Page 35 of The Briar Bargain
The corner of Darcy’s mouth threatened betrayal.
Miss Bingley’s smile never faltered. “Dear Charles, you are so very amusing.”
An awkward silence threatened to settle, but Hurst, now more concerned with his next mouthful than verbal sparring, waved his fork at the carrots. “Hear, hear. Pass those down, would you?”
The footman appeared again to refill Darcy’s glass, and he found himself contemplating how much livelier this dinner was proving than the entire London season.
"Speaking of household management," Miss Bingley interjected with renewed determination, clearly hoping to redirect the conversation away from Hurst, who was now piling his plate high with various root vegetables, "I have often wondered how ladies in smaller establishments managewith so few servants. The mistress must have to take so many tasks upon herself that would normally be left to others. Is it terribly difficult, Miss Eliza?”
Surprisingly, Miss Elizabeth seemed unmoved by this transparent attempt to highlight her family's more modest circumstances. “Jane and I find great satisfaction in understanding every aspect of household management. When one is intimately acquainted with each duty, one can better appreciate good service and more readily identify where improvements might be made."
"How practical," said Miss Bingley. "Though surely such attention to domestic minutiae must leave little time for the more refined accomplishments a lady must pursue?"
Darcy recognised the trap Miss Bingley was laying with grudging admiration for its construction, even as he deplored its intent. He would have spoken, but Miss Bingley had wisely singled out Miss Elizabeth. It would be impolite to answer in her stead.
"I confess," Miss Elizabeth said thoughtfully, "that I have always believed the mark of a true lady lies not in the size of her establishment, but in the wisdom and kindness with which she manages it. A mistress who knows her household intimately, who understands the work of her servants and treats them with respect, seems infinitely preferable to one who merely issues orders from a distance. Servants are likely to work more diligently for a mistress who treats them well, thus leaving her ample time for the refinements of which you speak."
Darcy found himself leaning forward slightly. Not only was it an attractive description, but there was also something almost artistic in the way Miss Elizabeth had turned the attack back upon her aggressor without appearing to do so deliberately.
"Miss Elizabeth raises an excellent point," he said when it appeared Miss Bingley was about to reply. "I have observed that the most successful households are those where the mistress commands respect through competence and consideration."
“Hosting parties and making visits,” Hurst scoffed. “Useless.”
"Naturally." Miss Bingley spoke over Hurst, seeming determined to have her say. "Those of us who have had the advantage of managing sophisticated establishments understand the delicate balance required."
Bold words from a woman with less than two months as mistress of Netherfield, and who had done nothing to support the people who depended upon the estate though the need had been great. “But surely aptitude can precede appointment,” he said as though Miss Bingley’s point was merely the start of a discussion. “My sister has not yet taken on the duties of an estate, but having been brought up on one she understands them well.”
“He has you there, Caroline,” Bingley said cheerfully as he speared a carrot with his fork.
Miss Bingley's smile grew strained. “Dear Georgiana. I do so anticipate seeing her in London.”
The second course arrived shortly thereafter with some fanfare, and Darcy was amused to see Hurst's expression brighten considerably at the sight of a properly roasted joint of beef.
"Now this is more promising," Mr. Hurst declared with evident satisfaction, immediately applying his knife with vigorous enthusiasm. "Though I wager it is as tough as leather. Nothing like venison from a proper hunt. Blasted weather keeping us cooped up like chickens."
"I am sure Cook has done well," Mrs. Hurst said with strained patience, clearly accustomed to her husband's culinary pessimism.
"She might do as she will, there is no substitute for fresh game," Mr. Hurst replied, sawing determinedly at his portion.
Darcy watched this exchange with growing appreciation for Hurst's remarkable ability to remain completely oblivious to any conversation that did not directly concern his immediate comfort.
Miss Bingley offered a sweet but brittle smile as she lifted her wineglass. “I do wonder, Mr. Darcy, whether you find such entertainments as we have enjoyed here to be quite tolerable. Of course, we lack the diversions of Town. No opera, no exhibitions, no balls.”
Darcy dabbed his mouth with his napkin and set it aside. “I must confess, Miss Bingley, balls are not my preferred way to spend an evening.”
“Come now, Darcy,” said Bingley, “surely even you must miss the amusements of Town.”
“I do,” said Darcy. “The museums, the theatre, my club, the ability to meet with friends who live in faraway counties. But I must say I do not miss the dances or many of the larger parties. Those I find unrivalled in their ability to make one long for the quiet of the countryside.”
Miss Bingley’s eyes narrowed, though her smile did not slip. “Still, to be away from Town at this time of year is no small thing. One does not wish to be forgotten.”
“I have never known society to suffer any lasting injury when one of its number takes a short absence,” Darcy replied with a lift of his brow.
Miss Elizabeth met Darcy’s eyes briefly, and the glimmer there was nothing but pure delight. He allowed himself the smallest quirk at the corner of his mouth.
Mrs. Hurst tried to rally. “Of course, no one expects a country household to rival the refinements of Town, but I do think Caroline’s improvements have lent an air of distinction.”
Darcy nodded gravely. “Indeed. The grape leaves moulded onto the butter were particularly striking.”
