The day was clear and cool, ideal for riding and inspecting the estate, but Darcy was not pleased this time. Bingley rode beside him, occasionally asking a question relating to Netherfield and their conversation with the steward the day before. Apparently, the fence that bordered The Firs had been broken and it was imperative to fix it since some sheep had escaped from Netherfield.
Darcy took a deep breath and sighed; his sister was very excited at the prospect of meeting her 'other brother'. He felt like he was merely a puppet in the marquis and his son's plot to get close to Georgiana. He was certainly not used to receiving orders, and the note he received the day before had clear indications of what he should do the next day without taking into account his opinion and his availability of time...
After riding for about 15 minutes, they reached the edge of The Firs where the fence was actually broken.
"Is this the fence we were talking about yesterday? I am pretty sure two days ago the fence was in good shape."
Darcy shrugged and answered, "Maybe; things sometimes break overnight. Mr. Wilson has already bought everything that is needed to do the repair tomorrow afternoon. Although the sheep are marked, it is important that they do not cross over to the other estate."
"If Mr. Wilson is going to take care of the repair and the sheep are locked up right now, why are we here? The situation is under control."
Darcy shook his head and sighed, "Charles, it is important that you are aware of what is going on at Netherfield, especially the repairs that need to be made and the costs. Not all people are honest. Remember the old saying the eye of the master fattens cattle."
The two gentlemen heard the sound of a horse a short distance from the fence and both looked up and saw Lord Sebastian. As stipulated, Darcy and Lord Sebastian pretended to be surprised to find themselves in that place...
"Darcy, what a surprise to find you here. I can't believe you're the one leasing Nerherfield Park! I never would have imagined it!" He paused and looking at Bingley added, "could you introduce me to your friend?"
"Lord Sebastian, this is Mr. Charles Bingley, he is the one who is leasing Netherfield Park, and Charles, this is Lord Sebastian, the son of marquis XXXX."
The two gentlemen greeted each other courteously; It was the first time Bingley had met a gentleman of such high rank, and he was surprised that Lord Sebastian would stay to chat with them. After a few minutes of interesting conversation about Hertfordshire, Bingley invited Lord Sebastian to join them for breakfast.
The three gentlemen returned to Netherfield Park where only Georgiana and Miss Bingley were waiting for them. The Hursts were having breakfast in their bedroom as Louisa was pregnant and had morning sickness.
When Miss Bingley found out who the gentleman was, she was thrilled, and for the first time since Darcy's stay at Netherfield Park, she practically ignored him.
"My Lord, we are honored by your visit. If I knew that you were coming to visit us today, I would have asked our Cook to prepare a special breakfast."
"It was a last-minute decision Ms. Bingley; I am used to having breakfast only with coffee, toast and jam." Lord Sebastian smiled and sat down in the chair next to Georgiana.
Lord Sebastian grinned, "Miss Darcy, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I don't know if you know that I have known your brother since University and I've heard a lot about you."
"I have heard of you too, and it's nice to meet you," Georgiana replied blushing in a low voice.
"How long are you going to stay in Hertfordshire? In just a few days we were thinking of inviting some neighbors to dinner, of course, you are invited." interrupted Miss Bingley.
"Thank you very much, Miss Bingley. Just yesterday I visited my cousin and his family, and I invited them to dinner tomorrow at The Firs, it will be a pleasure if you also accept the invitation."
"Your cousin?" Miss Bingley repeated in confusion, and added, "I didn't know there were nobles in Hertfordshire."
Lord Sebastian shook his head, "My cousin is the parson of Netherfield Park, Mr. Barton. His mother was my mother's younger sister. You may not know, but Netherfield Park belongs to my uncle." He paused and looking at Georgiana with a smile added, "Miss Darcy, several people told me that you are an excellent pianist; I would be delighted if you would play for me."
Georgiana smiled and nodded. Lord Sebastian asked Georgiana a few questions about her favorite composers, but Miss Bingley constantly interrupted him by asking questions or affirming everything he said. That woman was intolerable! On the other hand, Darcy said very little but listened intently to everything he talked to Georgiana.
Half an hour later, Lord Sebastian returned to The Firs. He was happy, his sister was sweet and luckily he would see her the next day in The Firs.