Page 33 of Ashes and Understanding
Jane blushed deeply, but before Elizabeth could chime in, the carriage came to a halt. “We are here!” Mrs. Bennet squealed, causing Mrs. Gardiner to reach over and pat her hand in an attempt to calm her nerves.
Without ceremony, the part was ushered inside, where they were soon welcome by Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, both impeccably dressed and standing with their noses in the air.
Greetings were exchanged, with Mrs. Bennet introducing Mrs. Gardiner to their hostess, and they were all civilly invited to take their seats. They spoke of the weather and other banal topics until the tea was brought in. After asking each guest how they took theirs, Miss Bingley began to disperse the cups.
“I understand you are new to the area, Mrs. Gardiner?” Miss Bingley’s honeyed tones caused the hair on the back of Elizabeth’s neck to raise.
“Indeed,” Mrs. Gardiner said smoothly, inclining her head.
Miss Bingley’s smile was all polite indifference. “How lovely. I do hope you have not found your relocation from Cheapside too… taxing. A change in status can certainly be unnerving.”
Elizabeth saw the glint in her aunt’s eyes before she spoke. “Not at all, Miss Bingley. Stoke Estate has proved a most charming place, and we are quite pleased to be its new owners.” She took a sip of tea, then added, “I trust you are finding your leasing of Netherfield to your satisfaction?”
The words were delivered lightly, but their meaning was clear. The Gardiners owned their estate, while Bingley, for all his wealth, was merely leasing Netherfield.
Miss Bingley’s smile tightened ever so slightly.
“How fortunate for you,” Mrs. Hurst interjected, forcing a laugh. “Though I cannot imagine leaving London entirely—such a sacrifice!”
“It has its advantages,” Mrs. Gardiner said pleasantly. “And with the current state of affairs in London, I believe many have found themselves desiring a quieter life in the country.”
“I daresay you must be noticing the stark contrast to town. Your husband was in trade, was he not?”
“He was.”
Miss Bingley’s nose wrinkled at the polite, yet brusque, answer. “Now, where were you residing before?”
“Our house was in Gracechurch Street.”
Mrs. Hurst gave a theatrical gasp. “Oh my, was that not one of the places in Cheapside that burned down with the docks? How fortunate that you were able to afford to relocate with such…advantage.”
“My aunt and uncle were already in the process of moving,” Elizabeth said testily. “Uncle Gardiner sold his business some six months before the fire; he was quite successful at what he did.”
Miss Bingley’s teacup paused briefly before reaching her lips. “How… admirable.”
“And you, Miss Bingley?” Mrs. Gardiner asked, tilting her head. “Do you and your sister enjoy country life?”
Miss Bingley set her teacup down with a carefully measured smile. “It is… an adjustment.”
“Ah, yes,” Elizabeth smirked. “I imagine it must be quite different when one is merely visiting rather than settling permanently.”
Miss Bingley’s lips pressed together.
Mrs. Gardiner patted Elizabeth’s hand lightly, her own expression perfectly pleasant. “Yes, indeed. There is something quite different about putting down roots. I imagine you will discover that for yourselves soon enough.”
Jane, who had been looking anxiously between the two opposing sides, sought to change the topic by asking Mrs. Hurst about the lace on her gown. This put an end to the one-sided battle of wits, and fashion became of the focus of the remainder of the visit, with Mrs. Bennet and Kitty eagerly sharing their opinions.
Elizabeth sat back and watched as Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst launched into a detailed discussion of the latest styles from town, their tones notably lighter now that they were on a subject they could dominate. Mrs. Bennet, ever eager to ingratiate herself, nodded enthusiastically at every remark, while Kitty listened with rapt attention, hanging on every word about flounces, trims, and the superiority of London dressmakers.
Elizabeth, however, was not fooled. She noted the tightness around Miss Bingley’s mouth, the way she clutched her teacup just a little too firmly. Despite her attempts at superiority, the woman was rattled.
And that is what happens when you cross swords with my family.
∞∞∞
The following morning was cool and damp, with the scent of approaching rain lingering in the air. The ladies of Longbourn had gathered in the drawing room after breaking their fast, and they had just settled in when a footman entered bearing a note for Jane.
“Who is it from?” Mrs. Bennet asked eagerly.
