“Sir William, Charlotte, welcome!” Elizabeth greeted them with a smile.
“Miss Eliza! I hope you are well?” Sir William asked.
“Very well, sir, and you?”
“Tolerably well, thank you.”
“Hello, Elizabeth,” Charlotte said, smiling.
“Hello, my friend. Please come in.”
“Mr. Hill, could we have tea in the drawing room, please?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth, I shall see to it.”
“Thank you.”
Elizabeth led their guests into the drawing room, where they found her sisters, Georgiana, and Mrs. Annesley.
“Look who has come to call,” Elizabeth announced to the room.
“Sir William, Charlotte, it is good to see you!” Jane said.
She introduced Mrs. Annesley to them and invited them to have a seat.
“Thank you, Miss Bennet,” Sir William said.
While Sir William and Charlotte exchanged greetings with everyone, Elizabeth pulled Jane to the side.
“I asked Mr. Hill to arrange for tea to be brought.”
“Thank you, Lizzy. Perhaps they can stay for luncheon.”
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. “Yes, that would be nice.”
She and Jane joined their guests.
“I am relieved to find you all well and Longbourn in good condition,” Sir William said warmly.
“We appreciate you checking on us, Sir William. Papa will appreciate it as well. He escorted my mother and youngest sisters to town Wednesday,” Jane said.
“Did he? Well, I am sorry you girls had to endure such a vicious storm on your own,” Sir William said.
“Fortunately, Mr. Darcy suspected we might have severe weather,” Mary informed him. “He prepared us very well. He told us what to expect and what precautions to take.”
“That is good, very good! I would be interested to learn of his knowledge on the subject,” Sir William said.
“Indeed,” Charlotte agreed.
“We expect Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley here soon. Would you and Charlotte like to join us for luncheon?” Jane asked.
With a quick glance to his daughter for her agreement, Sir William said, “I believe we would! Thank you, Miss Bennet!”
Mrs. Hill entered the drawing room with tea. Jane informed her that Sir William and Charlotte would stay for luncheon.
“How are things at Lucas Lodge? We hope everyone is well, and the property is intact,” Elizabeth said.
Sir William accepted a cup of tea from Jane and then replied, “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. Everyone is well, and fortunately, we suffered no damage. There is quite a bit of debris blown about the place, but such is the case for many of our neighbors.”
