“Have you spoken with many in the neighborhood?” Mary asked.
“We spoke with several yesterday and a few today as well. Mr. Lewis has a kitchen window that was broken due to a projectile. A rock, I believe. Mrs. Harp has several trees that were felled in the storm. Two of them are very near her cottage,” Charlotte said.
“Yes, and there are more of our neighbors with like stories,” Sir William said. “I am glad, however, that we have not heard of any injuries.”
“Yes, thank goodness for that,” Jane agreed.
Elizabeth explained how the Netherfield party had to flee to Longbourn shortly after the storm had passed.
“My goodness!” exclaimed Charlotte. “What a harrowing experience you must have had!”
“Indeed, it was,” Georgiana confirmed. “I hope I never have to go through another storm like that ever again. It was horrible, was it not, Mrs. Annesley?”
“Oh, indeed. I believe Miss Darcy and I were both quite frozen with fright. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy took us each by the arm and hurried us to safety,” Mrs. Annesley said.
“I was so grateful that my brother knew what to do,” Georgiana said. “He also helped get Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary to safety. When the weather became blustery that morning, he immediately ordered his carriage to go in search of them.”
“Yes, thankfully, Lizzy had told Mr. Darcy of our plans to visit tenants that morning. We were most grateful they came to our aid. The wind was so strong by that time, we were not sure how we were going to make it home,” Jane said. “Indeed, when they found us, we were taking shelter behind a tree.”
Oh, no!Elizabeth thought. The last thing she needed was Charlotte learning of their morning misadventures and that Mr. Darcy had come to their rescue. She would never hear the end of it.Too late now!She could feel Charlotte’s eyes on her. Jane and Georgiana were innocently supplying Charlotte with so much ammunition, and there was nothing Elizabeth could do to stop it. Her friend was not going to let this go. She knew it.
“I say!” Sir William said. “It was very fortunate that Mr. Darcy remembered your plans and thought to come look for you.”
“Oh yes, very fortunate indeed,” Charlotte said, looking at Elizabeth with an expression only she understood.
Elizabeth ignored her.
They all continued to visit, and about a quarter to noon, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy joined them. When Mr. Darcy entered the room, Elizabeth felt her heart jump in her chest. She also felt excited and giddy that he was there. Both gentlemen greeted everyone, then sat down.
Sir William asked Mr. Bingley how he had found the tenants. They began a discussion on the wind damage experienced by some of Netherfield’s tenants as well as some nearby neighbors.
After a minute or two of politely listening to their conversation, Elizabeth let her eyes wander here and there. She wanted to look in Mr. Darcy’s direction, but she could not. Not yet. She needed to be subtle. She had to give the impression thatshe was casually looking around the room. Elizabeth moved her gaze back to Sir William and Mr. Bingley for a few moments, then she looked away again and noticed Georgiana watching her. They shared a smile. Then, Elizabeth finally looked towards Mr. Darcy—and foundhimlooking ather!Her stomach dropped. How long had he been watching her? Nervous and unsure of what to do in that moment, Elizabeth’s first inclination was to give a quick smile and then look away. At the last second, however, she decided to be bold and embrace the awkwardness of not turning away. After all, she was the one who caught him looking at her! She had no reason to feel embarrassed, and a part of her wanted to see what Mr. Darcy would do. So, she bravely held his gaze. He did not look away and neither did she. His gaze grew warmer as a smile slowly appeared on his face. Butterflies were dancing inside her as she returned his smile. Several seconds later the moment came to an end when Elizabeth turned at the sound of her sister’s voice.
“Shall we go through?” Jane addressed the group.
Elizabeth quickly glanced back at Mr. Darcy and was again met with a warm look and a smile. As before, she reciprocated in kind.
They all stood. Jane linked arms with Georgiana, and together they led the group to the dining room. Jane stood at the hostess’ seat with Georgiana at her right.
“Everyone, please sit where you like.”
As they waited for luncheon to be served, Mr. Darcy addressed Sir William.
“Bingley and I just learned the London Road has been cleared as far as Watford.”
“Yes, I heard the same. It may be Monday, midday at least, before you are able to travel,” Sir William said.
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley nodded in agreement with that assessment.
Sir William continued. “I received word the high winds we experienced for much of Wednesday originated with a storm out at sea that hit the coast and moved inland."
“Is that so?” Mr. Darcy asked. “Then it appears we had two storms on our hands."
“It does indeed appear that way. I understand you have some knowledge of whirlwinds.”
“A bit. I have acquainted myself with the current thinking on how best to deal with them when they strike.”
“Whirlwinds seem to spin up when there has been thunderstorm activity. That is what an old friend of mine experienced. Almost a year ago, a whirlwind storm ripped through his area of Hampshire. It destroyed several buildings, then it disappeared,” Sir William said, snapping his fingers, “just like that.”
