The following Monday mrs Bennet had the pleasure of receiving her brother and his wife, who came as usual to spend Christmas at Longbourn. Mr Gardiner was a sensible, gentleman-like man. The Netherfield ladies would have difficulty in believing that a man who lived by buying and selling could be so well-mannered and agreeable. Mrs Gardiner, Who was several years younger than Mrs Bennet and Mrs Philips, was a pleasant, intelligent, elegant woman, and a great favourite with her Longbourn nieces, especially the two eldest, who often stayed with her in London