Chapter 9
However, the fairy tale did not end.
“We must make a decision, Mr Bennet,” Mrs Bennet said only a few days later. “After all, you have signed the papers and the place is ours.”
They agreed that a little more time was necessary to grow accustomed to the idea and prepare themselves for the new house.
“But only a little more, not until next year,” Mrs Bennet concluded.
Meanwhile, Uncle Thomas moved into a spacious apartment at Netherfield, where his possessions were also taken. He hired maids, and the horses were installed in the large stable on the estate.
“Tomorrow afternoon at three o’clock, I expect both of you at Netherfield,” he told Elizabeth and Jane during dinner.
Every afternoon, he dined at Longbourn before walking back to Netherfield, often accompanied by Mr Bennet, who was slowly reconciling himself to the idea that the estate would soon become his home.
“I admire you greatly,” he told his uncle one evening. “You change not merely houses but countries and continents with such ease.”
“Yes, it is something you ought to learn. At Netherfield, your life will not differ greatly. The library is larger, certainly, but you may move the Longbourn library there.”
“That is precisely my intention, if only to preserve the illusion that I am still at home.”
“You are at home, my son, at last. Netherfield Park belongs to your family now, and you must accustom yourself to the thought.”
“And what is to become of Longbourn?” Mr Bennet asked with visible anxiety.
“Nothing unfortunate. As you decided we shall rent it out and enjoy an additional income, though Heaven knows you no longer require one.”
“But we cannot continue living entirely at your expense.”
“Edward, I enjoy this life with you all, though now I also require certain comforts which my former life could not provide. Whether in Hertfordshire, London, or elsewhere, we shall live together. That is my reward. And as for my great-nieces, it is time they received a few more surprises.”
“What are you saying?” Mr Bennet asked, already somewhat alarmed by his uncle’s surprises.
“The former tenant comes tomorrow afternoon to collect his possessions.”
It took Mr Bennet only a moment to understand. “No!” he cried, laughing. “Mr Bingley?”
“Yes. Mr Oswald, the former owner, invited Mr Bingley to discuss the possible continuation of the lease with the new owner, and he has agreed to come tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Uncle, you possess the wit of the devil! I am far older in spirit than you are in years.”
“That may still be remedied. You need only pay a little more attention to life around you.”
“Are you certain Jane can preserve her composure during such a meeting?”
“Yes, I am certain. I believe the young lady is far more resilient than you imagine. Besides, my impression is that Mr Bingley returns with considerable pleasure and is prepared to make certain decisions. And his first thought is Longbourn, where he still believes Jane resides.”
“Do not tell me you purchased Netherfield merely to witness that meeting,” Mr Bennet said laughingly, though he observed his uncle with great attention. Lately, he believed him capable of almost anything.
“No,” Uncle Thomas answered. “I wanted a place for you—for us. Still, I confess that after meeting your family, I gave a great deal of thought to this problem.”
“You mean my family?”
“No, you, my indolent nephew, who believes his library to be the whole world. I knew perfectly well that you would never consent to move to some distant and unfamiliar place. And for you, distant means thirty miles!”
“You are mocking me! And as my uncle, perhaps you have the right. Still—”
Both spoke in the same amused tone, though beneath their laughter lay genuine admiration and affection.
“Netherfield was my salvation. Elegant enough, and less than three miles from Longbourn, it seemed a gift from Heaven. You already know the house and have likely admired the library yourself. But I confess I should very much like to see the faces of those two gentlemen tomorrow when they discover the new owners of Netherfield Park are our splendid Elizabeth and Jane.”
“Two gentlemen?” Mr Bennet asked in surprise.
“Yes, I have a feeling Mr Bingley will not travel without company.”
“And that company would be?”
“A certain Mr Darcy,” Thomas replied, leaving his nephew entirely perplexed.
“Mr Darcy? But Uncle, that gentleman is not particularly liked in my family.”
“Nephew,” Thomas answered in a mysterious tone, “as I told you before, you ought to observe your daughters more carefully and take greater interest in the workings of their hearts.”