Page 74 of Saving Jane
“Have you enjoyed your visit to Meryton, Mr Bingley?” Jane asked as she prepared a cup for their guest.
“I have indeed,” he answered. Taking the cup of tea, Charles asked, “Are you pleased for your sister?”
“I am–she loves Mr Darcy deeply,” she replied quickly.
Nodding his head, Charles added, “Miss Elizabeth makes him smile. I believe she will be the making of him.”
Jane turned to look out the window again, across the grounds where in the late afternoon, a small herd of sheep grazed. With hereyes on the land before her, she stated, “Pemberley is a great estate. Lizzy will have a great deal to learn to fulfil her role as mistress.”
“Would you wish to be mistress of such a grand place?” Bingley asked.
Jane’s smile was serene as she answered, “No. From Mr Darcy’s descriptions, I believe Pemberley would require an army of servants and stewards.”
Now she motioned with one hand out the window at the fields and barns of her family’s estate. “I shall be mistress of Longbourn where I know the tenants and fields well already.”
“Whereas I know only what Darcy has taught me of estates and tenants,” Charles answered.
“Would you be happy to manage an estate Mr Bingley?” Jane asked. “The season mandates our days–planting in spring, harvest in summer and ploughing in autumn.”
“And what do you do in winter?”
“On clear days, the gentlemen chop wood while the ladies pass the hours by knitting socks and mittens.”
Charles allowed his face to become serious for a moment and said, “I should like to know more of this future you anticipate. While Darcy takes his bride on their honeymoon, I had thought to remain in Meryton and observe the local estates. I understand that there is a large estate that abuts Longbourn in need of a master.”
Jane’s smile grew warmer, and Mr Bingley found his heart beating faster. “Netherfield has many bountiful farms, but it has been neglected. With a firm hand, it could prosper.”
“I am glad to hear your opinion, Miss Bennet. May I call on you after the wedding?” he asked. “We can discuss many things.”
“I should like that very much, Mr Bingley; very much indeed.”
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