Page 76 of Master of Netherfield
“I like cook’s biscuits. May I have two?” Thomas asked his eldest sister.
“You certainly may. This afternoon,we shall all celebrate!”
**++**
Chapter 29.Bingley in Hertfordshire
It was a month complete before Darcy invited Bingley to join him at Netherfield; though the invitation was issued only after Mr Bingley assured Darcy that his sister Caroline would remain at the Bingley home in London with their sister Louisa and her new husband. The newlyweds were returned from their honeymoon trip to Bath. Rumour of an eminent French invasion of Ireland shortened the honeymoon. The Hursts were to spend the fall at Bingley’s house in town as Caroline and Lord Hargrove came to an understanding.
In Darcy’s study, sharing an afternoon drink after riding to several tenant farms that day, Bingley explained his purpose, “I thank you for the invitation, Darcy. If I am to become a member of the gentry and buy an estate, I need to see if I like the life.”
“Country life is very different from town,” Darcy conceded. “But the amount of time you invest in your estate can be your own choice. I advise you to hire the best steward and secretary you can afford–those men will make an estate prosper and give you the freedom for other pursuits.”
“Other pursuits, Darcy? Do you mean fox hunting, dancing and gambling?”
“Bingley, you know I abhor gamblers and other wastrels,” Darcy said with a frown. Then glancing at his friend and realizing that he was being baited, the master of Netherfield explained, “I refer to pursuits such as our business ventures, reading, riding in fox hunts and perhaps dancing with the young ladies.”
Bingley’s eyes brightened. “Young ladies–I say Darcy, where are the lovely Bennet sisters? Is not their home near Netherfield? Miss Bennet is the loveliest creature I ever beheld. I remember dancing with her at the Musgrove Ball very well.”
“The Bennet family is mine and Georgiana’s particular friends, Bingley. You will not trifle with Miss Bennet’s feelings!”
Charles Bingley kept his face calm as he said, “I thought I observed your particular attentions to Miss Elizabeth. Am I mistaken?”
Darcy smiled. “Miss Elizabeth is...”
When Darcy could not explain further, Bingley changed the topic to a discussion of what to look for in acreage, wood lots, livestock and tenants when talking with any agent regarding an estate offered for sale.
**++**
That evening Georgiana joined them at the supper table where Bingley learned that the Darcys dined with the Bennets at least twice a week at Longbourn and the Bennets came once each week to dine at Netherfield.
“Mrs Bennet requires my brother to ride over on Wednesdays after the music lessons at Longbourn and join us all for supper,” Georgiana explained. “We also dine with the Bennet family on Sundays–most Sundays we arrive for breakfast and stay until after supper. The Bennets are at our table on most Friday evenings.”
“Indeed, Miss Darcy,” Bingley said. “After meeting Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth in London, I am most eager to meet the rest of the family. The Gardiners were very pleasant people; I can only image that Mr and Mrs Bennet are equally learned and polite.”
“Georgiana, tell Bingley about your music lessons.”
Without glancing at her companion for any direction, Georgiana launch into a discussion of composers that she and the Bennet sisters enjoyed and their varying skills. “Lydia and Kitty sing very prettily. Mary and I play the pianoforte and with Elizabeth, we have begun to practice several duets. My brother has promised that we may display our talents at the Christmas dinner we hold for the neighbourhood at Netherfield each Christmas.”
“Of course, we were not here last December but everyone has already asked if we are to hold the dinner and dance again this year.”
Glancing at her brother and avoiding her companion’s eye, Georgiana ventured further afield. “It is my hope that this year, my brother will allow me to dance the first set with him. I know I must go above stairs after supper, but I should very much like to dance one dance.”
“I may agree Georgie but you and the Bennet sisters who are not out must show evidence of proper decorum this fall. Your dress will not be a lady’s dress but still a proper gown for a girl who is not out yet.”
“Yes, brother!” Georgiana promised. “Kitty, Lydia and I have already begun looking at dress patterns.”
She turned back to Bingley and explained, “This month both Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary will attend their first evenings at the Meryton Assembly. Miss Jane tells stories of young men and women dancing all night long.”
“The assembly is held in a hall in town where the local gentry gather to display daughters and sons, talk about the crops and taxes,” Darcy explained with a smile. “Everyone is known and pleasant.”
“But brother, you told me it is ten times better than the boring balls in London. In town, they do not serve the ale you prefer.”
Bingley cackled with laughter. “I say Darcy, may I stay until after this assembly? You know I enjoy the parties where no one acts like a stranger, and everyone is friendly. With my sisters in town, I shall be allowed to dance all I want and talk with everyone without reproach.”
“Yes, please brother. Remember last week Miss Bennet did ask if Mr Bingley would visit this fall in time for the parties.”
Bingley’s grin grew even wider. “Miss Bennet? Miss Jane Bennet?”
