Page 21 of Missing

During dinner at Longbourn, Mr. Bingley learned that William was staying at the Meryton Inn and immediately invited him to Netherfield. Although William wished to decline—unwilling to endure the company of the Bingley sisters—Charles pressed his invitation so kindly that he could not refuse.

That night, another invitation was also extended. When Mrs. Bennet heard that Violet was alone in London, she insisted she must attend Jane’s wedding.

Thus, William had to travel to London the following day to bring his mother to Hertfordshire. He and Elizabeth agreed that Mrs. Dalton should stay at Longbourn, so as to spare her the contempt of Louisa and Caroline.

Elizabeth offered her bedroom to her future mother-in-law, intending to share Jane’s chamber. But Jane told her there was no space, as her room was crowded with her trousseau and the many articles purchased in London for the wedding. Elizabeth, therefore, shared a room with Mary.

Elizabeth noticed her sister growing more distant, but she attributed it to Jane’s nervousness about the approaching wedding. Jane spent hardly any time at Longbourn; the Bingley carriage carried her away immediately after breakfast and returned her late in the evening.

The day after the dinner, William fetched his mother from London. They returned that same night, and though it was late, Mrs. Bennet received Violet with exaggerated delight. William then rode on to Netherfield, preferring his mother to have the carriage at her disposal.

Fortunately, the household had already retired when he arrived.

He ate a light supper and went to his room.

Observing that the hostess had placed him in one of the most distant chambers, he felt grateful rather than slighted; it kept him far from those disagreeable ladies.

He also recalled Henry Hurst from Oxford as a mediocre student who had preferred socializing to studying, and therefore had never belonged to his circle of friends.

The following morning, William rose very early.

He had promised Violet and Elizabeth that he would breakfast with them.

Before leaving, he wrote a note for Mr. Bingley, explaining he would spend the day at Longbourn.

When he went to deliver it, the butler mentioned that Mr. Bingley was already in his study.

Not wishing to appear discourteous, William stepped in to take his leave, and he found Mr. Bingley frowning at a stack of papers.

“Excuse me, Mr. Bingley. I do not wish to intrude. Do you have a problem?”

“Yes, Mr. Dalton. I do not understand these documents, and yet I must decide upon them… But I assume you are here to tell me you are going to Longbourn. I hope you enjoy your visit. I cannot see my angel today.”

“Yes, I shall spend the day with my betrothed and my mother. But it is still early, and if you wish, I can look at those papers, though I know little of estate management.” Seeing Bingley’s troubled expression, William could not help offering his aid.

“Are you sure, Mr. Dalton? I have always thought that two heads think better than one. I shall gladly accept.”

William examined the estate’s account books to gain a general understanding, then divided the documents into three piles: tenants, expenses, and income, comprising produce sales and rents.

As the task proved longer than expected, William sent a note to his mother explaining why he would miss breakfast. After two hours of work, he had made sense of the books and determined the payments due, though two letters concerning tenant disputes required maps and leases he had not seen.

“Mr. Bingley, to resolve this matter, you must review the estate’s maps and the leases,” William explained.

“Can you help me with that? I have no idea how to begin,” Charles admitted.

“If you find the maps and contracts, I shall look at them, but as I told you, I am a businessman, not a landowner.” William was astonished by Bingley’s ignorance. How could he lease an estate without learning its basic management?

“Thank you, Mr. Dalton. From the way you have ordered everything, I am certain you can help me.” Mr. Bingley was relieved to see how competent his future brother-in-law was.

Then, smiling, he asked him not to be so formal. William complied readily.

“Bingley, may I be frank with you? I know we have only just become acquainted, but my sense of honor compels me to speak.”

“Of course, Dalton. Pray, tell me.”

“Where is your steward?”

“I do not know. I spoke with him yesterday, and he told me he would be occupied all day.”

“The work we have just done is his responsibility. He should prepare reports to guide your decisions. Why did you hire him?”

“A friend recommended him.”

“Is your friend a landowner?”

“No, Wickham studied at Cambridge. But his father was steward to a large estate in Derbyshire.”

“I see.” William paused grimly. “And why have you not consulted your solicitor about your tenants’ disputes? He ought to study the maps and advise you.”

“I asked Mr. Daniels, but he told me he was too busy.”

William could scarcely believe what he was hearing. It was plain that many were taking advantage of that amiable, naive young man.

“Bingley, you must take immediate action. You cannot continue in this situation while paying men who neglect their duty. Dismiss your steward and hire one with proven experience and good recommendations. As for your solicitor, send an express today; tell him that if he has no time for you, you will engage another firm.”

Bingley was shocked, but he could not contradict William. “Would you help me draft the letter?”

“Very well, but then I must go to Longbourn,” William replied.

“Thank you, Dalton. Truly, without your help, I could not have managed this. Now I may enjoy my honeymoon in peace.”

“I am glad to have repaid your hospitality with my assistance,” William answered courteously.

He then departed for Longbourn, still troubled about Mr. Bingley’s future. It was plain that he had no comprehension of his responsibilities.

◆◆◆

On the way from London to Hertfordshire, William spoke to his mother about Elizabeth’s family.

Violet thought her son exaggerated, for William was often too strict in judging the behaviour of others, having always been disciplined and formal.

Yet, after spending half an hour at Longbourn, Violet realised he had not overstated the matter; the Bennets were indeed different in many ways.

After breakfast, Violet and Elizabeth retired to the drawing room to await William. But he sent a message saying he would arrive later, as he had urgent business to attend. Violet did not mind, for she was glad to spend the morning alone with Elizabeth and speak to her of her son and their future.

“My dear Lizzy, I am delighted that you and William have resolved your differences. He loves you dearly, and I know he will make you very happy.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Dalton. I love your son, and I am glad you are pleased with our engagement.”

“My dear, as soon as you are married, I shall return to Manchester so that you may begin your life together without interference from your mother-in-law,” Violet said, taking Elizabeth’s hand affectionately.

“I know how much your son loves you, Mrs. Dalton, and I want you to live with us in London. William would not be easy in the thought of your being alone and far from him. Please, do not think for a moment that you will be a burden. I must learn much to be a worthy wife to William, and there is no one better than you to guide me.”

Violet grew emotional and caressed Elizabeth’s face. “Now I understand why my son loves you so much, my dear Lizzy. William shall have a wonderful wife, and I a thoughtful daughter.”

“Mrs. Dalton, William has told me about his origin,” Elizabeth confessed softly.

“I know, my dear. He did well, for there should be no secrets between husband and wife.”

Elizabeth embraced Violet, and they continued to converse.

Violet spoke of William’s childhood and the Dalton business.

Elizabeth understood that, as William’s wife, she must learn enough of the enterprise to support her husband when necessary.

It was what aunt Gardiner had always done with her uncle, and they were an excellent example of a true partnership.

Their privacy did not last, for Mrs. Bennet soon entered the room, followed shortly by Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Only Jane was absent, having gone early to Netherfield.

“My dear Violet, you cannot imagine how happy I am that your son will marry Lizzy. I have already told Elizabeth that she must behave and not always contradict her husband,” Mrs. Bennet declared, proceeding to catalogue her daughter’s faults for nearly five minutes.

“But I assure you, Violet, she will not create trouble.”

“Please, do not worry, Fanny. My son has always admired intelligence, and that is why he has fallen in love with your daughter,” Violet replied kindly, though she was struck by how ready Mrs. Bennet was to criticise Elizabeth, while her two youngest daughters behaved so poorly.

“Mama, I want to go to Meryton. I am bored. My friends will be there, and the officers have a day off. They will be happy to see me—all of them are in love with me,” Lydia cried.

Jealous that both Jane and Elizabeth were engaged, she added, “Mama, do you not think I ought to have been the first to marry? You always said I am the prettiest and liveliest.”

“Of course, my dear Lydia. I am certain you will soon be married,” Mrs. Bennet replied.

“Yes, I want to marry an officer,” Lydia said with satisfaction.

“Lydia, why are you so eager to marry? You are still very young,” Violet asked.

“Because… because I…” Lydia faltered, uncharacteristically at a loss for words. Kitty and Mary stared, astonished.

“Fanny, do you wish your daughter to marry so young?” Violet asked.

“Well, if she wants to be married…” Mrs. Bennet muttered uncertainly.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Dalton, but I do not see why you should ask such a silly question,” Lydia said pertly.