by Kara Louise
That night the two cousins earnestly discussed what ought to be done. It was decided, for the sake of Georgiana’s reputation, that discretion must be employed. The two cousins swore to each other that neither would utter a word of it to anyone, lest it harm her character and standing in society.
“You know, Darcy,” Fitzwilliam began. “I think you were correct in your estimation that our aunt’s falling ill was providential, but perhaps not for the reason you originally thought.” He leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes for a moment. “I do believe someone is watching out for Georgiana!”
The two men then discussed plans to provide a companion for Georgiana. My master was naturally reluctant to place his trust in another stranger, claiming that he would see to Georgiana’s needs. His cousin rightfully pointed out that he could not shoulder the responsibility for Georgiana’s education in addition to managing Pemberley; that it was the office of a gentlewoman to do so. Fitzwilliam gave a strong recommendation for a woman with whom he was well acquainted. Her name was Mrs. Annesley, a long-time friend of their family who was recently widowed, had an impeccable reputation, and my master agreed to give her strong consideration.
She was sent for and quickly came. My master was pleased with everything about her and she immediately took Georgiana under her wing. She was the only other person who was told about the incident with Wickham. At first, my master paid solicitous attention to Georgiana, insisting on taking all his meals with her, rarely letting her out of his sight. However, when Mrs. Annesley gently suggested that perhaps a return to their normal routine would be more beneficial to allowing the incident to be put behind us, he acquiesced. He could see that her maternal and gentle guidance comforted Georgiana, and for that he was grateful.
Once my master was convinced that Georgiana was well on her way to healing and moving past her guilt and shame, he gradually began to focus on other things. We spent a leisurely summer back at Pemberley, the once hot days of summer gratefully began to make way for the cool days of autumn, and a letter was received from his good friend, Charles Bingley.
Darcy,
I hope you do not think me too hasty or impulsive, my good friend, but I have found a most suitable country home -- Netherfield in Hertfordshire. I visited it Monday last and took an immediate liking to it. I did abide by your advice and inquired whether it would be available to let and Mr. Morris, the solicitor, agreed as long as another eligible offer to buy is not received. I will be moving in immediately, and will return to London in two weeks time to bring back my sisters and Hurst who are presently up north. I do hope you will join us when we return to Netherfield. I should very much like to have your approval on my new home.
CB
Chapter 10
My master deliberated long on the invitation from Bingley before finally settling upon joining his friend in a perusal of this new estate upon which he had so hastily decided. He laboured for days over whether it was too soon to take this first journey away from Georgiana since the incident at Ramsgate. Pacing back and forth in his study, he meditated on his options. I was a willing listener as he debated whether leaving her would be prudent and whether Georgiana would be in favour of it or not.
Despite his apprehension, he was fairly confident that leaving her with Mrs. Annesley would not give him cause to worry. Mrs. Annesley had proven herself over and over to be an excellent companion and had found her way quickly into Georgiana’s broken and contrite heart. The two ladies appeared to be very pleased with the arrangement. Mrs. Annesley was also of a mind that this separation would be beneficial for both brother and sister and gently encouraged him to endeavour to make the trip with Bingley.
My master had not seen his friend for some time; Bingley’s open and artless manner always served to raise his spirits. Therefore, with equal amounts of anticipation and ill-ease, he finally made his decision. He determined we would all set out for London where Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley would remain until all four of us could make the return journey to Pemberley together.
I was pleased with his decision, as I felt my master had become increasingly isolated in the years since taking on the responsibility as Master of Pemberley. In addition to that, since returning from Ramsgate, he had developed a rather cynical demeanour that was difficult for me break through. He had an armour about him that was not easily penetrated. Naturally then, I had every hope that time spent with his good friend would ease some of his burden and bring some light-heartedness into his life.
Once the decision was final, we set out almost immediately for London. Bingley’s plans were to depart for Netherfield in a few days’ time. My master occupied himself with the business that awaited him there and Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley spent their time cultivating Georgiana’s accomplishments and providing her with culturally enriching engagements, so I frequently found myself with a great deal of idle time.
I must admit that at my stage of life, doing even the simplest things required more of an effort on my part. I found that I was enjoying my prolonged naps more than I ever did before. Do not misunderstand me; I still had it in me for a lively walk with my master or an occasional romp through the country. And I looked forward with great anticipation to be able to thoroughly explore the grounds of this new place called Netherfield we were about to visit.
On the day of our departure, my master spent the morning with Georgiana, reassuring her that he would return before long and that she should enjoy herself with Mrs. Annesley. However, he did not make any promises to her concerning when he would return, remarking only that he would allow sufficient time for Bingley to defend all the virtues of this country home to my master’s critical assessment and that he also wished to get a good feel for the neighbourhood and grounds.
For the journey to Netherfield, my master and I rode together with Bingley, sharing his chaise and four. My master sent his own carriage on without us, as he greatly desired his friend’s exclusive company. He knew once we arrived at Netherfield, their times together would be intruded upon by one or both of Bingley’s sisters. They were, fortunately, riding to Netherfield in Hurst’s carriage.
Along the way, it was clear that my master undertook his office of advisor to his less-experienced friend quite seriously. He used the privacy afforded to them in the chaise to interrogate Bingley on the particulars of his choice. I comprehended that my master was somewhat dubious of Bingley’s discernment, for he had little praise of Hertfordshire society. “Bingley, this is a fairly rural area, you will find little society here.”
“Oh, Darcy! I have met many of the neighbours already! They are a decidedly amiable lot!”
My master shook his head. “I cannot name one prominent family in the neighbourhood, Bingley. Are you quite sure this country estate is everything you want? For what the neighbourhood lacks in society, the estate will have to make up for in all its other amenities.”
“Trust me, good friend; it is everything for which I have been seeking!”
“But will Netherfield live up to both of your sisters’ expectations?”
“They will be pleased with it, I am quite certain.”
“And what of the grounds? Will you find ample sport there?”
“The grounds are quite extensive, Darcy. Indeed, they are not as grand as Pemberley, but I believe they will provide us with abundant hunting.”
My master took in a deep breath. He could readily see Bingley’s enthusiasm as well as I could. For myself, I found it almost contagious, and I found my anticipation steadily rising. But my master seemed immune to it and finally said, “As it would be difficult as well as unfair to make an assessment of Netherfield without the benefit of seeing it, Bingley, I shall withhold all judgment until we have given it a thorough once over.”
“I am quite certain you will be pleased with it, Darcy. I just know you will.”
Bingley’s words were intermingled with both the guarded assurance of his friend’s approval and an optimistic effort at persuasion to sway his friend’s opin
ion if it was not to his liking. I could see Bingley had every hope that my master would give his approval. I wondered how deeply it would affect Bingley if he deemed it an unwise choice.
*~*~*
As we approached a small village that Bingley referred to as Meryton, my master commented in abhorrence at the ogling of the common country villagers as the chaise and four in which we were riding ambled down the dusty street. Bingley’s wide smile gave my master every indication that he felt these villagers were the friendliest neighbours for which one could wish and that he was looking forward to making their acquaintance. My master, on the other hand, did not share his friend’s enthusiasm.
My master did not keep his feelings to himself. “We certainly appear to be attracting a great deal too much attention, Bingley. Have the people around here never seen a chaise and four before?” he grumbled. He turned to Bingley. “How far is Netherfield from here?”
“But a few miles.”
I could see that my master seemed hardly impressed by what his eyes took in and that Bingley was becoming increasingly uneasy about his good friend’s estimation.
Bingley’s eagerness to portray Netherfield in all its glorious light prompted him to instruct his driver to take a divergent route to the estate.
In looking out the window as the carriage made a rather gruelling climb up a slight incline, my master agreed with his friend that the view from up here was quite pleasant. He lowered the window enough for me to stick my head out, which pleased me immeasurably. Our attention to the passing scenery was interrupted by the sight of a young lady skipping back down the hill on the other side of the road. The bonnet she was wearing covered most of her face, except her radiant smile.
As we passed her, she looked up and upon seeing my head protruding out the window, gave me a slight nod, her eyes sparkling, and I caught a most pleasant scent; flowery -- but not overwhelming, as Caroline’s scents often are. I envied her for her youthfulness and the pleasure she seemed to receive from traipsing down the hill.
“Did you observe her, Darcy? She looked to me as though she was taking great delight in her journey down the hill!” Bingley exclaimed.
“Indeed I observed, her,” my master declared, but in the next breath gave sharp censure to the young lady. “However, a proper young woman ought never to wander so great a distance alone! You never know what sort of unsavoury person might be lurking about!”
“Darcy!” Bingley countered. “May I inquire what you are about? What would give you the idea that someone such as that might be lurking about? We are the only ones up here, and unless you intend to be unsavoury, I cannot imagine such a thing!”
My master shook his head slightly. “One can never be too cautious.”
Bingley said nothing more and a short distance ahead, he impatiently tapped on the top of the chaise and the driver brought it to a stop.
“Step out with me, Darcy,” he said. “You must see this view of the manor and grounds.”
The two climbed out of the chaise just as the Hursts’ carriage drew up behind them and came to a halt. Bingley ushered his friend over to gaze at the view. I kept myself entertained by exploring the area whilst allowing my legs a little exercise and sniffing out the different scents that dotted the area; one in particular from a young lady.
Bingley’s enthusiasm for his estate seemed to be mounting. He was just as eager as he was anxious to please his friend.
“Look! Down there! See between the trees? That, my good friend, is Netherfield! It is a fair prospect, is it not?”
I thought to myself, as I came back alongside the two men, that if Bingley were a dog like myself, his tail would be wagging viciously!
“It is hardly visible, Bingley,” my master replied in a cool manner.
“Yes, I know,” Bingley assured him, his enthusiasm refusing to be quelled, “but we shall see it shortly. Here, look at the grounds.” With an outstretched arm and finger pointing, he said, “From that dip in the meadow towards the north to that cluster of trees to the south is Netherfield.” He looked up at my master’s face for some sort of response. “It is ample grounds for sport, do you not agree?”
My master nodded slowly. “Yes, Bingley, it appears that you shall enjoy good sport here.”
Upon hearing my master’s first compliment toward the place, Bingley seemed greatly appeased.
The Hursts and Miss Bingley were now approaching. The din of Miss Bingley’s stridently plaintive voice shattered Bingley’s hope of hearing his friend’s approbation as well as the peaceful reverie the three of us shared as we looked down at the expanse of Netherfield below.
“Charles! I am beginning to wonder what you have done! Exactly where is this house and how do you expect me to live in such unpolished society! Did you see that village back there, Brother? I am sure you did! Not one fashionably dressed man or woman! I cannot imagine we shall be able to find one well bred person in the whole of this neighbourhood!”
“Nonsense!” Bingley cried out. “I have already met several neighbours who are simply delightful.” He gently took her arm and gave a very temperate reminder. “I am quite confident, Caroline, that you will be perceived by the entire neighbourhood as the picture of fashion and elegance, and will be spoken of as a most accomplished woman. Think of your standing here! Yours will be the most sought after invitation.”
“Mmm,” she seemed to consider his words, “That would be true, Charles, but you must also comprehend that it will be highly unlikely that I will find anyone with knowledge of the latest fashions here. I will surely have to go to London quite frequently for all my gowns.”
“I will do everything I can to accommodate you, Caroline!”
“I suppose it will not be too wearisome if you look at it that way, Charles.”
“Good!” Bingley clapped his hands as he had it settled in his mind that his sister and friend would now be convinced of his good judgment.
We all returned to our waiting carriages and settled in for the short ride down the hill to Netherfield. When we were able to get our first good look at it, I noticed my master nod slightly.
“It appears in adequate condition, Bingley. Is the interior as sound as the exterior?”
I was quite proud that, as in all other areas, my master took his advisor role to his friend most seriously.
“It is in excellent condition, Darcy. Only a few minor repairs are needed to make it ideal!”
We pulled up and were soon waited upon by Bingley’s servants, some of whom he had only recently hired and were still learning all that was required of them. As orders were being issued, young men obediently began removing the luggage from the carriages.
I easily noticed the gleam in Miss Bingley’s eyes. She looked across the expanse of the manor and was well pleased with what she saw. I could only imagine that she was envisioning herself mistress here and being hostess to many a grand ball or dinner party.
Bingley, with enthusiasm literally emanating from him, gave us a complete tour of the home, heralding its favourable qualities and skimming quickly over its lesser features.
As it turned out, I need not have fretted about what Bingley would have done if my master disliked Netherfield. My master agreed that it would be a very good estate for Bingley. But he maintained his position that letting it instead of purchasing it was for the best and that Bingley had done the right thing. My master remained convinced that Bingley’s inconstancy might lead him to tire of it shortly. He would also mention to me later that he strongly wondered of the society there and whether Bingley would soon find the neighbourhood quite dull, wishing to find another home shortly in a more superior district.
My master asked to see the stables and more of the grounds, so he and Bingley set out whilst the others clamoured over which rooms they would claim for their own. I was anxious to get outside, especially when Bingley looked down at me and exclaimed, “Reggie, I have a surprise for you, too, out by the stables.”
I was eager to explore the grounds, bu
t now he had my curiosity piqued. As we approached the stables, I could hear a yelping coming from off to the side. I caught the scent of another dog.
We came to a fenced in area and I found myself looking in the friendly face of another dog exactly as myself, only much younger.
“This is Lady Mercedes Belle Bingley,” Bingley told us. “But I call her Sadie.”
“So you have found yourself a hunting dog!” My master laughed. “Is she of a superior lineage?”
“Well,” Bingley paused before he answered. “I must admit, I am not exactly certain. I acquired her from someone in Meryton. She is certainly beautiful, though.”
My master pursed his lips in thought before continuing, “Is she well trained?”
“Her previous owner told me that she has been trained in sport, but we shall have to see if she is as excellent a sporting dog as Reggie is.” He looked down at me and smiled. “Unfortunately, she will not be the indoor companion that you have in Reggie. Caroline would never stand for it and besides that, Sadie has never been properly trained to be indoors.”
Bingley turned to me. “What do you think of her, boy?”
I approached the fence tentatively, unsure how she would welcome me. She came right up and our noses touched through the opening in the fence. Her tail wagged ferociously and she began to jump up against the fence. Like Bingley, I thought she was beautiful, but perhaps a bit too vigorous. I admit that in my younger days I would have been able to match her energetic amiability, but the years have quieted that tendency.
Bingley reached up to undo the latch on the gate and slowly opened it so he could reach in for her. She excitedly pawed at me as Bingley held her close and in her playfulness, she reached out and grabbed hold of my ear in her mouth, refusing to let go.