Elizabeth glanced across the lawn and saw Mr. Bingley speaking gently with Jane.
Darcy guided Elizabeth toward one of the waiting carriages.
She stopped suddenly. “The servants. They must be…”
“They will all be brought to Netherfield as well,” Darcy said reassuringly. “We will sort everything out in the morning.” He helped her into the carriage.
Inside she saw her father, mother, Jane, Mary, Kitty, Lydia and Mrs. Tyler, already seated.
Darcy closed the door, mounted his horse, and followed the carriage back to Netherfield.
Chapter fourteen
Elizabeth walked into the breakfast room at Netherfield the next morning. Millie had managed to retrieve some of their clothing from Longbourn, for which Elizabeth was deeply grateful. She would not have to face Miss Bingley in her nightgown and robe.
It was still early. The sideboard had not yet been laid with breakfast, though coffee and tea had been set out. She paused when she saw the hot chocolate and poured herself a cup before taking a seat.
She had only just begun sipping when Mr. Darcy entered.
He stopped when he saw her. “I had not expected you to be up so early. Did you sleep at all?”
Elizabeth shrugged slightly. “A little.”
Mr. Darcy sat beside her. “I am very sorry for what has occurred."
Tears slipped from her eyes before she could stop them. She wiped quickly at her cheeks. “I do not even know what I feel.”
Darcy nodded. “That is not surprising after such an event. But I wished to tell you something. You were remarkable last night.You had everything organized. The fire was nearly under control even before we arrived to help.”
More tears ran down her cheeks. “I am not usually so affected,” she said, with a small, embarrassed laugh.
He reached out almost without thinking and brushed away a tear. Then, as if suddenly aware of what he had done, he drew his hand back. “All will be well in time.” he said quietly. “From what I could see, much of the house was spared. We may go examine it later.”
She nodded. “Yes. I would like that.”
Soon the servants began bringing in platters of food and setting them upon the sideboard. Mr. Bennet and Mary entered first, followed soon after by Mr. Bingley and Jane. The room remained mostly quiet. Only the soft sounds of plates and cutlery disturbed the stillness as everyone ate with little conversation.
Elizabeth looked toward Jane. “How is Mama?”
Jane took a sip of her tea. “She was very distressed. You told me to remain with her, and I thought that best. She asked for a tray in her room.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I agree. What of Lydia and Kitty?”
Jane smiled faintly. “I passed their room earlier. I believe they will be down shortly.”
Lydia and Kitty entered almost as soon as Jane finished speaking.
Lydia dropped into a chair with dramatic exhaustion. “La! I am quite tired. I must have carried a hundred buckets.”
Elizabeth smiled. “You were very helpful, Lydia. All of you were.”
Mr. Collins entered the room. He said nothing but filled a plate and seated himself near Mr. Bennet.
Mr. Bennet turned toward him. “I believe you were planning to return to Kent today.”
Mr. Collins shook his head solemnly. “I could not possibly depart now, when such a tragedy has struck the family.”
Mr. Bennet looked mildly surprised and paused for a moment. “We would understand if you felt obliged to return to your parish, sir.”
