Page 37 of The Briar Bargain
"I do hope the roads dry before Sunday," Mrs. Hurst said with a sigh. "We shall grow moss behind the knees if this continues."
Miss Bingley let out a soft, musical laugh. "If only rain suited me. Alas, I am made for brighter climes."
"You are an ornament in all weather, as you well know, Caroline," said her sister.
"Miss Bennet, Miss Eliza," Miss Bingley said, nearly purring, "we were just discussing how difficult this situation must be for you both.”
"How thoughtful of you to be concerned," Jane replied with perfect composure. "Though I confess we feel more grateful than troubled. Mr. Bingley's hospitality has been beyond generous."
Her sister had not mentioned their hostess.
"Oh, Charles is kindness itself," Mrs. Hurst agreed with a wave of her hand. "But surely you must long for the ease of familiar surroundings? Your own rooms, your own servants, your own social circle?"
Social circlewas a polite but not very veiled euphemism forsphere.
"Indeed, there is great comfort in familiar things," Jane agreed pleasantly. "Though houses can feel like home immediately when the inhabitants possess generous hearts."
Miss Bingley's smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "I suppose those accustomed to simpler pleasures are more easily satisfied."
"Perhaps," Elizabeth said with dangerous mildness, "though I believe true happiness stems from internal resources rather than external circumstances."
"How true," Jane added. "After all, the ability to find joy in simple pleasures and to appreciate the kindness of others seems a more pleasant way to stave off tedium."
Mrs. Hurst's fan reappeared and began fluttering with agitated energy. "Some of us," she said with brittle brightness, "cannot help but notice when standards fall below those to which we are accustomed."
"Oh, certainly,” Elizabeth agreed cordially. “Though the highest standard of gentility is how one treats those who have no way to return the favour, do not you agree? Kindness to those in distress, generosity to those in need, courtesy to those who depend upon one's hospitality—surely you agree that these represent the pinnacle of refinement?"
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst exchanged glances that spoke to their frustration. Elizabeth nearly laughed at their nearly identical sour expressions.
"Well," Miss Bingley said with forced lightness, "how fortunate that we need not concern ourselves with such weighty matters this evening. I am sure the gentlemen will rejoin us soon with news of their important discussions about bridges anddrainage."
Elizabeth hoped not. She had improvised enough for one day.
"I do hope so," Jane said warmly. "Your brother was so pleased about the progress they have made."
"Yes," Mrs. Hurst said with obvious lack of enthusiasm. "Having a task before him has helped him endure the situation. He grows restless so easily. Most men do.”
“Not Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley hastened to add.
Her sister nodded. “No, not him.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Miss Bingley smiled thinly. "Though I do believe Charles is content with the current arrangement. He always enjoys company."
"Mr. Bingley has offered hospitality in abundance," said Jane, her eyes remaining on her needle. “He is very kind.”
"Yes," Miss Bingley replied slowly. "And warm-hearted. Too much so, at times. We are often required to protect him from being taken advantage of."
Elizabeth turned her head slightly to address her sister. "How fortunate that Mr. Bingley has so many willing to advise him."
Mrs. Hurst gave a soft laugh. "My brother values guidance.”
“Especially from those who understand the wider world.” Miss Bingley’s politeness was all frost.
"And yet," said Elizabeth, tilting her head, "some guidance may be less about the world and more about how one wishes the world to be."
"An important distinction," Jane agreed, her tone serene.
