of everything you tell me before I write to my friend and ask his advice.”

Elizabeth looked to Jane. “What say you, sister?”

Jane smiled kindly at the gentleman. “Mr. Bingley, you will be most welcome, provided one of your sisters accompanies you. Lizzy will prove of great assistance.”

He bowed to the sisters. “You have both been most obliging.” Then, raising his eyes to Jane, he added, “Miss Bennet, I trust you will join us and also lend your support. I fear I am sadly ignorant when it comes to farming. The subject has never come my way, and I know almost nothing of it.”

With laughter in her eyes, she said, “Of course, sir. I shall be on hand to serve tea and cakes should you find your new profession too taxing upon your nerves.”

The young couple fell into easy conversation, and Elizabeth excused herself to collect the book she meant to borrow. When she returned to Jane's side, her sister said, “Lizzy, Mr. Bingley has offered to escort us home.”

Elizabeth looked to Mr. Bingley.

He explained himself. “In my opinion, there are far too many men loitering about the street today. I fear some have spent too much time at the taproom and may have taken more ale than is good for them. It is not fitting for two young ladies to walk home unattended.”

Elizabeth said, “Thank you, sir. We very nearly did not stop at the bookshop for that very reason. Jane dislikes being stared at, and some of the soldiers have a rude habit of staring.”

Mr. Bingley addressed Jane.

“Quite right, ma'am. It is most discourteous of them. If you are ready, I shall have the honor of escorting you home.”

The three young people set out for Longbourn, Mr. Bingley's horse following after them with perfect docility, lowering its head now and then to crop the grass along the roadside.

Chapter 10: Ramsgate

The move to Ramsgate took place during the second week of July. The hedgerows were lush with summer greenery, roses climbed the cottage walls, and foxgloves and hollyhocks brightened the gardens. Honeysuckle was in bloom, its fragrance perfuming the warm air.

“Mrs. Younge, I am so glad we were able to come to the seaside. My brother was not at all eager to let me go.”

“Mr. Darcy is very solicitous of your safety and well-being, my girl. I am grateful he finally relented.”

The companion paused and looked toward the house. “Georgiana, we should return. Cook will have prepared a cold collation for us. This evening, there is an amateur musicale that I believe you will enjoy. They still have places available for performers. I think you should add your name to the program. It would be good practice, and I am certain your brother would approve. You know how much he wishes you to become more at ease in company.”