Death of a Clergyman: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery (Miss Mary Investigates Book 1) by Everly Riana

Author:Everly, Riana [Everly, Riana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe, Mystery, Z-Library
Goodreads: 55320879
Publisher: Bay Crest Press
Published: 2020-09-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen ~

Things Done at Dinner

Dinner at Netherfield was no more pleasant an affair than had been dinner at Longbourn. Miss Bingley insisted upon Alexander and Darcy both being present at dinner, and had rather insinuated that if the two could not spare her their time for the course of a meal, they might be more comfortable at the inn in Meryton. She had delivered her ultimatum by means of a visit from Mrs. Harwick to Darcy’s guest chamber. The housekeeper had conveyed Miss Bingley’s sentiments in the most civil of tones, but Alexander, who was reclining on a chair in Darcy’s room, heard the threat behind the words and prepared himself to rise and organise his few items of clothing for removal to the inn. He stood and groaned as his hip throbbed, drawing his friend’s notice.

As for Darcy, the man had seemed ready to request his belongings be packed up and moved, but the sight of Alexander favouring his injuries had stopped whatever action he had been ready to take. “The beds at the Red Lion, as comfortable as they might be, cannot be good for your leg, Lyons,” he had explained with a huff and a shake of his formidable head. “Thorne can tend to you better here.” Consequently, he had informed Mrs. Harwick that they would be pleased to join the family for dinner and asked what time ought they to present themselves?

Miss Bingley had been confident in the acceptance of her command, for dinner was an elaborate and drawn-out affair. After the late tea he and Darcy had shared during their discussion of the case, Alexander had little interest in the elegant soups and delicately roasted vegetables and pies that graced the table. Mrs. Slougham’s divine creations were wasted upon him this particular evening. Platter upon platter of fried sole and potatoes in a delicate creamy dressing and French pie and broccoli in sauce swam before him, one heavy course replacing the next, all the while Darcy picked at his own plate of roast capon and Hurst consumed serving after serving of whatever was before him.

As intricate and well-crafted as the food was (he must disappear into the kitchens to compliment Mrs. Slougham), the conversation was insipid. Caroline prattled on about how tedious she found the country, with no entertainment, company of any quality, and no good help to be found anywhere.

“I always insist that Charles hire the best of cooks, and our chef in London is one of the finest in the city, for we entertain guests from the highest echelons of society. It is hard in the country, but we had heard that the cook here at Netherfield was acceptable…” (Acceptable? Alexander thought. The woman is a wizard in the kitchen), “but it really is so difficult…”

Alexander wondered if she heard herself speak, for he and Darcy were suddenly relegated to “company of no quality”, and this sumptuous meal hardly supported her assertions of the lack of good help. For all that he had no appetite, Alexander was well aware that the food was superb.

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