Chapter 6 Gentlemen of Consequence
Elizabeth ran up to her bedchamber and seated herself at the small table supplied with writing materials.
Dear Mary,
This letter is written for Jane and sent in your care.
Uncle Gardiner has sent a carriage to collect Jane, and she is to be dressed and ready to depart at once.
I fear she may bring nothing with her that does not fit into her reticule or a small portmanteau.
I have instructed the footman to wait for her near the hermitage.
Uncle is arranging for Lydia to be placed in a girls’ academy.
I have explained all regarding Mr. Goulding, and Uncle Gardiner has set himself to find a husband for Jane, so we need no longer fear for her.
Please keep watch over Kitty, as she has little more sense than Lydia. Be strong. I shall see you soon.
Lizzy
Elizabeth sealed the note and carried it downstairs, where her relations still sat in the drawing room, engaged in discussion of matters at Longbourn.
“Uncle, I have told Jane that the carriage will await her by the hermitage.”
“That is very good, Elizabeth. My footman will have no difficulty finding the place. Your aunt has decided to take you and Lydia on an excursion to the Tower of London to view the royal menagerie. It will occupy the time while you await Jane’s arrival from Hertfordshire.”
“Thank you, Uncle.”
Elizabeth kissed her relations and retired for the night.
When she opened her eyes the following morning, she wondered for a moment where she was. The ceiling above her was painted white and ornamented with plasterwork of vines and birds extending around the room. Memory returned to her at once. This was the day Jane was to be collected from Longbourn.
Elizabeth rose at once and rang for the maid. After a few minutes, there came a tap at the door.
“Come in,” she called.
Sarah entered and curtsied. “I brought your bath water, Miss Lizzy.”
“Thank you, Sarah.”
The servant entered with two buckets of water. Elizabeth drew the hip bath from the corner and placed it near the fire. Sarah added the hot water, then withdrew. After bathing, Lizzy hurried downstairs, hoping to see her uncle, but he had already departed. Mrs. Gardiner met her in the entryway.
“Never mind, Lizzy. Your uncle arranged everything before he left. I expect Jane to arrive about two o’clock.”
Elizabeth relaxed her shoulders. “All seems in order. I am grateful that we are going out today, lest I spend the day worrying about my poor sister and her suffering over Mr. Goulding.”
“And how do you know this man, Lizzy? Does he attend church?”
“No, Aunt Maddie, he does not. He attends the assembly each month and stands apart, watching the young ladies as they pass.”
“Does he ask anyone to dance?”
“No. He merely stands and stares. Of late, Jane has caught his eye. She keeps as far from him as she may in our small assembly room, but it is never far enough to escape his notice. I do not know which of his vices is stronger, his love for money or his love for youth and beauty. Thus far, he has married for money, but now he has turned his eye to our dear Jane.”
At that moment, Lydia’s laughter was heard in the hall, and they looked up to see her skip into the room.
“Aunt Maddie, your house is large and handsome, and now I understand why Mamma does not like you. I believe she is jealous of your husband, your house, and your sweet little boy. Edward is awake, and he allowed me to play with him. He is the sweetest child I have ever seen.”
Mrs. Gardiner caught Elizabeth’s eye and lifted her brows.
“Mamma is jealous of Lizzy as well, for Papa thinks her clever, and everyone believes Lizzy a great beauty.”
Lydia paused. “I believe Mamma hates Lizzy.” She turned to catch her sister’s eye. “Do you think she hates you?”
“I do not know. I have never considered it before.”
“Come, girls. Let us eat breakfast, and then we shall go to the Tower to see the royal menagerie. Lydia, I believe you will enjoy this outing. They have capuchins there, which Edward delights in seeing. He believes they are toys that move.”
“I have never seen a monkey. When shall we go?”
“We will leave at ten o’clock. After, we shall take tea from one of the vendors and sit outdoors, so be sure to bring a bonnet. It will not do to burn your skin on your first day in London.”
Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner walked together through the exhibits, while Lydia held Edward’s hand and ran with him from one enclosure to the next.
When he tired, she carried him. They spent two hours at the menagerie, after which they purchased tea and cakes and rested upon a bench beneath a great oak.
Once he finished his tea, Edward began to run, inviting Lydia to chase him.
“Lizzy, do you believe your mother hates you?”
“Perhaps. She is sharp with me, but I do not repine, for mother seldom speaks well of anyone, and I find it wearisome to be in her company. I prefer to walk to the oak grove and read my book.”
As she finished speaking, Edward stumbled over a small stone hidden in the grass. A ginger-haired gentleman set him upon his feet. Edward ran at once to his mother, crying, and buried his face in her skirts.
She lifted him onto her lap and soothed him until his distress subsided. The gentleman then approached the two ladies and bowed.
“Forgive me, but I must ask whether the child has been injured.”
Mrs. Gardiner rose, and Elizabeth rose with her. “Thank you, sir. My son is quite well. He has suffered no injury.”
Lydia came running and joined the group.
“Sir, my name is Madeline Gardiner.” She curtsied. “These are my nieces, Miss Elizabeth and Lydia Bennet. Thank you for helping my son.”
He bowed to each of them in turn. “I am Mr. Bingley.”
He gestured to a nearby grove. “And my friend standing alone by the tree is Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth lifted her eyes, and Mr. Darcy, with his fine, tall person and handsome features, held her attention.
His dark, curling hair brushed his collar beneath his hat.
He was pleasing to the eye, but when he caught her gaze, his expression altered to one of reserve, and she looked away. He appeared offended.
She turned back to Mr. Bingley, who was engaged with her aunt while attempting to draw Edward out of his lingering distress.
“Miss Elizabeth, your aunt has mentioned that you are from Hertfordshire. May I ask where in Hertfordshire? My friend and I have returned today from viewing an estate. I hope to lease one for a year or two as a first step toward purchasing my own.”
“What is the name of the estate, sir? Perhaps I am acquainted with it.”
“It is called Netherfield Park.”
“I know it well, Mr. Bingley. It lies but three miles from my home, which is on the east side of the village of Meryton. Netherfield sits to the west.”
“We passed through Meryton,” he replied. “We took breakfast at the Rose and Crown and afterward met with the steward, Mr. Cooke.”
“Yes, sir, I know Mr. Cooke very well. His daughters are my friends, and we attend the same church.”
“Miss Elizabeth, what may you tell me of Netherfield Park?”
At the mention of the estate, Mr. Darcy drew nearer, stepping close enough to hear her. Mr. Bingley made introductions, and then Elizabeth replied.
“Well, sir, the house needs a new roof, and it is well known that moisture has been entering the attic for these past three years. I believe the owner intended to remove the material affected by rot, though I never learned whether the work was completed. The fields to the west are flooded every three or four years, when snow is followed by heavy rainfall. Mr. Cooke maintains that a straightforward remedy would prevent the flooding, yet the owner refuses to undertake the necessary alterations to the drainage, citing Hertfordshire’s scant snowfall and arguing that such expense would be a poor investment.
The land itself is fertile. Barley, wheat, and the other rotation crops thrive, but the owner generally takes the income and invests nothing back into either the house or the land. ”
Mr. Darcy asked, “Miss Elizabeth, do you know the name of the owner? We have dealt solely through Mr. Cooke, and though we asked, he would not disclose the name, citing confidentiality.”
Elizabeth noted that Mr. Darcy’s earlier reserve was gone.
“His name is Mr. James Goulding, sir. He owns another estate in the area and is known for his vices. He cares for neither property.”
“His vices?”
“Yes, Mr. Darcy. He is a gambler and a drunkard. I understand he is skilled at cards, though when he is in his cups, he loses at the gaming table. I have heard that Netherfield is mortgaged, and the estate where he resides is in no better condition.”
“This information is most useful, ma’am. We will hire a man to inspect the attic for water damage and rot, and to examine the drainage.”
Charles extended his hand, and Elizabeth placed hers within it.
“Thank you, Miss Bennet.” He turned to Mrs. Gardiner. “Would you and your husband and nieces be able to join us for dinner?”
Elizabeth looked to her aunt.
“Sir, my husband is a solicitor and is in Kent on business for a client. I should be pleased to dine with you along with my two nieces, though Lydia is not yet out and therefore will not attend.”
Lydia opened her mouth to protest, but when she met her aunt’s look and then caught Elizabeth’s eye, she closed it again and remained silent.
“Your husband is a solicitor, ma’am? Does he know the property of which we speak?”
“Yes, sir. He has known Mr. Goulding for many years. He will not act for him, as Mr. Goulding is not an ethical man, though my husband has assisted tenants in freeing themselves from his control.”
Mr. Bingley colored. “I begin to understand.”
Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, how do you come by such knowledge of Netherfield Park?”
She laughed softly. “Perhaps you are unfamiliar with how small towns operate, sir. Before a thing is done, it is known within ten miles.”
A smile touched his lips. “Of course. It is so everywhere; people love to talk.”
Mr. Bingley turned again to Mrs. Gardiner. “May we expect you at dinner tomorrow evening, ma’am?”
“Yes, sir. Elizabeth, her sister Jane, and I shall attend.”
Mrs. Gardiner then made her excuses. “Mr. Bingley, the day has slipped away from us, and we must return home.”
Mr. Bingley looked about and, seeing no carriage, spoke again. “May I convey you home in my carriage, ma’am? It stands close by.” He gestured toward a handsome equipage.
“Sir, our home lies quite out of your way. It is near Cheapside, and we shall do well enough with a hackney.”
“I will not hear of it. It is no inconvenience.”
He raised his arm, and the carriage drew nearer. Taking Mrs. Gardiner’s arm, he escorted her to it and handed her inside. Elizabeth followed, Edward’s hand clasped tightly in hers, and Lydia was handed up after her. Mr. Bingley entered, and Mr. Darcy took the seat opposite Elizabeth.
She pressed herself back as far as she could manage, mindful of his long legs.
Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Gardiner conversed throughout the drive to Gracechurch Street, while Mr. Darcy sat in silence, his gaze fixed upon Elizabeth.
She kept her own eyes upon Edward, who sat wedged between herself and Lydia.
When they were at last handed down, Elizabeth turned to take her leave. Mr. Bingley took her hand and bowed over it before reentering the carriage. Through the open door, she glimpsed Mr. Darcy watching her, though he offered no acknowledgment.
She felt certain that her aunt’s address had caused his evident disapproval. It mattered little. He had been civil, if silent, and she knew better than to expect more from a man of his rank and position.
She turned to her aunt. “Mr. Bingley was very affable.”
“Yes, he was. His eyes were often upon you, my dear.”
Lydia giggled. “But Mr. Darcy’s were fixed upon Lizzy the entire time. I could not determine whether he approved of her or regarded her as an insect.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Never mind, Lydia. He is clearly very wealthy and moves in the highest circles, and it was likely an offense to him to travel into a part of town he has neither known nor visited in his life before today.” She turned to her aunt.
“I believe Mr. Bingley is precisely the sort of gentleman who would make a fine husband for our dear Jane.”
Mrs. Gardiner raised a brow. “Mr. Bingley appears the sort of gentleman who would make a good husband for either of my beautiful nieces.”
Elizabeth conceded that Mr. Bingley was an amiable man, yet beyond his ginger hair and blue eyes, there was little that distinguished him from other gentlemen of her acquaintance.
His friend, Mr. Darcy, however, occupied her mind’s eye with disconcerting persistence.
If ever she were to imagine one of the Greek gods brought into mortal form, Mr. Darcy would be the figure she would summon.
Her heart quickened at the thought of him, and she sighed.
“Is all well, Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Aunt. Why do you ask?”
“I heard you sigh. Are you so troubled that Jane may not escape your mother’s designs?”
Elizabeth released a quiet breath and resolved to guard her feelings more carefully, for she had been discovered sighing over the nonpareil.
“No, Aunt. Jane will escape. She understands that if she does not, she will end her days bound to a monster.”