Chapter 1 #2
The late earl had never accepted Daniel as his son.
From childhood, Daniel had been different.
He possessed a gentle disposition and interests unlike those of most boys his age.
As befitted a second son, he entered the army, where he enjoyed a distinguished career and met James, the love of his life.
When rumours began to circulate concerning their relationship, they fled to Canada, where they eventually became wealthy and influential. Yet, once again, malicious gossip threatened Daniel's social position and everything he had worked to achieve.
It was then that Eleanor entered his life.
She had sworn never to love again. Her romantic hopes had died with Marcus. Thus, the two friends resolved to support one another and entered into a marriage founded upon friendship, trust, and mutual respect.
After many years of hard work, Daniel became the foremost political and economic figure in the province. In recognition of his service and invaluable contributions to the Crown, he was granted a barony.
Daniel knew very well that, without his dear friend's unwavering support, he could never have achieved all that he had. For that reason, he made Eleanor his sole beneficiary and wished to leave her a special gift.
Many years earlier, he had instructed his solicitor in England to purchase a property near Meryton. A few days before his death, he informed Eleanor that she was now the mistress of Netherfield and told her that she must one day return to England and make peace with her past.
Eleanor smiled as she remembered his words.
He had been right.
She needed to confront her past if she wished to live in peace.
When Eleanor finally arrived at Netherfield, she was astonished by its beauty. The house was still under construction when she left Hertfordshire, so she had never seen it completed.
Unfortunately, Netherfield was presently leased, and she did not know whether its tenant would permit her to view the house.
Eleanor was accompanied by her secretary, Mr Taylor, and his wife, Mrs Taylor, who acted as her companion. After twenty years away from England, she required guidance, and the Taylors had been a true blessing, helping her reacquaint herself with English customs and society.
Just as Eleanor's carriage entered Netherfield Park, Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley were leaving the house on their way to inspect the progress of some repairs. Observing the luxurious carriage, they decided to wait and discover the identity of the visitor.
A few minutes later, they watched as a beautiful and elegant lady descended from the carriage, accompanied by a gentleman and a lady.
"Good morning," Eleanor said as the two young men stepped forward to greet her upon the entrance steps. "My name is Lady Eleanor Campbell, and I am the owner of Netherfield."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady. I am Charles Bingley, the present tenant of this property, and this is my good friend, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy," said Mr Bingley with his customary affability.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady," said Mr Darcy, somewhat more reserved, though clearly intrigued by her unexpected appearance at Netherfield.
“My lady, perhaps you would be so kind as to tell us what brings you to Netherfield?” asked Mr Bingley.
“Certainly, Mr Bingley. I have only recently returned to England after many years abroad,” Eleanor replied. “I was raised here in Hertfordshire, and there are many places associated with my childhood that I wished to visit once more.”
“I hope the county has not disappointed you, my lady,” said Mr Bingley warmly.
“Not at all. On the contrary, it has awakened many memories. This morning, I visited several places that were once very dear to me, and I could not resist coming to see Netherfield as well.”
“You had some connection to the property before inheriting it?” asked Mr Darcy with interest.
“Only indirectly, sir. The house was still under construction when I left Hertfordshire, and I never had the opportunity to see it completed. Many years later, my husband purchased the estate and eventually left it to me. Since I found myself in the neighbourhood once more, I thought I ought to see the gift he left in my care.”
She smiled faintly before continuing.
“I assure you, gentlemen, that I have no wish to intrude upon your privacy. I merely hoped to walk through the gardens and satisfy my curiosity. I promise I shall depart after touring the grounds, if you would permit it, Mr Bingley.”
“My dear Lady Campbell, please allow me to show you the house and its grounds,” replied the ever-kind Mr Bingley.
“Bingley, if you do not object, I shall inspect the stables and leave Lady Campbell in your capable hands,” said Mr Darcy.
“That is very kind of you,” replied Mr Bingley.
“I thank you, gentlemen,” said Eleanor with a smile, “but I should not wish to interfere with your business.”
“Do not worry, my Lady. It is settled,” said Mr Bingley cheerfully. “Darcy shall attend to the stables, and I shall have the pleasure of showing you the house and grounds, my lady.”
Mr Darcy bowed politely and left.
Eleanor was delighted by all she saw, save for the ostentatious decoration of certain rooms. The good-natured Mr Bingley explained that his sisters had been responsible for those embellishments, which were not original to the house.
When Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst appeared shortly before noon, Charles introduced them to Lady Campbell. They were pleased to welcome so distinguished a guest, and their satisfaction increased upon hearing Lady Campbell converse with Mr Darcy and learning of her connection to Lord Westcliff.
“When do you intend to return to London, my lady?” asked Miss Bingley.
“I do not yet know. I grew up in Hertfordshire and am eager to spend a few days exploring the area. I shall see whether there are rooms available at the inn in Meryton for myself and my staff, and then I shall decide,” explained Lady Eleanor.
“My dear lady, you cannot possibly stay at an inn. Allow me to offer you my hospitality,” said Mr Bingley warmly.
“Indeed, you must stay with us, my lady,” added Caroline, glancing at Mr Darcy. “We should be delighted if you spent a few days with us.”
Miss Bingley perceived that by hosting Lady Campbell, she might display to Mr Darcy all the qualities befitting the future mistress of Pemberley.
Eleanor hesitated. She did not wish to intrude.
Observing her reluctance, Mr Darcy added, “My lady, a person of your rank ought not to remain at the inn of a town such as Meryton.”
Eleanor found the tall, solemn young gentleman's remark somewhat pompous, though she recognised the kindness behind it.
“Well, thank you very much. I accept your hospitality, but only for one night.”
“We are honoured to receive you in our home, my lady,” replied Mr Bingley.
“We shall do our utmost to make your stay a pleasant one, Lady Campbell,” Louisa added, unwilling to be left behind in paying court to so distinguished a lady.
Caroline ordered tea, and the company began to converse amiably.
“At present, we have another guest in the house who is unfortunately unwell,” explained Mr Bingley.
“I am very sorry your guest is indisposed. I hope she recovers soon,” Eleanor said, unaware of whom they were speaking. “What happened to your other guest?”
“She came to visit my sisters,” Mr Bingley replied. “Unfortunately, the rain caught her on the road, and the journey affected her health.”
“How unfortunate,” said Eleanor, looking towards Caroline and Louisa. “I am very sorry your friend suffered such an inconvenience.”
“Miss Bennet is not our friend. We have known her only a few weeks and invited her merely out of civility to the people of this neighbourhood, who are very different from those of our own circle,” Caroline explained hastily, unwilling that Lady Campbell should imagine they had formed close connections in such a place.
“Miss Jane Bennet is the daughter of our neighbour, Mr Bennet of Longbourn,” Mr Bingley added. He then proceeded to describe at length how amiable, kind, and accomplished Miss Bennet was.
Eleanor felt her heart falter.
The young lady of whom they spoke was her niece, the little girl she had once adored and had not seen for so many years.
Yet Miss Bingley's next remark shattered her reverie.
“Jane Bennet is a sweet girl, Lady Eleanor. She is the only member of her family whom a woman of your rank could tolerate.”
Eleanor was still attempting to process this revelation when the butler entered and announced a new visitor.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Eleanor could scarcely believe her good fortune.
She was about to meet another niece and perhaps, at last, learn something of her family.
Unable to restrain a smile, she watched as a young lady entered the room, her petticoat muddied from her walk.
“Good morning. I have come to inquire after my sister’s health,” Elizabeth said politely.