“Thank you,” she said, looking back out the window.
“Is everything well?”
She turned to him with a smile. “Yes, it is. There is just so much to do. I confess I am rather anxious to just get on with it, but I do not want to offend you and your sister, or Mr. Bingley, by eating early and dashing off.”
“May I ask what these tasks are?”
“Well, I would like to assess the house for any damage. The same should be done for the servants' cottage and—”
“Good morning!” Mr. Bingley called cheerfully as he entered the room.
“Good morning, Bingley,” Mr. Darcy said.
“Good morning, Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth said, smiling. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, very well, thank you!” Mr. Bingley replied as he approached them.
“Please continue, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy said, looking at her.
“Oh, I uh . . . yes, I was saying I would like to assess their cottage as well. But I would also like to check on the tenants as soon as possible. I realize there may be debris and felled trees that could pose a challenge. What do you think?” she asked Mr. Darcy.
“I believe you are correct. Another thing you may encounter is flooding. Any of these things could cause some tenant homes to not be accessible by carriage. Do you ride?”
Elizabeth smirked and said, “When I must.”
Both gentlemen grinned at her.
“She does not sound very enthusiastic to me, Darcy!” Mr. Bingley said, still grinning at Elizabeth.
“I prefer to walk when possible, that is all,” she said, smiling.
They grinned and nodded in response.
“I would be happy to assist you with these tasks if you will allow me,” Mr. Darcy said.
“Thank you. I would appreciate it,” she said.
“May I make some suggestions?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“Of course.”
“If you have some men ride out and assess the situation of the roads and routes leading to your tenant homes, you can then determine which tenants you will visit and when. You could also divide up the tenants with the men so that you do not personally have to see each one. Since the priority right now is to confirm they are well and to assess their needs, dividing the tenants up with the men will help us accomplish this more quickly.”
“Those are very good suggestions. Thank you,” Elizabeth said.
She then summoned a servant to fetch Mr. Anderson.
“Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy addressed her.
“Yes?”
“Please, go ahead and have breakfast. Bingley and I will join you. I assure you, my sister will not be offended that you have eaten early in order to attend to pressing concerns. Indeed, Bingley will be leaving soon himself to check on Netherfield Park’s tenants.”
She nodded. “I shall take your advice then.”
Elizabeth walked to the sideboard and filled her plate. The gentlemen did likewise. She had taken only a few bites when a servant notified her that Mr. Anderson was awaiting her in the entrance hall. She excused herself and went to meet him.
Elizabeth was happy to learn the stables required only minor repairs. She told Mr. Anderson of the suggestions Mr. Darcy made and asked him to see to them. She also informed him thatshe would like Matthew to accompany her and Mr. Darcy to visit the tenants.
