She lifted him onto her lap and soothed him until his distress subsided. The gentleman then approached the two ladies and bowed.
“Forgive me, but I must ask whether the child has been injured.”
Mrs. Gardiner rose, and Elizabeth rose with her. “Thank you, sir. My son is quite well. He has suffered no injury.”
Lydia came running and joined the group.
“Sir, my name is Madeline Gardiner.” She curtsied. “These are my nieces, Miss Elizabeth and Lydia Bennet. Thank you for helping my son.”
He bowed to each of them in turn. “I am Mr. Bingley.”
He gestured to a nearby grove. “And my friend standing alone by the tree is Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth lifted her eyes, and Mr. Darcy, with his fine, tall person and handsome features, held her attention. His dark, curling hair brushed his collar beneath his hat. He was pleasing to the eye, but when he caught her gaze, his expression altered to one of reserve, and she looked away. He appeared offended.
She turned back to Mr. Bingley, who was engaged with her aunt while attempting to draw Edward out of his lingering distress.
“Miss Elizabeth, your aunt has mentioned that you are from Hertfordshire. May I ask where in Hertfordshire? My friend and I have returned today from viewing an estate. I hope to lease one for a year or two as a first step toward purchasing my own.”
“What is the name of the estate, sir? Perhaps I am acquainted with it.”
“It is called Netherfield Park.”
“I know it well, Mr. Bingley. It lies but three miles from my home, which is on the east side of the village of Meryton. Netherfield sits to the west.”
“We passed through Meryton,” he replied. “We took breakfast at the Rose and Crown and afterward met with the steward, Mr. Cooke.”
“Yes, sir, I know Mr. Cooke very well. His daughters are my friends, and we attend the same church.”
“Miss Elizabeth, what may you tell me of Netherfield Park?”
At the mention of the estate, Mr. Darcy drew nearer, stepping close enough to hear her. Mr. Bingley made introductions, and then Elizabeth replied.
“Well, sir, the house needs a new roof, and it is well known that moisture has been entering the attic for these past three years. I believe the owner intended to remove the material affected by rot, though I never learned whether the work was completed. The fields to the west are flooded every three or four years, when snow is followed by heavy rainfall. Mr. Cooke maintains that a straightforward remedy would prevent the flooding, yet the owner refuses to undertake the necessary alterations to the drainage, citing Hertfordshire’s scant snowfall and arguing that such expense would be a poor investment. The land itself is fertile. Barley, wheat, and the other rotation crops thrive, but the owner generally takes the income and invests nothing back into either the house or the land.”
Mr. Darcy asked, “Miss Elizabeth, do you know the name of the owner? We have dealt solely through Mr. Cooke, and though we asked, he would not disclose the name, citing confidentiality.”
Elizabeth noted that Mr. Darcy’s earlier reserve was gone.
“His name is Mr. James Goulding, sir. He owns another estate in the area and is known for his vices. He cares for neither property.”
“His vices?”
“Yes, Mr. Darcy. He is a gambler and a drunkard. I understand he is skilled at cards, though when he is in his cups, he loses at the gaming table. I have heard that Netherfield is mortgaged, and the estate where he resides is in no better condition.”
“This information is most useful, ma’am. We will hire a man to inspect the attic for water damage and rot, and to examine the drainage.”
Charles extended his hand, and Elizabeth placed hers within it.
“Thank you, Miss Bennet.” He turned to Mrs. Gardiner. “Would you and your husband and nieces be able to join us for dinner?”
Elizabeth looked to her aunt.
“Sir, my husband is a solicitor and is in Kent on business for a client. I should be pleased to dine with you along with my two nieces, though Lydia is not yet out and therefore will not attend.”
Lydia opened her mouth to protest, but when she met her aunt’s look and then caught Elizabeth’s eye, she closed it again and remained silent.
“Your husband is a solicitor, ma’am? Does he know the property of which we speak?”
