Page 77 of Roses from Pemberley
“Yes, unfortunately. I believe Mrs. Bennet is taking it the hardest. ‘Tis a pity that even their closest friends and neighbours cannot be bothered to pay their respects. But I suppose it is the way of society.”
“Well, that is one reason I came here so quickly. I believe I may have a way of remedying the situation. Would you mind terribly if I invited more guests to stay at Netherfield?”
“No, of course not. Who did you have in mind?”
“My relatives,” answered Darcy. “I would like to write them now, if I may?”
“Pray, do.”
He proceeded to the desk and began to pen a short letter to London.
“Are you referring to Lady Catherine and the Matlocks?” asked Bingley, looking over his shoulder.
“Yes, precisely…among others.” Darcy took a few more minutes to finish the letter. Once done, he sealed it. “Now, come, Bingley, let us get this to an express rider then pay a call on the Philipses.”
“The Philipses?”
“Indeed.”
Darcy discussed the rest of his plans with Bingley who then informed Mrs. Nichols about the arrival of Darcy’s relatives. Afterwards they proceeded to the stables and began their ride to Meryton.
“Did you ever think, Darcy,” asked Bingley as they rode, “when we viewed Netherfield last fall and rode along these paths, that we would both become engaged to local ladies?”
Darcy laughed. “No, I did not. In fact, it was the furthest thing from my mind.”
“And yet, you unexpectedly fell in love,” said Bingley.
“Yes, I did. Though, I must say, I tried to repress my sentiments. Naturally I was proven quite wrong.”
“But why would you try to repress your sentiments, Darcy?”
Darcy chuckled mirthlessly. “Oh, you know. Duty to family and all that.”
Bingley shrugged. “Oddly, I have never felt that way. I suppose I have simply let my feelings carry my actions.”
Darcy looked closely at his friend, then said, “I think you are the better man for it.”
CHAPTER 33 Calling on Mrs. Philips
They were shown into a small parlour where Mrs. Philips received them with no little amount of surprise.
“Mr. Darcy! Mr. Bingley! How good of you to call. Congratulations on your betrothal to my nieces, by the way. Please, come in and sit.”
“We are very happy to be here,” said Darcy, earning a look of approval from Bingley. “We are soon to be relatives, after all, and thought we would take the opportunity to know you better.” He then turned to Bingley with raised eyebrows.
“Yes, indeed,” said Bingley. “And, to that end, we would like to have you to Netherfield for dinner tonight. Just family, of course. The Bennets and…several of Darcy’s relatives.”
Mrs. Philips looked surprised and turned her attention to Darcy who said, “Yes…ah, my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And my uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock…just to name a few…”
“Lady Catherine…and an earl and countess…” said Mrs. Philips, with wide eyes.
“Indeed,” said Darcy.
While Bingley said, “About seven, say? We shall, of course, send a carriage for you and your husband.”
“Why thank you, sir!” said Mrs. Philips. “Mr. Philips and I shall be happy to attend. And I am certain Fanny shall be pleased to have some diversion as well, poor thing. It is just a family party, after all, and not some big social event, and therefore still in keeping with her mourning.” Mrs. Philips fairly bounced in her seat. “You know, I have never been in the presence of an earl and countess before and shall be envied by all the neighbourhood - Mrs. Long…and the Gouldings. And especially the Lucases. You do not know how in awe Sir William is over such august personages. In fact, I’ve a mind to tell Lady Lucas of this dinner when she comes to call later. You do not mind if I do so, do you?”
“No, not at all,” said Darcy. “We shall, after all, soon be relatives.”
