Chapter 34. Jane Bennet’s Future
The wedding of Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet occurred on a Wednesday morning.
During luncheon the day before, with her husband, daughters and servants gathered in the dining room, Mrs Bennet announced her certainty that the wedding breakfast would be the talk of the inhabitants of Meryton and the whole of Hertfordshire–she would be able to proudly speak for years of her daughter’s wedding that would be attended by Mr Darcy’s noble relations, a bishop and various members of the ton.
In addition, Mr Darcy’s good friend Charles Bingley came to Meryton and stayed with Darcy at the local inn. He would stand up with Mr Darcy at the wedding and consequently, he was present at Longbourn while Darcy spent time with Elizabeth.
While everyone remained busy preparing for the wedding, Charles found Jane staring out the windows of the parlour across the pasture in front of the manor house.
When she heard the door opened, Jane glanced around and smiled seeing Bingley’s friendly face.
Turning toward Bingley, the lovely young woman welcomed him to the parlour as her younger sisters finished the hems in their new gowns in the opposite corner of the room.
“Good afternoon, Miss Bennet.”
“Yes, Mr Bingley, it is a good afternoon,” she replied. “Would you care for tea or other refreshment?”
“Yes, thank you and may I have a word?” he asked.
Mrs Bennet was in the kitchens talking with Mrs Hill. Kitty and Mary ignored them as they worked on the dresses while Mr Bennet and Elizabeth led Mr Darcy and Georgiana into the study to look at a large map of England and trace the distance from Longbourn to Pemberley in Derbyshire.
“Have you enjoyed your visit to Meryton, Mr Bingley?” Jane asked as she prepared a cup for their guest.
“I have indeed,” he answered. Taking the cup of tea, Charles asked, “Are you pleased for your sister?”
“I am–she loves Mr Darcy deeply,” she replied quickly.
Nodding his head, Charles added, “Miss Elizabeth makes him smile. I believe she will be the making of him.”
Jane turned to look out the window again, across the grounds where in the late afternoon, a small herd of sheep grazed. With her eyes on the land before her, she stated, “Pemberley is a great estate. Lizzy will have a great deal to learn to fulfil her role as mistress.”
“Would you wish to be mistress of such a grand place?” Bingley asked.
Jane’s smile was serene as she answered, “No. From Mr Darcy’s descriptions, I believe Pemberley would require an army of servants and stewards.”
Now she motioned with one hand out the window at the fields and barns of her family’s estate. “I shall be mistress of Longbourn where I know the tenants and fields well already.”
“Whereas I know only what Darcy has taught me of estates and tenants,” Charles answered.
“Would you be happy to manage an estate Mr Bingley?” Jane asked. “The season mandates our days–planting in spring, harvest in summer and ploughing in autumn.”
“And what do you do in winter?”
“On clear days, the gentlemen chop wood while the ladies pass the hours by knitting socks and mittens.”
Charles allowed his face to become serious for a moment and said, “I should like to know more of this future you anticipate. While Darcy takes his bride on their honeymoon, I had thought to remain in Meryton and observe the local estates. I understand that there is a large estate that abuts Longbourn in need of a master.”
Jane’s smile grew warmer, and Mr Bingley found his heart beating faster. “Netherfield has many bountiful farms, but it has been neglected. With a firm hand, it could prosper.”
“I am glad to hear your opinion, Miss Bennet. May I call on you after the wedding?” he asked. “We can discuss many things.”
“I should like that very much, Mr Bingley; very much indeed.”
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