Elizabeth and her sisters arrived at their uncle’s home at a quarter to eleven. She thought it a very handsome townhouse with its light-gray exterior and shiny black door. Gracechurch Street was certainly not considered a fashionable part of town, but it was a very respectable neighborhood, home to many well-to-do tradesmen, such as her uncle. Matthew was assisting them down from the carriage as Uncle Edward and Aunt Madeleine came out to greet them.
“Girls! Welcome!” Uncle Edward exclaimed.
“Thank you, Uncle,” Jane replied.
They all exchanged hugs and kisses on the cheek.
“It is so good to see you, girls! We have been looking forward to your visit!” Aunt Madeleine said.
“So have we!” Elizabeth replied.
“How was your journey? No problems, I hope?” Uncle Edward asked.
“No, none at all, Uncle,” Mary assured him.
“Good, good. Come into the house then,” he invited them.
When they entered the drawing room, the first thing they heard was Lydia complaining about having to leave London. However, when Lydia saw her uncle walk into the room with his eyes on her, she immediately ceased her ranting. They greeted their mother and younger sisters before sitting down.
“How are things at home?” Uncle Edward asked. “Did Longbourn suffer any damage from the storm?”
“We found a couple of cracks in some windows in the attic, but that is it,” Elizabeth said. “We were very fortunate. Netherfield Park is only three miles from Longbourn, yet the house was severely damaged. It will have to be torn down now.”
Their mother and youngest sisters gasped.
“Is that so? The newspapers did say the storm caused considerable damage,” Uncle Edward said.
“I cannot believe it!” Mama said. “Netherfield is to be torn down? Oh, but what about Mr. Bingley? Were he and his guests in the house?”
“Yes, they were, but they managed to get to safety in time,” Jane replied. “After the storm, they all came to Longbourn for shelter and were our guests until Monday, when the London Road was cleared.”
“Mr. Bingley was a guest at Longbourn all those days? Jane, I hope you took advantage of the situation and used your wiles to make him fall in love with you!” Mama said.
Jane looked horrified. “Mama! I did no such thing!”
Mama rolled her eyes and looked to the ceiling. “Why could I not have been there? Who could have known events would take such a turn? He will never come back now. There is not another house to let in the village!”
Elizabeth was grateful when Aunt Madeleine suggested that Kitty and Lydia tell them some of the things they had been doing on their visit. The change in topic was timely.
After luncheon, Aunt Madeleine, Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary went upstairs to change. When they came back down, they were not surprised by the conversation taking place.
“Brother, I think the girls and I should stay here,” Mama insisted.
“I am sorry, but you must leave as planned,” Uncle Edward replied.
“But we have not been to any balls or parties. How will they meet young men?” Mama asked, her brows pinched together.
“Fanny, Lydia is a child—and a spoiled one at that. She belongs in the nursery, and that is clear to everyone but you. I will not take her out in society. She has no regard for proper behavior. All she seems to do is complain, boast, or flirt wantonly with men. If you continue to encourage her, Fanny, it will only be to her detriment. As for Kitty, she may be of age, but she is clearly lacking in maturity and good sense. The girl chooses to imitate not the proper behavior of her elder sisters, but the poor behavior of her younger sister! That being the case, I will not be taking her to any balls or parties either.”
Kitty stood by with a look of remorse while Lydia wore her usual petulant expression.
“Edward, I am sorry to interrupt, but the girls and I need to leave,” their aunt said, with a hand to her husband’s back.
Uncle Edward turned to face his wife. “Of course, my dear. The carriage is out front waiting for you.”
“Thank you, darling.”
Aunt Madeleine said her goodbyes, then stood aside so Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary could hug their mother and younger sisters goodbye as well. Then they followed their aunt outside to the carriage.
