Elizabeth lifted her head at once, though she kept her countenance composed.
“Sold, sir?” Jane asked. “Do you know who has purchased the estate?”
“No, ma’am. Mr. Goulding reports that it has been taken by a gentleman from the north. Workmen have already begun repairs upon the roof and attics, for there was some water damage.”
Elizabeth was careful not to meet Jane’s eye, lest the smallest encouragement should carry her sister into unguarded delight at the intelligence. Instead, she addressed herself to the clerk and requested further particulars.
“Mr. Seymour, do you know whether the gentleman who has purchased the estate intends to reside there?”
The clerk smiled. “Yes, Miss Lizzy, he does. He has engaged a London butler of superior character, who has already taken up residence and will oversee the hiring of servants and a cook. When the household is fully organized, the master himself will take possession.”
Elizabeth glanced at Jane and observed the heightened color in her cheeks. Her sister was brimming with excitement, but it would not do for her to display it so openly where it might invite gossip. She therefore turned the subject. “Have you received any new books, sir? It has been weeks since my last visit.”
“Yes, miss.”
He indicated several recent arrivals, and Elizabeth selected two volumes to borrow. When their business was concluded, they took their leave of the shop.
Once in the street, Elizabeth took Jane’s hand. “Sister, this must surely be Mr. Bingley who has purchased Netherfield Park.”
“Lizzy, do you truly believe so?”
“Who else could it be? We have heard nothing of any other prospective buyer. Might Mr. Goulding have employed Uncle Phillips in the transaction?”
Jane reflected. “No, I cannot suppose that Uncle Phillips would connect himself with Mr. Goulding in such a matter. Uncle Edward has warned him to maintain his distance from that man.”
“Then he must have secured a London attorney. Where else might we obtain intelligence?”
“The butler is newly arrived from London, and as yet no servants have been engaged. There will be no intelligence from that quarter.”
“True, but there soon shall be. Mark me, Jane, we shall learn all we require from our own servants. Indeed, let us question Hill without delay.”
Jane smiled. “Yes, let us.”
When they reached Longbourn and Hill assisted them with their bonnets and wraps, Elizabeth inquired, “Hill, how does my father fare?”
“Do not distress yourself, Miss Elizabeth. He remained in his study for an hour, but has since retired to his chamber to rest.”
“Did he experience difficulty in his breathing?”
“I am afraid so, miss. He did not complain, yet he was near to panting as he reached the landing.”
“I shall go up to him presently, but first I must ask what you know of Netherfield Park.”
“Netherfield Park, miss?”
“Yes. Mr. Seymour reports that it has been purchased, and that repairs are underway on the roof and attics.”
“Why, Miss Lizzy, I have heard nothing of it. Still, I shall inquire of Cook, and she will have the matter from the servant girls before the meal is set upon the table. I shall inform you at once if there is any intelligence to be had.”
“Thank you, Hill. I shall now go up to my father.”
Jane withdrew to the drawing room and resumed her seat with her embroidery hoop in hand, though the needle remained idle.She gazed upon the delicate floral pattern before her, yet her thoughts were elsewhere, fixed upon a gentleman with ginger-colored hair and amiable manners.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, paused outside her father’s chamber. The door was closed, and she hesitated to intrude. Hearing no movement within, she turned back and made her way to the drawing room.
She halted upon the threshold and regarded her sister. Jane’s attention was plainly caught up by the mysterious purchase of Netherfield Park.
Elizabeth settled next to her. “Jane, your spirits are much improved.”
