Chapter 32. An Accomplished Lady
The next morning, Miss Darcy and Mrs Annesley remained in her rooms to break their fast. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley dined alone and were out on horseback before seven; a fire had occurred at a farm on the estate of Sir William Lucas and Darcy proposed to ride over with his steward to offer assistance with repairs.
Bingley rode along to see how the neighbours cooperated in such matters.
Darcy explained, “If an estate was to fail or a tenant to lose his farm, the family is sent to the local poor house and all local gentry are required to support them. It is better for everyone to make certain that the tenants have secure situations.”
**++**
At the farm on Lucas Lodge, Darcy and Bingley were greeted by the Lucas family, several other neighbours and the eldest Bennet sisters.
When they arrived, Elizabeth and Jane both emerged from the barn to speak to Darcy and Bingley, but they quickly returned to their tasks of caring for the children of the tenant family.
Charlotte Lucas and her mother attended the mother of the family–it was the house that had caught fire, and the thatch roof had burned.
The farmer, his wife and four children escaped to the barn and fought the blaze with Sir William, his son and other tenants.
The house was damaged but could be repaired with the skills of the local carpenters.
The drama this morning was that the farmer’s wife had gone into labour and was even now giving birth on a bed of straw in an empty stall in the barn.
The midwife arrived and hurried into the barn while Darcy and Bingley inspected the damage to the cottage.
Seeing the grim face of his friend, Darcy explained a few truths.
“The barn burning would have been much worse Bingley. The family are all alive, Seaton’s wife has a good chance to survive the labour and bear a living child.
Mr Bennet and I have taught Sir William to be generous with his tenants in all matters regarding their children so this house will be repaired quickly.
I shall donate half of the thatch for the new roof and hold off one more year on the new roof for one of my tenant houses.
The Lucas and Bennet families will provide clothing for the entire family–Mrs Bennet’s daughters are experts with the needle and thread.
Someone will donate any needed cookware and someone else will donate a table and chairs.
The family may have to sleep on straw pallets this winter, but they will be dry. ”
Miss Lucas came to the barn door and called Mr Seaton inside; his wife was delivered of a healthy daughter and the entire family would sleep safe in the barn for the next week while the house was repaired.
**++**
It was that evening at the table that Miss Bingley spoke to Miss Darcy for the first time since her arrival.
Darcy escorted his sister into the dining room, followed by Mrs Annesley where Bingley and his sister waited for them.
Their conversation was stilted at first, no one certain of the appropriate subjects to address with the sudden visitor.
Finally, the party settled on addressing the day-to-day events of life in the country.
“And you spent the whole of the morning at a burnt tenant cottage?” asked Caroline. “I do not understand Mr Darcy. Why could not your steward or secretary handle your tenants?”
“The farm is on neighbour’s estate and several other members of the gentry came to offer aid. The neighbourhood cooperates in many matters.”
“But why? I do not understand the time and effort required. Would not you have preferred to go shooting or racing your horses?”
Georgiana found she had to answer. “Miss Bingley, it is our responsibility to look after the tenant families. Their labour provides much of the gold in our pockets. My brother owns the land, but the tenant farmer sows the grain and harvests the corn.”
“Well said Miss Darcy,” Mr Bingley agreed. “It is not done on every estate Caroline, but the landlords hereabout appear to have found a happy balance between master and tenant.”
Fearing she had lost her mind for a moment, Miss Bingley attempted to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Miss Darcy that is a lovely gown you are wearing.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. My friends from Longbourn and I sew each week, and this dress is one we made. Each of us wears gowns we made working together.”
“You wear home-made gowns?” Caroline could not keep the disdain from her voice and everyone at the table heard it.
Georgiana looked up with surprise on her face when she asked, “Do you not sew Miss Bingley? My brother believes that every accomplished lady should be able to sew and clothe her children, her tenants and her servants upon occasion.”
“Well, yes…but does sewing prevent your study of music, painting and dancing; the refined accomplishments expected of a lady of our position in society?”
With surprise still evident on her face, Georgiana asked, “Miss Bingley, you mistake me. I sew often but also dance, play and sing, and study many books. Mrs Annesley and I keep a very busy schedule of studies with Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Mr Bennet guides our reading though I fear even my brother is lost with the number of books that we order from the booksellers in London.”
Mr Darcy smiled at his sister as she continued, “Just last week we completed Macbeth and while my brother enjoys the play, I do not care for it at all.”
“Ah yes, Macbeth, a fine English author,” Miss Bingley agreed.
There was silence at the table for a moment before Georgiana explained, “I referred to the play by Shakespeare, Miss Bingley. Perhaps you remember it as the ‘Scottish Play’?”
The confusion on Caroline Bingley’s face was evident for all to see. ‘Were they discussing a play or an author? Shakespeare was English–why would he write a play about Scotland?’
Undeterred, Caroline attempted another subject. “And have you made much alteration to the decor of Netherfield, Miss Darcy? I know you and your brother have been here only a few years, but it is important to display the most current fashions in your home when entertaining.”
Mrs Annesley spoke up at this moment, “Miss Darcy has studied at the hand of Mrs Bennet and with the Countess of Liverpool. Her Ladyship was most complimentary of this dining room when she visited in the late summer.”
“The Prime Minister’s wife visited Meryton?” gasped Caroline.
Georgiana frowned and her brother came to her rescue as he explained, “Lady Jenkinson sponsored Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth for their introduction at court earlier this summer. She came to Netherfield in August to rest after the presentations and stayed with us for a fortnight. Next year Her Ladyship will sponsor Miss Mary’s introduction and then the following year, she will sponsor Georgiana, Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia. ”
Caroline’s estimation of the Bennet family was shooting skyward with the speed and brightness of fireworks; few could obtain sponsorship by the countess for introduction of daughters at court.
“Miss Bingley, what is your memory of your introduction to the queen?” asked Mrs Annesley innocently.
“I only remember a long walk up many flights of stairs,” Caroline replied. “There were six other young ladies in my set before Her Majesty.”
“Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth took tea with Her Majesty and her ladies in waiting,” Georgiana said. “We hope that next year, Mary will be asked to perform for the queen on the pianoforte. If that goes well...”
“Do not worry Georgiana,” Darcy assured his sister. “All will go well when it is your turn. With the accomplished ladies of Longbourn as your model, your introduction to the queen will be a sparkling event.”
**++**
In her room that evening, Caroline dismissed her maid and then sat before her mirror.
Intent upon an examination for winkles around her eyes, she found her eye captured by the gowns hanging in the open door of the wardrobe.
She had gowns for morning, afternoon receptions, tea, dinner, dancing and lounging; but among all her finery was nothing touched by anyone she could call friend.
Miss Darcy’s words regarding her ‘friends’ at Longbourn were not something Caroline really understood.
She did however see the strength of the bond between the Darcy brother and sister. When she compared it to the withering bonds with her sister and brother, she felt older for a moment and fearful.
“I have damaged my connection to my sister and my brother by my own hand. I must make something, find someone or I shall never recover.”
**++**