Page 11

CHAPTER 11

Arrival at Netherfield

1 OCTOBER 1811

D arcy travelled to Hertfordshire the day after Bingley himself.

Bingley had travelled back and forth to Hertfordshire twice more, and his sisters had joined him the previous day to take up residence.

The lease was for a year, and Bingley intended to spend the whole of the autumn and winter there.

Early that the afternoon, Darcy’s carriage arrived in front of Netherfield.

He was greeted by his friend, and with a groan, he saw Miss Bingley standing just behind him.

“Welcome, Darcy,” Bingley said, raising his hand in greeting as Darcy stepped from the carriage.

“Yes, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley said in what she clearly intended as an alluring tone.

To Darcy, however, it grated unpleasantly—almost as much as the cloying perfume she wore, which reached him even from several feet away.

“We are delighted you have joined us,” she continued, her voice smoothing into affected warmth.

“And we are so looking forward to your family’s arrival later this month. It is unfortunate they could not accompany you sooner, but I must say, I was quite pleased to learn that the countess accepted my brother’s invitation. I understand it is quite a mark of her favour.”

Darcy inclined his head politely, giving no indication of agreement or encouragement, but that did not deter Miss Bingley from continuing.

“I have always admired the countess from afar, and I look forward to making her acquaintance at last,” she went on.

“And dear Georgiana! I do hope she remembers me. She and I got on so well when she was in town two Seasons ago.”

Darcy inwardly groaned, having not considered how Miss Bingley would view the countess’s acceptance of the invitation.

His aunt was coming to dissuade Miss Bingley from pursuing him, and to give him another level of protection from the social climber, but naturally, Miss Bingley viewed it as another matter altogether.

“ Miss Darcy does remember you,” he said, emphasising his sister’s proper name, “and she is looking forward to visiting Meryton. In fact, I heard from her just yesterday. I do not know if you are aware of this, but my father’s old friend lives nearby, and she is most anxious to meet him and his family.” He kept his voice even and did what he could to tamp down Miss Bingley’s expectations.

However, that did not deter her, and she responded in a cloying tone.

“I am certain we shall be fast friends. I have already made a few plans for her stay. Outings, a card party or two, and perhaps a small musicale . That is, if we can find anyone worth knowing in this little village.”

“Miss Darcy is not yet out, and is not overly fond of large gatherings,” Darcy said, his voice cool but not unkind.

“She prefers quiet company and walks and rides in the countryside. Additionallly, she will also be quite busy with her studies. ”

Miss Bingley’s smile faltered for the briefest moment before she recovered with practiced ease.

“Naturally,” she said.

“Perhaps she would enjoy a few rides or a drive through the park. It is sadly lacking compared to what she is accustomed to at Pemberley, but I would be delighted to keep her company. It must be so difficult for her—growing up without a mother to guide her.” She tilted her head, adopting a sympathetic tone.

“I would be more than happy to offer what guidance I can—just as a sister might.” She cast Darcy a coy look, her lashes fluttering in what she clearly believed to be a most becoming manner, once again attempting to imply a deeper connection between them.

Darcy’s expression barely changed though inwardly he sighed.

He could not fault Miss Bingley for seeking to ingratiate herself with his family—many ladies in society had done the same—but her persistence was wearying.

Were it not for his friendship with Bingley, he would avoid her altogether.

Unfortunately, maintaining that friendship required a degree of tolerance.

It would only be worse in such close proximity here at Netherfield, but he would bear it without too much complaining since it enabled him to be near the Bennets.

However, he would remind his valet, again, that the doors to his rooms needed to stay locked at all times.

Before he could answer, Bingley interrupted her with a sharp tone.

“Caroline, I have already told you there is little point in making so many plans when you do not even know the area yourself. Tomorrow evening, we will attend the local assembly, and you will meet the Bennet ladies. Perhaps Miss Bennet will be able to answer any questions you have about entertainments that are already planned or to share ideas about places to visit that will be of interest to us all. There will be other entertainments scheduled as well which our callers mentioned when they came today. Besides, Miss Darcy has Lady Matlock to guide her.”

Bingley turned back to Darcy and said cheerfully, “Darcy! I am pleased you arrived before dinner.” He drew them both inside as he passed by his sister.

“We have enough time for a drink and a few hands of cards before we need to dress for dinner. Although, I suppose you will want me to show you to your quarters and to refresh yourself after your travels?”

Darcy nodded at this and watched as Miss Bingley’s disappointment was poorly concealed.

With a scowl on her face, she stepped aside as her brother led his guest inside where they were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Hurst who had just exited the drawing room to greet the new arrival.

After a short conversation, Darcy allowed his friend to guide him towards his room.

“As you heard, your sister believes my aunt’s visit means far more than it does,” Darcy said quietly as they walked.

“Bingley, I hope you will not object, but sometime in the very near future, I am going to have to speak very frankly to your sister. I do not wish to offend you , but I am afraid I will have to be unpleasant to make my point.”

“She will grow worse when she sees how you are with the Bennets,” Bingley said with a knowing grin.

“Mr. Bennet called this morning, and my sister heard him mention you. At first, she was astounded that you would have made the acquaintance of the man, and she attempted, indirectly, to call him a liar, but when I confirmed that we had visited the estate together—I did not mention that we stayed there overnight—she was flummoxed. Another caller mentioned that the Bennets had five daughters, and I could see the wheels turning in her mind. She is determined to show them up at the assembly tomorrow night. I will be amazed if we leave Netherfield on time, if at all.”

“Then perhaps I should order my own carriage readied and make sure Miss Bingley is aware of that fact,” Darcy said.

“I have already requested sets from Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, along with Miss Lucas. I would not wish to disappoint any of them by not appearing as we arranged.”

“If you indicate that you are anticipating the event, then perhaps she will be more inclined to attend, herself,” Bingley replied as they arrived at the room where Darcy would be staying during his visit.

“I give you leave to say whatever you must to my sister for I know she can be a trial to you. Perhaps she will finally hear you; she has certainly never listened to my words on the subject.”

“One can hope, Bingley,” Darcy replied as he opened the door.

“One can hope.”

A short time later, Darcy joined his host in the study.

As they sat, each with a drink, Bingley recounted to Darcy about the visits from several men in the neighbourhood, including Sir William Lucas, the self appointed host of the area.

Bingley recalled the conversation with Sir William, who mentioned the quarterly assembly that would take place the following evening:

Having already heard about the assembly while at Longbourn, Bingley accepted the invitation without noticing the sneer on his sister’s face at the gentleman’s mention of the gathering.

From her seat, Miss Bingley stiffened, not attempting to hide her distaste at the idea of spending time with these country rustics.

“How... quaint,” she murmured, her lips tightening despite the smile she forced onto her face when her brother turned in her direction.

However, barely waiting until their guest departed, she turned on her brother as soon as the door closed behind him.

“Charles, how could you accept such an invitation without even consulting me?” she demanded, rising from her chair in a swish of silk.

The movement stirred her perfume into the air, and her brother coughed softly, clearing his throat .

“Mr. Darcy arrives tomorrow, and you have already committed him to attend—without the slightest regard for his preferences. You know how particular he is about social engagements. He will not wish to suffer through some rustic gathering filled with strangers and their dreadful country manners.”

Her voice dripped with disdain, and she made no effort to mask her irritation with her brother.

Bingley chuckled, undisturbed by her complaints.

“On the contrary, I believe Darcy is rather looking forward to it. He knows about the assembly, as did you, since I informed you of it before we arrived.”

Miss Bingley’s brows rose in alarm, ignoring everything her brother said except the idea that Darcy was looking forward to the event.

“How does he know of it?”

“I told you, Darcy and I met several of our neighbours on our earlier visit, and Darcy’s friend resides nearby. He has said several times that he is glad to have this chance to visit Mr. Bennet,” Bingley explained.

She narrowed her eyes.

“You might have spared a thought for how such an event will reflect on the rest of us, Charles. What if I did not wish to attend so soon after arriving in the area?”

“You may stay at home then,” he said, smiling to himself.

“But I intend to enjoy the company of our neighbours thoroughly, and Darcy has no objection to attending. Had he not wished to attend, he could have merely delayed his journey.”

As was typical for Caroline Bingley, she ignored whatever facts she chose, and took Mr. Darcy’s agreement to attend the assembly as a compliment towards herself.

She decided then that she would wear her best dress—a new gown of her own design—to the assembly the following night and let the country mushrooms look on her with envy .

Bingley reported this conversation to his friend when Darcy joined him in his study later.

“I have little doubt Caroline would offer to remain behind with you if you wish it, Darcy,” Bingley told him as he finished the tale.

“She mentioned the idea to me again when I returned downstairs after showing you to your room. I am worried about her and fear I have judged poorly when I asked her to be my hostess. If I thought Louisa willing and able to stand up to her, I would ask her to be my hostess instead, but she will still let Caroline do whatever she wishes. Your aunt could serve when she arrives, but I am hesitant to ask such a favour from a countess. Instead, I will write to my Aunt Horatia and ask her to come. If Caroline objects to being replaced, she and the Hursts can return to London.”

“Very good, Bingley,” Darcy said approvingly.

“I doubt my aunt would appreciate being called upon in that way when she intended only to visit. Have I met this aunt?”

Bingley frowned as he considered this.

“I do not believe so,” he replied.

“She has always lived in Scarborough, and I cannot recall her ever travelling so far south. She has never married, and has no other family, so she may be willing to leave her home to come join us.”

“Does she have a carriage to make the journey?” Darcy asked.

“I do not mean to overstep, but, depending on her circumstances, you may want to eliminate any obstacles to her getting here—such as ensuring she has sufficient funds and a way to travel here easily. Sending a carriage that far would be difficult, but you could send a private messenger with the funds to hire one.”

Bingley considered this for a moment before agreeing.

That done, Bingley began a conversation about some matters that had already arisen since his arrival.

Two of the issues had to do with staff—particularly related to what sort of authority his sister had over permanent staff at a leased estate.

Apparently, Mrs. Nicholls, the housekeeper, had been unwilling to make a few of the changes that Miss Bingley ordered.

According to the terms of the lease, the family could make changes to the decor, but not make any substantive changes to the structure of the house.

Miss Bingley wished to enlarge her dressing room, which could not be accomplished without knocking down a wall.

Darcy could only shake his head when this was explained.

“Bingley, I think that writing to your aunt is your best recourse at this point. Inform your sister what will be allowed and what will not be, and stand your ground.”

As he had once before, Bingley agreed, but Darcy wondered if his friend would actually take the steps required.

He would need to remember this and ask his friend about it before his aunt and sister arrived in a fortnight.

A short time later, the two men departed to go to their rooms to dress for dinner.