P&P The Untold Stories: Netherfield Park is Let at Last

Welcome to the very first vignette in our new Austen Variations group project, Pride & Prejudice: The Untold Stories. You can find an explanation of this project here. For now, cast yourself back in time to this date 212 years ago!

Mr. Bingley views Netherfield Park for the first time

September 18, 1811

Mr. Anderson reined in his horse at the top of a hill. “And there you have it, Mr. Bingley,” the solicitor said. “Netherfield Park!”

“So this is Netherfield!” Bingley shaded his eyes for a better view. “It looks delightful.”

“The proportions are indeed excellent, as you will see as we approach the house. Come, the drive is just ahead.”

Bingley had rarely seen such pleasant countryside. He turned his head from one side to another as they rode, trying to take in every detail to report later to Darcy.

They trotted past an orchard where a gnarled old man clung precariously to a ladder as he plucked apples from an equally gnarled old tree. Mr. Anderson said, “As you can see, the land here is rich and productive. And the hunting! You have surely heard of Lord Pryce-Wellington’s famous hunting parties, Mr. Bingley.”

Bingley could not recall anything of the sort, but he nodded obligingly. “My sister will love this house. She has always wished for a country estate.” He doubted Caroline would wish to have hunting parties in any case; she would be more concerned with hosting house parties for her well-bred friends. Darcy would enjoy the hunting, though, and if Darcy liked it, Caroline would adore it.

“Will Miss Bingley wish to view it as well?”

Bingley smiled broadly. “No, it is to be a surprise for her.” Just a few weeks past, Caroline had praised Darcy’s habit of purchasing surprise gifts for his sister.  Bingley had immediately decided to take a page from Darcy’s book, and there was nothing Caroline wished for more than a fashionable country estate. She would be delighted!

Mr. Anderson cleared his throat. “Perhaps your sister might prefer to see the house before you sign the contract,” he said delicately. “There is no accounting for a lady’s taste in these matters.”

Bingley waved away the suggestion.  “Unless the interior disappoints, I see no cause for concern.” He paused with a frown. “It does not have a parterre, does it? Caroline despises parterres. She says they are ridiculously old-fashioned.”

“I do not recall any mention of parterre gardens, but we shall see for ourselves.  Come, the housekeeper is expecting us and will give us a tour of the house.”

Thanks for stopping by for the first episode of Pride & Prejudice: The Untold Stories! We’ll have more scenes coming regularly for the next 16 months, posting each scene on the date it took place in the book. Enjoy the journey!

Catch up with all the Untold Stories HERE