Page 182 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“You had no reason to think anything was wrong.”

Hill returned a few minutes later. “Mr. Bennet asks that you come in, sir. Miss Bennet will receive you in the drawing room.”

Bingley offered Caroline his arm while Darcy escorted Georgiana.

Jane rose when they entered. Elizabeth, Mary, and Kitty were with her. All the sisters were dressed in black bombazine.

Bingley went directly to Jane. “Miss Bennet, I am very sorry. We did not learn of your mother's death until we arrived at the door. Had we known, we would not have intruded upon your family so soon after the burial.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bingley. It was very sudden, but you are not intruding. We are glad to see you.”

Bingley bowed and stepped aside so Darcy could offer his condolences.

“Miss Bennet, please accept my deepest sympathy.”

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

He turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, I am very sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Bingley brought Caroline forward. “Miss Bennet, may I present my sister, Miss Caroline Bingley?” Turning to Georgiana, he added, “And this is Miss Darcy, sister to Mr. Darcy.”

Jane greeted the two women, and Elizabeth waited beside her until they turned to her. They exchanged curtsies, but none spoke for a moment. Caroline took the chair Jane indicated.

Georgiana said, “My brother has told me something of Netherfield and the surrounding neighborhood, Miss Elizabeth. I am very pleased to meet you.”

“And I you, Miss Darcy.”

“Miss Elizabeth, I noticed a small building among the trees as we came up the drive. Is it a hermitage?”

“It is. A great-grandfather of mine built it more than a hundred years ago.”

“It looked rather intriguing from the carriage. Is it far from the house?”

“Not far. It stands beyond the garden near the edge of the wood.”

Kitty, who had been listening from a nearby chair, joined them. “We used to spend hours there when we were younger. Jane would bring a book, but Lydia could never sit still long enough to read one.”

Georgiana glanced at Elizabeth. “I should like to see it while we are here, if you would not mind.”

“Of course. We can walk there after tea.”

“May I come as well?” Kitty asked. “I should like to be outside in the sunshine for a while.”

“Of course, Kitty. You may come with us.”

Mary looked over from her chair. “If everyone means to walk, I should like to go as well. I have been indoors nearly all week.”

“Then we shall all go,” Elizabeth said.

* * *

After tea, they gathered in the entrance hall, where Hill helped the guests with their outer garments.

Caroline stood nearby waiting for the door to be opened, a handkerchief in one hand.

Mary noticed it.