Elizabeth glanced at him and saw, not composure, but something far less controlled.
***
“Charles, I cannot think it at all proper that the entire Bennet family should remain here for any great length of time.”
Charles replied cheerfully, “They will remain as long as necessary.”
Caroline persisted. “But surely some other arrangement might be made.”
“I believe Miss Elizabeth has already made the most sensible arrangement.”
Caroline frowned. “What arrangement?”
“She has relieved me of the rent entirely.”
Caroline blinked. “The rent?”
Bingley said it plainly. “The Bennets own Netherfield.”
Mrs. Hurst looked up from her book. “Well, Caroline, that does explain a great deal.”
“The Bennets own Netherfield?” Miss Bingley stared at her brother in astonishment. “You must be mistaken, Charles.”
“No mistake. Mr. Phillips has already delivered the cheque this morning.”
Caroline glanced toward the study door. “Did Mr. Darcy know this?”
“Oh yes,” Charles added cheerfully. “Darcy suspected as much some time ago."
Caroline said nothing. Her expression smoothed, though her fingers tightened on the arm of her chair.
Chapter fifteen
The next morning Elizabeth sat at the writing desk in the Netherfield library. Her ledgers were stacked neatly at one corner, and she was making a list of matters requiring attention.
When Mr. Darcy entered the room, she looked up. He paused just inside the doorway. “I hope I am not disturbing you.”
“Not at all,” she replied. “I am only waiting for Mr. Wilmot. You are very welcome to stay, if the discussion would interest you.”
Darcy smiled slightly. “I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, it certainly does.”
Soon afterward Mr. Wilmot entered. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Mr. Wilmot. Please, have a seat.”
Elizabeth glanced down at her list before looking up again. “What is the present state of matters at Longbourn?”
Mr. Wilmot paused a moment before answering. “The builder examined the house yesterday. There is structural damage that must be repaired before the family could safely return.”
“And the servants removing items from the house, are they aware of the dangerous areas?”
“Yes, miss. Those sections have been roped off.”
“Good. The last thing we need is someone injured.”
“Have any estimates been settled for the repairs?”
Mr. Wilmot hesitated slightly. “Nothing has been settled, but it is expected to be a significant expense.”
