“I am grateful for Mr. Bingley’s hospitality. Jane is very unwell, and it would be foolhardy to move her.”What did Mrs. Hurst mean by ‘convenient?’Such an illness could only be called an inconvenience and a nuisance!
“She will rest very comfortably in her chambers. Netherfield Park is adequate in that way.” She sniffed disdainfully before changing the subject. “Dear Jane says that you have an aunt and uncle in town. They reside in Cheapside, I believe?”
“The Gardiners live on Gracechurch Street,nearCheapside. My uncle has done very well for himself.”
“What is his business?” She said the word like it tasted bitter.
“He works in imports and exports.”
Mrs. Hurst bristled. “It is a lucrative enterprise if one can make the right connections,” she admitted.
“I believe the Meryton matrons said your brother’s fortune came from the same?” Elizabeth watched the lady’s expression with amusement. She looked irritated at having been so reminded, but nodded.
“He sold his business. My brother intends to purchase an estate,” she said, changing the subject again. “It is uncertain where he means to settle for now. This estate is very close to town; it certainly has that in its favor. Though I would like him to find a house in a neighborhood with more fashionable company.”
Elizabeth bristled at the implied insult. “We are a small community,” she said aloud. “I do not mind the confined and unvarying society. The common citizens and the gentry alike are kind and courteous. I prefer genuine feeling over fashion. It is far more agreeable to be certain of someone’s feelings than to be constantly wondering at their motives, or unsure if their words are true or laced with poison.”
She raised an eyebrow, taking some pleasure in Mrs. Hurst’s squirming as she comprehended Elizabeth’s meaning.
“To each their own, I suppose,” the lady finally replied.
“I believe I ought to check on Jane.” Elizabeth stood. “Thank you for the enlightening conversation, Mrs. Hurst.”
Jane still slept, but Elizabeth stayed in her chambers until tea. The prospect of only having Mrs. Hurst as company did not excite her. She would prefer a book.
Chapter Fifteen
November 14, 1811
Netherfield Park
Elizabeth
Janeshowedlittlebyway of improvement after the first day of her illness. Elizabeth tended to her elder sister diligently, ensuring that she partook of broth and tea regularly. Jane managed to keep liquids down, but could tolerate nothing more.
Whilst Jane rested, Elizabeth spent some of her time in solitary pursuits and some with the others in residence. The gentlemen were kind enough, though Mr. Hurst did little more to contribute than eat or sleep. When he was awake, he spoke of cards, sport, and diversions. He always seemed to be in want of distraction, and never content to simply sit and enjoy company.
His wife showed little interest in those around her. She flattered Darcy, scolded and cajoled her brother, and ignored her husband entirely. Mrs. Hurst carried herself as though merely enduring her time in Hertfordshire, clearly wishing herself elsewhere. Elizabeth knew she would find no friend in that quarter.
Friday morning dawned bright and clear. The rain two days past had left the ground damp, but it was not wet enough to prevent Elizabeth from walking out. She wished for fresh air after being confined indoors for so long—not that she resented staying by Jane’s side, but she needed her morning constitutional.
Dressing in a gown she could put on herself, Elizabeth peeked into Jane’s chamber to see if her sister stirred. Satisfied that she was still sleeping, Elizabeth closed the door adjoining their chambers and made her way out into the hall.
She nearly collided with Mr. Darcy, and he reached out to steady her by placing his hands on her shoulders.
“I thank you, sir. And I apologize. I was not attending.” She smiled and stepped back as he released her.
“There is no harm done,” he assured her. “Are you walking out?”
Elizabeth nodded. “The morning beckons. I shall keep close to the house so that I may be called if Jane needs me.”
“May I join you?”
Pleased, she nodded. “Shall we?”
They proceeded down the stairs and, after donning their outerwear, left the house through a side door to the gardens. They walked in silence for a time, content to enjoy the brisk air. Their boots crunched against the gravel drive, breaking the morning's silence.
“Netherfield’s gardens are lovely in the spring and summer,” she ventured to say after they had walked some distance without conversation. “The previous tenant had a daughter my age, and I called here often with my mother and sister.”
