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I had been at Netherfield half a day and already I found it one of the most strenuous places I had ever visited. From the moment she saw me, Miss Bingley looked at me as if I was something unpleasant she had stepped in. When I entered the drawing room before dinner, conversation abruptly stopped and I was certain they had been speaking of me. Judging by Mr. Bingley’s red face, it had not been flattering.
Dinner was interminable. There were too many courses and the food was too rich, though I was appreciative of the quantity. Having the meal spread out did allow me to eat my fill with no one being the wiser, so I should not complain.
Mr. Hurst was my dining companion and a more dull man I could not imagine. He spoke of sauces, insulted my taste in food, then fell silent. Mr. Bingley was too far from me to say more than a word or two, and Mr. Darcy was next to Miss Bingley, prisoner to her conversational gambits. He looked utterly wretched.
After dinner, the ladies withdrew to the drawing room again and I wondered why Miss Bingley did not utilize other rooms in the house. Surely there was a decent morning room or parlor one could sit in. Perhaps they were keeping those rooms to themselves and unwanted guests such as myself were relegated to a single public space. Lovely.
Miss Bingley busied herself at the pianoforte, likely to avoid talking to me, and I sat next to Mrs. Hurst.
“How is your sister?” she asked.
“Jane is on the mend, thank you. I hope we shall be able to return home tomorrow.”
“That is good. Being ill is such an unpleasant business.”
“How are you feeling? You have not caught her cold?” I asked.
Mrs. Hurst looked surprised I had asked. “I was lying down when Miss Bennet arrived yesterday, and by the time I joined them, she was already feeling poorly and I kept my distance. I hope you do not think me rude, but I cannot fall ill at this time.”
Her hand rested on her babe and I nodded knowingly.
“I understand. When do you expect the blessed event?”
She looked at me in surprise. “How did you know?”
I smiled kindly at her. “With seven younger brothers and sisters, one learns the signs.”
“Of course. I had not thought. Well, my husband does not yet know. I have been waiting for the quickening to tell him. I wanted to be sure.”
“Of course. I imagine you will feel it any day now. Have you met with the local midwife yet? She has an excellent reputation if you plan to deliver in the country.”
“I have not. My maid inquired about her and said the same. A Mrs. Allums, I believe.”
“Yes. She has served this part of Hertfordshire for many years. You would be in excellent hands.”
She smiled. “I am just glad to be past the nausea. It was awful for a time there.”
I made a sympathetic face. “That is a terrible feeling. Chewing peppermint leaves can be helpful, or so my mother always said.”
“Thank you. I will try that if it strikes me again.”
“Does your sister know?”
“No. No one but me and my maid. And now you.” She smiled tremulously and I placed my hand over hers.
“I will not say a word.” I sent the tiniest bit of energy to her, just enough to help her feel less tired and sick.
She smiled widely at me. “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. That is very kind of you.”
“Think nothing of it.”
The men joined us then and our conversation came to an end.
Miss Bingley finished her song and sat in the chair across from me, which happened to be next to Mr. Darcy.
“Jane was telling us that you did not spend the Season in Town this year,” said Miss Bingley.
“No, my aunt, who usually hosts us, was traveling.”
