Page 201 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Nothing that requires our attention today.” Darcy folded the letter. “I have been thinking of the Bennets. They have scarcely been beyond Longbourn in the three weeks since their mother’s passing. A gentle airing might do them good.”

“An excellent idea, Darcy.” Bingley grinned. “I cannot object to anything that gives me an entire day in Miss Bennet’s company.”

“I thought you might approve.”

Darcy glanced toward the footman standing near the sideboard.

“You are from Hertfordshire, are you not?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What do people in this part of the county recommend to guests who wish to see something beyond the usual towns and villages?”

“Berkhamsted Castle, sir. Some go to see the ruins. It was a royal castle once. William the Conqueror came there, and the Black Prince lived there for a time. Old walls still stand, and the great mound where the keep stood. The inner court is planted as an orchard now, and there is pleasant ground for walking.”

Bingley asked the distance, and the footman told him.

“Near enough for the day,” Bingley said.

Darcy regarded the servant with interest. “You seem remarkably well acquainted with it.”

“My uncle works on the estate, sir. I worked under him during two summers before I obtained my place here. If Mr. Bingley wished it, I could send word to him. He would know whom to ask and whether someone could show the party about the ruins.”

“Do so,” Bingley said. “If it can be arranged, we shall go three days hence.”

“Very good, sir.”

The footman had scarcely withdrawn when Caroline entered.

“What is to be arranged?”

“An excursion,” Bingley said. “Darcy proposes that we take the Bennet ladies for an airing. We are considering Berkhamsted Castle three days hence, if the arrangements can be made.”

Caroline’s interest quickened. “Then we should make a day of it. There is little sense in driving all that distance merely to look at a heap of stones and come home again.”

Bingley laughed. “I had not got so far.”

“Cold chicken and ham will travel well, Charles. “We shall want wine and water, and enough tableware and cloths for everyone. We should also learn whether there are trees enough for shade.”

“We shall ask,” Darcy said.

Caroline brightened. “Leave the arrangements to me, brother. It will give me something to do.”

“I surrender them gladly.”

She asked Bingley which wines he had ordered for Netherfield and whether they would have space in the carriages for the larger hampers.

Darcy listened as she settled one question after another.

“You have thought of everything, Miss Bingley.”

She smiled at him. “Not everything, Mr. Darcy, but give me until tomorrow, and I shall have.”

He smiled as he nodded his approbation.

Caroline stayed only long enough to settle the principal arrangements before excusing herself.

“I will go consult with Louisa.”