Page 181 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Are you speaking of the Bennet sisters?”

“We are going to Longbourn this morning,” Bingley said. “Georgiana is coming with us.”

“Then I should like to accompany you.” Caroline turned to Darcy. “Charles has spoken of Miss Jane Bennet this past fortnight. I am curious to meet her.”

“Then you must come, sister. I shall include Louisa and Hurst when they come down.”

“I doubt either of them will be down in time. Louisa was very tired last night and said she intended to sleep late.”

“Then we need not disturb them. They can call another day.”

Caroline took the chair on the other side of Mr. Darcy. “What time do you intend to leave?”

“Half past ten,” Bingley said. “Darcy believes eleven is a proper hour to call.”

“I shall be ready.”

“So shall I,” Georgiana said.

Bingley reached for his coffee. “I hope Miss Bennet will be at home.”

“Where else would she be at eleven in the morning?” Caroline asked, laughing.

“I have no idea, but I shall be very sorry if she is not.”

* * *

At half past ten, the four of them left Netherfield in Bingley's carriage. Georgiana and Caroline sat opposite the gentlemen, and Bingley continued to speak of Longbourn and the Bennet family for much of the short journey.

When the carriage entered the drive, Darcy looked toward the house and saw a black ribbon hanging upon the door. Bingley noticed it a moment later.

“Darcy, they are in mourning.”

The carriage stopped before the house. Darcy stepped down, and Bingley followed. He handed both women down from the carriage.

Hill answered their knock, dressed in black.

Bingley removed his hat. “Ma'am, we arrived from London yesterday and did not know there had been a death in the family. Please accept my condolences.”

“Thank you, sir. My mistress died four days ago. We buried her yesterday.”

“Mrs. Bennet? I am very sorry. I hope Mr. Bennet and his daughters are well. This is a difficult time for the family.”

“Yes, sir.”

“We would not wish to intrude upon them so soon after the burial. Perhaps you might ask whether they would prefer that we call another day.”

“Of course, sir. If you will wait here.”

Hill left them in the entrance hall.

Georgiana moved closer to her brother. “Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth did not tell us.”

“She could not have. Her last letter was written before this happened.”

Caroline stood near Bingley. “You look distressed, brother. You could not have known of this.”

“No, but I wish I had. Miss Bennet has lost her mother, and I sat at breakfast speaking of how eager I was to see her.”