Chapter 4
Chapter four
Elizabeth caught the scent of breakfast before she entered the dining room and smiled to see Jane already seated.
“Good morning, Jane. Did you sleep well?”
Jane looked up, returning her smile. “Yes, thank you. Are you excited about your trip?”
Elizabeth selected her breakfast and poured herself a cup of chocolate before taking her seat. “Yes, I always enjoy seeing Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and our cousins. If there is time, I may take them for a walk in the park.”
Jane nodded, sipping her tea. “When will you return?”
“It is but a short visit, there and back again the next day. Would you like to come? I am sure Aunt Gardiner would be delighted to see you. It has been some time.”
Jane shook her head. “No, I had better remain here. Mama would not like it.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Mama might forgive us, if we returned with something particularly pretty for her.”
Jane smiled. “Perhaps, but I believe I shall stay at home this time.”
Elizabeth leaned forward slightly, amusement in her eyes. “There would not be any particular reason for that, would there?”
“Lizzy!” Jane protested, though she could not suppress a smile. “I have things to attend to, just as you do.”
Elizabeth rose from the table. “Very well, my dear sister. Enjoy your morning. I shall see you before I leave this afternoon.”
***
Elizabeth drew on her gloves and settled her hat before leaving the house. Outside, a groom stood holding two horses. She smiled as she stroked her horse's nose and produced a small carrot from her pocket. “There now,” she murmured, offering it before turning to the groom.
Harris steadied the stirrup as she mounted. “Thank you, Harris.”
He inclined his head and mounted his own horse.
They set off at an easy pace down the lane toward Meryton.
The morning was clear, and she felt herself relax with the gentle breeze.
Before long they drew up outside the dressmaker’s shop.
Harris dismounted first and came forward to hold her horse while she alighted.
Elizabeth gave him a nod of thanks and entered the shop.
Mrs. Turner looked up from her worktable and smiled. “Miss Elizabeth, how do you do?”
“I am very well, thank you,” Elizabeth replied warmly, taking her hands briefly. “And how is Nathan?”
Mrs. Turner glanced toward the rear of the shop, where a small boy sat upon the floor, intent upon a toy horse. “Much improved. The air in London did not agree with him. He is far happier here.”
At the sound of his name, Nathan looked up and came toward Elizabeth, his expression bright.
She bent slightly to meet him at his height. “And how are you this morning, Nathan?”
“Good,” he said solemnly.
Elizabeth smiled. “I wondered whether you might like something.” She glanced at Mrs. Turner, who gave a small nod of approval.
“As it happens,” Elizabeth continued, drawing a few small twists of paper from her pocket, “I brought you a few sugar plums.”
Nathan accepted them with visible delight.
Mrs. Turner leaned down and said softly, “What do you say?”
“Thank you, Miss Lizzy,” Nathan replied before returning to his toy.
Elizabeth rose. “I leave for London this afternoon. Have you a list for me?”
Mrs. Turner produced a neatly folded paper. “If it is not inconvenient.”
Elizabeth scanned it briefly, her expression thoughtful. “This will do very well. What cannot be obtained at once should arrive within the week.”
“That would be a great relief,” Mrs. Turner said. “I have several commissions nearly finished and shall begin the next as soon as the fabric comes.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “You shall have it the day after tomorrow.” With a brief smile, she took her leave.
***
Elizabeth opened the door to her small writing room. Though modest in size, she kept it well ordered. A broad window admitted ample light, and a small desk stood near the hearth, several ledgers stacked neatly upon it. A low fire burned, taking the chill from the air.
She seated herself and drew a folded list from the drawer, reviewing it briefly before a knock sounded at the door. “Come in, Mr. Wilmot.”
The steward entered and inclined his head before taking the offered chair. “We are prepared for London,” he said. “The two wagons are nearly loaded and will be ready to depart at noon.”
“Very good,” Elizabeth replied, glancing down at her paper. “And the new tenants?”
“They are settling well. No complaints thus far. The housekeeper reports nothing out of the ordinary.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I am glad of it.”
Mr. Wilmot continued, “Mr. Bingley requested a tour of the estate yesterday. I accompanied him. He expressed a desire to meet several of the tenants tomorrow morning. His friend, Mr. Darcy, rode with us.”
Elizabeth’s expression remained composed. “Indeed.”
“He appears knowledgeable in such matters,” Mr. Wilmot added. “He asked sensible questions.”
“I am pleased to hear it,” Elizabeth said evenly. “And the Army order?”
“Mr. Hawkes reports six horses ready. They are to be collected next week.”
“That is satisfactory.” She rose from her chair. “Then it seems all is in order. Thank you, Mr. Wilmot. Your diligence spares me a great deal of concern.”
He inclined his head again. “You may travel without uneasiness, Miss.”
Elizabeth remained standing a moment after he had gone, her gaze returning briefly to the list in her hand before she folded it and set it aside.
***
The Netherfield carriage had scarcely drawn up when the door opened and Mr. Wilmot emerged into the hall, hat in hand. He paused at the sight of the visitors and then inclined his head.
“Good morning, sir,” he said.
Bingley smiled in recognition. “Ah, Mr. Wilmot. Abroad early, I see.”
“Yes, sir. A few estate matters required attention.”
With another slight bow, he stepped past them and made his way toward the door.
Darcy’s gaze followed him a moment longer than necessary before he turned back toward the drawing room.
Mr. Hill led the Netherfield party inside and announced them.
Darcy’s glance took in the room at once.
A lady of animated expression rose from her seat; beside her sat two younger women, whose resemblance left little doubt as to their relation.
At that moment, a door opened at the far end of the room, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet entered, attired for travel.
She offered a brief apology for her delay before taking her seat beside her sister.
Mrs. Bennet stepped forward to receive her guests.
“Mrs. Bennet,” Bingley said with a warm smile, “may I present my friend, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy bowed. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Mrs. Bennet returned his bow with a curtsey. “Mr. Darcy, my daughters, Jane and Mary. You are already acquainted with Elizabeth. Pray be seated.”
Mary rose at once. “Shall I ask Hill to bring tea, Mama?”
“Yes, my dear.”
As the company arranged themselves, Mrs. Bennet added, “My two youngest daughters are engaged with their governess this morning.”
Bingley took a seat near Jane; the others followed.
Darcy remained standing a moment before turning toward Elizabeth. “You are travelling today, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked.
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Yes. I am to visit my aunt and uncle in London.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled. “Lizzy visits them frequently. Their little ones are exceedingly fond of her.”
“Will you remain long in town?” Darcy asked.
“Only until tomorrow afternoon.”
Mrs. Hill entered with the tea service and set it upon the table.
When all had been served, Miss Bingley regarded Elizabeth with polite curiosity. “You travel without other family, Miss Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth met her gaze calmly. “My maid accompanies me, along with a groom.”
At that moment, Harris stepped just inside the doorway and bowed slightly. “The carriage is ready, Miss.”
Elizabeth rose at once. “Thank you.” She turned to the company. “Pray excuse me. We should prefer to arrive before dark.”
Mrs. Bennet fluttered a hand. “Yes, yes, do not keep your aunt waiting.”
Elizabeth inclined her head to the room and withdrew. Harris followed.
Darcy, who had moved nearer the window, watched without appearing to do so. He saw her handed into the carriage, her maid already seated within. The groom mounted beside the driver, and the coach rolled forward, disappearing beyond the bend in the drive.
Miss Bingley was the first to speak. “Miss Elizabeth appears remarkably engaged this morning.”
Mrs. Bennet laughed lightly. “Lizzy is seldom idle.”
“The journey to London is not long,” Bingley observed cheerfully. “She will be back before we have time to miss her.”
Darcy did not immediately rejoin the conversation.
Movement along the distant lane caught his attention.
From behind the hedgerow, two wagons emerged and fell neatly into line behind the carriage.
Several mounted men rode at measured intervals.
By the time he turned back to the room, the procession had already disappeared from sight.
Darcy said nothing, though his expression grew thoughtful.
After a moment, Mrs. Bennet brightened. “Oh, I nearly forgot. Mrs. Philips informed me that several officers of militia have arrived in Meryton. It is always pleasant to have new faces.”
Bingley turned from Jane. “Yes, they have invited the gentlemen to dine tomorrow evening.”
Miss Bingley’s brows lifted. “Tomorrow? I was not aware we had accepted.”
Bingley smiled mildly. “We have now.”
Darcy’s attention shifted from the lane to the conversation, though his expression revealed little.
***
Elizabeth looked from the carriage window and recognised the familiar landmarks that signalled their approach to London. Soon the two wagons turned aside toward her uncle’s warehouses, while two mounted men continued on with the coach.
It was not long before the carriage drew up before a neat brick house on a busy London thoroughfare. The groom descended, set down the step, and assisted Elizabeth and Millie to alight. Elizabeth mounted the steps and lifted the knocker. The door opened almost at once.
“Miss Elizabeth,” said the Gardiners’ manservant with a respectful bow. “Your aunt has been expecting you.”
She entered; a gentle smile touched her expression at the familiar welcome.
Mrs. Gardiner came forward immediately and embraced her. “My dear, how was your journey?”
“Very comfortable,” Elizabeth replied, surrendering her gloves and pelisse to the servant. “We rested the horses once but encountered no difficulty. Where is my uncle?”
Mrs. Gardiner laughed softly. “Ever practical. He will join us shortly. You shall have time to change before dinner, and you may discuss business afterward.”
Elizabeth's lips curved. “Then I shall first pay my respects to the children, if I may.”
“They are quite impatient for you,” her aunt replied warmly.