Page 49 of Ashes and Understanding
No doubt attempting to glean scandalous gossip of some sort, Darcy thought cynically.
He stifled a chuckle when he saw Elizabeth’s eyebrows fly high up on her head. To his surprise, it was Mrs. Bennet who responded to the question.
“Perhaps you are not yet acquainted with the customs of estate owners, as your brother is merely leasing an estate,” she said, “but it is quite common landed members of the gentry to offer lodging to travelers, particularly when business is involved.”
Miss Bingley bristled at the insinuation, and Darcy struggled to contain his mirth at the vulgar Mrs. Bennet lecturing the more socially refined young lady about propriety.
“Precisely,” Mrs. Gardiner said, nodding her head. “I remember my father being prevailed upon many times for housing while I was growing up on his estate. However, Mr. Smithson—” she hesitated, choosing her words carefully, “—did not strike me as the sort of man I wished to extend such hospitality to.”
Miss Bingley opened her mouth as if to argue, then thought better of it and pressed her lips together.
Mrs. Gardiner turned back to Elizabeth, her expression softening. “I do not wish to dwell on unpleasant topics. We will be hosting a small card party tomorrow evening, and I should be delighted if you would all attend.”
Elizabeth’s face lit up at the invitation but then hesitated. “I would love to, Aunt, but Jane—”
“Oh, Miss Bennet shall be quite well looked after,” Miss Bingley cut in smoothly, clearly eager for any excuse to avoid an evening in Meryton. “I shall be happy to remain with her.”
Darcy nearly gaped as Miss Bingley fluttered her eyelashes at him. The idea of spending an evening alone at Netherfield nearly made him gag. “I shall accompany you, Miss Elizabeth, to your aunt’s card party if you would like.”
Elizabeth’s head snapped toward him, her eyes wide. “You shall?”
He inclined his head. “Yes. I find myself with a vested interest in speaking further with your aunt and uncle.” He turned to Mrs. Gardiner. “I should like to learn more about your connection to my mother.”
Mrs. Gardiner gave him a long, searching look, then nodded. “I should be happy to tell you what I know.”
Miss Bingley looked aghast at this development, but there was nothing she could do about the situation now, having already committed to remaining home. To change her mind at this point would make her look much too forward.
Bingley, who had been listening with increasing interest, suddenly looked thoughtful. “If Miss Bennet should need anything, it might be best if I stay behind as well.” He turned to Miss Bingley. “That way, you would not be alone in keeping her company.”
Mrs. Gardiner rose to her feet, preparing to take her leave. “Then it is settled. We shall expect Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy tomorrow, along with the Hursts, if they should like to attend.”
Mrs. Hurst looked peevish, but Mr. Hurst spoke up. “We would be delighted, thank you.” He fixed his wife with a severe look, and she eventually nodded her acquiescence.
Mrs. Gardiner rose to her feet, preparing to take her leave. “Then it is settled. We shall expect you all tomorrow evening.”
Darcy stood as well, watching as Mrs. Bennet fluttered over Jane one last time before finally departing with Mrs. Gardiner.
As soon as they were gone, Miss Bingley turned to Darcy with an incredulous laugh. “You surprise me, sir. A card party in Meryton? That is hardly your usual preference.”
Darcy met her gaze evenly. “A man cannot always be predictable, Miss Bingley.”
She opened her mouth as if to argue, but he had already turned away, his mind returning to the disconcerting interview with Mr. Smithson. Something about the man sat ill with him, and Darcy had no intention of letting the matter rest.
∞∞∞
The remainder of the day passed smoothly. Mr. Jones called the following morning to check on Jane’s ankle, which he declared to be healing satisfactorily. “I daresay only a few more days before it is well enough for you to return to Longbourn,” he pronounced before wrapping the swollen limb with fresh bandages.
“Mr. Bingley has been kind enough to provide ice,” Jane said with a faint blush, “and I have been keeping it elevated on pillows.”
“Excellent. Continue to do so, and you will be as good as new in no time.”
Elizabeth had been feeling guilty about planning to attend her aunt’s card party that evening, but Mr. Jones’s visit eased her mind considerably.
When the time arrived, she piled into Bingley’s carriage with the Hursts and Darcy, with the men on one bench and the women across them on the opposite. Darcy’s long legs brushed up against hers as the carriage lumbered through the Hertfordshire roads.
She did her best to focus on the conversation between the Hursts, but each time Darcy’s knee rubbed against hers, she completely lost focus. She stole a glance at him, but his expression was as impassive as ever, his gaze fixed on some unseen point beyond the window. Yet, the rigid set of his jaw and the way his gloved hands rested stiffly on his thighs suggested that he was not as unaffected as he appeared.
The Hursts, oblivious to any undercurrents between their companions, spoke of their plans to return to London before Christmas. “Netherfield is pleasant enough,” Mrs. Hurst was saying, “but there is no society here. At least in town, one can always expect some form of amusement.”
