“I believe that would be a good idea. Thank you,” Darcy said.
“I shall see to it, Lizzy,” Miss Mary said.
“Thank you, Mary,” Miss Elizabeth replied as her sister stepped out to speak with a servant.
“What was your experience with the storm?” Bingley asked.
After Miss Bennet recounted the events, Miss Elizabeth said, “Fortunately, it did not last long. I do not think it was even two minutes.”
“As soon as my brother heard those deafening sounds from the tornado, he grabbed me, and we all ran to the ground floor. The loud, piercing sounds from outside the house, the banging and crashing around of things inside the house on the floors above us . . . it was horrible and frightening,” Georgiana said.
“I am sure it was,” Miss Elizabeth said, squeezing Georgiana’s hand. “It must have been reassuring to know your brother knew what measures to take to keep you all safe.”
“Indeed,” Georgiana said, smiling.
“Mr. Darcy, my sisters and I were mentally and practically prepared for the storm, thanks to the information you gave us,” Miss Mary said.
Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth nodded their agreement.
Darcy smiled at Miss Mary. “I am glad it was helpful and that it gave you more confidence to face what was coming. I am also thankful we all made it safely through the storm.”
The housekeeper arrived with tea, and Miss Bennet served everyone. They visited for another twenty minutes or so, then Miss Bennet said, “I know you all must be exhausted. Miss Darcy, Mrs. Annesley, if you are ready, I will show you to your rooms.”
They thanked her, and everyone stood.
“Gentlemen, if you will wait here a moment, I will have Mr. Hill show you to your rooms.”
“Thank you, Miss Bennet,” Bingley replied.
They all said goodnight, and the ladies left the room.
A couple of minutes later, Mr. Hill entered the drawing room. “Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, Miss Elizabeth wanted me to be sure to offer you some brandy. If you like, I can bring it to your rooms.”
“Please do, thank you,” Bingley said.
“For me as well, thank you, Mr. Hill,” Darcy replied.
“Very good, gentlemen. Please follow me.”
Elizabeth sat on Jane’s bed. She and Jane looked at each other, and both let out a sigh.
“Jane, I cannot believe the Netherfield party is under our roof.”
Jane looked at her with wide eyes. “Nor can I.”
“I was thinking, Mr. Darcy mentioned the storm might fell trees as well as damage homes. If there are felled trees and large pieces of debris out there, they will probably be strewn about the roads as well. I believe we need to prepare ourselves for the possibility that our guests may be here for more than just one night.”
“Yes, you are right. There could be any number of obstacles between here and the London Road, and even along the London Road itself.” Jane’s brows drew together slightly as she thought through the implications. “So, it is unclear how long we will be hosting our guests. I suppose the same uncertainty affects Papa. The state of the roads will also have a bearing on how soon he is able to return.”
Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
“Well, it is fine. I am no longer bothered by Mr. Bingley’s presence. And, you and Mr. Darcy are on better terms, are you not?”
“We are,” Elizabeth confirmed.
“It is fortunate that you and I were able to resolve these issues. Who knew this day would come?”
“Indeed!” Elizabeth said. She then told her sister goodnight and went to her own bedchamber.
