The day was clear and cool, ideal for riding and inspecting the estate, but Darcy was not enjoying the day. Bingley rode beside him, occasionally asking a question relating to Netherfield and their conversation with the steward from the day before. Apparently, the fence that bordered The Firs' was broken, and it was imperative to fix it as sheep had already 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 he was merely a puppet in the marquess and his son's plot to become acquainted with Georgiana. He was certainly not used to receiving orders, and the note he received the day before clearly indicated what he should do the next day without considering his opinion and schedule.
After riding for about 15 minutes, they reached the border of Netherfield and The Firs, where the fence was broken.
"Is this the fence we were talking about yesterday? I was pretty sure the fence was in good shape two days ago."
Darcy shrugged and answered, "Maybe; things sometimes break overnight. Mr. Wilson has already bought everything needed to repair it tomorrow afternoon. Although the sheep are marked, they shouldn't 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? It seems the situation is under control."
Darcy shook his head and sighed. "Charles, it is important that you know what is happening at Netherfield, especially the necessary repairs 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. Both looked up and saw Lord Sebastian. As stipulated, Darcy and Lord Sebastian pretended to be surprised to find each other there.
"Darcy, what a surprise to find you here. I cannot believe you are the one leasing Netherfield Park! I never would have imagined it!" Looking at Bingley, he paused and added, "Will 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 the Marquess of Hertford."
The two gentlemen greeted each other courteously. It was the first time Bingley had met a gentleman of such a 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 awaited them. The Hursts were having breakfast in their bedroom as Louisa, pregnant, was suffering from 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 honoured by your visit. If I knew you were visiting us today, I would have asked our Cook to prepare a special breakfast."
"It was a last-minute decision, Miss 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 and said, "Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure finally meeting you. I do not know if you are aware that I have known your brother since University, and I have heard a lot about you."
"I have heard of you too, and it is 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 neighbours to dinner; you, of course, are invited." interrupted Miss Bingley.
"Thank you very much, Miss Bingley. Yesterday I visited my cousin and his family and invited them to dinner tomorrow at The Firs. It will be a pleasure if you will also accept my invitation."
"Your cousin?" Miss Bingley repeated in confusion and added, "I did not know there were nobles in Hertfordshire."
Lord Sebastian shook his head and said, "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." Looking at Georgiana with a smile, he added, "Miss Darcy, I have heard from several people 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 favourite 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 said 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 at The Firs.