Page 25 of Missing

Violet was somewhat tired but did not wish to interrupt the lively conversation between Elizabeth and Georgiana. She sensed that Miss Darcy seldom had the opportunity to converse freely with young ladies like Elizabeth.

Mrs. Dalton knew that the Darcys were a distinguished and wealthy family from Derbyshire. In Lambton, they were renowned for their generosity and consideration towards servants and tenants, and for that, they were respected by all.

Thus, Violet assumed that most people who sought Georgiana's company did so out of some self-interest. She had already noticed how the Bingley sisters treated her with feigned affection, overwhelming her with shallow praises that conveyed neither sincerity nor depth.

It was, therefore, clear to her why Georgiana felt so much more at ease in Elizabeth's company.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bingley, Richard, and William returned from a walk through the stables, conversing animatedly.

Both William and Richard were astonished at the precarious state of the building.

It seemed that for years no repairs had been made, nor any money invested in its upkeep.

The structure was in such disrepair that it was in danger of collapse.

Though neither William nor Richard said much, they wondered how Mr. Bingley could have leased a property in so poor a condition.

"I am ashamed about the state of the stables, but it was one of the matters Holt ought to have seen to," Mr. Bingley explained apologetically.

"Bingley, I strongly suggest you take action on this matter as soon as possible," William replied gravely. "The stable is essential for the care of your animals, especially the horses."

"Dalton is right, Bingley. I know little of estate management, but it is clear things are not in good order here. You should speak with my uncle Darcy when you go to London; he will help you to understand what is required to maintain such a property," added Richard.

"But I am leaving for my honeymoon in three days, and I promised my angel we should spend a whole month at the seaside.

Dalton, could you not look into the matter for me?

I know I have asked much of you already, but you are the only man I can rely upon.

Besides, I suppose you wish to be near Lizzy.

You can spend time with her and help me as well.

" Mr. Bingley spoke with such simplicity that he seemed to assume his request was entirely natural.

"My solicitor has assured me the new steward will arrive next week.

You can tell him what you have done, and he will then take charge of everything. "

"I shall see what I can do, Bingley, though I cannot promise much. After your wedding, I must return to London, where I have many affairs awaiting me. But I know I shall travel weekly to spend two or three days with Elizabeth," William replied.

"Why not ask Hurst to see to it?" Richard asked curiously.

"Because after the wedding, my sisters and brother-in-law will return to London, and I am not sure they wish to live in Hertfordshire. They dislike this place exceedingly…." Mr. Bingley admitted, visibly embarrassed.

When they reached the side steps, the gentlemen met the ladies returning from their walk in the garden. Mr. Bingley, relieved to change the subject, brightened.

"What a pleasure to meet you here. It is almost time for luncheon, and we may accompany the ladies to the dining room. Besides, I suppose my angel must be in the drawing room with my sisters," he said cheerfully.

Colonel Fitzwilliam greeted Violet warmly, and she introduced him to her future daughter-in-law.

Georgiana told her cousin that she had invited Elizabeth to tea when next she came to London, and that they had arranged to go shopping together, as Elizabeth knew no one in the city.

Richard saw his cousin so animated that he was persuaded Miss Elizabeth must indeed be as amiable as Mrs. Dalton.

As expected, an amusing conversation soon began between Richard and Elizabeth, for both possessed a cheerful humour and openness of character.

"I imagine, Miss Elizabeth, that you must know all these parts exceedingly well," Richard observed.

"Yes, Colonel, I have lived here all my life and love to walk, so I have explored these paths many times. My father's estate adjoins Netherfield," Elizabeth explained.

"I was raised in the north, but as my mother dislikes the country, we spent much of the year in London. Yet I confess I am fond of a life surrounded by nature. I suppose you will miss this when you live in the city?"

"A little, perhaps. But there are fine parks in London, and other pleasures will keep me occupied," Elizabeth replied. All the while, she noticed William watching them with quiet curiosity.

When they entered the house, Mr. Bingley sought Jane at once, and then they all went to the dining room. As he feared, his sisters also appeared, determined to display their disdain before the assembled company.

Mr. Wickham soon joined them as well, though he, like William, remained silent—William from restraint, Wickham from calculation.

He listened intently, hoping to learn their plans and seize an opportunity to entrap Georgiana.

His only hope of saving himself from ruin was to make that timid girl believe he was desperately in love with her.

Unfortunately, Caroline quickly poisoned the atmosphere with her pompous remarks.

"Eliza, I hear you said that living in the city may be exciting, but I must warn you, it is not for everyone.

The theatre, the opera, the balls—such entertainments are generally reserved for people of a very different class than the one you will belong to when you marry Mr. Dalton. "

"Miss Bingley, I am a person who adapts easily. I do not need a private box to enjoy the theatre or the opera, nor do I suppose anyone will ask me my social class when I walk through the parks or enter the museums," Elizabeth replied with a smile.

Georgiana and Richard were delighted by Elizabeth's response, for without rudeness she had neatly silenced Caroline.

"Miss Bennet, as Dalton is my partner in London, we shall see each other often, and I promise to invite you to my parents' or my Uncle George's box, that you may enjoy the opera from a privileged view," Richard said, winking at his cousin.

"Oh, the Colonel is so generous, Eliza, and does not mind associating with all sorts of people. But not all in high society are so tolerant—or so we are—so I recommend you be careful, and not imagine everyone will wish to associate with people like you."

"Excuse me, Miss Bingley, but would you explain what you mean by people like you when you speak of my betrothed?" William asked coldly.

Caroline had not expected so direct a challenge. She lifted her chin and replied defiantly, "I mean that Eliza will be a tradesman's wife."

"You are a tradesman's daughter, Miss Bingley. Yet for as long as I have known you, you have done nothing but proclaim that you belong to the upper class and boast of mingling with the aristocracy," William answered firmly.

The room fell silent. Violet's eyes shone with pride at her son's defence of his betrothed. Elizabeth felt her heart overflow with love, for no one had ever stood up for her before.

Mr. Wickham silently rejoiced at the quarrel between two people he most disliked, while Richard and Georgiana agreed that Caroline had received exactly what she deserved. Louisa, Charles, and Mr. Hurst remained mute, fearful of provoking Caroline's further fury.

"My family is no longer in trade, Mr. Dalton, so you cannot compare us to you and yours, who are still engaged in business.

That is what I meant when I offered Eliza my advice.

In any case, I spoke with the best of intentions," Caroline replied with disdain.

She burned with fury, though beneath it she feared to admit that she secretly admired him.

He was not only the most handsome man she had ever seen but also intelligent, honourable, and devoted to the woman he loved.

"I appreciate your good intentions, Miss Bingley.

But your advice is calculated to persuade my future wife that she is somehow inferior.

I suggest you keep such opinions to yourself.

Miss Elizabeth is the daughter of a gentleman and is socially superior to you, whether or not you choose to acknowledge.

Furthermore, I am sure she has never made a remark with the intention of diminishing you.

I believe it would be well if you returned the courtesy and treated her with the same respect she shows you," William concluded, and returned calmly to his meal.

"Do not fear, Mr. Dalton. I shall not trouble myself to advise those who do not deserve it," Caroline said furiously, before turning to her brother in silence.

"Did you notice how beautiful the reception looks? I am certain the wedding breakfast will be unforgettable. Do you not agree, my dear Jane?" Mr. Bingley interjected, hoping to dispel the tension.

"Of course, dear Charles," Jane replied, though a little flustered.

Yet in truth, she was disturbed. Since their engagement, Caroline had made endless cruel remarks, but Charles had never defended her so vigorously as Mr. Dalton had just defended Elizabeth.

Jane felt a sharp pang of resentment towards her sister and her future brother-in-law.

As Caroline had warned, they seemed determined to prove themselves superior to all.

Thereafter, the party confined themselves to safer topics. Charles, however, was secretly outraged with Caroline; every day her behaviour grew worse, and he wondered how much longer he could tolerate it. Perhaps aunt Henrietta had been right in all she had said.

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After luncheon, Elizabeth invited William for a walk, for she perceived that he needed to leave the house, having observed him so distraught.