Finally, he spoke with mild amusement. “Very well. After breakfast, I’ll suggest our cousin take Mary, Kitty and Lydia to visit the Philipses in Meryton. As for Elizabeth, I shall ask her to confine Sophocles in his box until the gentlemen have departed. Does that suit?”
Mrs. Bennet let out a deep sigh of relief. “Perfect, Mr. Bennet. I knew I could rely on you.”
He gave a drowsy grunt. “Glad to oblige, my dear. Now go to sleep and dream of triumph.”
She did precisely that—falling into slumber within moments. And in her dreams there were endless balls, her daughters courted by eager suitors, and—most satisfyingly of all—a grand coach carrying Mr. Collins far, far away.To the Indies, rather.
***
The second day at noon, following the proper exchange of notes—Mr. Bingley having sent a short, courteous message announcing his wish to pay his respects, and Mr. Bennet replying with equal civility to confirm the hour—saw Netherfield’s new master and his friend Mr. Darcy arrive at Longbourn for their first formal visit of courtesy.
The Bennet household was in a mild but determined flutter by noon. Mrs. Bennet could not possibly forgo the best opportunity she had seen in years: the chance to inspect and evaluate two potential suitors at once. She would not have missed it for the finest jewel in the world. Or probably not. Never mind— practicality must prevail.
By the time the chaise of four carriage rolled up to Longbourn’s modest gravel sweep, the best hall rug had been shaken, the silver tea service laid out, and Mrs. Bennet was peering anxiously from behind the parlour curtain.
When Hill showed the gentlemen in, she was standing primly by the door, all gracious smiles.
“Mr. Bingley! How very glad we are to see you at last. And your friend, Mr. Darcy, is it? Welcome, sir, to Hertfordshire.”
Bingley bowed with unstudied warmth. “You are very kind, madam. We are most obliged by your welcome.”
Darcy inclined his head politely. “Madam.”
Mrs. Bennet fluttered her hand as if bestowing benediction. “You are both very welcome indeed. Pray make yourselvesat home. Hill—tea at once!” She beamed at them, practically vibrating with restrained triumph.
Mr. Bennet’s dry voice interjected from the hallway. “If you gentlemen will pardon us a moment, I hope you will do me the honour of joining me in the study. We like to observe some old-fashioned courtesies here.”
“Delighted!” Bingley cried, clearly eager.
Darcy gave another small bow. “As you wish, sir.”
Mrs. Bennet made a tiny, defeated sound but managed to say, “Yes—yes, of course! I shall just…see about the cake. I do insist on bringing you a slice myself before you go.”
With that promise she swept away, no doubt to issue frenzied orders in the kitchen.
***
The study was a comfortably cluttered room lined with books and crammed with well-worn, inviting chairs. Mr. Bennet gestured them both to seats.
Bingley settled in with boyish enthusiasm. “Such a charming house, Mr. Bennet! Really everything one could want in a country seat.”
Mr. Bennet arched a brow. “A generous opinion, sir. I only hope you will still think so when you see the west wing’s roof. An inconvenient nuisance that should be remedied next week when the builder comes—though it vexes me more than all the Meryton ball preparations combined.”
Bingley laughed. “I am sure it only adds character!”
Darcy’s mouth twitched, but he quickly mastered it before replying carefully, “It strikes me as a very comfortable house. One that has clearly been lived in, rather than merely displayed.”
Mr. Bennet regarded him with open amusement. “A discerning observation, sir. I always prefer visitors who know the difference.”
Bingley gave his knee an enthusiastic slap. “Hear, hear! There’s nothing worse than company who expects your drawing room to look like a museum.”
“Or insists on advising you on how to arrange your shelves,” Mr. Bennet added gravely, glancing at Darcy for any flicker of reaction.
A trace of real amusement softened Darcy’s eyes. “I shall refrain from offering architectural advice, sir.”
“Excellent,” Bennet declared, lifting his teacup in mock salute. “That will recommend you greatly to us all.”
They were still exchanging witticisms when Mrs. Bennet swept back in, bearing a plate with deliberate and ostentatious care. She could easily have sent Mrs. Hill or a maid, but then she would have missed the entire performance.
