It was not a secret she needed to keep from Mary, so Jane patted the settee she was seated on and waited for Lizzy to join her. “Lizzy, I will be travelling to the Gardiners in about ten days. I wanted you to know I spoke to Papa, and you will not be left alone at night. Mary will remain with you until I return before Christmas.”
“This was not scheduled, so why now?” Elizabeth asked, her tone slightly sharper than she had intended. She did not like sudden change.
“You remember our discussion about what I would do so I do not come to Mr Bingley’s notice?” She saw Elizabeth nod, “Rather than…” Jane told Elizabeth of her reason for deciding to go to Gracechurch Street and of the discussion with Papa.
After Janie was done, Elizabeth sat and cogitated for a few minutes before speaking. “I understand, Janie. I thank you for telling me and loving me enough to make sure I will not be alone when I sleep,” she stated sincerely.
“You know I will do anything for you, Lizzy. If you had begged me not to depart, I would have found another way. I appreciate your understanding.”
The sisters hugged. “I will attempt not to hold your absence against Mr Bingley, but I cannot promise that it will not be so. I will write at least once a week. You will be awayfor a little more than two months. I envy you that you will be in London for May’s birthday. She will be overjoyed.” Elizabeth appreciated that Jane had prepared her ahead of the departure.
Jane departed Longbourn the Monday after Bennet had returned to the estate from Eton. He had arrived on the Wednesday previously.
As a treat, Elizabeth rode with Papa and Janie to the Gardiner’s house. It had been a surprise for the Gardiners, who were overjoyed to see Lizzy. May had begged her to remain for her birthday, but she had understood it could not be so.
After resting for a few hours, Bennet and Elizabeth began the return trip to Longbourn.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
On the Wednesday before William, his cousin, and the ladies were to depart for Hertfordshire, Mr Wendell—he and Mother had arrived two days previously—and the eldest Wendell son knocked on the door at 23 Gracechurch Street. It was a cold, but clear, day. As the two Wendells were handing their coats to the butler, the front door opened, and in ran the four Gardiner children, followed by their attendants.
Jane thought she recognised the younger man as one of the men she and her brothers and sisters had seen looking at Netherfield Park during this past summer . However, she was not sure. She handed her scarf, warm bonnet, wool-lined gloves, shawl, and thick winter coat to a footman.
The one lady reminded him of someone he had seen briefly, but David could not place her. Once she removed her outerwear, it was obvious she was gently born. Just then, rather fortuitously, Mr Gardiner arrived in the entrance hall.
“Gardiner, I have met your children before, but not this lady; will you introduce us?” Wendell requested.
“Mr Wendell, Mr David Wendell, allow me to present my eldest niece, Miss Jane Bennet of Longbourn. Jane, Mr Joseph Wendell of Willowmere in Derbyshire, and his eldest son, MrDavid Wendell.”
Both men bowed, and Jane curtsied. ‘Willowmere. Willowmere? Where have I heard that name, or something similar?’ Jane asked herself silently.
Just then David remembered where he had seen the beauty. “You have five siblings, do you not?” he asked. “I remember seeing all of you briefly when I was with my two cousins and Mr Bingley while inspecting Netherfield Park. It is the neighbouring estate, is it not?”
“Mayhap we should move into the drawing room where we may speak in comfort,” Gardiner suggested.
David was not one to fall for outward beauty; what was inside was far more important to him. When he had been in Hertfordshire, he had only seen Miss Bennet for a moment. Richard and, of course, Bingley had stared at her. He did not know why, but this woman intrigued him. He had a feeling she was so much more than a pretty face.
“Mr Wendell is one of my investors,” Gardiner explained once they were in the drawing room, and the Wendells had greeted his wife. “It is a strange coincidence that you two came upon one of my nieces today. Some years ago Lizzy, Jane’s next younger sister, was here, and she too had returned from the park with the boys when Mr Wendell and some other men arrived just at the same time.”
“How long will you be in London, Miss Bennet?” David enquired boldly. He was hoping she would be with her family for a few weeks at least.
“More than two months. We will all travel into Hertfordshire for Christmastide.” Jane blushed. The handsome man was looking at her intently. She had seen the shape of his eyes before…on Lizzy. But he had blue eyes, and hers were a very distinct emerald-green.
They had only just met, but David was well pleased Miss Bennet would not be returning home too soon. He hoped theywould have a chance to come to know one another.
Unbeknownst to David Wendell, Jane felt the beginnings of an attraction to him and also desired to come to know him better, if he was interested in her.
All too soon the three men made for Gardiner’s office to discuss the Wendell investments, including the dowry, which was approaching forty thousand pounds now. As in the past, no mention was made of it belonging to one, the two men believed, was no longer alive.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Miss Bingley was not impressed with the mansion at Netherfield Park. After all, it was nothing to Pemberley. The only thing which stayed her tongue was the knowledge that Messrs Fitzwilliam and Darcy had approved of the house and the benighted estate.
She was not happy that the men, the mousy Miss Darcy, and the aunt had not travelled with them, but it was a few short days until they arrived.
She almost exploded with anger when she was informed that as the mistress of the estate, she had no power over the servants employed by the landlord. When her brother told her his friends had explained that this was fairly common with a leased estate, Caroline Bingley had tamped down her anger.
If that was not enough, she was not allowed to redecorate except in the most superficial manner. Miss Bingley kept telling herself she would soon be the daughter or the niece of an earl, and she would be able to change as much décor as she desired in the homes she would rule over. Louisa said very little about the house, and her sot of a husband was already imbibing as much wine and spirits as possible.
