Page 68 of Master of Netherfield
“May we expect you back at Netherfield before too long?” Elizabeth asked. “The harvest of grain is complete but there are still many tasks to accomplish this summer on both estates.”
“And the tasks of trade, government and war make demands on my time,” Mr Darcy explained. “The Prime Minister requested my presence in town for at least another fortnight to help with bills before Parliament.”
Elizabeth asked, “Does the minister require your presence to persuade others to support the bill? I understand your four MPs will vote as you direct so the minister must need you to be seen showing support.”
Madeline Gardner smiled around the rim of her teacup watching the powerful Mr Darcy’s face light up with realization that this ‘girl’ understood the requirements of politics in London.
“Exactly Miss Elizabeth, I must be seen in the gallery and at dinners. I shall entertain at least three evenings with supper, entertainments and cigars.”
“And I must hide above stairs when the politicians gather,” Georgiana explained. “They are loud and often drink too much.”
“My sister remembers when our father held some dinners at our home here in town but there’ll be none this season with such drinking.”
Jane placed one hand on Georgiana’s arm and asked, “Perhaps you and Mrs Annesley would prefer to spend those evenings with us at Gracechurch Street?”
“Oh yes! Brother, please say I may stay with the Gardners when you entertain,” Georgiana asked. She turned back to Jane and continued, “Mrs Annesley has gone to visit her daughter for a few weeks while we are in town, and I am alone at night.”
Mr Darcy admonished his sister lightly, “Georgie, let us see if Mrs Gardner can fit another young lady into her bedrooms before planning your escape from cigar smoke and politicians.”
Smiling fondly at the young lady, Mrs Gardner said, “Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy is a ‘niece’ in our home already. Her presence will always be welcome. My own children see her as a cousin the same as Jane and Lizzy.”
“And what will be on the dinner menu when you ‘entertain’, Mr Darcy?” asked Elizabeth with all seriousness. “There are several turkeys in our poultry house that I am certain my mother will send to aid your efforts.”
Once she was reassured that the menus were in hand, Elizabeth led the conversation to a discussion of one of the new books found earlier in the day.
**++**
When the shop door opened and the two sisters from the dressmaker’s shop entered, the younger sister directed her sister away from the faces she recognized, not paying attention to the young man seated at the table.
“Charles is late,” Caroline announced after viewing the room and not finding their brother waiting for them.
“Surely not,” Louisa replied. “It is not three yet.”
“I am certain those people are in trade,” Caroline whispered, motioning toward the party from the dressmakers. “It will not do if we are recognized in this place near them.”
Mrs Gardiner finally noticed the two sisters and a small smile graced her face. Jane asked for the cause of her aunt’s amusement, so Mrs Gardner explained, “That young lady fears contamination I am certain.”
Once the story from the dress shop earlier in the day was explained in full, Mr Darcy said, “I do not understand the prejudices of people who upon their rise in society do not think anyone else their equal. New wealth can hide many flaws, but the lavish display often reveals the humble origins they wish to hide.”
“Is there no enjoyment in your wealth, Mr Darcy?” asked Mrs Gardiner, speaking softly so that only their table could hear the conversation.
Smiling Mr Darcy replied, “Indeed, there is great enjoyment in helping others Mrs Gardiner and in the finer things such as riding a beautiful horse, purchasing a new pianoforte for my sister, and the undiscovered knowledge of a diverse library.”
He paused for a moment and then continued, “I am glad to help build a stronger Britain. But it is a great deal of work to manage and grow this wealth; my stewards, secretaries and factors work every day and seek my opinion as often as they can.”
Nodding her head, Mrs Gardiner added, “Mr Gardiner’s business does prosper and with each year comes more responsibilities and demands on his time.”
**++**
The door of the tea shop opened, and Charles Bingley entered, looking for his sisters. Before he reached their table, he noticed his friend from university, Fitzwilliam Darcy seated at a table with four lovely ladies. He stopped to greet his friend and be introduced to the ladies.
“Darcy! It is good to see you,” Charles said. “I was very sorry to hear of your father’s passing.”
“I received your note, thank you,” William replied. “We are still in mourning and not receiving friends at the house.”
Charles nodded his head to acknowledge his friend’s ‘half-mourning’.
“Can I look forward to seeing you at the club then?”
