31. Chapter 28:All things work together

Ch 28: All thing work together for good

The next day brought a flurry of activity to Longbourn. Kitty and Mary assigned themselves the task of readying Lydia's trunk. Jane and Lizzy attended their mother.

"I cannot believe that tomorrow I shall see my dearest Lydia. I have missed her this last month. She has barely written at all. I do hope that she has taken every opportunity to enjoy herself in Brighton." Mrs. Bennet sighed contentedly as she sat on the chaise lounge. "How very thoughtful of your father to arrange for her to come with me to see your Aunt Gardiner."

It is so good to see Mama regaining her spirits. But it is remarkable that she has not once mentioned the officers Lydia might have met. "Yes, Mama. We are all glad for her invitation to you both." Jane smiled brilliantly as she laid several garments out on the bed. "Do you wish to bring this dress?"

"I think not, dear. It is dreadfully out of fashion now. Just look at those sleeves!"

"You should let Kitty do something with it. She is brilliant at restyling dresses," Lizzy chimed in, her arms full of clothes. "Did she show you the sprigged muslin she redid for me?"

"She did show me some of her projects a few days ago. Perhaps I will. I fear I am not ready for a trip to the modiste." Mrs. Bennet sighed. "I would so enjoy a new gown though."

Lizzy and Jane exchanged concerned glances.

"But perhaps in London, it will be different. Your dear aunt has always been so good to me. Her children are such dears, even though they are a bit lively." Mrs. Bennet smiled at her daughters as they sighed and returned to their packing. "The only thing I shall regret in going to London is not being able to properly welcome Netherfield's new tenants."

"New tenants?" Lizzy asked innocently. The gentleman I met in the woods; he said his friend was considering leasing Netherfield. He must have decided on it now. I wonder if he will stay on when they take the property. I think I should be glad to see him again.

"Oh yes, Lizzy. Hill told me this morning. She heard word that a gentleman had just signed a lease on Netherfield and that his sister would be keeping house for him. He is unmarried, girls!" A familiar note of excitement crept into her still subdued voice. "When your father has visited him, you must take every opportunity…"

"I have met her, Mama," Jane softly interrupted. She is nothing like the Miss Carvers were. I have hope that her brother will not be like Mr. Carver. I have no wish to encounter another man of his disposition.

"You have?" Lizzy exclaimed, startled. I suppose I have been so busy that I have not been staying up to talk with you as much as normal. Perhaps tonight we need to remedy that situation.

"Indeed. The day before yesterday, I was in town. I was on my way out of Mr. Nash's shop, and she was on her way in. Neither of us was minding where we were going and we ran into each other. After I begged her forgiveness for the mishap, we began to speak. Her name is Miss Louisa Bingley. She told me of her brother's intentions and asked me to call upon her at the inn at my earliest convenience. She confided that she has been lonely for company."

"Well certainly you must visit her!" Fanny gushed, clapping her hands. "The poor dear must be frightfully lonely at the inn with only her brother for company. As well meaning as he might be, a brother is never as welcome company as a sister or another woman might be."

Lizzy stared at her mother a moment. That was most certainly not what I expected you to say! "What sort of young lady did she seem to be?"

"She was very well mannered and seemed well informed. She carried several magazines in her hands, so it seems that she reads, though perhaps not with the more refined tastes you have." Jane's eyes twinkled mischievously. "She asked about what shops I recommended, so I think she is trying to find her place as mistress of Netherfield. I think I should like to know her better."

"Did she say when they would be taking possession?" Lizzy pressed, carefully folding her mother's gown.

"No, she did not have a fixed date, but she did say that she and her brother would attend the assembly this week. Mr. Bascombe has offered to introduce them to the neighborhood there."

"What a fine thing that will be. Your father can be introduced to Mr. Bingley there. Your Papa does not like to make those first visits." She paused thoughtfully a moment. "Do not think ill of him for that. He is the best of men."

"Oh, of course not!" Lizzy exclaimed. "I would never think ill of him for that! Not everyone can be so easy in company as you are, Mama!" Laying the folded gown down, she rushed to her mother's side and took her hands.

"That is my dear girl! And Jane, I know you too well to think you could believe ill of anyone." Mrs. Bennet rose and inspected the folded pile on the bed. "Why do you not go see if Mary and Kitty need anything? I can finish this. You have been so much help to me already. I shall miss you while I am away. My dear girls!" She brushed tears from her eyes as she hugged her eldest daughters. "When Lydia's trunks are packed, why do you not all take a trip into Meryton to call on Miss Bingley. It would be a fine thing for her to find friends in the neighborhood."

Several hours later, Mr. Hall, the butler, appeared at the door of Mr. Bennet's study. "Sir, Mr. Pierce and another gentleman have come to call."

"Well, Edward," Bennet laughed, "I suppose with the girls in town, it falls to us to be sociable. Show them to the parlor, Hall; we will go there directly."

"Very good, sir." Hall bowed and left.

The brothers rose and made their way to the parlor, stopping briefly to direct Hill to send tea. As the gentlemen entered the room, their guests rose.

"Mr. Pierce…" Bennet began.

"I cannot believe my eyes!" How is this possible? Gardiner exclaimed, rushing into the room. "Mr. Bradley! How many years has it been?"

"Gardiner? Edward Gardiner?" Bradley exclaimed, taking the man's hands warmly in his own.

"It has been a long time indeed!" So it is as I thought, these Bennets are Miss Maddie's family after all.

"Well, Mr. Bennet, I was going to introduce my friend to you, but it seems that is unnecessary," Pierce laughed warmly.

"Thomas, this is John Bradley. He is the curate who married Maddie and me all those years ago," Gardiner announced enthusiastically. "Maddie grew up in his parish when she lived in Lambton. You know, she still remembers the stories you used to tell the children of the parish and tells them to our own children."

"Indeed! How is Miss Maddie?" Bradley asked, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his eyes. "It has been months now since I have had a letter from her."

"She is well, though the children have been keeping her busy recently. My sister is going to visit her tomorrow. I am sure she would not mind carrying a letter from you, if you wish."

"I would be most happy to carry a letter from one of my sister's favorite correspondents," Fanny's unexpected voice called from the doorway.

"Fanny!" Bennet exclaimed, rushing to take her hand. "I am delighted that you feel well enough to join us. Mr. Bradley, allow me to present my wife, Mrs. Bennet." This is entirely unexpected, welcome, but unexpected.

Mr. Bradley bowed. "I am delighted to make your acquaintance, madam. Although I must say, I feel like I know you already through your sister's letters. She speaks very highly of you and your family."

Mrs. Bennet curtsied, blushing. "You are too kind, sir. Would you both be able to join us for dinner tonight? Since I am to leave in the morning, I fear this will be my only chance to offer you our hospitality."

Pierce and Bradley exchanged a glance then nodded to each other. "We would be delighted, madam." Pierce smiled broadly. "I should very much like to introduce my friend to your daughters. He has heard so much of them already."

A pained look passed over Fanny's face. "Indeed, sir. I am sure they would very much like to meet the curate my sister writes of so often."

Pierce studied his hostess carefully. "Your garden at the back of the house seems to be in spectacular bloom right now. Would you be so good as to show me what you have done with your roses? Mine have grown frightfully leggy and are quite unsightly, while yours are the talk of the neighborhood."

With a blush, Fanny nodded, "Of course, Mr. Pierce, I would be most happy to show you. It was my mother who taught me to manage roses. I always hoped to have a garden as lovely as hers." She took the curate's arm as he escorted her out of the room.

The two brothers watched them leave as Hill delivered the tea. The men sat and allowed the housekeeper to serve them. As she left the room, Bennet requested, "Close the door on your way out, Hill."

"Yes, sir."

"I suppose that Providence has made quick work of providing your desire, Edward." Bennet laughed, sipping his tea.

Bradley lifted a brow with a wry smile as he helped himself to a biscuit.

"I was just telling my brother that I wished we had time to write to you for advice in dealing with a rather delicate situation we are facing right now." Gardiner smiled, a little sheepishly.

"How very interesting," Bradley laughed softly. "I suppose then, I am compelled to place myself at your service. I dare not allow you to accuse me of interfering with the hand of Providence."

Pierce and Mrs. Bennet strolled companionably through the garden. Periodically she would stop and point out some particular rosebush or example of pruning. The tone of her voice made her pleasure clear.

"You are indeed a wealth of knowledge, Mrs. Bennet. Your roses do you credit. They are indeed spectacular." Pierce paused to take in the fragrance of a large bloom.

"Thank you, sir. You are too kind." Fanny smiled brightly.

"I dare say they are rather like your own daughters, who themselves have begun to blossom," he observed softly, watching for her reaction.

Fanny looked away, biting her lip. Releasing his arm, she took a step down the path.

It is as I feared. "If I may be so bold, Mrs. Bennet," he stepped closer to her, "It seems that perhaps you are still troubled by some untoward remarks that were made about them."

Still not looking at him, she struggled to blink back the tears. Her throat tight, she nodded. "It is hard, Mr. Pierce, to hear them spoken of in such a way. I fear that we are all ruined…" She pressed her fist to her mouth, holding back a sob.

"My dear Mrs. Bennet, your daughters are by no means ruined. In fact, over the last few weeks, I have heard many singing the praises of the wise and compassionate Bennet ladies. Not Mr. Sterling, of course, mind you. He is still put out at being discovered at his little game of weights and measures…" He was gratified to hear her softly laugh at this. "Mr. Nash, on the other hand, believes them the most charming and insightful young women of his acquaintance. Mrs. Black believes them angels sent from heaven itself. Your Mary has quite the hand for nursing the sick, you know."

"Truly?" Fanny turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Truly, Mrs. Bennet. You have nothing to repine in your daughters." He watched as a weight seemed to fall from her shoulders. Taking her arm, they began to walk again.

After a short while, she composed herself enough to ask, "Then can you tell me why, sir, if they are indeed such good girls, as I know them to be, would a man like Mr. Carver say such harsh things about them? And why would the Good Lord allow their names to be so abused?"

Pierce sighed as he considered her words. He listened to their foot falls crunch on the gravel underfoot several times before he answered. "You ask a difficult question, madam. Why do such unpleasant things happen? I am afraid I do not have the wisdom to give you a satisfying answer. All I can tell is you what I know to be true."

"And what is that, Mr. Pierce?" She stopped walking and turned to look at him.

"The Good Book tells us that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.* It does not say that all things are good, but that they work together for good." He paused, looking skyward for a moment. "You have five lovely daughters, Mrs. Bennet. Yet, for each of them to be brought into the world, you had to endure great travail, did you not?" She nodded. "During that time of travail, no doubt, it did not seem a good thing, but it was that very suffering that gave you your daughters. So I think it is with many things. They are difficult in the moment, and we do not understand why we are being asked to endure the hardship, but somehow they are necessary to bring about some greater good in our lives. Or so I must believe."

Fanny pressed her lips together hard, considering his answer. "I think, then, it is what I must believe as well." She took his arm once again and they continued their walk.

After Lydia's trunk was packed, the sisters headed into Meryton to fulfill their mother's desire that Miss Bingley not spend yet another afternoon alone. Jane led them up the steps to the inn and they entered the building a little timidly. They were relieved as a smile bloomed on Jane's face.

"There she is," she whispered to Lizzy as a blonde young woman in the parlor looked up at them. Immediately the young woman rose from her seat and approached them. "Miss Bingley." Jane curtsied.

"Miss Bennet." Louisa smiled brilliantly.

Mama was correct; she seems so relieved to have someone call on her. "I have brought my sisters with me." Jane looked back at them. "This is Elizabeth, Mary and Catherine…"

"Kitty if you please, Miss Bingley," she quickly interjected with a quick curtsey.

"Certainly, Miss Kitty," Louisa curtsied. "Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. Will you not come and join me in the parlor? The innkeeper will be bringing tea soon."

"Thank you very much. We would be glad to join you." Jane followed Miss Bingley back to the comfortable parlor.

As the girls seated themselves, the innkeeper arrived with the tea service. Miss Bingley assumed her role as hostess and began pouring tea for them all. Soon they were all sipping their tea and enjoying warm companionship and conversation.

"So what more can you tell me of life in Meryton?" Louisa asked. "I shall be making my home here until my bethrothed, Mr. Hurst, returns from his business on the continent."

"How long do you think that will be, Miss Bingley?" Mary asked, quietly setting her teacup down, compassion in her eyes.

"I do not honestly know. In my last letter from him, he regretted to tell me that things were taking longer than he feared. It might be as much as a year before he can return to me." Louisa sighed bravely.

"I am so sorry to hear it, Miss Bingley," Kitty quickly offered, "It must be difficult to be away from him for so long. What is his business, if you do not mind me asking?"

Louisa looked uncomfortable. "He has inherited his father's estate…"

"Oh Miss Bingley, I meant nothing untoward by my question. Please do not be offended!" Kitty stammered. "Our Uncle Gardiner in London is in trade, and I just wondered if Mr. Hurst's business might be similar."

"I am sorry, Miss Kitty." Louisa blushed slightly. "I am afraid that my sister's dislike of Mr. Hurst's connections in trade have caused me to be a bit over sensitive to that question. I am sorry if I have offended."

"It is forgotten," Jane insisted.

"You have a sister?" Lizzy quickly asked, happy to change the subject.

"Yes, she is staying at my brother's house in London. I am afraid that managing a country estate holds little appeal for her." Miss Bingley sipped her tea. "So what are the assemblies like in Meryton? Having never been to one, I am quite intrigued to know what I should expect."

"They are ever so much fun!" Kitty gushed.

"Well, that is a relief to hear!" Bingley's warm voice called from the doorway.

"Charles!" Louisa rose and hurried to her brother's side. "Ladies, please, allow me to present my brother, Mr. Charles Bingley, and his friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy." Darcy stepped to Bingley's side.

The Bennet sisters rose and curtsied as Louisa introduced them, "These are the Miss Bennets of Longbourn-Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary and Miss Kitty Bennet."

The men bowed. "I am so pleased you came to call on my sister. I have hoped she would feel welcome here." Charles followed Louisa into the parlor and took a seat beside his sister.

Darcy followed, taking the lone remaining chair, next to Elizabeth. Louisa poured tea for the men, and soon the conversation resumed with Kitty and Mary animatedly describing the last assembly to a rapt audience. Darcy stirred uneasily, glancing at Lizzy. I truly should say something to her.

"So, what did you think of my father's raspberries, sir?" Lizzy asked softly, not looking at him, instead keeping her eyes on her sisters. Her mischievous smile was clear though.

"Whatever do you accuse me of, Miss Elizabeth?" he softly replied, glancing at her briefly.

"I think you know very well of what I speak, Mr. Darcy. The last time I saw you, there were spots of berry juice on your fingers and on your chin. I fear you are a most ineffective thief." She raised a teasing brow in his direction.

"I suppose I shall have to practice more then. Pray tell, does your father have another garden I might sample from? Preferably one not so far from the main road." I sound like Bingley! What has come over me? Even here she is easy to talk with.

"I think not, Mr. Darcy. He prefers to keep them well hidden from the likes of gentlemen such as yourself."

Darcy struggled to stifle his laughter. They shared a companionable silence for a few moments, listening to Bingley regale her sisters with an amusing tale. "It seems my friend has chosen to take Netherfield, so he and his sister will soon be your neighbors."

"I look forward to that gladly, sir. Miss Bingley is a charming young lady. I would love to know her better. It is always a good thing to welcome new people to the neighborhood." Lizzy glanced back to their hostess, a little relieved to see that she and her brother were still engaged with Lizzy's sisters. "And you, sir, will you stay on with him, or return to your own estate now that his business has been completed?"

Darcy studied her for a moment before answering. "I believe I will stay on for a few weeks at least." I believe she is smiling more brightly! Is it possible that this pleases her?

"I am glad of that, Mr. Darcy. It would be a shame for you to leave Meryton before you have had a chance to get to know it. It is a far cry from the diversions of London, but perhaps that is exactly why we have many who come to visit here."

An awkward silence ensued as Darcy was uncertain how to answer her. Finally he asked, "We have met with Mr. Bascombe regarding the lease on Netherfield. I prefer to know who I do business with. What sort of man do you find Mr. Bascombe to be? What is his reputation in the community?"

Lizzy's face became pensive. "That is a difficult question to answer. What has your experience with him told you?" I do not wish to speak ill of him to a man I hardly know. I do not wish to be branded a gossip.

Darcy nodded at the shrewdness of her question. "I have seen the condition of the house at Netherfield, and it is clearly in need of repairs. This would suggest to me that either he does not keep up with his property, or that he is short of the capital needed to make the repairs." Lizzy silently nodded, encouraging him to continue. "We have toured several of the tenant farms and cottages, even though they are not included in the leased property. The condition of those buildings, and the outbuildings around the house, suggest to me a man who is little interested in the details of management, nor in the lives of his tenants." I should not say more, lest she feels I am being critical of a man who has been here much longer than I have.

"My sisters and I have visited with several of his cottagers recently, and I believe it would be safe to say that they would not disagree with your assessments of their landlord." Lizzy glanced up and met his eyes for a moment, hoping not to find disapproval.

She has the most extraordinary eyes! "I see, Miss Bennet, thank you. I know better how to proceed now. Do you often visit the tenants at Netherfield?"

"Only when there is great need. Usually Lady Lucas assists Netherfield's tenants, since there are none attached to Lucas Lodge. She takes great pleasure in making herself useful to her neighbors. I am sure you will meet Sir William and Lady Lucas at the assembly. They are nearly always in attendance. You are going, are you not?" She caught her lower lip between her teeth hopefully.

"Indeed I am, Miss Bennet. Indeed I am."

That evening, after dinner, Bingley and Darcy sat in companionable silence, catching up with their correspondence. Bingley wrote detailed missives to his London housekeeper and his sister, giving directions on what to send to Netherfield.

Darcy leafed through the packet of letters he received that afternoon. They can wait until tomorrow. I have had enough of business for one day. He smoothed a sheet of paper and trimmed his pen. What will he think of me? I am not an impulsive man. I have never written such a thing! Laughing at himself, he pressed his pen to paper to write perhaps the shortest letter he had ever written.

Richard,

Come quickly. She has three sisters.

FD

Ro 8:28