Chapter 4
Darcy tuned out the drone of chatter that emanated from the other side of the carriage. Miss Bingley and her sister, Mrs. Hurst, had insisted on accompanying them to Netherfield. At first, when Bingley told his sister that he was leasing Netherfield, she was irate. She insisted on remaining in London for the Season, until she discovered Darcy would be in residence as well. Then she became just as determined on going with the gentlemen.
Looking down at his sister, Darcy patted Georgiana's hand gently and gave her a smile. He was glad to have her companionship. At first, he planned to leave his sister with her companion, Mrs. Younge, in London. She reminded him that her holiday in Ramsgate over the summer had been interrupted due to the poor weather.
The cancellation of her summer plans turned out to be quite fortuitous, for they had been grossly deceived in Mrs. Younge's character: a servant discovered Mr. Wickham in her bedchamber late one night. Upon questioning, she admitted to falsified references, as well as dishonorable intentions towards Miss Darcy. She was summarily dismissed, and a Mrs. Annesley was hired in her stead.
"After all," she had pointed out reasonably, "if the servants from London and I travel with you, you will be able to close the house entirely. You can use the funds to care for both Netherfield and Pemberley instead."
Darcy had grinned at this evidence of her ability to debate logically. He was always secretly relieved to not have to worry about his sister or the London household. The servants were given the options to come to Netherfield and help there, find employment elsewhere in London with a sterling character reference, or join the tenants in Derbyshire.
And thus several chaises were hired to convey the inhabitants of Darcy House. Mr. Darcy and his sister traveled with Mr. and Miss Bingley. The Hursts followed in a separate carriage with Mrs. Annesley, who volunteered to help the ailing wife. Mrs. Hurst suffered from no more unique a condition than most married woman encounter, but Mrs. Hurst's morning sickness was more severe than most.
"Ah, there it is!" Bingley's jubilant voice interrupted Darcy's private thoughts.
"Finally," Darcy muttered to his sister, who smothered a giggle with a light cough.
"Are you unwell, Miss Darcy? Do you need anything?" Miss Bingley's cloying question echoed shrilly throughout the carriage.
"Just a bit of dust from the road, Miss Bingley," Georgiana said quietly, gazing her eyes down towards the carriage floor.
"Should we stop and fetch you some water?"
"Now, Caroline, don't be ridiculous," Bingley interjected. "We are almost to the house, and it isn't as if Miss Darcy can't breathe!"
Miss Bingley flushed in anger. "I am merely looking out for the wellbeing of our guests, Charles. You cannot fault me for wishing to do all I can for their comfort as hostess of this house party."
Darcy's eyebrows rose at this characterization of their stay in Hertfordshire. Bingley rolled his eyes. "Caroline, must I once again remind you that the purpose of this stay is not for entertainment?"
Miss Bingley pushed her bottom lip out in a pout. "Really, Charles, we can certainly enjoy ourselves while you conduct your little experiment. After all, even the hardest of workers makes time for fun. Look at Mr. Darcy, for example."
Darcy gave a startled look at Georgiana. "Me, madam?"
"Why, yes!" she said, fluttering her eyelashes in the way all débutantes do. "You are quite devoted to Pemberley. You work tirelessly, and no one can question your staunch efforts towards your fortune. However, you are often seen at the most prestigious balls and frequent your club. Is this not evidence of your understanding that entertainment is just as important as work?"
Bingley let out a small snort. "No one can accuse Darcy of enjoying himself at a ball. He rarely dances!"
"That is only because he is so far above his company," insisted Miss Bingley.
Darcy interjected before the conversation could go any further. "I agree, Miss Bingley, on the importance of finding time for leisure as well as work. However, when times are difficult, we must set aside our pleasures and focus our energies towards solving the problem at hand."
"I quite agree, sir," Miss Bingley simpered, fluttering her eyelashes once again.
Fortunately for Darcy, the carriage came to a stop. Their arrival at Netherfield halted any continuation of the topic. The occupants of both carriages spilled out of the doors, eager for fresh air and steady ground.
Following Darcy's example, Bingley had closed his house in town and sent servants on ahead to prepare Netherfield. Darcy's servants remained at Darcy House to close it, then would follow shortly after.
The company entered the home, where they were greeted by Bingley's housekeeper and butler. Miss Bingley looked around the house. "Why haven't you opened up all of the wings?" she demanded.
The two head servants exchanged surprised looks. "Our instructions from Mr. Bingley were to only open one wing and the servants' quarters, madam," replied the housekeeper.
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Miss Bingley. "How can we have a proper house party if the rooms are shut up?"
"Because, as I have already explained, this is not a house party," Bingley said firmly. "If the winter is to be as difficult as we fear, then we will need to use our fuel and resources sparingly."
"Come now, Charles," cajoled Miss Bingley, "surely things will not be difficult for those of our station."
Everyone gaped at Miss Bingley in astonishment. "We will continue this discussion later, Caroline. For now, my orders stand." He turned to the housekeeper. "Please show us to our rooms."
"Of course, sir," she said with a curtsy.
Once they occupants had refreshed themselves in their rooms, they gathered in the parlor, where a maid was lighting a fire. "Why was this not already lit?" Miss Bingley asked the girl harshly.
Even Mrs. Hurst looked at the woman in surprise. The maid looked fearfully at her mistress, then at Mr. Bingley.
"That is quite enough, Caroline," Bingley interjected. "I think it is time you and I had a private word."
Mr. Bingley took his sister by the arm and led her none-too-gently down the hall towards the study. The remainder of the group could hear her protests the entire way until a door was harshly closed. Mrs. Hurst turned towards the Darcys. "Please excuse my sister. She does not travel well, I'm afraid."
Mr. Darcy gave Mrs. Hurst a tight smile. "Of course."
There was an awkward silence for several minutes. Mrs. Hurst opened and closed her mouth several times. Finally, she said, "Mr. Darcy, I understand the purpose of being here and what you and Charles are trying to accomplish. I must admit, my condition has made me more concerned for the future than I usually am. How can my husband and I be of assistance?"
Mr. Darcy looked at her in surprise and new-found respect. He gave a bow and said, "Mrs. Hurst, I will gratefully accept your help. I will be inspecting the homes for the tenants. It would ease my mind greatly if you could support my sister's companion during these months. Charles and I will be much occupied, and I do not wish Georgiana to feel neglected."
"Of course," Mrs. Hurst smiled warmly at the young girl, who gave a tentative smile back. "I will be occupying myself with sewing things for the baby. Would you care to assist, Miss Darcy?"
"Oh, yes!" cried Georgiana eagerly. "As the youngest of my cousins, and the elder ones all unmarried, I have never made anything for a baby before!"
Mrs. Annesley cleared her throat before gently correcting her charge. "I believe you have sewn a few items for tenant child, Miss Darcy."
Georgiana flushed. "Of course! I did not mean to suggest… that is…"
"It is one thing to sew simple items for a tenant child whom you will rarely see. It is quite another to embroider for an infant who will be born into your circle and whom will be known to you personally," Mrs. Annesley kindly prompted.
"Exactly!" sighed Georgiana in relief.
"Well, you will definitely get your chance with this little one," Mrs. Hurst said, placing a hand over her abdomen.
Georgiana beamed at the expectant mother. Looking at the two, Darcy was slightly shaken to realize that Mrs. Hurst was no more than five years older than Georgiana. Soon, his sister could be sewing for her own baby. He felt a pang at the loss of their mother, who would not be present to guide his sister into womanhood.
It is time you married! His aunt Catherine's voice echoed in his ears. Although he had little desire to marry his cousin Anne, perhaps it was time to find someone suitable to help him bring Georgiana out into society.
Once the winter is over, he promised himself. I will begin to look in earnest.
Just then, Bingley and his sister returned to the room. Miss Bingley was flushed in anger and refused to make eye contact with anyone present. Charles's face was unusually severe as he said, "Louisa, our sister has been made to understand, once again, the purpose of this visit. Should she continue to forget the situation, I will ask you to be hostess in her stead."
Eyes wide, Mrs. Hurst nodded.
Bravo, Darcy silently applauded his friend.
Changing the topic, Bingley looked at Darcy. "What shall we do now?"
"I think you and I should ride out to look at the tenant homes the workers will stay in. We do not want the tenants spread to far apart, but we do not want them to have to travel too far in cold weather to work the fields."
Mr. Hurst interrupted. "We should put all the single men in the same tenant home."
Everyone turned to look at the man in surprise. "What?" he asked defensively. "I do stand to inherit my father's estate, after all."
"Would you care to join us, Hurst?" Bingley asked.
"Might as well," Hurst grumbled. "It's too cold for shooting or fishing."
After taking their leave of the ladies, who were going to go through Netherfield for inspection, the gentlemen began their ride of the estate.
"According to the map from the solicitor, there should be a few tenant cottages grouped close together just over this ridge," said Darcy, pointing.
"What was the man's name, again?" Bingley asked.
Darcy sighed in exasperation. "Really, Bingley! You have been corresponding with the man over express for over a fortnight! How can you not remember his name?"
Bingley laughed sheepishly. "I remember the substance of the letters, but his surname escapes me."
"Phillips," grunted Hurst from behind them.
Darcy and Bingley turned to the third member of their trio. "Come again?" Bingley asked.
"His name was Phillips," Hurst repeated.
Darcy raised his eyebrows. Clearly there was more to Hurst than enjoying good food and wine. He would have to take the time to get to know the man a little better during their time together over the winter.
"Ah, I knew it was something like that," Bingley said.
Darcy smirked at his friend in response, then urged his horse over the knoll.
"I should probably call on Mr. Phillips once get settled," Bingley remarked as they approached the four cottages that were set up next to one another.
"Whatever for?" Darcy frowned.
"Why, to make friends and be introduced to the locals," laughed Bingley. "I know we are here to work, but Caroline was right, as much as I hate to say it. There must be a little time for leisure."
"That is what a library is for," Darcy replied. "I will bring some books down from Pemberley if there are not enough at Netherfield."
Bingley laughed again. "There is more to life than reading, old chap! We will probably want to get to know the other estate owners in the area."
Darcy grumbled slightly, and Hurst smirked. "Don't worry, Darcy. We won't allow them to eat you."
"I'm more concerned about them wanting to marry me off," Darcy retorted.
"Won't be any worse than London," responded Bingley.
Darcy ignored the comment and got down from his horse. Walking up to the first cottage, he opened the door and looked around. "It appears to be in good condition. The inside is dry, which means the roof does not leak."
A similar inspection on the other homes revealed the same. "I think we can put a majority of the workers in here," Bingley said.
"You might be able to fit all of them, if you allow the families to stay in one of the Netherfield wings," Darcy answered.
Hurst burst out laughing. "Oh, to see Caroline's reaction when she hears you are putting tenants in the guest wing!"
Bingley made a face in response. "I'm not certain that would be conducive to our comfort."
"Comfort? Bingley, we're talking about people's lives!" Darcy's voice was as cold as the air.
"I know, I know." Bingley sighed. "I am merely being dramatic. I know the right thing to do, but just because it's right doesn't mean Caroline will be easy."
"Then send her back to London," Darcy said simply.
Bingley shook his head. "As much as I would enjoy that, I cannot risk it for the same reasons you did not leave your sister there. Any rioting or looting due to hunger would put her in jeopardy. At least here, I can assure myself of her safety and health."
Darcy nodded. "I know, my friend."
The three men were silent for a moment. "So, do we put them women and children in Netherfield?"
"Let's see how many of them there are, first," Bingley said. "If there are only a few who decide to come, they may be more comfortable in the servant's quarters or with their husbands."
"That's true," Darcy admitted. "Most of my tenants were absolutely horrified that I wished to install them in Pemberley and in the dower house. It took quite some convincing, and they still feel extremely ill at ease."
"When are they coming?" Hurst asked.
"I plan to ride my horse to Derbyshire in two days, then accompany them back in the carriages. It should take no more than two day on horse and three in carriage. We will arrive approximately eight days from today."
"Well, we'll have eight days to get Caroline used to the idea!" Bingley said with false cheer.
"Just don't tell her until I leave," Darcy said wryly.
Darcy left in the early morning hours two days later. Fortunately for him, the journey to Pemberley went as smoothly as he expected. He arrived after two full days of riding and collapsed grateful into his bed.
The majority of the tenants who were traveling were prepared to leave. Darcy collected a quick count of those who would accompany him, then sent an express ahead to Bingley to prepare for their arrival.
Their departure from Pemberley the next day was delayed when a tenant boy went missing before breakfast. The young lad, only four years of age, became lost in the hallways of Pemberley. In fear, he hid himself a in cupboard and fell asleep.
Darcy, concerned the boy had wandered out of doors and would freeze, postponed their leave taking. He organized the men into search parties of the woods and lake, and Mrs. Reynolds directed the women in the house. After three hours of searching, a maid found the young lad crying from hunger in a closed part of the house. He was joyfully restored to his tearful mother, and Darcy ordered his servants to depart immediately.
The caravan pushed the horses hard to make up for lost time, but fierce, cold wind - coupled with the difficult nature of traveling with so many people - meant progress was slow. Each day they fell further behind, and it wasn't until halfway through the fifth day that they arrived at Netherfield.
Darcy helped unload the tenants and direct them to their accommodations. The majority of the families, upon hearing that Netherfield would be staffed with enough servants to tend to the men's needs, chose to remain at Pemberley. This meant the majority of the tenants could stay in the cottages Darcy had inspected, with a few women and children fitting comfortably in the servant's quarters.
Exhausted, Darcy trudged slowly up the steps to the front door, where a footman waited to usher him inside.
"Brother!" Georgiana flew out of the drawing room and flung herself into his arms.
"Hello, Georgiana," he said tiredly, returning her embrace. "I am quite filthy; I must clean up. Can you tell Miss Bingley that I would like a tray in my room instead of coming down to dinner tonight?"
Georgiana looked at him, horrified. "But Brother, the assembly!"
"What assembly?"
"Mr. Bingley was visited by a few of the neighboring gentlemen, and he was informed of an assembly in Meryton. He accepted the invitation on behalf of our entire party."
"Including yourself?" Darcy's voice tinged with anger.
"Well, I know I am not yet out, but I was hoping to persuade you to allow me to attend. It would be like one of the small assemblies in Lambton."
"Georgiana, I do not know the people here. I cannot guarantee your safety, and I am so tired, I can barely stand. I would prefer to remain at Netherfield."
"Of course you would," a shrill voice interrupted. Darcy winced and turned to see Miss Bingley join them in the hall.
"Why would you wish to rub shoulders with country bumpkins?" she shuddered theatrically. "No, I quite agree that remaining at Netherfield is the correct thing to do. I will be happy to stay here with you and dear Miss Darcy in order to see to your comfort."
Darcy froze in horror. An assembly with strangers, or an evening of Miss Bingley's undivided attention? "On second thought, Miss Bingley, I believe my sister and your brother are correct. After all, if it is just a country dance, there should be no problem with her attendance. And since your brother has accepted on my behalf, I will attend as well. I would not like to cause offense to his new neighbors."
"Oh, why should we care what the local populace thinks?" sniffed Miss Bingley. "Aside from a certain Sir William, who was a shopkeeper before his knighthood only a few years ago, there is no one of our circle nearby."
"Are there no other children of tradesmen, then?" Darcy asked innocently.
Miss Bingley flushed. "I mean, there are no people of quality or refined manners here. Even the gentlemen who called seemed quite rough."
"Caroline, you did not even meet any of them!" protested Bingley, who joined the hall to see what was causing the delay. "I found them all to be quite genteel."
Miss Bingley snorted disdainfully. "Well, their carriages from the window left much to be desired."
"Why are you keeping Darcy from his rooms, Caroline?" Bingley said indignantly. "That is entirely inhospitable! Darcy, please accept my apologies on behalf of my sister. She seems to have forgotten the care she should take in her guest's comfort."
Darcy hid a smile as Miss Bingley turned red, then pale. "I forgot no such thing, Charles. I was merely ascertaining our guest's plans for the evening so I can make the appropriate preparations."
"I'm sorry, old chap. I thought you were to arrive yesterday and would have time to rest before the Assembly."
Darcy grimaced. "I understand. Allow me to bathe and change my clothing, and I will accompany all of you. My sister, however, will remain at home with her companion."
Georgiana opened her mouth to protest. "But - "
"I know, Dearest," he said soothingly, "but I have not yet made the acquaintance of anyone outside our own party. I do not wish to expose you to any untoward connections until I have had the opportunity to judge them for myself. This isn't Lambton, where I am acquainted with every single person and know whose company you should avoid."
"I suppose I understand," Georgiana said glumly. Then, with a twinkle in her eye, she turned to Miss Bingley. "Will you remain home with me, Miss Bingley? I would appreciate the company."
Bingley hid a snicker as Caroline gaped. "As my brother's hostess, it is my duty to attend the assembly with him, especially since you have the attendance of your fine companion. However, I will dutifully note the dress and comportment of each rustic individual in order to entertain you tomorrow."
Now it was Darcy's turn to hide a smile at his sister's discomfort of her own making. "Very kind of you, Miss Bingley," he said, ignoring the daggers Georgiana shot at him.
The woman beamed up at him, grateful for this rare bit of praise. As Darcy excused himself and made his way towards his room, he heard Georgiana hiss, "Traitor" before she was ushered back into the drawing room.
The enormity of his exhaustion seemed to hit once he was alone. As he slowly forced his legs up the stairs, he knew it was going to be an extremely difficult evening.