Chapter 10 #2
Darcy gestured ahead. “We have nearly arrived. Does the hill bear a name?”
“None that I have ever heard. I have always thought of it as Goulding Hill, though I doubt anyone calls it so.”
They turned onto a narrow path and made their way up the rise. The carriage halted below, and the footman assisted Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to the ground.
Miss Bingley looked up the path with evident doubt. “I do not see why the carriage cannot take us to the top.”
The footman inclined his head. “The path is too narrow, miss.” He gathered a blanket and the picnic hamper and began the ascent.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst followed, picking their way carefully up the slope.
***
When Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst reached the top of the hill, Miss Bingley's gaze fell at once upon Elizabeth arranging the blankets beside Mr. Darcy. Her expression made her disapproval plain.
Miss Bennet stood nearby with Mr. Bingley, assisting him as he unpacked the hamper. Sandwiches, cold ham, cakes, and fruit were soon set out with cheerful efficiency.
Elizabeth looked up as they approached. “Are you thirsty? There is wine and lemonade.”
Miss Bingley's lips parted, her expression sharpening, when Mrs. Hurst stepped forward. “Wine would be very agreeable. Thank you.”
Miss Bingley glanced at her sister, then moved toward the group. “Miss Eliza, how very domestic you are. Quite… quaint.”
Elizabeth met her gaze with an easy smile. “May I offer you some refreshment?”
Miss Bingley hesitated, her glance flickering toward the wine before she said, “Wine will do.”
As the others settled themselves, Miss Bingley cast a critical eye about the hilltop. “I had supposed we might have brought chairs.”
“No chairs,” Bingley said cheerfully, gesturing toward the blanket.
She examined it as though it might object to her presence, then seated herself with great care, arranging her skirts to their best advantage.
Jane leaned toward her. “Would you like a sandwich? There is ham or chicken.”
“Chicken, if you please.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth had turned her attention to the surrounding countryside. “It is very pretty here. I am glad we came.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly toward her. “Would you care to walk a little and take in the view more fully?” He had no wish to remain where Miss Bingley might claim his attention.
“That would be very pleasant.”
He rose and offered his arm. Elizabeth accepted, and together they walked to the far side of the hill.
Miss Bingley watched them go, her expression hardened. Mr. Darcy appeared entirely at ease. She looked away at once, as if the sight offended her.
“There is the Gouldings’ house. The prospect is quite lovely from here.”
“Yes,” Darcy said quietly. “It is.”
He was not looking at the view.
Elizabeth turned toward him and, meeting his gaze, coloured slightly before smiling.
***
Later that day, Elizabeth was in her writing room when a knock sounded at the door.
“Miss Lucas, miss,” said Mr. Hill.
“Charlotte. How glad I am to see you. Pray come in.” Elizabeth rose and crossed the room. “How are you? Sit here.” She guided her toward the small sofa near the fire.
Charlotte’s face was bright with happiness. “Oh Elizabeth, I have news. I wished you to be among the first to hear it.”
Elizabeth took her hand. “You must tell me immediately.”
“I am engaged to be married.”
Elizabeth drew her into a warm embrace. “I am so happy for you. And am I to suppose this is Colonel Foster?”
Charlotte laughed. “Yes, I ought to have said so at once. It is Colonel Foster.”
“Well then, you must tell me everything. Was he romantic?”
Charlotte coloured. “He was very kind.”
“Kind?” Elizabeth repeated, drawing back to look at her. “That cannot be all.”
She laughed again, though her blush deepened. “He was… very attentive.”
Elizabeth leaned closer, lowering her voice with playful curiosity. “And did he kiss you?”
Charlotte turned quite red. “Elizabeth.”
“That is not a denial.”
After a moment, she gave a small nod. “Yes.”
Elizabeth clasped her hands with delight. “And did you like it?”
Charlotte covered her face briefly, laughing. “You are determined to know everything.”
“I am your friend. It is my duty.”
Charlotte lowered her hands, still smiling. “Yes, I did.”
“I am entirely satisfied,” Elizabeth said, smiling. “Now tell me, when is the wedding to be?”
“Mama has already begun planning the breakfast, and Papa declares that half the town will wish to attend. The banns will be called this Sunday.”
“That is very soon.”
“It is,” Charlotte said, her expression softening. “Colonel Foster must remain with the militia for the present, though he has a small estate south of Derby.”
Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “I am very happy for you, Charlotte.”
Charlotte returned the pressure warmly. “I hoped you would stand up with me.”
“With the greatest pleasure. I would not miss it for anything.”
***
Elizabeth had the gig brought round. Millie climbed up beside her as Elizabeth gathered the reins. The sun sat lower in the sky.
She glanced at Millie. “I hope we may resolve this quickly. I would rather not be driving home in the dark.”
She guided the gig down the lane toward Mr. Miller’s cottage. They were halfway there when the sound of an approaching rider came from behind.
Elizabeth slowed, and within moments Mr. Darcy drew up beside them. “Good afternoon.”
She smiled. “Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy. I am on my way to see a tenant. He and his neighbour are said to be in dispute.”
“If you do not object, I should be glad to accompany you. Estate matters are always of interest to me.”
“I should be very glad of your company. Thank you.”
They continued together, Darcy riding easily beside the gig.
Soon they reached the Miller cottage. It stood neat and well kept, the thatched roof newly replaced and the garden in good order.
Mr. Miller waved as they approached.
Darcy dismounted and secured his horse before turning to assist Elizabeth and Millie down from the gig.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Miller,” Elizabeth said. She glanced toward Darcy. “Mr. Miller, this is Mr. Darcy, who is staying at Netherfield.”
“Good day to you, sir.”
“And to you. You have a fine cottage. It is clear you take great care of it.”
Mr. Miller beamed. “Aye, sir. Last year Miss Elizabeth saw to it we had a proper tiled roof put on.”
Elizabeth smiled lightly. “I am glad it serves you well. Now, tell me, what is the difficulty?”
Mr. Miller’s expression darkened. “The apple trees, miss. That Mr. MacDonald has been coming and taking from them.”
“Mr. MacDonald? He is not one of our tenants. I understood the matter concerned a tenant within the estate.”
“No, miss. He has been coming this way of late. Keeps to the lane and helps himself.”
“Do you know where he is lodging now?”
“Not rightly, miss. He had a room at the inn, but I hear he has left.”
Elizabeth was silent for a moment.
“If he returns tomorrow, send word at once. I shall have Mr. Wilmot look into it. If the man is in want, we will see what may be done.”
Mr. Miller nodded. “Thank you, miss.”
She continued, “As for your orchard, I have been reviewing the results of a trial in our own. I believe the same approach may be applied here. Additional trees, with companion plantings to improve the soil. It should strengthen the yield.”
Mr. Miller’s face brightened. “That would be a fine thing, miss.”
Darcy assisted Elizabeth and Millie back into the gig. He mounted, and they turned toward Longbourn.
After a short distance, Darcy said, “I was much impressed by how you managed that.”
Elizabeth glanced at him. “Mr. Miller chiefly wished to be heard.”
“And you heard him,” Darcy replied. “That is not always so common as it ought to be.”
She coloured slightly. “You are very kind.”
“What do you intend for this Mr. MacDonald?”
“I am considering the gatehouse. It has stood empty for some time. If he proves willing, he might serve as gatekeeper and reside there.”
Darcy nodded. “A practical solution.”
As they approached Longbourn, he said, “I understand Miss Lucas is to give a dinner tomorrow to celebrate her engagement. May I hope to see you there?”
“You may indeed. I am very much looking forward to it.”
He tipped his hat. “Until tomorrow, then.”
He turned his horse toward Netherfield.
Elizabeth watched him ride away until he disappeared down the lane. Only then did she gather the reins, a small smile lingering as she turned toward the house.