The answer did not come immediately, for they were already meeting ladies from Meryton, all delighted to see Elizabeth and eager to discuss the Bennets’ removal to Netherfield. Some had already heard the news.
“We are so pleased that you have found such a beautiful home,” said one neighbour. “We were all concerned for you, but everything appears to be arranging itself most happily. Congratulations on the two weddings.”
Elizabeth glanced at her aunt, who pressed her arm discreetly.
It was extraordinary. The pity Elizabeth had heard in her neighbours’ voices before leaving for Derbyshire had vanished entirely. In its place was something almost like envy, though without malice, for in Meryton people generally liked one another and were quick to share both troubles and good fortune.
“Lydia,” whispered Elizabeth as soon as they were beyond earshot.
“Nothing. We are waiting for a letter from your uncle or from Mr Bingley.”
“And Mr Bingley has not altered his intention of marrying Jane after hearing the news?”
“Not in the least. He is an extraordinary man. But James Lucas knows nothing, and we have decided not to mention Lydiauntil after his wedding to Kitty. We do not know how Sir William and Lady Lucas might react to such a misfortune. By fortune, Colonel Forster came directly to my house, and I had just sent all the servants to Netherfield to assist your mother with cleaning and preparations. I received the news first, and together we decided that neither James Lucas nor his family should learn anything.”
“I believe you acted wisely.”
“Jenny then decided to move immediately, even though everything was not ready. The bustle of Netherfield is exactly what we need. Any anxiety we feel is hidden beneath the excitement.”
“A sensible plan. But good heavens, what shall we do if Lydia returns alone and dishonoured?”
“We shall live, Lizzy. We shall simply live.”
“How? With the entire family disgraced?”
“Do not exaggerate. Jane and Kitty will be married. Lydia…I do not know. Perhaps she will go away for a time, perhaps to London if your uncle will receive her.”
“And Mary? And I?”
“Mary has not moved into Netherfield, though she spends most of her time there. Our house is her home now. I do not know whether she wishes to marry or whether she ever shall, but Mr Phillips and I have decided that everything we possess shall one day belong to her.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Elizabeth, deeply moved. “That is wonderful.”
“While you…dear. You are the only one I am not worried about.”
“Aunt Phillips, why are you telling such a thing?”
“Because my dearest, in a month or a year, you will find a man who will be interested only in you, completely unaware of anything else around you—”
“How do you know this?”
“Because I know you and I know what you want from life.”
“And if I will end up unmarried, old girl—”
But Mrs Phillips did not bother to answer; instead, she laughed from all her heart as they entered the gate of Netherfield.
∞∞∞
Netherfield was surrounded by extensive grounds, and there were nearly five hundred yards between the gate and the house. Elizabeth crossed them at a run, for upon the steps she saw her mother and sisters waiting for her. They hurried down to meet her, and soon they were all embracing one another, weeping together.
They then made their way to the dining parlour, where Elizabeth stopped in astonishment upon the threshold. Many of the furnishings from Longbourn were already there: sofas, chairs, sideboards, and small tables, all repaired and arranged with taste amongst Netherfield’s own furniture.
She embraced her mother and whispered,
“Thank you.”
The room, transformed in this manner, scarcely reminded her of the drawing room once ruled by Mr Bingley’s proud sisters.