Chapter 10
Chapter ten
Elizabeth entered the drawing room the next morning and found Mrs. Bennet with Jane and Mary. “Good morning. I am glad to find you all here. I wished to speak with you about the ball.”
Mrs. Bennet frowned at once. “I hope you do not mean that we are to forgo new gowns because we are saving money.”
Elizabeth paused, then sighed lightly. “No, Mama. I meant that we have an appointment this morning with Mrs. Turner for new gowns for all of you, so we had best not delay.”
Mrs. Bennet’s expression transformed instantly. “Truly, Lizzy? You are not teasing?”
“I am not teasing. The carriage is at the door, and the horses will not thank us for lingering.”
The ladies hastened for their pelisses and bonnets and were soon on their way to Meryton. When they entered the shop, Mrs. Turner greeted them, several bolts of fabric arranged neatly upon the table.
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes widened. “Why, these are very fine silks.” She touched them with evident delight.
Mrs. Turner smiled. “As I have your measurements, we need only settle upon fabrics and patterns. For Miss Bennet, I thought this pale blue might be particularly becoming.”
She held the silk up against Jane.
Mrs. Bennet clasped her hands. “Oh, that is very pretty indeed. What do you think, Jane?”
“It is beautiful,” Jane said softly.
Mrs. Turner gestured toward several books. “Pray look through these and select a pattern that pleases you.”
Jane seated herself and began turning the pages, pausing now and then to consider the designs.
Mrs. Turner turned to Mrs. Bennet. “And for you, perhaps this rose silk? Or this lavender?”
“They are both lovely, but I believe I prefer the rose. What do you say, Jane?”
Jane looked up and smiled. “The rose will suit you very well.”
Mrs. Turner next addressed Mary. “And for you, this plum, or perhaps a deep blue?”
Mary considered them both. “I cannot decide. What do you think, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth stepped nearer and studied her a moment. “The plum is particularly flattering. It brings warmth to your complexion.”
Mrs. Bennet nodded approvingly. “Yes, the plum is very becoming.”
“Then you must choose a pattern,” Elizabeth said, indicating the books.
Jane looked up again. “But Lizzy, will you not also have a new gown?”
“I do not require one.”
“Nonsense,” Mrs. Bennet declared. “It would never do for one of my daughters to appear at a ball in an old gown while the others are newly dressed.”
Mrs. Turner brought forward another bolt, deep green silk. “Mr. Gardiner anticipated you might say so,” she said with a smile. “He requested that I inform you he would be very displeased if you did not also select a gown.”
Elizabeth ran her fingers lightly over the fabric. “It is very beautiful. Very well, I shall not oppose such united authority.” She glanced about the shop. “But where is Nathan?”
At the sound of his name, a small boy peered through the doorway at the back. He brightened at once upon seeing her.
Elizabeth knelt. “I have something for you.”
“Miss Elizabeth, that is not necessary,” Mrs. Turner said.
Elizabeth only smiled. “You would not wish to spoil the surprise.”
She drew a small book from her reticule and handed it to him.
Nathan took it carefully and looked up. “Animals.”
“Yes, a book of animals.”
Mrs. Turner looked on with softened expression. “What do you say, Nathan?”
He hugged the book close. “Thank you.”
“You are very welcome,” Elizabeth rose, smoothing her gloves, though her thoughts lingered a moment longer than they ought.
At length, the fabrics were chosen, patterns selected, and trims agreed upon.
Elizabeth turned to Mrs. Turner. “Thank you. You have been most helpful.”
“I shall have the gowns ready for the first fitting within a week.”
“So soon?”
Mrs. Turner nodded. “I have taken on an additional seamstress. There has been considerable demand with the ball approaching.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I imagine the ball has brought you a great deal of custom. Then we are fortunate indeed. Thank you again.”
As they stepped out into the street, Elizabeth glanced toward the bakery.
“Shall we take tea and biscuits before returning home?”
Mrs. Bennet beamed. “An excellent notion. This has been a most delightful morning.”
***
Elizabeth was in her writing room when Mr. Wilmot was shown in.
He removed his hat and bowed slightly. “Good morning, Miss Bennet.”
“Good morning, Mr. Wilmot. Please sit down.” Elizabeth gestured toward the chair opposite her desk. “You sent word that you wished to speak with me.”
“I did, Miss Bennet. I thought it best to inform you of something the tenants have mentioned.”
Elizabeth folded her hands upon the desk. “Go on.”
“It concerns a soldier who has been seen walking along the lane near the cottages on the east side of the property. Mr. Miller spoke of it. He saw the man near the Smith cottage and said he went off quickly when observed.”
Elizabeth leaned back slightly. “It may be nothing more than a man visiting acquaintances in the village. Still, I would prefer to know who he is.”
“I thought as much.”
“If he is seen again, ask that someone speak with him. We have no objection to visitors, but I would like to know his business if he is regularly crossing our land.”
“Yes, Miss Bennet.”
“Have you settled matters with Mr. Carter, the wheelwright?”
“I have. He will remove to a new cottage in Meryton next week. Mr. Harding has agreed to let him use the barn adjoining his building.”
“That is very good.”
Elizabeth glanced down at the ledger before her. "I have reviewed the recent reports and am well pleased with their progress. You have managed matters exceedingly well, Mr. Wilmot. For that reason, your salary will be increased.”
Mr. Wilmot looked genuinely surprised. “Thank you, Miss Bennet.”
She closed the ledger and regarded him thoughtfully. “I have also been considering the growing number of matters requiring attention on the estate.”
He inclined his head. “The past year has been particularly active.”
“That is precisely my concern. You have managed everything admirably, but the estate has become too active for one man to oversee every detail.”
Mr. Wilmot shifted slightly in his chair. “I do my best to see that nothing is neglected.”
“And you succeed,” Elizabeth replied. “But I believe it would be wise for you to have assistance.”
“Assistance, Miss Bennet?”
“Yes. An under-steward, or assistant steward. Someone who could visit the more distant tenants, inspect repairs, and report back to you. It would allow you to give proper attention to the accounts and the larger concerns of the estate.”
Mr. Wilmot considered this for a moment.
“You believe the estate can support such a position?”
“I do,” Elizabeth said calmly. “And more importantly, I believe it will benefit from it. The improvements we have begun will require closer oversight in the coming years.”
A slow smile appeared on his face. “I cannot deny the assistance would be welcome.”
“Then begin making inquiries. If you know of a suitable man, I should be glad to hear your recommendation.”
“Very good, Miss Bennet. I shall give the matter my attention.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Excellent.”
***
The sun shone brightly, and the breeze was light, making it a perfect day for a picnic.
Bingley and Darcy were attending the horses and carriage when Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth rode up the lane to Netherfield.
Darcy paused as Miss Elizabeth approached. He thought she looked elegant in her dark green riding habit and jaunty black hat. He stepped forward at once.
“Good morning. May I assist you down?”
Miss Elizabeth smiled warmly. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy. Thank you.”
After helping her from the saddle, he patted the horse’s neck. “Bramble, was it?”
“Yes. Bramble is my faithful friend.”
As Elizabeth spoke, Bramble nudged her shoulder with quiet insistence, clearly unwilling to be overlooked. Elizabeth rubbed his neck.
Darcy glanced up and saw Bingley already engaged with Miss Bennet. He turned back to Elizabeth with a quiet smile. “I have been looking forward to today’s outing.”
“As have I,” Elizabeth replied. “Have you selected our destination?” Her tone was warm, and Darcy found himself more pleased by it than he ought.
Darcy adopted a look of mild affront. “Of course. We have chosen a particular spot, one highly recommended by a local authority.”
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened. “Indeed? And may I inquire as to the identity of this authority?”
Darcy gave a small shrug. “If you insist. I consulted Mr. Wilmot.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Then I am certain we shall be well guided. Mr. Wilmot knows every inch of the surrounding land.”
Darcy glanced toward the carriage. “Bingley, the horses are growing restless. We should be off.”
Bingley sighed. “If they are not ready in five minutes, we shall go on without them.”
Darcy did not appear displeased by the possibility. However, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst soon approached, and the moment passed.
Bingley went to meet them. “The carriage is ready.” He opened the door and assisted his sisters inside.
So they were on their way, the carriage proceeding at an easy pace while Darcy and Bingley rode alongside. Each soon fell into conversation with his preferred companion.
Elizabeth turned slightly toward Darcy. “I believe I know where we are going. A hill beyond the Gouldings’ estate.”
Darcy nodded. “Another half hour, perhaps.”
“A good choice. The ascent is gentle, and the view extends a considerable distance, though I have not been there in five or six years.”
They rode in companionable quiet for a time and Darcy found he silence more agreeable than most conversation. After a moment, Darcy said, “Mr. Wilmot shared his news. I must have met him shortly after he left you. He seemed very pleased.”
“I am glad of it,” Elizabeth replied. “I have advised him to begin seeking an under-steward. I do not wish him overburdened.”
“A wise decision. People perform best when they know their efforts are valued.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Yes. They should be.”