The door opened before the steps were fully lowered, and Mr. Bennet himself appeared upon the threshold, his expression one of dry amusement tempered by genuine welcome. Behind him hovered Mrs. Bennet, her countenance already bright with the animation of unexpected visitors—though she restrained herself, with visible effort, to the civilities proper to a first reception.
Mr. Collins descended first, bowing with earnest pleasure.
“My dear cousin,” he began warmly, “how good it is to see you in continued health. Allow me to present Mr. Charles Bingley and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy—gentlemen whose acquaintance with Netherfield Park, I trust, will prove mutually advantageous.”
Mr. Bennet inclined his head with ironic courtesy, his eyes twinkling.
“Welcome to Longbourn, gentlemen. My cousin’s letters have prepared us for your arrival, though I confess the reality exceeds even his most eloquent descriptions.”
Mrs. Bennet, scarcely able to contain herself, curtseyed with flustered delight—her voice trembling slightly with the excitement of so distinguished a party.
“Mr. Bingley! Mr. Darcy! Such an honor—such distinguished visitors! Pray come in, come in. Hill, the tea—directly!”
The party entered the drawing-room, where the usual modest elegance of the apartment was rendered rather more crowded by the addition of three gentlemen of evident consequence. Seats were offered, civilities exchanged—the conversation confined to safe topics of weather, roads, and the pleasures of the country, with no allusion to family beyond the hosts themselves.
Mr. Bennet, perceiving the constraints of his establishment, waited only until the first compliments had been paid before addressing the practicalities with his customary dryness.
“I fear, gentlemen,” he said, with a faint smile, “that Longbourn is not equal to the honor of accommodating visitors of your distinction overnight. My cousin Collins, of course, is always welcome beneath this roof—family claims must be honored—but for yourselves, I have taken the liberty of securingthe best apartments at the Red Lion in Meryton. The landlord assures me they are clean, quiet, and supplied with every reasonable comfort.”
Mr. Bingley bowed with amiable acceptance.
“You are very good, sir. We would not dream of imposing.”
Mr. Darcy inclined his head in silent acknowledgement, his manner correct yet reserved.
Mrs. Bennet fluttered with mingled disappointment and gratification.
“The Red Lion is most respectable, to be sure—though nothing to Longbourn’s hospitality, I am certain.”
Mr. Bennet glanced at the clock with mild significance.
“A brief respite will suffice for refreshment. Mr. Morris—the agent—awaits us at Netherfield itself, where he has the keys and papers in readiness. If you are not too fatigued from the journey, gentlemen, we might proceed thither directly in your carriage. The distance is but three miles, the roads excellent, and the light still favorable for viewing the house to advantage.”
Mr. Collins beamed with approval.
“A most sensible arrangement, cousin. Netherfield shows particularly well at this hour.”
Mr. Bingley declared himself entirely at leisure and eager to see the place, Mr. Darcy signified his concurrence with a nod, and Mr. Bennet expressed his readiness to accompany them, that he might facilitate the introductions.
Thus, after a short interval of tea and civil conversation—sufficient to establish propriety without encouraging prolongation—the party rose and returned to the carriage. Mr.Bennet joined the three gentlemen within, the door was closed, and they set off at once for Netherfield Park, the short drive promising both convenience and the opportunity for further agreeable discourse.
***
The party reached Netherfield Park before noon, the autumn sun bathing the house in a warm, golden light that flattered its proportions and concealed any minor imperfections of maintenance. The building itself—handsome, regular, and of a comfortable modern style—stood elevated upon rising ground, commanding pleasant views of the surrounding park and distant woods.
Mr. Morris, the agent, awaited them upon the steps, a portly gentleman of businesslike demeanor, armed with ledgers and keys. He conducted them through the principal rooms with practiced efficiency: the entrance hall spacious and well-proportioned, the drawing-room elegantly papered, the dining-parlor of ample size for entertaining, and the library—though modestly stocked—possessing shelves enough to invite both improvement and discretion. The upper floors revealed bedrooms airy and numerous, with windows affording agreeable prospects; the grounds, upon a brief circuit, proved extensive without being wild or neglected, the stables sound, and the gardens laid out with taste.
Mr. Bingley, whose natural animation increased with every apartment viewed, declared himself enchanted—his eyes brightening at each new advantage disclosed.
“The situation is everything I could wish,” he said, turning to Mr. Morris with eager decision. “The light, the air, the convenience to Meryton town—all most desirable. Your written reports, sir, spoke truly of the estate’s efficiency: the farms well tenanted, the rents punctually paid, the repairs lately executed. I am quite decided. I shall take it.”
Mr. Morris bowed with professional satisfaction, producing the necessary papers from his portfolio.
Mr. Darcy, who had surveyed the whole with silent attention—noting the solid construction, the absence of ostentatious folly, and the general air of respectable neglect that might be remedied without excessive outlay—inclined his head in quiet approbation.
Beaming with the pride of one presenting a treasure from his own neighborhood, Mr. Collins ventured to observe that Netherfield wanted only a master of Mr. Bingley’s liberality to be accounted one of the pleasantest estates in the county—his voice conveying both local loyalty and genuine gratification.
To conclude the business, Mr. Morris proposed they repair at once to Meryton, where Mr. Phillips—Mr. Bennet’s brother-in-law, a respectable attorney—might draw up the preliminary agreements without delay. The suggestion was unanimously accepted, and the party proceeded thither in the carriage, the short drive affording Mr. Bingley opportunity to express his growing attachment to the place, and Mr. Darcy to remark upon the evident good order of the surrounding farms.
