Page 43 of Ashes and Understanding
“And how did she enjoy your summer together at Ramsgate?” Elizabeth did her best to hide a smile at Miss Bingley’s clearly unwelcome perseverance.
“We both enjoyed it.”
Miss Bingley clapped her hands together. “Oh, what a delightful holiday that must have been! I daresay nothing compares to the seaside in the summer.”
“It was pleasant enough,” Darcy allowed, though his expression remained unreadable.
“And how is she enjoying her masters in town?”
Goodness, how oblivious can one woman be?Elizabeth thought with exasperation.
“She is at Pemberley. With the current state of London, I thought it best for her to return to the country.”
Elizabeth tilted her head. “Because of the fire?” she asked, entering the conversation for the first time.
Miss Bingley’s face grew even more sour when Darcy’s eyes finally rose from his letter to focus on Elizabeth instead of herself.
“In part,” he responded, “but even more so because of the aftermath. Many have lost their homes and livelihoods. There are too many wandering the streets without work, without shelter. Crime is on the rise.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Yes… my uncle has mentioned as much. And the insurance companies have been slow to provide compensation.”
“Precisely,” Darcy agreed. “It is not a safe place for a young lady, nor is it an easy time for many.”
Miss Bingley pursed her lips. “How unfortunate,” she murmured, though it was evident that she had little true concern for the plight of the displaced. “But surely, with your wealth and influence, you could ensure her safety in town?”
Darcy’s mouth pressed into a firm line. “There are some risks I am unwilling to take.”
Miss Bingley tittered, laying a hand lightly on his arm. “You are quite right, of course. And how devoted you are as a brother! Georgiana is very fortunate indeed.”
Darcy shifted slightly, smoothly reclaiming his arm as he reached for his letter. “If you will excuse me, I must see this sent off.”
With a nod to the group, he strode from the room, leaving Miss Bingley pouting and Elizabeth struggling to conceal her amusement.
∞∞∞
The following afternoon, all four ladies were in the drawing room when a footman appeared at the open door. “Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner,” he announced, standing to the side and allowing the two guests two enter.
Miss Bingley’s face tightened, and she turned to a maid who had been waiting quietly in the corner. “You there, fetch some tea and send for the gentlemen.” Rising to her feet, Miss Bingley then greeted her guests with a polite smile
Elizabeth had also risen to her feet, setting aside the embroidery she had been painfully working on.If I poke my finger one more time, I swear I am tossing the dratted thing into the fire!
Her bloodstained needlework was quickly forgotten, however, when she saw her aunt. Mrs. Gardiner’s face was pale, her composed expression lined with fatigue.
“My dear Jane, Elizabeth!” Mrs. Bennet trilled, sweeping into the room with a flourish. “How charming you both look—though Jane, my dear, I must say you are still far too pale. How your poor ankle must be paining you!”
“I am improving, Mama,” Jane said from her place on the settee, where she reclined with her ankle elevated on several pillows. “My friends are taking excellent care of me.”
“Of course, of course!” Mrs. Bennet sank onto an overstuffed chair. “It is so very good of you to be caring for my dear girl.”
This last bit was directed towards Bingley, who entered the room with Darcy and Mr. Hurst behind him. “It is my absolute pleasure to ensure Miss Bennet heals properly,” the host of Netherfield said.
Mrs. Bennet beamed, then looked around at everyone. “Oh! This room is quite lovely, is it not? A very pretty chamber, though I daresay a bit outdated.” Mrs. Bennet turned a shrewd eye to Miss Bingley. “Netherfield will be much improved when it has a proper mistress.”
Miss Bingley stiffened. “Netherfield does have a mistress, Mrs. Bennet— myself.”
“Oh, but a sister can never care for a house in quite the same way as a wife.” She cast a meaningful glance toward Jane, who flushed and lowered her gaze.
Miss Bingley’s expression soured, though she managed to keep her tone civil. “I assure you, Mrs. Bennet, my brother is perfectly content with the way Netherfield is kept.”
