Chapter 13
“Totally unpassable,” Elizabeth heard Mr Darcy confirm to his friend on his return from the ride to the stream with her father.
He then addressed her mother, “I fear, Mrs Bennet, that we will need to continue to impose on your hospitality.” Elizabeth was surprised at his good breeding, a trait he had not shown before.
“But of course,” Mrs Bennet replied. “It is no imposition at all,” she assured politely, even though the look she gave him said very differently. They all knew it was an imposition, maybe not so much with the amiable Mr Bingley, but Mr Darcy was a completely different prospect.
“John has returned from Meryton, and Walter’s has opened his shop,” Mr Bennet confirmed, entering the drawing room having changed from his riding clothes.
“Thank you,” Mr Darcy said, and addressing his friend, he continued.
“We should go immediately, Bingley, and see if he can make up some more suitable clothing to get us by, until we can return to Netherfield.” Walters, the tailor who made all Mr Bennet’s clothing, would be glad of the additional earnings from Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley.
They were all well aware that in the normal course of events, neither gentleman would have purchased any clothing from him.
It had been obvious from the first, that they were accustomed to the quality materials and fashions not readily available in the country town of Meryton.
“What of my sisters?” Mr Bingley asked, having appeared to have only just thought of them. “They will be most concerned.”
“Mr Wilkins was at the stream at the Netherfield side making an inspection,” Mr Darcy explained. “He confirmed that he would get word to the house that we are both safe at Longbourn,” Mr Darcy assured.
“That is good. I am sure they are as yet unaware we are missing, as they would not normally arise so early,” he said, and a yawn, which he hid behind a hand, made it clear that he likewise would not normally rise at country hours.
Mr Bingley then rose to his feet, and with a look at Jane as if he would never see her again, he departed with Mr Darcy.
They left silence in their wake. Elizabeth looked around at her family. Jane had a soft smile on her face; it was clear that she had enjoyed this opportunity to get to know Mr Bingley better, and the attention from that gentleman to her eldest sister was most marked.
“What are we to do with Mr Darcy?” Mrs Bennet said, breaking the silence.
“Don’t worry about him or Mr Bingley,” Mr Bennet replied.
“Darcy is quite a knowledgeable landowner, and I intend to take advantage of his attendance in Longbourn to discuss farming techniques. He had some interesting insights during our ride. He is here with Bingley to instruct him on land management, and I see no reason that instruction cannot continue at Longbourn. He may provide some practical advice on increasing our yields,” he said, rubbing his chin with his hand.
“That is all very well, but you cannot keep him out on the farm all day and night,” Mrs Bennet replied.
“We will make do,” Mr Bennet assured. “If need be, I can lock him in my study!” he laughed, a teasing look in his eyes making it clear it was merely a jest.