Page 26 of The Fire at Longbourn (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
The Billiard Room
Netherfield
“When do you intend to marry, Bingley?” Darcy inquired as he poured himself a glass of Madeira, the dark red liquid slowly filling his glass.
Bingley, who was lounging on a chair near the fire, his mind agreeably preoccupied with the image of the blonde, blue eyed angel who would soon be his wife, took a moment to emerge from his reverie, whereupon he said, “We have not quite settled a date, but it will be soon. I intend to purchase a common license when I meet with my solicitor regarding the marriage settlements, which will allow us to marry at our convenience.”
“That is sensible,” Darcy agreed.
“I confess I can hardly wait!” Bingley declared, rising to his feet to wander aimlessly around the room. “Darcy, I do hope that in time you will find a woman whom you love, who loves you in return, as I treasure Jane and she cherishes me!”
Darcy stared at his friend and realized that he was envious.
He had long accepted that he must marry sensibly, to a woman of position and wealth.
And yet, remembering Miss Bennet’s adoring gaze toward Bingley, and the matching joy in his friend’s face, he found himself questioning all he had long held dear.
The second Miss Bennet was the problem, of course.
Darcy had been attracted to Miss Elizabeth’s wit, vigor, and impertinence for many weeks, but now, with the knowledge of the lady’s hard work in restoring her family’s fortunes, in her care for the tenants and servants of Longbourn, he found himself inwardly shaken.
How many of the high born ladies of the ton would be willing to spend hours looking over estate books to help manage the family finances?
How many wealthy women would choose to give up their own comforts to aid the tenants and farmers of the estate?
Very few, Darcy knew. Very few indeed.
/
Netherfield
The Next Morning
The woman sitting at the desk moved the cheap candle a little closer to better see her list, heedless of the smell of tallow as she examined the neatly printed words.
She and the cook had been compiling all of the supplies that would need to be purchased from London within a couple of weeks including some food, a few household necessities such as furniture polish, and one or two implements for the farm requested by the steward.
Several items would be for the wedding and the new mistress’s assumption of her rightful role.
The housekeeper’s heart lifted at the latter thought.
She had been serving at Netherfield for two decades, and she knew well that Jane Bennet, soon to be Mrs. Bingley, was a kind lady and would make a wonderful, easy mistress.
She would certainly be an improvement on Caroline Bingley, who was both snide and rude.
The tradesman’s daughter was not nearly as adept at running a large household as she thought herself and would hear no contradiction to her plans, no matter how respectful or delicately-phrased.
There was a light tap at the door, and Mrs. Blythe looked up in surprise that transformed into astonishment. One of the young under-maids stood there, looking dreadfully afraid and upset as she twisted her hands together. As soon as the housekeeper met her eyes, the girl sank into a wobbly curtsey.
“I’m that sorry for interruptin’ you, mum, but I don’t know what to do,” the girl said tremulously. “And me mum has always said you are very smart, and to come tell you if somethin’ happened. I’m afraid I heard something I wasn’t meant to, mum, but it’s that terrible, it is.”
Mrs. Blythe smiled at the girl and gestured for her to come in and shut the door.
“I do not have much time,” she said in soothing tones. She liked the girl, having known her family for many years, and she had promised to look after her. She continued, “But certainly I can spare a few minutes, Bridget. Tell me what is bothering you.”
Bridget did so, haltingly at first, and then more fluidly as the entire story poured out of her while Mrs. Blythe listened, first with concern, then with disbelief, and finally with horror.
“You did the right thing coming to me, my dear,” she said when Bridget had finished. “Now run along and do not tell anyone about this. I will deal with it.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Blythe,” the girl said and then rushed away, her heart lightened.
/
Lucas Lodge
“A party?” Mr. Collins said doubtfully.
“A party, yes, to celebrate your engagement to Charlotte!” Lady Lucas exclaimed. “It will not be a formal affair, but I very much wish for all our neighbors and friends to meet you. After all, when Mr. Bennet passes on, you will be the primary landlord in the area.”
“Oh!” the rector said, straightening his back and puffing out his chest. “I quite understand. Yes, that seems an excellent plan. When will the party be?”
Lady Lucas considered for a moment and then said, “It will take at least a few days to make the arrangements. Perhaps next Monday evening?”
“Oh, my dear lady!” her future son-in-law exclaimed. “I fear that is quite impossible, for Lady Catherine has only given me leave until Saturday, when I must tear myself away from Charlotte and return to Hunsford.”
Lady Lucas stared at Mr. Collins in disbelief. “But surely you can send a letter to Lady Catherine, and explain that…”
Mr. Collins turned noticeably pale at this horrifying suggestion, and Charlotte, who had hitherto been a silent observer, said quickly, “I believe we can arrange to have the party this Friday, Mother. I can help in the kitchen, and we can purchase a few confections from the baker if needed.”
Her mother grimaced, but then her expression softened, and she said, “Very well, my dear. We will plan on Friday evening.”
/
Longbourn
“Charles is planning to go to London either tomorrow or the next day to arrange for the marriage settlements,” Jane explained to Lydia. “He will also purchase a common license so we can marry when we want to.”
“When do you want to get married?” Lydia asked as she looked through her eldest sister’s dresses.
“Soon,” Jane replied, and at Lydia’s curious glance, she found herself blushing. “I do wish that the Gardiners could be present at the wedding, but that may not be possible. Longbourn currently is no place for children, and the hunting lodge is not large enough for their family.”
“Perhaps they could stay at Netherfield,” Lydia commented absently as she carefully lifted a green gown with a net overdress from its hook. “What about this one, Jane? I think this would be a lovely dress for your wedding if we freshened it up. I would be glad to sew on some lace if you like.”
“I do not need...,” Jane began and then stopped and smiled at her youngest sister. Lydia had always been inclined to demand assistance with her clothing, not give it, and thus her offer was generous. “That would be very kind, Lydia.”
/
The Stables
Longbourn
Hard-packed dirt clopped under Phoenix's hooves as Darcy rode towards Longbourn, his collar turned up against the chill.
He took in the house and the yard, busy as an anthill, as he rode towards it.
The crunchy brown grass no longer glimmered with shards of glass, nor was it choked beneath half-charred wood.
As he moved around towards the back of the house and the stable, the searching wind shifted, and for a moment, he smelled the pleasant aroma of baking bread.
He glanced automatically towards the summer kitchen some yards away. Thin trails of smoke leaked from the chimney, and he suppressed a wince. He knew it must be challenging to only be able to use the summer kitchen, and it would be horribly difficult once the snows came.
As he reined Phoenix to a halt, Ben came running. The stable boy grinned up at him and tugged his forelock before reaching eagerly for Phoenix's head and reins.
“Mr. Darcy!” a feminine voice cried out, and Darcy wobbled a bit as he swung himself out of the saddle and onto the hard ground.
He had been preparing himself to encounter the lady he admired within Longbourn, but she was standing near him, dressed warmly in a tan dress with a scarlet pelisse, with her head and hands sensibly protected with wool.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said and was pleased that his voice was calm. “I did not expect to see you out of doors. I hope you are well today?”
“Very well, thank you,” she replied and then gestured behind her toward the stable. “I was looking over the paintings and other treasures that have been saved from Longbourn, which are being cleaned and refurbished by the servants. I hope you are well?”
“I am,” Darcy replied and then turned toward a wagon, drawn by a pair of gray work horses, which was approaching the stables. “Bingley is exceptionally busy today, and thus has tasked me with presenting a gift to his prospective bride.”
“A gift for Jane in the wagon?” Elizabeth repeated. “It must be very large! Ought I to fetch my sister?”
Darcy grinned as the servant pulled the grays to a halt, and he said, “If you like, though you are certainly welcome to inspect the gift before you summon your sister. It is not romantic in the usual sense, but practical gifts can be delightful as well.”
Elizabeth hesitated a moment before giving in to her curiosity.
She hurried over to the wagon, whose high wooden sides prevented her from seeing its load.
Darcy felt his heart speed up as the lady grasped a handy grip and easily pulled herself up a few feet, briefly granting him a glimpse of a neat ankle, so that she could peer at the plentiful mounds of logs within.
“Fire wood!” she exclaimed a moment later and hopped back down in the swish of skirts, her face glowing with delight. “Oh, Mr. Darcy, what an absolutely lovely bridal gift!” A moment later, she blushed and said, “I did not realize that Mr. Bingley knew of our shortage of wood.”
“I believe Miss Bennet mentioned it in passing to Mrs. Hurst, who told Bingley, who in turn had the servants prepare wagons full of wood for both Longbourn and the hunting lodge.”
Elizabeth found herself beaming at the thought of lavish fires in all the rooms, but she could not help but ask, “Are you certain that there will be no shortage of wood at Netherfield?”
“None at all,” Darcy replied, and his heart warmed within him again. It was typical of Miss Elizabeth to worry about others even in the midst of her own difficulties. “Pray do not worry about such a thing, and Bingley tells me that if you run low, Miss Bennet should inform him.”
“Please do thank Mr. Bingley for us,” Elizabeth said happily. “This is truly a wonderful gift, which will benefit not only Jane, but all of us. But come, sir, will you not enter? My father is within, and there is no doubt that he would enjoy a brief respite from the estate books.”
Darcy liked Mr. Bennet, and he liked Miss Elizabeth more. He was sorely tempted, but he forced himself to shake his head. “Thank you, but I must return to Netherfield. Bingley requires some assistance from me today.”
“Then until we meet again,” Elizabeth said, and she watched as Darcy mounted Phoenix and guided the stallion out onto the road which led to Netherfield.
In the few minutes that he had been at Longbourn, the clouds above had chosen to release a multitude of snowflakes even as the winds began blowing harder.
He found himself using one gloved hand to wrap his scarf tighter around his face and neck while he gently pressed his knees to push Phoenix into a fast trot.
The sooner he returned to Netherfield, the better.
In the midst of his physical discomfort, he could not forget the happiness on Miss Elizabeth’s face. He was delighted that the residents of Longbourn would no longer be cold.
Elizabeth, in turn, found her eyes lingering on the gentleman’s neat form until a brief cough from Coachman Jack caused her to turn away.
The servants needed more direction about which paintings and knickknacks could be cleaned here at Longbourn, which could be sent out for more expert care, and which were lost causes.
“Jack, please have some of your boys unload the wood, and be certain to stoke the fires in the servant’s quarters as well.”
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth.”