Chapter Forty-Four
Miss Bingley had been in a dreadful temper all day.
Nancy suspected it had to do with her not being invited to a particular social event that she had had her heart set on.
The Season had not yet begun, so why this event was so important to her mistress was not at all clear; nonetheless, Miss Bingley was in a temper.
This, Nancy decided, would be the day. “Miss Bingley,” she began.
“What is it, Nancy? I have told you twice now that I would wear my blossom pink gown to dinner, and you have yet to take it from my wardrobe!”
“Yes, Miss Bingley. Only I thought you would want to see something important.”
“What could you possibly have to show me that is important?” Miss Bingley sounded astonished at the mere idea.
“Well, this was found in Mr. Bingley’s study, and it found its way to me only yesterday.” Miss Bingley need not know that it had been in Nancy’s possession for two weeks.
“Well, what is it? Come on, girl, I do not have all day!”
Nancy reached slowly into her skirt pocket and produced the note.
Miss Bingley snatched it from her hand, read it, then read it again, her eyes widening.
“Mr. Darcy is at Netherfield!? And Charles did not tell me! Louisa!” This last was screamed. Of course, Mrs. Hurst could not possibly hear Miss Bingley through the thick door, so Miss Bingley ran out to find her sister, waving the note in her hand.
Nancy sat down on Miss Bingley’s bed. She supposed it would have been expecting too much to think that Miss Bingley might have actually thanked her for the information; but at least Nancy would hear no more about her mistress not having been invited to Lady Whoever’s Whatever.
On the other hand, though, this would mean a quick remove to the countryside, where Nancy would have to deal with all the dirt that would doubtless accumulate on her mistress’ clothing. She sighed.