“Why so, sir?” pressed Elizabeth, “it would be better for the neighbourhood if the house were occupied, both for society and for those merchants who supply the manor. It is a disservice to the community, I believe, to lease a place and then leave it empty.”
“Do you expect, Mrs. Elizabeth, that your opinion should concern us? I am astonished that Lady Catherine and Miss Darcy allow you to speak so,” interposed Miss Bingley.
“I do not understand your meaning, Miss Bingley,” interrupted Lady Catherine. “Mrs. Elizabeth certainly demands a respected place in the household. Whatever can you mean?”
Miss Bingley coloured slightly. “Only that it is not usual, Lady Catherine, for every member of a household to offer opinions on such matters—at least, not in Town.”
Lady Catherine drew herself up. “I have never found frankness unbecoming in my home, Miss Bingley. Mrs. Elizabeth’s sense, indeed, is well regarded. If she finds fault with empty houses, it is a sensible fault.” She looked about the room, daring contradiction.
Mrs. Hurst, who had been smoothing the folds of her gown, offered a conciliatory smile. “We meant no offence, I am sure. My sister is only newly come from London, and perhaps forgets that things are done differently in the country.”
“Indeed, ma’am,” said Elizabeth, “we can forgive Miss Bingley, for I’m sure she meant no ill. Miss Darcy has already called for refreshments. I will ask the kitchen not to tarry, for you have considerable distance to travel, if you intend to reach your estate tonight, Mr. Hurst. It is still some hours away and, while the days are lengthening, it would be best not to be on the road after dusk.”
Bingley cleared his throat, coughing slightly. “We were hoping, Miss Darcy, that we could stay at Pemberley. Darcy made the invitation when he stayed at Netherfield…”
“And you came without prior notice! Well, this is decidedly improper!” exclaimed Lady Catherine. “You expose us to scandal, sir, without Darcy present!”
Once again there was an embarrassed silence; but it was obvious that offering them hospitality could not be refused. Had Mr. Darcy really offered an open invitation for the Bingleys to stay? Once again, Elizabeth relieved the awkwardness. “Perhaps,if Mr. Bingley’s party were to stay in the west wing, and Mr. Hurst were to act as host, then propriety would be satisfied.”
Georgiana’s countenance brightened. “Of course. Ah, here are the refreshments. Let us take tea and then see to having your chambers made ready.”
Quietly, Elizabeth stood and exited the room. She would speak to Mrs. Reynolds—rooms would have to be readied, and Cook would need to be informed of the extra guests for dinner. She sighed. It was unlikely the Bingleys would leave before Mr. Darcy had returned. A quiet family welcome was now forfeit. Elizabeth had noticed the covetous look on Miss Bingley’s face whenever Mr. Darcy’s name was mentioned. The lady was handsome, no doubt, and she possessed a fortune of twenty thousand pounds. Would she make him happy? Of this, Elizabeth cared deeply—she wished Darcy to find a wife who would marry him for himself—not for wealth and reputation. Certainly, Miss Bingley wished to elevate herself in society; her fortune came from trade, whereas Darcy represented old money, land, and connections. Marriage to him would gain Miss Bingley entry to the highest circles of theton. Was the lady aiming too high? Oh, how Elizabeth wished they had never come!
She quickly wrote a note to be delivered by express to Mr. Darcy in Dublin. He was already aware that Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh were guests—and now the Bingleys had joined them.
* * *
“You take dinner remarkably early,” said Miss Bingley as the party assembled in the drawing room. “The fashion in London is to dine at seven o’clock.”
“The kitchen begins early, for the outdoor staff are already at work, and they breakfast at seven. Country hours serve thepurpose of the estate, and not that of the house,” said Elizabeth, stepping to the sideboard. “What is your preferred drink before dinner?”
“Is there Madeira? It has become quite the thing in London’s circles.” Mrs. Hurst walked to gaze out the window, where the sun was beginning to cast long shadows across the park. “Oh, it is a very fine aspect—I just adore being at Pemberley.”
Elizabeth poured Mrs. Hurst a Madeira from the decanter and turned a questioning eye to Miss Bingley. “Oh, if you must, a sherry, I suppose,” said the lady. “But surely the butler should serve?”
“He has been temporarily called away, but assures me he will be available to serve us at dinner.”
“Well, I suppose you should do it, then.” She sipped her drink, wrinkling her nose. “Oh, this is not the Amontillado I prefer. Whatever is it? For it is certainly not to my taste.” Miss Bingley ostentatiously placed her glass on the sideboard, causing a little to splash onto the varnished woodwork. Immediately, James stepped forward, took up the glass, and wiped the surface before it stained.
“Our apologies, Miss Bingley. But the house has economised during Mr. Darcy’s absence. Lady Catherine and Miss Darcy prefer a light, dry sherry—the Manzanilla, that Winthrop has decanted. Perhaps you would take something else?”
At that moment, Georgiana, Anne, and Lady Catherine entered the room. They were talking animatedly and could scarcely contain their good humour.
“Mrs. Elizabeth, a sherry if you will. I am so glad that Winthrop does not serve the Amontillado, which is far too nutty for my tastes.” Lady Catherine, a smile on her lips, turned to Miss Bingley. “You do not have a glass; you shall have mine—Lady Matlock tells me that the Manzanilla is all the rage in London. Do you wish your usual negus, Anne? And the same for you, Georgiana?”
Once Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley came down, Winthrop called them in to dinner. He apologised to Elizabeth for his absence, informing her that the footman, who had suffered a fall, had recovered.
“Have him take the remainder of the evening off, if you will,” Elizabeth replied quietly. “It would be better if he were fully recovered on the morrow—I am sure we can cope at dinner without his services. Could you also speak to Mrs. Reynolds? Some sherry was spilt on the sideboard; James wiped it dry, but there might be a mark which needs polishing.”
Mr. Hurst led in Lady Catherine and Georgiana, followed by Mr. Bingley with Mrs. Hurst and Anne on his arm. Elizabeth and Miss Bingley came in behind.
The conversation was rather desultory. Mr. Hurst, sitting at the foot, was more interested in his wine and the meal than in leading the table. Lady Catherine sat quietly with a smile touching her lips; she did not speak, though she had often dominated any discussion.
“I had heard, Miss Darcy,” said Miss Bingley, “that your companion was from the district.” She turned to Elizabeth. “You certainly have benefited from Miss Darcy’s way of speaking, Mrs. Elizabeth; some might mistake you for coming from London.”
There was sudden silence around the table, as all, save Mr. Hurst, looked at Miss Bingley in surprise. Georgiana coloured, for she was unaccustomed to such deliberate discourtesy.
“My companion Mrs. Younge has returned to her family at Bakewell—a very gracious lady.” Georgiana spoke confidently, so changed from the diffident young woman who had greetedElizabeth seven months ago. “It was my privilege to have her attend me. With Lady Catherine in the house, there is no need for a companion—indeed, Lady Catherine, my cousin Miss de Bourgh, and Mrs. Elizabeth are all the delightful company that anyone could desire. I am certainly not starved for company or amusement.”
