Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley Read Free Page B

purchase an estate but did not live to do it. Mr Bingley cannot
make up his mind where he wishes to settle, and he is, as it were, trying out
Netherfield to see if this is where he wishes to live. It is possible, of
course, as he has such a favourable lease, according to my Papa, that he will
not bother to purchase, but merely rent.’
    Jane waited for her sister to enquire about the tall, handsome man who
had snubbed her so rudely, but she remained silent, her eyes sparkling with
humour. ‘Charlotte, what about the married sister, Mrs Hurst? Mr Hurst did not
have a great deal to say for himself, I do not believe he danced more than
twice the whole evening.’
    ‘Neither did he, Jane. I believe that he is not especially wealthy, and
therefore is quite happy to be a house guest with his brother-in-law at every
opportunity.’
    Jane strolled across to the window of the upstairs sitting-room she
shared with her sister. The autumn mist had cleared, the trees glorious in
their golden raiment. She sighed. ‘It is a lovely day; I am so happy to be
here, surrounded by my friends, and with so much to anticipate in the future.’
She could not help but think about Mr Bingley when she spoke those words.
    She turned and a speaking look passed between her and Elizabeth. ‘Well,
Lizzy, if you shall not ask about him, then I shall do it for you. I am certain
that you wish to know more about Mr Darcy and why Mr Bingley has such an
objectionable friend.’
    Maria clapped her hands. ‘I am so glad you have mentioned him, I heard
my mother talking to Mrs Long last night. I have ever so much to tell you about that gentleman.’
    ‘He must be as rich as Croesus; no man could feel himself to be superior
to everyone else unless he was.’ Elizabeth said dryly.
    ‘He is indeed, Lizzy. He has a huge estate in Derbyshire, called
Pemberley, I do not know how many thousands of acres, but I expect it is
several. I believe he has £10,000 a year, and there was mention of a younger
sister, but I do not know her name. It would seem he has been friends with Mr
Bingley for a considerable time and Mr Bingley relies on Mr Darcy’s judgement
and opinion in everything.’
    There was the sound of footsteps approaching the door and the four girls
looked up, their conversation interrupted. The door burst open and Lydia
stepped in.
    ‘Mama demands that you girls come down. She says it is impolite of you
to be closeted up here alone, you must come and join in the conversation
directly.’
    Jane held her hand out to her sister and pulled her to her feet. ‘Come
along, Lizzy, it will not be so bad. Cook has made sweet pastries and she
promised we should have them this morning.’
    Downstairs the two older matrons could be heard conversing volubly about
the previous night’s entertainment.
    ‘Charlotte, we were just talking of you. You began the evening well, you
were Mr Bingley’s first choice.’
    ‘Yes, but he seemed to like his second better.’
    Mrs Bennet simpered. ‘Oh! You mean Jane, I suppose, because he danced
with her twice. Be sure that did seem as if he admired her, indeed I
rather believe he did . I did hear something about it, but I hardly know
what, something about Mr Robinson.’
    Lady Lucas intervened. ‘Perhaps you mean what I overheard between him
and Mrs Robinson; did not I mention it to you? Mrs Robinson asked him how he
liked our Meryton assemblies, and whether he did not think they were a great
many pretty women in the room, and which he thought the prettiest? And
his answer immediately to the last question. ‘Oh! The eldest Miss Bennet
beyond a doubt, there cannot be two opinions on that.’ ‘
    Jane felt herself blush, she wished everyone’s attention was not centred
upon her, being pretty was hardly something to be proud of. It was God-given,
having a kind disposition was, in her opinion, far more important.
    ‘Upon my word!’ Mrs Bennet exclaimed. ‘Well, that was very decided
indeed. That does seem as if … but, however,