Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us on our journey as the Austen Variations authors post the events of 1811 in real time on the date they happened – 214 years in the future.
Bingley Talks to an Estate Agent
August 27, 1811
Bingley reached the entrance hall of Hurst’s London townhouse just as the clock struck noon. He had scarcely paused at the looking glass to adjust his cravat when the knocker sounded, and the butler admitted Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
“Darcy!” Bingley exclaimed, bounding forward with his usual good cheer. “So, you received my note, then?”
“I did,” Darcy replied, relinquishing his hat and gloves. His gaze moved over the hall with mild curiosity before returning to his friend. “Though I confess I was surprised by the change of venue. Were we not to have met at White’s?”
Bingley’s colour rose as he began to stammer. “Yes—well—that is, I may have mentioned our appointment to Caroline, and—”
At that moment, the lady herself descended the staircase, silks rustling as she swept into the hall. “Mr. Darcy!” she cried, extending a hand with a graceful flourish. “How good of you to come. When Charles spoke of consulting an estate agent, I knew my assistance must be required. My brother would not have the first notion of such a business. But with your understanding of estate management, and my own eye for the proprieties of a household, we shall soon have everything arranged.”
Darcy bowed over her hand with practiced civility, while Bingley shifted uneasily on his feet.
Miss Bingley, undeterred, turned to lead the way down a nearby corridor. “My brother, you see, would never think to inquire into the particulars that truly matter in such a venture—the furnishings, the neighbourhood, the local society. Goodness, left to himself, Charles would lease a hovel so long as it boasted a tolerable stable!”
“Caroline,” Bingley protested, the tips of his ears turning red. “I hardly think—”
But his sister silenced him with a single arched brow as she ushered them into the library. No sooner had they entered than the butler appeared at the door. “Mr. Andrews, sir.”
The estate agent stepped inside, a neatly dressed man of middle years with a portfolio beneath one arm. After the requisite bows and greetings, he was shown to a seat, and the business at hand began.
Mr. Andrews opened his case, withdrawing a sheaf of papers and turning towards Bingley. “I have brought the particulars of letting, sir,” he said, extracting the uppermost documents and extending them in his host’s direction.
However, before Bingley could so much as lean forward, Caroline interjected with a light laugh. “Oh, you are far better off placing those into Mr. Darcy’s hands, sir. My brother would hardly know what to look for.”
Bingley coloured but attempted a smile, while the agent, after a brief pause, passed the papers to Darcy instead. He received them with his usual equanimity and began to examine the pages with a critical eye.
Meanwhile, Bingley cleared his throat, striving to recover a measure of authority. “Perhaps, Mr. Andrews, you might tell us more about the house and the surrounding area? The property is called Netherfield Park, I believe?”
Andrews’s posture straightened, his expression lightening. “Indeed, sir, and a fine property it is—delightfully situated in the heart of Hertfordshire, not half a day’s ride from town. The acreage abuts the market town of Meryton, where all the usual shops and conveniences may be found. Though it has stood vacant for some years, the structure is perfectly sound, and the house is let fully furnished.”
Across from him, Caroline gave a faint sniff at the mention of furnishings, but Mr. Andrews continued, unruffled. “There is a capable housekeeper already in residence—Mrs. Gibbons—and I am given to understand that the former cook, Mrs. Nicholls, still resides nearby and would be pleased to resume her post. The gardens are extensive, with several pleasant walks, and the soil is notably fertile, chiefly producing wheat and barley, with a number of respectable tenants already upon the land.”
Miss Bingley leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. “And what of the neighbourhood? It is all very well for the house to be sound, but one must consider the society into which we should be drawn.”
“Quite so, madam,” replied Mr. Andrews with a deferential inclination of his head. “The estate borders the village of Longbourn, seat of Mr. Thomas Bennet, the principal proprietor in that parish. Beyond, there are upwards of two dozen families of quality within a few miles. Meryton itself affords the society one expects of a thriving market town, and the local assembly rooms provide regular entertainments.”
At the reference to village society, Caroline’s lip curled in evident disdain. “And what of this Bennet family? Have they a house in town? I do not recognize the name. Yet if they are the principal landowners, I presume they must be people of some consequence.”
“Indeed, madam,” Andrews replied readily. “I do not believe they maintain a house in town, as Mr. Bennet is said not to be fond of the city. Nevertheless, they are a reputable family. He has five daughters, all grown, and considered by many to be local beauties—the eldest in particular is much admired.”
At this, Bingley’s countenance brightened with eager interest, while Caroline, if possible, looked still more displeased. Her gaze flicked first to her brother and then to Mr. Darcy, betraying her distaste at the notion of either being captivated by some obscure country miss.
Turning back to Bingley, the agent added, “I am also given to understand, sir—through Mr. Darcy’s solicitor—that you may have an interest in the breeding of horses. If so, you will be glad to learn that the stables at Netherfield are among the largest in the county.”
Bingley’s face lit with enthusiasm. “Are they indeed? Now that is excellent news!”
Darcy lowered the papers he had been studying and regarded his friend. “Everything appears to be in order. If the property suits, you should be able to take possession before Michaelmas.”
Mr. Andrews inclined his head eagerly. “Indeed, sir. I should be most happy to arrange a tour of the estate at your earliest convenience.”
“Excellent!” cried Bingley. “The sooner the better. Darcy”—he turned to his friend with unabashed hopefulness—“you will come with me, will you not, to view the property?”
“Of course,” Darcy answered with quiet composure. “If you wish it.”
With that assurance, Bingley’s smile broadened, and the matter of Netherfield Park was all but settled.
3 comments
Great writing……..I’m sitting here wanting to go on. Thank you, can’t wait for more.
Caroline never disappoints, does she? You can just imagine Darcy cringing inside, ever the proper gentleman hiding his distaste for her haughty attitude. How conveniently she forgets her own connection to trade. Lovely writing and storytelling!
Miss Bingley doesn’t realise that being rude to her brother in front of Darcy will annoy Darcy who feels sorry for his friend. As she was educated at an expensive seminary I wonder she wasn’t taught manners there. But it’s in character in the novel she criticised her brother’s handwriting in front of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy and she was rude to Lizzy bringing up Wickham’s name at Pemberley in front of Darcy and Georgiana. I’ve always wondered how the same family managed to produce Mr Bingley a kind, friendly, polite and likeable man and Miss Bingley who’s rude, snobbish and ambitious. I’d like to have an explanation of this in a future post. Did they take after different parents? Did Bingley have a tutor who was good at giving his pupils social polish and teaching tact and diplomacy? Did Miss Bingley’s school not punish girls for rudeness? Were the girls at her school social climbers? I’m also curious to know if she’s any suitors and if so if they’re all fortune hunters. Does she just chase Darcy or does she also chase other rich gentlemen of good family? In the novel we only see her with Darcy, Bingley and Hurst not with other eligible men.