Page 20 of A Life Diverted
The one lady reminded him of someone he had seen briefly, but David could not place her. Once she removed her outerwear, it was obvious she was gently born. Just then, rather fortuitously, Mr Gardiner arrived in the entrance hall.
“Gardiner, I have met your children before, but not this lady; will you introduce us?” Wendell requested.
“Mr Wendell, Mr David Wendell, allow me to present my eldest niece, Miss Jane Bennet of Longbourn. Jane, Mr Joseph Wendell of Willowmere in Derbyshire, and his eldest son, Mr David Wendell.”
Both men bowed, and Jane curtsied. ‘ Willowmere. Willowmere? Where have I heard that name, or something similar? ’ Jane asked herself silently.
Just then David remembered where he had seen the beauty. “You have five siblings, do you not?” he asked. “I remember seeing all of you briefly when I was with my two cousins and Mr Bingley while inspecting Netherfield Park. It is the neighbouring estate, is it not?”
“Mayhap we should move into the drawing room where we may speak in comfort,” Gardiner suggested.
David was not one to fall for outward beauty; what was inside was far more important to him.
When he had been in Hertfordshire, he had only seen Miss Bennet for a moment.
Richard and, of course, Bingley had stared at her.
He did not know why, but this woman intrigued him.
He had a feeling she was so much more than a pretty face.
“Mr Wendell is one of my investors,” Gardiner explained once they were in the drawing room, and the Wendells had greeted his wife.
“It is a strange coincidence that you two came upon one of my nieces today. Some years ago Lizzy, Jane’s next younger sister, was here, and she too had returned from the park with the boys when Mr Wendell and some other men arrived just at the same time. ”
“How long will you be in London, Miss Bennet?” David enquired boldly. He was hoping she would be with her family for a few weeks at least.
“More than two months. We will all travel into Hertfordshire for Christmastide.” Jane blushed. The handsome man was looking at her intently. She had seen the shape of his eyes before…on Lizzy. But he had blue eyes, and hers were a very distinct emerald-green.
They had only just met, but David was well pleased Miss Bennet would not be returning home too soon. He hoped they would have a chance to come to know one another.
Unbeknownst to David Wendell, Jane felt the beginnings of an attraction to him and also desired to come to know him better, if he was interested in her.
All too soon the three men made for Gardiner’s office to discuss the Wendell investments, including the dowry, which was approaching forty thousand pounds now. As in the past, no mention was made of it belonging to one, the two men believed, was no longer alive.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Miss Bingley was not impressed with the mansion at Netherfield Park. After all, it was nothing to Pemberley. The only thing which stayed her tongue was the knowledge that Messrs Fitzwilliam and Darcy had approved of the house and the benighted estate.
She was not happy that the men, the mousy Miss Darcy, and the aunt had not travelled with them, but it was a few short days until they arrived.
She almost exploded with anger when she was informed that as the mistress of the estate, she had no power over the servants employed by the landlord. When her brother told her his friends had explained that this was fairly common with a leased estate, Caroline Bingley had tamped down her anger.
If that was not enough, she was not allowed to redecorate except in the most superficial manner.
Miss Bingley kept telling herself she would soon be the daughter or the niece of an earl, and she would be able to change as much décor as she desired in the homes she would rule over.
Louisa said very little about the house, and her sot of a husband was already imbibing as much wine and spirits as possible.
The day after they moved into the estate, the local men began to call. Bingley was affable, as he always was; Miss Bingley was rude and condescending, while the Hursts said very little. She played with her bracelets, and he slept on a chaise.
Sir William Lucas was the first to arrive.
After effusive greetings to the whole of the party, even the sleeping Mr Hurst, once Bingley had introduced them, he informed Bingley that the bimonthly assembly was on Monday.
He invited the Netherfield Park party to attend and come to meet the residents of the area.
Bingley accepted for all of his guests as well as himself and his family.
Miss Bingley berated her brother when the lowly knight departed.
She pointed out that she was sure that highborn guests like those they were about to entertain would have no interest in being in company with a bunch of country bumpkins.
She claimed she was sure they would choose to remain at the house with her.
Bennet came soon after his friend. He had to control his urge to laugh when he saw that the report about the characters of all of those residing at Netherfield Park was entirely accurate.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
David Wendell waited one day after he and his father had been at the meeting with Mr Gardiner before he called at Gracechurch Street. He was received warmly, and although he spoke to Mrs Gardiner as well, the chief of his time was spent in discussion with Miss Jane Bennet.
It did not take him long to confirm his suspicion that she was not a vapid, empty-headed pretty woman like so many in polite society.
They did not discuss anything personal, but what they did cover showed how intelligent and well-read Miss Bennet was.
By the end of the call, David was convinced that this was a lady he needed to know better and allow her to know him.
Before he departed, he asked permission to call on Miss Bennet, which, with a becoming blush, she granted.
Although they had only met recently, Jane felt a connection to Mr Wendell, one she had never before felt with any man. She was well pleased that he called several times since he requested to call on her.
When he arrived on Saturday, it was with an invitation to join him and his parents at Fitzwilliam House on Monday evening. His mother and father were overjoyed that he had found a lady who had excited his interest and were looking very forward to meeting her.
Having no prior commitments, Madeline Gardiner accepted for herself, her husband, and her niece.