“He went out with Mr. Harding, miss. They are walking the grounds.”
“With the estate manager?” she repeated sharply.
“Yes, miss.”
Caroline sat down slowly.
The notion of Mr. Darcy occupying himself with hedges, tenants, and drainage before the household was even assembled struck her as quite extraordinary. Although she had to admit that Mr. Darcy was always attentive to estate matters.
She poured tea with careful deliberation, though she scarcely tasted it. The house, she reflected, had grown intolerably quiet since Charles’ departure. Without him, the place seemed less a lively country residence than an inconvenient delay between London and proper society.
She set down her cup. “Send Mrs. Nichols to me.”
Caroline had just finished her tea when Mrs. Nichols was shown into the breakfast room.
The housekeeper’s manner was composed and attentive, but not servile. She had served Netherfield through more than one tenant and understood the management of the house as thoroughly as any steward might.
“Mrs. Nichols,” said Caroline, “I have sent for you because a change of plans has become necessary. My brother has already gone to London, and we shall follow him shortly. The house must therefore be prepared to close.”
Mrs. Nichols inclined her head politely. “Indeed, miss?”
“Yes. I wish the packing to begin today, and everything to be made ready for our departure tomorrow. A cart should be employed for all the packages. We will use the estate’s carriage to go to London.”
There was a pause. Mrs. Nichols did not immediately reply.
“Is there some difficulty?”
The housekeeper chose her words carefully. “Only that Mr. Bingley has not mentioned such an intention to me, miss.”
“He had no reason to trouble you with it personally,” Caroline replied, her tone cooling. “I am informing you now.”
“Yes, miss. Certainly.”
Another pause followed – longer this time.
“The matter is only this,” Mrs. Nichols continued, with careful respect. “The servants here were engaged for the year when Mr. Bingley took the lease. Should the house close before that time, arrangements for their wages would naturally be required.”
Caroline blinked. “I do not see why we should pay for months we would not be here.”
“That is the nature of contracts, miss,” Mrs. Nichols said quietly. “Many of the staff left other positions to come here. If the house were to close suddenly, they would require notice or compensation. Several have nowhere to go. They were promised accommodation, food, and wages.”
Caroline’s fingers tightened slightly on the table.
“Surely it cannot be supposed that my brother would neglect such considerations.”
“I would not presume it, miss,” Mrs. Nichols replied evenly. “Which is why I thought it best to ask whether Mr. Bingley has given instructions.”
“He has already returned to London.”
“Yes, miss. I was aware of that.”
Caroline’s patience began to thin. “The decision is perfectly understood within the family. You may proceed with the preparations.”
Mrs. Nichols remained calm.
“If you wish, miss, I can certainly begin, though we will hardly be finished by tomorrow. However, I believe it would be prudent to have the matter confirmed by Mr. Bingley.”
Caroline’s brows lifted.
