30. Chapter 27:Practice Hospitality

Ch 27:Practice hospitality*

Lizzy paced in front of the parlor windows, anxiously watching the drive. Papa said he would be home yesterday. I know the ill weather wreaks havoc on the roads. It is not so unusual for travel to be delayed, but I cannot help worrying.

"Miss Elizabeth, ma'am?" Hill's voice called from the doorway.

"Yes?"

"The parcels just arrived from Mr. Nash's shop. Do you wish to check them yourself?"

"No thank you, Hill. I trust you to handle that task." Lizzy smiled gently. "It seems that Mr. Nash's shop has become decidedly busier in recent days."

"Aye, ma'am, I do believe it has. Mr. Sterling has come by twice in the last two weeks asking if there was anything we required, or any special order that we needed placed." Hill's brows rose knowingly. "He has seemed quite put out that I have told him we do not require anything from him."

"How interesting." Lizzy's eyes twinkled. "Oh, look! Papa's carriage is coming up the lane!" Running to the stairs, she called, "Jane, Mary, Kitty! Papa comes!" She turned and dashed out the front door and down the steps.

Moments later, all four sisters had gathered to await the arrival of the travelers. The coach rolled to a stop, and soon the door creaked open. Stiffly, Mr. Bennet left the confines of the vehicle, quickly followed by Mr. Gardiner.

"Papa!" Lizzy exclaimed. "Uncle Gardiner!" She rushed toward the men, forgetting her age and throwing her arms around her father. "We missed you so, Papa!"

A sudden lump rose in Mr. Bennet's throat. How I have missed you girls! I hate being away from home. Sighing, he pulled her close. "I am glad to be home, my dear."

"We are so glad you are come home, Papa." Jane smiled broadly. "It is so good to have you with us, Uncle Gardiner."

"And I am delighted to be here. How much you all have grown since I last saw you!" Gardiner took Jane's hands warmly.

Lizzy stepped back to allow her sisters access to their father. After they had all embraced, they turned toward the steps. The girls gasped.

"Mama!" they exclaimed together.

"I saw the carriage coming up the drive," Mrs. Bennet said softly, her eyes on her husband.

"Fanny!" he whispered, tears stinging his eyes. Leaving his daughters behind, he rushed up the stairs and took his wife into his arms. "I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you thus! My dear, I have sorely missed you."

Misty eyed, Lizzy and Jane exchanged happy glances, taking each other's hands and squeezing warmly. From the window, Hill peeked out, her eyes filling at the sight.

"I had no idea Mama would come out to meet him!" Lizzy whispered excitedly.

"Nor I, but we must consider this a good thing!" Jane happily agreed.

They all followed as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet turned into the house. The couple quickly excused themselves upstairs. The girls took their uncle into the parlor and called for tea.

"I trust you had a pleasant trip, Uncle," Jane remarked as she poured.

"It was a most interesting one. Thank you, dear." Gardiner took the tea cup gratefully. "Decent tea cannot be found at the coaching inns!" I fear Bennet will have to air the coach for some days before that man's stench is gone.

"Were the roads bad?" Mary asked, smoothing her dress over her lap. "We heard that the weather between Kent and London was quite fierce."

"Indeed it was, my dear. The coach was dreadfully slow amidst all the puddles and ruts!" He laughed. Not to mention all the unanticipated stops! "There were moments when it would have been faster to walk!"

"Papa wrote that you were bringing a guest with you," Lizzy noted as she served small sandwiches.

"Yes. There has been a small change of plans. He has stopped first for a few days with your Uncle and Aunt Phillips. I do not know when he shall be here, but I should leave the details for your father to explain." Gardiner frowned slightly.

"Papa!" Kitty exclaimed, jumping up to greet him.

"Girls," he smiled contentedly. "How I have longed for a decent cup of tea!" He sat between Lizzy and Jane, taking the cup Jane handed him. "Oh that is indeed welcome!" The comfort of home can never be too much appreciated.

"Well, I will leave you to catch up, if you do not mind. I think I would like some time to refresh myself and remove the road dust." Gardiner pushed himself up from his seat, knowing his brother wanted private time with his daughters.

"Mama told us earlier that she will be joining us for dinner tonight." Lizzy looked up at her uncle. "Will you join us too?"

"Most certainly. I would not want to miss out on my sister's gracious hospitality." Gardiner bowed and took his leave.

For a moment, Mr. Bennet simply sipped his tea and enjoyed his familiar surroundings. "I heard you asking after our other guest," he sighed. "It is a bit of a long story, but one you should know. Kitty, please close the door for me, my dear." Kitty obeyed. "Where to begin?" He sipped his tea. "You know that Longbourn is entailed to my cousin. He has recently died, leaving the entail to his son, Mr. William Collins. It seems he has recently taken orders and has received a valuable living in Kent. Your uncles and I went to see him regarding the entail. I will not bore you with details, but I will not see this entail carried out. He will not have Longbourn.

"I offered to compensate him for his loss, but he would not have it, so your Uncle Phillips and I will take him to court and end the entail. The same one who convinced him not to accept my offer also made him believe that there is a way for him to still retain rights to Longbourn. He believes he will marry one of you and maintain his inheritance." He looked out the window, unable to meet his daughters' eyes.

The girls looked at each other, perplexed and uncertain how to respond. Finally Lizzy asked, "What say you of this, Papa?"

"I told him in no uncertain terms that I would not force any of you to marry against your inclinations. I think him a self-important fool whose company I can hardly tolerate. I do not think him an amiable match for any of you. I would not for anything see any of you tied to a man such as him." Closing his eyes, he leaned back and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Oh, Papa!" Jane cried, laying her hand on his shoulder.

"There, there, dear," he covered her hand with his own. "Not to worry. Your Uncle Gardiner is here to help us all manage during this trying time. I do fear for your mother though. It seems that she has begun to recover her spirits. I would hate to jeopardize that in any way. That is why Mr. Collins is staying with your Uncle and Aunt Phillips for a few days. Mr. Gardiner has invited your mother to stay with his family until Mr. Collins has gone. I just spoke with her, and she is agreeable to the plan.

"I read Colonel Forster's letter, Lizzy, and I think it is time for us to retrieve your sister from his care. Tomorrow, I will have you help your mother pack her trunks for London and ready anything else Lydia might need as well. The following day, your Uncle's man will see your mother and her maid to Brighton to retrieve Lydia. From there, they will travel to London. I will send an express to the colonel directly. After she is gone, I am afraid we will be forced to endure Mr. Collins' company."

"I think it a good plan, Papa," Jane offered softly. "Mama has only just begun to come below stairs, and it would be such a shame to try her nerves once again. She does so love our Aunt Gardiner and the children. London will do her a world of good."

"I must say I am surprised to see your mother so well recovered. It is quite unprecedented. Tell me, how have you effected such a transformation?" Bennet opened his eyes and looked warmly at his daughters.

Mary was the first to speak. "I have gone to her every night you have been away to tell her the news of the day. At first she did not speak at all, but my stories seemed to comfort her, so I continued. After a week or so, she began to ask me questions and even offer her opinions. She was quite pleased to hear that we had decided to proceed with the small dinner party that had been planned prior to your trip. It went very well, and when I told her of it, I think she actually smiled."

Kitty picked up the tale. "After the dinner party, Lady Lucas came to call, with Charlotte and Maria. It was then that Mama actually came below stairs and visited with them. Lady Lucas seemed to cheer her greatly. After that, she began taking breakfast or tea with us. She surprised us when she came to greet you this afternoon."

Bennet nodded, smiling. "So it seems you have been quite busy then?"

"Quite so," Lizzy smiled wryly. "After you have settled in, Kitty and I have much to go over with you regarding the ledgers you left us, both old and new."

"You and Kitty?" An eyebrow rose in surprise.

"Indeed, we have become quite clever with our figures, and quite surprised with what has come about as a reult! It was Kitty's observation that led to little Billy Thompson being set to rights." The girls looked at each other and began to laugh.

"It appears that I have missed a great deal since I have been gone. So, a discrepancy of some sort in my ledgers has led to the reformation of that Thompson scamp? Come to think of it, was that the boy I saw walking with Mr. Clay as we drove up? I am sure of it. What is he doing at Longbourn?"

Jane laughed. "It is a rather complicated tale." Laughing once again, she began to relate the tale, with the help of her sisters at appropriate moments.

At her conclusion, Bennet sat back, a puzzled expression on his face, his thoughts whirling. "I find myself at a loss for words, girls. There is so much to take in, I hardly know where to begin." Seeing the concern on their faces, he quickly added, "I am indeed proud of you, all of you. I did not imagine you dealing with such a situation when I left. You have acquitted yourselves very very well." His eyes grew moist as he opened his arms to them. I fear I have underestimated them all. Such fine young women I have been blessed with! Collins shall not have a one of them!

Darcy leaned back in his chair, pushing away his plate. Mrs. Long is a gracious hostess, despite the fact that her cook is wrongly employed. I never considered myself a picky eater, but perhaps I need to reconsider. I have never known goose to have such a ghastly flavour. He glanced over at Bingley, who had also left a fair portion of his meal untouched. If you settle in this neighborhood, I will see to it that you find an adequate staff, lest I end my acquaintance with you! He smiled to himself, then noticed Bingley's sheepish expression. I see you are thinking the same thing, my friend.

"Are you certain you are finished, Mr. Bingley?" Mrs, Long asked, staring at his plate.

"Yes, madam. I thank you so much for your hospitality, my party being strangers here in Meryton. It certainly speaks to the kindness of the neighborhood. I look forward to meeting many of the good people of this community soon." Bingley smiled widely, glancing back at Louisa.

"Indeed, Mrs. Long," she quickly agreed. "It was so pleasant to share your company tonight. Eating at the inn does become so tiresome."

"We are honored by your company." Mr. Long noddedas he rang the bell for the servants to clear away the table. "Mr. Bascombe has long been a dear friend of ours. When he told us that you were considering letting Netherfield, we were only too pleased to have you dine with us."

"You see, Mr. Bingley, we have many fine families in our little village." Bascombe's bushy brows rose as he clasped his hands over his ample belly. "Should you take Netherfield, you will not be in want of company." The wealthy son of a tradesman will find himself much sought after amongst the gentle families of our community. He will fit right in.

"I never doubted that, sir, not for a moment!" Bingley laughed. "I find country manners charming, and am nowhere more at home than in a country village."

Darcy shook his head. How is it that you always seem to know the right thing to say to set people at ease? You have quite a talent, my friend. I do not think I have ever appreciated it until now.

"And you ma'am?" Mrs. Long turned to Louisa. "Do you share your brother's tastes?"

Blushing slightly, she glanced at her brother, "I am looking forward to the unique opportunities that settling here may afford us." I do believe I would be happy to settle nearly anywhere if it was away from Caroline.

"Shall we leave the gentlemen to their business? I was told you play the pianoforte. We have a lovely instrument in the drawing room," Mrs. Long said as she gracefully rose from her chair.

"Thank you," Louisa replied as she followed her hostess from the room.

"I believe our business might be better conducted in my study. Shall we?" The gentlemen followed Mr. Long to his tastefully appointed study. "Please take all the time you need to complete your business. You are welcome to the brandy if you so desire. I shall be back shortly." He bowed and shut the door behind him.

"Brandy, gentleman?" Bascombe poured three glasses and handed them to his companions.

Darcy sipped the dark liquid. A fair stock. Certainly not the finest I have known, but nothing to sneer at.

"You and your sister have toured the house and grounds. What do you say, sir, of my humble home?" Bascombe asked as he settled into a large leather chair.

"The house is certainly ample for our needs," Bingley looked beseechingly at Darcy, "However…"

"However," Darcy smoothly began, leaning forward slightly.

Bingley sighed in relief, leaning back in his chair. I cannot thank you enough, old friend. I need someone to show me how to conduct such discussions. I have been told I am far too agreeable. I have no wish to make the same mistakes again here.

"There are several matters which need to be addressed before my friend will consider letting the place." Darcy removed a folded sheet of paper from his coat pocket.

"I see, sir." Bascombe pulled uneasily at his cravat. So much for an easy contract. I should have known better than to see this Bingley fellow with his friend. "I cannot imagine that there is anything that would be an impediment to a speedy settlement."

"I am not as certain of that as you are, sir. There are a number of concerns, all of which can be addressed in a contract, if both parties are amenable. But I cannot support any agreement without seeing all of these in writing." Darcy unfolded the paper, smoothing it on the table.

"I cannot imagine what might be…" Bascombe laid his meaty hand over the list.

Sharply, Darcy pulled the paper away, fixing a steely glare on the older man. "Do not trifle with me, sir. I have been managing my own estate for some years now, and am well versed in its management. You and I are both well aware of the shortcomings of Netherfield Park."

Bascombe swallowed hard, pulling away slightly.

"We can discuss them and come to an agreement, or my friend and I can leave now. The choice is yours." Darcy glanced at Bingley, waiting for his friend's nod.

"Do not be so hasty, sir. Of course I would like to hear all of your concerns." Bascombe took a deep drink of his brandy. I suppose I will not be making quite the profit from this enterprise as I had first hoped for. But I must lease this place soon. I cannot afford to continue on otherwise.

"So then, let us begin with the matter of the roof…" Darcy consulted his list.

For nearly two hours, the gentlemen discussed the contents of Darcy's list and slowly drafted an agreement acceptable to all parties.

"Your friend drives a hard bargain, Mr. Bingley," Bascombe muttered, extending his hand.

"I am honored to call him friend. He does take prodigious good care of me!" Bingley laughed and shook his new landlord's hand.

"There is an assembly this week in town. If you and your party would grace us with your company, I should like to take the opportunity to introduce you to your new neighbors. There are many fine families in the community." Elbowing Darcy and Bingley, he added with a raised brow, "And many young ladies in want of a husband."

"Is that not true of every neighborhood?" Darcy replied archly.

"Aye, it is. But not in every location are they your very nearest neighbors!" Bascombe laughed crudely. "The Bennets of Longbourn have five daughters, all out at once. Can you imagine five daughters! The poor man must be at his wits end!"

"Indeed?" Bingley murmured, uncertain of what else to say.

"Now the eldest girl is a sight to behold. I will be certain to give you an introduction. She is widely acknowledged as the most lovely girl in town. It is a sad thing indeed that her dowry does not match her looks."

Bennets of Longbourn? The young woman I met in the woods must be one of them. I do not like the way this man is speaking of gently bred young ladies. Darcy scowled.

"I… I thank you for your kind offer, sir. We shall look forward to the assembly." Bingley looked nervously at Darcy. I hope I have not overstepped myself. I know how you hate such events.

"Thank you, Mr. Bascombe. We very much appreciate your offer to introduce us to the families of Meryton. It is most gracious of you," Darcy nodded somberly. If you will introduce us to the Bennets, the evening may be entirely worthwhile.

*Ro 12:13