Chapter 10 #4
“Usual estate business, nothing for you to trouble about. You have known for years that your father is not the best landlord. I have always admitted that Longbourn could have been more successful with another master, but what can we do? Maybe after I pass away and my cousin Mr Collins inherits, things will improve.” Mr Bennet laughed, taking another gulp of brandy.
“Papa!” Elizabeth cried, reproachful and upset. “Please never say that again; it is not something to joke about!”
“Come, Lizzy, do not be so serious! I have great hopes I will own Longbourn and manage it very ill for many years. So, how did you ladies spend time in London? Miss Darcy, such a pleasant surprise to make your acquaintance! So, Lord Matlock, you are related to Mr Darcy? Well, well, this is a small world indeed. By the way, how is Mr Darcy? He is in good health, I hope. Is he in town?”
“Yes, my brother is in town, thank you, sir. I am very happy I made your acquaintance, Mr Bennet. Elizabeth has told me so many things about you,” Miss Darcy said with a smile.
The earl stroked his chin. “You know, Mr Bennet, speaking about Darcy—he is the one who could surely help you with business advice. That boy has managed Pemberley flawlessly since he was a pup. He has people who take care of the estate, but all decisions belong to him, and none of them have proved to be wrong.”
“Oh, I am sure Mr Darcy does everything perfectly, but I doubt he would take the trouble to advise me—that is, if I ever dared bother him with my insignificant problems.” Mr Bennet replied with such obvious irony that Elizabeth felt equally ashamed at her father’s tone and embarrassed at the possibility of his talking to Mr Darcy.
“I know my nephew does not possess the most charming manners, and he might appear unapproachable, but I assure you: there is no one more trustworthy or reliable. I shall send him a note. Perhaps we can all meet tomorrow at my house?”
“I would not want Mr Darcy to alter his plans for my business. Is your lordship certain that Mr Darcy could meet us?” Mr Bennet glanced at Elizabeth, amused by the hilarious prospect of Mr Darcy offering advice about how to manage Longbourn.
“My brother will be happy to speak to you on any subject you wish, Mr Bennet,” said a confident Miss Darcy.
“Be it as you say. I am grateful for any help.”
Elizabeth’s head was spinning and she was unable to say a word.
Mr Darcy was to be asked to advise her father and be part of the problems at Longbourn?
After everything that had happened—after the letter he wrote her when she was not even convinced that he would want to see her again?
A worse situation could not be imagined!
∞∞∞
Dinner at Grosvenor Square was pleasant, and Georgiana Darcy could not hide her enjoyment at having her brother’s company again. They were relishing the dishes in relative silence until he asked about her day.
“Oh, I had a wonderful time visiting Mrs Gardiner! They asked about you, quite insistently, you know.”
“I doubt that.” He laughed. “I dare say I am little missed on such visits as I am the least reliable at entertaining people.”
“I speak the truth! Mrs Gardiner asked about you, and I told them what you said…to excuse you.”
He suddenly became serious. “May I ask exactly how you excused me?”
“I said you did not wish to intrude when nobody expected you,” Miss Darcy replied then returned her attention to her plate. After another moment of silence, he continued.
“And? What did they say?”
“Uncle said you are troubling about business too much. Mrs Gardiner said you would be welcome anytime, and Elizabeth said…let me remember her exact words. She said, ‘We understand his reason and appreciate his restraint. If…when he considers the time acceptable, we hope to meet him again…sometime soon. We would not wish to intrude on his plans.’”
“Those were Miss Elizabeth’s words? Are you certain?” he inquired impatiently.
“I am certain. Elizabeth seemed quite serious when she said it.”
“Truly?” He said nothing for some time, and his sister continued to watch him closely.
“Was Miss Bennet well, I hope? And Miss Elizabeth…”
“Yes, they were. When do you believe it will be ‘soon’?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“When do you believe it will be soon enough to call on Mrs Gardiner? It is obvious you would not intrude. They leave town soon, you know.”
“I am aware they will leave soon, but I cannot answer you this instant.”
“The day after tomorrow, Uncle will host a dinner. We will attend the dinner, I hope?”
“Yes…I do not believe we have any reason to decline.”
“No indeed! I look forward to that dinner. And I have another extraordinary piece of news: Mr Bennet just arrived in town!”
“Mr Bennet? That is indeed a surprise.”
“Yes…apparently he has some business.”
“Business? Nothing urgent, I hope?”
“Some estate problems, I guess. And quite urgent, I understand. Brother, may I ask… Are you and Mr Bennet well acquainted?”
“No, not really. I mean, we did speak a few times but nothing more than brief pleasantries. We have few interests in common. Why do you ask?”
“I am afraid Mr Bennet does not know you well enough. Uncle said you might be helpful and advise Mr Bennet in his estate management, but Mr Bennet declared he never would dare bother you, and he seemed incredulous that you would be willing to help him. I felt so unhappy that he said that, and I think Elizabeth felt the same way.”
To her surprise, Miss Darcy noticed a trace of redness on her brother’s face.
“You must not feel bad, dearest. I am sure Mr Bennet has a low opinion of me and rightfully so. My behaviour towards him was not without fault. In fact, I am ashamed to admit that my behaviour in Hertfordshire was not without fault.”
He returned his attention to his plate, and Georgiana was silent for a time.
“But, Brother, will you?”
“Will I what, dearest? “
“Will you help Mr Bennet?”
He looked closely at his preoccupied sister, and for the first time in many days, he offered her a large, smile that brightened his face.
“Mr Bennet might not know me very well. But you do.”
“I most certainly do, Brother. Uncle invited Mr Bennet to his house tomorrow at eleven o’clock. Perhaps you could join them for coffee…if you have no fixed plans, I mean.”
“I have no other plans. And I must say you have become very wise lately, dearest. Yes, coffee would be just fine, indeed.”