With My Whole Heart Forever by Wendi Sotis

Author:Wendi Sotis [Sotis, Wendi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-04-09T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

Elizabeth’s mother came rushing into the dining room, where the rest of the family were already gathered. She had been called away from the table a few minutes ago by Lady Lucas, who, upon her arrival, had told Mrs. Hill that their meal must be interrupted for it was an urgent matter.

“Is everything well with the Lucas family, Mama?” Jane asked.

“It must have been about a serious issue for Lady Lucas to interrupt our meal,” their father said with a touch of reproach in his voice.

“Oh, yes, indeed. All is better than well. Lady Lucas had some important news.” She hesitated dramatically, slowly spreading her napkin on her lap. “We all knew lately there have been servants at Netherfield, but Sir William actually spoke to the master of the estate today. He and his party will arrive to stay at Netherfield on Tuesday, and they will attend the assembly ball on Wednesday!” Her mother pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and fluttered it before her. “You all must take extra care dressing for the ball — especially you, Jane.”

Her father’s back stiffened. “Mrs. Bennet, are you certain? For as long as the current owner of Netherfield has owned the place, he has never once stepped foot in the county of Hertfordshire, let alone has he attended an assembly ball. I cannot believe it.”

“Oh, I am sure of it, Mr. Bennet. I have just heard it from Lady Lucas, who heard it from her husband. It is not the same gentleman as the horrid one who has ignored his responsibilities, you see. Sir William says his name is Bingley.” She smirked. “And, she told me something else that Sir William said you would especially like to hear, Husband. The blacksmith told Sir William that a gentleman was in asking about employing men to work on all the tenant farm buildings, even before they make improvements to the main house. They arrive at Netherfield on Tuesday, and the work shall begin as soon as possible.”

Her father’s mouth dropped open.

Elizabeth smiled. Mr. Darcy’s efforts had certainly paid off. Huxley Darcy must have sold the estate to a gentleman who actually cared about his tenants. She would write to Ana this evening and ask her to express Elizabeth’s most profound appreciation to her brother.

“Well, then,” her father said. “If there is a new owner of Netherfield and he is attending our little ball, I will be coming with you.”

Her mother clapped her hands. “That would be perfect, Mr. Bennet. Once you speak to him, you can introduce him to us all. I am certain if you do, he will fall in love with one of our beautiful daughters before long.”

Her father raised his eyebrows. “And what if he is already married? Your plans will come to nothing.”

She displayed a satisfied grin. “That is the most important news. Sir William asked if he was to meet Mrs. Bingley at the ball, and Mr. Bingley answered that he was not married. If he can afford

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