A Little Inclement Weather part 5

As Elizabeth gets to know her hostess a little better things go a little awry.

October 2, 1814

The next morning Elizabeth sat beside Jane in another of Netherfield’s generously appointed guest rooms. This one was themed in blue, with the same simplicity and good taste characterizing both. Dried lavender tucked in several open dishes throughout the room perfumed the air.

How pleasant to be able to smell it today! Though only wearing a simple morning gown, after a day spent abed, it was almost as good as being fully dressed for dinner.

“You look like you are feeling much better.” Jane coughed into her hands and searched for a handkerchief to apply to her sniffly nose. She lay so prettily in the middle of the large feather bed, a blue flowered coverlet pulled up under her arms, tucked in so neatly it seemed she must never once had moved.

“I am, thank you. Between Miss Bingley and Nicholls, I am sure I could not have been taken care of any better at Longbourn.”

“I only wish I could be as good a houseguest as you, recovering with alacrity so I could join the house party.”

“I think you are entirely gracious enough, not blaming me for the events which placed us here.” Elizabeth poured her a cup of water from the cut glass jug on the bedside table.

Jane drank deeply, wincing just a bit as through her throat were sore. “I seem to recall I was in favor of the picnic as much as you. Besides, how could I repine an adventure that led to a lovely lunch with new acquaintances?”

“It sounds as though you would like to become better acquainted with at least some of that party.” Elizabeth took the glass and set it on the table.

A pleasing and not unhealthy blush rose on Jane’s cheeks. “Is there anything wrong with wanting to increase one’s acquaintance with a handsome young man of good sense and pleasing opinions?”

“Not at all.” But it did seem a little fast. Jane was not one to become attached quickly and for her, well this was notable.

“You will have to tell me what is discussed at dinner tonight as I fear I shall not be able to join you, as much as I would like to.” She sneezed three, four, five times as though to prove the point.

Elizabeth hurried to the dresser to find Jane a fresh handkerchief. “You may be sure of that, and I shall mention you often to make sure that you are not forgotten by a certain handsome young man of pleasing opinions.”

“And of good sense, do not forget that.” Jane tried to laugh, but it sounded more like a swallowed coughing fit.

“I should let you to your rest now. Anything to speed your recovery so that you may rejoin the company.” Elizabeth patted Jane’s shoulder and left, softly closing the door behind her.

“And how is Miss Bennet this morning?”

Elizabeth jumped and squealed. “Oh Miss Bingley!”

“I am sorry, I did not mean to startle you. I had just come to check on Miss Bennet myself.” Even in her simple morning dress, Miss Bingley managed to look put together and elegant, beautifully framed in the peach-painted corridor, with portraits and still lifes adorning the walls. How did one manage that?

“She is much better this morning, thank you.” Elizabeth managed a small curtsey. “Not well enough for company, I am afraid, but I feel certain she is out of danger now and well on her way to recover.”

“What lovely news to be sure. Pray you are not thinking about leaving now, though, are you? She might be well enough to travel, but I hope you would not flee our hospitality so soon.”

“That is very kind of you. I do not want to be a burden on you, but I think it would be best if she stayed a bit longer.”

“Excellent. We had another unexpected guest arrive last night, and I would so like to introduce you to him.” Miss Bingley stepped closer, her voice dropping to a something meant not to be overheard by others.

“Unexpected guest? It seems you are attracting many of them since your arrival at Netherfield Park.”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam is a very old friend of ours from Derbyshire, and a cousin to Mr. Darcy.”

“Old friends are certainly the most welcome guests. How did he come to be so far from home?” These Bingleys seemed to be most gregarious folk.

“He recently retired from the army and still finds traveling from place to place a pleasing occupation. He said he had been too long at his family’s seat at Matlock and needed some fresh surroundings. I have known him all my life, I think. He often visited The Laurels—my father’s house—with his elder brother, a friend of my father’s, at least until he joined the army. Since there, his visits have been much fewer, but he is always welcome when he comes. I am sure you would find him a welcome acquaintance. He means to stay some time, I think. Perhaps when you and your sister are recovered, we shall have a dinner party in his honor.”

“I think such an event would be received with great enthusiasm. Though we dine with four and twenty families, as my mother is wont to say, new faces and new company are always especially welcome.” Very welcome. Perhaps after Miss Bingley met the rest of the neighborhood they might share observations about the more interesting members of Mama’s four and twenty families.

“May I count on your help with the event then? I know Nicholls is very knowledgeable and capable, but I would so like the perspective of someone who has attended local events. I would so hate to disappoint.”

Elizabeth laughed. “It is hard to imagine how any party you might host at Netherfield could be a disappointment. My youngest sister Lydia would probably be a much greater help in such matters, or so my mother would argue. She is so fond of balls and parties. But I would be happy to lend whatever expertise I may.”

“I think it will be such fun. This will be the first event I plan without my sister Louisa to help me. I am please I will not have to manage it alone. Do you think you will be in a way to join us at dinner tonight? I certainly do not want to tax you, but with three men now in residence, I would so enjoy having another lady to dine with.” The words tumbled out in an excited rush. Was she that excited about event planning, or did she miss her sister that much?

“Then I shall make sure to take time to rest this afternoon and read more of the travelogues you were so kind to send to my room so that I might provide witty and sparkling conversation—or failing that, at least something to laugh at.”

“You are such a wit!” Miss Bingley laughed a soft happy sound like tinkling bells. “I look forward to that then. Would you like to have a tray sent up for breakfast? The men have already departed for their morning sport—I think they are riding, but it could be fishing. I do not recall. In any case, it would just be you and I in the morning room, if you would like to come.”

“I think I would be happy for some little company then, though I will need your guidance to find it!”

“Pray, then follow me and I shall order a pot of chocolate to celebrate your recovery.”

Miss Bingley took the long way to the morning room, taking the opportunity to give Elizabeth a tour of the house. It was a fine house, but also a bit obvious why it had taken so long for it to be let. A number of rooms were closed off with the furniture covered, some with pans on the floor to collect rain coming in through the leaky roof, others had drafty windows or smokey fireplaces. Should they decide to stay in the neighborhood, the owner assured them, those things would be fixed.

Elizabeth bit her lip. She did not yet know the Bingleys well enough to offer her opinion on Mr. Holt, the owner of Netherfield. Perhaps though, it would be appropriate to suggest Papa mention it to Mr. Bingley. Mr. Holt had neither a reputation for generosity nor integrity and that might need to be taken into consideration when the lease was written. But of course, ladies were not supposed to understand such things, much less offer their advice on them.  Even liberal Mr. Bingley might find her suggestions to that end offensive.

“I am sure you can see why I have been considering dedicating another room as the morning parlor.” Caroline laughed a bit as she opened the door. “Though I must grant in its favor, there is very little draft and the fireplace does not smoke.”

Even with that in its favor, the room faced west, making it rather dark and dreary for the morning, and the shape could only be described as awkward—tucked into an odd little nook in the house. It probably would have been better served as a housekeeper’s office. Only one oak sideboard fit beside the oblong table which might accommodate eight, if those eight were very friendly and did not mind rubbing elbows. At least the warm blue walls decorated with many paintings of flowers were friendly and the homey smells of fresh baked goods very inviting.

“You can also see that the gentleman have come and gone.” Miss Bingley gestured and the empty places at the table, where the presumably used china had already been cleared away. “Pray serve yourself as you like and sit here with me?”

Several plates of pastries on the sideboard were very tempting. Nicholls maintained a very good kitchen staff. They took seats near the window where the light was best.

“My father often rises and breakfasts early to avoid a room full of the silliest girls in England.” Elizabeth quirked her eyebrow.

Miss Bingley’s eyes grew wide and she gasped, but it was more playful than mortified. “Oh, that is too cruel! I cannot imagine he would ever say such a thing about you and Miss Bennet.”

“Father’s sense of humor includes a healthy measure of the ridiculous to be sure. I expect he is probably referring to my younger sisters. I think there is a period where all young ladies are a bit silly, and with so many in the house at once, I think he is rather overwhelmed with them. Truly who could blame him when he has no sisters of his own. Have you any sisters?”

“You make a good case for him to be sure. As for me, I have an elder sister, recently married. She is on her bridal tour even now. I confess I miss her company—which makes me very thankful to know that you and Miss Bennet are so nearby. I shall not want for the company of other ladies here.  I should send for some chocolate—”

Heavy footfalls sounded in the hallway over the deep rumble of men’s voices. The morning room door swung open hard enough to bang against the wall behind it. Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and a tall, handsome man with features vaguely similar to Mr. Darcy’s tromped in.

Miss Bingley stood. “Charles! I though you were out for the morning.”

“Well, yes, we were, but our plans shifted. Good morning, Miss Elizabeth.” He bowed

“Pray, may I be introduced to your lovely guest?” The stranger glanced at Mr. Bingley, smiling in a way that made him all the more appealing.

Elizabeth’s cheeks heated as she stood.

Miss Bingley gestured toward Elizabeth. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn Estate.”

“Please to make your acquaintance.” And it seemed Colonel Fitzwilliam really was. “Might we join you, Caroline?”

Caroline? That was interesting, they were on a first name basis. Not family, but very close friends. Pleasing that they had such friendships, to be sure, but unusual.

“You seemed so intent on sport this morning, what brought you back so early?” Miss Bingley edged around the table toward the door.

“You sound as though you do not wish us intruding on you and Miss Elizabeth this morning. If you wish this to be a time just for you ladies to share secrets, you only have to say so.” Mr. Bingley’s eyes glittered with playful good nature.

“Of course, you are welcome in your own house, Charles. I am only curious as Colonel Fitzwilliam,” she said the name with a peculiar emphasis, “is not apt to change his plans so readily.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled and he dropped down into a chair opposite the sideboard. “If you must know, Darcy saw storm clouds gathering on the horizon and insisted we return.” He leaned his elbows on the table and leaned toward Mr. Darcy. “He did not want to be caught out in another storm like the one I was told brought the Miss Bennets into their acquaintance earlier this week.”

“After all, we could hardly be assured of such delightful company today as we had then,” Mr. Bingley said.

“It did not seem advisable to be out in thunder and lightning on horses that we do not really know,” Darcy said.

He had an excellent point.

“Ever the sensible one, are you not cousin? Who can argue with such reasoning?” Colonel Fitzwilliam looked pointedly at Mr. Darcy.

So that explained why they favored one another so much.

“It is what we expect form him, is it not—to be the sense to our sensibility?” Mr. Bingley laughed as though to prove his point.

Mr. Darcy frowned and rolled his eyes just the slightest bit.

“I suppose you would like some coffee brought in, or would you prefer tea?” Miss Bingley asked from the doorway.

“I suppose it would be too early for port—no?” Colonel Fitzwilliam winked.

“If you wish to join us for breakfast, yes. If you would rather excuse yourselves to Charles’ newly claimed bookroom, then I shall have nothing to say on the matter.” Caroline’s answer was so smoothed and unruffled, she must be accustomed to such banter.

“You leave me nothing to say, we cannot abandon our good hostess. I suppose coffee it shall be then.” Colonel Fitzwilliam heaved an exaggerated sigh.

Nicholls appeared to take orders for fresh coffee and chocolate. Just as the door shut behind her lightning flashed in the window and thunder cracked so loud Elizabeth felt it as much as heard it.

“I suppose that means we should thank you for keeping us warm and dry then, Darce,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said.

“You should thank me for keeping you from being thrown from a thunder-spooked horse.” Though he tried to hide it, Mr. Darcy was as amused as Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed to be provoking him to be.

Elizabeth tried not to laugh.

“Do you remember that horse you convinced me not to buy?” Mr. Bingley flashed his eyebrows.

“The bay riding mare, in Lambton, who you were told was gentle and well-broken for a ladies’ mount?”

“Quite the one. What would that creature have done in such weather?” Mr. Bingley glanced over his shoulder, at the rain pelting the windows.

“I shudder to think. I know you remember the incident fondly, but really, such things really are a matter of life and death—” This time Mr. Darcy’s frown was genuine.

Nicholls appeared in the door way, “Madam, a gentleman is calling.” She handed Miss Bingley a card on a silver salver.

“Sir William Lucas? Do you know this person, Miss Elizabeth?”

What was he doing out on a morning like this? “Indeed, I do. His daughter is my very good friend.”

Miss Bingley glanced at her brother who nodded. “Pray show him in then.”

Several moments later, a very wet and rather bedraggled Sir William Lucas appeared in the doorway. Water still dripped off the brim of his beaver hat, though it appeared his coat had been taken at the door. The bottom of his black trousers were splashed with mud which also spattered the tails of his brown coat. It was one of his older coats, that just barely buttoned over his ample belly that boasted of the comfortable situation of his family. His twinkling eyes and rosy cheeks gave testament to the gregarious nature he was well known for. “Miss Elizabeth! What a surprise to see you here. I had thought to call upon Netherfield and introduce myself not realizing that the family might already be hosting other company.”

Elizabeth blushed—was her presence unwelcome? Oh now, what had her sisters done? “It was a rather unexpected visit, to be sure. Jane and I were caught in the rain … as I understand Kitty and Lydia were. My father said they took refuge with you and you have been most hospitable to them. On behalf of my family, thank you.”

“Yes, yes, on that point.” He ran a finger around his collar.

Elizabeth’s stomach pinched and she squeezed her eyes shut. This was not the time nor place for one of those remarks.

“Pray would you be willing to mention to them that it might be pleasing, that is to say, Lady Lucas and I would appreciate, and Charlotte too of course … I know your sisters are everything lively and good natured, but it is rather difficult … you see, our hopes …. That is Lady Lucas and I have hopes for Charlotte and her cousin and your sisters are quite distracting…”

Heat crept up from Elizabeth’s neck to the top of her head. He had no discretion!

Poor Miss Bingley looked horrified and her voice thinned to a squeak. “Cousins! How delightful. I have always though that where it is possible, cousins should marry. It is so good for keeping the family lines and maintaining fortune in one’s family.”

Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam looked horrified, simply horrified.

What do you supposed has Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam so concerned? Tell me in the comments.